Pulse electrodeposition of CuSbS2 thin films: Role of Cu/Sb precursor ratio on the phase formation and its performance as photocathode for hydrogen evolution§.

In this paper, we outline the development of stoichiometric chalcostibite, CuSbS2 thin films, from a single bath by pulse electrodeposition for its application as a photocathode in photoelectrochemical cells (PEC). The Cu/Sb precursor molar ratio of the deposition bath was varied to obtain stoichiometric CuSbS2 thin films. The optimized deposition and dissolution potentials were -0.72 V and -0.1 V vs saturated calomel electrode, respectively. The formation of CuSbS2 was analyzed using different characterization tools. X-ray diffraction and Raman results showed the formation of the pure chalcostibite phase from a precursor bath with molar ratio Cu/Sb = 0.41. The heterostructure CuSbS2/CdS/Pt was tested as a photocathode in the PEC. The energy positions of the conduction and valence bands were estimated from the Mott Schottky plots. The conduction band and valence band offset of CuSbS2/CdS heterojunction were 0.1 eV and 1.04 eV, respectively. The electric field created in the junction reduced the recombination of the electron/hole pairs and improved charge transfer in the interface. The heterostructure CuSbS2/CdS/Pt demonstrated an improved photocurrent density of 3.4 mA cm-2 at 0 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode. The PEC efficiency obtained from the CuSbS2/CdS heterojunction was 0.56 %. Therefore, we demonstrated the feasibility of an inexpensive technique like electrodeposition for the development of an efficient earth-abundant photocathode.

Delta power during sleep is modulated by EEG-gated auricular vagal afferent nerve stimulation (EAVANS).

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has many clinical applications under development. In particular, there is a large interest in transcutaneous auricular VNS (taVNS) because it is non-invasive and provides easy access to neuromodulation. The present study proposes a novel approach for electroencephalography (EEG)-gated taVNS, with the ultimate goal of enhancing therapeutic outcomes, including for the treatment of delirium. Delirium arises from an altered state of consciousness and is the most common neuropsychiatric disorder observed in hospitalized patients, especially the elderly. Delirium has been linked to specific disturbances in EEG rhythms. Here, we propose an EEG-gated auricular vagal afferent nerve stimulation (EAVANS) approach to deliver stimulation targeting a specific instantaneous phase of the EEG Delta rhythm to modulate arousal and downstream reduction of neuroinflammation, two of the contributing factors to delirium. We hypothesize that treatment with EAVANS will modulate Delta power, which has been linked with delirium. As dominant Delta power is also a typical feature of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, we applied a prototype of an EAVANS device on healthy volunteers during sleep to establish preliminary validation. We successfully employed our closed-loop approach to target vagal afference during the rising Delta phase in the range [-π/2 0] radians. We found a significant reduction in Delta wave power for stimulation during the rising Delta phase compared to 1) absence of stimulation, 2) active stimulation during the descending Delta phase, and 3) active stimulation targeting non-vagal territory (i.e. greater auricular nerve) during the rising Delta phase. Further validation of our EEG-gated taVNS approach in the peri-operative period will be needed. As there is presently a lack of effective treatments for delirium, our non-pharmacological and non-invasive approach, if validated, could be easily deployed in clinical settings.Clinical Relevance- Given the serious health consequences and costs associated with delirium, and the absence of effective non-pharmacological treatments, the proposed neuromodulatory approach may be a promising option for reducing delirium and other disorders of consciousness. Our EAVANS prototype system has been tested on healthy volunteers during a NREM sleep state and will require further validation in different patient populations to optimize the proposed technology and gather more evidence to support its clinical utility. This novel non-pharmacological and non-invasive closed-loop neuromodulatory device could be used peri-operatively and in inpatient hospital settings to treat patients at risk of developing delirium. For instance, in a pre-operative setting, this technology may provide an effective preventative "pre-habilitation" approach for patients at high risk of developing delirium. Post-operatively, our technology may help manage patients with delirium more effectively.

Precision technologies for predictive diagnosis and study of the allometric growth of broiler chickens with breast myopathies.

1. An experiment was carried out to validate techniques as predictive diagnostic tools for breast myopathies and to study the allometric growth of distinct parts of the body and meat quality of broilers.2. Infrared thermography was performed at 35 d of age. The surface temperatures of breasts of 300 birds were recorded, followed by ultrasound imaging.3. The birds were slaughtered and the cuts were made to weigh the body parts. Then, the breasts were evaluated as for the presence and severity of myopathies, from which nine treatments were established represented by the associated degrees of the myopathies white striping and wooden breast and breasts classified as normal.4. There was no difference in surface temperatures and echogenicity values between normal breasts and breasts affected by myopathies. At 35 d of age few fillets classified as normal were found.5. The breast showed late growth in relation to the body, regardless of characteristic lesions of myopathies. The most severe score of wooden breast affected meat quality variables.

Different litter compositions influence broiler chicken locomotion.

Background: Bedding material must absorb moisture, reduce impacts, and allow chicken to express their natural behavior reducing the occurrence of injuries in the footpad and joints, and improving carcass quality and performance. Aims: This study evaluated different bedding materials with different levels of inclusion of dried grass (Zoysia japonica) on the development of lesions in the locomotor system of broiler chickens. Methods: One thousand eight-day-old male chicks of the Cobb 500® were distributed in a completely randomized design with a 3 × 2 factorial scheme: three levels of grass inclusion and two bedding materials (100% wood shavings; 100% rice husks; 25% grass and 75% wood shavings; 25% grass and 75% rice husks; 50% grass and 50% wood shavings; 50% grass and 50% rice husks). The birds at 21, 28, 35, and 42 days of age were evaluated for pododermatitis. Ten birds from each repetition were identified and evaluated weekly from 21 to 42 days for Gait score, latency to lie and leg angle (valgus and varus). At 43 days of age, 60 birds of each treatment were slaughtered and evaluated for femoral degeneration and tibial dyschondroplasia. Results: Different litter compositions did not affect the incidence of lameness, tibial dyschondroplasia and spondylolisthesis. Pododermatitis scores increased after 28 days when including 50% of grass. Conclusion: Age contributes more to the development of locomotion injuries than does bedding material. It is recommended to use inclusions of dried grass only as bedding for young broilers.

Moringa Oleifera: an alternative ingredient to improve the egg quality of Japanese quail / [Moringa oleifera: um ingrediente alternativo na melhora da qualidade de ovos de codornas japonesas]

This study aims to evaluate effects of inclusion of moringa in Japanese quail diets on laying performance, egg quality, blood parameters, serum biochemical profile, and behavior. One hundred and forty-four Japanese quails, approximately 35-d-old, were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and six replications. Treatments were diet inclusion of 0, 2, 4 and 6% of dried and ground moringa leaves. The inclusion of moringa in diets reduces the quadratic feed intake up to the level of 1.20%, increases weight of eggs with a quadratic behavior up to 3.80%, and linearly increases yolk weight. Yolk color changes with higher levels of inclusion of moringa and resulted in more intense colors. The biochemical profile of quails changed slightly but remains within the normal range. The inclusion of 4% of moringa in diets increases alkaline phosphatase. Regarding cholesterol and triglycerides, diet with 6% moringa inclusion was lower when compared to the others. The behavior of laying quails does not change due to inclusion of moringa in diets. Up to 3.83% of Moringa oleifera can be included in Japanese quail diet to improve egg quality without compromising performance, biochemical profile, blood parameters and behavior.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a inclusão de Moringa oleifera na dieta de codornas japonesas sobre o desempenho, a qualidade de ovos, os parâmetros sanguíneos, o perfil bioquímico e o comportamento. Foram utilizadas 144 codornas japonesas, com aproximadamente 35 dias de idade, as quais foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições cada. Foram fornecidas dietas com 0, 2, 4 e 6% de folhas desidratadas e moídas de moringa. A inclusão de moringa nas dietas reduziu quadraticamente o consumo até o nível de 1,2%, aumentou o peso dos ovos com comportamento quadrático até o nível de 3,8% e aumentou linearmente o peso da gema. A coloração da gema se intensificou com maiores inclusões de moringa. O perfil bioquímico sofreu alterações leves, mas não saiu dos padrões normais para codornas. A inclusão de 4% de moringa nas dietas aumentou os níveis de fosfatase alcalina. Já a inclusão de 6% reduziu níveis de colesterol e triglicérides. O comportamento das codornas não se alterou com a inclusão de moringa nas dietas. A inclusão de até 3,83% de Moringa oleifera na dieta de codornas japonesas aumenta a qualidade de ovos sem comprometer o desempenho, o perfil bioquímico, os parâmetros sanguíneos e o comportamento delas.(AU)

Optical, Structural, and Dielectric Properties of Composites Based on Thermoplastic Polymers of the Polyolefin and Polyurethane Type and BaTiO3 Nanoparticles.

In this work, new films containing composite materials based on blends of thermoplastic polymers of the polyurethane (TPU) and polyolefin (TPO) type, in the absence and presence of BaTiO3 nanoparticles (NPs) with the size smaller 100 nm, were prepared. The vibrational properties of the free films depending on the weight ratio of the two thermoplastic polymers were studied. Our results demonstrate that these films are optically active, with strong, broad, and adjustable photoluminescence by varying the amount of TPU. The crystalline structure of BaTiO3 and the influence of thermoplastic polymers on the crystallization process of these inorganic NPs were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The vibrational changes induced in the thermoplastic polymer's matrix of the BaTiO3 NPs were showcased by Raman scattering and FTIR spectroscopy. The incorporation of BaTiO3 NPs in the matrix of thermoplastic elastomers revealed the shift dependence of the photoluminescence (PL) band depending on the BaTiO3 NP concentration, which was capable of covering a wide visible spectral range. The dependencies of the dielectric relaxation phenomena with the weight of BaTiO3 NPs in thermoplastic polymers blends were also demonstrated.

Coturnicultura como alternativa para aumento de renda do pequeno produtor / Quail production as an alternative to improve income to small farmers

A coturnicultura tem apresentado desenvolvimento significativo nos últimos anos devido às tecnologias empregadas na cadeia produtiva, gerando resultados satisfatórios aos produtores, com baixo custo de investimento. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a viabilidade econômico-financeira da coturnicultura para o pequeno produtor rural ou agricultor familiar. Foram utilizados dois grupos com 1.500 aves cada, A1 (aquisição de lote misto com um dia de idade) e A2 (aquisição de fêmeas com 35 dias de idade), e empregados a taxa interna de retorno, o payback simples e o descontado, bem como o valor presente líquido para a análise econômico-financeira. A coturnicultura representa uma alternativa em potencial para agregação de renda ao pequeno produtor/agricultor familiar, pois o retorno do investimento ocorre no segundo ano. Para o início da produção coturnícula, a aquisição de fêmeas aos 35 dias de idade é mais rentável, quando comparada à aquisição de lote misto com um dia de idade. Dessa forma, a alternativa estratégica de comercialização para o início da atividade é o ovo in natura, que possibilita o retorno do investimento em curto prazo.(AU)

Quail production showed significant development in recent years due to technologies used in the production chain, generating satisfactory results for farmers with low cost of investment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the economic feasibility of quail production implementation for small farmers. A total of 3,000 birds were used and divided in two groups (A1 and A2). The internal rate return was measured, as well as simple payback. The present liquid value for economic and financial analysis was discounted. Quail production is a potential alternative for income increase of small farmers, since the return on investment occurs in the second year. To start quail production, the acquisition of female quails at 35 days of age is more profitable compared to a one day old mixed batch. Thus, the alternative marketing strategy for the beginning of activity is the egg, due to the return on short-term investment.(AU)

Lipid profile of immunocastrated, castrated male and female pigs / Perfil lipídico de suínos machos castrados e imunocastrados e fêmeas

A presente pesquisa foi realizada com o objetivo de avaliar os níveis de colesterol, extrato etéreo, perfil de ácidos graxos e o índice aterogênico e trombogênico da gordura intramuscular de suínos machos imunocastrados em relação às fêmeas e aos machos castrados cirurgicamente. Utilizaram-se 45 animais, com peso inicial de 25,2±2,8kg, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três tratamentos (machos castrados, machos e fêmeas imunocastrados) e três repetições de cinco animais cada. Os animais foram abatidos a 90,3±2,7kg. As amostras de Longissimus dorsi foram coletadas, liofilizadas e analisadas quanto ao perfil de ácidos gordos, colesterol e extrato etéreo. Não foram observadas diferenças (P>0,05) para nenhuma das variáveis analisadas entre a gordura intramuscular de machos castrados cirurgicamente, machos imunocastrados e fêmeas. A imunocastração não alterou os níveis intramusculares de extrato etéreo, colesterol, composição de ácidos graxos ou o índice aterogênico e trombogênico do Longissimus dorsi.(AU)

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome is characterized by altered functional brain connectivity of the insular cortex: A cross-comparison with migraine and healthy adults.

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) has been linked to episodic migraine, yet little is known about the precise brain-based mechanisms underpinning CVS, and whether these associated conditions share similar pathophysiology. We investigated the functional integrity of salience (SLN) and sensorimotor (SMN) intrinsic connectivity networks in CVS, migraine and healthy controls using brain functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. CVS, relative to both migraine and controls, showed increased SLN connectivity to middle/posterior insula, a key brain region for nausea and viscerosensory processing. In contrast, this same region showed diminished SMN connectivity in both CVS and migraine. These results highlight both unique and potentially shared pathophysiology between these conditions, and suggest a potential target for therapeutics in future studies.

Silicon in broiler drinking water promotes bone development in broiler chickens.

Skeletal abnormalities, bone deformities and fractures cause significant losses in broiler production during both rearing and processing. Silicon is an essential mineral for bone and connective tissue synthesis and for calcium absorption during the early stages of bone formation. Performance was not affected by the addition of silicon. However, broilers receiving silicon showed a significant increase of phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese and ash in the tibia. In conclusion, broiler performance was not impaired by adding the tested silicon product to the drinking water. In addition, bone development improved, as demonstrated by higher mineral and ash content. Further studies are required to determine the optimal concentration of silicon, including heat stress simulations, to better understand the effects of silicon on bone development.

Vocalização como indicativo do bem-estar de suínos submetidos a situações de estresse / Vocalization as a welfare indicative for pigs subjected to stress situations

Objetivou-se com este trabalho estimar o bem-estar de suínos a partir de registros de sua vocalização, durante alojamento em granja comercial. Foram utilizados 150 suínos machos castrados, distribuídos aleatoriamente em cinco baias. Os suínos foram submetidos a diferentes situações de estresse: sede (sem acesso a água), fome (sem acesso ao alimento), estresse térmico (Índice de temperatura e umidade - ITU >74). Para o tratamento controle, os animais foram mantidos em situação de conforto, com acesso a alimento e água, e ambiente com ITU <70. Foram registrados os sinais acústicos a cada 30 minutos, durante período ininterrupto de três horas, totalizando seis coletas para cada situação de estresse. Os sinais foram digitalizados a uma frequência de até 44.100Hz, por um período de 3 minutos. Posteriormente, os áudios foram analisados pelo software Praat(r) 5.1.19. Os atributos gerados a partir desse software foram a energia do sinal (Pa²*s), amplitude máxima e amplitude mínima (Pa), a frequência de picht (Hz), a intensidade sonora (dB) e quatro níveis de formantes (F1; F2; F3 e F4), também chamados de harmônicas (Hz). Verificou-se que, dependendo do estímulo estressor e de sua duração, os atributos acústicos energia e intensidade do sinal, frequência de pitch e as formantes 2 e 4 apresentaram diferenciação. Os atributos sonoros da vocalização de suínos variam de maneira distinta em função do tipo e duração do estímulo estressante, funcionando, quando associados, como ferramenta eficiente para quantificar o grau de estresse dos animais.

This work aimed to estimate the welfare of pigs using their vocalization records during rearing in a commercial swine farm. A total of 150 barrow pigs were randomly distributed into five pens. Pigs were exposed to different stressful situations: Thirst (no access to water), hunger (no access to the food), thermal stress (Temperature and Humidity Index - THI >74). For the control treatment, the animals were kept in a situation of comfort, with full access to food and water, and environment THI <70. Acoustic signals were recorded every 30 minutes during a continuous period of three hours, totaling six samples for each stress exposure. The signals were digitized at a frequency of up to 44,100 Hz, for a period of 3 minutes. Later the audios were analyzed using the Praat (r) 5.1.19 software. The attributes generated from this software were the signal energy (Pa² * s), the maximum amplitude and the minimum amplitude (Pa), the frequency of pitch (Hz), the sound intensity (dB) and four levels of formants (F1, F2, F3 and F4), also called harmonics (Hz). It was found that depending on the acoustic attributes, the stressor stimuli and its duration indicate energy and signal strength, frequency of pitch and formants 2 and 4 showed differentiation. The sound attributes of the pig vocalization varied in different ways depending on the type and duration of the stressful exposure, functioning as an efficient tool to quantify the degree of animal degree.

Feeding behavior and crop damage caused by capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) in an agricultural landscape.

This study aimed to assess the yield loss caused by capybaras in rural areas of Dourados-MS, their feeding periods, crop preferences and the landscape characteristics of farms that may affect the occurrence of capybara's herds. Semi-structured interviews in 24 different farms were done during a period between April 2010 and August 2011. Field observations were held at different times of the day, and also during the night in order to record peaks of the feeding behavior in six farms. Direct counting of capybaras along with the group of animals reported as seen by the farmers during the interviews was used to estimate the size of herds. Data was analyzed using the Principal Components Analyses and the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The average number of capybaras found in a regular herd was 18.8 ± 7.90 animals. The average number of capybara herd by farms was of 1.38 ± 0.92 while the average number of capybaras by farms was 32.33 ± 27.87. Capybaras selected rice (Oryza sativa) when it was available (14.5% of devastation in 1.18% of total planted area); however, the most eaten crop was corn (Zea mays) with 38.55% of loss rate in 16.17% of the total planted area. Capybaras ate mostly in the evening and during the night. The availability of water resources in the rural area predisposed the occurrence of capybara's herds.

Incidência da carne PSE (pale, soft, exsudative) em suínos em razão do tempo de descanso pré-abate e sexo / Resting time pre-slaughter and sex on the incidence of PSE (pale, soft, exsudative) meat in pigs

Avaliou-se o efeito do período de descanso pré-abate e do sexo sobre a incidência de carne PSE (pale, soft, exudative) em suínos. Foram realizadas três visitas a abatedouro comercial, nas quais se mensurou o pH das carcaças (n=2128) aos 45 minutos após o abate, de lotes compostos por fêmeas, machos castrados cirurgicamente e machos imunocastrados e de lotes mistos (fêmeas e machos castrados cirurgicamente), submetidos a período de descanso que variou de duas a 16 horas. Carcaças com pH45≤5,8 foram classificadas como PSE, e com pH45>5,8 como normais. Em função do número de animais avaliados dentro de cada categoria, estimou-se a frequência de carne PSE. A incidência total de carne PSE foi de 10,1%, sendo maior nos lotes de animais imunocastrados (13,5%) quando comparados aos lotes de fêmeas (8,6%) ou de machos castrados cirurgicamente (8,5%). Períodos de descanso menores que seis horas e acima de 14 horas aumentaram a incidência de carne PSE. Período de descanso entre seis e oito horas minimizaram a ocorrência de carnes PSE.

Were evaluated the effect of lairage pre-slaughter and sex on the incidence of PSE (pale, soft and exudative) meat in pigs. There were three visits to a commercial slaughterhouse, in which the pH of carcasses (n=2128) was measured at 45 minutes after slaughter of lots consisting exclusively of females, males castrated surgically, males immunologically castrated and mixed lots (females and castrated surgically) underwent a resting time, and time between the shipment and slaughter ranged from two to 16 hours. Carcasses with pH45≤5.8 were classified as PSE and with pH45>5.8 as normal. Depending on the number of animals evaluated in each category we estimated the frequency of PSE. The overall incidence of PSE meat was 10.1%, higher in lots of animals immunocastrated (13.5%) compared to lots of females (8.6%) or castrated males (8.5%). Resting time of less than six hours and up to 14 hours increased the incidence of PSE meat. Resting time between six and eight hours minimized the occurrence of PSE meat.

Sex differences in cardiac autonomic function of depressed young adults.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac autonomic dysfunction has been proposed as an important contributing factor to the increased cardiovascular risk observed in major depression (MDD). However, the evidence regarding alterations in heart rate variability (HRV) in otherwise healthy depressed subjects has been inconclusive. METHODS: A case-control study in 50 treatment-naïve young adults with a first MDD episode without comorbid psychiatric disorders and 50 healthy control subjects was conducted. Time- and frequency-domain indexes of HRV were determined at baseline supine and after 5-min of orthostatic stress at 60°. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the time- or frequency-domain variables of HRV between depressed patients and controls. However, a random-effect ANOVA model showed that during orthostatic stress depressed men had a reduced HRV and decreased parasympathetic activity compared to control subjects, while no differences were found between depressed women and controls. CONCLUSION: These results suggest a sex-dependent relationship between major depression and cardiac autonomic dysfunction and provide one potential explanation for sex differences in the association of depressive symptoms with cardiovascular morbidity.

Angiogenic imbalance and plasma lipid alterations in women with preeclampsia from a developing country.

BACKGROUND: An imbalance between anti-angiogenic factors (e.g. soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (s-FLT1) and soluble endoglin (s-Eng)) and pro-angiogenic factors (e.g. placental growth factor (PlGF)) as well as increased oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) concentrations have been associated with preeclampsia (PE). Risk factors associated with the development of PE, however, are known to be different between developed and developing countries. The aim of the study was to determine the levels of s-FLT1, s-Eng, PIGF, and ox-LDL in women with PE from a developing country. METHODS: A multi-center case-control study was conducted. One hundred and forty three women with PE were matched by age and parity with 143 healthy pregnant women without cardiovascular or endocrine diseases. Before delivery, blood samples were taken and serum was stored until analysis. RESULTS: Women with PE had lower concentrations of PIGF (p<0.0001) and higher concentrations of s-Eng (p=0.001) than healthy pregnant women. There were no differences between the groups regarding ox-LDL or s-FLT1. Women with early onset PE had higher s-FLT1 concentrations (p=0.0004) and lower PIGF concentrations (p<0.0001) than their healthy pregnant controls. Women with late onset PE had higher concentrations of s-Eng (p=0.005). Women with severe PE had higher concentrations of s-Eng (p=0.0008) and ox-LDL (p=0.01), and lower concentrations of PIGF (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Women with PE from a developing country demonstrated an angiogenic imbalance and an increased rate of LDL oxidation. Findings from this study support the theory that PE is a multifactorial disease, and understanding differences in these subpopulations may provide a better target to approach future therapies.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with insulin resistance in a young Hispanic population.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with insulin resistance (IR) in a young Hispanic population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in Bogotá, Colombia, during 2006 in 263 males from the Colombian Air Force (age range 29-54 years). Anthropometric measurements and biochemical determinations (glycemia, lipid profile, insulin, and HOMA-IR) were obtained in order to determine the presence of metabolic syndrome (MS) criteria and insulin resistance in this population. In addition, ultrasound studies were performed to evaluate the presence of NAFLD. RESULTS: NAFLD was detected in 26.6% (n=70) of the subjects. Thirty four individuals had complete MS criteria (48.5%). The presence of NAFLD was associated with higher insulin levels (11.0±5.1 vs. 6.6±3.6, p=0.001), and its prevalence increased from 11% (n=8), to 24% (n=17) to 64% (n=45) from the lowest to the highest HOMA-IR tertile. Body mass index, triglycerides and subcutaneous and visceral fat were found to be independent predictors of NAFLD. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that NAFLD is associated with insulin resistance and extrahepatic adiposity in nondiabetic young Hispanic population.

Efeito do sistema de criação sobre o desempenho e rendimento de carcaça de frangos de corte tipo colonial / Effect of production system on performance and carcass yield of free range broiler chickens

Foram utilizados 1600 pintos de corte de um dia de idade, distribuídos em delineamento, em blocos ao acaso, com esquema fatorial 4Î2 (quatro linhagens, sendo uma delas comercial (Ross-308) e as demais específicas para a produção colonial (Caipirinha, Pescoço Pelado e Paraíso Pedrês) e dois sistemas de criação (confinado e com acesso a piquete), com quatro repetições de 50 aves cada. A ração não continha promotores químicos de crescimento e produtos de origem animal. Avaliaram-se o ganho de peso, o consumo de ração, a conversão alimentar, a mortalidade e os rendimentos de carcaça e das partes (peito, pernas, asas e dorso) aos 56, 63, 70, 77 e 84 dias de idade. O comprimento e a porcentagem (em relação ao peso vivo) dos intestinos e o peso e a porcentagem (em relação ao peso vivo) do fígado, moela e pâncreas foram avaliados aos 84 dias de idade. Houve efeito (P<0,05) da linhagem para as características de desempenho e da linhagem e do sexo para rendimentos da carcaça e das partes, assim como para as características do sistema digestório (P<0,05). O sistema de criação não influenciou as características avaliadas.

One thousand and six hundred day-old-chicks were randomly assigned to a 4Î2 factorial design (4 strains and 2 production systems) with 4 replicates of 50 birds each. A commercial strain Ross and three strains (Caipirinha, Pescoço Pelado and Paraíso Pedrês) for free range chicken production systems were used. The production systems were confined and semi-confined supplemented with grass paddock (3m²/bird). The diets did not contain chemical growth promoters and animal by products. Weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion, mortality and carcass yield and parts were evaluated at 56, 63, 70, 77 and 84 days. Length and percentage of gut, liver, gizzard and spleen were evaluated at 84 days. Differences (P<0.05) among strains for performance, carcass yield and parts and gut characteristics and no differences (P>0.05) among production systems were observed.

Calcium plus linoleic acid therapy for pregnancy-induced hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of dietary supplementation of calcium plus conjugated linoleic acid (calcium-CLA) in reducing the incidence of vascular endothelial dysfunction in pregnant women at high risk of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted at 4 outpatient clinics in 2 developing countries recruited 48 healthy primigravidas younger than 19 years or older than 35 years who had a family history of pre-eclampsia and diastolic notch. Twenty-four participants received daily elemental calcium (600 mg) plus CLA (450 mg) and 24 received placebo from week 18 to 22 of pregnancy until delivery. RESULTS: Calcium-CLA supplementation reduced significantly the incidence of PIH (2 cases [8%] in the study group vs. 10 cases [42%] in the placebo group; relative risk, 0.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.82; P=.01). Endothelial dysfunction was also significantly reduced after calcium-CLA supplementation (in 18 women [75%] vs. 4 women [17%]; P<.001), compared with the placebo group (in 15 [63%] vs. 9 women [38%]; P=.08). CONCLUSION: In pregnant women at high risk for PIH, calcium-CLA supplementation decreases the incidence of PIH and improves endothelial function.

Desempenho e qualidade da carne de frangos de corte alimentados com diferentes níveis de sorgo em substituicão ao milho / Effects on performance and meat quality of replacing corn with sorghum in a broiler diet

Avaliaram-se o desempenho e a qualidade da carne de frangos de corte alimentados com diferentes níveis de sorgo, do cultivar SAARA, com 0,49g/kg de tanino, em substituicão ao milho. Os 2600 pintos sexados de um dia de idade, da linhagem Ross 308, foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com esquema fatorial 5 2 (cinco níveis de sorgo - 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100 por cento e dois sexos), e quatro repeticões de 65 aves por unidade experimental. Não houve efeito (P>0,05) da substituicão do milho pelo sorgo sobre as características de desempenho, de rendimentos de carcaca, carne de peito e pernas, de composicão química e sensoriais. O pH observado nas carnes de peito e pernas foi maior para os machos (P<0,05), e houve diminuicão do pH à medida que se aumentaram os níveis de substituicão. Os machos apresentaram os maiores valores nas medidas de comprimento, largura e espessura do filé. Na carne do peito dos machos, ocorreu maior perda de peso por cozimento e forca de cisalhamento (P<0,05). Observou-se diminuicão (P<0,05) dos valores de a (vermelho) e b (amarelo) e aumento de L (luminosidade) à medida que aumentaram os níveis de substituicão.