Cattleya walkeriana Gardner (Orchidaceae) propagation: culture medium, sealing system and irradiance.

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.

Brassavola tuberculata Hook.: in vitro growth and ex vitro establishment as a function of the micropropagation system and sucrose.

This study examines the in vitro growth and ex vitro establishment of Brassavola tuberculata in relation to the micropropagation system and sucrose concentration employed in the in vitro culture. A completely randomized experimental design was utilized, employing a 2 x 5 factorial arrangement. The experimental period began with seedlings cultivated in vitro for 180 days, which were subsequently transferred to Murashige and Skoog culture media containing sucrose concentrations of 0, 15, 30, 45, or 60 g L-1. The cultures were subjected to two micropropagation systems: conventional and gas exchange. After 90 days of in vitro cultivation, the plants were evaluated, transplanted into a substrate, and placed in a screened nursery for ex vitro cultivation. After 300 days of ex vitro cultivation, the survival and initial characteristics of the plants were assessed. The micropropagation system allowing gas exchange and sucrose concentrations up to 30 g L-1 enhanced the shoot and root growth of in vitro propagated plants. No noticeable anatomical differences were observed after 90 days of in vitro culture among the different sucrose concentrations and micropropagation systems used. In the ex vitro establishment, irrespective of sucrose concentration, the micropropagation system facilitating gas exchange positively influenced all evaluated characteristics.

Brassavola tuberculata Hook: in vitro growth and ex vitro establishment as a function of the micropropagation system and sucrose / Brassavola tuberculata Hook: crescimento in vitro e estabelecimento ex vitro em função do sistema de micropropagação e da sacarose

This study examines the in vitro growth and ex vitro establishment of Brassavola tuberculata in relation to the micropropagation system and sucrose concentration employed in the in vitro culture. A completely randomized experimental design was utilized, employing a 2 x 5 factorial arrangement. The experimental period began with seedlings cultivated in vitro for 180 days, which were subsequently transferred to Murashige and Skoog culture media containing sucrose concentrations of 0, 15, 30, 45, or 60 g L-1. The cultures were subjected to two micropropagation systems: conventional and gas exchange. After 90 days of in vitro cultivation, the plants were evaluated, transplanted into a substrate, and placed in a screened nursery for ex vitro cultivation. After 300 days of ex vitro cultivation, the survival and initial characteristics of the plants were assessed. The micropropagation system allowing gas exchange and sucrose concentrations up to 30 g L-1 enhanced the shoot and root growth of in vitro propagated plants. No noticeable anatomical differences were observed after 90 days of in vitro culture among the different sucrose concentrations and micropropagation systems used. In the ex vitro establishment, irrespective of sucrose concentration, the micropropagation system facilitating gas exchange positively influenced all evaluated characteristics.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o crescimento in vitro e estabelecimento ex vitro de Brassavola tuberculata em função do sistema de micropropagação e da concentração de sacarose utilizados no cultivo in vitro. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado e os tratamentos arranjados em esquema fatorial 2 x 5. Para o início do período experimental, foram utilizadas plântulas cultivadas in vitro por 180 dias, sendo transferidas para meios de cultivo Murashige e Skoog contendo 0, 15, 30, 45 ou 60 g L-1 de sacarose, e as culturas submetidas a dois sistemas de micropropagação: convencional ou com troca gasosa. Após 90 dias de cultivo in vitro, as plantas foram avaliadas e na sequência plantadas em substrato e acondicionadas em viveiro telado para o cultivo ex vitro. Após 300 dias de cultivo ex vitro, as plantas foram avaliadas quanto à sobrevivência e às mesmas características iniciais. A utilização do sistema de micropropagação que permite trocas gasosas, em conjunto com concentrações de sacarose de até 30 g L-1, proporcionou aumento no crescimento de parte aérea e do sistema radicular das plantas propagadas in vitro. As diferentes concentrações de sacarose e os sistemas de micropropagação utilizados não apresentaram diferenças anatômicas perceptíveis aos 90 dias de cultivo in vitro. Já no estabelecimento ex vitro, independente da utilização de sacarose, o sistema de micropropagação que permite trocas gasosas influenciou positivamente todas as características avaliadas.

Prognostic value of the immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factors in malignant salivary gland neoplasms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND:  The immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor is a prognostic marker in several cancer types. In salivary gland tumors, the association between vascular endothelial growth factor and prognosis remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether the immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with salivary gland neoplasms presents prognostic value. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical studies assessing the predictive value of vascular endothelial growth factor in salivary gland neoplasms were systematically reviewed using PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. It was assessed any survival rates. The fixed-effect model with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) as effect measures were performed in the meta-analysis. The Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies, and the evidence quality was assessed by the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. RESULTS: The immunohistochemical overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with salivary gland neoplasms was associated with shortened survival (HR=5.37, 95% CI: 2.67-10.83, P = 0.00001). In addition, the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor was tightly associated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, clinical stage, perineural invasion, vascular invasion, poor local control of the disease, and recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The immunohistochemical overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with salivary gland neoplasms has prognostic value and was associated with decreased survival time. However, more primary well-designed studies are necessary to increase the level of evidence.

Nutritional, behavioral and performance parameters of F1 Holstein x Zebu cows at different lactation stages / [Parâmetros nutricionais, comportamento ingestivo e desempenho de vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu em diferentes estádios da lactação]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the different lactation stages of F1 Holstein x Zebu cows on intake and digestibility of nutrients, nitrogen use efficiency, feeding behavior and performance. Thirty-six F1 Holstein × Zebu cows with initial body weight (BW) of 482±43kg were used. The early, mid and late lactation stages were characterized after 50±13, 111.5±11.75 and 183.0±17.5 days in milk, respectively. A completely randomized design with three lactation stages and 12 cows in each treatment group was used. Dry matter intake (P=0.01) was higher in late lactation. Milk yield (P<0.01) was 24.17% higher in early lactation than in other stages. Body weight was lowest in mid-lactation cows (465.63kg; P<0.01). The feed efficiency was 23.36% higher in early lactation than in other stages (0.82kg of milk/kg of DM). F1 Holstein x Zebu cows have increased dry matter intake in late lactation. Milk yield and feed efficiency in early lactation were benefited by changes in feeding behavior, such as increased rumination time.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os diferentes estágios de lactação de vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu quanto ao consumo e à digestibilidade de nutrientes, à eficiência no uso de nitrogênio, ao comportamento ingestivo e ao desempenho. Trinta e seis vacas F1 Holandês × Zebu, com peso corporal inicial (PC) de 482±43kg, foram utilizadas. Os estágios inicial, médio e final da lactação foram caracterizados após 50±13, 111,5±11,75 e 183,0±17,5 dias de lactação, respectivamente. O arranjo experimental adotado foi o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três fases de lactação e 12 vacas em cada grupo de tratamento. O consumo de matéria seca (P=0,01) foi maior no período final da lactação. Na fase inicial da lactação, a produção de leite (P<0,01) foi maior em 24,17% em comparação às demais fases. Na fase intermediária da lactação, as vacas apresentaram menor peso corporal (465,63kg; P<0,01) em relação às demais fases. A eficiência alimentar foi maior em 23,36% na fase inicial da lactação (0,82kg de leite/kg de MS). Vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu aumentam o consumo de matéria seca no período final da lactação. A produção de leite e a eficiência alimentar no início da lactação foram favorecidas por mudanças no comportamento ingestivo, como o aumento do tempo de ruminação.(AU)

Nutritional, behavioral and performance parameters of F1 Holstein x Zebu cows at different lactation stages / [Parâmetros nutricionais, comportamento ingestivo e desempenho de vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu em diferentes estádios da lactação]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the different lactation stages of F1 Holstein x Zebu cows on intake and digestibility of nutrients, nitrogen use efficiency, feeding behavior and performance. Thirty-six F1 Holstein × Zebu cows with initial body weight (BW) of 482±43kg were used. The early, mid and late lactation stages were characterized after 50±13, 111.5±11.75 and 183.0±17.5 days in milk, respectively. A completely randomized design with three lactation stages and 12 cows in each treatment group was used. Dry matter intake (P=0.01) was higher in late lactation. Milk yield (P<0.01) was 24.17% higher in early lactation than in other stages. Body weight was lowest in mid-lactation cows (465.63kg; P<0.01). The feed efficiency was 23.36% higher in early lactation than in other stages (0.82kg of milk/kg of DM). F1 Holstein x Zebu cows have increased dry matter intake in late lactation. Milk yield and feed efficiency in early lactation were benefited by changes in feeding behavior, such as increased rumination time.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os diferentes estágios de lactação de vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu quanto ao consumo e à digestibilidade de nutrientes, à eficiência no uso de nitrogênio, ao comportamento ingestivo e ao desempenho. Trinta e seis vacas F1 Holandês × Zebu, com peso corporal inicial (PC) de 482±43kg, foram utilizadas. Os estágios inicial, médio e final da lactação foram caracterizados após 50±13, 111,5±11,75 e 183,0±17,5 dias de lactação, respectivamente. O arranjo experimental adotado foi o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três fases de lactação e 12 vacas em cada grupo de tratamento. O consumo de matéria seca (P=0,01) foi maior no período final da lactação. Na fase inicial da lactação, a produção de leite (P<0,01) foi maior em 24,17% em comparação às demais fases. Na fase intermediária da lactação, as vacas apresentaram menor peso corporal (465,63kg; P<0,01) em relação às demais fases. A eficiência alimentar foi maior em 23,36% na fase inicial da lactação (0,82kg de leite/kg de MS). Vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu aumentam o consumo de matéria seca no período final da lactação. A produção de leite e a eficiência alimentar no início da lactação foram favorecidas por mudanças no comportamento ingestivo, como o aumento do tempo de ruminação.(AU)

Tolerance of Ulothrix sp. LAFIC 010 (Chlorophyta) against high concentration of metals from acid mine drainage.

The production of acid mine drainage of (AMD) is one of the main phenomena responsible for much of the degradation of water and soil resources. Organisms present at sites contaminated by AMD can have the potential to bioaccumulate heavy metals, stimulating their application in bioremediation processes. Ulothrix sp. LAFIC 010 was identified among the species of algae isolated from water contaminated by AMD in the region of Sideropólis (Brazil). The present study evaluated its tolerance and bioaccumulation potential related to zinc, manganese and nickel. Experiments were performed to see the effects of different concentrations of Zn, Mn and Ni (individually and in combination) on the physiological performance of the alga. The results showed that only the cultures submitted to concentrations above 0.55 mM Zn showed a decrease in growth rate and damage to physiological processes. There was no observed effect of Mn and Ni on Ulothrix sp. LAFIC 010 physiology, even with an 8-fold increase in concentrations of these metals in the medium. In cultures with combined metals, only the treatments with the highest concentrations of Zn presented reduced growth, regardless of the presence of other metals. Additionally, we observed that Mn and Ni did not decrease the toxic effect of Zn. Mn accumulation was indicated in the cell wall and Ni in the vacuole. Our results suggest that the distribution of this alga in contaminated medium is not affected by the concentration of Ni and Mn, at least under the pH that was evaluated. We conclude that Ulothrix sp. LAFIC 010 tolerates and grows under conditions with higher metal concentrations than previously reported for AMD.

Decreased biological activity is related to abnormal multimeric structure of von Willebrand factor in pulmonary hypertension.

We evaluated the correlation between decreased biological activity and abnormalities in the multimeric structure of plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF) in 27 pulmonary hypertensive patients (median age, 21 years). The biological activity of vWF was measured by the ristocetin cofactor assay and its multimeric structure was assessed by Western immunoblotting after SDS-agarose gel electrophoresis. In spite of high antigenic activity of vWF in plasma (139 +/- 65 vs 91 +/- 27% in controls, P = 0.003), the biological activity expressed as a percent of the control value was decreased in pulmonary hypertensive patients (60-88% activity, 95% CI for the mean). High molecular weight multimers (biologically active forms) were absent in patients and there was a significant increase in the concentration of low molecular weight polymers in comparison with normals (56 +/- 12 and 35 +/- 12% of total multimer density, respectively, P < 0.001). Multimeric abnormalities were positively correlated with plasma vWF levels (r = 0.51, P = 0.007) and negatively correlated with vWF biological activity (r = -0.54, P = 0.004). Thus, decreased biological function is related to abnormalities in the multimeric structure of vWF, possibly reflecting extensive endothelial dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension.

Decreased biological activity is related to abnormal multimeric structure of von Willebrand factor in pulmonary hypertension

We evaluated the correlation between decreased biological activity and abnormalities in the multimeric structure of plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF) in 27 pulmonary hypertensive patients (median age, 21 years). The biological activity of vWF was measured by the ristocetin cofactor assay and its multimeric structure was assessed by Western immunoblotting after SDS-agarose gel electrophoresis. In spite of high antigenic activity of vWF in plasma (139 ñ 65 vs 91 ñ 27 per cent in controls, P=0.003), the biological activity expressed as a percent of the control value was decreased in pulmonary hypertensive patients (60-88 per cent activity, 95 per cent CI for the mean). High molecular weight multimers (biologically active forms) were absent in patients and there was a significant increase in the concentration of low molecular weight polymers in comparison with normals (56 ñ 12 and 35 ñ 12 per cent of total multimer density, respectively, P<0.001). Multimeric abnormalities were positively correlated with plasma vWF levels (r=0.51, P=0.0007) and negatively correlated with vWF biological activity (r=-0.54, P=0.004). Thus, decreased biological function is related to abnormalities in the multimeric structure of vWF, possibility reflecting extensive endothelial dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension.

Mantenimiento de equipos en los sistemas de agua potable y alcantarillado

Manual que pretende servir como guía para el desarrollo de sistemas de mantenimiento en las empresas de agua potable y saneamiento. Dirigido a los gerentes de mantenimiento de tales con empresas, bajo los siguientes enfoques: conceptual, que presenta el mantenimiento como una parte que se interrelaciona con las otras partes de la empresa; la otra muestra los fundamentos a tomarse en cuenta para implantar un sistema de mantenimiento preventivo

Studies on the mechanisms of learning. IV. Ontogeny of calcium channels in the rat's cortex.

The sensitivity of some electrocortical potentials of rats to topically applied tetrodotoxin (TTX), manganese, lanthanum, calcium, mescaline and strychnine was followed from the age of 6 to 20 days and compared with that of adult animals. Sensitivity to TTX was relatively greater in the younger rats. In contrast, the blocking effect of Mn2+ or La3+ was small initially but increased with age. Similarly, the ability of mescaline or strychnine to give rise to giant spikes (dendritic action potentials) increased with maturation of the brain cortex. Finally, an increase in external calcium concentration depressed cortical potentials in the younger animals and had the usual increase of the mescaline or strychnine spikes in the older rats. It is concluded that the formation of calcium channels in dendritic membranes is part of the maturation process of cortical neurons and possibly related to the learning mechanisms. The depressant action of high external calcium during the first days of life was ascribed to an unspecific reduction in membrane permeability.

Studies on the mechanisms of learning. IV. Ontogeny of calcium channels in the rat’s cortex

The sensitivity of some electrocortical potentials of rats to topically applied tetrodotoxin (TTX), manganese, lanthanum, calcium, mescaline and strychnine was followed from the age of 6 to 20 days and compared with that of adult animals. Sensitivity to TTX was relatively greater in the younger rats. In contrast, the blocking effect of Mn2+ or La3+ was small initially but increased with age. Similarly, the ability of mescaline or strychnine to give rise to giant spikes (dendritic action potentials) increased with maturation of the brain cortex. Finally, an increase in external calcium concentration depressed cortical potentials in the younger animals and had the usual increase of the mescaline or strychnine spikes in the older rats. It is concluded that the formation of calcium channels in dendritic membranes is part of the maturation process of cortical neurons and possibly related to the learning mechanisms. The depressant action of high external calcium during the first days of life was ascribed to an unspecific reduction in membrane permeability.

Studies on the mechanisms of learning. IV. Ontogeny of calcium channels in the rats cortex.

The sensitivity of some electrocortical potentials of rats to topically applied tetrodotoxin (TTX), manganese, lanthanum, calcium, mescaline and strychnine was followed from the age of 6 to 20 days and compared with that of adult animals. Sensitivity to TTX was relatively greater in the younger rats. In contrast, the blocking effect of Mn2+ or La3+ was small initially but increased with age. Similarly, the ability of mescaline or strychnine to give rise to giant spikes (dendritic action potentials) increased with maturation of the brain cortex. Finally, an increase in external calcium concentration depressed cortical potentials in the younger animals and had the usual increase of the mescaline or strychnine spikes in the older rats. It is concluded that the formation of calcium channels in dendritic membranes is part of the maturation process of cortical neurons and possibly related to the learning mechanisms. The depressant action of high external calcium during the first days of life was ascribed to an unspecific reduction in membrane permeability.