Electronically excited states of formic acid investigated by theoretical and experimental methods.

Absolute cross-section values are reported from high-resolution vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photoabsorption measurements of gas-phase formic acid (HCOOH) in the photon energy range 4.7-10.8 eV (265-115 nm), together with quantum chemical calculations to provide vertical energies and oscillator strengths. The combination of experimental and theoretical methods has allowed a comprehensive assignment of the electronic transitions. The VUV spectrum reveals various vibronic features not previously reported in the literature, notably associated with (3pa'←10a'), (3p'a'←10a'), (3sa'←2a″) and (3pa'←2a″) Rydberg transitions. The assignment of vibrational features in the absorption bands reveal that the C=O stretching, v3'a', the H'-O-C' deformation, v5'a', the C-O stretching, v6'a', and the O=C-O' deformation, v7'a' modes are mainly active. The measured absolute photoabsorption cross sections have also been used to estimate the photolysis lifetime of HCOOH in the upper stratosphere (30-50 km), showing that solar photolysis is an important sink at altitudes above 30 km but not in the troposphere. Potential energy curves for the lowest-lying electronic excited states, as a function of the C=O coordinate, are obtained employing time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT). These calculations have shown the relevance of internal conversion from Rydberg to valence character governing the nuclear dynamics, yielding clear evidence of the rather complex multidimensional nature of the potential energy surfaces involved.

Hypoxia enhances ILC3 responses through HIF-1α-dependent mechanism.

Group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) have a prominent role in the maintenance of intestine mucosa homeostasis. The hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is an important modulator of immune cell activation and a key mechanism for cellular adaptation to oxygen deprivation. However, its role on ILC3 is not well known. In this study, we investigated how a hypoxic environment modulates ILC3 response and the subsequent participation of HIF-1 signaling in this process. We found increased proliferation and activation of intestinal ILC3 at low oxygen levels, a response that was phenocopied when HIF-1α was chemically stabilized and was reversed when HIF-1 was blocked. The increased activation of ILC3 relied on a HIF-1α-dependent transcriptional program, but not on mTOR-signaling or a switch to glycolysis. HIF-1α deficiency in RORyt compartment resulted in impaired IL-17 and IL-22 production by ILC3 in vivo, which reflected in a lower expression of their target genes in the intestinal epithelium and an increased susceptibility to Clostridiodes difficile infection. Taken together, our results show that HIF-1α activation in intestinal ILC3 is relevant for their functions in steady state and infectious conditions.

Assessment of somatic mutations in urine and plasma of Wilms tumor patients.

Tumor DNA has been detected in body fluids of cancer patients. Somatic tumor mutations are being used as biomarkers in body fluids to monitor chemotherapy response as a minimally invasive tool. In this study, we evaluated the potential of tracking somatic mutations in free DNA of plasma and urine collected from Wilms tumor (WT) patients for monitoring treatment response. Wilms tumor is a pediatric renal tumor resulting from cell differentiation errors during nephrogenesis. Its mutational repertoire is not completely defined. Thus, for identifying somatic mutations from tumor tissue DNA, we screened matched tumor/leukocyte DNAs using either a panel containing 16 WT-associated genes or whole-exome sequencing (WES). The identified somatic tumor mutations were tracked in urine and plasma DNA collected before, during and after treatment. At least one somatic mutation was identified in five out of six WT tissue samples analyzed. Somatic mutations were detected in body fluids before treatment in all five patients (three patients in urine, three in plasma, and one in both body fluids). In all patients, a decrease of the variant allele fraction of somatic mutations was observed in body fluids during neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Interestingly, the persistence of somatic mutations in body fluids was in accordance with clinical parameters. For one patient who progressed to death, it persisted in high levels in serial body fluid samples during treatment. For three patients without disease progression, somatic mutations were not consistently detected in samples throughout monitoring. For one patient with bilateral disease, a somatic mutation was detected at low levels with no support of clinical manifestation. Our results demonstrated the potential of tracking somatic mutations in urine and plasma DNA as a minimally invasive tool for monitoring WT patients. Additional investigation is needed to check the clinical value of insistent somatic mutations in body fluids.

Influência da adiposidade durante a gestação de éguas da raça Crioula sobre o acúmulo de gordura em seus potros / Influence of adiposity during pregnancy of Crioulo mares on the fat accumulation in their foals

Este trabalho investigou a influência da adiposidade em éguas Crioulas gestantes sobre o peso e o acúmulo de gordura de seus potros do nascimento aos quatro meses de vida. Foram avaliadas 28 éguas Crioulas no terço final de gestação, divididas em dois grupos (normais e obesas) quanto ao peso, à circunferência de pescoço, à altura da crista do pescoço e à gordura subcutânea na base da cauda, bem como quanto à relação dessas medidas com as de seus potros, do parto aos 120 dias de idade. Os filhos de éguas obesas apresentaram maior deposição de gordura na base da cauda, no segundo mês (P<0,05), e na crista do pescoço (P=0,0022), no quarto mês de idade. Houve correlação positiva da altura da crista do pescoço da égua com o peso dos potros ao nascer (P=0,01; r= 0,54) e do peso corporal das éguas com gordura na base da cauda dos potros ao nascimento (P=0,03; r=0,49), além de forte associação entre gordura na base da cauda das éguas obesas com essa medida nos seus potros aos quatro meses (P=0,01; r=0,71). Essa diferença entre os grupos de potros quanto à adiposidade sugere que filhos de éguas obesas são mais propensos a acumular mais gordura já nos primeiros meses de vida.(AU)

This work investigated the influence of adiposity on pregnant Crioulo mares on the weight and fat deposition of their foals from birth to four months of life. Twenty-eight Crioulo mares were evaluated during the final third of gestation, divided into two groups (normal and obese) regarding weight, neck circumference, neck crest height and fat at the tail base, and the relation of these measurements with those of their foals from birth to 120 days old. The obese mares presented higher fat deposition at the tail base in the 2nd month (P< 0.05) and crest of the neck (P= 0.0022) in the 4th month of age. There was positive correlation between height of mare's neck crest and foal weight at birth (P= 0.01, r= 0.54) and body weight of mares between the fat at tail base of foals at birth (P= 0.03, r= 0.49), as well as strong association between fat at the tail base in obese mares with this measurement in their foals at 4 months (P= 0.01, r= 0.71). This difference of adiposity between groups suggests that obese mare's offspring are more likely to accumulate more fat in the first months of life.(AU)

Influência da adiposidade durante a gestação de éguas da raça Crioula sobre o acúmulo de gordura em seus potros / Influence of adiposity during pregnancy of Crioulo mares on the fat accumulation in their foals

Este trabalho investigou a influência da adiposidade em éguas Crioulas gestantes sobre o peso e o acúmulo de gordura de seus potros do nascimento aos quatro meses de vida. Foram avaliadas 28 éguas Crioulas no terço final de gestação, divididas em dois grupos (normais e obesas) quanto ao peso, à circunferência de pescoço, à altura da crista do pescoço e à gordura subcutânea na base da cauda, bem como quanto à relação dessas medidas com as de seus potros, do parto aos 120 dias de idade. Os filhos de éguas obesas apresentaram maior deposição de gordura na base da cauda, no segundo mês (P<0,05), e na crista do pescoço (P=0,0022), no quarto mês de idade. Houve correlação positiva da altura da crista do pescoço da égua com o peso dos potros ao nascer (P=0,01; r= 0,54) e do peso corporal das éguas com gordura na base da cauda dos potros ao nascimento (P=0,03; r=0,49), além de forte associação entre gordura na base da cauda das éguas obesas com essa medida nos seus potros aos quatro meses (P=0,01; r=0,71). Essa diferença entre os grupos de potros quanto à adiposidade sugere que filhos de éguas obesas são mais propensos a acumular mais gordura já nos primeiros meses de vida.(AU)

This work investigated the influence of adiposity on pregnant Crioulo mares on the weight and fat deposition of their foals from birth to four months of life. Twenty-eight Crioulo mares were evaluated during the final third of gestation, divided into two groups (normal and obese) regarding weight, neck circumference, neck crest height and fat at the tail base, and the relation of these measurements with those of their foals from birth to 120 days old. The obese mares presented higher fat deposition at the tail base in the 2nd month (P< 0.05) and crest of the neck (P= 0.0022) in the 4th month of age. There was positive correlation between height of mare's neck crest and foal weight at birth (P= 0.01, r= 0.54) and body weight of mares between the fat at tail base of foals at birth (P= 0.03, r= 0.49), as well as strong association between fat at the tail base in obese mares with this measurement in their foals at 4 months (P= 0.01, r= 0.71). This difference of adiposity between groups suggests that obese mare's offspring are more likely to accumulate more fat in the first months of life.(AU)

Meloidogyne aegracyperi n. sp. (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae), a root-knot nematode parasitizing yellow and purple nutsedge in New Mexico.

Meloidogyne aegracyperi n. sp. is described from roots of purple nutsedge in southern New Mexico, USA. Mature females are small (310-460 µm), pearly white, with their egg masses completely contained inside root galls. The neck is often at a 90 to 130° angle to the protruding posterior end with the perineal pattern. The distance of the dorsal esophageal gland orifice (DGO) to the base of the stylet is relatively long (4.0-6.1 µm), and the excretory pore is level with the base of the stylet. The anterior portion of the rounded lumen lining of the metacorpus contains 3 to 10 small vesicles. The perineal pattern has a rounded dorsal arch with a tail terminal area that is smooth or marked with rope-like striae. Only two males were found. The body twists 90° throughout its length. The DGO to the base of the stylet is long (3.0-3.3) µm. The cephalic framework of the second-stage juvenile is weak, and the stylet is short (10.1-11.8 µm). The DGO to the base of the stylet is long (3-5 µm). The tail is very long (64-89 µm) and the hyaline portion of the tail is very narrow, making the tail finely pointed. Eggs are typical for the genus and vary in length (85.2-99.8 µm) and width (37.1-48.1 µm), having a L/W ratio of (2.1-2.6). Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses of the different molecular loci (partial 18S rRNA, D2-D3 of 28S rRNA, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rRNA, cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII)-16S rRNA of mitochondrial DNA gene fragments and partial Hsp90 gene) placed this nematode on an independent branch in between M. graminicola and M. naasi and a cluster of species containing M. chitwoodi. M. fallax, and M. minor. Greenhouse tests showed that yellow and purple nutsedge were the best hosts, but perennial ryegrass, wheat, bentgrass, and barley were also hosts.

Valence and Rydberg Excitations of 2,4- and 2,6-Difluorotoluene as Studied by Vacuum Ultraviolet Synchrotron Radiation and ab Initio Calculations.

Here we report novel comprehensive investigations on the electronic state spectroscopies of isolated 2,4- and 2,6-difluorotoluene in the gas phase by high-resolution vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photoabsorption measurements in the 4.4-10.8 eV energy range, with absolute cross-section values derived. We also present the first set of ab initio calculations (vertical energies and oscillator strengths), which we have used in the assignment of valence transitions of the difluorotoluene molecules, together with calculated ionization energies to obtain the Rydberg transitions for both molecules. The measured absolute photoabsorption cross sections have been used to estimate the photolysis lifetimes of 2,4- and 2,6-difluorotoluene in the Earth's atmosphere.

Comparative analysis of soybean genotype resistance to Heterodera glycines and Meloidogyne species via resistance gene analogs.

Nematodes are important pests of soybean throughout the world and cause high yield losses. As a control strategy, the identification of resistance genes is an important aim of breeding studies. Plants possess resistance genes (R), which are responsible for the recognition of pathogens and activation of the defense system. R genes and resistance gene analogs (RGAs) possess conserved domains, from which nucleotide-binding site is the most common. Using degenerate primers originating from these domains, it is possible to identify and isolate sequences of R and RGA genes. In this study, soybean genotypes resistant to the nematodes Heterodera glycines, Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica, and M. enterolobii were compared by the use of RGAs and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Forty-six soybean genotypes were studied, including plant introductions (PIs), commercial crops, and source of resistance genotypes. Thirteen combinations of RGA primers and different SSRs linked to QTLs were used to confirm resistance to soybean cyst nematodes (SCN). Fragments associated with resistance to the studied nematodes were amplified in the source of resistance and PI genotypes. RGA markers were efficient at distinguishing groups of genotypes that were resistant and susceptible to Meloidogyne spp and SCN. Combinations of specific primers were identified through their ability to amplify nucleotide sequences from possible resistance candidate genes. SSR markers contributed to the analysis of SCN race specificity, showing that the QTLs identified by these markers are distinct from those identified by RGA markers.

Cytomegalovirus Identification in Blood and Urine of Newborns by Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction.

AIM: To study the frequency of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in newborns admitted to the Division of Neonatology, using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA to detect differences in blood and urine specimens. METHODS: The study was carried out for eight months. Newborns (n = 520) hospitalized in five hospitals in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, were checked for CMV by analysing blood and urine samples. RESULTS: Cytomegalovirus was PCR positive in 13 urine and 10 blood samples. Of the 13 positive urine patients, three (23%) had no clinical signs suggestive of CMV, and another three (23%) patients admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) had no definite findings of bacterial infection, with negative blood culture and some clinical signs consistent with CMV as cholestasis, hepatomegaly and eosinophilia. Three patients were on mechanical ventilation and showed improvement after prescription of ganciclovir. One CMV positive child progressed to death. CONCLUSION: Cytomegalovirus detection in urine was slightly more efficient than in blood, and showed better sensitivity than in serological analysis (p < 0.01) therefore, boiled urine may be a better and easier specimen tool for CMV diagnosis in neonatal infection. The findings of the present research suggest that patients admitted to the NICU, especially premature infants, whose laboratory results are not compatible with bacterial infection, and exhibiting signs suggestive of CMV infection should have PCR done on urine for confirmation.

Oral L-arginine modulates blood lactate and interleukin-6 after exercise in HIV-infected men.

The acute administration of L-arginine (L-arg), a nitric oxide (NO) precursor, reduces lactate (LAC) concentration after exercise in healthy individuals. Lower concentration of L-arg may enhance the action of some inflammatory cytokines in HIV-1 infected patients. We tested the hypothesis that acute L-arg administration may reduce post-exercise blood LAC and inflammatory cytokines levels in HIV-infected patients. 10 HIV-infected men performed 2 maximal incremental cardiopulmonary exercise tests, separated by one week. 30 min before each test, patients received oral placebo or 20 g of L-arg, in random order. Blood LAC, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured before and up to 60 min after exercise. L-arg administration had no significant effect on exercise performance. Compared to placebo, L-arg administration reduced maximal post-exercise blood LAC from 8.7±0.6 to 6.9±0.4 mmol.L-1 (p<0.05). L-arg administration had no significant effect on TNF-alpha or IL-10 concentrations, but increased post-exercise IL-6 (placebo=19±3pg.mL-1; L-arg=63±8 pg.mL-1; p<0.05). In HIV-1 infected men, acute administration of L-arg reduces post-exercise blood LAC and increases IL-6 levels, suggesting the activation of the L-arg-NO pathway, with possible anti-inflammatory consequences.

Tropical Plant Extracts as Sources of Grain-Protectant Compounds Against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

The toxicity of organic plant extracts to Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was assessed for three tropical plant species: branches, leaves, and seeds of Annona montana (Annonaceae), branches of Aristolochia paulistana (Aristolochiaceae), and leaves and branches of Casearia sylvestris (Salicaceae). The screening assay resulted that the extracts of A. montana seeds obtained with hexane (LC50 = 534.75 mg kg(-1) and LT50 = 6.10 days) and with dichloromethane (LC50 = 424.67 mg kg(-1) and LT50 = 5.03 days) were the most promising treatments, followed by the extract prepared from A. montana leaves with hexane (LC50 = 837.70 mg kg(-1) and LT50 = 4.90 days). Moreover, extracts (at 1,500 mg kg(-1)) prepared from C. sylvestris branches with dichloromethane and A. paulistana with hexane caused significant mortality (37% and 41.5%, respectively) beyond sublethal effects on S. zeamais. Therefore, based on the biological assays, extraction yield, and evaluation of the chromatographic profile of the crude extracts by TLC, the hexane extract of A. montana seeds was selected and fractioned using liquid-liquid partitioning. The hydroalcoholic fraction caused mortality of 55.5%, significantly superior to dichloromethane fraction, which caused 35.5% of mortality. Chemical analyses ((1)H NMR, HPLC, and TLC) were performed, and the results showed the presence of alkaloids and acetogenins in both active fractions, which have been associated with bioactivity. Therefore, extracts prepared from A. montana seeds (especially) is an interesting source of new compounds with promising grain-protectant properties.

Tratamento cirúrgico da osteíte podal séptica em equinos com laminite crônica: 14 casos / Surgical treatment of foot septic osteitis in horses with chronic laminitis: 14 cases / El tratamiento quirúrgico del pieosteítis séptica en caballos con laminitis crónica: 14 casos

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar a evolução clínica e cirúrgica do fresamento da falange distal de animais apresentando laminite crônica com osteíte podal. Foram utilizados 14 equinos adultos, de ambos os sexos, apresentando laminite crônica com osteíte podal, nos quais foi realizado a técnica de fresamento da falange distal através da sola, utilizando rineta e broca adaptadas a uma furadeira elétrica. Os resultados mostraram que a técnica permitiu um amplo e rápido acesso ao osso podal e a recuperação total de 9 equinose recuperação parcial de 3 equinos.

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and surgi cal outcome of the distal phalanx ofanimais milling presenting with chronic laminitis foot osteitis. 14 adult horses of both sexes were used, presenting with chronic laminitis foot osteitis in which the milling technique of distal phalanx were performed through thesole, using Hoof Knife and drill adapted to an electric drill. Results showed that the technique allowed a broadand rapid access to the foot bone and the total recovery of 9 horses and partial recovery of 3 horses.

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el resultado clínico y quirúrgico de Ia falange distal de los animales pululando presentaban crónica osteítis pie laminitis. Se utilizaron 14 caballos adultos de ambossexos, con Ia presentación de Ia laminitis crónica osteítis pie en el que Ia técnica de fresado de Ia falange distalse realiza a través de Ia suei a, utilizando Hoof Cuchillo y de exploración adaptado a un taladro eléctrico. Los resultados mostraron que Ia técnica permite un amplioy rápido acceso ai hueso dei pie y Ia recuperación totalde 9 caballos y recuperación parcial de 3 caballos.

Tratamento cirúrgico da osteíte podal séptica em equinos com laminite crônica: 14 casos / Surgical treatment of foot septic osteitis in horses with chronic laminitis: 14 cases / El tratamiento quirúrgico del pieosteítis séptica en caballos con laminitis crónica: 14 casos

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar a evolução clínica e cirúrgica do fresamento da falange distal de animais apresentando laminite crônica com osteíte podal. Foram utilizados 14 equinos adultos, de ambos os sexos, apresentando laminite crônica com osteíte podal, nos quais foi realizado a técnica de fresamento da falange distal através da sola, utilizando rineta e broca adaptadas a uma furadeira elétrica. Os resultados mostraram que a técnica permitiu um amplo e rápido acesso ao osso podal e a recuperação total de 9 equinose recuperação parcial de 3 equinos.(AU)

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and surgi cal outcome of the distal phalanx ofanimais milling presenting with chronic laminitis foot osteitis. 14 adult horses of both sexes were used, presenting with chronic laminitis foot osteitis in which the milling technique of distal phalanx were performed through thesole, using Hoof Knife and drill adapted to an electric drill. Results showed that the technique allowed a broadand rapid access to the foot bone and the total recovery of 9 horses and partial recovery of 3 horses.(AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el resultado clínico y quirúrgico de Ia falange distal de los animales pululando presentaban crónica osteítis pie laminitis. Se utilizaron 14 caballos adultos de ambossexos, con Ia presentación de Ia laminitis crónica osteítis pie en el que Ia técnica de fresado de Ia falange distalse realiza a través de Ia suei a, utilizando Hoof Cuchillo y de exploración adaptado a un taladro eléctrico. Los resultados mostraron que Ia técnica permite un amplioy rápido acceso ai hueso dei pie y Ia recuperación totalde 9 caballos y recuperación parcial de 3 caballos.(AU)

Efeito de um programa de treinamento de força sobre os níveis sanguíneos de glicose em ratos diabéticos induzidos / Effect of strength training program on blood glucose levels of induced diabetic rats

Introdução: De acordo com a Organização Mundial da Saúdeo diabetes acometerá 333 milhões de pessoas no mundo e será asegunda maior causa de morte na América Latina nos próximos 20anos. Diante disso, a literatura tem demonstrado a importância daatividade física no controle dessa doença, tanto no aspecto preventivoquanto curativo. Entretanto, estudos avaliando o envolvimentodo exercício de força são escassos. Objetivos: Nesse sentido esteestudo objetivou investigar o efeito desse tipo de exercício sobreos níveis plasmáticos de glicose em ratos diabéticos. Material emétodos: Foram utilizados ratos Wistar, pesando entre 180 e 250g, submetidos a um treinamento de exercício de força (3 séries de10 repetições) em um modelo de agachamento adaptado para rato,3 dias por semana, durante 12 semanas. O diabetes foi induzidofarmacologicamente por estreptozotocina (50 mg/kg) e os níveisglicêmicos foram avaliados através de um glicosímetro. Resultados:O programa de exercício de força utilizado no presente estudo nãoalterou (p < 0,05) os níveis glicêmicos de ratos diabéticos induzidosquando comparado aos animais diabéticos sedentários. Conclusão:Um programa de treinamento de força referente a 12 semanas, 3dias por semanas com uma intensidade equivalente a 75% não foieficaz em reduzir os níveis plasmáticos e glicose em ratos.

Introduction: According to World Health Organization diabeteswill affect 333 million people worldwide and will be the secondleading cause of death in Latin America over the next 20 years.Thus, the literature has demonstrated the importance of physicalactivity in controlling this disease, both in preventive and curativecare. However, studies investigating the involvement of strengthexercise are limited. Objective: this study investigated the effect ofsuch exercise modality on plasma glucose levels in diabetic rats.Methods: Male Wistar rats, weighing between 180 and 250 g, weresubmitted to a resistance exercise training (3 sets of 10 repetitions)in a model adapted to rats, 3 days per week for 12 weeks. Diabeteswas induced pharmacologically by streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) andglucose plasma levels were assessed using a glucometer. Results: Theprogram of strength exercise used in this study did not change (p< 0.05) glucose levels of induced diabetic rats when compared tosedentary group. Conclusion: A strength training program of 12weeks, 3 days per week at an intensity equivalent to 75% was noteffective in reducing the glucose plasma levels in rats.

Antigenotoxic and anticytotoxic activity of Duguetia furfuracea in bacteria and mice.

Duguetia furfuracea (St. Hil.) Benth & Hook f. (1862), popularly known as "sofre-do-rim-quem-quer" and "araticum-seco", is a shrub of the Annonaceae family that grows in several regions of Brazil. Infusions of its leaves and twigs are used in folk medicine to treat rheumatism and renal colic, whereas the seed powder is mixed with water to treat pediculosis. Studies on the plant have reported biological activities with cytotoxic, antitumoral, trypanocidal, leishmanicidal, antiplasmodial, and antiprotozoal effects. Our previous studies using a prophage λ induction test (SOS-Inductest) and the micronucleus assay demonstrated that D. furfuracea lyophilized leaf extract (DFE) displayed cytotoxic but not genotoxic activity. In the present study, antigenotoxic and anticytotoxic activities of DFE were evaluated using SOS-Inductest and mouse bone marrow micronucleus tests. Our results showed that DFE decreased the induction of either prophage λ (P < 0.05; SOS-Inductest) or micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (P < 0.05; micronucleus test) at all doses, suggesting antigenotoxic activity in both tests. On assessing the anticytotoxic activity of DFE, a significant increase in the number of bacteria at lower doses (P < 0.05) as well as a significant increase in the polychromatic and normochromatic erythrocyte ratio were observed (P < 0.05), demonstrating the anticytotoxic activity of DFE. Thus, D. furfuracea displayed antigenotoxic and anticytotoxic activity in both assays.

Neutralizing activity and secretory IgA antibodies reactive with rotavirus SA-11 (serotype G3) in colostrum and milk from Brazilian women.

BACKGROUND: Rotavirus is an important aetiological agent for severe diarrhoea in infants and young children worldwide. Anti-rotavirus antibodies in human colostrum and milk may interfere with rotavirus vaccination seroconversion. AIMS: To verify the presence of anti-rotavirus secretory IgA antibodies (SIgA) and the neutralizing capacity of 30 colostrum and 30 milk samples from Brazilian women in two different centres and analyze their persistence throughout lactation. METHODS: Colostrum and milk samples from healthy nursing mothers were tested for the presence of anti-rotavirus SIgA using conventional ELISA and their capacity to neutralize rotavirus using MA-104 cell cultures. Total IgA concentrations and anti-rotavirus SIgA levels were measured in samples collected from three mothers during 90 or 240 days of the lactation period. RESULTS: Colostrum samples showed higher levels of anti-rotavirus SIgA and higher neutralizing ability than in milk. However, these antibodies levels were not statistically different. In addition, there was no correlation between antibody levels and the neutralizing activity observed in colostrum and milk samples. Follow-up of three mothers demonstrated the persistence of anti-rotavirus and total IgA levels throughout lactation. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the encouragement of breastfeeding as a mechanism of protection against rotavirus infection in lactating infants. Components other than SIgA antibodies might play an important role in virus neutralization.

Consumo e desempenho de ovinos alimentados com silagens de cana-de-açúcar tratadas com óxido de cálcio e cloreto de sódio / Intake and performance of lambs fed with sugarcane silages treated with whitewash and sodium chloride

Avaliaram-se o consumo e o desempenho de ovinos alimentados com silagens de cana-de-açúcar tratadas com óxido de cálcio (CaO) e cloreto de sódio (NaCl). Utilizaram-se sete tratamentos: controle (silagem sem aditivo), silagens com 0,5; 1,0 e 1,5% de CaO e silagens com 0,5; 1,0 e 2,0% de NaCl, com quatro repetições. Os animais consumiram maior quantidade de matéria seca e de nutrientes digestíveis totais quando se adicionou 0,5% de NaCl ou ainda 1,0 e 1,5% de CaO. Quanto à fibra em detergente neutro e à proteína bruta, observou-se maior consumo quando se adicionou 0,5% de NaCl ou 1,0% de CaO. Não foi observado efeito da dieta sobre o ganho médio diário de peso. A adição de 0,5% de cloreto de sódio e 1,0% de óxido de cálcio à silagem de cana-de-açúcar resultou em aumento no consumo e melhora no desempenho de ovinos.

The intake and performance of lambs fed with sugarcane silages treated with whitewash and chloride sodium were evaluated. Seven treatments were used: untreated silage (control); silages treated with 0.5; 1.0 and 1.5% of CaO (whitewash); and silages treated with 0.5; 1.0 and 2.0% of NaCl, with four replicates per treatment. The animals were fed a higher amount of dry matter and total digestible nutrients when the sugarcane silages were treated with 0.5% of NaCl, 1.0 and 1.5% of CaO. The intake of neutral detergent fiber and crude protein increased when the lambs were fed silages treated with 0.5% of NaCl and 1.0% of CaO. The average daily gain did not differ among treatments. The inclusion of 0.5% of sodium chloride and 1.0% of whitewash in sugarcane silages increased the intake and improved the performance of lambs.

Consumo e desempenho de ovinos alimentados com silagens de cana-de-açúcar tratadas com óxido de cálcio e cloreto de sódio / Intake and performance of lambs fed with sugarcane silages treated with whitewash and sodium chloride

Avaliaram-se o consumo e o desempenho de ovinos alimentados com silagens de cana-de-açúcar tratadas com óxido de cálcio (CaO) e cloreto de sódio (NaCl). Utilizaram-se sete tratamentos: controle (silagem sem aditivo), silagens com 0,5; 1,0 e 1,5% de CaO e silagens com 0,5; 1,0 e 2,0% de NaCl, com quatro repetições. Os animais consumiram maior quantidade de matéria seca e de nutrientes digestíveis totais quando se adicionou 0,5% de NaCl ou ainda 1,0 e 1,5% de CaO. Quanto à fibra em detergente neutro e à proteína bruta, observou-se maior consumo quando se adicionou 0,5% de NaCl ou 1,0% de CaO. Não foi observado efeito da dieta sobre o ganho médio diário de peso. A adição de 0,5% de cloreto de sódio e 1,0% de óxido de cálcio à silagem de cana-de-açúcar resultou em aumento no consumo e melhora no desempenho de ovinos.(AU)

The intake and performance of lambs fed with sugarcane silages treated with whitewash and chloride sodium were evaluated. Seven treatments were used: untreated silage (control); silages treated with 0.5; 1.0 and 1.5% of CaO (whitewash); and silages treated with 0.5; 1.0 and 2.0% of NaCl, with four replicates per treatment. The animals were fed a higher amount of dry matter and total digestible nutrients when the sugarcane silages were treated with 0.5% of NaCl, 1.0 and 1.5% of CaO. The intake of neutral detergent fiber and crude protein increased when the lambs were fed silages treated with 0.5% of NaCl and 1.0% of CaO. The average daily gain did not differ among treatments. The inclusion of 0.5% of sodium chloride and 1.0% of whitewash in sugarcane silages increased the intake and improved the performance of lambs.(AU)

Performance evaluation of a novel open trickling filter for the post-treatment of anaerobic effluents from small communities.

The objective of the work is to evaluate the performance of an innovative design of a trickling filter for small population sizes, which has been implemented for the post-treatment of sanitary effluent from a UASB (upflow anaerobic sludge blanket) reactor. The unit, named open trickling filter (OTF), operates with no side walls, no perforated bottom slab and no secondary settler. The OTF packing was 3.5 m high, composed of crushed stone, with a fixed distribution system made of channels with V-notch weirs. The OTF was operated with mean surface hydraulic loading rates of 4.1 and 9.3 m³ m⁻² d⁻¹, corresponding to population equivalents of approximately 250 and 550 inhabitants, respectively. For the surface hydraulic loading rate of 4.1 m³ m⁻² d⁻¹, the median removal efficiencies obtained by the OTF and overall system (UASB + OTF) were, respectively, 24 and 83% for total suspended solids (TSS), 44 and 79% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), 42 and 82% for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), 40 and 40% for N-ammonia. For the surface hydraulic loading rate of 9.3 m³ m⁻² d⁻¹, the median removal efficiencies obtained by the OTF and global system (UASB + OTF) were 14 and 76% for TSS, 28 and 76% for COD, 25 and 86% for BOD, 15 and 15% for N-ammonia. Considering the great simplicity, no mechanization and small footprint of the system, these results can be considered satisfactory, suggesting that the OTF is suitable for small communities, especially in developing countries.