RESUMO A cotonicultura tem forte fator de impacto na economia nacional, e o estado de Mato Grosso se destaca por ser o maior produtor de algodão herbáceo e deter o maior rebanho bovino do país, condições essas que estimulam o uso do caroço, da torta e do farelo de algodão na alimentação animal. Considerando que o gossipol está presente nos subprodutos do algodão e que seus efeitos sobre a reprodução podem reduzir a fertilidade dos animais, objetivou-se, com essa pesquisa, avaliar o efeito da ingestão de dietas com diferentes teores de gossipol livre por dia sobre a morfometria testicular e a qualidade seminal de touros da raça Nelore. Foram utilizados 28 touros, distribuídos aleatoriamente em seis tratamentos: T0, 0 grama de gossipol livre/touro/dia ; T1, 1,08 grama de gossipol livre/touro/dia; T2, 2,07 gramas de gossipol livre/touro/dia; T3, 3,24 gramas de gossipol livre/touro/dia; T4, 3,82 gramas de gossipol livre/touro/dia e T5, 5,08 gramas de gossipol livre/touro/dia. Os animais de cada tratamento foram mantidos confinados em área média de 100m2, dotada de bebedouro, cochos para mistura mineral e para volumoso/concentrado. O consumo de 3,24 gramas de gossipol livre/touro/dia alterou a qualidade espermática e a morfometria testicular de touros.

ABSTRACT The cotton industry has a strong impact factor in the Brazilian economy and the state of Mato Grosso stands out for being the largest upland-type cotton producer and also holds the largest cattle herd in the country, conditions that stimulate the use of cottonseed pie and cottonseed meal in animal feed. Whereas gossypol is present in cotton by-products and their effects on reproduction can reduce the animal fertility, this research evaluated the effect of diets with different free gossypol contents in the testicular morphometry and semen quality of Nelore bulls. 28 bulls were randomly distributed in six treatments: T0, receiving no free gossypol; T1, receiving 1.08g / bull / day; T2, receiving 2.07g / bull / day; T3, receiving 3.24g / bull / day; T4, receiving 3.82g / bull / day and T5, receiving 5.08g / bull / day of free gossypol respectively. The animals in each treatment were kept confined in an averaged area of 100m2, having fresh water, troughs for mineral mixture and roughage / concentrate. The consumption of 3.24g of free gossypol / bull / day altered the bulls sperm quality and testicular morphometry.

Over the years, viticulture has expanded to new regions outside the temperate zones, such as Northeast Brazil, India, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Venezuela, characterized by the production of tropical wines. It is important for the productive sector to comprehend the effects of grapevine interaction with the characteristics of each new region on wines composition. In this study, the composition of wines of Syrah from two regions with different altitudes in Northeast Brazil were analyzed by different methodologies to characterize chemical compounds as sugar, acids, minerals, phenolics (anthocyanins, fla-vonols, stilbenes and condensed tannins) and the sensory profile. The wines of the Bahia region (1100 m of altitude) obtained high concentrations for chemical parameters related to color, monomeric anthocyanins, stilbenes and monomelic and oligomeric tannins. Wines of the low altitude region, Pernambuco (350 m of altitude) were characterized by higher concentrations of flavonols (kaempferol, isorhamnetin, quercetin and rutin) and polymerized tannins. The chemical composition of wines from the two studied regions was influenced by altitude. A trend towards higher concentrations in most for phenolic compounds analyzed was observed in wines from the higher altitude region during the two years of study. Regarding the sensory profile, fruity, floral, herbaceous and empyreumatic attributes aromatic obtained highest scores in wines of the 350 m altitude region, the other attributes were dependent on the year of harvest.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a exigência de proteína bruta (PB) de juvenis de curimatã-pacu (Prochilodus argenteus). O experimento foi conduzido por um período de 60 dias, utilizando um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos (dieta contendo 24,0; 28,0; 32,0 e 36,0% de PB) e cinco repetições cada, em que 100 juvenis (peso inicial de 0,33 ± 0,01g) foram distribuídos em 20 aquários experimentais com volume de 130L, sendo considerada como unidade experimental uma caixa com cinco peixes, sob recirculação de água. Avaliaram-se o desempenho produtivo, o crescimento heterogêneo, os parâmetros morfométricos, fisiológicos e a viabilidade econômica das rações em função do nível de PB. Pela análise de regressão, foi verificado um aumento linear nos parâmetros de desempenho, morfométricos e fisiológicos, com o aumento do nível proteico nas rações. Quando comparados pelo teste de Tukey, o melhor resultado (P>0,05) foi obtido com 36% de PB. Verificou-se menor heterogeneidade de crescimento dos peixes à medida que se aumentavam os níveis de PB na ração. Assim, considerando também a viabilidade econômica, recomenda-se a utilização de rações com 36% de proteína bruta para juvenis de curimatã-pacu.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determinate crude protein (CP) requirement to curimatã-pacu juveniles (Prochilodus argenteus). The experiment was conducted during 60 days in a completely randomized design, with four treatments (24.0, 28.0, 32.0 and 36.0% CP of diet) and five replications, where a hundred juvenile fishes (initial weight de 0.33 ± 0.01g), were distributed in twenty tanks (130L each). Each tank with five juveniles was considered an experimental unit, with water recirculation. Performance, heterogeneous growth, morphometric and physiological parameters, and economic viability of the rations according to the CP levels were evaluated. For the regression analysis, a linear increase in performance, heterogeneous growth and morphometric and physiological parameters with increased of the protein in rations were observed. When compared by the Tukey test (P>0.05), the best results were obtained with 36% CP. There was lower fish growth heterogeneity as the levels of CP in the diet increased. Thus, taking into consideration the economic viability it is recommended to use feed containing 36% of crude protein to curimatã-pacu juveniles.

RESUMO Foram utilizadas placentas de vacas abatidas em frigorífico com diversos tempos gestacionais. Fragmentos de placentomo de todos os grupos foram processados e avaliados em microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. Após análise dos fragmentos, observou-se que a placenta bovina é do tipo epiteliocorial no início da gestação, tornando-se sinepiteliocorial progressivamente a partir do início do segundo mês de gestação. Não existem evidências ultraestruturais de inflamação na região das carúnculas durante toda a gestação, apesar da invasão da lâmina própria caruncular por células trofoblásticas. No entanto, durante toda a gestação e em especial ao seu final, foram observados sinais evidentes de degeneração celular, tanto do trofoblasto como do epitélio uterino. As células trofoblásticas ativas fagocitam intensamente os debris celulares originados dessas degenerações. Existem complexas interdigitações entre a superfície do trofoblasto e do epitélio uterino, o que estaria relacionado com o aumento da superfície de troca entre mãe e feto. Ao final da gestação, praticamente desaparecem essas interdigitações, favorecendo o descolamento e a expulsão da placenta após o parto.

ABSTRACT Placentas from pregnant cows with different gestation periods were used. Placental fragments of all groups were processed and evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. After fragment analysis, bovine placenta was observed to be epitheliochorial type in early pregnancy, becoming progressively sinepiteliocorial at the beginning of the second trimester. There are no ultrastructural evidences of inflammation in the region of caruncles throughout gestation, despite the invasion of caruncle proper lamina by trophoblast cells. However, throughout pregnancy and especially at the end, there were evident signs of cell degeneration in both trophoblast and the uterine epithelium. The active trophoblast cells intensely phagocytize cellular debris. There are complex interdigitations between the surface of the trophoblast and the uterine epithelium, which is related to the increase of the exchange surface between mother and fetus. At the end of pregnancy, interdigitations disappear, favoring the detachment and expulsion of the placenta after birth.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de dietas contendo caroço de algodão (CA) sobre os parâmetros sanguíneos de bovinos. Trinta touros com 30±6 meses e 382,7±28,4kg foram confinados (85 dias) e receberam dietas com as seguintes proporções de CA: 0; 2,22; 4,44; 6,66; 8,88, e 11,11%. Ao se compararem as concentrações dos indicadores bioquímicos do início com as do final do experimento, foi observado que o grupo controle e aqueles com dietas contendo 2,22; 8,88 e 11,11% de CA apresentaram aumento (P<0,05) na concentração sérica de Ca (8,34±0,65−9,56±0,92 mEqL-1). Já em relação ao Fe (202,79±69,04−300,04±79,88µg/dL), observou-se que apenas o grupo controle e aquele tratado com 6,66% apresentaram aumento (P<0,05) em sua concentração. Quanto ao Mg (1,92±0,18−2,40±0,27 mEqL-1), os grupos tratados com 2,22; 4,44 e 6,66% de CA apresentaram maiores concentrações (P<0,05) ao final do estudo. Com relação aos lipídeos sanguíneos, os grupos com dietas contendo 2,22; 4,44; 6,66 e 8,88% de CA tiveram aumento (P<0,05), respectivamente, nas concentrações de HDL, TG, VLDL e COL. O grupo que recebeu 11,11% de CA teve aumento (P<0,05) nas concentrações de COL e HDL. Conclui-se que as dietas contendo CA não causaram alterações (P>0,05) nas concentrações dos parâmetros sanguíneos analisados, com exceção do Mg.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of diets containing whole cottonseed (WC) on blood biochemical parameters of bulls. Thirty bulls with 30±6 months and 382.7±28.4kg were kept in feedlot (85 days) and fed the following WC levels: 0, 2.22, 4.44, 6.66, 8.88 and 11.11%. In comparing biochemical indicators from the beginning to the end of the experiment, the control group (CG) and those fed diets containing 2.22, 8.88 and 11.11% of WC had an increase (P<0.05) in serum Ca concentrations (8.34±0.65−9.56±0.92mEqL-1). In relation to Fe (202.79±69.04−300.04±79.88µg/dL), the CG and those treated with 6.66% WC showed an increase (P<0.05) in serum concentrations. As to the Mg (1.92±0.18−2.40±0.27mEqL-1), groups treated with diet containing 2.22, 4.44 and 6.66% of WC had higher (p<0.05) concentrations at the end of the study. Regarding blood lipids, groups with diets containing 2.22; 4.44; 6.66 and 8.88% of WC increased (p<0.05), respectively, in concentrations of HDL, TG, VLDL and COL. The group that received 11.11% of WC increased (P<0.05) in the concentrations of COL and HDL. It can be concluded that diets containing WC, caused no alterations in the concentrations of blood parameters analyzed in this study, with the exception of Mg.

When aiming to use the strontium isotopic ratio 87Sr/86Sr for the traceability and authentication of wine, it is crucial to understand the impacts of anthropogenic factors and technological processes on this parameter. A study was developed to evaluate the effect of nanofiltration (NF), a membrane process with several applications in oenology, on the isotopic ratio 87Sr/86Sr of wine, testing its robustness as geographical tracer. NF assays, for dealcoholisation, were carried out at laboratory scale with model solutions and white and red wines from Portuguese DO. High rejections to strontium (97%) and tartaric acid (> 70%) and low rejection to ethanol (< 10%) at 15 bar were observed in model solutions. Wines and NF-processed wines (17 bar; 2.1 L/min) were evaluated for physicochemical composition (including phenolic composition, chromatic characteristics and polysaccharides), multi-elemental composition and 87Sr/86Sr ratio by Q-ICP-MS. The preferential membrane permeation of ethanol was associated with a slight increase in the quality parameters of the wine (anthocyanins and polysaccharides). High rejections to mineral elements, including heavy metals, were observed. Rejection to Sr was mostly higher than 95%. No significant differences in the 87Sr/86Sr of wines and corresponding permeate fractions were observed, suggesting that NF does not preclude the use of this parameter for wine traceability purposes.

RESUMO Avaliou-se, por meio de análise sensorial e instrumental, o efeito da adição de caroço de algodão à dieta de bovinos confinados sobre as características da carne e da gordura. Foram avaliadas a impressão global, a textura, a cor da carne e a cor da gordura. Trinta touros da raça Nelore, com médias de idade e peso vivo inicial de 30 ± 6 meses e 382,7 ± 28,4kg, foram confinados e receberam dietas com os seguintes teores de caroço de algodão: 0; 2,22%; 4,44%; 6,66%; 8,88%; 11,11% na matéria seca da dieta. O caroço de algodão utilizado neste experimento apresentou conteúdo médio de 4,5g de gossipol livre/kg de caroço de algodão. A impressão global da carne, avaliada por meio de teste triangular de diferença, mostrou que mais de 62% dos provadores não perceberam diferença significativa (P>0,01) entre as amostras. A textura da carne assada avaliada por meio do teste de força de cisalhamento variou de 6,00 a 6,54kg. Na análise do perfil de textura (TPA) da carne assada, a dureza, a elasticidade e a mastigabilidade variaram, respectivamente, de 24,15 a 28,01N, de 0,52 a 0,56N e de 8,42 a 11,01N. Na TPA da carne crua, variaram, respectivamente, de 9,51 a 13,86N, de 0,26 a 0,29N e de 1,38 a 1,81N. Na avaliação da cor da carne, a luminosidade, a intensidade de vermelho e a intensidade de amarelo da cor da carne variaram, respectivamente, de 37,71 a 42,85, de 20,68 a 25,25 e de 6,74 a 8,61. E para a cor da gordura, variaram, respectivamente, de 62,26 a 63,78, de 11,13 a 11,62 e de 10,53 a 10,86. A textura, a cor da carne e a cor da gordura não apresentaram diferenças significativas (P>0,05) entre os diferentes tratamentos. O consumo de caroço de algodão em até 1,13kg/animal/dia, que resultou no consumo de 5,05g de gossipol livre/animal/dia, em substituição ao farelo de soja e ao grão de milho triturado, não causou alterações significativas nas características da carne quanto à impressão sensorial global, à textura, à cor da carne e à cor da gordura.

ABSTRACT Sensory and instrumental analyses evaluated the meat and fat characteristics of feedlot-finished steers fed a diet containing cottonseed. Global impression, texture, meat color, and fat color were assessed. Thirty Nellore bulls with an average age of 30 ± 6 months and initial body weight of 382.7 ± 28.4kg were kept in feedlot stalls and fed the following cottonseed levels: 0; 2.22 %; 4.44 %; 6.66 %; 8.88 %; 11.11 % of the dietary dry matter. The cottonseed used in this experiment had an average free gossypol content of 4.5g/kg of cottonseed. The overall impression of the samples, assessed by the triangle test for difference, did not differ for more than 62 % of the panelists (P>0.01). The shear strength of roasted meat varied from 6.00 to 6.54kg. According to texture profile analysis (TPA), the hardness, springiness, and chewiness of roast meat ranged from 24.15 to 28.01 N, 0.52 to 0.56, 8.42 to 11.01 N, respectively; of raw meat, 9.51 to 13.86 N, 0.26 to 0.29, and 1.38 to 1.81 N, respectively. The different treatments did not affect meat texture, meat color, or fat color (P>0.05). Meat color, luminosity, and red intensity ranged from 37.71 to 42.85, 20.68 to 25.25, and 6.74 to 8.61, respectively; fat color, luminosity, and yellow intensity ranged from 62.26 to 63.78, 11.13 to 11.62, and 10.53 to 10.86, respectively. Cottonseed intake of up to 1.13kg/animal/day, equivalent to a free gossypol intake of 5.05g/animal/day, in place of soybean meal and ground corn, did not significantly change the global sensory impression, texture, and color of the meat and fat.

The objective of this study was to evaluate gastric emptying (GE) in pediatric patients with functional constipation. GE delay has been reported in adults with functional constipation. Gastric emptying studies were performed in 22 children with chronic constipation, fecal retention and fecal incontinence, while presenting fecal retention and after resuming regular bowel movements. Patients (18 boys, median age: 10 years; range: 7.2 to 12.7 years) were evaluated in a tertiary pediatric gastroenterology clinic. Gastric half-emptying time of water (reference range: 12 ± 3 min) was measured using a radionuclide technique immediately after first patient evaluation, when they presented fecal impaction (GE1), and when they achieved regular bowel movements (GE2), 12 ± 5 weeks after GE1. At study admission, 21 patients had reported dyspeptic symptoms, which were completely relieved after resuming regular bowel movements. Medians (and interquartile ranges) for GE1 and GE2 were not significantly different [27.0 (16) and 27.5 (21) min, respectively (P = 0.10)]. Delayed GE seems to be a common feature among children with chronic constipation and fecal retention. Resuming satisfactory bowel function and improvement in dyspeptic symptoms did not result in normalization of GE data.

Purpose: To asses the association of conjuntival hyperemia with the use of a fixed combination of latanoprost/timolol, through a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials in patients with glaucoma. Methods: A systematic review of published clinical trials of latanoprost/timolol and other competitors was conducted in Medline, Embasse and Cochrane Controlled Clinical Trials Register, between 2000 and 2007. Statistical analysis included calculation of the odds ratio (OR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) using the fixed effects model of Mantel-Haenszel and the random effects model of Der Simonian and Laird. To assess the heterogeneity between trials the Cochran Q test and the I² rate were calculated. The conjuntival hyperemia rates obtained were compared with the Chi-square test. Results: A total of 8 clinical trials comparing latanoprost/timolol fixed combination with different therapeutic options were found. As trial heterogeneity was moderate (Q: 14.64; df=7; p=0.041; I²= 52.2%) a random effects model was used. The final OR was 0.47 (CI 95%: 0.24-0.90); p = 0.024. The total conjuntival hyperemia incidence was 2.9% in the latanoprost/timolol group and 7.0% for the competitors (p< 0.0001). Conclusions: The use of a fixed combination of latanoprost/timolol is associated with a significant reduction (53%; CI 95%: 10%-76%) in the development of conjuntival hyperemia against the other compared options for the treatment of glaucoma.

Objetivo: Valorar la asociación de hiperemia conjuntival con el uso de la combinación fija de latanoprost/timolol en el tratamiento del glaucoma, a través de una revisión sistemática y de un metaanálisis. Métodos: Se efectuó una búsqueda de los ensayos clínicos publicados de latanoprost/timolol y distintos comparadores en las bases de datos Medline, Embasse y Cochrane Controlled Clinical Trials Register, entre 2000 y 2007. La medida para valorar el tamaño del efecto ha sido la odds ratio (OR) y su intervalo de confianza (IC) del 95 %, habiéndose calculado mediante el modelo de efectos fijos de Mantel-Haenszel y el de efectos aleatorios de Der Simonian and Laird. Para valorar la existencia de heterogeneidad entre los estudios, se llevó a cabo la prueba Q de Cochran así como el cálculo del índice I². Los porcentajes de hiperemia hallados se han comparado a través de la prueba de Chi-cuadrado. Resultados: Se encontraron 8 ensayos clínicos que comparaban latanoprost/timolol con distintas opciones terapéuticas. La heterogeneidad de los estudios fue moderada (Q: 14,64; df=7; p=0,041; I²= 52,2%) por lo que se utilizó el modelo de efectos aleatorios. La OR final fue de 0,47 (IC 95%: 0,24-0,90); p = 0,024. La incidencia total de hiperemia fue de 2,9% en el grupo latanoprost/timonol y 7,0% para los comparados (p<0,0001) Conclusiones: El uso de latanoprost/timolol se asocia con una disminución significativa de la aparición de hiperemia conjuntival del 53% (IC 95%: 10%-76%) frente a otras opciones de tratamiento en el manejo del glaucoma.

A grenalhagem é um dos tratamentos mais eficientes na prevenção da iniciação de fendas por fadiga e na fase inicial de propagação. Grande parte dos estudos sobre o feito da grenalhagem no comportamento à fadiga são experimentais. Praticamente não existem trabalhos publicados relativos ao estudo de previsão do comportamento da grenalhagem. Neste trabalho são usados modelos tradicionais, de determinação da vida à fadiga, em componentes grenalhados. O método dos elementos finitos é usado para determinar a tensão, extensão e energia de deformação de provetes grenalhados que foram testados experimentalmente. Estes resultados são usados em modelos de previsão da vida total à fadiga. É apresentada uma discussão sobre a capacidade dos modelos usados na previsão de vida à fadiga de provetes que foram testados experimentalmente.

Shot peening is one of the most effective surface treatments in order to prevent crack initiation and early crack propagation. Part of the studies to determine the fatigue performance of shot peening are based on experimental tests. Almost no work is published related with the prediction of shot peening behaviour. The present paper evaluates the ability of the current methodologies, used to predict fatigue life, on components treated with shot peening. The Finite Element Method was used to determine the stress, strain and strain energy due to shot peening of some specimens tested experimentally. These results were used to apply methods to predict the total fatigue life. A final discussion is presented about the ability of the methods used, to predict the fatigue life of the specimens tested experimentally.

A "dança" aleatória de pequenas partículas em suspensão num líquido, um fenômeno conhecido como movimento browniano, foi primeiramente explicado por Einstein na sua famosa tese de doutorado. Seguindo uma perspectiva histórica, mostramos como este fenômeno pode ser descrito de quatro maneiras distintas, a saber: o tratamento difusivo de Einstein, a variante estocástica ou de força flutuante proposta por Paul Langevin, a abordagem via equação de Fokker-Planck, e finalmente, as caminhadas aleatórias de Mark Kac. Discutiremos também as limitações presentes na abordagem difusiva. Em particular, mostramos que a equação parabólica na qual Einstein baseou sua explicação deve ser substituída por uma equação do tipo hiperbólica que também surge naturalmente no tratamento via caminhadas aleatórias. A solução geral dessa equação é obtida e comparada com o resultado padrão. Para tempos curtos, comparados com as escalas de tempo características do sistema, o movimento das partículas segue um comportamento ondulatório.

The random trajectory of small particles in suspension within a liquid, a phenomenon known as brownian motion, was firstly explained by Einstein in his famous doctorate thesis. From a historical perspective, we show how such a phenomenon can be described in four different ways, namely: the Einstein diffusive treatment, the stochastic variant or fluctuating force proposed by Paul Langevin, the approach through the Fokker-Planck equation, and, finally, the random walks by Mark Kac. Some limitations present in the standard diffusive approach are also discussed. In particular, we show that the parabolic equation in which Einstein based his explanation should be replaced by a hyperbolic equation of motion which also appears naturally in the treatment of random walks. The general solution of the generalized diffusion equation is obtained and compared to the standard result. For short times, in comparison with the characteristic time scales of the system, the motion of the particles is described by a wave behavior.

The objective of the present study was to assess esophageal motor function in 21 children (7.5 ± 2.9 years) with caustic strictures. Esophageal manometry was performed using a water-infusion system interfaced with a polygraph and displayed on a computer screen. The data were compared with those obtained from 9 healthy children. Radionuclide transit was determined by studying deglutition of a single bolus of 99mTc pertechnetate in 10 ml of water. Non-peristaltic low-amplitude and long-duration waves were the most common findings detected in patients with strictures longer than 20% of esophageal length (N = 11). Compared with the control group, these patients presented lower mean amplitude and longer mean duration of waves (24.4 ± 11.2 vs 97.9 ± 23.7 mmHg, P < 0.05, and 6.7 ± 2.4 vs 1.6 ± 0.1 s, P < 0.05, respectively). Six patients presented low-amplitude waves just below the constricted site. Ten children presented delayed esophageal transit. There was an association between dysphagia and abnormalities on manometry (P = 0.02) and between symptoms and scintigraphy data (P = 0.01). Dysphagia in caustic strictures is due to esophageal motility abnormalities, which are closely related to the scarred segment.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the results from the first 5 years of experience with laparoscopy for diagnosis and treatment of nonpalpable testes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of 51 patients submitted to laparoscopic testicular exploration, during a 5-year period, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients' mean age was 65.7 months (median = 48) on the first procedure. The youngest patient was 10 months and the oldest was 14 years old on the first surgery. Twenty-four (47%) patients presented nonpalpable testes bilaterally, 7 (14%) only at the right side and 20 (39%) at the left, totaling 75 testicular units assessed. Patients who had their testes palpated after anesthetic induction were excluded from the study, and in all other cases, surgical management was based on the testicular position and viability. During the post-operative follow-up, surgical success was classified as palpable testis in scrotal sac, with adequate consistency and volume. RESULTS: Nine (12%) testes were not localized, but their vessels and deferent duct were atrophic. Two (3%) testes were intra-abdominal and atrophic, and 2 (3%) gonads, in the same patient, had a dysmorphic aspect. Nineteen (25%) testicular units were located close to the internal inguinal ring (peeping testes) and, in 22 (29%) units, the spermatic vessels and deferent duct penetrated the internal inguinal ring. Eight (10%) testes were located at a distance of less than 2 cm from the internal inguinal ring and 13 (17%) at a distance greater than 2 cm. The 2 intra-abdominal atrophic testes were removed. Inguinotomy was performed in a total of 41 (54%) cases, reaching a surgical success of 89%. Laparoscopic orchiopexy in one stage, without vascular ligation, was performed in 9 (12%) testes, which presented a distance of less than 2 cm from the internal inguinal ring, also with a surgical success index of 89%. Orchiopexy in 2 stages, with ligation of the spermatic vessels, was performed in 13 (17%) testicular units located at a distance greater than 2 cm from the internal inguinal ring, reaching 77% of good results. CONCLUSION: Videolaparoscopy is a safe and effective method for diagnosis and treatment of nonpalpable testis.

Neste trabalho, o teor total de catequinas, proantocianidinas oligoméricas (grau de polimerização compreendido entre 2 e 12-15) e proantocianidinas poliméricas (grau de polimerização > 12-15) de uvas de algumas variedades de videira portuguesas (Fernão Pires, Castelão, Vital, Vinhão, Espadeiro, Azal Tinto) colhidas no Oeste e Norte de Portugal em 1993 e 1994, e vinhos de diferentes regiões portuguesas (Dão, Estremadura e Vinhos Verdes), foi determinado utilizando o método de reacção com vanilina. Para a maioria das variedades de videira estudadas, o teor de catequinas, proantocianidinas oligoméricas e proantocianidinas poliméricas nas graínhas das uvas, foi aproximadamente igual nos dois anos de estudo, apesar das diferentes condições climatéricas entre os dois anos. No entanto, na película das uvas de todas as variedades ensaiadas, com excepção de Fernão Pires, os teores determinados foram muito mais baixos na colheita de 1994 do que na de 1993. As catequinas e proantocianidinas localizam-se essencialmente nas graínhas, atingindo em média 77,2% do total de catequinas do bago, 80,8% do total de oligómeros do bago e 60,3% do total de polímeros do bago, enquanto que nas películas as catequinas representam, em média, apenas 19,7%, os oligómeros 19,0% e os polímeros 38,9% do teor total respectivo no bago. A contribuição da polpa para o teor total de catequinas e procianidinas do bago é diminuta (3,1% de catequinas, 0,2% de oligómeros e 0,8% de polímeros). Por outro lado, a distribuição percentual de catequinas, proantocianidinas oligoméricas e proantocianidinas poliméricas nas graínhas, foi respectivamente de 4,2%, 29,4% e 66,4% (valores médios), sendo nas películas de 1,8%, 13,0% e 85,2%. Os resultados mostraram também diferenças entre as variedades das regiões do Oeste e do Norte de Portugal. Em todos os vinhos analisados, as proantocianidinas poliméricas foram predominantes (valor médio 65,5%), seguidas pelas proantocianidinas oligoméricas (valor médio 27,9%) e pelas catequinas, cujo valor médio foi apenas de 6,6%. Além disso, a distribuição de catequinas, proantocianidinas oligoméricas e proantocianidinas poliméricas nos vinhos tintos era semelhante à da uva.

Catéchines, proanthocyanidines oligomères (degré de polymérisation comprenant entre 2 et 1215) et proanthocyanidines polymères (degré de polymérisation > 12-15) de certains cépages portugais (Fernão Pires, Castelão, Vital, Vinhão, Espadeiro, Azal Tinto) récoltés de l’Ouest et du Nord du Portugal en 1993 et 1994 et de quelques vins rouges de différentes régions portugaises (Dão, Estremadura et Vinhos Verdes) ont été quantifiées en utilisant la méthode à la vanilline. Dans la plupart des cépages étudiés, le contenu de catéchines et de proanthocyanidines des pépins était très similaire dans les deux années, malgré les différentes conditions climatiques entre eux. Par contre, les teneurs de ces composés dans les pellicules de toutes les cépages étudiés excepté Fernão Pires, étaient beaucoup plus basses en 1994. En outre, catéchines et proanthocyanidines sont présentes essentiellement dans les pépins, ce qui représente 77,2% de catéchines, 80,8% de proanthocyanidines oligomères et 60,3% de proanthocyanidines polymères du total de la baie. Les valeurs correspondantes dans les pellicules représentent seulement 19,7%, 19,0% et 38,9% du total de la baie et la pulpe est presque dépourvue de ces composés, soit 3,1% de catéchines totales de la baie, 0,2% de proanthocyanidines oligomères totales de la baie et 0,8% de proanthocyanidines polymères totales de la baie. Dans les pépins, la répartition de catéchines, proanthocyanidines oligomères et proanthocyanidines polymères était respectivement 4,2%, 29,4% et 66,4% et dans les pellicules 1,8%, 13,0% et 85,2% (valeur moyenne). Les résultats ont montré aussi la différence entre les cépages de l’Ouest et du Nord du Portugal. Pour tous les vins analysés, proanthocyanidines polymères étaient prédominantes, soit 65,5%, ensuite proanthocyanidines oligomères, soit 27,9%, et les catechines, seulement 6,6% (valeur moyenne). Donc, la distribution de catéchines, proanthocyanidines oligomères et proanthocyanidines polymères dans les vins était semblable à celle dans les raisins.

Catechins, oligomeric proanthocyanidins (degree of polymerization ranging from 2 to 12-15) and polymeric proanthocyanidins (degree of polymerization > 12-15) in several Portuguese grapevine varieties (Fernão Pires, Castelão, Vital, Vinhão, Espadeiro, Azal Tinto) harvested from the west and the north of Portugal in 1993 and 1994, and in some red wines from several Portuguese regions (Estremadura, Dão and Vinhos Verdes), were quantified using modified vanillin assay. In most grapevine varieties studied, the levels of catechins and proanthocyanidins in seeds in 1993 were roughly equal to those in 1994, although the climatological conditions were different between the two years. However, these values in skins of all tested varieties except Fernão Pires, obtained in 1994, were much smaller than those in 1993. Catechins and proanthocyanidins were located essentially in seeds, being 77,2% of total catechins of grape berry, 80,8% of total oligomeric proanthocyanidins of grape berry and 60,3% of total polymeric proanthocyanidins of grape berry, then in skins, being 19,7% of total catechins of grape berry, 19,0% of total oligomeric proanthocyanidins of grape berry and 38,9% of total polymeric proanthocyanidins of grape berry, and very little in pulp, being 3,1% of total catechins of grape berry, 0,2% of total oligomeric proanthocyanidins of grape berry and 0,8% of total polymeric proanthocyanidins of grape berry (mean values of two years). In seeds, the percentages of catechins, oligomeric and polymeric proanthocyanidins were respectively 4,2%, 29,4% and 66,4%; in skins, on the other hand, these values were respectively 1,8%, 13,0% and 85,2% (mean values of two years). The results also show the differences between the grapevine varieties from the west of Portugal and those from the north of Portugal. For all red wines analyzed, polymeric proanthocyanidins were predominant (averaging 65.5%), followed by oligomeric proanthocyanidins (averaging 27.9%), and catechins were presented in the lowest concentration (averaging 6.6%). Furthermore, the distribution of catechins, oligomeric and polymeric proanthocyanidins in red wines was similar to that in grapes.

Foram realizados três ensaios com o objetivo de se determinar o nível de toxicidade da contaminação de sementes de Cassia occidentalis na alimentação de frangos de corte. Nos dois primeiros ensaios foram utilizadas 640 aves de 1 dia de idade. Os níveis de adição da semente no primeiro ensaio foram, 0; 2; 4 e 6%, obtendo-se 5,77; 84,62; 100 e 100% de mortalidade, respectivamente. No segundo ensaio, os níveis utilizados foram 0; 0,5; 1 e 2%, obtendo-se 0; 3,29; 15,73 e 89,47% de mortalidade, respectivamente. No terceiro ensaio, utilizou-se 960 aves de 3 dias de idade. Adicionou-se a ração inicial (4-31 dias de idade) e final (32-52 dias) sementes moídas de fedegoso aos níveis de 0; 0,1; 0,2; 0,3; 0,4 e 0,5%. O peso médio final das aves foi 2,01; 1,95; 1,95; 1,90; 1,77 e 1,58 kg, respectivamente, observando-se diferença significativa (P < 0,05%) em relação ao controle para 0,3; 0,4 e 0,5% de adição. Os valores médios de consumo (4,33; 4,32; 4,32; 4,28; 4,08 e 3,80 kg, respectivamente) e da conversão alimentar (2,15; 2,21; 2,22; 2,25; 2,31 e 2,41, respectivamente) foram significativamente diferentes (P < 0,05%) para 0,4 e 0,5% de adição das sementes em relação ao grupo controle. O aspecto histológico de órgãos e tecidos das aves que receberam C.occidentalis, sacrificadas no término das fases inicial e final, foi característico de um processo degenerativo observado no coração, fígado, pâncreas, rins, músculo estriado esquelético e intestinos. Os percentuais de mortalidade foram 2,77; 2,08; 2,08; 0,69; 0,69 e 0%, respectivamente.

Three experiments were carried out in order to determine toxic levels of Cassia occidentalis seeds added to broiler feed. On the first two experiments 640 one day-old sexed broiler chicks were used. The level of inclusion in starter feed of the first trial were 0; 2; 4 and 6% and the mortality rates obtained were 5.77; 84.62; 100 and 100%, respectively. In the second trial, levels utilized were 0; 0.5; 1 and 2% and the mortality rates were 0; 3.29; 15.73 and 89.47%, respectively. 960 3-day-old sexed chicks were used in the third experiment. In the starter (4 to 31 days of age) and finisher (32 to 52 days) experimental rations the seeds were added at 0; 0.1; 0.2; 0.3; 0.4 and 0.5%. The final body weights were 2.01; 1.95; 1.95; 1.90; 1.77 and 1.58 kg, respectively, being the three highest level groups different from the control. Feed consumption (4.33; 4.32; 4.32; 4.28; 4.08 and 3.80 kg, respectively) and feed conversion (2.15; 2.21; 2.22; 2.25; 2.31 and 2.41, respectively) were significantly different at 0.4 and 0.5% of seed inclusion comparing to the control group. Histologic aspects of birds that were fed with toxic seeds were characterized by a degenerative process found in the heart, liver, pancreas, kidneys, skeletic muscle and intestines. Mortality rates were 2.77; 2.08; 2.08; 0.69; 0.69 and 0%, respectively.