Abstract The present work aimed to characterize and compare the catalytic properties of amylases from Cunninghamella echinulata and Rhizopus microsporus. The highest production of amylase by C. echinulata, 234.94 U g-1 of dry substrate (or 23.49 U mL-1), was obtained using wheat bran as a substrate, with 50–55% initial moisture and kept at 28 °C for 48 h. The highest production of amylases by R. microsporus, 224.85 U g-1 of dry substrate (or 22.48 U mL-1), was obtained cultivating wheat bran with 65% initial moisture at 45 °C for 24 h. The optimal activity of the amylases was observed at pH 5.0 at 60 °C for C. echinulata enzymes and at pH 4.5 at 65 °C for R. microsporus. The amylases produced by C. echinulata were stable at pH 4.0–8.0, while the R. microsporus enzymes were stable at pH 4.0–10.0. The amylases produced by C. echinulata remained stable for 1 h at 50 °C and the R. microsporus amylases maintained catalytic activity for 1 h at 55 °C. The enzymatic extracts of both fungi hydrolyzed starches from different plant sources and showed potential for liquefaction of starch, however the amylolytic complex of C. echinulata exhibited greater saccharifying potential.

Phytochemical study of the roots of Euphorbia phosphorea Mart. (Euphorbiaceae) was carried out through chromatographic techniques, resulting in the isolation of a new ent-abietane diterpene named 11β,12β-dihydroxy-ent-abieta-8(14),13(15)-dien-16,12α-olide (1), and of nine known ent-abietane diterpenes jolkinolide A (2), jolkinolide E (3), euphorin H (4), euphopilolide (5) jolkinolide F (6), ent-12-hydroxy-12[R]-abieta-8(14),13(15)-dien-16,12-olide (7), ent-11α-hydroxyabieta-8(14),13(15)-dien-16,12α-olide (8), 17-hydroxyjolkinolide B (9) and caudicifolin (10). The structures of all compounds were established using spectroscopic techniques such as 1D and 2D NMR, and the structure of the compound 1 was established also with MS, IR and ECD. All compounds were submitted to an in silico study through of a predictive model and then submitted to in vitro tests against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. smegmatis for evaluation of their antimycobacterial activity. Compounds 5 and 9 showed mycobacterial growth inhibition with MIC values of 62.5 μM against M. tuberculosis and M. smegmatis, respectively.

RESUMO A cultura do amendoim apresenta grande interesse econômico, em decorrência de suas sementes, constituírem importante fonte de proteína vegetal e de óleo comestível. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a fisiologia e crescimento da cultura do amendoim submetido a estresse salino e hídrico. O experimento foi conduzido em Auroras, Redenção, Ceará, Brasil. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado em parcelas subdivididas, cujas parcelas referem-se aos níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação - CEa (1,0; 2,0; 3,0; 4,0 e 5,0 dS m-1) e as subparcelas aos regimes hídricos de 50 e 100% da evapotranspiração da cultura. O estresse salino afeta negativamente a altura de planta, número de folhas e massa seca da parte aérea, índices relativos de clorofila, transpiração e a temperatura foliar da cultura do amendoim. O regime hídrico de 100% da ETc proporcionou maiores desempenhos para as variáveis diâmetro do caule, número de folhas e massa seca da parte aérea da cultura do amendoim.

ABSTRACT Peanut crops are of great economic interest because their seeds are used as an important source of vegetable protein and edible oil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological indices and growth of peanut crops subjected to saline and water stress. The experiment was conducted in Auroras, Redenção, Ceará, Brazil using a completely randomized split plot statistical design. The plots were composed of irrigation water treatments with varying levels of electrical conductivity - ECw (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 dS m-1), while the subplots were formed by the water regimes of 50% and 100% crop evapotranspiration. Plant height, leaf number, shoot dry matter, relative chlorophyll level, transpiration, and leaf temperature were affected by salt stress. The water regime of 100% ETc provided better performance for the variables stem diameter, leaf number, and shoot dry mass of peanuts.

Resumo Bactérias estão relacionadas a diferentes doenças bucais, como a cárie dentária e a doença periodontal. Assim, o controle e/ou erradicação de microrganismos e seus subprodutos é primordial para o sucesso dos tratamentos. Uma alternativa para diminuir a carga bacteriana é a utilização de extratos vegetais utilizados na medicina popular. A citotoxicidade e ação antimicrobiana de extratos de Cariniana rubra Gardinerex Miers, Senna martiniana H.S. Irwin & Barneby, Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan e Spiranthera odoratissima St. Hil. contra cepas de Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcusfaecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Agartibacter actinomycetencomitans e Candida albicans foram investigados. A citotoxicidade foi avaliada nas concentrações de 1, 10, 40, 80, 100 e 1000 μg/mL por meio do teste MTT. Aqueles com citotoxicidade aceitável tiveram a ação antimicrobiana medida pelo teste XTT. Cariniana rubra Gardinerex Miers apresentou os maiores resultados de citototoxicidade, enquanto Spiranthera odoratissima St. Hil. obteve os melhores resultados, mas todos os extratos apresentaram citotoxicidade aceitável em diferentes concentrações. Os extratos vegetais apresentaram maior atividade contra A. actinomycetencomitans: Anadenanthera columbrina (Vell.) Brenan (80,52%) a 40 μg/mL, Spiranthera odoratissima St. Hil (78,48%) em 1 μg/mL, Senna martiniana H.S. Irwin & Barneby (73,28%) na concentração de 40 μg/mL e Cariniana rubra Gardinerex Miers (70,50%) em 10 μg/mL. Todos os extratos analisados apresentaram citotoxicidade aceitável em diferentes concentrações e foram promissores na inibição dos microrganismos patogênicos estudados.

Abstract Bacteria are related do different oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal disease. Therefore, the control or/and eradication of microorganisms and their by-products is primordial for the success of their treatment. An alternative for decrease bacterial load is the use of plant extracts used in popular medicine. The cytotoxicity and antimicrobial action of extracts of Cariniana rubra Gardiner ex Miers, Senna martiniana, Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan and Spiranthera odoratissima St. Hil. against strains of Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Aggregatibacter actinomyces- tencomitans and Candida albicans were investigated. Cytotoxicity was assessed at concentrations of 1, 10, 40, 80, 100 and 1000 μg/mL by means of the MTT test and compared to a control group with untreated cells. Those with acceptable cytotoxicity had the antimicrobial action measured by the XTT test. As a positive control, sodium hypochlorite was used. Cariniana rubra Gardiner ex Miers had the highest citototoxicity results while Spiranthera odoratissima St. Hil. had the best results, but all extracts showed acceptable cytotoxicity at different concentrations. The plant extracts showed higher activity against A. actinomycetencomitans: Anadenanthera columbrina (Vell.) Brenan (80.52%) at 40 μg/mL, Spiranthera odoratissima St. Hil (78.48%) in 1 μg/mL, Senna martiniana (73.28%) in the concentration of 40 μg/mL and Cariniana rubra Gardiner ex Miers (70.50%) in 10 μg/mL. All extracts analyzed showed acceptable cytotoxicity at different concentrations and were promising for inhibition of the pathogenic microorganisms studied.

RESUMO Nos últimos tempos, as tecnologias verdes ganharam espaço e interesse em muitos setores industriais. Exemplo disso são as enzimas, que podem ser obtidas por fermentação em estado sólido usando microrganismos e resíduos agroindustriais como substratos. Nesse contexto, este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a produção de hidrolases, utilizando as cepas de Arthrobacter polychromogenes e Streptomyces violaceoruber como produtoras, e a influência, da umidade e resíduos de licuri [Syagrus coronata (Martius) Beccari] e trigo como substratos. A fermentação em estado sólido foi realizada a 28 ºC/12 dias, com diferentes proporções de farelo de trigo/ torta de amêndoa de licuri desengordurada: 0/70%, 10/60%, 35/35%, 60/10% e 70/0%; e casca de licuri, fixada em 30%. A umidade média variou de 29 a 67%. Casca de licuri foi adicionada para facilitar a aeração do meio; o farelo de trigo é comumente utilizado para produção de lipases e pectinases; e a torta de amêndoa de licuri desengordurada é o substrato de interesse deste trabalho, uma vez que ele foi inspirado pela produção extrativa de licuri na região do semiárido do Brasil. A relação farelo de trigo/torta de amêndoa de licuri desengordurada não afetou a produção de enzimas por A. polychromogenes; no entanto, com S. violaceoruber, o valor da razão foi significativo para a produção de lipase, mas não para pectinases. O meio preparado com umidade de 67% e razões iguais de farelo de trigo e torta de amêndoa de licuri desengordurada (35/35%) apresentou as maiores atividades enzimáticas para ambas as enzimas, 840,46 U/gds para lipases e 15,53 U/gds para pectinases, durante os ensaios de Delineamento Central Composto. Com os experimentos de validação, verificou-se que os resíduos de licuri podem ser utilizados como substrato para a produção de hidrolases por fermentação em estado sólido, e que as actinobactérias avaliadas são adequadas para esse fim.

ABSTRACT In recent times, green technologies have gained space and interest in many industrial sectors. Examples of this are enzymes, which can be obtained by solid-state fermentation using microorganisms and agro-industrial residues as substrates. In this context, this study aimed to verify the production of hydrolases leading to Arthrobacter polychromogenes and Streptomyces violaceoruber strains as producers and the influence of moisture and residues of licuri [Syagrus coronata (Martius) Beccari] and wheat as substrates. The solid-state fermentation was performed at 28 °C/12 days, with different ratios of wheat bran/degreased almond licuri cake: 0/70%, 10/60%, 35/35%, 60/10% and 70/0%; and licuri peel, set at 30%. The medium moisture ranged from 29 to 67%. Licuri peel was added to facilitate aeration of the medium; wheat bran is commonly used to produce lipases and pectinases; and degreased almond licuri cake is the substrate of interest in this work, since it was inspired by the extractive production of licuri in the semiarid region of Brazil. The wheat bran/degreased almond licuri cake ratio did not affect enzyme production by A. polychromogenes; however, with S. violaceoruber, the ratio value was significant for lipase production but not for pectinases. The medium prepared with 67% moisture and equal ratios of wheat bran and degreased almond licuri cake (35/35%) presented the highest enzymatic activities for both enzymes, 840.46 U/gds for lipases and 15.53 U/gds for pectinases, during Composite Central Design assays. With validation experiments, it was verified that licuri residues can be used as substrates for the production of hydrolases by solid-state fermentation and that actinobacteria evaluated are suitable microorganisms.

RESUMO Objetivou-se no presente estudo avaliar o efeito da desfolha artificial no crescimento vegetativo e produtivo do feijão caupi sob inoculação com bactérias diazotróficas, em dois experimentos. O primeiro experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação com fatorial 5 × 5 (cinco percentagens de desfolha e cinco fontes de nitrogênio), com quatro repetições. As fontes de nitrogênio consistiram na inoculação bacteriana das cepas INPA 03-11B, UFLA 03-84, UFRB FA34C2-2 e dois tratamentos controle: i - com adubação nitrogenada e ii - sem adubação nitrogenada e sem inoculação. O segundo experimento, foi realizado em campo no esquema fatorial 3 × 5, com três repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de três fontes de nitrogênio: com adubação nitrogenada, sem adubação nitrogenada e uso da cepa bacteriana INPA 03-11B selecionada no primeiro experimento, e cinco percentagens de desfolhamento artificial, cujos valores, nos dois experimentos, foram: 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100%. O desfolhamento artificial do feijão caupi durante o estágio vegetativo causou redução na massa seca dos nódulos bacterianos. A inoculação aumentou a tolerância das plantas ao desfolhamento e aumentou o teor de nutrientes dos grãos (N e P). A inoculação com a cepa INPA 03-11B permitiu que as plantas de caupi tolerassem 50% de desfolhamento no estádio vegetativo. A produtividade média do feijão caupi é reduzida a partir de 50% de desfolhamento artificial durante a fase produtiva e, portanto, dispensa o controle de pragas desfolhantes até esse nível, em condições de campo.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of artificial defoliation on vegetative and productive stages of cowpea inoculated with diazotrophic bacteria, in two experiments. The first experiment was performed in a greenhouse with 5 × 5 factorial (five defoliation percentages and five N sources), with four repetitions. N sources consisted of bacterial inoculation with strains INPA 03-11B, UFLA 03-84, UFRB FA34C2-2, and two control treatments: i - with N fertilization and ii - blank control, without N fertilization and without inoculation. The second experiment was performed in the field, in a 3 × 5 factorial scheme, with three repetitions. Treatments consisted of three N sources: with N fertilization, with bacterial strain INPA 03-11B that was selected in the first experiment, and five percentages of artificial defoliation. Defoliation percentages for both experiments were 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%. Artificial defoliation during the vegetative stage caused reduction in the dry mass of bacterial nodules. Inoculation increased plant tolerance to defoliation and enhanced grain nutrient concentration (N and P). Inoculation with the strain INPA 03-11B allowed cowpea plants to tolerate 50% defoliation in the vegetative stage. The mean productivity of cowpea was reduced under > 50% defoliation during the productive stage; therefore, control of defoliating pests until the productive stage is not necessary under field conditions.

Resumo Este estudo apresenta o tratamento taxonômico de Anacardium para o estado do Pará (Brasil), baseado na análise de espécimes provenientes de herbários (CEN, ESA, IAN, INPA, MBM, MFS, MG, RB, UB e UEC), materiais coletados em campo e imagens de espécimes disponíveis em bancos de dados virtuais. As identificações das espécies foram confirmadas por consulta aos protólogos e tipos ou imagens dos tipos. A análise morfoanatômica das folhas de Anacardium foi realizada a fim de dar suporte às caracterizações taxonômicas. São apresentadas descrições, pranchas, um mapa de distribuição e uma chave de identificação para as espécies de Anacardium ocorrentes no Pará (A. amapaense, A. giganteum, A. humile, A. microsepalum, A. occidentale e A. spruceanum).

Abstract This study presents a taxonomic treatment of Anacardium for the state of Pará (Brazil), based on the analysis of specimens from herbaria (CEN, ESA, IAN, INPA, MBM, MFS, MG, RB, UB, and UEC), material collected in the field, and images of specimens from virtual databases. Species identifications were confirmed by consultation of protologues and types or images of types. A morphoanatomical analysis of the leaves of Anacardium was conducted to support taxonomic characterizations. Descriptions, plates, a distribution map, and an identification key for the species of Anacardium occurring in Pará (A. amapaense, A. giganteum, A. humile, A. microsepalum, A. occidentale, and A. spruceanum) are provided.

RESUMO: Durante a gestação ocorrem modificações metabólicas nas ovelhas que podem predispor a ocorrência de transtornos metabólicos, dos quais se destaca a toxemia da prenhez (TP). A hemogasometria é um exame que detecta alterações nos equilíbrios ácido-básico e eletrolítico de forma eficaz. Os objetivos deste estudo foram estudar os equilíbrios ácido-básico e eletrolítico de ovelhas durante a gestação e no periparto imediato (até 48 horas pós-parto), comparando-se gestação única com gemelar. Foram utilizadas 60 ovelhas criadas em manejo semi-intensivo, hígidas, da raça Dorper, com dois a cinco anos de idade. Foram constituídos dois grupos experimentais: Grupo 1: 30 ovelhas, com diagnóstico ultrassonográfico de gestação de feto único; Grupo 2: 30 ovelhas, com diagnóstico ultrassonográfico de gestação gemelar. Os momentos experimentais foram definidos como: MI - imediatamente após a inseminação artificial (controle); MG30 - 30 dias de gestação; MG90 - 90 dias de gestação; MG120 - 120 dias de gestação; MG130 - 130 dias de gestação; MG140 - 140 dias de gestação; MP - dia do parto; MPP1 - 24h pós-parto; MPP2 - 48h pós-parto. Em todos os momentos foi colhido 1mL de sangue por punção da veia jugular para avaliação hemogasométrica em aparelho portátil (I-Stat®). Foram analisados os parâmetros: pH, pressão de dióxido de carbono (PCO2), bicarbonato (HCO3-), excesso de bases (EB), sódio (Na+), potássio (K+), cloreto (Cl-), cálcio ionizado (iCa+2), lactato, ânion gap (AG) e diferença de íons fortes (SID). Este trabalho mostrou que houve mudanças nos equilíbrios ácido-básico e eletrolítico nas ovelhas prenhes, pela diminuição do EB, HCO3- e aumento do lactato e AG no decorrer da gestação, porém o pH se manteve dentro da normalidade e não apresentou diferença ao longo dos momentos em ambos os grupos. Comparando os grupos, as ovelhas de gestação única apresentaram maior consumo da reserva alcalina no momento do parto do que as de gestação gemelar, evidenciado menores níveis de EB e HCO3-. Foram observados níveis mais baixos de Na+ no pré-parto; queda dos valores de K+ com o avanço da gestação; hipercloremia e hipocalcemia durante a gestação segundo os padrões de referência para espécie e diminuição dos níveis de iCa+2 no terço final da gestação nas ovelhas de ambos os grupos. Concluiu-se que as ovelhas deste estudo apresentaram-se saudáveis até o último momento analisado (48h pós-parto), embora tenham mostrado maior consumo da reserva alcalina no periparto, sendo mais evidente nos animais de gestação única. Apesar disso, essa ocorrência pode ser considerada fisiológica e consequência do aumento da demanda energética durante a gestação, mais exacerbada no periparto.

ABSTRACT: During pregnancy there are modifications in the metabolic profile of sheep that may predispose to the occurrence of metabolic disorders, of which pregnancy toxaemia (PT) is highlighted. Blood gas analysis is detects changes in acid-base and electrolyte balance effectively. The objectives of this study were to study the acid-base and electrolyte balance of sheep during gestation and in the immediate peripartum (up to 48 hours postpartum), comparing single gestation with twins. Sixty healthy sheep of Dorper breed, two to five years old were raised in a semi-intensive system and were divided in two experimental groups: Group 1: 30 ewes, with ultrasonographic diagnosis of single fetus gestation; Group 2: 30 ewes, with ultrasonographic diagnosis of twin pregnancy. The experimental moments were defined as: MI-immediately after artificial insemination (control); MG30 - 30 days of gestation; MG90 - 90 days of gestation; MG120 - 120 days of gestation; MG130 - 130 days of gestation; MG140 - 140 days of gestation; MP - lambing; MPP1 - 24h postpartum; MPP2 - 48h postpartum. At all times 1mL of blood was collected per jugular vein puncture for blood gas evaluation in a portable equipament (I-Stat®). The pH, carbon dioxide pressure (PCO2), bicarbonate (HCO3-), base excess (BE), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), ionized calcium (Ca+2), lactate, anion gap (AG) were mensured and strong ion difference (SID) were calculed. This work showed that there were changes in acid-base and electrolyte balance in pregnant ewes, due to the decrease in BE, HCO3-, TCO2 and increase of lactate and AG during gestation, but the pH remained normal and did not present any difference among moments in both groups. Comparing the groups, single-gestation ewes presented higher alkaline expenditure at delivery than twin-gestation, evidenced by lower levels of BE and HCO3-. Lower Na+ levels were observed in prepartum; drop in K+ values with advancing gestation; hyperchloremia and hypocalcemia during gestation according to the reference standards for species; decreased iCa+2 levels in the final third of gestation in both groups. It was concluded that the ewes of this study were healthy until the last moment analyzed (48h postpartum), although have shown greater consumption of the alkaline reserve in the peripartum, being more explicit in the single gestation animals. In addition, this situation can be physiological and result in increased energy demand during gestation, more exacerbated by peripartum.

RESUMO: Recentemente, o termo “síndrome da asma equina” (SAE) foi proposto devido à semelhança da doença equina à asma humana. Os leucotrienos causam constrição dos brônquios, especialmente nas vias aéreas posteriores e aumentam a secreção de muco no sistema respiratório. O leucotrieno B4 (LTB4) foi descoberto como um forte fator quimiotático, que desempenha um papel na migração de neutrófilos. O fundo imunológico do SAE permanece não completamente elucidado apesar de muitos estudos sobre a patogênese. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a concentração de LTB4 no lavado broncoalveolar (LBA) de equinos com e sem doença inflamatória pulmonar. Trinta e cinco cavalos de raças mistas foram estudados e o LTB4 foi determinado usando o kit ELISA específico. Os animais foram agrupados por dois critérios diferentes para análise estatística dos dados: 1) de acordo com os valores para citologia do LBA e 2) de acordo com a detecção do LTB4 no LBA. Houve diferença significativa do efeito da idade na detecção do LTB4 no LBA equino. Os animais mais jovens foram a maioria onde foi possível detectar os valores de LTB4 no LBA. Em conclusão, houve um efeito da idade na detecção de LTB4 em LBA equino, onde os níveis de LTB4 foram mais facilmente detectados em animais jovens do que em animais mais velhos e foi possível detectar a concentração de LTB4 no LBA equino e os resultados deste estudo levantam a possibilidade de considerar futuros estudos com o objetivo de estabelecer o real papel e o melhor momento para detectar LTB4 no LBA da síndrome asmática equina.

ABSTRACT: The term “equine asthma syndrome” (EAS) was recently proposed due to the resemblance of the equine disease to human asthma. Leukotrienes cause constriction of the bronchi, especially in the lower airways and increase mucus secretion in the respiratory system. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) has been discovered as a strong chemotactic factor, which plays a role in neutrophil migration. The immunologic background of EAS remains not fully elucidated despite many studies on the pathogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the LTB4 concentration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of horses with and without pulmonary inflammatory disease. Thirty-five mixed breed horses were studied and LTB4 was determined by using specific ELISA Kit. The horses were grouped by 2 different criteria for statistical analysis of data: 1) according to the values for BALF citology and 2) according to the detection of LTB4 in BALF. There was significant difference of effect of age on the LTB4 detection in equine BALF. Younger animals were the majority where it was possible to detect LTB4 values in LBA. In conclusion, there was an effect of age on the detection of LTB4 in equine BALF, where LTB4 levels were more easily detected in younger animals than older animals and the results of this study raise the possibility of considering future studies with the objective of establishing the real role and the best moment to detect LTB4 in BALF of the equine asthma syndrome.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic, non-invasive ventilation (NIV) on respiratory function in seven- to 16-year-old children in the post-operative phase of cardiac surgery. Method A randomized, controlled trial with 50 children who had undergone cardiac surgery with median sternotomy. After extubation, patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: control group (n=26), which received instructions regarding posture, early ambulation, and cough stimulation, and CPAP group (continuous positive airway pressure; n=24), which received the same instructions as the control group and CPAP=10 cmH20 twice daily for 30 minutes from the 1st to the 5th post-operative day (POD). As a primary outcome, lung function was evaluated before and on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th PODs with measures of respiratory rate (RR), tidal volume (TV), slow vital capacity (SVC), inspiratory capacity (IC), minute volume (MV), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP). As secondary outcomes, the time of hospitalization and intensive care were recorded. A mixed, linear regression model and z-test were used to analyze respiratory function, considering p<0.05. Results All variables, except RR and MV, showed a significant drop on the 1st POD, with gradual recovery; however, only MIP had returned to pre-operative values on the 5th POD in both groups. The RR showed a significant increase on the 1st POD, with a gradual reduction but without returning to baseline. In the intergroup analysis, significant improvement (p=0.04) was observed only in PEF in the CPAP group on the 1st DPO. The length of hospitalization and intensive care showed no significant differences. Conclusion NIV was safe and well accepted in this group of patients, and the protocol used was effective in improving PEF on the 1st DPO in the CPAP group.

Resumo: A incidência da urolitíase obstrutiva em ovinos é elevada, principalmente em machos confinados, tanto para produção de carne, quanto reprodutores de alto valor genético. A acidificação urinária é um dos métodos para prevenção desta enfermidade e pode ser realizada de forma eficaz com a suplementação de cloreto de amônio (CA) na dieta. Utilizaram-se 100 ovinos, machos não castrados, mestiços (Ile de France X White Dorper), confinados, com idade aproximada de três meses. Constituíram-se três grupos experimentais: Grupo 21CA (n=40) que recebeu 400mg/kg/PV de cloreto de amônio/animal/dia, por 21 dias consecutivos; Grupo 42CA (n=40) que foi suplementado com 400mg/kg/PV de cloreto de amônio/animal/dia, por 42 dias consecutivos; Grupo controle (n=20), que não recebeu CA. A alimentação consistiu de ração total, composta por 15% de feno triturado e 85% de concentrado, água e sal mineral ad libitum. Após 14 dias de adaptação à alimentação e ao ambiente, os Momentos (M) de avaliação clínica, colheita de sangue e exame ultrassonográfico foram realizados com intervalo de sete dias, sendo M0 (imediatamente antes do início do tratamento com cloreto de amônio), M1 (sete dias após), M2 (14 dias após), M3 (21 dias após o início do tratamento e suspensão do cloreto de amônio em Grupo 21CA), M4 (28 dias após), M5 (35 dias após) e M6 (42 dias após), totalizando 56 dias de confinamento. As dosagens de ureia e creatinina não evidenciaram alteração na função renal, embora a ureia estivesse acima dos valores de referência para espécie ovina. Observaram-se imagens ultrassonográficas compatíveis com cálculos vesicais e dilatação de pelve renal. No Grupo 21CA, 15% (6/40) dos animais apresentaram cálculos vesicais; no Grupo 42CA, 5% (2/40); e no Grupo controle, 20% (4/20) dos cordeiros. Visibilizaram-se também imagens sugestivas de sedimentos e cristais em 31% (31/100) dos animais examinados. A ultrassonografia permitiu a visibilização de alterações renais e vesicais, porém não relacionados ao quadro clínico de urolitíase obstrutiva, revelando-se como um exame complementar de grande relevância para o diagnóstico precoce de alterações no sistema urinário de ovinos.

Abstract: The incidence of obstructive urolithiasis in sheep is high, especially in feedlot males, both for meat production, or the breeder of high genetic value. The urinary acidification is one of the methods for preventing this disease and can be performed efficiently with supplementation of ammonium chloride (AC) in the diet. It was used 100 male lambs, in a feedlot, crossbred (Ile de France X White Dorper), aged approximately three months. It was constituted three groups: Group 21AC (n=40) that received 400mg/kg/PV of ammonium chloride/animal/day for 21 consecutive days, the time of discontinuation of the urinary acidifiers (M3) and continued clinical follow until the end of the experiment (M6); Group 42AC (n=40), that received 400mg/kg/PV of ammonium chloride/animal/day for 42 consecutive days, Group control (n=20), that did not receive ammonium chloride throughout the experimental period. The feed consisted of total dry matter, composed of 15% ground hay and 85% concentrate, water and mineral salts ad libitum. After 14 days of adaptation to food and the environment, the moments (M) for clinical evaluation, and blood collection ultrasound examinations were performed with an interval of seven days, and M0 (immediately before the beginning of the treatment with ammonium chloride), M1 (seven days), M2 (14 days after), M3 (21 days after initiation of treatment and suspension of ammonium chloride in Group 21CA), M4 (28 days), M5 (35 days), and M6 (42 days), amounting to 56 days of feedlot. The serum urea and creatinine showed no change in renal function, although the urea was above the reference values for sheep. There were compatible ultrasound images with bladder stones and dilatation of the renal pelvis. In Group 21AC, 15% (6/40) of the animals had bladder stones; in Group 42AC 5% (2/40); and in Group control, 20% (4/20) of the lambs. It was visualized suggestive images of sediment and crystals in 31% (31/100) of examined animals. Ultrasonography allowed visualization of kidney and bladder abnormalities, which were not related to clinical symptoms of obstructive urolithiasis, appearing as an examination complement of great importance for the early detection of changes in the urinary system of sheep.

PURPOSE: To analyze the intraoperative and immediate postoperative biochemical parameters of patients submitted to orthotopic liver transplantation. METHODS: Forty four consecutive orthotopic liver transplants performed from October 2009 to December 2010 were analyzed. The patients (38 male and eight female) were divided into two groups: group A, survivors, and group B, non-survivors. Fifty percent of group A patients were Chid-Pugh C, 40% Chid-Pugh B and 10% Chid-Pugh A. In group B, 52% of the patients were Chid-Pugh C, 41% Chid-Pugh B, and 17% Chid-Pugh A. All orthotopic liver transplants were performed by the piggy-back technique without a portacaval shunt in an anhepatic phase. ALT, AST, LDH and lactate levels were determined preoperatively, at five, 60 minutes after arterial revascularization of the graft and 24 and 48 hours after the end of the surgery.( or: after the surgery was finished). RESULTS: There were no preoperative clinical differences (Child and Meld) between the two groups. The times of warm and hypothermal ischemia were similar for both groups (p>0.05). Serum aminotransferases levels at five and 60 minutes after arterial revascularization of the graft were similar (p>0.05) for both groups, as also were lactate levels at the time points studied. There was no significant difference in Δ lactate between groups at any time point studied (p>0.05). No significant difference was observed between groups during the first 24 and 48 hours after surgery (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: No significant difference in any of the parameters studied was observed between groups. Under the conditions of the present study and considering the parameters evaluated, no direct relationship was detected between the intraoperative situation and the type of evolution of the patients of the two groups studied.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a distribuição espaço-temporal, reprodução e dieta dos bagres Genidens genidens, G. barbus e Aspistor luniscutis na Enseada de Caraguatatuba. Seus tamanhos foram registrados e o sexo e o estágio reprodutivo identificados. A abundância foi comparada entre areas (sul e norte) e entre meses (agosto/2003 a outubro/2004). As espécies tiveram distribuições espaciais distintas, permitindo sua coexistência. A distribuição temporal reflete sua tendência por migrar no períoo reprodutivo, evidenciado pela dominância de indivíduos pequenos e imaturos na enseada. Houve uma tendência de G. genidens reproduzir no inverno e A. luniscutis na primavera. G. genidens teve sua dieta constituida de crustáceos, moluscos (conchas), escamas de peixes, ostrácodes e sifões de bivalves. G. barbus revelou uma grande dominância por misidáceos, seguido por peixes (ossos e escamas). Para A. luniscutis, a dieta foi baseada em escamas de peixes e crustáceos. Grande quantidade de material orgânico particulado foi observado na dieta das espécies, como já conhecido para bagres estuarinos. O consumo de escamas de peixes pode refletir um hábito lepdofágico. Pequena sobreposição na dieta foi observada entre as espécies, refletindo distinções no ambiente como também nas proporções ingeridas de cada item.

This study evaluated the spatio-temporal distribution, reproduction and diet of the catfishes Genidens genidens, G. barbus and Aspistor luniscutis in Caraguatatuba Bay. Their sizes were recorded and the sex and reproductive stage identified. The abundance was compared between areas (South and North) and among months (August 2003 - October 2004). The species had different spatial distributions, allowing them to coexist. The temporal distribution reflected their tendencies to migrate in the reproductive period, as evidenced by the dominance of small immature individuals in the bay. G. genidens tended to reproduce in winter, and A. luniscutis in spring. The diet of G. genidens consisted of crustaceans, mollusks (shells), fish scales, ostracods, and bivalve siphons. G. barbus consumed a high proportion of mysids, followed by fish (bones and scales). For A. luniscutis, the diet was based on fish scales and crustaceans. High quantities of particulate organic matter were observed in the diet of all three species, as previously known for estuarine catfishes. The consumption of fish scales may reflect a lepidophagic habit. A small overlap was observed among the diets, reflecting differences in their environments as well as in the proportions of each item ingested.

This study aimed to assess the effect of percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy on the oxidative metabolism of sheep by measuring the oxidative stress markers of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total glutathione (GSH-t), peroxidase (GSH-Px) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the red cells of these animals. Blood samples were collected from 20 clinically healthy sheep prior to, and 30 min after, percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy. After biopsy, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in SOD and GSH-Px activity, with no significant change (p > 0.05) in GSH-t and TBARS concentrations. These results showed that percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy did not significantly affect the oxidative metabolism of sheep 30 min after the procedure, which may be used widely in this species without causing serious tissue damage.

This study aimed to assess the effect of percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy on the oxidative metabolism of sheep by measuring the oxidative stress markers of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total glutathione (GSH-t), peroxidase (GSH-Px) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the red cells of these animals. Blood samples were collected from 20 clinically healthy sheep prior to, and 30 min after, percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy. After biopsy, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in SOD and GSH-Px activity, with no significant change (p > 0.05) in GSH-t and TBARS concentrations. These results showed that percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy did not significantly affect the oxidative metabolism of sheep 30 min after the procedure, which may be used widely in this species without causing serious tissue damage.