Production of thermoplastic starch and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) films assisted by solid-state shear pulverization.

A novel processing technique involving Solid-State Shear Pulverization (SSSP) was used to produce thermoplastic starch (TPS) and Poly (Butylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate) (PBAT) films to improve processability and produce well-dispersed blends. Four different compositions (50-80 wt% TPS content) were processed using two different production routes. In one instance, the compositions were pre-treated by SSSP before melt extrusion (SSSPE). Secondly, starch was initially plasticized and thereafter blended with PBAT by melt extrusion (EXT) method. Flat films were produced using both routes and processability, visual and tactical aspects, mechanical and optical properties, crystallinity, and water absorption behavior were evaluated. High starch content films (70 and 80 wt%) prepared based on SSSP incorporation showed easier processability, and better visual aspect and mechanical integrity than EXT ones. However, EXT films with 50 and 60 wt% of starch presented higher elongation at break and lower water absorption due to finer dispersion of TPS and better starch plasticization.

Indices estimated using REML/BLUP and introduction of a super-trait for the selection of progenies in popcorn.

Selection indices commonly utilize economic weights, which become arbitrary genetic gains. In popcorn, this is even more evident due to the negative correlation between the main characteristics of economic importance - grain yield and popping expansion. As an option in the use of classical biometrics as a selection index, the optimal procedure restricted maximum likelihood/best linear unbiased predictor (REML/BLUP) allows the simultaneous estimation of genetic parameters and the prediction of genotypic values. Based on the mixed model methodology, the objective of this study was to investigate the comparative efficiency of eight selection indices estimated by REML/BLUP for the effective selection of superior popcorn families in the eighth intrapopulation recurrent selection cycle. We also investigated the efficiency of the inclusion of the variable "expanded popcorn volume per hectare" in the most advantageous selection of superior progenies. In total, 200 full-sib families were evaluated in two different areas in the North and Northwest regions of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The REML/BLUP procedure resulted in higher estimated gains than those obtained with classical biometric selection index methodologies and should be incorporated into the selection of progenies. The following indices resulted in higher gains in the characteristics of greatest economic importance: the classical selection index/values attributed by trial, via REML/BLUP, and the greatest genotypic values/expanded popcorn volume per hectare, via REML. The expanded popcorn volume per hectare characteristic enabled satisfactory gains in grain yield and popping expansion; this characteristic should be considered super-trait in popcorn breeding programs.

Removal of the veterinary antimicrobial sulfamethazine in a horizontal-flow anaerobic immobilized biomass (HAIB) reactor subjected to step changes in the applied organic loading rate.

A bench-scale horizontal-flow anaerobic immobilized biomass (HAIB) reactor treating synthetic swine wastewater was operated under different applied organic loading rates (OLR) through both variations in feed strength and in hydraulic retention time (HRT). The influence of step changes in OLR on the removal of the veterinary antimicrobial sulfamethazine (SMZ) was assessed. The highest observed SMZ removal efficiency, 75 ± 6%, was achieved with an OLR of 2.7 ± 0.4 kg O2 m-3 d-1 when a significant increase in COD removal rate was observed. The SMZ removal rate was positively correlated (r = 0.899) to the COD removal rate in all of the experimental conditions in which the HRT was kept at 24 h, indicating a cometabolic transformation of the antimicrobial. Decreasing the HRT caused a significant decrease in SMZ removal efficiency without affecting the HAIB reactor performance in terms of stability, COD removal or metabolic intermediates production. Functionally equivalent steady states were observed in four different operational phases with similar operating conditions but with widely different behavior in relation to SMZ removal. The experimental results showed the potential of anaerobic technology in removing environmentally relevant concentrations of SMZ, and the possibility of enhancing reactor performance by controlling operating conditions.

Evaluation of sulfamethazine sorption and biodegradation by anaerobic granular sludge using batch experiments.

This study investigated the removal of the veterinary antimicrobial sulfamethazine (SMZ) using anaerobic granular sludge in batch tests. Adsorption and biodegradation were the main mechanisms involved, with adsorption being properly described by a pseudo-second-order model and a linear adsorption isotherm. The adsorption rate constant ranged from 0.00051 to 0.00587 L µg(-1) h(-1), whereas the SMZ partition coefficient was determined to be 0.0717 L g TVS(-1). Biodegradation depended on the presence of readily available organic matter, indicating the occurrence of cometabolism. The addition of exogenous COD to a 144-h batch run at the concentration level of 100 µg L(-1) increased the efficiency of SMZ removal from 57 to 84%. A two-compartment model was developed and fitted to the experimental results, which established the aqueous phase as the main bioavailable compartment. The results suggested that SMZ conversion in anaerobic reactors benefits from high influent dilution and an exogenous supply of organic matter.

The association between the HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism and type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a multifactorial disease that has a strong genetic component. The HLA-G is a nonclassical HLA class I locus that is associated with immunomodulatory functions, including downregulation of innate and adaptive immune responses and induction of immune tolerance. However, there is currently limited information about the involvement of HLA-G in T1D susceptibility. This case-control study aims to investigate the T1D susceptibility association of alleles and genotypes of a widely investigated 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in the HLA-G and to provide further evidence of the frequency distribution of class II HLA-DR-DQ-risk genotypes in T1D children and adolescents in the Brazilian population. The deletion allele and the homozygous deletion genotype are associated with susceptibility to T1D and the insertion allele and the heterozygous deletion/insertion genotype are associated with protection from T1D. We also confirm that genetic susceptibility to T1D is associated with the DRB1*03:01-DQA1*05:01-DQB1*02:01 and DRB1*04-DQA1*03:01-DQB1*03:02 haplotypes in Brazilian northeast region. The DR3-DQ2/DR4-DQ8 genotype conferred the highest detected risk for T1D. Our results identify a novel association of the 14-bp deletion allele and the homozygous deletion genotype with T1D development and provide additional evidence of the importance of HLA class II heterozygous DR3-DQ2/DR4-DQ8 genotype in T1D susceptibility.

Genetic and non-genetic factors that increase the risk of non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate development.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the relationship between non-syndromic cleft lip/palate (NSCLP) and polymorphisms in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), methionine synthase (MTR), methionine synthase reductase (MTRR), and RFC1, as well as the corresponding interactions with environmental factors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty NSCLP patients and their mothers, as well as 175 control individuals and their mothers, were recruited. Information regarding smoking and alcohol consumption was recorded. Blood samples were obtained in order to measure serum folate and cobalamin, as well as, plasma total homocysteine concentrations and to extract DNA. Polymorphisms in MTHFR(677C>T and 1298A>C), MTR(2756A>G), MTR(66A>G), and RFC1(80A>G) were analyzed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: Among the patients, 59.5% had cleft lip and palate, 22.0% had cleft palate, and 18.5% had cleft lip only. Maternal alcohol consumption and reduced folic acid concentrations in both children and mothers (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively) were risk factors for NSCLP. Patients and their mothers carrying the MTHFR 667T allele showed lower serum folate than CC (P = 0.011 and P = 0.030, respectively). Mothers who carried the MTHFR 1298C allele exhibited increased risk of having a child with NSCLP, after adjusting for alcohol consumption (OR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.03-2.99, P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Reduced folic acid levels, alcohol consumption, and the MTHFR 677T and 1298C alleles may have contributed to NSCLP development in this sample population from Rio Grande do Norte.

MSX1 gene polymorphisms in non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of 6 polymorphic variants of the MSX1 gene in non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P). METHODS: Three hundred and fifty-eight individuals (158 NSCL/P cases and 200 controls) were genotyped by TaqMan allelic discrimination using predesigned SNP assays. Statistical analyses were conducted using the software spss 15.0 and the r statistical suite. Haplotype block structure and haplotype frequencies were determined using the Haploview. A P-value of 0.05 and confidence interval of 95% were used for all of statistical tests. RESULTS: The patients with non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate were characterized by similar distribution of MSX1 genotypes and allele in comparison to subjects without oral clefts (P > 0.05). Two haplotype blocks were constructed with polymorphisms of MSX1 gene and haplotypes formed showed a similar frequency in patients with and without oral clefts. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides no evidence that MSX1 polymorphisms (rs3775261, rs1042484, rs12532, rs6446693, rs4464513 and rs1907998) play a major role in NSCL/P.

An exploratory survey of diagnostic methods for bone quality assessment used by Brazilian dental implant specialists.

Bone quality (BQ) has been described as an important predictor for the outcome of dental implant treatment. It is, however, unclear how this factor is assessed in the dental practice routine. The aim of this study was to investigate what Brazilian dental implant specialists know and understand about BQ, if they include BQ assessments in their treatment planning and which methods they use to assess BQ. A questionnaire was posted to Brazilian dental implant specialists, containing open and closed questions about their knowledge and understanding of BQ assessment, and 221 answered the questionnaire. Data were gathered and methods for BQ assessment were grouped using hierarchical cluster analysis. Answers about BQ knowledge and understanding were categorized into quantity of cortical and marrow bone (n = 72), density (n = 55), type of bone (n = 35), bone height (n = 30), bone thickness (n = 27), primary stability (n = 24) and other less common categories. BQ assessment was judged relevant to be considered a selection criterion for implant treatment. Overall frequency analysis showed that methods were roughly divided into usual (n > 170) and unusual methods (n < 9). Cluster analysis grouped BQ assessment methods into four clusters: unusual methods (DEXA, resonance frequency, Periotest and occlusal radiography), perioperative methods (peak insertion torque and tactile perception), sectional imaging (computed tomography) and plain films (periapical and panoramic radiographs). No consensus on BQ understanding or the clinical application of methods to assess BQ was found in this survey. The selection of methods shows a clear natural grouping from basic to advanced strategies for BQ assessment by Brazilian specialists in dental implants.

Evaluation of isopathic treatment of Salmonella enteritidis in poultry.

BACKGROUND: Salmonellosis is a common problem worldwide in commercially reared poultry. It is associated with human Salmonellosis. No fully satisfactory method of control is available. METHOD: Nosodes to an antibiotic-resistant strain of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis in D30 (30X) potency were prepared. One day old chicks (N = 180) were divided into four groups: two control and two different preparations of the nosode. Treatments were administered in drinking water for 10 days. The birds were challenged by a broth culture of the same Salmonella, by mouth, on day 17. Cloacal swabs were taken twice weekly for Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis. RESULTS: Birds receiving active treatment were less likely to grow the strain of Salmonella from cloacal swabs compared to control. CONCLUSION: Isopathy is low cost and non-toxic. It may have a role to play in the widespread problem of Salmonella in poultry. Further research should be conducted.

Water vapour partial pressure control in neonatal incubator using prevision by multiple models.

One of the phenomena that affect the water loss in newborn infants is the humidity. The evaporation is determined by the vapour partial pressure. As well as temperature control, the reduction of the vapour partial pressure oscillations has an important role in the establishment of thermal comfort for newborn infants in incubators. This work presents an algorithm based on multiple models to water vapour partial pressure control. The tests have been made in an acrylic prototype simulating a commercial incubator. The results shows that the implemented control algorithm presents oscillations minor to +/-0.08 kPa.

Paradoxical cerebrovascular embolism associated with pulmonary arteriovenous fistula: contrast transoesophageal echocardiographic diagnosis.

We report two cases of paradoxical cerebrovascular embolism associated with intrapulmonary arteriovenous fistulas. In both cases the diagnosis was made by the use of contrast transoesophageal echocardiography, which not only detected the fistulas but also localized the arteriovenous fistula to specific pulmonary vascular beds.

Experimental Salmonella enterica serovar Pullorum infection in two commercial varieties of laying hens.

An experiment was carried out to investigate the biology of Salmonella Pullorum in two varieties of laying hens, from 5 days of age up to 9 months. One variety was resistant to systemic salmonellosis (light layers producing white eggs) and the other was considered susceptible (brown layers producing brown eggs). The brown birds were more affected by the infection, showing signs of clinical disease in the first month of life. Later, these signs disappeared, but postmortem examination revealed persistent gross pathological changes in the liver, spleen, heart and ovary. The rapid agglutination test detected reactors throughout the experiment, with the strongest agglutination from 1 to 7 months post-infection. S . Pullorum was isolated from some of the organs and the eggs laid throughout the experiment. The relationship between white birds and S . Pullorum was less intense, and there were no noticeable signs of disease. There were few gross pathological changes, and the bacteria were isolated infrequently and only for a brief period after infection, although contaminated eggs were laid by these birds. The strongest serological response in the white chickens occurred between the second and the fifth month post-infection.

Contrast transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis and localization of diffuse pulmonary telangiectasias.

Pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas are rare, usually related to the Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome, and are detected by chest CT scan or pulmonary angiography. In a 14-year-old boy without Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome, but with clinical evidence of a right-to-left shunt, ancillary diagnostic studies were negative for pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas, and the final diagnosis was made by contrast transesophageal echocardiography. Saline echo-contrast medium injected peripherally was seen emerging from each pulmonary vein and filling the left chambers. These findings, in light of other negative test results, established the diagnosis of diffuse telangiectasias at the capillary level in both lungs. After 6 years of medical therapy, the patient remains cyanotic but functions well.

Acute 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid intoxication in broiler chicks.

The acute toxicity of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), a herbicide, was studied in chicks dosed with 100, 300, 500, or 600 mg 2,4-D/kg BW, by the oral route. Clinical, laboratory, and histopathological methods were used as indicators of toxicity. After acute exposure, the herbicide decreased motor activity and induced muscular weakness and motor incoordination; decreased weight gain; increased serum creatine kinase (CK) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activities and serum uric acid (UA), creatinine (CR), and total proteins (TP) levels; and did not change serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities. These changes were time- and dose-dependent and reversible. The LD50 (lethal dose 50%) calculated for oral 2,4-D in chicks was 420 mg/kg BW (385 to 483). Chromatographic analysis of the serum of the intoxicated chicks showed the presence of the herbicide; the amount found was dose- and time-dependent, increasing from 2 to 8 h after exposure and decreasing afterwards. Histopathological post-mortem studies conducted on intoxicated chicks showed hepatic (vacuolar degeneration of the hepatocytes), renal (tubular nephrosis), and intestinal (hemorrhagic) lesions. Taken together, the observed alterations mainly reflected kidney and muscle tissue damage, although hepatic toxicity may also have occurred after acute 2,4-D intoxication.

Acute, subchronic and chronic 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) intoxication in rats.

The acute, subchronic and chronic toxicities of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) were studied ir rats. Animals were exposed acutely (600 mg/kg), subchronically (200 ppm for 30 d) and chronically (200 ppm for 180 d) to 2,4-D by the oral route. Clinical, laboratory and histopathological methods were used as indicators of toxicity. After acute exposure, the herbicide decreased locomotor activity and induced ataxia, sedation, muscular weakness (mainly of the hind quarters) and gasping for breath; increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (AP), amylase activities and creatinine levels; decreased total protein (TP) and glucose levels; and increased hematocrit values. Subchronic and chronic 2,4-D exposures did not induce overt clinical signs or symptoms of intoxication. However, subchronic herbicide exposure increased AST activity and albumin and hematocrit values, and chronic exposure increased AST, AP and LDH activities, decreased amylase and glucose levels, but did not change hematocrit values. Chromatographic analysis of the serum of chronically exposed rats showed the presence of the herbicide; the amount found (3.76 +/- 1.16 micrograms/ml) suggested the absence of 2,4-D accumulation within the body. Although macroscopic or histopathological lesions were not observed in acutely, subchronically or chronically 2,4-D exposed rats, the laboratory data obtained suggest tissue injuries after dosing, since the results are considered early indicators of primarily hepatic and muscle tissue damage.

Toxicology of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and its determination in serum and brain tissue using gas chromatography-electron-capture detection.

A gas-liquid chromatographic method with an electron-capture detector was applied for 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) determination in the serum and brain tissue of rats acutely intoxicated with the dimethylamine salt of 2,4-D. After extraction with ethyl ether, 2,4-D derivatization was performed using 2-chloroethanol and BCI3. The average recovery values found for serum and brain tissue were 98.5 +/- 4.8 and 93.3 +/- 7.5, respectively. The sensitivity limit of the method was 250 ng/mL for serum and 300 ng/g for brain tissue. The toxic effects of 2,4-D in rats were observed within one-half hour after its oral administration. Results suggest that the toxic mechanism of 2,4-D is related to an action on the central nervous system.

Acute 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid intoxication in cattle.

The acute toxicity of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was studied in cattle. Steers were orally treated with 100, 300 or 600 mg 2,4-D/kg. Behavioral alterations, heart and respiratory functions, rectal temperature and ruminal movements were observed at 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after treatment. At these moments, blood and urine samples were collected and serum 2,4-D levels were determined. Results show that animals' vital function and hematocrit were not modified by the herbicide. Other signs were doses and time-dependent and included motor alterations (weakness, lethargy, decreased general activity) and decreased ruminal movements and proteinuria. The herbicide was rapidly excreted and the intoxication signs were completely reserved. 2,4-D is an herbicide of small toxicological consequences for cattle kept under in natural grazing systems.

Daily variation in plasma concentration of fencamfamine and striatal dopamine receptors in rats.

Fencamfamine (FCF) is a psychostimulant drug classified as an indirect dopamine agonist. In the present study we evaluated the daily variation in plasma FCF concentration and in striatal dopamine receptors. Adult male Wistar rats (250-300 g) maintained on a 12-h light/12-h dark cycle (lights on at 07:00 h) were used. Rats received FCF (10.0 mg/kg, ip) at 09:00, 15:00, 21:00 or 03:00 h and blood samples were collected 30 (N = 6) or 60 (N = 6) min after the injections. Plasma FCF was measured by gas chromatography using an electron capture detector. Two-way ANOVA showed significant differences in FCF concentration when blood samples were collected 30 min after the injection, and the highest value was obtained following injection at 21:00 h. Moreover, at 15:00, 21:00 and 03:00 h, plasma FCF levels were significantly lower 60 min after injection when compared to the 30-min interval. Two other groups of rats (N = 6) were decapitated at 09:00 or 21:00 h and the striata were dissected for the binding assays. The Bmax for [3H]-spiroperidol binding to striatal membranes was higher at 21:00 h, without changes in affinity constant (Kd). In conclusion, plasma FCF levels and dopamine receptors undergo daily variation, a phenomenon that should be considered to explain the circadian time-dependent effects of FCF.

Daily variation in plasma concentration of fencamfamine and striatal dopamine receptors in rats

Fencamfamine (FCF) is a psychostimulant drug classified as an indirect dopamine agonist. In the present study we evaluated the daily variation in plasma FCF concentration and in striatal dopamine receptors. Adult male Wistar rats (250-300 g) maintained on a 12-h light/12-h dark cycle (lights on at 07:00 h) were used. Rats received FCF (10.0 mg/kg, ip) at 09:00, 15:00, 21:00 or 03:00 h and blood samples were collected 30 (N = 6) or 60 (N = 6) min after the injections. Plasma FCF was measured by gas chromatography using an electron capture detector. Two-way ANOVA showed significant differences in FCF concentration when blood samples were collected 30 min after the injection, and the highest value was obtained following injection at 21:00 h. Moreover, at 15:00, 21:00 and 03:00 h, plasma FCF levels were significantly lower 60 min after injection when compared to the 30-min interval. Two other groups of rats (N = 6) were decapitated at 09:00 or 21:00 h and the striata were dissected for the binding assays. The Bmax for [3H]-spiroperidol binding to striatal membranes was higher at 21:00 h, without changes in affinity constant (Kd). In conclusion, plasma FCF levels and dopamine receptors undergo daily variation, a phenomenon that should be considered to explain the circadian time-dependent effects of FCF