scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question

Showing papers by "Sao Paulo State University published in 1992"


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jul 1992
TL;DR: In this paper, a methodological discussion about qualitative analysis through the account of one sequence of procedures, applicable to interview data (guide free and part structured) is devoted to a qualitative analysis.
Abstract: The qualitative approach in educational and social sciences research has presented an alternative way to positivism rigidity. However, its lack of sistematization worries Brazilian researchers. Than, this paper is devoted to a methodological discussion about qualitative analysis through the account of one sequence of procedures, applicable to interview data (guide free and part structured). The system comprisses some degress from the data collection to the subjects speech aprehension of meaning and adds a precise report, respected the researcher theoretical approach.

95 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Litterfall occurred throughout the year but was greater during the dry season (August-September); seasonality of litter and leaf fall was greater in SF than in AF but in both followed the litterfall patterns of other south- east Brazilian forests.
Abstract: Litterfall (leaves, woody < 5 cm diameter, flowers and fruits) was estimated monthly using 20 litter traps, each 1 M2, and litter standing crops were collected every three months using 20 samples of 0.5 m2, for Altitudinal forest (AF) and Semideciduous forest (SF) in south-east Biazil (Seria do Japi, Jundiai, Sao Paulo State) from March 1985 to March 1986. The total litterfall was 7 t ha-' y- forAF: 4.9 leaves, 1.8 woody, 0. 13 flower, 0. 16 fruits; and the total for SF was 8.6 t ha-' y-': 5.5 leaves, 2.1 woody, 0.5 flower, 0.4 fruits. Litter standing crop was 5.5 t ha-' y-' for the two forest sites studied with a turnover coefficient (K,) of 1.3 for AF and 1.6 for SF. Litterfall occurred throughout the year but was greater during the dry season (August-September); seasonality of litter and leaf fall was greater in SF than in AF but in both followed the litterfall patterns of other south- east Brazilian forests.

92 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Two α‐bungarotoxin‐binding subunits of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) were used as immunohistochemical probes to map their distribution in the chick diencephalon and mesencephalon.
Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies against two α-bungarotoxin-binding subunits (α7 and α8) of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) were used as immunohistochemical probes to map their distribution in the chick diencephalon and mesencephalon. The distribution of the α7 and α8 nAChR subunits was compared to the distribution of immunoreactivity produced by a monoclonal antibody against the β2 structural subunit of the nAChRs. Structures that contained high numbers of α7-like immunoreactive (LI) somata included the intergeniculate leaflet, nucleus intercalatus thalami, nucleus ovoidalis, organum paraventricularis, nucleus rotundus, isthmic nuclei, nucleus trochlearis, oculomotor complex, nucleus interstitio-pretecto-subpretectalis, stratum griseum centrale of the optic tectum, and nucleus semilunaris. Neuropil staining for α7-LI was intense in the nucleus dorsomedialis hypothalami, nucleus geniculatus lateralis ventralis, griseum tecti, isthmic nuclei, nucleus lentiformis mesencephali, nucleus of the basal optic root, and stratum griseum et fibrosum superficiale of the tectum. High numbers of α8-LI somata were found in the stratum griseum et fibrosum superficiale of the tectum and the nucleus interstitio-pretecto-subpretectalis, and intense neuropil staining for α8-LI was found in the dorsal thalamus, nucleus geniculatus lateralis ventralis, lateral hypothalamus, griseum tecti, nucleus lentiformis mesencephali, nucleus interpeduncularis, and stratum griseum et fibrosum superficiale of the tectum. High numbers of β2-LI somata were found only in the nucleus spiriformis lateralis, whereas neuropil staining for β2-LI was intense in the nucleus geniculatus lateralis ventralis, nucleus suprachiasmaticus, nucleus lateralis anterior, nucleus habenularis lateralis, area pretectalis, griseum tecti, nucleus lentiformis-mesencephali, nucleus externus, and nucleus interpeduncularis, and in the stratum griseum centrale, stratum griseum et fibrosum superficiale, and stratum opticum of the tectum. These results indicate that there are major disparities in the localization of the α-bungarotoxin-binding α7 and α8 nAChR subunits and the β2 structural nAChR subunit in the chick diencephalon and mesencephalon. These nAChR subunits appear, however, to coexist in several regions of the chick brain.

86 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the Schottky potential barrier deformation of zinc oxide-based varistors was studied using a high-energy current pulse and a.c. polarization at different temperatures.
Abstract: The electrical degradation phenomena of zinc oxide-based varistors were studied using a high-energy current pulse and a.c. polarization at different temperatures. Activation energy measurements during the degradation process showed that these phenomena are associated with diffusion and that the diffusion-controlling species are slower than Zn., For degradation promoted by current pulses of 8×20 μs, the Schottky potential barrier deformation was measured. A decrease in height and width of the potential barrier due to the reduction of surface states density,N s, without a significant change in donor density,N d, was observed. To explain these results, a modification of the unstable components model is proposed for the potential barrier in which the degradation is due to oxi-reduction reactions between atomic defects. These reactions promote the elimination of zinc vacancies and/or adsorbed oxygen on the grain boundaries.

71 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 1992-Genetica
TL;DR: Cytogenetic analysis of 27 specimens of Astyanax scabripinnis paranae from the Araquá river shows that this population has 2n=50 chromosomes, and the extra chromosome was a large metacentric similar in size and morphology to the first chromosome pair in the karotype.
Abstract: B chromosomes occur in several Neotropical fish species. Cytogenetic analysis of 27 specimens (15 females and 12 males) of Astyanax scabripinnis paranae from the Araqua river (a small headwater tributary of the Tiete river) shows that this population has 2n=50 chromosomes (4M+30 SM+4ST+12A), two chromosome pairs with NORs and conspicuous C-band positive blocks in the terminal position of the long arm of four chromosome pairs. In this population, eight females presented 2n=51 chromosomes and the extra chromosome was a large metacentric similar in size and morphology to the first chromosome pair in the karotype. This accessory chromosome is entirely heterochromatic in C-banded metaphases and shows a late replication pattern evidenced by BrdU incorporation. There was no significant correlation between the presence of B chromosomes and increased NOR activity at the P>0.05 level. Some aspects related to these B chromosomes are discussed.

71 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a trabalho realizado em nove propriedades do Estado de Sao Paulo, with o objetivo of verificar o efeito da administracoo de oxfendazol, ivermectina, and levamisol sobre os exames coproparasitologicos de ovinos.
Abstract: O trabalho foi realizado em nove propriedades do Estado de Sao Paulo, com o objetivo de verificar o efeito da administracoo de oxfendazol, ivermectina e levamisol sobre os exames coproparasitologicos de ovinos. Em cada propriedade foram formados aleatoriamente quatro grupos de ovinos: o primeiro foi medicado com oxfendazol, na dose de 4,5 mg/kg, o segundo com levamisol, na dose de 7,5 mg/kg, o terceiro com ivermectina, na dose de 0,2 mg/kg e o quarto grupo foi o controle, nao medicado. Colheitas de fezes foram realizadas no dia da vermifugacao e novamente sete dias depois para a realizacao de exames coproparasitologicos. Apos a administracâo de oxfendazol, levamisol e ivermectina, foi verificada reducao estatistica significativa nas contagens de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG) em duas, quatro e cinco propriedades, respectivamente, sendo Haemonchus e Tnchostrongylus os parasitas com maior ocorrencia no experimento. Os resultados sugerem, na maioria das propriedades, a presenca de parasitas com resistencia multipla aos anti-helminticos testados.

51 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Dogs' teeth with apical periodontitis were treated endodontically, Dakin's solution being used in an experimental group as the irrigation solution, and camphorated paramonochlorophenol as an intracanal dressing, with signs of repair characterized by newly formed cementum and bone tissue.
Abstract: Dogs’ teeth with apical periodontitis were treated endodontically, Dakin's solution being used in an experimental group as the irrigation solution, and camphorated paramono-chlorophenol as an intracanal dresssing. For a second group of teeth, the irrigation solution used was physiologic saline, dry cotton only being placed into the pulpal chamber to take the place of an intracanal dressing. In a second visit, overinstrumentation and a new application of the same kind of dressing were performed, the root canals being then filled with gutta-percha cones and zinc oxide-eugenol cement. Other specimens were treated, in one visit, where physiologic saline or Dakin's solution were the irrigation solutions. The animals were sacrificed 6 months after the obturation of the root canals. Histologic exams showed better results for the experimental group where Dakin's solution and camphorated paramonochlorophenol had been used, with signs of repair characterized by newly formed cementum and bone tissue, as well as a marked reduction in size of the periapical lesions. No differences were seen in the results with physiologic saline or Dakin's solution as irrigants.

50 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In conclusion, partial thermoprotection of bovine embryos from heat shock can be achieved in vitro by administration of GSH, while taurine is only slightly effective.

47 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Normal urination was restored in all animals in the first postoperative day, staying normal during all the period of observation, and none of the animals showed elimination of the peritoneal membrane.
Abstract: Thirteen male dogs, 7 to 11 years old of mixed breeding, with perineal hernia, were used in this study. Radiographic examination showed that main content was the urinal bladder in retroflexion. To occlude the pelvic diapharagm, it was used bovine peritoneum preserved in glycerine, being sutured with continuous simple stitches using size 1 chromic catgut. Normal urination was restored in all animals in the first postoperative day, staying normal during all the period of observation. Orchiectomy were performed in all animals. None of the animals showed elimination of the peritoneal membrane.

45 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the interaction of resonances with the same order in families of integrable Hamiltonian systems was studied, where the unperturbed Hamiltonian is at least cubic in the actions and the chaotic layer that appears when a general term is added to the Hamiltonian survives even after the disappearance of the unstable periodic orbit.

40 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Phytosociological survey and analysis of toxic or non toxic species that invade the pastures of Selviria, State of Mato Grosso do Sul was carried out, describing the main characteristics of the plant especies.
Abstract: RESUMO O presente trabalho trata do levantamento e analise fitossociologica de especies de plantas daninhas, toxicas ou nao, infestantes de pastagens, no municipio de Selviria, Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Para tanto, foram realizadas visitas periodicas as areas infestadas, tendo sido coletadas excicatas para identificacao botânica em dez fazendas da regiao. O levantamento foi tanto de natureza quantitativa como tambem de natureza qualitativa. Foram identificadas 73 especies de plantas, havendo poucas especies com distribuicao generalizada. A familia MALVACEAE foi a que apresentou o maior numero de individuos e a maior densidade, enquanto que as familias AS1ERACEAE e LEGUMINOSAE apresentaram maior numero de especies nas areas estudadas. As especies mais abundantes foram Sida rhombifolia var. typica K. Schum e Sida cordifolia L., ambas classificadas como individuos solitarios (sol). A especie com maior frequencia foi S. cordifolia L. com 64,5% em relacao a area total estudada. O coeficiente de similaridade para as localidades estudadas variou de 21,6% ate 80%, com media de 55,8 t 1,95% (desvio padrao da media). Foram tambem identificadas diversas especies toxicas ou suspeitas de intoxicacao ao gado. Palavras chave: Levantamento, pastagem, plantas daninhas, analise fitossociologica e plantas toxicas. SUMMARY In the present work, phytosociological survey and analysis of toxic or non toxic species that invade the pastures, was carried out in Selviria, State of Mato Grosso do Sul. Periodically 10 infested farms of the region were visited, and weed species collected for identification. The survey was undertaken quantitatively and qualitatively, describing the main characteristics of the plant especies. Seventy two plant species were identified, few of them with generalized distribuition. MALVACEA presented the highest number of individuals, and the highest density. ASTERACEAE and LEGUMINOSAE, presented the highest number of species. The most abundant species were: Sida rhombifolia var. typica K. Schum and Sida cordifolia L., both classified as solitary individuals (sol). The species with the highest frequency was S. cordifolia L., with 64.5% of occurrence in relation to the total area investigated. For the localities studied the coefficient of similarity varied from 12.6% to 80% with average of 55.8% t 1,95. Various toxic species or suspectable species that may casue intoxication in cattles were also identified.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Immunostaining is an easy and rapid method which can efficiently increase the accuracy of the diagnosis of sporotrichosis in human tissue and was significantly more reliable than periodic acid Schiff and silver staining techniques.
Abstract: AIMS: To compare the efficacy of histochemical and immunohistochemical methods in detecting forms of Sporothrix schenckii in tissue. METHODS: Thirty five cutaneous biopsy specimens from 27 patients with sporotrichosis were stained by histochemical haematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid Schiff, and Gomori's methenamine silver methods and an immunohistochemical (avidin-biotin complex immunoperoxidase) (ABC) technique associated with a newly produced rabbit polyclonal antibody anti-Sporothrix schenckii. RESULTS: A total of 29 (83%) cases were positive by the ABC method used in association with anti-Sporothrix schenckii rabbit polyclonal antibodies. Histochemical methods, using silver staining, periodic acid Schiff, and conventional haematoxylin and eosin detected 37%, 23%, and 23% of forms of S schenckii, respectively. The ABC technique was significantly more reliable than periodic acid Schiff and silver staining techniques. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that immunostaining is an easy and rapid method which can efficiently increase the accuracy of the diagnosis of sporotrichosis in human tissue.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A methodology based on the matrix inverse factors (W-matrix) approach to the direct solution phase of Ax=b systems, which allows the performance of all the updating operations on vector b in parallel, within each partition, using a row-oriented processing.
Abstract: The authors describe a methodology for solving efficiently sparse network equations on multiprocessor computers. The methodology is based on the matrix inverse factors (W-matrix) approach to the direct solution phase of Ax=b systems. A partitioning scheme of the W-matrix, based on the leaf-nodes of the factorization path tree, is proposed. The methodology allows the performance of all the updating operations on vector b in parallel, within each partition, using a row-oriented processing. The approach takes advantage of the processing power of the individual processors. Performance results are presented and discussed. >

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Rumination decreased with increased air temperature and humidity, and was higher in shorn than in unshorn sheep, while the ingestion of hay and WHE and water and water increased.
Abstract: Thirty-two Polwarth ewes, of ages up to 1 year, were observed in a climatic chamber (24 to 45 degrees C) for eight periods of 5 h each. The observations were made through a window in the chamber wall. All animals were observed four times, then shorn and observed four times again. The animals were given weighed quantities of water and feed consisting of commercial concentrate plus Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay. The water and feed remaining after 5 h of observation were weighed. The following traits were analysed: time eating hay (TEH), time eating concentrate (TEC), time drinking water (TDW), weight of hay eaten (WHE), weight of concentrate eaten (WCE), volume of ingested water (VIW), ruminating time standing up (RTS), ruminating time lying down (RTL), idling time standing up (ITS), and idling time lying down (ITL). Shearing had a significant effect for all traits except ITS. Shearing resulted in higher values for all traits except for ITS and ITL. Ingestion of hay (TEH and WHE) decreased with increased air temperature and humidity, while the ingestion of concentrate (TEC) and WHE) and water (TDW and VIW) increased. Rumination decreased with increased air temperature and humidity, and was higher in shorn than in unshorn sheep.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The high variability in chromosome counts was not exclusively related to chromosomal structural rearrangements, but also to large changes in DNA content, suggesting that within the genus Corydoras different groups of species followed distinct evolutionary trends.
Abstract: Karyotypes and nuclear DNA content were studied in 11 species of the genus Corydoras from rivers in South America: C. sp. from Caripi river 2n=60, C. cf. simulatus 2n=62, C. simulatus 2n=62, C. reticulatus 2n=74, C. sp. from Galheiro river 2n=84, C. aff. punctatus from Negro river 2n=102, C. flaveolus 2n=58, C. arcuatus 2n=46, C. trilineatus 2n=46, C. schwartzi 2n=46, and C. metae 2n=92. Extensive chromosome diversity and differences in DNA content were detected among species. The high variability in chromosome counts was not exclusively related to chromosomal structural rearrangements, but also to large changes in DNA content. Species could be grouped using their shared cytogenetic characteristics, suggesting that within the genus Corydoras different groups of species followed distinct evolutionary trends. Chromosomal rearrangements in Corydoras are, apparently, more frequent that morphological modifications, so cytogenetic data may be very useful for species delimitation and for the understanding of interrelationships among species.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Chromosome number and formula, as well as C-banding pattern and NOR location were found to be the same in both species, supporting the hypothesis of a close relationship and even conspecificity of P. kronei and P. transitoria.
Abstract: SUMMARYKaryotypes of the blind catfish Pimelodella kronei from three different caves in the southwestern part of the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and of its presumed ancestor Pimelodella transitoria were examined. Chromosome number and formula, as well as C-banding pattern and NOR location were found to be the same in both species, supporting the hypothesis of a close relationship and even conspecificity of P. kronei and P. transitoria.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a mixture of C6H6 and SF6 was polymerized in an r.f. discharge and the results of optical interferometry and infrared spectroscopy were used to determine trends in the plasma concentrations of the species F, H and CH.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The visits of A mellifera collecting nectar and pollen contributed to pollination and to an increased production of pods per square meter and individual seed weight.
Abstract: Summary — The present experiment was performed to study the development of rape flowers (Brassica napus var oleifera, cv CTC 4), volume and concentration of nectar produced, insects involved in the pollination and their behaviour in the flower (nectar or pollen collection), and the effects of this pollination on the production of pods and seeds, and germination and oil content in the seeds The most frequent insect visitors to the flower were: Apis mellifera, 806%; Trigona spinipes, 128% and Dialictus sp, 66% The sugar content averaged of 163 μg, and the percentage of sugar in the nectar collected from workers (Apis mellifera) was 37 ± 18% Total protein content and ether extract in the pollen were 175 and 67%, respectively The visits of A mellifera collecting nectar and pollen contributed to pollination and to an increased production of pods per square meter and individual seed weight No influence was registered on total number of seeds per pod, normal seeds (fully formed) or abnormal seeds (shrivelled and undersized) per pod, percentage of seed germination and oil content

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Significantly increased frequencies were noted for both CA and SCE rates when the exposed individuals were compared with 15 nurses working in other hospital units and to a control sample matched by sex and age.
Abstract: Chromosomal aberrations (CA) and sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE) were investigated in peripheral lymphocytes of 15 nurses and nurse's aides handling cytostatic agents in hospital oncology units. Significantly increased frequencies were noted for both CA and SCE rates when the exposed individuals were compared with 15 nurses working in other hospital units and to a control sample matched by sex and age. This points to the need for emphasizing protective measures in the handling of anti-neoplastic agents.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The purpose of this experiment was to characterize the species of Eimeria affecting lambs and their infection pattern, and the highest oocyst counts were observed when the lambs were 4-8 weeks old.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 1992
TL;DR: A 7-month-old boy had a giant pigmented lesion involving the trunk and thighs that exhibited many hyperpigmented hairy and verrucous nevi that consisted of pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma cells that stained for muscle-specific actin, desmin, and myoglobin around the tumor.
Abstract: A 7-month-old boy had a giant pigmented lesion involving the trunk and thighs that exhibited many hyperpigmented hairy and verrucous nevi. One of the nevi ulcerated and on histological examination consisted of pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma cells that stained for muscle-specific actin (HHF-35), desmin, and myoglobin. Around the tumor, in the dermis, benign pigmented nevus cells were observed. The occurrence of malignant tumors, other than malignant melanoma, in pigmented nevi is rarely described.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the levels of organochlorine pesticide residues in colostrum samples from donors living in the Ribeirao Preto region of Brazil were analyzed to determine the levels.
Abstract: Thirty-seven samples of human milk (colostrum) from donors living in the Ribeirao Preto region were analyzed to determine the levels of organochlorine pesticide residues. Donors were classified into two groups, i.e., occupationally exposed and non-exposed to pesticides. Other factors such as age, previous lactations, race, smoking habit, occupation, family income and educational level were also considered. Analysis was performed by preliminary lipid extraction followed by fractional partition on a column and finally by gas chromatography with an electron capture detector. Lindane was found in 32% of the samples in amounts of less than 0.001 mg/kg; heptachlor was found in 65% of the samples at mean levels of 0.001 mg/kg, i.e., a level five-fold lower than that established by FAO/WHO (1970) for cow's milk. Aldrin and endrin were not detected in any of the samples. Dieldrin was detected in only one sample at a level of 0.038 mg/kg, which is considered high. DDT and DDE amounts are reported as total DDT and at least one of these compounds was present in every sample. Amounts detected in donors occupationally exposed to pesticides ranged from 0.008 to 0.455 mg/kg (mean, 0.149 mg/kg), i.e., three times the limit established by FAO/WHO (1970), while values for donors who had not been exposed ranged from 0.002 to 0.072 mg/kg (mean, 0.025 mg/kg), i.e., half the limit. Considering the level of acceptable daily intake proposed by FAO/WHO (1973), lactents ingested 1% of the acceptable intake of lindane (all donors), 30% of the acceptable intake of heptachlor (all donors), 60% of the acceptable intake of DDT (non-exposed donors), and 3.7 times the acceptable intake of DDT (exposed donors).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that, under the administration systems used, bIFN-alpha does not increase pregnancy rate, but rather tends to reduce it.
Abstract: Bovine interferon-alpha I1 (bIFN-alpha) may be useful for enhancing fertility in sheep and cattle because it has extensive sequence homology with ovine and bovine trophoblast protein-1 and, like those proteins, extends corpus luteum lifespan. To test the effectiveness of bIFN-alpha to enhance fertility, several experiments were performed in which inseminated heifers were given i.m. injections of bIFN-alpha approximately at the time of embryo-mediated signals that result in maintenance of the corpus luteum. In Exp. 1, heifers given 20 mg of bIFN-alpha daily from d 14 to 17 tended (P less than .07) to have lower pregnancy rates at d 110 to 112 of gestation (36/75; 48% vs 43/72; 60%). Similar results were obtained in Exp. 2 when heifers received a single injection of 40 mg of bIFN-alpha or placebo at d 13 after estrus; pregnancy rates at d 42 were 39/104 (38%) for bIFN-alpha and 47/98 (48%) for placebo. In Exp. 3, heifers were given gradually increasing doses of bIFN-alpha or placebo from d 11 to 19, because such a regimen had been shown to reduce the number of heifers experiencing hyperthermia after bIFN-alpha injection. Pregnancy rates were 42/95 (44%) for bIFN-alpha and 62/111 (56%) for placebo. Across all three experiments, pregnancy rates were lower (P less than .01) for heifers treated with bIFN-alpha (117/274; 43%) than for heifers treated with placebo (152/281; 54%). In conclusion, these results demonstrate that, under the administration systems used, bIFN-alpha does not increase pregnancy rate, but rather tends to reduce it.

Journal Article
TL;DR: The gingival reaction to 4 different suture materials used in periodontal surgery was studied and showed that silk caused the most intense and longest inflammatory response.
Abstract: The gingival reaction to 4 different suture materials used in periodontal surgery was studied in 36 patients. The gingiva was sutured prior to surgery and biopsies were taken at 3, 7 and 14 days to observe the tissue reaction. The histological examination showed that silk caused the most intense and longest inflammatory response. Polyester and perlon provoked shorter, less intense tissue reactions than silk, and nylon caused the least inflammatory response, with earlier tissue repair.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: By simple room temperature broad band time-resolved spectroscopy it was possible to discriminate different Eu3+ spectra in SnO2 monolithic gels obtained by a sol-gel synthetic route.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The present results strongly suggest that rbIFN-alpha acts to reduce secretion of progesterone by interfering with pituitary support for luteal synthesis of progestersone.
Abstract: Experiments were performed to determine the mechanism by which recombinant bovine interferon-alpha I1 (rbIFN-alpha) causes an acute reduction in plasma concentrations of progesterone. In experiment 1, administration of a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor blocked rbIFN-alpha-induced hyperthermia but did not prevent the decline in plasma concentrations of progesterone. The decline in progesterone concentrations caused by rbIFN-alpha was, therefore, not a direct consequence of the associated hyperthermia or of pathways mediated through prostaglandin synthesis. It is also unlikely that rbIFN-alpha acts to increase the clearance of progesterone since injection of rbIFN-alpha did not decrease plasma concentrations of progesterone in ovariectomized cows given an intravaginal implant of progesterone (experiment 2). In experiment 3, rbIFN-alpha did not affect basal and LH-induced release of progesterone from cultured luteal slices, indicating that rbIFN-alpha is unlikely to affect luteal function directly. Injection of rbIFN-alpha did, however, cause a decrease in plasma concentrations of LH in ovariectomized cows (experiment 4) that coincided temporally with the decrease in progesterone concentrations seen in cows having a functional corpus luteum. The present results strongly suggest that rbIFN-alpha acts to reduce secretion of progesterone by interfering with pituitary support for luteal synthesis of progesterone. The finding that rbIFN-alpha can inhibit LH secretion implies that interferon-alpha molecules should be considered among the cytokines that can regulate hypothalamic or pituitary function.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In multifemale nests, the rate of parasitism was significantly lower than in solitary nests, indicating that nest-sharing resulted in improved nest defense and the absence of predation on immatures of the first generation of M.commbae in multif female nests suggests that such nests are also more resistant to attack by predators.
Abstract: Observations on the nesting activities ofMicrothurge corumbae, carried out at the University Campus of Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil, from 1977 to 1981, indicated that 61.9 % of nests were re-used by succeeding generations. Re-use by one generation was more frequent than by two generations, and re-use by a third was observed only once. Nests were re-used by one or several females. Single females were more frequently in the first re-use. In these cases nest re-use did not differ essentially from the solitary foundation of a new nest, except for the adoption of a pre-existing nest without excavation. In multifemale nests, analysis of relative age (wing wear), ovarian and spermathecal conditions of associated females and the content of nests at excavation indicated that the social pattern in such colonies is communal. There is some evidence that the associated females are relatives. The chalcidoid waspLeucospis was the principal nest parasite, and ants of the genusCrematogaster were nest predators. In multifemale nests, the rate of parasitism was significantly lower than in solitary nests, indicating that nest-sharing resulted in improved nest defense. On the other hand, the absence of predation on immatures of the first generation of M.commbae in multifemale nests suggests that such nests are also more resistant to attack by predators.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Sep 1992-Geoderma
TL;DR: A study of the characteristics and distribution of the soil humus fractions in representative ecosystems of central Brazil was carried out with special emphasis on the comparison between the soils under virgin vegetation-Cerrado-and those subjected to cultivation as mentioned in this paper.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The aqueous alcohol extract of the leaves of Alibertia macrophylla afforded two epimeric pairs of iridoid aglycones and one of them showed high inhibitory activity against Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, C. cladosporioides and Colletotrichum gloesporioide.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Eggs of Strongylids were the last forms to appear in calves feces, but despite their sporadic appearance in the feces, eggs of these parasites were observed continuously from the 11th week onwards, and at this point, the percentage of positive samples began to increase to reach its peak.
Abstract: Gastrointestinal parasitism of 24 buffalo cows before parturition, and post-parturition, their infection and that of their respective calves during the following 30 weeks were studied Willis, Hoffmann and whenever possible, the modified Gordon & Whitlock techniques were used for fecal examinations Toxocara vitulorum eggs were the earliest forms encountered in calves feces, as follows: during the 1st week after birth, 5833% of the calves were positive, and in the 4th week, 100% of these animals were positive Eggs of Strongyloides sp were in the 1st week after birth in two of the calves and in the 5th week, all for them were positive The next parasites to appear were the Coccidia of which oocysts were detected in the feces of two calves in the 2nd week after birth, and 5833% of the calves were positive for these in the 3rd week, and in the 6th week, all calves shed oocysts in their feces On the other hand, eggs of Strongyloides were the last forms to appear in calves feces However, despite their sporadic appearance in the feces, eggs of these parasites were observed continuously from the 11th week onwards, and at this point, the percentage of positive samples began to increase to reach its peak Relatively to adult animals, eggs of T vitulorum were observed in the feces of 11 cows, one or twice at most; eggs of Strongyloides sp were seen only once in the feces of four buffalo cows and eggs of Strongyloides in 21 out of 24 cows Oocysts of Coccidia were observed in 16 cows Mechanisms of infestation of calves with these parasites are discussed