Preparation and Application of Nb2O5 Nanofibers in CO2 Photoconversion.

Increasing global warming due to NOx, CO2, and CH4, is significantly harming ecosystems and life worldwide. One promising methodology is converting pollutants into valuable chemicals via photocatalytic processes (by reusable photocatalysts). In this context, the present work aimed to produce a Nb2O5 photocatalyst nanofiber system by electrospinning to convert CO2. Based on the collected data, the calcination at 600 ∘C for 2 h resulted in the best condition to obtain nanofibers with homogeneous surfaces and an average diameter of 84 nm. As a result, the Nb2O5 nanofibers converted CO2 mostly into CO and CH4, reaching values around 8.5 µmol g-1 and 0.55 µmol g-1, respectively.

Analysis of radiographic images and germination of Campomanesia pubescens (Mart. ex DC.) O.Berg (Myrtaceae Juss.) seeds under drying / Análise de imagens radiográficas e germinação de sementes de Campomanesia pubescens (Mart. ex DC.) O.Berg (Myrtaceae Juss.) sob secagem

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the internal morphology of seeds of Campomanesia pubescens (Mart. ex DC.) O. Berg with varying water content through X-ray image analysis, and correlate the images with the germination of these seeds. Fruits were collected in Jataí, Goiás, Brazil, and taken to the Seed Laboratory of the Federal Institute Goiano, Rio Verde Campus, where they were processed and the seeds were extracted. To establish the predetermined water content (43%, 37%, 34%, 31%, and 28% wet basis), seeds with an initial water content of 43% were kept in an oven with forced air circulation at a temperature of 40 °C until they reached the predetermined water content levels. Next, the seeds were placed in acrylic holders with double-sided tape and transported to the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), where they were exposed to different intensities of radiation. The X-ray test was conducted with 200 seeds per treatment, and images of the internal structures of the seeds were evaluated. The seeds were returned to the Seed Laboratory of the Federal Institute Goiano, Rio Verde Campus, where the germination test was initiated. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a factorial design (5 × 4), in which there were five water content levels and four seed classes, with four replications. The X-ray test was efficient in the identification of filled, malformed, damaged and empty seeds, which germination rate above 50% in the filled seeds. This visualization of the internal morphology of the seed can be useful to select seeds of better quality, improving the percentage of germination of C. pubescens seeds.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a morfologia interna de sementes de Campomanesia pubescens (Mart. ex DC.) O.Berg com diferentes teores de água por meio de análise de imagens de raios-X, e correlacionar as imagens com a germinação dessas sementes. Os frutos foram coletados no município de Jataí, Goiás, Brasil, e levados ao Laboratório de Sementes do Instituto Federal Goiano, Campus Rio Verde, onde foram processados ​​e as sementes foram extraídas. Para estabelecer o teor de água predeterminado (43%, 37%, 34%, 31% e 28% base úmida), as sementes com um teor inicial de água de 43% foram mantidas em estufa com circulação de ar induzida, a uma temperatura de 40 °C até atingirem os níveis de conteúdo de água predeterminados. Em seguida, as sementes foram colocadas em suportes acrílicos com fita dupla face e transportadas para a Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA), onde foram expostas a diferentes intensidades de radiação. O teste de raios-X foi realizado com 200 sementes por tratamento, e imagens das estruturas internas das sementes foram avaliadas. As sementes foram devolvidas ao Laboratório de Sementes do Instituto Federal Goiano, Campus Rio Verde, onde foi iniciado o teste de germinação. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial (5 × 4), no qual foram encontrados cinco níveis de umidade e quatro classes de sementes, com quatro repetições. O teste de raios-X foi eficiente na identificação de sementes preenchidas, malformadas, danificadas e vazias, com taxas de germinação acima dos 50% nas sementes cheias. Essa visualização das morfologia interna da semente pode ser útil para selecionar sementes de melhor qualidade, melhorando a porcentagem de germinação das sementes de C. pubescens.

Community-based interventions for detection and management of diabetes and hypertension in underserved communities: a mixed-methods evaluation in Brazil, India, South Africa and the USA.

INTRODUCTION: As non-communicable disease (NCD) burden rises worldwide, community-based programmes are a promising strategy to bridge gaps in NCD care. The HealthRise programme sought to improve hypertension and diabetes management for underserved communities in nine sites across Brazil, India, South Africa and the USA between 2016 and 2018. This study presents findings from the programme's endline evaluation. METHODS: The evaluation utilises a mixed-methods quasi-experimental design. Process indicators assess programme implementation; quantitative data examine patients' biometric measures and qualitative data characterise programme successes and challenges. Programme impact was assessed using the percentage of patients meeting blood pressure and A1c treatment targets and tracking changes in these measures over time. RESULTS: Almost 60 000 screenings, most of them in India, resulted in 1464 new hypertension and 295 new diabetes cases across sites. In Brazil, patients exhibited statistically significant reductions in blood pressure and A1c. In Shimla, India, and in South Africa, country with the shortest implementation period, there were no differences between patients served by facilities in HealthRise areas relative to comparison areas. Among participating patients with diabetes in Hennepin and Ramsey counties and hypertension patients in Hennepin County, the percentage of HealthRise patients meeting treatment targets at endline was significantly higher relative to comparison group patients. Qualitative analysis identified linking different providers, services, communities and information systems as positive HealthRise attributes. Gaps in health system capacities and sociodemographic factors, including poverty, low levels of health education and limited access to nutritious food, are remaining challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from Brazil and the USA indicate that the HealthRise model has the potential to improve patient outcomes. Short implementation periods and strong emphasis on screening may have contributed to the lack of detectable differences in other sites. Community-based care cannot deliver its full potential if sociodemographic and health system barriers are not addressed in tandem.

Antidiabetic activity of Musa x paradisiaca extracts in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and chemical characterization by HPLC-DAD-MS.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Musa x paradisiaca L. inflorescence, known as banana blossom or banana heart, is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to investigate the antidiabetic activity of aqueous extracts and fractions prepared from the bracts and flowers of Musa x paradisiaca in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and to chemically characterize the extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standard aqueous extracts of the flowers, bracts, and their fractions were prepared and their chemical composition was determined tentatively by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode-array detection and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS). Changes in fasting glycemia and oral glucose tolerance were evaluated in STZ-induced diabetic rats (n = 8) treated with aqueous extracts of Musa x paradisiaca (200 mg/kg) for 20 days. RESULTS: Chemical analyses detected 21 compounds and 17 metabolites were identified, among which were glycosylated and acetylated phenylpropanoids of p-coumaric acid and caffeic acid, as well as a glycosylated flavonol and anthocyanins. Following 15 days of treatment, the bract aqueous extracts and the methanolic fraction of the flower had significant effects on the glycemic profile after glucose load in diabetic rats as compared with the untreated diabetic group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study show the antidiabetic potential of extracts of the flowers and bracts of M. x paradisiaca.

Analysis of radiographic images and germination of Campomanesia pubescens (Mart. ex DC.) O.Berg (Myrtaceae Juss.) seeds under drying.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the internal morphology of seeds of Campomanesia pubescens (Mart. ex DC.) O. Berg with varying water content through X-ray image analysis, and correlate the images with the germination of these seeds. Fruits were collected in Jataí, Goiás, Brazil, and taken to the Seed Laboratory of the Federal Institute Goiano, Rio Verde Campus, where they were processed and the seeds were extracted. To establish the predetermined water content (43%, 37%, 34%, 31%, and 28% wet basis), seeds with an initial water content of 43% were kept in an oven with forced air circulation at a temperature of 40 °C until they reached the predetermined water content levels. Next, the seeds were placed in acrylic holders with double-sided tape and transported to the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), where they were exposed to different intensities of radiation. The X-ray test was conducted with 200 seeds per treatment, and images of the internal structures of the seeds were evaluated. The seeds were returned to the Seed Laboratory of the Federal Institute Goiano, Rio Verde Campus, where the germination test was initiated. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a factorial design (5 × 4), in which there were five water content levels and four seed classes, with four replications. The X-ray test was efficient in the identification of filled, malformed, damaged and empty seeds, which germination rate above 50% in the filled seeds. This visualization of the internal morphology of the seed can be useful to select seeds of better quality, improving the percentage of germination of C. pubescens seeds.

Myelography in calves: a comparative study between the contrast agents iopamidol and iohexol / Mielografia em bezerros: estudo comparativo entre os meios de contrastes iopamidol e ioexol

Due to the scarcity of myelogenous studies in cattle, the present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and distribution of iopamidol and iohexol contrast agents in calves, in order to determine guidelines for obtaining diagnostic radiographs of spinal cord disorders in these animals. Ten healthy Holstein calves, seven days to two months of age, were divided into two groups, according to the contrast medium applied. Myelographic studies of the spine were performed with the calves in lateral recumbency, with radiographs repeated 20 times during a two-hour period. On the radiographs, the contrast medium was analyzed for opacity, detail of the image, distension of the medullary canal, and progression of the contrast line. After seven days, the myelographic studies were repeated, with the contrast media exchanged between the groups. There were no significant differences in the quality of the images and speed of the spinal column filling between the two contrast media. Furthermore, the best quality radiographic images were obtained six to eight minutes after injection of the contrast in the cervical spinal segment, 80 minutes in the thoracic, and 20 minutes in the lumbar, sacral, and cauda equina segments.(AU)

Devido à escassez de estudos mielográficos em bovinos e relatos de complicações no procedimento, o presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a eficácia e a distribuição dos meios de contraste iopamidol e ioexol em bezerros, a fim de nortear a melhor conduta para o diagnóstico de afecções vertebrais e medulares nesses animais. Foram utilizados 10 bezerros Holandeses, hígidos, com idade entre sete dias e dois meses, distribuídos em dois grupos, conforme o meio de contraste aplicado. O estudo mielográfico da coluna vertebral foi realizado na posição laterolateral, repetido em 20 momentos, durante o período de duas horas. Nas radiografias, analisou-se o meio de contraste quanto à opacidade, detalhes da imagem, distensão do canal medular e progressão da linha de contraste. Após sete dias, foi realizado o segundo período experimental, que compreendeu a troca do meio de contraste dentro de cada grupo. Não houve diferenças significativas em relação à qualidade da imagem e à velocidade do preenchimento da coluna medular entre os dois meios de contraste. A partir da administração dos meios de contraste, a obtenção de imagens radiográficas de melhor qualidade deu-se após seis a oito minutos no segmento medular cervical, 80 minutos no torácico e 20 minutos nos segmentos lombar, sacral e cauda equina.(AU)

A classical model of educational cooperation in Human Anatomy: the Table Leaders.

This project has been developed for many years in the Human Anatomy courses.Its good outcomes have been confirmed by years of evidence of excellent resultsobtained through the learning of Human Anatomy. This method of teaching andlearning as one allows students who are taking Human Anatomy classes to receivepractical training in small groups and transmit it to their colleagues in the practicaltraining established in the Medical degree. Table Leaders feel rewarded as theylearn to speak in public, regularly transmitting the knowledge obtained, and byhaving to be up to date with their studies. These are all aspects that help, not onlythe Table Leaders process of learning, but also that of their colleagues, who seeclosely and carefully anatomical details that help them understand the subject.This method of supporting practical training is always under the supervision ofthe teacher who develops the practical classes. These Leaders used to pass thetest without additional problems. Thus the note was significantly increased versusthe class colleagues.

Surgical sponge associated with platelets rich plasma in skin mesh grafts and layer in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) / Esponja cirúrgica associada com plasma rico em plaquetas em enxertos cutâneos em malha e camada em coelhos (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The aim of this study was to evaluate of the efficacy of PRP employment associated with surgical sponges to improve the integration of the graft in the recipient bed. It was held at the Veterinary Hospital UNESP, Campus of Jaboticabal - SP, a study of 64 rabbits, divided into eight groups with eight animals. The groups were divided in control with saline solution 0,9%, control with PRP both without the sponge, surgical sponge with PRP, surgical sponge without PRP, and were used mesh and layer grafts in the respective groups. The data were submitted to statistical analysis (paired t-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, with subsequent use of the multiple comparison tests of Dunn, analysis of variance (F) test, Tukey test, P< 0.05). Edema and exudate with 3 and 3 and 7 days (P= 0,03 e P= 0,0049); coloring on the 14th day (P= 0,0001); cosmetic appearance on the 7th and 14th day (P= 0,0026 and P= 0,0001); mononuclear cells (P= 0,01) and polymorphonuclear (P= 0,01); fibroblast proliferation (P= 0,01); collagenous (P= 0,05); hemorrhage (P-007); necrosis and re-epithelialization (P= 0,2928 and P= 0,1). We concluded that the use of Platelet Rich Plasma Gel on skin grafts associated with a sponge as a compressive dressing promote the skin graft survival without a previous granulation tissue.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia do PRP associado com esponjas cirúrgicas na integração do enxerto ao leito receptor. Realizou-se, no Hospital Veterinário da Unesp, Jaboticabal, SP, um estudo com 64 coelhos, separados em oito grupos, com oito animais. Os grupos foram: Gprpc (PRP, sem esponja cirúrgica, enxerto camada), Gprpce (PRP, esponja cirúrgica, enxerto camada), Gcc (solução fisiológica 0,9%, sem esponja cirúrgica, enxerto camada), Gcce (solução fisiológica 0,9%, esponjas cirúrgicas, enxerto camada), Gprpm (PRP, sem esponja cirúrgica, enxerto malha), Gprpme (PRP, esponja cirúrgica, enxerto malha), Gcm (solução fisiológica 0,9%, sem esponja cirúrgica, enxerto malha) e Gcce (solução fisiológica 0,9%, esponjas cirúrgicas, malha). Os dados foram analisados pelo teste t emparelhado, Kruskal-Wallis, análise de variância, e teste de Tukey (P<0,05). Edema e exsudato presente com três e sete dias (P=0,03 e P=0,0049); coloração cianótica no 14º dia (P=0,0001); aspecto cosmético bom no sétimo e no 14º dia (P=0,00026 e P=0,0001); presença de células mononucleares (P=0,01) e polimorfonucleares (P=0,01); proliferação de fibroblastos discreta (P=0,01); colagenização intensa (P=0,05); hemorragia discreta (P=0,007); ausência de diferença significativa em necrose e reepitelização (P=0,2928 e P=0,1). Conclui-se que o emprego do PRP gel em enxertos cutâneos associando esponjas cirúrgicas como curativo compressivo favorece sua integração ao leito receptor sem a presença prévia de tecido de granulação.(AU)

Alterações hemogasométricas em equinos submetidos à distensão do cólon menor / Blood gas alterations in horses subjected to small colon distention

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a hemogasometria venosa de equinos com lesões isquêmicas induzidas experimentalmente no cólon menor. Foram utilizados oito equinos sadios, com idades entre cinco e oito anos, sem raça definida. Os animais foram submetidos à celiotomia e a quatro horas de obstrução intraluminal do cólon menor. Foram realizadas coletas de amostras de sangue imediatamente antes da indução anestésica (T0), no momento em que a anestesia foi estabilizada (T1), quatro horas após a obstrução intraluminal (T4), e, durante o pós-cirúrgico, as coletas foram realizadas em intervalos de 12 horas até completar 72 horas (T16, T28, T40, T52, T64 e T76). Notou-se em T4 alcalose metabólica, com compensação respiratória por meio da hipoventilação. Esse quadro de alcalose foi brando e transitório, retornando os valores normais para a espécie em T16, com 12 horas de desobstrução intestinal.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the blood gas analysis of venous blood of horses with experimentally induced ischemic lesions on the lower colon. Eight healthy horses were used, with ages between five and eight years, mixed breed. The animals were subjected to celiotomy and four hours of lower colonic intraluminal obstruction. The harvests were made with the blood samples immediately before induction of anesthesia (T0), when the anesthesia was stabilized (T1), 4 hours after the intraluminal obstruction (T4) and during postsurgical times were performed at intervals of 12 hours to complete 72 hours (T16, T28, T40, T52, T64 and T76). The occurrence of metabolic alkalosis on T4 with respiratory compensation by hypoventilation was noted, this alkalosis period was bland and transient, returning the normal values for the specie on T16, 12 hours after the intestinal obstruction.(AU)

Acid-base balance in sheep with experimentally induced acute ruminal lactic acidosis / Equilíbrio ácido-base em ovinos com acidose láctica ruminal aguda induzida experimentalmente

This study aimed to investigate the changes in the acid-base balance of sheep with experimentally induced acute ruminal lactic acidosis (ARA). Ten ewes orally received 15 grams of sucrose per kilogram of body mass. Arterial blood samples for blood gas analysis were obtained at the following intervals: before the induction of ARA (control), and 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 hours after sucrose administration. Urine samples for pH measurement were obtained at the following times: -15 days, -7 days, and immediately before sucrose administration, then at 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 hours. Thereafter, both blood and urine samples were obtained on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th following weeks. From 4 hours after the induction, elevation of the pH, bicarbonate and base excess on the arterial blood was observed. After 12 hours, the animals showed a decrease of these parameters, as well as urine acidification, which are symptomatic of metabolic acidosis. Within 28 hours, all parameters were normalized except the base excess, which only returned to normal after 72 hours. Despite the occurrence of acidemia, there was no need for medication and no animals died.(AU)

Este trabalho objetivou estudar as alterações referentes ao equilíbrio ácido-base de ovinos com acidose láctica ruminal aguda (ARA) induzida experimentalmente. Dez ovelhas receberam oralmente 15 gramas de sacarose por quilograma de peso corporal. Amostras de sangue arterial para realização da hemogasometria foram obtidas nos seguintes intervalos: antes da indução da ARA (controle), duas, quatro, seis, oito, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144 horas após a administração da sacarose. Amostras de urina para análise do pH urinário foram obtidas nos seguintes momentos: 15 dias, sete dias e imediatamente antes da administração da sacarose, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 e 144 horas. Posteriormente, tanto as amostras de sangue quanto de urina foram obtidas na segunda, terceira e quarta semanas seguintes. A partir de quatro horas da indução, elevação do pH, do bicarbonato e excesso de base no sangue arterial foram observados. Após 12 horas, os animais apresentaram diminuição dos parâmetros acima citados, como também acidificação da urina, que são sintomas de acidose metabólica. Decorridas 28 horas, todos os parâmetros retornaram à normalidade, exceto o EB, que somente retornou à normalidade após 72 horas. Apesar da ocorrência da acidemia, não houve necessidade de tratamento medicamentoso e nenhum animal veio a óbito.(AU)

Association between chronic oral inflammatory burden and physical fitness in males: a cross-sectional observational study.

AIM: To evaluate the association between chronic oral inflammatory burden (OIB) - as the combination of periodontal and endodontic disease load - and physical fitness. METHODOLOGY: One hundred and twelve nonsmoker male police officers who performed a standardized physical fitness test (PFT) were analysed. Participants underwent oral clinical and periapical radiographic examinations. Periodontal disease was assessed by probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (AL). For radiographic analysis, both apical periodontitis (AP) and root canal treatment (RCT) variables were analysed. Endodontic Burden (EB) was calculated merging the total number of teeth with AP and/or RCT per individual. OIB was calculated combining EB and AL. The outcome of physical fitness was dichotomized according to whether the highest PFT score was 'achieved' or 'not-achieved'. Multivariable logistic regression models were adjusted for age, body mass index and frequency of daily exercise. RESULTS: There was no significant association between AP, RCT and EB with physical fitness whereas PD, AL and OIB were significantly associated with low physical fitness (P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that individuals with OIB = EB ≥ 3 and AL ≥ 4 mm had a 81% lower chance of reaching the highest PFT score (OR = 0.19, 95%CI = 0.04-0.87, P = 0.03) compared to individuals with EB < 3 and and no AL ≥ 4 mm. Individuals with unfavourable periodontal parameters but with low EB (OIB = EB < 3 & AL ≥ 4 mm) showed no significant differences on the chance to reach the highest PFT score compared to participants with favourable periodontal status and low EB (OIB = EB < 3 & no AL ≥ 4 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The OIB - higher levels of EB in periodontal patients - was independently associated with poor physical fitness in males.

Pharmacological and neuroethological study of the acute and chronic effects of lamotrigine in the genetic audiogenic seizure hamster (GASH:Sal).

The present study aimed to investigate the behavioral and anticonvulsant effects of lamotrigine (LTG) on the genetic audiogenic seizure hamster (GASH:Sal), an animal model of audiogenic seizure that is in the validation process. To evaluate the efficiency of acute and chronic treatments with LTG, GASH:Sals were treated with LTG either acutely via intraperitoneal injection (5-20mg/kg) or chronically via oral administration (20-25mg/kg/day). Their behavior was assessed via neuroethological analysis, and the anticonvulsant effect of LTG was evaluated based on the appearance and the severity of seizures. The results showed that acute administration of LTG exerts an anticonvulsant effect at the lowest dose tested (5mg/kg) and that chronic oral LTG treatment exerts an anticonvulsant effect at a dose of 20-25mg/kg/day. Furthermore, LTG treatment induced a low rate of secondary adverse effects. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Genetic and Reflex Epilepsies, Audiogenic Seizures and Strains: From Experimental Models to the Clinic".

Analysis of radiographic images and germination of Campomanesia pubescens (Mart. ex DC.) O.Berg (Myrtaceae Juss.) seeds under drying

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the internal morphology of seeds of Campomanesia pubescens (Mart. ex DC.) O. Berg with varying water content through X-ray image analysis, and correlate the images with the germination of these seeds. Fruits were collected in Jataí, Goiás, Brazil, and taken to the Seed Laboratory of the Federal Institute Goiano, Rio Verde Campus, where they were processed and the seeds were extracted. To establish the predetermined water content (43%, 37%, 34%, 31%, and 28% wet basis), seeds with an initial water content of 43% were kept in an oven with forced air circulation at a temperature of 40 °C until they reached the predetermined water content levels. Next, the seeds were placed in acrylic holders with double-sided tape and transported to the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), where they were exposed to different intensities of radiation. The X-ray test was conducted with 200 seeds per treatment, and images of the internal structures of the seeds were evaluated. The seeds were returned to the Seed Laboratory of the Federal Institute Goiano, Rio Verde Campus, where the germination test was initiated. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a factorial design (5 × 4), in which there were five water content levels and four seed classes, with four replications. The X-ray test was efficient in the identification of filled, malformed, damaged and empty seeds, which germination rate above 50% in the filled seeds. This visualization of the internal morphology of the seed can be useful to select seeds of better quality, improving the percentage of germination of C. pubescens seeds.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a morfologia interna de sementes de Campomanesia pubescens (Mart. ex DC.) O.Berg com diferentes teores de água por meio de análise de imagens de raios-X, e correlacionar as imagens com a germinação dessas sementes. Os frutos foram coletados no município de Jataí, Goiás, Brasil, e levados ao Laboratório de Sementes do Instituto Federal Goiano, Campus Rio Verde, onde foram processados e as sementes foram extraídas. Para estabelecer o teor de água predeterminado (43%, 37%, 34%, 31% e 28% base úmida), as sementes com um teor inicial de água de 43% foram mantidas em estufa com circulação de ar induzida, a uma temperatura de 40 °C até atingirem os níveis de conteúdo de água predeterminados. Em seguida, as sementes foram colocadas em suportes acrílicos com fita dupla face e transportadas para a Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA), onde foram expostas a diferentes intensidades de radiação. O teste de raios-X foi realizado com 200 sementes por tratamento, e imagens das estruturas internas das sementes foram avaliadas. As sementes foram devolvidas ao Laboratório de Sementes do Instituto Federal Goiano, Campus Rio Verde, onde foi iniciado o teste de germinação. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial (5 × 4), no qual foram encontrados cinco níveis de umidade e quatro classes de sementes, com quatro repetições. O teste de raios-X foi eficiente na identificação de sementes preenchidas, malformadas, danificadas e vazias, com taxas de germinação acima dos 50% nas sementes cheias. Essa visualização das morfologia interna da semente pode ser útil para selecionar sementes de melhor qualidade, melhorando a porcentagem de germinação das sementes de C. pubescens.

Desempenho, frequência de diarreia, produção de fezes e custos de dietas com teores crescentes de farelo de abacaxi para leitões desmamados / Performance, diarrhea frequency, feces production and costs of diets with increasing levels of pineapple byproducts in weaned piglets

Esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar dietas com teores crescentes de farelo de abacaxi na alimentação de leitões desmamados. Foram utilizados 56 leitões, no intervalo de 21 a 63 dias de idade, que receberam dietas compostas principalmente por milho, farelo de soja e produtos lácteos, com adição de farelo de abacaxi em 0%, 3,4%, 6,8% e 10,2%. Foram avaliados o desempenho zootécnico; a incidência de diarreia; as excreções nas fezes, totais e por unidade de peso vivo ganho, de matérias seca (MS), mineral (MM) e orgânica (MO), nitrogênio (N) e fósforo (P); os custos relativos ao ganho de peso dos animais e os índices de eficiência econômica e de custo. As avaliações foram efetuadas dos 21 aos 35 dias; dos 21 aos 49 dias; e dos 21 aos 63 dias de idade dos leitões. Adotou-se delineamento em blocos ao acaso, de acordo com os pesos dos animais no início do experimento, com quatro tratamentos e sete repetições. Dos 21 aos 49 dias os animais submetidos às dietas com 3,4 e 6,8% de farelo de abacaxi consumiram mais ração (P<0.05) do que os alimentados com a dieta controle, e dos 21 aos 63 dias verificou-se maior ganho de peso (P<0.05) somente dos animais que receberam a dieta com 3,4% de farelo de abacaxi em relação aos leitões controle. Dos 21 aos 63 dias os animais que receberam as dietas com farelo de abacaxi apresentaram excreções de MS, MM, MO e N superiores (P<0.05) às dos animais controle. Contudo, ao se verificarem as excreções destes componentes nas fezes por unidade de peso vivo ganho neste mesmo período, foi constatado que não houve diferença (P>0.05) entre os leitões que receberam as dietas sem farelo de abacaxi e os que consumiram a dieta com 3,4% do produto. Portanto, a inclusão do farelo de abacaxi em dietas para leitões desmamados em 3,4% é viável, por não interferir negativamente nas excreções por unidade de peso vivo ganho e nos índices de custos das dietas e por proporcionar melhor ganho de peso aos leitões em relação àqueles que não consumiram farelo de abacaxi.(AU)

This research aimed to evaluate diets with growing levels of pineapple meal in weaned piglets feeding. Fifty-six piglets, from 21 to 63 days old, were fed diets composed mainly of corn, soybean meal, and dairy products, with the addition of pineapple byproduct in 0%, 3.4%, 6.8% and 10.2%. The parameters evaluated were: growth performance; diarrhea incidence; excretion in feces, total and per unit of weight gain, of dry (DM), mineral (MM) and organic (OM) matters, nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P); diet costs related to weight gain, index of economic efficiency and of costs. The evaluations were performed from 21 to 35 days; from 21 to 49 days; and from 21 to 63 days of age. A complete randomized block design was adopted, according to the animal's weight in the beginning of the trial, with four treatments and seven repetitions. From day 21 to 49 the animals fed diets with 3.4 and 6.8% of pineapple meal consumed more feed (P<0.05) than those fed the control diet, and from day 21 to 63 only the animals that received the diet with 3.4% of pineapple presented a higher weight gain (P<0.05) than control piglets. From day 21 to 63 animals fed diets with pineapple meal presented higher (P<0.05) excretions of DM, MM, OM, and N than the control animals. However, checking the excretions of these components in the feces per unit of live weight gain in the same period, it was found that there was no difference (P>0.05) among the piglets fed diets without pineapple meal and those who consumed the diet with 3.4% of the product. Thus, the inclusion of pineapple meal in weaned piglet's diets at 3.4% is feasible, because it did not interfere negatively on excretions per unit of live weight gain and in diet cost indices, and provided better weight gain to the animals, as compared with pigs who did not consume pineapple meal.(AU)

Neurochemistry study of spinal cord in non-human primate (Sapajus spp.).

The spinal cord is involved in local, ascending and descending neural pathways. Few studies analyzed the distribution of neuromediators in the laminae of non-human primates along all segments. The present study described the classic neuromediators in the spinal cord of the non-human primate Sapajus spp. through histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) method showed neuronal somata in the intermediolateral column (IML), central cervical nucleus (CCN), laminae I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and X, besides dense presence of nerve fibers in laminae II and IX. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was evident in the neuronal somata in laminae V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, CCN, IML and in the Clarke's column (CC). Immunohistochemistry data revealed neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) immunoreactivity  in neuronal somata and in fibers of laminae I, II, III, VII, VIII, X and IML; choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in neuronal somata and in fibers of laminae VII, VIII and IX; calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was noticed in neuronal somata of lamina IX and in nerve fibers of laminae I, II, III, IV, V, VI and VII; substance P (SP) in nerve fibers of laminae I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, CCN, CC and IML; serotonin (5-HT) and vesicular glutamate transporter-1 (VGLUT1) was noticed in nerve fibers of all laminae;  somatostatin (SOM) in neuronal somata of laminae III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and IX and nerve fibers in laminae I, II, V, VI, VII, X and IML; calbindin (Cb) in neuronal somata of laminae I, II, VI, VII, IX and X; parvalbumin (PV) was found in neuronal somata and in nerve fibers of laminae III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX and CC; finally, gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) was present in neuronal somata of laminae V, VI, VII, VIII, IX and X. This study revealed interesting results concerning the chemoarchitecture of the Sapajus spp. spinal cord with a distribution pattern mostly similar to other mammals. The data corroborate the result described in literature, except for some differences in CGRP, SP, Cb, PV and GABA immunoreactivities present in neuronal somata and in nerve fibers. This could suggest certain specificity for the neurochemistry distribution in this non-human primate species, besides adding relevant data to support further studies related to processes involving spinal cord components.

Prevalence of Platynosomum fastosum infection in free roaming cats in northeastern Brazil: Fluke burden and grading of lesions.

The objective of this paper was to investigate prevalence and parasite load of the trematode Platynosomum fastosum infection and the risk of developing cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis among infected domestic cats in a city of northeastern Brazil, and to characterize the influence of fluke burden in the formation of lesions in liver and gallbladder. A total of 141 cats was necropsied and examined for the presence of P. fastosum. The observed prevalence was 42.6% (60/141, 95% CI=34.2-50.9). Parasite load varied from 1 to 219 flukes per animal. Adult cats were more frequently infected than kittens (p<0.01). Risk of cholangitis was about three times higher in infected animals (RR=3.23, 95% CI=2.01-5.07, p<0.01). Centrolobular congestion, portal cholangitis and cholestasis was significantly more common in infected as compared to non-infected cats (p<0.01). Similarly, fibrosis, cholangitis and mucous gland hyperplasia were significantly more prevalent in the bile duct of infected animals (p<0.01). Mild fibrosis and cholecystitis were observed principally in infected cats. Hyperplastic precursor lesions of cholangiocarcinoma were observed, but no solid tumor was diagnosed. These results reveal high prevalence of P. fastosum in free roaming cats in northeastern Brazil, with increased risk of liver disease.

Inhibition of long-term potentiation in the schaffer-CA1 pathway by repetitive high-intensity sound stimulation.

High-intensity sound can induce seizures in susceptible animals. After repeated acoustic stimuli changes in behavioural seizure repertoire and epileptic EEG activity might be seen in recruited limbic and forebrain structures, a phenomenon known as audiogenic kindling. It is postulated that audiogenic kindling can produce synaptic plasticity events leading to the spread of epileptogenic activity to the limbic system. In order to test this hypothesis, we investigated if long-term potentiation (LTP) of hippocampal Schaffer-CA1 synapses and spatial navigation memory are altered by a repeated high-intensity sound stimulation (HISS) protocol, consisting of one-minute 120 dB broadband noise applied twice a day for 10 days, in normal Wistar rats and in audiogenic seizure-prone rats (Wistar Audiogenic Rats - WARs). After HISS all WARs exhibited midbrain seizures and 50% of these animals developed limbic recruitment, while only 26% of Wistar rats presented midbrain seizures and none of them had limbic recruitment. In naïve animals, LTP in hippocampal CA1 neurons was induced by 50- or 100-Hz high-frequency stimulation of Schaffer fibres in slices from both Wistar and WAR animals similarly. Surprisingly, HISS suppressed LTP in CA1 neurons in slices from Wistar rats that did not present any seizure, and inhibited LTP in slices from Wistar rats with only midbrain seizures. However HISS had no effect on LTP in CA1 neurons from slices of WARs. Interestingly HISS did not alter spatial navigation and memory in both strains. These findings show that repeated high-intensity sound stimulation prevent LTP of Schaffer-CA1 synapses from Wistar rats, without affecting spatial memory. This effect was not seen in hippocampi from audiogenic seizure-prone WARs. In WARs the link between auditory stimulation and hippocampal LTP seems to be disrupted which could be relevant for the susceptibility to seizures in this strain.

Sleep disturbances in hepatitis C patients undergoing treatment: minisleep questionnaire as a screening tool.

AIM: Sleep disturbances are frequently reported by patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) during treatment with interferon (IFN) α plus ribavirin. Poor sleep quality is related to the onset of depression and impaired quality of life in patients receiving treatment. The aims of this study were to apply the Mini Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ) as a screening tool to assess the self-reported sleep quality and the prevalence of sleep disorders. METHODS: We conducted a transversal, observational, descriptive study comprising 41 subjects with HCV, divided into two groups, treatment (N.=16) and control (N.=25). A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and clinical data and the MSQ was applied to assess the sleep quality. A Chi-square test was applied to compare sleep quality between groups. RESULTS: Significant differences between groups in the classification of sleep quality were observed (P<0.05). The group of patients under treatment presented higher frequency of sleep disorders (63%) when compared to the control group (12%). Additionally, the apnea domain was the most impacted. CONCLUSION: This study identified a higher prevalence of sleep disorders and self-reported poor sleep quality in HCV patients under treatment. The MSQ may be useful as a screening tool for sleep disorders in HCV patients during the treatment with IFN-α plus ribavirin.

Body condition score of Nellore beef cows: a heritable measure to improve the selection of reproductive and maternal traits.

Despite the economic importance of beef cattle production in Brazil, female reproductive performance, which is strongly associated with production efficiency, is not included in the selection index of most breeding programmes due to low heritability and difficulty in measure. The body condition score (BCS) could be used as an indicator of these traits. However, so far little is known about the feasibility of using BCS as a selection tool for reproductive performance in beef cattle. In this study, we investigated the sources of variation in the BCS of Nellore beef cows, quantified its association with reproductive and maternal traits and estimated its heritability. BCS was analysed using a logistic model that included the following effects: contemporary group at weaning, cow weight and hip height, calving order, reconception together with the weight and scores of conformation and early finishing assigned to calves at weaning. In the genetic analysis, variance components of BCS were estimated through Bayesian inference by fitting an animal model that also included the aforementioned effects. The results showed that BCS was significantly associated with all of the reproductive and maternal variables analysed. The estimated posterior mean of heritability of BCS was 0.24 (highest posterior density interval at 95%: 0.093 to 0.385), indicating an involvement of additive gene action in its determination. The present findings show that BCS can be used as a selection criterion for Nellore females.