Procainamide (PA) and its in vivo metabolite, N-acetylprocainamide (NAPA), display some pharmacological differences. Although it is agreed that PA is a class IA antiarrhythmic, it has been reported that NAPA is a pure class III antiarrhythmic that affects only the repolarizing phase of the cardiac action potential. This last concept, observed exclusively in dogs, gained wide acceptance, appearing in classic pharmacology textbooks. However, evidence in species such as mice and rats indicates that NAPA can affect cardiac Na+ channels, which is unexpected for a pure class III antiarrhythmic drug. To further clarify this issue, the effects of PA (used as a reference drug) and NAPA on the maximum upstroke velocity (Vmax) and half-decay time (HDT) of the cardiac action potential were examined in the isolated right papillaris magnus of the guinea pig heart. Both PA and NAPA affected Vmax at lower concentrations than required to affect HDT, and NAPA had weaker effects on both variables. Thus, NAPA displayed typical class IA antiarrhythmic behavior. Therefore, the concept that NAPA is a pure class III antiarrhythmic drug is more species-dependent than previously envisioned. In addition, we demonstrated that the differential pharmacology of PA and NAPA is explainable, in molecular terms, by steric hindrance of the effects of NAPA and the greater number of potent aromatic-aromatic and cation π interactions with Na+ or K+ cardiac channels for PA.

This study evaluated histological changes in the digestive organs and kidneys of sheep fed sugarcane silage augmented with detoxified castor bean meal (CBM). Forty Santa Inês sheep (initial weight 20 ± 0.3 kg) were adapted to the experimental regime for 14 days, after which data were collected for 60 days. The treatments consisted of S0: sugarcane silage (SC); S5: SC augmented with 5% CBM; S10: SC augmented with 10% CBM; S15: SC augmented with 15% CBM; and S20: SC augmented with 20% CBM. After 74 days of confinement, the animals were slaughtered, and then fragments of the liver, rumen, intestine, and kidney were collected for histomorphometric analyses. The intake of dry matter and the average weight gain increased linearly with the level of CBM (P <0.05), as did the rumen absorption area, the height of the papillae and the width of the papillae. The thickness of the keratinized portion of the epithelium was not influenced, Thus, no effect was detected of the anti-nutritional factor of CBM on this organ. In the intestine, CBM increased the height of the villi and the number of goblet cells. However, S20 caused some kidney damage and decreased hepatic glycogen stock, but not sufficiently to reduce performance. Thus, augmentation of sugarcane with CBM, up to 20%, is viable in feeding sheep.

RESUMO Babesia canis é um protozoário cosmopolita que parasita eritrócitos de cães domésticos e selvagens. O diagnóstico é realizado mediante a observação direta do microrganismo em hemácias no esfregaço de sangue periférico, métodos sorológicos e técnicas moleculares. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar pela primeira vez a presença de merozoítos de Babesia spp. no líquido peritoneal de um cão com ascite. No Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, foi atendido um cão, macho, sem raça definida, de sete meses de idade, com histórico de emaciação, apatia e abaulamento abdominal. No exame físico, foram evidenciadas mucosas hipocoradas, ascite, sopro sistólico grau IV/V e taquipneia. Nos exames laboratoriais, evidenciou-se anemia normocítica/normocrômica, trombocitopenia e hipoproteinemia. No esfregaço sanguíneo, foram observadas estruturas intraeritrocitárias compatíveis com Babesia spp. A avaliação do líquido ascítico foi compatível com transudato modificado e observaram-se inúmeras estruturas intra e extracelulares compatíveis com merozoítas de Babesia spp. A presença de microrganismos intra e extracelular poderia estar relacionada a uma lesão no baço com extravasamento do conteúdo para a cavidade abdominal. A coleta do líquido peritoneal pode ser uma alternativa para o diagnóstico de babesiose quando o animal com suspeita da infecção apresentar ascite.

ABSTRACT Babesia canis is a cosmopolitan protozoan that parasites erythrocytes of domestic and wild dogs. The diagnosis is performed by direct observation of the microorganism in red blood cells in the peripheral blood smear, serological methods and molecular techniques. The aim of this work is to report for the first time the presence of merozoites of Babesia spp. in the peritoneal fluid of a dog with ascites. At the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Viçosa was attended a Mixed-breed seven month old dog, male, with history of emaciation, apathy and abdominal bulging. Pale mucous membranes, ascites, grade IV/V systolic murmur and tachypnea were evidenced in the physical examination. Laboratory tests revealed normocytic/normochromic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hypoproteinemia. Intra-erythrocyte structures compatible with Babesia spp. were observed in the blood smear. The evaluation of the ascites fluid was compatible with modified transudate where numerous intra and extracellular structures compatible with Babesia spp. merozoites were observed. The presence of intra and extracellular microorganisms could be related to an injury of the spleen with extravasation of the contents into the abdominal cavity. Collection of the peritoneal fluid may be an alternative for the diagnosis of babesiosis when the animal with suspected infection has ascites.

This study aimed to evaluate the use of silage of forage cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) in diets for finishing pigs. Two experiments were conducted: the first for digestibility and the second for performance. In the performance trial, the quantitative levels of feed restriction (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) were evaluated, which were associated with the supply of forage cactus silage. Forage cactus silage presented 2463.59 and 2456 kcal/kg of digestible and metabolizable energy, respectively. The feed restriction levels associated with the supply of forage cactus silage influenced feed intake, weight gain and final weight negatively, but did not affect feed conversion. Carcass absolute weight was influenced negatively. However, the yield of carcass and cuts and the amount of meat in the carcass were not influenced. With the increase in feed restriction, there was a decrease in duodenal mucosa thickness, intestinal glands, liver glycogen storage and the occurrence of inflammation in the submucosa and intestinal mucosa. Forage cactus silage is not accepted well by animals. The restriction up to 30% of balanced feed did not affect feed conversion, yield of carcass and cuts and economic viability. However, levels over 10% affected intestinal health.

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant disease due to C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH). The disease is characterized by subcutaneous and submucosal edema in the absence of urticaria due to the accumulation of bradykinin. This descriptive study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of HAE referred to our Outpatient Clinic between December 2009 and November 2017. Fifty-one patients (38 F, 13 M) with a mean age of 32 years (range: 7–70 y) were included. Family history of HAE was reported in 70% (36/51) of the cases; 33/46 patients became symptomatic by 18 years of age. The median time between onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 13 years (3 mo–50 y). The most frequent triggering factors for attacks were stress (74.4%), trauma (56.4%), and hormonal variations (56%). The main symptoms were subcutaneous edema in 93.5% (43/46) of patients, gastrointestinal symptoms in 84.8% (39/46), and obstruction in the upper airways in 34.8% (16/46). Hospitalization occurred in 65.2%, of whom 13.3% had to be transferred to the Intensive Care Unit. Prophylactic treatment was instituted in 87% (40/46) of patients, and 56.5% (26/46) required additional treatment to control attacks. Owing to our data collection over a period of 8 years, a significant number of patients were identified by this HAE reference center. Despite early recognition and prophylactic treatment, a high percentage of patients were hospitalized. HAE is still diagnosed late, reinforcing the need for more reference centers specialized in diagnosis and educational projects for health professionals.

Essential oils (EO) are volatile liquids responsible for the aroma of plants. Pterodon polygalaeflorus seeds have received widespread use in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. For this reason and because Pterodon polygalaeflorus seeds have great EO content, which is frequently pharmacologically active, the present study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of EO from Pterodon polygalaeflorus (EOPPgfl) and its acute toxic effects. The EEOPPgfl sample, which was extracted by steam distillation of the seeds, had a yield of 2.4% of the seeds weight and had, as major constituents, beta-elemene (48.19%), trans-caryophyllene (19.51%), and epi-bicyclosesquiphellandrene (12.24%). The EOPPgfl sample showed mild acute toxicity and its calculated median lethal dose (LD50) was 3.38 g/kg. EOPPgfl (20–60 mg/kg) showed antinociceptive activity as evidenced by several tests and inhibited writhing induced by acetic acid. The maximum effect was obtained with the 30 mg/kg dose and at 60 min after its administration. EOPPgfl also decreased formalin-induced nociception, as verified by the inhibition of the first and second phase of the formalin test. At 30 mg/kg, EOPPgfl also decreased thermally stimulated nociception. Nociception may be related to inflammatory and antiedematogenic activity and at doses ranging 10–100 mg/kg, EOPPgfl blocked dextran- and carrageenan-induced edema. The results demonstrated that EOPPgfl presented, at doses approximately 100 times smaller than LD50, an antinociceptive effect that probably was due to anti-inflammatory activities.

Complementary examinations are “inadequate” whenever the likelihood of benefits from their indication is lower than the negative results. The low benefit is a result of poor performance in detecting relevant changes that lead to improved behavior. However, inadequate examinations are prevalent and little is known about patients' notions of the usefulness of such indications. The aim of this study was to describe relevant findings in inappropriate echocardiograms and to assess the level of agreement between patients and cardiologists regarding their usefulness. Adults without known cardiovascular disease who were referred for echocardiogram by inappropriate criteria according to the American College of Cardiology were selected. Relevant findings were defined by any change in the degree of moderate to severe, according to the American Society of Echocardiography. We tested the level of agreement between the patients who underwent echocardiographic examination and the physicians who requested the exam through a standard questionnaire. Five hundred patients were included, with average age of 52±17 years (47% males). Only 17 patients had any relevant changes (3.4%, 95%CI=2 to 5.4%). The most frequent alterations included valve changes in 8 and diastolic dysfunction grade II in 6 patients. Eighty-seven examinations were performed to determine the level of agreement between patients and cardiologists. For the question “Is this test really necessary?”, 92% of patients responded positively, compared with 5% of cardiologists (Kappa negative 0.04; P=0.01). The frequency of relevant findings was low in inadequate echocardiograms and patients and cardiologists had a different perception regarding its usefulness.

Objective: Evaluate the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and the body mass index (BMI) of schoolchildren according to the cutoff points established by the Fitnessgram®. Just as determine the influence of BMI on CRF in children and propose an equation for predicting VO2max from the body composition. Method: The sample consisted of 288 students of basic level of public education in the city of Aracaju - Sergipe - Brazil, aged between 10 and 14 years, of these, 142 were female. To evaluate the CRF the 20-m shuttle run test was chosen. The results of the variable were classified in accordance with the criteria established by the Fitnessgram®. Results: It was evidenced that the cardiorespiratory fitness on males was higher than females. Relative to BMI, there were no differences between the groups, while more than 80% of the entire sample behaved within criteria established by the Fitnessgram®. On the other hand, 57% of the female group presented VO2max below criterion. It was confirmed an inverse relationship between VO2max and BMI on children and adolescents. Conclusion: The students in this study showed adequate levels of body composition and CRF below the area related to health, according to the criteria of the Fitnessgram®. The proposition of a linear regression equation to estimate VO2max without exercise pointed out an inverse relationship between both variables.

Objetivo: Avaliar a aptidão cardiorrespiratória e índice de massa corporal (IMC) de escolares de acordo com os pontos de corte estabelecidos pela bateria de teste internacional Fitnessgram®. Além de determinar a influência do IMC sobre a aptidão cardiorrespiratória em crianças e propor uma equação de predição do VO2máx a partir da composição corporal. Método: A amostra consistiu de 288 estudantes do ensino básico da educação pública na cidade de Aracaju (Sergipe, Brasil), com idade entre 10-14 anos, dos quais 142 eram meninas. Para avaliar a aptidão cardiorrespiratória optou-se pelo 20-m shuttle run test. Os resultados das variáveis foram classificados de acordo com os critérios estabelecidos pelo Fitnessgram®. Resultados: Constatou-se que a aptidão cardiorrespiratória dos meninos foi maior do que das meninas. Com relação ao IMC, não houve diferenças entre os grupos, enquanto mais de 80% de toda a amostra se comportou dentro dos critérios estabelecidos pelo Fitnessgram®. Por outro lado, 57% do grupo feminino apresentou VO2máx abaixo dos critérios. Confirmou-se uma relação inversa entre VO2máx e o IMC em crianças e adolescentes. Conclusão: Os alunos deste estudo apresentaram níveis de composição corporal adequados e de aptidão aeróbia abaixo da área relacionada à saúde, de acordo com os critérios do Fitnessgram®. A proposição de uma equação de regressão linear para estimar o VO2máx sem exercício apontou uma relação inversa entre as 2 variáveis.

Objetivo: Evaluar la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria y el índice de masa corporal (IMC) de escolares mediante los puntos de corte establecidos por la batería internacional de test Fitnessgram®. Así como determinar la influencia del IMC en la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria (CRF) en niños y proponer una ecuación de predicción del VO2máx a partir de la composición corporal. Método: La muestra estuvo conformada por 288 estudiantes de nivel básico de la educación pública de la ciudad de Aracaju-Sergipe-Brasil, de edades comprendidas entre 10-14 años, de los cuales, 142 eran mujeres. Para evaluar el CRF fue utilizada la prueba de 20-m shuttle run test (PCN). Los resultados de la variable se clasificaron de acuerdo con los criterios de aplicación establecidos por el test internacional Fitnessgram®. Resultados: Se evidenció que la CRF en varones fue mayor que en las mujeres. Relativo al IMC, no hubo diferencias entre los grupos, mientras que más de 80% de toda la muestra se comportó dentro de los criterios establecidos por la Fitnessgram®. Por otro lado, el 57% del grupo femenino presentó VO2máx por debajo de los niveles. Se confirmó una relación inversa entre el VO2máx y el IMC en niños y adolescentes. Conclusión: Los escolares, en este estudio, mostraron niveles adecuados de composición corporal y CRF por debajo del área relacionada con la salud de acuerdo con los criterios de Fitnessgram®. La proposición de una ecuación de regresión lineal, para estimar el VO2máx sin ejercicio señaló una relación inversa entre ambas variables.

O experimento foi desenvolvido para avaliar os efeitos da inclusão de níveis de farelo de mamona destoxificado sobre a composição químico-bromatológica, as características fermentativas e as perdas de matéria seca da silagem de cana-de-açúcar. Os tratamentos consistiam em quatro níveis (0, 7, 14 e 21% da matéria natural) de inclusão do farelo de mamona. O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco repetições. Foram usados silos de PVC, com 50cm de altura e 10cm de diâmetro, para a produção das silagens, que foram abertos após 60 dias. A densidade de forragem nos silos foi correspondente a 750kg de matéria natural/m3. Os silos foram pesados no início e ao final do período experimental para quantificar as perdas por gases e efluentes. A inclusão de farelo de mamona elevou os teores de MS e proteína bruta e reduziu os teores de fibra em detergente neutro, N-NH3, etanol e as perdas por gases e efluentes das silagens, não ocasionando efeito nos valores de pH. A fermentação alcoólica durante a ensilagem foi controlada com a inclusão do aditivo.

This experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of detoxified castor bean meal (CM) content on the chemical-bromatological composition, as well as the fermentation characteristics and dry matter losses of sugarcane silage. The treatments consisted of four levels (0, 7, 14 and 21% natural matter) of addition of castor bean meal. The design was completely randomized, with five replicates. The material was ensiled in PVC silos of 50-cm in height and 10-cm in diameter, which were opened after 60 days. The density of fodder maintained in the silos was equal to 750kg of natural matter/m3. In order to quantify the gas and effluent losses, the silos were weighed at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. The addition of castor bean meal has increased the levels of DM and crude protein and reduced the levels of neutral detergent fiber, N-NH3, ethanol, and gas and effluent losses from silages, but did not affect pH values. During ensiling, alcoholic fermentation was controlled with the inclusion of the additive.

The aim of this work was to study the correlation between intake and deposition of fatty acids in the Longissimus muscle of Nellore steers supplemented at pasture. The fieldwork was implanted in an area of 52 ha, formed of Brachiaria brizantha. Forty Nellore steers with initial average weight of 373.7 ± 14.9 kg and 26 months of age were used. The animals were distributed into four treatments: Control= T00 (supply only mineral salt), T03= Supply of concentrate in the amount of 0.3 % of Body Weight; T06= Supply of concentrate in the amount of 0.6 % of Live Weight , T09= Supply of concentrate in the amount of 0.9 % of live weight. Samples of concentrates and forages were collected for fatty acids analysis. The experiment lasted for 98 days. After this period the animals were slaughtered. Longissimus samples were vacuum packed and frozen for analysis of fatty acid composition. The results were statistically analyzed by estimating Pearson linear correlation coefficients. The results showed that there are correlations between the fatty acids consumed and fatty acids deposited in the muscle.

Objetivou-se estudar a correlação entre consumo e deposição de ácidos graxos no músculo Longissimus de novilhos nelore suplementados em pastagens. O trabalho de campo foi implantado numa área de 52 ha, formada de Brachiaria brizantha. Foram utilizados 40 novilhos da raça Nelore com peso inicial médio de 373,7 ± 14,9 kg e 26 meses de idade, distribuídos em quatro tratamentos: Controle= T00 (fornecimento apenas de sal mineral), T03= fornecimento de 0,3% concentrado em função do peso vivo; T06= fornecimento de 0,6 % concentrado em função do peso vivo; T09= fornecimento de 0,9 % concentrado em função do peso vivo. Amostras dos concentrados e da forragem foram coletadas para análise da composição de ácidos graxos. O período experimental foi de 98 dias. Após este período, os animais foram abatidos. Os resultados foram analisados por correlação linear de Pearson e teste t. Constatou-se que existem correlações entre os ácidos graxos consumidos e depositados no músculo.

Numerous studies address the physiology of adipose tissue (AT). The interest surrounding the physiology of AT is primarily the result of the epidemic outburst of obesity in various contemporary societies. Briefly, the two primary metabolic activities of white AT include lipogenesis and lipolysis. Throughout the last two decades, a new model of AT physiology has emerged. Although AT was considered to be primarily an abundant energy source, it is currently considered to be a prolific producer of biologically active substances, and, consequently, is now recognized as an endocrine organ. In addition to leptin, other biologically active substances secreted by AT, generally classified as cytokines, include adiponectin, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, resistin, vaspin, visfatin, and many others now collectively referred to as adipokines. The secretion of such biologically active substances by AT indicates its importance as a metabolic regulator. Cell turnover of AT has also recently been investigated in terms of its biological role in adipogenesis. Consequently, the objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive critical review of the current literature concerning the metabolic (lipolysis, lipogenesis) and endocrine actions of AT.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a aplicação do fungo Aspergillus niger como produtor das enzimas celulolíticas CMCase, FPase e Xilanase, através da fermentação em estado sólido de cacau (Theobroma cacao). Avaliaram-se o efeito do tempo de fermentação (24, 72, e 120 horas) e da atividade de água (0,963; 0,976 e 0,983) sobre a produção das enzimas. As fermentações foram realizadas a 30º C em estufa bacteriológica. A otimização das condições ideais para produção de enzimas foi realizada a partir da Metodologia de Superfície de Resposta (MSR). Estatisticamente, as melhores atividades para a CMCase obtidas foram 14,18 U/mL em 0,972 aw e 70,07 horas de fermentação, para a FPase 7,51 U/mL 0,974 aw 80,56 horas e para a Xilanase foi 11,86 U/mL 0,971 aw e 64,24 horas.

The aim of this work was to study the application of the fungus Aspergillus niger as a producer of the cellulolytic enzymes CMCase, FPase and Xylanase by solid-state fermentation of cocoa (Theobroma cacao). We evaluated the effect of fermentation time (24, 72, and 120 hours) and water activity (0.963, 0.976 and 0.983) on the production of enzymes. Fermentations were performed at 30º C in a bacteriological incubator. The optimization of ideal conditions for enzyme production was carried out using the response surface methodology (RSM). Statistically, the best activity obtained for CMCase was 14.18 U/mL at a w 0.972 and 70.07 hours fermentation, for FPase it was 7.51 U/mL at 0.974 a w and 80.56 hours, while for Xylanase was 11.86 U/mL at a w 0.971 and 64.24 hours.

Objetivou-se verificar o impacto da escolaridade materna e paterna na perceção da imagem corporal em acadêmicos de Educação Física. Participaram do estudo 217 acadêmicos, com média de 20.6 anos de idade (DP = 0.6), sendo 54.8% do sexo masculino. Coletaram-se informações sobre perceção da imagem corporal por meio da escala de silhuetas de Stunkard et al. (1983). O nível de escolaridade dos pais e dados sociodemográficos foram coletados por questionário autoadministrado. Empregaram-se a estatística descritiva e a regressão logística multinomial, adotando-se nível de significância de 5%. Em relação à perceção da imagem corporal, 41% dos alunos estavam insatisfeitos por magreza e 28.1% por excesso de peso. As chances de insatisfação por excesso de peso foram de sete a oito vezes maiores nos acadêmicos com escolaridade materna superiores a quatro anos de escolaridade, independentemente de sexo, idade, situação conjugal, nível econômico e curso. Não houve associação entre escolaridade paterna e imagem corporal. Conclui-se que há necessidade de uma educação básica e superior de qualidade com assuntos vinculados à perceção corporal e hábitos saudáveis, pois muitos acadêmicos apresentaram insatisfação com a imagem corporal e tal probabilidade foi maior em estudantes filhos de mães com mais de cinco anos de escolaridade.

The objective of this study was to verify the impact of maternal and paternal schooling in the body image perception of Physical Education university students. Two hundred and seventeen students took part in this study, with mean 20.6 (SD = 0.6) years of age, 54.8% were male. Information on body image perception was through the range of profiles of Stunkard et al. (1983). Maternal and paternal schooling level and sociodemographic data were collected by self-administered questionnaire. The descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression were used. The level of significance was 5%. Regarding body image perception 41% was dissatisfied due to thinness, and 28.1% dissatisfied due to overweight. The probability of overweight dissatisfaction was seven to eight times higher in students whose maternal school length was 4 years or more, independently of the gender, age, marital status, socioeconomic status and course degree. There was no association between paternal schooling and body image. We conclude that there is a necessity of good quality education for all the schooling levels, because many academics unsatisfied with body image and the probability of overweight dissatisfaction was higher in individuals whose maternal school was five years or more.

Existe a ideia, entre alguns agricultores e pesquisadores, de que após a realização das capinas à enxada poderia ocorrer o "pegamento" ou rebrota de parte das plantas daninhas, prejudicando o milho. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da remoção do campo das plantas daninhas (PD), após cada capina, e da consorciação com gliricídia sobre o controle das PD e sobre os rendimentos do milho. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso com parcelas subdivididas e seis repetições. As cultivares AG 1051 e BM 2022, plantadas nas parcelas, foram submetidas aos seguintes tratamentos: sem capinas, duas capinas (aos 20 e 40 dias após o plantio) e consorciação com a gliricídia. As parcelas capinadas foram submetidas à remoção das PD, após a primeira, a segunda, ou após ambas as capinas ou sem remoção das PD. Na consorciação, a gliricídia foi semeada a lanço por ocasião da semeadura do milho, entre as fileiras da gramínea, na densidade de 15 sementes m-2. Vinte e cinco espécies de PD ocorreram no experimento, sendo Digitaria sanguinalis, pertencente à família gramineae, a mais frequente. Os métodos de controle das PD tiveram efeitos semelhantes nas cultivares, que não diferiram entre si nas características avaliadas, exceto no peso de cem grãos, com superioridade da cultivar AG 1051. A remoção das PD não influenciou os rendimentos de milho verde e de grãos. Contudo, o número de grãos/espiga foi maior nas parcelas em que as PD foram removidas, do que nas parcelas sem remoção dessas plantas, sugerindo que a remoção das PD pode ser benéfica ao milho. Além disso, um maior peso da matéria seca foi obtido para a parte aérea das plantas daninhas (PMSPAPD) removidas após as duas capinas, em relação ao PMSPAPD removidas apenas após a segunda capina que, por sua vez foi maior que o PMSPAPD removidas após a primeira capina, apenas. Os rendimentos de espigas verdes e de grãos e a matéria seca da parte aérea das PD não diferiram nas parcelas capinadas e foram superiores aos das parcelas não-capinadas ou consorciadas os quais não diferiram entre si; portanto, a consorciação com a gliricídia não melhorou os rendimentos do milho.

Some growers and researchers sustain the idea that regrowth or root setting of some weeds may occur after hoeing, with detrimental effects over corn. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of weed removal from the field, removal after each hoeing, and corn intercropped with gliricidia on weed control and corn yield values. The experimental design consisted of blocks with split-plots and six replicates. Cultivars AG 1051 and BM 2022, planted in the plots, were submitted to the following treatments: no hoeing, two hoeings (at 20 and 40 days after planting), and intercropped with gliricidia. The hoed plots were either submitted to weed removal after the first, second, or both hoeings, or remained without weed removal. In the intercropped treatment, gliricidia was sown by broadcasting at corn planting between the corn rows, at a density of 15 seeds m-2. Twenty-five weed species occurred in the experiment; the most frequent was Digitaria sanguinalis (family Poaceae). The weed control methods tested had similar effects on the cultivars, which were not different from one another with respect to the evaluated traits, except for one-hundred-kernel weight, with cultivar AG 1051 being superior. Weed removal did not influence green corn yield or grain yield. However, the number of kernels/ear was higher in plots where weeds were removed in relation to plots without weed removal, suggesting that weed removal might be beneficial to corn. Besides, a higher dry matter weight was obtained for the above-ground part of weeds removed from the field after the first and second hoeings than the weight of weeds removed after the second hoeing only which, in turn, was higher than the weight of weeds removed after the first hoeing only. Green ear yield, grain yield, and dry matter of the above-ground part of the weeds did not show differences in hoed plots and were superior to the non-weeded plots and the intercropped plots, which were not different from each other; therefore, intercropping with gliricidia did not improve corn yield values.

Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) virus infections are the most important factors associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but tumor prognosis remains poor due to the lack of diagnostic biomarkers. In order to identify novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets, the gene expression profile associated with viral and non-viral HCC was assessed in 9 tumor samples by oligo-microarrays. The differentially expressed genes were examined using a z-score and KEGG pathway for the search of ontological biological processes. We selected a non-redundant set of 15 genes with the lowest P value for clustering samples into three groups using the non-supervised algorithm k-means. Fisher’s linear discriminant analysis was then applied in an exhaustive search of trios of genes that could be used to build classifiers for class distinction. Different transcriptional levels of genes were identified in HCC of different etiologies and from different HCC samples. When comparing HBV-HCC vs HCV-HCC, HBV-HCC/HCV-HCC vs non-viral (NV)-HCC, HBC-HCC vs NV-HCC, and HCV-HCC vs NV-HCC of the 58 non-redundant differentially expressed genes, only 6 genes (IKBKβ, CREBBP, WNT10B, PRDX6, ITGAV, and IFNAR1) were found to be associated with hepatic carcinogenesis. By combining trios, classifiers could be generated, which correctly classified 100% of the samples. This expression profiling may provide a useful tool for research into the pathophysiology of HCC. A detailed understanding of how these distinct genes are involved in molecular pathways is of fundamental importance to the development of effective HCC chemoprevention and treatment.