Fecundando el proceso de la interdisciplinariedad en la iniciación científica

The modern disciplinary focus is based on specific processes and presents a tendency to reduce knowledge by describing it as a consequence of a highly rational scientific posture that has promoted excessive specialization and fragmentation in detriment of the human being. With the development of societies and the perspective of knowledge interconnection which searches for institutions with global and broad dimensions in the spheres of knowing and doing, disciplinarity will be transcended. In this sense, the purpose of this work is to report the experience of an undergraduate students' research program in the view of interdisciplinarity. Playing the roles of advisor and student from different areas - Nursing and Administration respectively - we are experiencing an interdisciplinary process through the exchange of ideas, actions and the investigation on human resources and their management in the Nursing area. We believe that the dissemination of this experience can contribute to strengthen interdisciplinarity in the context of research in undergraduation programs.El enfoque disciplinar moderno se fundamenta en procesos específicos presentando una inclinación reduccionista del conocimiento como consecuencia de la postura científica racional que promovió la excesiva especialización y fragmentación, trayendo como resultado el desprecio por el ser humano. Con el desarrollo de las sociedades y teniendo como perspectiva la interconexión del conocimiento, buscando cada vez más la institución de dimensiones más amplias y globales en las esferas del saber y del hacer, la tendencia de la disciplinariedad es la de ser transcendida. El objetivo de este trabajo es relatar ésta experiencia en un programa de iniciación científica desde la óptica de la interdisciplinariedad. En el desempeño de los papeles de alumno y orientador de áreas distintas - Administración y Enfermería - estamos viviendo el proceso de interdisciplinariedad a través del intercambio de ideas, acciones y de investigación sobre recursos humanos y su gerencia en el campo de la Enfermería. Creemos que su diseminación podrá contribuir ofreciendo aportes capaces de fortalecer la interdisciplinaridad en el contexto de la iniciación científica.O enfoque disciplinar moderno fundamenta-se em processos específicos, apresentando uma inclinação reducionista do conhecimento como conseqüência da postura científica altamente racional que promoveu a excessiva especialização e fragmentação, resultando em depauperamento do ser humano. Com o desenvolvimento das sociedades tendo em perspectiva a interconexão do conhecimento, buscando cada vez mais a instituição de dimensões mais ampliativas e globalizantes nas esferas do saber e do fazer, a tendência da disciplinaridade é ser transcendida. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar experiência em programa de iniciação científica sob a ótica da interdisciplinaridade. No desempenho de papéis de orientado e orientador de áreas distintas - Administração e Enfermagem - estamos vivenciando o processo da interdisciplinaridade através do intercâmbio de idéias, ações e de investigação sobre recursos humanos e seu gerenciamento no campo da Enfermagem. No nosso entender, sua disseminação poderá contribuir para o oferecimento de subsídios capazes de fortalecer a interdisciplinaridade já no contexto da iniciação científica

Characterisation of spray dried hydrolysed chicken liver powder : effects on palatability and digestibility when included as single source of animal protein in dog diets

This study aimed to evaluate a commercial hydrolysed chicken liver powder (HCLP) as a single source of animal protein in diets for adult dogs. A characterisation of the HCLP was followed by assessment of diets palatability and in vivo and in vitro digestibility. Two extruded isonitroge- nous diets were produced: control (poultry byproduct þ bovine meat and bone meal) and HCLP. Twenty-two dogs of different breeds were used to test palatability, and twelve Beagle dogs were used to evaluate digestibility. HCLP had high concentrations of lysine, linoleic and arachi- donic acids, and most of peptides with molecular weight .05). Ash and fat intake were higher in dogs fed the control diet, (p .05) compared to control diet, although faecal dry matter was reduced (p 1⁄4 .0321) and the daily faecal production was increased (p 1⁄4 .0361). The diets in vitro digestibility did not differ (p > .05). Based on our results, HCLP included up to 26% in diets for adult dogs presented satisfactory results in palatability, digestibility of nutrients and energy, faecal and urinary characteristics. Although dogs fed the HCLP diet produced slightly moist stools, it had no negative impact on faecal score

Fatty acid profiles of serum lipid fractions change minimally in sled dogs before and after short bouts of exercise

Although emerging data suggests a greater influence of gluconeogenic precursors, endurance sled dogs have long appeared to rely heavily on fatty acid oxidation for sustained energy production. However, much of the research investigating lipid utilization during exercise in sled dogs has been carried out with dogs subjected to extended bouts of endurance exercise. Less is known about changes in fatty acid composition in endurance training sled dogs subjected to short bouts of exercise, and fewer data define how fatty acid composition may change in distinct lipid fractions. As such, the study objective was to assess whether short bouts of submaximal exercise would affect fatty acid profiles of serum lipid fractions in endurance training sled dogs. Fifteen privately-owned Siberian huskies were used (8 females: 4 intact, 4 spayed; 7 males: 2 intact, 5 neutered), with an average age of 4.6 ± 2.5 years and body weight of 24.8 ± 4.2 kg. Throughout the diet acclimation and remainder of the study, all dogs were fed a dry extruded diet that met or exceeded all AAFCO nutrient recommendations. Dogs were weighed weekly and fed to maintain baseline body weight. A 12-week exercise regimen was designed to incorporate weekly increases in running distance, but weather played a role in setting the daily distance. On weeks 2, 5, and 11, an exercise challenge was implemented whereby dogs would run 4 km at 15 km/h in teams of 4. Pre- and post-exercise blood samples were taken, and gas chromatography was used to evaluate fatty acid profiles of all identified serum lipid fractions (cholesterol ester, diacylglycerol, free fatty acid, phospholipids, triglyceride). Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS, with dog as a random effect and week and sampling time point as fixed effects. Composition of oleic (18:1n9), linoleic (18:2n6), and alpha-linolenic (18:3n3) acids in the free fatty acid fraction decreased by ∼9, 10, and 60%, respectively, following exercise (P ≤ 0.05). The results presented herein suggest that aside from a degree of depletion of these 18-carbon unsaturated fatty acids, short bouts of submaximal exercise do not induce considerable changes to sled dog fatty acid profiles

Dietary fibre type influences protein and fat digestibility in dogs

Fibre can interfere with digestibility of fat by accelerating intestinal passage or by increasing chyme viscosity. Lecithin is an important emulsifier which can improve fat digestion. The study aims to determine if fibre solubility may interfere with apparent or true total tract digestibility (ATTD; TTTD) of macronutrients and energy and if adding lecithin could improve fat digestibility. Stool quality was evaluated regarding fibre and lecithin inclusion. Eighteen adult dogs fed 130 kcal metabolis- able energy BW kg0.75/day were assigned in a 3 2 factorial Design, two blocks of 10 days to complete six replications per treatment. Two factors were tested, the source of fibre replacing starch and the inclusion of lecithin. Six diets were formulated with 10% corn starch or cellulose powder, or beet pulp and then all of the diets were dressed with 10% poultry fat or 1% soy leci- thin þ 9% poultry fat. The fibre inclusion reduced ATTD of dry matter, organic matter, carbohy- drates, and energy. The ATTD of fat, crude protein, acid detergent fibre (ADF), and energy, and the TTTD of fat were decreased by adding soluble fibre in the diet, while the ATTD of ADF was greater for the cellulose diet. Soluble fibre impairs absorption of fat and other nutrients, then energy, while insoluble fibre is more related to effects on energy dilution. Lecithin is not able to restore fat digestibility, but lecithin improves energy absorption when insoluble fibre is included. Both sources can be used to produce low energy diets and modulate faecal score: soluble fibre holds water in the faecal content while insoluble fibre tends to produce dried faeces

Effect of partial substitution of rice with sorghum and inclusion of hydrolyzable tannins on digestibility and postprandial glycemia in adult dogs

Sorghum is used as a substitute for rice in dog food, owing to its nutritional similarity and low cost. However, its use has been associated with negative effects, like a reduction in palatability, digestibility, and enzyme activity, which can decrease nutrient absorption. The presence of condensed tannins (CT) in sorghum may cause these effects. Another tannin group, the hydrolysable tannins (HT), is known for its antioxidant properties. Research has shown the nutritional effects of sorghum on dogs, but the effect of HT on dogs remains unknown. We evaluated the effects of substituting rice with sorghum containing CT and inclusion of commercial extract of HT on digestibility, fecal and urinary characteristics, and postprandial blood glucose levels in adult dogs. Eight adult Beagle were randomly subjected to 4 treatments: (R) 50% rice; (RS) 25% rice + 25% sorghum; (RHT) 50% rice + 0.10% HT; (RSHT) 25% rice + 25% sorghum + 0,10% HT. Tannins did not affect food intake. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein (CP), acid hydrolyzed fat, gross energy, and metabolizable energy (ME) decreased with sorghum inclusion (P 0.05). No alterations in urinary characteristics were observed. Sorghum and HT did not affect the postprandial blood glucose response measured by the area under the curve (P > 0.05). The substitution of rice by sorghum decreased CP digestibility and ME of the diets. Sorghum can be considered as a source of carbohydrates with lower digestibility of protein and energy than rice. HT may potentiate the effect of CT, but more research is needed to evaluate its potential use in dog nutrition

Evaluation of teeth injuries in Beagle dogs caused by autoclaved beef bones used as a chewing item to remove dental calculus

Dental calculus (DC) is the most widespread oral problem in domestic dogs. Chewing items are used to remove DC from the tooth surface; they also favor oral health and animal welfare. Raw beef bone mastication also shortly reduces DC in adult dogs. However, it can cause oral lesions and hence is not popular. This study evaluated the impact of bone mastication on the dental roots, enamel, and gingiva of dogs. Twelve adult Beagle dogs were randomly divided into 2 treatment groups in a completely randomized block design: cortical bone (CB) or spongy bone (SB). Intraoral radiographs were obtained on days 0 and 14, and calculus assessment was performed using images captured on days 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 14; an integration program was used to measure the proportion between the area covered by calculus and the total area of teeth. DC was completely removed from the first and second premolars and molars from both the arcades in less than 3 days of supplementation, indicating that these teeth were frequently used for chewing (P < 0.10). Bones were highly effective for DC removal and gingival inflammation reduction. Despite the hardness of bones, no lesions or teeth root and enamel fracture, or esophageal or intestinal obstructions—complications related to bone ingestion—were noted. However, SB showed some gingival lesions (n = 4) and bone remnants between teeth (n = 2). Gingival lesions were caused by the daily and continuous supply of new pieces of bone for 13 days. Specific pieces of bone should be used for oral home care programs because they shortly remove almost 90% of DC, allowing longer intervals between periodontal cleaning procedures. Long-term studies are required to evaluate the use of bones and evaluate their impact on teeth and periodontium after prolonged supplementation

Root traits correlated with soybean yield in a subtropical region

Root system plays a crucial role in plants’ anchoring, water and nutrients acquisition and storage of carbohydrates. While it is understood that root system traits contribute to crop yield, little is known about the particular effects of root morphology over crop yield, even on major crops such as soybean (Glycine max). The objective of this study was to investigate if distinct soybean grain yield plants, grown at different sites, displayed differences in their root system morphology. This distinct traits in the root system should be responsible to the differences of yield, thus, showing which traits should be followed in breeding programs to develop higher yield cultivars. The soybean cultivar DM 5958 RSF IPRO was sowing in a randomized complete block design experiment. Treatments comprised three cultivation sites and five soybean grain yield classes. Plant emergence and root system morphology attributes were evaluated. Results showed that late emergence negatively influenced root development. A huge difference among sites over very thin (89%) and thin (85%) roots was found in the high yield class, and since the plants have similar yield, it appeared that the thin and very thin roots length have no impact on the yield, being influenced mostly by the environment. Forks and tips roots didn’t show a pattern. In contrast, roots volume only showed a 22% reduction, demonstrating to be less influenced by the environment, resulting in a greater correlation with the grain yield. Thus identified as the main attribute to be explored when seeking to select new soybean cultivars

Effects of diets containing organic and inorganic zinc sources on hair characteristics, zinc concentration in blood and hair, and the immune response of dogs

Background: There are two commercial forms of zinc, organic and inorganic, and its form may infl uence absorption and utilization by the animals. The inorganic form dissociates to Zn2+ in the gastrointestinal tract and can interact with other substances that the animal cannot absorb. The interest in using organic minerals has increased because of the reported potential of higher bioavailability compared to inorganic sources. In dogs, little research has been done concerning the bioavailability of organic and inorganic mineral sources. This study compared the effects of diets containing organic and inorganic zinc on hair characteristics, zinc concentration in blood and hair, and the infl uence of organic minerals on the immune response of dogs. Materials, Methods & Results: Eighteen healthy adult dogs of different breeds (Labrador, German Shepherd, Malinois Shepherd, and Rottweiler) were separated into two groups of nine animals per treatment and fed diets for 30 days. Two diets were used: an inorganic mineral source diet (IMSD) and an organic mineral source diet (OMSD). Four parameters were evaluated (days -14, 0, 10, 20, 30) to determine the hair characteristics: brightness, texture, looseness, and greasiness. On days 0 and 30, two blood samples were taken and two hair samples were collected to measure zinc concentrations. On the 10th day of the trial period, the animals received an injection of 4 mL of a 10% solution of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) subcutaneously as a stimulus to assess the humoral response. Blood samples were taken prior to injection as well as on days 10 and 20 post-injection for antibody titer. All dogs consumed adequate amount of the diets and body weight did not change during the experiment. The daily dry matter, energy, and zinc consumption did not differ between groups The zinc concentration in the blood remained stable throughout the experiment in animals fed the OMSD but decreased signifi cantly in the animals fed the IMSD (P = 0.0145). The zinc concentration in hair increased (P = 0.0075) in dogs fed the OMSD, while the dogs fed the IMSD had no difference. The consumption of the OMSD resulted in higher brightness in the hair of the face, muzzle, armpit, back, abdomen, and tail compared with the IMSD. The animals fed the chelated mineral-supplemented diet also showed better texture in hair of the abdomen (P = 0.0327), chest (P = 0.0335), and tail (P = 0.0291). The parameters looseness and greasiness showed no signifi cant differences. No differences were observed in the production of antibodies against SRBC between groups; however, the antibody concentration was maintained throughout the experiment in the animals supplemented with OMSD, in contrast to the animals supplemented with IMSD, which reduced their antibody concentration. Discussion: There is controversy in the literature regarding the benefi ts of organic over inorganic zinc source. This may be due to two factors: the time of zinc supplementation, and the levels of zinc included in the diets, which varies in each experiment. In the present study, both criteria were adequate for the responses evaluated and the results suggest that organic zinc is suitable for supplementation into the commercial dog foods and could enhance the hair characteristics of adult dogs. Moreover, the improvement in immune status, although subtle, must be taken into account. It should be noted that the diets were formulated with high levels of minerals, especially calcium, which increases the possibility of interactions and competition in the absorptive process, increasing the challenge and impairing absorption of divalent minerals