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Background: Identifying species, particularly small metazoans, remains a daunting challenge and the phylum Nematoda is no exception. Typically, nematode species are differentiated based on morphometry and the presence or absence of certain characters. However, recent advances in artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning (ML) algorithms, offer promising solutions for automating species identification, mostly in taxonomically complex groups. By training ML models with extensive datasets of accurately identified specimens, the models can learn to recognize patterns in nematodes' morphological and morphometric features. This enables them to make precise identifications of newly encountered individuals. Implementing ML algorithms can improve the speed and accuracy of species identification and allow researchers to efficiently process vast amounts of data. Furthermore, it empowers non-taxonomists to make reliable identifications. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of ML algorithms in identifying species of free-living marine nematodes, focusing on two well-known genera: Acantholaimus Allgén, 1933 and Sabatieria Rouville, 1903. Methods: A total of 40 species of Acantholaimus and 60 species of Sabatieria were considered. The measurements and identifications were obtained from the original publications of species for both genera, this compilation included information regarding the presence or absence of specific characters, as well as morphometric data. To assess the performance of the species identification four ML algorithms were employed: Random Forest (RF), Stochastic Gradient Boosting (SGBoost), Support Vector Machine (SVM) with both linear and radial kernels, and K-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithms. Results: For both genera, the random forest (RF) algorithm demonstrated the highest accuracy in correctly classifying specimens into their respective species, achieving an accuracy rate of 93% for Acantholaimus and 100% for Sabatieria, only a single individual from Acantholaimus of the test data was misclassified. Conclusion: These results highlight the overall effectiveness of ML algorithms in species identification. Moreover, it demonstrates that the identification of marine nematodes can be automated, optimizing biodiversity and ecological studies, as well as turning species identification more accessible, efficient, and scalable. Ultimately it will contribute to our understanding and conservation of biodiversity.

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Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare genetic condition in which exposure to sunlight leads to a high tumor incidence due to defective DNA repair machinery. Herein, we investigated seven patients clinically diagnosed with XP living in a small city, Montanhas (Rio Grande do Norte), in the Northeast region of Brazil. We performed high-throughput sequencing and, surprisingly, identified two different mutated genes. Six patients carry a novel homozygote mutation in the POLH/XPV gene, c.672_673insT (p.Leu225Serfs*33), while one patient carries a homozygote mutation in the XPC gene, c.2251-1G>C. This latter mutation was previously described in Southeastern Africa (Comoro Island and Mozambique), Pakistan, and in a high incidence in Brazil. The XP-C patient had the first symptoms before the first year of life with aggressive ophthalmologic tumor progression and a melanoma onset at 7 years of age. The XP-V patients presented a milder phenotype with later onset of the disorder (mean age of 16 years old), and one of the six XP-V patients developed melanoma at 72 years. The photoprotection is minimal among them, mainly for the XP-V patients. The differences in the disease severity between XP-C (more aggressive) and XP-V (milder) patients are obvious and point to the major role of photoprotection in the XPs. We estimate that the incidence of XP patients at Montanhas can be higher, but with no diagnosis, due to poor health assistance. Patients still suffer from the stigmatization of the condition, impairing diagnosis, education for sun protection, and medical care.

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The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavioural parameters and surface temperatures of broilers fed different vitamin E levels. A total of 240 male, day-old Cobb 500® broiler chicks were raised until the seventh day of life, according to the recommendations for the strain, receiving feed with only 50% of vitamin E requirements. At eight days of age, the birds were weighed and standardised, and the treatments distributed in a completely randomised design with four treatments (50, 100, 150 and 200% of vitamin E requirements) and six replicates of ten birds per experimental unit. The variables evaluated were the behavioural parameters of the birds (eating, drinking, idleness and other activities) and the feed intake within 24 hours as well as the maximum and minimum surface temperatures, and thermal amplitudes at the end of each life cycle (21 and 42 days). Vitamin E levels did not influence behavioural parameters or feed intake over 24 hours at 21 and 42 days of age. There was no interaction between vitamin E levels and maximum and minimum temperatures or thermal amplitudes. However, the maximum and minimum temperatures and thermal amplitudes were influenced by the morning and afternoon periods at 21 and 42 days of age. Dietary vitamin E levels did not influence the behavioural patterns of broilers at 21 and 42 days of age.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar os parâmetros comportamentais e as temperaturas superficiais de frangos de corte alimentados com diferentes níveis de vitamina E. Um total de 240 pintos de corte machos Cobb 500® de um dia foram criados até o sétimo dia de vida, de acordo com a recomendação da linhagem e recebendo ração com apenas 50% das necessidades de vitamina E. Aos oito dias de idade, as aves foram pesadas e padronizadas e os tratamentos distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos (50, 100, 150 e 200% das necessidades de vitamina E) e seis repetições de dez aves por unidade experimental. As variáveis avaliadas foram os parâmetros comportamentais das aves (comer, beber, ociosidade e outras atividades) e o consumo de ração em 24 horas, bem como as temperaturas superficiais máximas, mínimas e amplitudes térmicas ao final de cada ciclo de vida (21 e 42 dias). Os níveis de vitamina E não influenciaram os parâmetros comportamentais e o consumo de ração ao longo de 24 horas aos 21 e 42 dias de idade. Não houve interação entre os níveis de vitamina E para temperaturas máximas e mínimas e amplitudes térmicas. Porém, as temperaturas máximas e mínimas e amplitudes térmicas foram influenciadas pelos períodos da manhã e da tarde aos 21 e 42 dias de idade. Os níveis de vitamina E na dieta não influenciaram os padrões de comportamento de frangos de corte aos 21 e 42 dias de idade.(AU)

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Tecnologia "de vestir" chegou para mudar a forma como as pessoas veem e experimentam o mundo. Google glass é uma dessas tecnologias e foi criada pelo Google Inc. California Mountain View. Este dispositivo tem muitas possibilidades de uso, inclusive na área médica. Dentre estes usos, está a viabilidade de fornecer aos espectadores a visão do cirurgião durante a cirurgia. Cirurgias com pequeno campo operatório, como queiloplastia, devem beneficiar-se com o uso do google glass. Em nossa instituição, gravamos a primeira queiloplastia com google glass com a intenção de dar a nossa impressão dos óculos da Google Inc

Wearable technology has come to change the way people see and experience the world. Google Glass is one of these technologies created by Google Inc., Mountain View, California. This device has many uses, including in the medical field. One of these uses is the possibility of providing viewers with the surgeon's view during surgery. Surgeries with a small operative field, like cleft lip surgery, or cheiloplasty, should benefit from Google Glass. In our institution, we recorded the first cleft lip surgery using Google Glass to give our impression of the Glass.

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The purpose of this framework is to identify the relative importance of selection and dispersion processes in structuring ecological communities. Using a "pattern-oriented modelling" approach, it consists of five steps: (a) aggregate information from the empirical community and its environment, (b) simulate communities under different degrees of dispersal and selection, (c) select the best set of simulations into a composite model using the environmental boundary (EB) and niche breadth (NB) of each observed species, (d) validate the composite model by comparing expected and observed results from three additional community patterns and (e) classify each observed species along the selection/non-selection continuum. A free-living marine nematodes data set from a coastal bay was used as empirical example. A total of 20 parameterizations were applied varying selection and dispersion levels. In the absence of selection, species from high-dispersal parameter sets showed maximum EBs and NBs, whilst selection parameter sets generated species with narrower EB and NB values. EB and NB values declined with decreasing dispersal. The composite model encompassed 96% of the 194 nematode species and predicted all the three patterns evaluated without further calibration, i.e., they are independent: (1) abundance-rank distribution, the assemblage structures along both the (2) spatial and (3) environmental gradients. Non-selection and selection parameter sets accounted for 34% and 85% of the observed species, respectively. The main advantage of this approach is that empirical niche measurements are placed in the context of model-generated expectations, enabling a deeper understanding of community assembly processes and how they vary from species to species.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition, energy values and nutrient metabolizability coefficients of corn grown using different organic fertilizers and its use for feeding slow-growing broilers. Two experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, two hundred 21-day-old broilers were distributed in a completely randomized design, with five treatments and four replicates of 10 birds per experimental unit. The treatments were a control diet and four test diets (corn fertilized with crotalaria, corn fertilized with millet, corn fertilized with humus, and corn without fertilization), including corn at 30% in the control diet. The apparent metabolizable energy, apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance, and apparent metabolizability coefficients of dry matter, crude protein and gross energy were determined. In the performance trial, two hundred and fifty 1-day-old chicks were distributed in a completely randomized design into five treatments (T1 control diet with commercial corn, T2 corn without fertilization, T3 corn fertilized with humus, T4 corn fertilized with millet and T5 corn fertilized with crotalaria) and five replicates of 10 birds per experimental unit. Weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion and final weight at 20 days were evaluated. The AME and AMEn values of corn fertilized with crotalaria, millet, humus and corn...(AU)

Objetivou-se no presente trabalho avaliar o milho cultivado com diferentes adubos orgânicos sobre a composição química, valores energéticos, coeficientes de metabolizabilidade dos nutrientes e sua utilização na alimentação de frangos de crescimento lento. Foram realizados dois experimentos, no primeiro experimento foram utilizadas duzentas aves de 21 dias de idade, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos, 4 repetições de 10 aves por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram de dieta referência e testes (milho adubado com crotalária, milho adubado com milheto, milho adubado com húmus e milho sem adubação), nas quais os milhos substituíram 30% da dieta referência. Foram determinados avaliados a energia metabolizável aparente, energia metabolizável aparente corrigida para o balanço de nitrogênio, os coeficientes de metabolizabilidade aparente da matéria seca, proteína bruta e energia bruta. No ensaio de desempenho, foram utilizados duzentos e cinquenta pintos de 1 dia, distribuídos em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos (T1 ração referência com milho comercial, T2 ração com milho sem adubação, T3 ração com milho adubado com húmus, T4 ração com milho adubado com milheto e T5 ração com milho adubado com crotalária) e cinco repetições de 10 aves por unidade experimental. Foram avaliados o...(AU)

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The aim of this study was to evaluate poultry performance and diet metabolisability in slow- growing naked neck chickens fed different substitution levels of soybean meal protein with cottonseed cake protein. The trial was conducted in a completely randomized design with five treatments (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% substitution of soybean meal protein with cottonseed cake protein), six replicates and fifteen birds per replicate. The birds and diets of each experimental unit were weighed at one day old. At 30, 60 and 85 days old, the chickens and leftovers were weighed again to estimate the feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), feed conversion (FC) and final weight (FW) from 1 to 30 days, from 1 to 60 days and from 1 to 85 days old. To evaluate diet metabolisability, a three-day total excreta collection (26 to 28 days of age) was performed. A quadratic effect was reported for diet metabolisability, in which the minimum substitution level was 17.45% and 17.69% for apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolisable energy (AMEn), respectively. Based on performance, it is recommended to replace 40% soybean meal protein with cottonseed cake protein.(AU)

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o desempenho das aves e a metabolizabilidade das dietas de frangos de crescimento lento, da linhagem pescoço pelado, alimentados níveis distintos de substituição da proteína do farelo de soja pela proteína da torta de algodão. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos (0, 10, 20, 30 e 40% de substituição da proteína do farelo de soja pela proteína da torta de algodão), seis repetições e quinze aves por repetição. Com um dia de idade foram pesadas as aves e as dietas de cada unidade experimental. E aos 30, 60 e 85 dias de idade as aves e as sobras das dietas foram pesadas novamente para contabilizar o consumo de ração (CR), ganho de peso (GP), conversão alimentar (CA) e peso final (PF) das aves no período de 1 a 30 dias, de 1 a 60 dias e de 1 a 85 dias de idade. Para avaliação da metabolizabilidade das dietas foi realizada a coleta total de excretas por três dias (26 a 28 dias de idade). Foi identificado efeito quadrático no ensaio de metabolizabilidade das dietas em que o nível mínimo de substituição foi de 17,45% e 17,69% para EMA e EMAn, respectivamente. Com base no desempenho recomenda-se 40% de substituição da proteína do farelo de soja pela proteína da torta de algodão.(AU)

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Experiment I: T1-1 =  basal diet with 25% crude protein (CP) + limiting amino acids (LA); T1-2  = 20% CP + LA; T1-3  = 20% CP + LA + L-glycine; T1-4  = 20% CP + LA + L-glutamate; T1-5  = 20% CP + LA + L-glycine + L-glutamate. Experiment II: T2-1  = basal diet with 22% CP + LA; T2-2  = 20% CP + LA; T2-3  = 17.6% CP + LA + L-glycine; T2-4  = 17.6% CP + LA + L-glutamate; T2-5  = 17.6% CP + LA + L-glycine + L-glutamate. The reduction of dietary protein based on the concept of ideal protein decreases nitrogen excretion in quails when L-glycine is added to the diets. Quails fed diets supplemented with L-glutamate as the non-specific nitrogen source equivalent to the nitrogen level of the control diet had increased nitrogen excretion. However, quails had reduced nitrogen excretion in both experiments when L-glycine was added to diets with L-glutamate. Carcass fat was increased by reducing dietary protein, but fat deposition was reduced by adding L-glutamate and L-glycine, or both. The dietary addition of L-glutamate and L-glycine in quails based on the ideal protein concept is not necessary (Exp. I). Although the total nitrogen, electrolytic balance and glycine level were adjusted in diets, quails had decreased performance. Therefore, other hypotheses besides protein reduction need to be studied (Exp. II). Protein reduction with supplementation of only limiting essential amino acids does not affect quail performance. Dietary addition of L-glycine reduces nitrogen excretion.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate poultry performance and diet metabolisability in slow- growing naked neck chickens fed different substitution levels of soybean meal protein with cottonseed cake protein. The trial was conducted in a completely randomized design with five treatments (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% substitution of soybean meal protein with cottonseed cake protein), six replicates and fifteen birds per replicate. The birds and diets of each experimental unit were weighed at one day old. At 30, 60 and 85 days old, the chickens and leftovers were weighed again to estimate the feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), feed conversion (FC) and final weight (FW) from 1 to 30 days, from 1 to 60 days and from 1 to 85 days old. To evaluate diet metabolisability, a three-day total excreta collection (26 to 28 days of age) was performed. A quadratic effect was reported for diet metabolisability, in which the minimum substitution level was 17.45% and 17.69% for apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolisable energy (AMEn), respectively. Based on performance, it is recommended to replace 40% soybean meal protein with cottonseed cake protein.

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o desempenho das aves e a metabolizabilidade das dietas de frangos de crescimento lento, da linhagem pescoço pelado, alimentados níveis distintos de substituição da proteína do farelo de soja pela proteína da torta de algodão. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos (0, 10, 20, 30 e 40% de substituição da proteína do farelo de soja pela proteína da torta de algodão), seis repetições e quinze aves por repetição. Com um dia de idade foram pesadas as aves e as dietas de cada unidade experimental. E aos 30, 60 e 85 dias de idade as aves e as sobras das dietas foram pesadas novamente para contabilizar o consumo de ração (CR), ganho de peso (GP), conversão alimentar (CA) e peso final (PF) das aves no período de 1 a 30 dias, de 1 a 60 dias e de 1 a 85 dias de idade. Para avaliação da metabolizabilidade das dietas foi realizada a coleta total de excretas por três dias (26 a 28 dias de idade). Foi identificado efeito quadrático no ensaio de metabolizabilidade das dietas em que o nível mínimo de substituição foi de 17,45% e 17,69% para EMA e EMAn, respectivamente. Com base no desempenho recomenda-se 40% de substituição da proteína do farelo de soja pela proteína da torta de algodão.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition, energy values and nutrient metabolizability coefficients of corn grown using different organic fertilizers and its use for feeding slow-growing broilers. Two experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, two hundred 21-day-old broilers were distributed in a completely randomized design, with five treatments and four replicates of 10 birds per experimental unit. The treatments were a control diet and four test diets (corn fertilized with crotalaria, corn fertilized with millet, corn fertilized with humus, and corn without fertilization), including corn at 30% in the control diet. The apparent metabolizable energy, apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance, and apparent metabolizability coefficients of dry matter, crude protein and gross energy were determined. In the performance trial, two hundred and fifty 1-day-old chicks were distributed in a completely randomized design into five treatments (T1 control diet with commercial corn, T2 corn without fertilization, T3 corn fertilized with humus, T4 corn fertilized with millet and T5 corn fertilized with crotalaria) and five replicates of 10 birds per experimental unit. Weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion and final weight at 20 days were evaluated. The AME and AMEn values of corn fertilized with crotalaria, millet, humus and corn...

Objetivou-se no presente trabalho avaliar o milho cultivado com diferentes adubos orgânicos sobre a composição química, valores energéticos, coeficientes de metabolizabilidade dos nutrientes e sua utilização na alimentação de frangos de crescimento lento. Foram realizados dois experimentos, no primeiro experimento foram utilizadas duzentas aves de 21 dias de idade, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos, 4 repetições de 10 aves por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram de dieta referência e testes (milho adubado com crotalária, milho adubado com milheto, milho adubado com húmus e milho sem adubação), nas quais os milhos substituíram 30% da dieta referência. Foram determinados avaliados a energia metabolizável aparente, energia metabolizável aparente corrigida para o balanço de nitrogênio, os coeficientes de metabolizabilidade aparente da matéria seca, proteína bruta e energia bruta. No ensaio de desempenho, foram utilizados duzentos e cinquenta pintos de 1 dia, distribuídos em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos (T1 ração referência com milho comercial, T2 ração com milho sem adubação, T3 ração com milho adubado com húmus, T4 ração com milho adubado com milheto e T5 ração com milho adubado com crotalária) e cinco repetições de 10 aves por unidade experimental. Foram avaliados o...

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The aim of this study was to characterize tinctures and microcapsules loaded with an ethanol extract of red propolis through chemical, physicochemical and microbiological assays in order to establish quality control tools for nutraceutical preparations of red propolis. The markers (isoflavonoids, chalcones, pterocarpans, flavones, phenolic acids, terpenes and guttiferones) present in the tinctures A and B were identified and confirmed using LC/ESI/FTMS/Orbitrap. Four compositions (A, B, C and D) were prepared to contain B tincture of the red propolis with some pharmaceutical excipients and submitted to two drying processes, i. e. spray-drying and freeze-drying to obtain microcapsules loaded with the red propolis extract. The tinctures and microcapsules of the red propolis were submitted to the total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity tests. The antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were tested using Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25293 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 strains. The tinctures and microcapsules presented high flavonoid quantities from 20.50 to 40.79 mg/100 mg of the microcapsules. The antioxidant activity and IC50 were determined for the tinctures A and B (IC50: 6.95 µg/mL and 7.48 µg/mL), the spray-dried microcapsules (IC50: 8.89-15.63 µg/mL) and the freeze-dried microcapsules (IC50: 11.83-23.36 µg/mL). The tinctures and microcapsules were proved to be bioactive against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria with inhibition halos superior to 10 mm at concentration of 200 µg/mL and MIC values of 135.87-271.74 µg/mL using gram-positive strain and 271.74-543.48 µg/mL using gram-negative strain. The tinctures and microcapsules of the red propolis have a potential application for nutraceutical products.

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Three hundred and twenty-four DeKalb White laying hens aged 42 weeks were distributed in a completely randomised design with nine treatments and six replicates of six birds in each treatment. The experiment lasted 112 days. Diets were: T1 = 16.02% crude protein - CP [Met + Lys + Thr + Trp + Val]; T2 = 14.02% CP [Met + Lys + Thr + Trp + Ile + Val]; T3 = 14.02% CP [no amino acid supplementation]; T4 = 14.02% CP [Met + Lys + Thr + Trp]; T5 = 14.02% CP [Met + Lys + Thr]; T6 = 14.02% CP [Met]; T7 = 14.02% CP [Lys]; T8 = 14.02% CP [Thr]; T9 = 14.02% CP [Trp]. Regarding the quality of the eggs, the percentage of yolk and albumen, shell thickness and Haugh unit were not affected by the different diets. The percentage of shell, specific gravity and albumen height showed significant differences. We found that supplementation of only one amino acid in the diet (T7, T8 or T9), with the exception of methionine (T6), worsened performance relative to the control. Supplementation of three amino acids (methionine, lysine and threonine; T5) or four amino acids (methionine, lysine, threonine and tryptophan; T4) worsened egg production and conversion per mass and per dozen eggs; however, feed intake and egg weight and mass were similar to the control treatment. When all amino acids (methionine, lysine, threonine, tryptophan, isoleucine and valine; T2) were supplemented performance was similar to...(AU)

Trezentos e vinte e quatro galinhas poedeiras DeKalb White com idades de 42 semanas foram distribuídas em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com nove tratamentos e seis repetições de seis aves em cada tratamento. O experimento teve duração de 112 dias. As dietas foram: T1 = 16,02% - PB [Met + Lys + Thr + Trp + Val]; T2 = 14,02% PB [Met + Lys + Thr + Trp + Ile + Val]; T3 = 14,02% de PB [sem suplementação de aminoácidos]; T4 = 14,02% CP [Met + Lys + Thr + Trp]; T5 = 14,02% CP [Met + Lys + Thr]; T6 = 14,02% CP [Met]; T7 = 14,02% CP [Lys]; T8 = 14,02% CP [Thr]; T9 = 14,02% CP [Trp]. Em relação à qualidade dos ovos, a porcentagem de gema e albúmen, espessura de casca e a unidade Haugh não foram afetadas pelas dietas diferentes. A percentagem de casca, gravidade específica e altura do albúmen mostraram diferenças significativas. Verificou-se que a suplementação de apenas um aminoácido na dieta (T7; T8 ou T9), com a exceção de metionina (T6), piorou o desempenho das aves em relação a aves que consumiram a dieta controle. A suplementação de três aminoácidos (metionina, lisina e treonina; T5) ou quatro aminoácidos (metionina, lisina, treonina e triptofano; T4) agravou a produção de ovos e conversão por massa e por dúzia de ovos; no entanto, o consumo de ração e peso dos ovos e massa de ovos, o desempenho foi semelhante ao tratamento controle T1. Quando todos os...(AU)

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Three hundred and twenty-four DeKalb White laying hens aged 42 weeks were distributed in a completely randomised design with nine treatments and six replicates of six birds in each treatment. The experiment lasted 112 days. Diets were: T1 = 16.02% crude protein - CP [Met + Lys + Thr + Trp + Val]; T2 = 14.02% CP [Met + Lys + Thr + Trp + Ile + Val]; T3 = 14.02% CP [no amino acid supplementation]; T4 = 14.02% CP [Met + Lys + Thr + Trp]; T5 = 14.02% CP [Met + Lys + Thr]; T6 = 14.02% CP [Met]; T7 = 14.02% CP [Lys]; T8 = 14.02% CP [Thr]; T9 = 14.02% CP [Trp]. Regarding the quality of the eggs, the percentage of yolk and albumen, shell thickness and Haugh unit were not affected by the different diets. The percentage of shell, specific gravity and albumen height showed significant differences. We found that supplementation of only one amino acid in the diet (T7, T8 or T9), with the exception of methionine (T6), worsened performance relative to the control. Supplementation of three amino acids (methionine, lysine and threonine; T5) or four amino acids (methionine, lysine, threonine and tryptophan; T4) worsened egg production and conversion per mass and per dozen eggs; however, feed intake and egg weight and mass were similar to the control treatment. When all amino acids (methionine, lysine, threonine, tryptophan, isoleucine and valine; T2) were supplemented performance was similar to...

Trezentos e vinte e quatro galinhas poedeiras DeKalb White com idades de 42 semanas foram distribuídas em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com nove tratamentos e seis repetições de seis aves em cada tratamento. O experimento teve duração de 112 dias. As dietas foram: T1 = 16,02% - PB [Met + Lys + Thr + Trp + Val]; T2 = 14,02% PB [Met + Lys + Thr + Trp + Ile + Val]; T3 = 14,02% de PB [sem suplementação de aminoácidos]; T4 = 14,02% CP [Met + Lys + Thr + Trp]; T5 = 14,02% CP [Met + Lys + Thr]; T6 = 14,02% CP [Met]; T7 = 14,02% CP [Lys]; T8 = 14,02% CP [Thr]; T9 = 14,02% CP [Trp]. Em relação à qualidade dos ovos, a porcentagem de gema e albúmen, espessura de casca e a unidade Haugh não foram afetadas pelas dietas diferentes. A percentagem de casca, gravidade específica e altura do albúmen mostraram diferenças significativas. Verificou-se que a suplementação de apenas um aminoácido na dieta (T7; T8 ou T9), com a exceção de metionina (T6), piorou o desempenho das aves em relação a aves que consumiram a dieta controle. A suplementação de três aminoácidos (metionina, lisina e treonina; T5) ou quatro aminoácidos (metionina, lisina, treonina e triptofano; T4) agravou a produção de ovos e conversão por massa e por dúzia de ovos; no entanto, o consumo de ração e peso dos ovos e massa de ovos, o desempenho foi semelhante ao tratamento controle T1. Quando todos os...

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The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two levels of crude protein and five levels of electrolyte balance on the performance and egg-quality of laying Japanese quail. Six hundred 45-day-oldquails were distributed in a randomized-block design with a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement comprising ten treatments, five replicates, and 12 birds per experimental unit. The electrolyte balance levels were 50, 125, 200, 275, and 350 mEq kg1of diet, and crude protein (CP) levels were 210 and 240 g kg-1. The performance and egg-quality variables assessed were: feed intake, feed conversion, egg-laying percentage, egg weight and mass, and albumin, yolk and shell weight. There were no interactions among the studied factors. The electrolyte balance and crude protein levels did not significantly affect the performance variables. However, increased shell weight of eggs stored for seven days was observed at an electrolyte balance level of 200 mEq kg1. With regard to the CP levels, increased egg weight was observed at 28 days at a level of 210 g kg-1, whereas increased albumin weight was observed at 35 days of storage at a level of 240 g kg-1. A tendency toward an increase in egg albumin weight during the storage period of 14 days was observed. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the diet for Japanese quails in the laying phase be formulated with an...(AU)

Com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos de cinco níveis de balanço eletrolítico e dois níveis de proteína bruta sobre o desempenho e a qualidade de ovos de codornas japonesas na fase de produção, 600 codornas com 45 dias de idade foram distribuídas em delineamento em bloco casualizado, esquema fatorial (5x2), dez tratamentos, cinco repetições e 12 aves por unidade experimental. Os níveis de balanço eletrolítico avaliados foram 50; 125; 200; 275 e 350 mEq kg-1 de ração e os níveis de proteína bruta (PB) foram 210 e 240 g kg-1. As variáveis de desempenho e qualidade dos ovos analisadas foram: consumos de ração, conversão alimentar, porcentagem de postura, peso e massa de ovos, peso de albúmen, gema e casca. Os dados de peso do ovo e peso da casca foram registrados em diferentes tempos de armazenamento dos ovos e analisados dentro de cada tempo. Observou-se que não houve efeito da interação entre os fatores estudados. Os níveis do balanço eletrolítico e proteína bruta não influenciaram significativamente as variáveis de desempenho. Entretanto o nível de 200 mEq kg-1 melhorou o peso da casca de ovos armazenados por sete dias. Com relação aos níveis de PB, o nível de 210 g kg-1 promoveu aumento do peso da gema aos 28 dias enquanto que o nível de 240 g kg-1 aumentou o peso do albúmen aos 35 dias de armazenamento. Foi observada tendência de acréscimo no peso de albúmen dos ovos até...(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two levels of crude protein and five levels of electrolyte balance on the performance and egg-quality of laying Japanese quail. Six hundred 45-day-oldquails were distributed in a randomized-block design with a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement comprising ten treatments, five replicates, and 12 birds per experimental unit. The electrolyte balance levels were 50, 125, 200, 275, and 350 mEq kg1of diet, and crude protein (CP) levels were 210 and 240 g kg-1. The performance and egg-quality variables assessed were: feed intake, feed conversion, egg-laying percentage, egg weight and mass, and albumin, yolk and shell weight. There were no interactions among the studied factors. The electrolyte balance and crude protein levels did not significantly affect the performance variables. However, increased shell weight of eggs stored for seven days was observed at an electrolyte balance level of 200 mEq kg1. With regard to the CP levels, increased egg weight was observed at 28 days at a level of 210 g kg-1, whereas increased albumin weight was observed at 35 days of storage at a level of 240 g kg-1. A tendency toward an increase in egg albumin weight during the storage period of 14 days was observed. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the diet for Japanese quails in the laying phase be formulated with an...

Com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos de cinco níveis de balanço eletrolítico e dois níveis de proteína bruta sobre o desempenho e a qualidade de ovos de codornas japonesas na fase de produção, 600 codornas com 45 dias de idade foram distribuídas em delineamento em bloco casualizado, esquema fatorial (5x2), dez tratamentos, cinco repetições e 12 aves por unidade experimental. Os níveis de balanço eletrolítico avaliados foram 50; 125; 200; 275 e 350 mEq kg-1 de ração e os níveis de proteína bruta (PB) foram 210 e 240 g kg-1. As variáveis de desempenho e qualidade dos ovos analisadas foram: consumos de ração, conversão alimentar, porcentagem de postura, peso e massa de ovos, peso de albúmen, gema e casca. Os dados de peso do ovo e peso da casca foram registrados em diferentes tempos de armazenamento dos ovos e analisados dentro de cada tempo. Observou-se que não houve efeito da interação entre os fatores estudados. Os níveis do balanço eletrolítico e proteína bruta não influenciaram significativamente as variáveis de desempenho. Entretanto o nível de 200 mEq kg-1 melhorou o peso da casca de ovos armazenados por sete dias. Com relação aos níveis de PB, o nível de 210 g kg-1 promoveu aumento do peso da gema aos 28 dias enquanto que o nível de 240 g kg-1 aumentou o peso do albúmen aos 35 dias de armazenamento. Foi observada tendência de acréscimo no peso de albúmen dos ovos até...

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Glucocorticoids (GCs) induce insulin resistance (IR), a condition known to alter oral homeostasis. This study investigated the effects of long-term dexamethasone administration on morphofunctional aspects of salivary glands. Male Wistar rats received daily injections of dexamethasone [0.1 mg/kg body weight (b.w.), intraperitoneally] for 10 days (DEX), whereas control rats received saline. Subsequently, glycaemia, insulinaemia, insulin secretion and salivary flow were analysed. The parotid and submandibular glands were collected for histomorphometric evaluation and Western blot experiments. The DEX rats were found to be normoglycaemic, hyperinsulinaemic, insulin resistant and glucose intolerant (P < 0.05). DEX rat islets secreted more insulin in response to glucose (P < 0.05). DEX rats had significant reductions in the masses of the parotid (29%) and submandibular (16%) glands (P < 0.05) that was associated with reduced salivary flux rate. The hypotrophy in both glands observed in the DEX group was associated with marked reduction in the volume of the acinar cells in these glands of 50% and 26% respectively (P < 0.05). The total number of acinar cells was increased in the submandibular glands of the DEX rats (P < 0.05) but not in the parotid glands. The levels of proteins related to insulin and survival signalling in both glands did not differ between the groups. In conclusion, the long-term administration of dexamethasone caused IR, which was associated with significant reductions in both mass and flux rate of the salivary glands. The parotid and submandibular glands exhibited reduced acinar cell volume; however, the submandibular glands displayed acinar hyperplasia, indicating a gland-specific response to GCs. Our data emphasize that GC-based therapies and insulin-resistant states have a negative impact on salivary gland homeostasis.

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Intensive surveys have been conducted to unravel spatial patterns of benthic infauna communities. Although it has been recognized that benthic organisms are spatially structured along the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the sediment, little is known on how these two dimensions interact with each other. In this study we investigated the interdependence between the vertical and horizontal dimensions in structuring marine nematodes assemblages. We tested whether the similarity in nematode species composition along the horizontal dimension was dependent on the vertical layer of the sediment. To test this hypothesis, three-cm interval sediment samples (15 cm depth) were taken independently from two bedforms in three estuaries. Results indicated that assemblages living in the top layers are more abundant, species rich and less variable, in terms of species presence/absence and relative abundances, than assemblages living in the deeper layers. Results showed that redox potential explained the greatest amount (12%) of variability in species composition, more than depth or particle size. The fauna inhabiting the more oxygenated layers were more homogeneous across the horizontal scales than those from the reduced layers. In contrast to previous studies, which suggested that reduced layers are characterized by a specific set of tolerant species, the present study showed that species assemblages in the deeper layers are more causal (characterized mainly by vagrant species). The proposed mechanism is that at the superficial oxygenated layers, species have higher chances of being resuspended and displaced over longer distances by passive transport, while at the deeper anoxic layers they are restricted to active dispersal from the above and nearby sediments. Such restriction in the dispersal potential together with the unfavorable environmental conditions leads to randomness in the presence of species resulting in the high variability between assemblages along the horizontal dimension.

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The experimental studies were conducted in 2007-2008, 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 crop seasons, in order to know the agro-economic yield of 'Chinês' and "Macaquinho" taro clones, propagated using huge, extra, large, medium, small and tiny cormels. The harvest was done on average on 202 days after planting, in three crop seasons. Based on the joint analysis of variance carried out, it was observed that taro clones showed significant differences in the yield of fresh and dry weight of leaves, cormels, and commercial and non-commercial comels; besides, there were significant differences in yield of a crop season to another and the size of the cuttings induced significant differences in yield. In the conditions that the experiments were conducted, and considering the highest average yield of fresh weight of commercial cormels (28.69 t.ha-1) and highest net income (US $14,741.14) correspondent to the three crop seasons, it is recommended to cultivate 'Macaquinho' clone using small cuttings in propagation.

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OBJECTIVE: To study the anatomical relations of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) with the ligament of Berry (LB), and point out the different ways of presenting the relationship between these two structures. METHODS: We conducted a study with anterior cervical dissection of 22 corpses, in the years 2009 and 2010, with attention towards the frequency of presentation of anatomical relations between the NLR and Berry ligament, with the following classification: Type I or intraligamentary: the nerve and / or its branches were visualized in the ligament substance conjunctiva; Type IIA or lateral: nerve and / or its branches lateral to the ligament; Type IIB or lateral paraligamentary: nerve and / or its side branches and in contact with the ligament without penetrating it; Type III or medial: nerve and / or its branches visualized after complete dissection of the ligament, in lateral-medial position. RESULTS: The study analyzed 41 RLNs, which comprised eight (19.5%) of type I, 20 (48.8%) Type II, five (12.2%) Type IIB and eight (19.5%) type III. Of the 19 (86.3%) RLNs dissected bilaterally in the same cadaver, 11 (57.8%) displayed a classification in one side of the neck different from the one of the other side. CONCLUSION: Due to its proximity to the RLN and the anatomical variability, the Berry ligament should not be considered a reliable parameter for repair and preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Hence, the indiscriminate latero-medial dissection of the ligament is not recommended without direct visualization of the nerve.

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OBJETIVO: Estudar as relações anatômicas do nervo laríngeo recorrente (NLR) com o ligamento de Berry (LB), e assinalar as diferentes formas de apresentação das relações entre essas duas estruturas. MÉTODOS: Estudo realizado a partir da dissecção cervical anterior de 22 cadáveres, nos anos de 2009 e 2010, com estabelecimento das frequências de apresentações anatômicas das relações entre o NLR e o ligamento de Berry, na seguinte categorização: Tipo I ou intraligamentar: o nervo e/ou seus ramos eram visualizados na substância conjuntiva do ligamento; Tipo IIA ou lateral: nervo e/ou seus ramos apresentavam-se laterais ao ligamento; Tipo IIB ou lateral justaligamentar: nervo e/ou seus ramos estavam laterais e em contato com o ligamento, sem penetrá-lo; Tipo III ou medial: nervo e/ou seus ramos eram visualizados após a dissecção completa do ligamento em direção látero-medial. RESULTADOS: O estudo analisou 41 NLR, sendo: oito (19,5%) do Tipo I; 20 (48,8%) do Tipo IIA; cinco (12,2%) Tipo IIB e oito (19,5%) do Tipo III. Dos 19 (86,3%) NLR dissecados bilateralmente no mesmo cadáver, 11 (57,8%) eram discordantes em relação ao outro lado do pescoço quanto à classificação. CONCLUSÃO: Pela sua proximidade com o NLR e pelas variáveis anatômicas dessa topografia, o ligamento de Berry não deve ser considerado um parâmetro seguro para reparo e preservação do nervo laríngeo recorrente, não sendo recomendada a dissecção indiscriminada látero-medial do ligamento, sem a visualização direta do nervo.

OBJECTIVE: To study the anatomical relations of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) with the ligament of Berry (LB), and point out the different ways of presenting the relationship between these two structures. METHODS: We conducted a study with anterior cervical dissection of 22 corpses, in the years 2009 and 2010, with attention towards the frequency of presentation of anatomical relations between the NLR and Berry ligament, with the following classification: Type I or intraligamentary: the nerve and / or its branches were visualized in the ligament substance conjunctiva; Type IIA or lateral: nerve and / or its branches lateral to the ligament; Type IIB or lateral paraligamentary: nerve and / or its side branches and in contact with the ligament without penetrating it; Type III or medial: nerve and / or its branches visualized after complete dissection of the ligament, in lateral-medial position. RESULTS: The study analyzed 41 RLNs, which comprised eight (19.5%) of type I, 20 (48.8%) Type II, five (12.2%) Type IIB and eight (19.5%) type III. Of the 19 (86.3%) RLNs dissected bilaterally in the same cadaver, 11 (57.8%) displayed a classification in one side of the neck different from the one of the other side. CONCLUSION: Due to its proximity to the RLN and the anatomical variability, the Berry ligament should not be considered a reliable parameter for repair and preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Hence, the indiscriminate latero-medial dissection of the ligament is not recommended without direct visualization of the nerve.

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