Showing papers by "Sao Paulo State University published in 1998"
01 Aug 1998
745 citations
TL;DR: In newly borne colostrum-deprived calves given the E. coli orally, intramuscular inoculation of phage delayed appearance of the bacterium in the blood and lengthened life span and there is considerable potential for this approach to bacterial-disease therapy.
Abstract: A lytic bacteriophage, which was previously isolated from sewage and which attaches to the K1 capsular antigen, has been used to prevent septicemia and a meningitis-like infection in chickens caused by a K1 1 bacteremic strain of Escherichia coli. Protection was obtained even when administration of the phage was delayed until signs of disease appeared. The phage was able to multiply in the blood. In newly borne colostrum-deprived calves given the E. coli orally, intramuscular inoculation of phage delayed appearance of the bacterium in the blood and lengthened life span. With some provisos there is considerable potential for this approach to bacterial-disease therapy.
302 citations
TL;DR: A tolerância da planta ao deficit hidrico parece ser um importante mecanismo de resistencia para manter o processo produtivo em condicoes de baixa disponibilidade de agua as plantas.
Abstract: Esta breve revisao de literatura tem como objetivo abordar alguns aspectos dos fatores morfologicos e fisiologicos que, direta ou indiretamente, influenciam na habilidade das plantas em adaptar-se a diferentes condicoes de deficit hidrico durante seu crescimento e desenvolvimento. A sensibilidade do desenvolvimento das folhas ao deficit hidrico pode mudar no transcorrer do dia ou nas diferentes estacoes do ano, porem a limitacao de expansao na area foliar pode ser considerada como uma primeira reacao das plantas a esse deficit. Plantas cultivadas sob condicoes adequadas de suprimento hidrico sao, normalmente, menos resistentes ao deficit hidrico e, quando da ocorrencia rapida do deficit hidrico, os mecanismos morfofisiologicos sao severamente afetados, pois a planta necessitaria adaptar-se rapidamente a esta situacao de deficit; entretanto, quando o deficit hidrico ocorre gradualmente e/ou no inicio do ciclo, mais facilmente ocorre a adaptacao das plantas. A tolerância da planta ao deficit hidrico parece ser um importante mecanismo de resistencia para manter o processo produtivo em condicoes de baixa disponibilidade de agua as plantas. "Por isso, a importância de se abordar alguns aspectos dos fatores morfologicos e fisiologicos que influenciam a habilidade das plantas na adaptacao a situacoes de deficit hidrico."
223 citations
01 May 1998
TL;DR: In this paper, an extended genetic algorithm for solving the optimal transmission network expansion planning problem is presented, where two main improvements have been introduced in the genetic algorithm: (a) initial population obtained by conventional optimisation based methods; (b) mutation approach inspired in the simulated annealing technique.
Abstract: The paper presents an extended genetic algorithm for solving the optimal transmission network expansion planning problem. Two main improvements have been introduced in the genetic algorithm: (a) initial population obtained by conventional optimisation based methods; (b) mutation approach inspired in the simulated annealing technique. The proposed method is general in the sense that it does not assume any particular property of the problem being solved, such as linearity or convexity. Excellent performance is reported in the test results section of the paper for a difficult large-scale real-life problem: a substantial reduction in investment costs has been obtained with regard to previous solutions obtained via conventional optimisation methods and simulated annealing algorithms; statistical comparison procedures have been employed in benchmarking different versions of the genetic algorithm and simulated annealing methods.
210 citations
20 Jan 1998
TL;DR: The goal of this work is to assess the efficacy of texture measures for estimating levels of crowd densities in images, crucial for the problem of crowd monitoring and control.
Abstract: The goal of this work is to assess the efficacy of texture measures for estimating levels of crowd densities in images. This estimation is crucial for the problem of crowd monitoring and control. The assessment is carried out on a set of nearly 300 real images captured from Liverpool Street Train Station, London, UK, using texture measures extracted from the images through the following four different methods: gray level dependence matrices, straight line segments, Fourier analysis, and fractal dimensions. The estimations of crowd densities are given in terms of the classification of the input images in five classes of densities (very low, low, moderate, high and very high). Three types of classifiers are used: neural (implemented according to the Kohonen model), Bayesian, and an approach based on fitting functions. The results obtained by these three classifiers, using the four texture measures, allowed the conclusion that, for the problem of crowd density estimation, texture analysis is very effective.
168 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that in Nelore females ovulation occurs approximately 26 h after the onset of estrus, and the observation that a high percentage of Nelores females with an active CL did not respond to usual dosages of PGF2 alpha warrants further investigation.
163 citations
TL;DR: The role of automatic estimation of crowd density and its importance for the automatic monitoring of areas where crowds are expected to be present is considered and a new technique is proposed which is able to estimate densities ranging from very low to very high concentration of people.
159 citations
TL;DR: Spectroscopic investigations of BthTX‐I in solution have correlated these conformational differences with changes in the intrinsic fluorescence emission of the single tryptophan residues located at the dimer interface, suggesting the possible relevance of this structural transition in the Ca2+‐independent membrane damaging activity.
Abstract: Bothropstoxin I (BthTX-I) from the venom of Bothrops jararacussu is a myotoxic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) homologue which, although catalytically inactive due to an Asp49-->Lys substitution, disrupts the integrity of lipid membranes by a Ca2+-independent mechanism. The crystal structures of two dimeric forms of BthTX-I which diffract X-rays to resolutions of 3.1 and 2.1 angstroms have been determined. The monomers in both structures are related by an almost perfect twofold axis of rotation and the dimer interfaces are defined by contacts between the N-terminal alpha-helical regions and the tips of the beta-wings of partner monomers. Significant differences in the relative orientation of the monomers in the two crystal forms results in "open" and "closed" dimer conformations. Spectroscopic investigations of BthTX-I in solution have correlated these conformational differences with changes in the intrinsic fluorescence emission of the single tryptophan residues located at the dimer interface. The possible relevance of this structural transition in the Ca2+-independent membrane damaging activity is discussed.
145 citations
TL;DR: The present data confirm that armadillos are a natural reservoir of P. brasiliensis and demonstrate that the animal is a sylvan host to the fungus.
Abstract: Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, the causative agent of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), was first isolated from armadillos from the Amazonian region where the mycosis is uncommon. In the present study, we report on the high incidence of PCM infection in armadillos from a hyperendemic region of the disease. Four nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) were captured in the endemic area of Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil, killed by manual cervical dislocation and autopsied under sterile conditions. Fragments of lung, spleen, liver, and mesenteric lymph nodes were processed for histology, cultured on Mycosel agar at 37 degrees C, and homogenized for inoculation into the testis and peritoneum of hamsters. The animals were killed from week 6 to week 20 postinoculation and fragments of liver, lung, spleen, testis, and lymph nodes were cultured on brain heart infusion agar at 37 degrees C. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis was isolated from three armadillos both by direct organ culture and from the liver, spleen, lung, and mesenteric lymph nodes of hamsters. In addition, one positive armadillo presented histologically proven PCM disease in a mesenteric lymph node. The three armadillos isolates (Pb-A1, Pb-A2, and Pb-A4) presented thermodependent dimorphism, urease activity, and casein assimilation, showed amplification of the gp43 gene, and were highly virulent in intratesticularly inoculated hamsters. The isolates expressed the gp43 glycoprotein, the immunodominant antigen of the fungus, and reacted with a pool of sera from PCM patients. Taken together, the present data confirm that armadillos are a natural reservoir of P. brasiliensis and demonstrate that the animal is a sylvan host to the fungus.
138 citations
TL;DR: This poster presents a probabilistic procedure for the determination of the phytochemical properties of fruit juice and its applications in the food and agricultural industry.
Abstract: Institute of Organic Chemistry Centre of Phytochemistry Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia
130 citations
TL;DR: Differences between allometric and gonadal estimates indicate the importance of considering both methods and a comparison of the present results with other available data in portunid crabs is provided.
Abstract: The sizes at morphological and physiological maturity of male and female Arenaeus cribrarius were estimated to determine if both events are synchronous. Animals were captured with otter-trawls at Ubatuba, Brazil. A total of 2 356 specimens, 977 males and 1 379 females, were obtained. The major carapace width without spines (CW), the propodus length of the major cheliped (PL) and the width of the 5 th abdominal somite (AW) were measured with vernier calipers. Allometric relationships and gonadal development were analyzed to determine the maturity in both sexes. The size at the onset of male morphological maturity was estimated at CW 52 mm, smaller than the CW 63.4 mm physiological maturity size observed. For females, these events are synchronous since both estimates converged at CW 59.7 mm. The onset of functional sexual maturity in A. cribrarius at CW 63.4 and 59.7 mm in males and females, respectively, would indicate a minimum size of CW 64 mm for fishing purposes. Differences between allometric and gonadal estimates indicate the importance of considering both methods. A comparison of the present results with other available data in portunid crabs is provided.
TL;DR: It was concluded that the rib cut from Nelore young bulls may not have a good acceptability in exigent markets, and that carcasses graded B, presumed to be the best grade, do not necessarily present the best meat quality characteristics.
Abstract: Quality traits of boneless rib cut (L. dorsi muscle) from Nelore young bulls. To study the meat quality traits of Nelore breed young bulls, and the effect of age (690-780 days) on them, 113 animals were slaughtered after 109 days of intensive feeding with 20% concentrate and 80% roughage. All the carcasses were graded at the slaughter floor by the Federal Inspection and chilled for 24 hours (Tinitial=5°C, Tfinal=2°C). Fifty one half carcasses (right side), type B - B R A S I L `s grading system - from animals of 23 to 26 months were boned and separated into commercial cuts. Two steaks (2.5cm thick) were removed from each boneless rib cut (m. L. dorsi), vacuum packaged and aged for 7 days (0-2°C). The pH varied from 5.44 to 5.83 and only two samples had pH ³ 5.70. The L* (brightness) average value was 34.85. The water and fat content were 75.65% and 1.71%, respectively. The average WB shear force was 6.70kg, and it was not affected by age (690-734 days), but presented a trend (t test, p=0.22) for increasing values between 735 and 780 days. Animal age did not affect other quality traits (t test, p>0.20). It was concluded that the rib cut from Nelore young bulls may not have a good acceptability in exigent markets, and that carcasses graded B, presumed to be the best grade, do not necessarily present the best meat quality characteristics.
TL;DR: The matrix effects observed in several studies involving e.g. food, crop and environmental samples are briefly discussed in this article, where the procedures to eliminate the matrix interferences are discussed.
Abstract: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are the most extensively studied types of immunoassay and their application in pesticide residue monitoring is an area with enormous potential for growth. In comparison with classical analytical methods, ELISA methods offer the possibility of highly sensitive, relatively rapid, and cost-effective measurements. This review introduces the general ELISA formats used, focusing on their use in pesticide analysis. Identifying and studying the effects of interferences in immunoassays is an active area of research and we discuss the matrix effects observed in several studies involving e.g. food, crop and environmental samples. The procedures to eliminate the matrix interferences are briefly discussed.
TL;DR: Departamento de Zoologia Instituto de Biociencias Universidade Estadual Paulista, Caixa Postal 199, 13506-900 Rio Claro, SP.
Abstract: Departamento de Zoologia Instituto de Biociencias Universidade Estadual Paulista, Caixa Postal 199, 13506-900 Rio Claro, SP
TL;DR: In this article, a broad emission band was observed in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum and assigned to the intrinsic emission from the hybrid polymeric network, and Europium luminescent properties were used to study structural evolution during the sol-gel transition.
Abstract: Good optical quality Eu3+-doped silica-polyethyleneglycol hybrids were prepared by the sol-gel process. Thermomechanical analysis showed an increase of the glass transition temperature, due to the stiffness of the polymeric network, as the amount of Eu3+ increased. Europium luminescent properties were used to study structural evolution during the sol-gel transition. For lower doping concentrations dried gels present statistical distributions of Eu3+, typical of an amorphous environment, while for higher concentrations a crystalline-like environment of Eu3+ was observed. A broad emission band was observed in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum and assigned to the intrinsic emission from the hybrid polymeric network.
TL;DR: The specific heat, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and density of Brazilian orange juice were determined between 0.34 and 0.73 (w/w) water content and with temperatures from 0.5 to 62 °C.
TL;DR: M-VI was devoid of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity on egg yolk, but could induce drastic necrosis on skeletal muscle fibres as well as rapid and transient edema on the rat paw, and revealed high homology with other Lys 49 PLA2-like myotoxins from other bothropic venoms.
TL;DR: In this article, the Vp feature was used to improve the performance of the joint X and R control chart in terms of the speed with which the process mean and variance shifts are detected.
Abstract: Recent studies have shown that the X chart with variable parameters (Vp X chart) detects process shifts faster than the traditional X chart. This article extends these studies for processes that are monitored by both, X and R charts. Basically, the X and R values establish if the control should or should not be relaxed. When the X and R values fall in the central region the control is relaxed because one will wait more to take the next sample and/or the next sample will be smaller than usual. When the X or R values fall in the warning region the control is tightened because one will wait less to take the next sample and the next sample will be larger than usual. The action limits are also made variable. This paper proposes to draw the action limits (for both charts) wider than usual when the control is relaxed and narrower than usual when the control is tightened. The Vp feature improves the joint X and R control chart performance in terms of the speed with which the process mean and/or variance shifts are detected.
TL;DR: The results indicate that low-dosage guanethidine exposure denervates the epididymis within 1 wk, thereby delaying epididcyal transit; however, neither 1- nor 3-wk exposure produces qualitative changes in the sperm.
Abstract: Guanethidine, a chemical that selectively abolishes peripheral noradrenergic nerves, was used to investigate the role of sympathetic innervation in the maintenance of epididymal sperm quantity and quality. Four groups of 10 adult male rats each were treated daily for 21 days, by i.p. injections, with either 0 (saline vehicle), 6.25, 12.5, or 25 mg/kg guanethidine. Norepinephrine content was reduced to undetectable levels in the cauda epididymidis in all guanethidine groups after 3 wk of treatment and was reduced to 7.4% of the control values after 1 wk of 6.25 mg/kg treatment. While body weight gain was significantly decreased at 12.5 and 25 mg/kg compared to that in controls, there was a significant increase in the weights of the seminal vesicles/coagulating glands in all treated groups. The number of homogenization-resistant spermatids per testis and the daily sperm production per testis remained unchanged. The weight of the epididymis was significantly increased at 6.25 and 12.5 mg/kg. Moreover, the number of cauda epididymal sperm and the transit time were increased significantly at 6.25 mg/kg (10.2 days) compared to values in the control cauda (6.3 days). Neither serum testosterone levels nor LH was affected in a dosage-related manner. There were no effects of guanethidine treatment on cauda epididymal sperm motility or morphology. A quantitative analysis of detergent-extracted cauda epididymal sperm proteins by SDS-PAGE revealed no differences, but there were diminutions in seven proteins in homogenates of caput/corpus tissue. Histologic analysis of testis and epididymis sections revealed no differences between control and denervated animals. In a subsequent experiment the lowest effective dosage (6.25 mg/kg) was given to rats for 1 wk, and an increased number of cauda epididymal sperm and a delay in sperm transit were observed. Our results indicate that low-dosage guanethidine exposure denervates the epididymis within 1 wk, thereby delaying epididymal transit; however, neither 1- nor 3-wk exposure produces qualitative changes in the sperm.
TL;DR: The molecular genetic results provide a mandate for habitat restoration and reintroduction of Pampas deer so that levels of genetic variation can be preserved and historic patterns of abundance can be reconstructed, and the source of individuals for reintroduction generally should be from populations geographically closest to those now in danger of extinction.
Abstract: The Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus L. 1758) is the most endangered neotropical cervid, and in the past occupied a wide range of open habitats including grassland, pampas, savanna, and cerrado (Brazil) from 5° to 41° S. To better understand the effect of habitat fragmentation on gene flow and genetic variation, and to uncover genetic units for conservation, we examined DNA sequences from the mitochondrial control region of 54 individuals from six localities distributed throughout the present geographical range of the Pampas deer. Our results suggest that the control region of the Pampas deer is one of the most polymorphic of any mammal. This remarkably high variability probably reflects large historic population sizes of millions of individuals in contrast to numbers of fewer than 80 000 today. Gene flow between populations is generally close to one migrant per generation and, with the exception of two populations from Argentina, all populations are significantly differentiated. The degree of gene flow was correlated with geographical distance between populations, a result consistent with limited dispersal being the prim- ary determinant of genetic differentiation between populations. The molecular genetic results provide a mandate for habitat restoration and reintroduction of Pampas deer so that levels of genetic variation can be preserved and historic patterns of abundance can be reconstructed. However, the source of individuals for reintroduction generally should be from populations geographically closest to those now in danger of extinction.
TL;DR: Bioactivity-guided fractionation of a CH2Cl2 extract from leaves of Piper hispidum (Piperaceae) yielded a new pyrrolidine amide, N-[7-(3',4'-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2(Z),4(Z)-heptadienoyl], which showed antifungal activity against Cladosporium sphaerospermum.
Abstract: Bioactivity-guided fractionation of a CH2Cl2 extract from leaves of Piper hispidum (Piperaceae) yielded a new pyrrolidine amide, N-[7-(3‘,4‘-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2(Z),4(Z)-heptadienoyl] pyrrolidine 1, in addition to two known amides N-[5-(3‘,4‘-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2(E)-pentadienoyl] pyrrolidine and N-[2-(3‘,4‘-methylenedioxy-6‘-methoxyphenyl)-2(Z)-propenoyl]pyrrolidine. The structure of compound 1 was elucidated by interpretation of spectral data, including ES−MS. Compound 1 showed antifungal activity against Cladosporium sphaerospermum.
TL;DR: The strong correlation between serum carotenoid concentrations and endogenous breast adipose tissue carOTenoid levels indicate that dietary intake influences adipose tissues carotENoid levels as well as serum concentrations, and that adiposeilage is a dynamic reservoir of fat-soluble nutrients.
Abstract: To evaluate the relationship between carotenoid concentrations in serum and breast tissue, we measured serum carotenoid concentrations and endogenous carotenoid levels in breast adipose tissue of women with benign breast tumor (n = 46) or breast cancer (n = 44). Before extraction, serum was digested with lipase and cholesterol esterase, and breast adipose tissue was saponified. Serum and tissue carotenoids were extracted with ether/hexane and measured by using HPLC with a C30 column. Serum retinoic acid was extracted with chloroform/methanol and measured using HPLC with a C18 column. There were no significant differences in serum carotenoids [lutein, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin (both alpha- and beta-), alpha-carotene, all-trans beta-carotene, 13-cis beta-carotene and lycopene], retinoids (retinol, all-trans and 13-cis retinoic acids), and alpha- and gamma- tocopherol concentrations between benign breast tumor patients and breast cancer patients. A substantial amount of 9-cis beta-carotene was present in adipose tissue and was the only carotenoid that had a significantly lower level in benign breast tumor patients than in breast cancer patients. Correlations between carotenoid concentrations in serum and in breast adipose tissue were determined by combining the data of the two groups. Concentrations of the major serum carotenoids except cryptoxanthin showed significant correlations with breast adipose tissue carotenoid levels. When the concentrations of serum carotenoids were adjusted for serum triglycerides or LDL, correlations between serum carotenoid concentrations and breast adipose tissue carotenoid levels markedly increased, including that of cryptoxanthin (P <0. 001). The strong correlation between serum carotenoid concentrations and endogenous breast adipose tissue carotenoid levels indicate that dietary intake influences adipose tissue carotenoid levels as well as serum concentrations, and that adipose tissue is a dynamic reservoir of fat-soluble nutrients.
TL;DR: In this article, an amperometric biosensor based on cholinesterase (ChE) was used for the determination of selected carbamate insecticides in vegetable samples.
TL;DR: O trabalho teve o objetivo de verificar os habitos relacionados aos fatores de risco em uma populacao de portadores de hipertensao arterial, constatando-se that a maioria nao faz exercicio, nao tem atividade de lazer, havendo necessidade of programas educativos para aquisicao destes habitos.
Abstract: Este trabalho teve o objetivo de verificar os habitos relacionados aos fatores de risco em uma populacao de portadores de hipertensao arterial. A amostra foi composta por 70 individuos, constatando-se que a maioria nao faz exercicio, nao tem atividade de lazer, havendo necessidade de programas educativos para aquisicao destes habitos .Ha lacunas de informacao, pois os clientes tem como ponto de referencia, em sua maioria, a propria experiencia, ao inves das orientacoes que recebem de varios profissionais.
TL;DR: This immunohistochemical study confirms the mesenchymal origin of the stromal cells that line the pseudovascular spaces, as has been found in female cases of pseudoangiomatous hyperplasia of mammary stroma.
Abstract: AIMS: To evaluate the prevalence of pseudoangiomatous hyperplasia of mammary stroma in gynaecomastia and its immunohistochemical profile in this setting. METHODS: Eighty eight cases of gynaecomastia recovered from the files of the department of pathology, Botucatu School of Medicine from 1976 to 1996 were studied. In the cases associated with pseudoangiomatous hyperplasia of mammary stroma, immunoreactivity for cytokeratins (CAM 5.2), vimentin, CD34, factor VIII related antigen, and the oestrogen and progesterone receptors were studied. RESULTS: Pseudoangiomatous hyperplasia of mammary stroma was found in 21 of 88 cases of gynaecomastia (23.8%). In all cases, the cells lining the spaces were positive for vimentin, whereas CAM 5.2 and factor VIII related antigen were consistently negative. Nineteen of the 21 cases showed immunoreactivity for CD34. Ductal epithelial cells were positive for both the oestrogen receptor and the progesterone receptor, whereas stromal cells were negative. CONCLUSIONS: Pseudoangiomatous hyperplasia of mammary stroma was present in approximately one quarter of the cases of gynaecomastia. This immunohistochemical study confirms the mesenchymal origin of the stromal cells that line the pseudovascular spaces, as has been found in female cases of pseudoangiomatous hyperplasia of mammary stroma.
TL;DR: Autopolymerizing acrylic reline resins met water sorption and solubility requirements, however, Kooliner acrylic resin demonstrated significantly lower bond strength to denture base acrylic resin.
Abstract: Statement of problem. Because water sorption of autopolymerizing acrylic reline resins is accompanied by volumetric change, it is a physical property of importance. As residual monomer leaches into the oral fluids and causes tissue irritation, low solubility of these resins is desired. Another requirement is a satisfactory bond between the autopolymerizing acrylic resins and the denture base acrylic resin. Purpose. This study compared the water sorption, solubility, and the transverse bond strength of 2 autopolymerizing acrylic resins (Duraliner II and Kooliner) and 1 heat-polymerizing acrylic resin (Lucitone 550). Material and methods. The water sorption and solubility test was performed as per International Standards Organization Specification No. 1567 for denture base polymers. Bond strengths between the autopolymerizing acrylic resins and the heat-polymerizing acrylic resin were determined with a 3-point loading test made on specimens immersed in distilled water at 37°C for 50 hours and for 30 days. Visual inspection determined whether failures were adhesive or cohesive. Results. Duraliner II acrylic resin showed significantly lower water sorption than Kooliner and Lucitone 550 acrylic resins. No difference was noted in the solubility of all materials. Kooliner acrylic resin demonstrated significantly lower transverse bond strength to denture base acrylic resin and failed adhesively. The failures seen with Duraliner II acrylic resin were primarily cohesive in nature. Conclusions. Autopolymerizing acrylic reline resins met water sorption and solubility requirements. However, Kooliner acrylic resin demonstrated significantly lower bond strength to denture base acrylic resin. (J Prosthet Dent 1998;80:434-8.)
01 Jan 1998
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the potential of using fast growing native plants for non-timber based materials, such as nylon and jute, to create jobs in the rural sector.
Abstract: Environmental and economical concerns are stimulating research in the development of new materials for construction, furniture, packaging and automotive industries. Particularly attractive are the new materials in which a good part is based on natural renewable resources, preventing further stresses on the environment by depleting dwindling wood resources from forests. Examples of such raw material sources are annual growth native crops/plants/fibers, which are abundantly available in tropical regions. These plants/fibers (like jute and sisal) have been used for hundreds of years for many applications such as ropes, beds, bags, etc. If new uses of fast growing, native plants can be developed for high value, non-timber based materials, there is a tremendous potential of creating jobs in the rural sector. These renewable, non-timber based materials could reduce the use of traditional materials such as wood, minerals and plastics for some applications. There is a tremendous interest by the pharmaceutical industry in exploring the rain forest for new drugs, but so far there has been little interest in exploring the rain forest for fast growing native plants as a fiber source. In applications such as ropes, new materials, such as nylon, have replaced locally grown fibers like sisal and jute. Therefore, increasing interest in saving the forest and at the same time creating rural employment means that new materials have to be developed to use locally available non-wood renewable resources. The advantages of these plants are that they are fast-growing and renewable, and sometimes are also a source of food supply for animals and even humans.
TL;DR: Most of the ova found presented characteristics of inviability, with a consequent low chance of human infection, although the population is not free from the risk of contracting this zoonosis.
Abstract: The frequency of Toxocara spp eggs in public parks was determined from March 1995 to February 1996. One hundred and twelve samples were collected from 10 public parks in Botucatu, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. Samples were processed by the decinormal sodium hydroxide concentration method. Out of the 120 soil samples analyzed, 21 were contaminated with Toxocara spp eggs, corresponding to a 17.5% rate of infestation. Of the ten squares submitted to analysis during the year, six presented contamination. Most of the ova found presented characteristics of inviability, with a consequent low chance of human infection, although the population is not free from the risk of contracting this zoonosis.
TL;DR: The two trials confirmed the relationship between high productivity and high incidence of SDS and AS and indicated that Naked Neck male broilers are resistant to these metabolic disturbances.