Composition and potential utilization of crop residues and forages within the digestive tract of ruminants as predicted by laboratory techniques

The purpose of the present research was to determine the nitrogen (N) and mineral composition of selected forages (alfalfa, canarygrass, bromegrass, fescue, whole plant corn silage and elephant grass silage), crop residues (corn, oat, and soybean), and crop residue plant parts, as well as to evaluate the potential utilization of dry matter (DM), N, and some mineral elements, making use of laboratory techniques;The highest concentrations of mineral elements (Ca, K, Mg), determined by the dry ash method, were observed when forage feeds and crop residues were ashed at 550 C for 1.5 h. In general, crop residues were low in crude protein (CP) (\u3c 5%), digestibility of DM (\u3c 50%), P (\u3c .1%), and perhaps some trace elements (Zn, Mn, and Cu). The low content of these nutrients in crop residues is in contrast to the higher level observed in more immature whole-plant forage feeds;Amylase, cellulase and protease enzymes were not effective in solubilizing DM of samples. Pretreating the samples with .2% pepsin-HCl at 40 C, previous to their incubation with cellulase, resulted in increased (P \u3c .01) disappearance of DM and CP. These results were comparable to those obtained with the nylon bag-pepsin technique. However, the amounts of DM solubilized by cellulase enzymes varied with the origin (chemical company) of the enzymes;The nylon bag technique consisted of exposing feeds for digestion in the rumen of fistulated cattle. Repeatable results, comparable to literature values, were obtained using either nylon or dacron cloth of at least 30 micron pore size. In short-term studies (\u3c 24 h), sample weight needed to be kept under 20 mg/cm(\u272) of bag surface area. Inherent losses of particulate matter through the bag cloth varied from 2 to 14%. A correction factor for this efflux of particulate matter was used. Nitrogen, Ca, Zn and Mn disappearance from bags seemed to follow the DM disappearance of the respective feed sample, while that of Mg, P and K appeared to be more related to the water-soluble fraction. The residues remaining in the bag after rumen digestion appeared contaminated with bacteria, at times, based upon the negative disappearance of CP, P, Zn, and Mn of crop residues from nylon bags;Results of laboratory techniques were discussed with respect to in vivo utilization of feeds and crop residues

CARACTERIZAÇÃO DOS PACIENTES DE DUAS UNIDADES DE TERAPIA INTENSIVA (UTI): condições bio-sociais, processo de internação e intervenções terapêuticas

The objective of this study was to characterize the patients of two intensive care units (ICU) considering the structural variables, provenance, permanence and me destinanon after the disenarge, me main ataghosis, invasive procedures and to classify them on therapheutic procedures.O estudo objetivou caracterizar pacientes de duas UTIs quanto a variáveis estruturais; proveniencia; tempo de permanência e destino após alta; diagnóstico principal e causa de internação; procedimentos invasivos e classificá-los segundo intervenções terapêuticas

Activation of the cardiac angiotensin-converting enzime after infarction in rats and its role in ventricular remodeling

Objetivo: Determinar as alterações de atividade da enzima conversora de angiotensina (ECA) no coração com infarto do miocárdio (IM) e comparar os efeitos do captopril e losartan em parâmetros morfológicos e funcionais de ratos com IM. Métodos: O IM foi produzido em ratos Wistar por ligadura de ramos da artéria coronária esquerda. Os controles (Con) foram submetidos a uma cirurgia fictícia. Animais com IM e Con foram tratados com captopril (30mg/kg/dia) ou losartan (15mg/kg/dia) e estudados 30 dias após, determinando-se a atividade da ECA nos ventrículos direito (VD) e esquerdo (VE), as alterações hemodinâmicas e as concentrações de hidroxiprolina (OH-Pro) e proteína total no VD e VE. Resultados: A atividade da ECA aumentou no VD (+25%) e VE (+70%) após IM. A maior atividade foi observada na cicatriz fibrótica, onde atingiu cerca de 4,5 vezes a do músculo do VE que sobreviveu ao IM (420±68 vs 94±8nmoles/g/min; P<0,01). O IM determinou aumento da pressão diastólica final e hipertrofia do VD e VE. Captopril e losartan foram igualmente eficazes em atenuar a hipertrofia e o aumento da pré-carga. O captopril também atenuou o aumento de OH-Pro no VD e VE após IM. O IM reduziu a concentração de proteína principalmente no músculo de VE, efeito esse acentuado pelo captopril. Conclusão: A grande atividade da ECA na cicatriz deve produzir altas concentrações de angiotensina II (AII) no sangue que drena da cicatriz. Os efeitos dos inibidores da ECA seriam decorrentes, principalmente, da redução de geração local de AII, e não de aumento de cininas, uma vez que captopril e losartan exerceram efeitos similares no remodelamento pós-infarto.ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity in the heart of infarcted rats and to investigate the effects of captopril and losartan on the post- infarction remodeling process. Methods: Myocardial infarction (MI) was produced in Wistar rats by ligature of the left coronary artery. Control rats (Con) underwent a sham surgery. MI and Con rats remained untreated or were treated with captopril (30mg/kg/day) or losartan (15mg/kg/day) for 30 days. ACE activity was determined in right (RV) and left ventricular (LV) muscles and in the scar tissue. The effects of captopril therapy was also investigated in the hydroxiproline (OH-Pro) and protein in RV and LV . Results: ACE activity increased 25% in the RV and 70% in the remaining LV muscle. The highest ACE activity was found in the scar tissue, where it was 4.5 times the value of the LV muscle (420±68 vs 94±8nmoles/g/min; P<0.01). An increase of the end-diastolic pressure and of the muscle mass was found in the RV and LV of MI rats. Captopril and losartan treatments were equally efficient to attenuate these parameters in both ventricles. Captopril also reduced the total OH-Pro content in the RV and LV muscles. The Prot concentration was significantly reduced in the myocardium of MI rats, an effect enhanced by captopril therapy. Conclusion: The AII concentration in the blood draining from the scar to the surrounding muscle is probably high. It is likely that this elevated local generation of AII contributes to hypertrophy and to collagen deposition. The effects of ACE inhibitors on remodeling are likely to depend on the reduction of the locally generated AII

The types of audit reports in pension funds in Brazil

The purpose of this article was to analyze the reports issued by external auditors in Brazil's pension funds. For this, a documentary research was conducted in the audit reports of the years 2015 and 2016 of the Closed Entities of Complementary Pension Plans (EFPC) sponsored by Energy companies and Banks listed in B3, together with the entity sponsored by “Caixa Econômica Federal”. The results of this study highlighted a compliance of audit reports with technical accounting standards and that EFPCs have financial statements in accordance with the regulatory body, a minority presented paragraph of emphasis and qualified opinion. In addition, the study concludes that the reports analyzed are mostly the same in terms of structure or content

Body composition and protein and energy net requeriments of steers of four genetic groups finished in feedlot

Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar a composição corporal e as exigências para crescimento de bovinos de quatro grupos genéticos em confinamento. Utilizou-se a metodologia de abate comparativo, com delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos: Nelore (NE), ½ Aberdeen Angus + ½ Nelore (AN), ½ Canchim + ½ Nelore (CN) e ½ Simental + ½ Nelore (SN). Quarenta e sete animais castrados, com média de 22 meses de idade e peso em jejum de 310 kg, foram confinados por 101 dias. A dieta experimental continha 13,34% de proteína bruta (PB) e 71,81% de nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT). A composição do corte da 9ª-10ª-11ª costelas foi utilizada para estimar a composição do corpo vazio. Bovinos AN (428 kg) e SN (410 kg) não diferiram quanto ao peso final de corpo vazio, que foi semelhante também entre os animais CN, NE e SN (389, 390 e 410 kg, respectivamente). Animais AN tiveram maior proporção de gordura no corte das costelas, porém menor proporção de músculo. A menor porcentagem de ossos no corte das costelas foi observada nos animais da raça Nelore. Os grupos AN e SN tiveram maior proporção de extrato etéreo (EE) e menor porcentagem de água no corpo vazio no momento do abate. Animais AN, NE e SN não diferiram quanto à taxa de deposição de energia (6,06, 5,20 e 5,80 Mcal/dia, respectivamente). O grupo AN não diferiu dos grupos CN e SN quanto à proporção de EE na composição do ganho de peso do corpo vazio. Bovinos SN apresentaram maior exigência de proteína (0,164 kg/kg de ganho de peso vazio - GPV) e os animais AN e CN, o menor valor (0,140 e 0,142 kg/kg de GPV, respectivamente). Animais AN tiveram a maior exigência líquida de energia para ganho (4,685 Mcal/kg de GPVz).The body composition and protein and energy requirements for growth of steers of four genetic groups finished in feedlot were evaluated in this experiment. comparative slaughter method was used in a completely randomly experimental design, with four treatments: Nellore (NE), ½ Aberdeen Angus + ½ Nellore (AN), ½ Canchim + ½ Nellore (CN) e ½ Simmental + ½ Nellore (SN). Forty-seven steers averaging 310 kg initial shrunk body weight (SBW) and 22 months were fed during 101 days in a feedlot. Diet on feedlot had the following composition: crude protein, 13.34%; rumen degradable protein, 9.35%; and total digestible nutrients, 71.81% (estimated value). Composition of the 9th-10th-11th ribs was used to calculate empty body composition. No significant differences were found between AN (428 kg) and SN (410 kg) in final empty body weight (EBW), and similarly among CN, NE and SN (389, 390 and 410 kg, respectively), but EBW of AN steers was greater than that of CN and NE cattle. AN steers had higher amount of fat percentage on rib cut. However, less proportion of muscle was observed in the AN group and less bone percentage at the rib cut of the Nelore breed. AN and SN groups had the largest concentration of ether extract and the smallest amount of water percentage on the empty body at slaughter. Steers of AN, NE and SN groups were similar in rate of energy deposition (6.06, 5.20 and 5.80 Mcal/day, respectively). There was no difference among AN and CN cattle on ether extract in empty body weight gain. Simmental × Nelore demonstrated the greatest requirements of protein (0.164 kg/kg of EWG), and AN and CN cattle (0.140 and 0.142 kg/kg of EWG, respectively), the smallest. Angus × Nelore animals required the greatest net energy for gain (4.685 Mcal/kg of EWG).FapespEmbrapa Pecuária SudesteUSP - ESALQ e Instituto de Zootecni

Transcriptome Profile of Trichoderma harzianum IOC-3844 Induced by Sugarcane Bagasse

Profiling the transcriptome that underlies biomass degradation by the fungus Trichoderma harzianum allows the identification of gene sequences with potential application in enzymatic hydrolysis processing. in the present study, the transcriptome of T. harzianum IOC-3844 was analyzed using RNA-seq technology. the sequencing generated 14.7 Gbp for downstream analyses. de novo assembly resulted in 32,396 contigs, which were submitted for identification and classified according to their identities. This analysis allowed us to define a principal set of T. harzianum genes that are involved in the degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose and the accessory genes that are involved in the depolymerization of biomass. An additional analysis of expression levels identified a set of carbohydrate-active enzymes that are upregulated under different conditions. the present study provides valuable information for future studies on biomass degradation and contributes to a better understanding of the role of the genes that are involved in this process.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Univ Campinas UNICAMP, CBMEG, Campinas, SP, BrazilBrazilian Ctr Res Energy & Mat CNPEM, Brazilian Bioethanol Sci & Technol Lab CTBE, Campinas, SP, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Phys Inst Sao Carlos, Sao Carlos, SP, BrazilFed Univ São Paulo UNIFESP, Inst Sci & Technol, Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP, BrazilUniv Campinas UNICAMP, Dept Plant Biol, Inst Biol, Campinas, SP, BrazilFed Univ São Paulo UNIFESP, Inst Sci & Technol, Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Influence of papain in biofilm formed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus isolates

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus (MRSHa) are important coagulase-negative staphylococci. They are often isolated from bacteremia in humans mainly due to their ability to form biofilm on the surfaces of medical devices. Papain is a complex mixture of proteolytic enzymes and peroxidases extracted from the latex of Carica papaya and it is recognized by accelerating the healing process of wounds. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of the MRSE and MRSHa isolates to produce biofilms. Besides this, the ability of papain to inhibit the formation of biofilms or to disrupt the ones already formed by those bacteria was analyzed. Thirty MRSHa and 30 MRSE were isolated from bacteremia and used in this study. It was observed that papain has ability to reduce biofilms formed by MRSE (p < 0.06) and by MRSHa (p = 0.0005). In addition, papain was able to disrupt mature biofilms made by MRSE (p = 0.014). No antibacterial activity of papain was observed for any isolates of MRSE and MRSHa tested. Papain has been demonstrated as a potential product for reducing biofilm.Staphylococcus epidermidis resistente à meticilina (MRSE) e Staphylococcus haemolyticus resistente à meticilina (MRSHa) são importantes estafilococos coagulase negativa. São frequentemente isolados em bacteremia humana, principalmente devido à capacidade de formar biofilmes nas superfícies de dispositivos médicos introduzidos no organismo. A papaína é mistura complexa de enzimas proteolíticas e peroxidases extraídas do látex de Carica papaya, reconhecida por acelerar os processos de cura de feridas. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a capacidade dos MRSE e MRSHa em produzir biofilmes e analisar a capacidade da papaína em inibir a formação de biofilme ou desintegrar biofilmes já formados por essas bactérias. Observou-se que a papaína tem capacidade de reduzir a formação de biofilme por MRSE (p < 0,06) e MRSHa (p = 0,0005). Além disso, a papaína foi capaz de desintegrar biofilme maduro formado por MRSE (p = 0,014). Nenhuma atividade antibacteriana da papaína foi observada para qualquer das duas espécies de bactérias testadas. A papaína mostrou-se produto potencial para reduzir biofilme

Effect of two concentrate levels at the beginning of lactation on milk production and reproductive efficiency

An experiment was conducted at the "Centro Nacional de Pesquisa de Gado de Leite"/EMBRAPA, utilizing 24 crossbred Holstein-Zebu cows, to test the following treatments: A) feeding regimen calculated to supply the maintenance requirements of crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) of a 500 kg dairy cow plus 120% of the requirements of these nutrients for an estimated milk production of 12 kg/day during the first twelve weeks of lactation; B) feeding regimen calculated to supply the maintenance requirements of CP and TDN, plus 85% of the requirements of these nutrients for milk production during the same period of  lactation. After this period, all 24 cows were fed according to the National Research Council (1978) standards, to the end of lactation. Milk production was higher (P < 0.05) and weight loss was lower (P < 0.01) in treatment A than in treatment B, during the first twelve weeks of lactation. There were no differences in production or composition of milk from day 85th to the end of lactation period. The interval from parturition to first ovulation was higher (P < 0.05) and the calving interval shorter (P < 0.05) in treatment A than in treatment B. Crossbred dairy cows should be fed according to National Research Council (1978) standards.An experiment was conducted at the "Centro Nacional de Pesquisa de Gado de Leite"/EMBRAPA, utilizing 24 crossbred Holstein-Zebu cows, to test the following treatments: A) feeding regimen calculated to supply the maintenance requirements of crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) of a 500 kg dairy cow plus 120% of the requirements of these nutrients for an estimated milk production of 12 kg/day during the first twelve weeks of lactation; B) feeding regimen calculated to supply the maintenance requirements of CP and TDN, plus 85% of the requirements of these nutrients for milk production during the same period of  lactation. After this period, all 24 cows were fed according to the National Research Council (1978) standards, to the end of lactation. Milk production was higher (P < 0.05) and weight loss was lower (P < 0.01) in treatment A than in treatment B, during the first twelve weeks of lactation. There were no differences in production or composition of milk from day 85th to the end of lactation period. The interval from parturition to first ovulation was higher (P < 0.05) and the calving interval shorter (P < 0.05) in treatment A than in treatment B. Crossbred dairy cows should be fed according to National Research Council (1978) standards

2012 Brazilian Society of Rheumatology Consensus on the management of comorbidities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To elaborate recommendations of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Committee of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology (SBR) to manage comorbidities in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: To review the literature and the opinions of the SBR RA Committee experts. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations: 1) Early diagnosis and proper treatment of comorbidities are recommended; 2) The specific treatment of RA should be adapted to the presence of comorbidities; 3) Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers are preferred to treat systemic arterial hypertension; 4) In patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus, the continuous use of a high cumulative dose of corticoids should be avoided; 5) Statins should be used to maintain LDL cholesterol levels under 100 mg/dL and the atherosclerotic index lower than 3.5 in patients with RA who have other comorbidities; 6) Metabolic syndrome should be treated; 7) Performing non-invasive tests to investigate subclinical atherosclerosis is recommended; 8) Greater surveillance for the early diagnosis of occult malignancy is recommended; 9) Preventive measures of venous thrombosis are suggested; 10) Bone densitometry is recommended in RA patients over the age of 50 years and in younger patients on corticoid therapy at a dose greater than 7.5 mg for over three months; 11) Patients with RA and osteoporosis should be instructed to avoid falls, to increase their dietary calcium intake and sun exposure, and to exercise; 12) Calcium and vitamin D supplementation is suggested. Bisphosphonates are suggested for patients with T score < -2.5 on bone densitometry; 13) A multidisciplinary team, with the active participation of a rheumatologist, is recommended to treat comorbidities.OBJETIVO: Elaborar recomendações da Comissão de Artrite Reumatoide da Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia (SBR) para o manuseio das comorbidades em artrite reumatoide (AR). MÉTODOS: Revisão da literatura e opinião de especialistas da Comissão de AR da SBR. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: Recomendações: 1) Diagnosticar e tratar precoce e adequadamente as comorbidades; 2) O tratamento específico da AR deve ser adaptado às comorbidades; 3) Inibidores da enzima conversora da angiotensina (IECA) ou bloqueadores dos receptores de angiotensina II (BRA) são preferidos no tratamento da hipertensão arterial sistêmica; 4) Em pacientes com AR e diabetes mellitus, deve-se evitar o uso contínuo de dose cumulativa alta de corticoides; 5) Sugere-se o uso de estatinas para manter níveis de LDL menor que 100 mg/dL e índice aterosclerótico menor que 3,5 em pacientes com AR e comorbidades; 6) A síndrome metabólica deve ser tratada; 7) Recomenda-se a realização de exames para a investigação de aterosclerose subclínica; 8) Maior vigilância para um diagnóstico precoce de neoplasia oculta; 9) Medidas de prevenção para trombose venosa são sugeridas; 10) Recomenda-se a realização de densitometria óssea em pacientes com AR acima de 50 anos, e naqueles com idade menor com corticoide maior que 7,5 mg por mais de três meses; 11) Pacientes com AR e osteoporose devem evitar quedas, e devem ser aconselhados a aumentarem a ingestão de cálcio, aumentarem a exposição solar e fazerem atividade física; 12) Suplementação de cálcio e vitamina D é sugerida.Autilização de bisfosfonatos é sugerida para pacientes com escore T menor que -2,5 na densidade mineral óssea; 13) Recomenda-se equipe multidisciplinar, com participação ativa do médico reumatologista no tratamento das comorbidades.48349