Abstract This study aimed to evaluate whether bacterial inoculation improves the fermentative, microbiological, and chemical characteristics of silages of the elephant grass cv. BRS Capiaçu on different regrowth days. The experimental design was completely randomized and set up in a 3x2 factorial arrangement (three regrowth days, with and without inoculant), with four replications. There was a significant interaction between the regrowth days and inoculant on the pH, ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH3), and effluent losses (EL) of the silages. Inoculation decreased the EL with the advance of regrowth days and increased the dry matter recovery index compared to the silages without inoculant. The population of molds and yeasts decreased when inoculation was adopted to the forage harvested after 85 d. There was a significant interaction between the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap) contents of the silages. Inoculation in the grass harvested after 85 d increased the DM contents of the silage. The highest CP contents were observed in the silages after 85 d. The NDFap contents of the grasses harvested after 110 and 135 d were higher than those of the grass harvested after 85 d. The NDFap contents of the silages without inoculant increased with the harvest age. The BRS Capiaçu forage silage harvested at 110 d demonstrated favorable performance for silage production. However, the influence of inoculant use was low for the characteristics evaluated.

Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar si la inoculación bacteriana mejora las características fermentativas, microbiológicas y químicas de los ensilados del pasto elefante cv. BRS Capiaçu en diferentes días de rebrote. El diseño experimental fue completamente al azar y se estableció en un arreglo factorial 3x2 (tres días de rebrote, con y sin inoculante), con cuatro repeticiones. Hubo una interacción significativa entre los días de rebrote y el inoculante sobre el pH, el nitrógeno amoniacal (N-NH3) y las pérdidas por efluentes (PE) de los ensilados. La inoculación disminuyó la PE con el avance de los días de rebrote y aumentó la tasa de recuperación de materia seca en comparación con los ensilados sin inoculante. La población de mohos y levaduras disminuyó cuando se adoptó la inoculación al forraje cosechado después de 85 d. Hubo una interacción significativa entre la materia seca (MS), la proteína cruda (PC) y la fibra detergente neutro corregida por los contenidos de cenizas y proteína (FDNcp) de los ensilados. La inoculación en el pasto cosechado después de 85 días aumentó el contenido de MS del ensilado. Los mayores contenidos de PC se observaron en los ensilados después de 85 días. Los contenidos de FDNcp de los pastos cosechados después de 110 y 135 días fueron mayores que el del pasto cosechado después de 85 días. El contenido de FDNcp de los ensilados sin inoculante aumentó con la edad de cosecha. El ensilado de forraje de BRS Capiaçu cosechado a los 110 días demostró un desempeño favorable para la producción de ensilado. Sin embargo, la influencia del uso de inoculantes fue baja para las características evaluadas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Surface treatment is an important technique to increase adhesion between implants and bones, improving its mechanical characteristics and consequently the patient’s comfort. Objectives: Ni-Cr alloys were the object of study in this work, with the purpose of analyzing and evaluating the effect of thin films deposition of titanium nitride via plasma, on its surface and comparing with cathodic cage (CC) and hollow cathode (HC) methods, for dental applications. Methods: Eighteen samples were prepared and the experiment was conducted in two steps: the pre-sputtering (1h, 350 °C, gases: Ar and H) and sputtering (4h, 450 °C, gases: Ar, Ni, and H). To characterize and compare the samples with those of reference, the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Vickers Microhardness and wettability tests were used. Results: The results presented by SEM showed that during the surface treatment using CC, voids were formed, and using HC, the samples showed a more homogenous behavior. In microhardness tests, using a 25gf load, it was possible to observe that the HC method allowed an increase of 87% when compared to the reference and treated samples. Significance: Lastly, it can be concluded that both methods are suitable for Ni-Cr alloy surface treatment, and the HC technique, a method already used by dental professionals, presents better results due to the formation of a thicker film layer. Introduction bones patients patient s comfort Objectives NiCr Ni Cr work plasma CC (CC (HC applications Methods steps presputtering pre 1h, 1h h (1h 35 C °C gases H 4h, 4h (4h 45 H. . SEM, , (SEM) XRay X Ray XRD, XRD (XRD) Results formed behavior gf load 87 Significance Lastly professionals layer 3 4 (SEM (XRD 8

Resumo Fundamento Apesar da ausência de evidência mostrando benefícios da hidroxicloroquina e da cloroquina combinadas ou não à azitromicina no tratamento da covid-19, esses medicamentos têm sido amplamente prescritos no Brasil. Objetivos Avaliar desfechos, incluindo moralidade hospitalar, alterações eletrocardiográficas, tempo de internação, admissão na unidade de terapia intensiva, e necessidade de diálise e de ventilação mecânica em pacientes hospitalizados com covid-19 que receberam cloroquina ou hidroxicloroquina, e comparar os desfechos entre aqueles pacientes e seus controles pareados. Métodos Estudo multicêntrico retrospectivo do tipo coorte que incluiu pacientes com diagnóstico laboratorial de covid-19 de 37 hospitais no Brasil de março a setembro de 2020. Escore de propensão foi usado para selecionar controles pareados quanto a idade, sexo, comorbidades cardiovasculares, e uso de corticosteroides durante a internação. Um valor de p<0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados Dos 7850 pacientes com covid-19, 673 (8,6%) receberam hidroxicloroquina e 67 (0,9%) cloroquina. A idade mediana no grupo de estudo foi 60 (46-71) anos e 59,1% eram mulheres. Durante a internação, 3,2% dos pacientes apresentaram efeitos adversos e 2,2% necessitaram de interromper o tratamento. Alterações eletrocardiográficas foram mais prevalentes no grupo hidroxicloroquina/cloroquina (13,2% vs. 8,2%, p=0,01), e o prolongamento do intervalo QT corrigido foi a principal diferença (3,6% vs. 0,4%, p<0,001). O tempo mediano de internação hospitalar foi maior no grupo usando CQ/HCQ em relação aos controles (9,0 [5,0-18,0] vs. 8,0 [4,0-14,0] dias). Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos quanto a admissão na unidade de terapia intensiva (35,1% vs. 32,0%; p=0,282), ventilação mecânica invasiva (27,0% vs. 22,3%; p=0,074) ou mortalidade (18,9% vs. 18,0%; p=0,682). Conclusão Pacientes com covid-19 tratados com cloroquina ou hidroxicloroquina apresentaram maior tempo de internação hospitalar, em comparação aos controles. Não houve diferença em relação a admissão em unidade de terapia intensiva, necessidade de ventilação mecânica e mortalidade hospitalar. covid19, covid19 covid 19, 19 covid-1 3 2020 sexo cardiovasculares p005 p 0 05 p<0,0 significativo 785 8,6% 86 8 6 (8,6% 0,9% 09 9 (0,9% 4671 46 71 (46-71 591 59 1 59,1 mulheres 32 2 3,2 22 2,2 hidroxicloroquinacloroquina 13,2% 132 13 (13,2 vs 82 8,2% p=0,01, p001 p=0,01 , 01 p=0,01) 3,6% 36 (3,6 04 4 0,4% p<0,001. p0001 p<0,001 . 001 p<0,001) CQHCQ CQ HCQ 9,0 90 (9, 5,018,0 50180 5,0 18,0 5 18 [5,0-18,0 80 8, 4,014,0 40140 4,0 14,0 14 [4,0-14,0 dias. dias dias) 35,1% 351 35 (35,1 32,0% 320 p=0,282, p0282 p=0,282 282 p=0,282) 27,0% 270 27 (27,0 22,3% 223 p=0,074 p0074 074 18,9% 189 (18,9 18,0% 180 p=0,682. p0682 p=0,682 682 p=0,682) covid1 covid- 202 p00 p<0, 78 8,6 (8,6 0,9 (0,9 467 7 (46-7 59, 3, 2, 13,2 (13, 8,2 p=0,0 3,6 (3, 0,4 p000 p<0,00 00 9, (9 018 5,018, 5018 50 5, 18, [5,0-18, 014 4,014, 4014 40 4, 140 14, [4,0-14, 35,1 (35, 32,0 p028 p=0,28 28 27,0 (27, 22,3 p=0,07 p007 07 18,9 (18, p068 p=0,68 68 20 p0 p<0 (8, 0, (0, (46- 13, (13 p=0, (3 ( 5,018 501 [5,0-18 4,014 401 [4,0-14 35, (35 32, p02 p=0,2 27, (27 22, (18 p06 p=0,6 p< (8 (0 (46 (1 p=0 5,01 [5,0-1 4,01 [4,0-1 (2 (4 p= [5,0- [4,0- [5,0 [4,0 [5, [4, [5 [4 [

Abstract Background Despite no evidence showing benefits of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine with or without azithromycin for COVID-19 treatment, these medications have been largely prescribed in Brazil. Objectives To assess outcomes, including in-hospital mortality, electrocardiographic abnormalities, hospital length-of-stay, admission to the intensive care unit, and need for dialysis and mechanical ventilation, in hospitalized COVID-19 patients who received chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, and to compare outcomes between those patients and their matched controls. Methods A retrospective multicenter cohort study that included consecutive laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients from 37 Brazilian hospitals from March to September 2020. Propensity score was used to select matching controls by age, sex, cardiovascular comorbidities, and in-hospital use of corticosteroid. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results From 7,850 COVID-19 patients, 673 (8.6%) received hydroxychloroquine and 67 (0.9%) chloroquine. The median age in the study group was 60 years (46 - 71) and 59.1% were women. During hospitalization, 3.2% of patients presented side effects and 2.2% required therapy discontinuation. Electrocardiographic abnormalities were more prevalent in the chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine group (13.2% vs. 8.2%, p=0.01), and the long corrected QT interval was the main difference (3.6% vs. 0.4%, p<0.001). The median hospital length of stay was longer in the HCQ/CQ + AZT group than in controls (9.0 [5.0, 18.0] vs. 8.0 [4.0, 14.0] days). There was no statistical differences between groups in intensive care unit admission (35.1% vs. 32.0%; p=0.282), invasive mechanical ventilation support (27.0% vs. 22.3%; p=0.074) or mortality (18.9% vs. 18.0%; p=0.682). Conclusion COVID-19 patients treated with chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine had a longer hospital length of stay, when compared to matched controls. Intensive care unit admission, invasive mechanical ventilation, dialysis and in-hospital mortality were similar. COVID19 COVID 19 COVID-1 treatment Brazil inhospital lengthofstay, lengthofstay length-of-stay laboratoryconfirmed laboratory confirmed 3 2020 sex comorbidities corticosteroid pvalue p value 005 0 05 <0.0 significant 7850 7 850 7,85 8.6% 86 8 6 (8.6% 0.9% 09 9 (0.9% 46 (4 71 591 59 1 59.1 women hospitalization 32 2 3.2 22 2.2 discontinuation chloroquinehydroxychloroquine 13.2% 132 13 (13.2 vs 82 8.2% p=0.01, p001 p=0.01 , 01 p=0.01) 3.6% 36 (3.6 04 4 0.4% p<0.001. p0001 p<0.001 . 001 p<0.001) HCQCQ HCQ CQ 9.0 90 (9. 5.0, 50 5 [5.0 18.0 180 18 80 8. 4.0, 40 [4.0 14.0 140 14 days. days days) 35.1% 351 35 (35.1 32.0% 320 p=0.282, p0282 p=0.282 282 p=0.282) 27.0% 270 27 (27.0 22.3% 223 p=0.074 p0074 074 18.9% 189 (18.9 18.0% p=0.682. p0682 p=0.682 682 p=0.682) similar COVID1 COVID- 202 00 <0. 785 85 7,8 8.6 (8.6 0.9 (0.9 ( 59. 3. 2. 13.2 (13. 8.2 p00 p=0.0 3.6 (3. 0.4 p000 p<0.00 9. (9 5.0 [5. 18. 4.0 [4. 14. 35.1 (35. 32.0 p028 p=0.28 28 27.0 (27. 22.3 p=0.07 p007 07 18.9 (18. p068 p=0.68 68 20 <0 78 7, (8. 0. (0. 13. (13 p0 p=0. (3 p<0.0 5. [5 4. [4 35. (35 32. p02 p=0.2 27. (27 22. (18 p06 p=0.6 < (8 (0 (1 p=0 p<0. [ (2 p= p<0 p<

RESUMO Pela questão ambiental aumentou-se a procura por materiais que utilizem mais recursos naturais e renováveis, como os polímeros reforçados com fibras naturais. São realizados tratamentos superficiais para a melhor adesão da fibra na matriz polimérica, o mais comum é a merceirização através de solução de NaOH. A fibra de coco foi analisada em quatro condições: variando entre tratadas e não tratadas, seca em estufa e seca naturalmente. Em seguida foram analisadas por ensaio de tração, microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e tomografia de raio x para estudar as características mecânicas, morfológicas e observar a adesão ao polímero. Após o tratamento químico ocorreu a remoção da lignina e hemicelulose da superfície da fibra. Nas fibras tratadas e secas surgiram microfissuras que podem comprometer as propriedades mecânicas. Através do processamento das imagens das secções transversais da fibra foi obtida uma área efetiva entre 39,6% e 43,3%. Para as fibras abaixo de 300 µm a resistência a tração converge para 20 a 60 MPa e o módulo de elasticidade entre 1 e 3 GPa. Os tratamentos aumentaram a resistência a tração e módulo de elasticidade das fibras, contribuindo para a utilização de fibra de coco como reforço em polímeros.

ABSTRACT Due to the environmental issue, the demand for materials that use more natural and renewable resources increased, such as natural fibers reinforced polymers. Surface treatments are performed for better adhesion of the fiber to the polymer matrix, the most common is mercerization through NaOH solution. Coconut fiber was analyzed under four conditions: varying between treated and untreated, oven dried and naturally dried. Then they were analyzed by tensile test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray tomography to study the mechanical and morphological characteristics and observe the adhesion to the polymer. After the chemical treatment, lignin and hemicellulose were removed from the fiber surface. In the treated and dried fibers, micro-cracks appeared that could compromise the mechanical properties. By processing the images of the fiber cross-sections, an effective area between 39.6% and 43.3% was obtained. For fibers below 300 µm, the tensile strength converges to 20 to 60 MPa and the modulus of elasticity between 1 and 3 GPa. The treatments increased the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of the fibers, contributing to the use of coconut fiber as reinforcement in polymers.

Abstract Crosslinking of chitosan (CS) woven meshes is reported in this study. CS filaments were obtained by wet spinning and hand-waved. The weft was coated with CS solutions (3 and 4% w/v) and crosslinked with sodium tripolyphosphate or genipin. CS filaments were free from superficial pores, and their mechanical properties were suitable for the weaving process. CS concentration in the coating, type, and the crosslinking time affected the mesh morphology obtained. Crosslinking by both agents was confirmed by spectroscopy, corroborating the reduction of the hydrophilicity of the crosslinked samples in the swelling and contact angle tests. Crosslinking conditions were effective in reducing the mechanical properties variation in the wet state, as well as regulating the degradation rate of the samples. Furthermore, it was observed that crosslinking did not significantly affect the cell viability of CS woven meshes, making them promising materials for application as stress material in a physiological environment.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a confiabilidade interobservador da mensuração da morfologia do psoas e lordose lombar nas diferentes posições e padronizar a realização do exame de ressonância magnética em posição prona e lateral. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com voluntários assintomáticos de ambos os sexos, maiores de 18 anos, sem alterações patológicas conhecidas na região lombar. Foi realizada ressonância magnética da coluna lombar na posição supina, decúbito lateral direito e prono, obtendo imagens nas sequências ponderadas em T2 nos planos sagital e axial. Foram medidas as distâncias do psoas até o platô vertebral e o plexo lombar. Os exames foram avaliados por dois ortopedistas independentes em caráter cego. Resultados: Houve ótima concordância entre as medições do tamanho da vértebra (ICC=0.92), baixa concordância para a distância do plexo (ICC = 0,63) e alta concordância para a margem anterior (ICC = 0,84). Conclusão: Houve boa reprodutibilidade das medidas propostas, sugerindo que a técnica em posição lateral e prona é capaz de gerar imagens de qualidade. Nível de Evidência 3B; Prospectivo.

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the interobserver reliability of measurements of psoas morphology and lumbar lordosis in different positions and to standardize the performance of magnetic resonance imaging in the prone and lateral positions. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out with asymptomatic volunteers of both sexes, aged over 18 years, with no known pathological changes in the lumbar region. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine was performed in the supine, right lateral decubitus and prone positions, obtaining images in T2-weighted sequences in the sagittal and axial planes. The distances were measured from the psoas to the vertebral plateau and from the psoas to the lumbar plexus. The exams were assessed by two independent, blinded orthopedists. Results: There was excellent agreement between the measurements of vertebral size (ICC=0.92), low agreement for plexus distance (ICC=0.63) and high agreement for the anterior margin (ICC=0.84). Conclusion: There was good reproducibility of 2 of the 3 measures proposed, suggesting that the technique in the lateral and prone positions is capable of generating quality images. Level of Evidence 3B; Prospective.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comparar la fiabilidad interobservador de la medición de la morfología del psoas y la lordosis lumbar en diferentes posiciones y estandarizar la realización de la resonancia magnética en decúbito prono y lateral. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio transversal realizado con voluntarios asintomáticos de ambos sexos, mayores de 18 años, sin alteraciones patológicas conocidas en la región lumbar. Se realizó la resonancia magnética de la columna lumbar en decúbito supino, decúbito lateral derecho y prono, obteniendo imágenes en las secuencias potenciadas en T2 en los planos sagital y axial. Se midieron las distancias del psoas a la meseta vertebral y al plexo lumbar. Los exámenes fueron evaluados a ciegas por dos ortopedistas independientes. Resultados: Hubo una excelente concordancia entre las mediciones del tamaño de la vértebra (ICC = 0,92), una baja concordancia para la distancia del plexo (ICC = 0,63) y una alta concordancia para el margen anterior (ICC = 0,84). Conclusión: Hubo buena reproducibilidad de las medidas propuestas, lo que sugiere que la técnica en decúbito lateral y prono es capaz de generar imágenes de calidad. Nivel de evidencia 3B; Prospectivo.

Resumo Fundamento: A doença de Chagas leva à redução da capacidade funcional. Entretanto, o estágio em que o comprometimento funcional é detectável permanece obscuro. Objetivos: O presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar a capacidade funcional de pacientes em diferentes estágios da doença de Chagas e de indivíduos saudáveis e verificar os determinantes do consumo de oxigênio de pico (VO2pico). Métodos: Em um estudo transversal, foram selecionados 160 indivíduos, 35 saudáveis e 125 com doença de Chagas. No grupo chagásico, 61 (49%) estavam na forma indeterminada da doença, 45 (36%) com cardiomiopatia chagásica (CC) e função cardíaca preservada e 19 (15%) com disfunção cardíaca e CC dilatada. Os dados foram analisados por meio de análise de regressão univariada e multivariada. A significância estatística foi fixada em 5%. Resultados: Pacientes na forma indeterminada da doença apresentaram capacidade funcional semelhante a indivíduos saudáveis (p> 0,05). Pacientes com ChC e função cardíaca preservada apresentaram VO2pico menor que os pacientes na forma indeterminada (p <0,05), mas apresentaram valores de VO2pico semelhantes ao ChC dilatado (p = 0,46). A idade, sexo masculino, classe funcional da NYHA, pressão arterial diastólica, razão entre a velocidade do fluxo transmitral diastólico precoce e a velocidade anular mitral diastólica precoce, a fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) e o diâmetro diastólico final do ventrículo esquerdo foram associados à capacidade funcional. Porém, apenas idade, sexo masculino, FEVE e classe funcional da NYHA permaneceram associados ao VO2pico no modelo final (R2 ajustado = 0,60). Conclusão: Pacientes com CC apresentam menor capacidade funcional do que pacientes na forma indeterminada. FEVE, idade, sexo masculino e classe funcional da NYHA foram determinantes do VO2pico em pacientes com doença de Chagas.

Abstract Background: Chagas disease leads to reduced functional capacity. However, the stage at which functional impairment is detectable remains unclear. Objectives: The present study was addressed to compare the functional capacity of patients at different stages of Chagas disease and healthy individuals and to verify the determinants of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 160 individuals were selected, 35 healthy and 125 with Chagas disease. In the Chagasic group, 61 (49%) were in the indeterminate form of the disease, 45 (36%) with Chagas cardiomyopathy (ChC) and preserved cardiac function and 19 (15%) with cardiac dysfunction and dilated ChC. The data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: Patients in the indeterminate form of disease showed similar functional capacity to healthy individuals (p>0.05). Patients with ChC and preserved cardiac function had lower VO2peak than patients in the indeterminate form (p<0.05), but showed similar VO2peak values than dilated ChC (p=0.46). The age, male sex, NYHA functional class, diastolic blood pressure, ratio of the early diastolic transmitral flow velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter were associated with functional capacity. However, only age, male sex, LVEF and NYHA functional class, remained associated with VO2peak in the final model (adjusted R2=0.60). Conclusion: Patients with ChC had lower functional capacity than patients in the indeterminate form. LVEF, age, male sex and NYHA functional class were determinants with VO2peak in patients with Chagas disease.

ABSTRACT Multiple variants of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) have been constantly reported across the world. The B.1.1.28 lineage has been evolving in Brazil since February 2020 and originated the P.1 variant of concern (VOC), recently named as the Gamma variant by the newly WHO nomenclature proposal, and P.2 as a variant of interest (VOI). Here we describe an early case of P.1 primary infection in Southern Brazil in late November 2020, soon after the emergence of the variant in Manaus, Northern Brazil. The same male patient was reinfected by another B.1.1.28 variant, namely P.2, in March, 2021. The genomic analysis confirmed genetically significant differences between the two viruses recovered in both infections, the P.1 lineage in the first episode and P.2 in the reinfection. Due the very early detection of P.1, we have also investigated the circulation of P.1 in the same region by differential RT-qPCR, showing that this was an isolated case of P.1 at the time of detection, and this variant has disseminated and became prominent from late January to the end of March, 2021. SARS-CoV-2 recent reports of reinfection have raised critical questions on whether and how well a first infection protects against reinfection.

Carotenoid quantification in food can be performed by various techniques, such as spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry, high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and colorimetry. The objective of this study was to verify the feasibility of indirect selection for assessment of total carotenoids in pumpkin accessions. The experimental design comprised of complete randomized blocks with two replications and three plants per plot. The treatments consisted of 51 Cucurbita moschata Duch accessions from the DCAF/UFERSA Cucurbitaceae germplasm collection and a commercial C. maxima Duch cultivar. After maturation, the fruits were harvested, and colorimetric and total carotenoid contents were evaluated. Considering the effect of accessions as random, variance components were estimated, and the genotypic values were predicted by maximum restricted likelihood (REML) or best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP). Both direct and indirect genetic gains were estimated from a selection intensity of 50%. Pulp color intensity parameters and h° angle indicated the possibility of indirect selection of accessions with higher total carotenoid contents. The ABO22 accession presented higher total carotenoid content under the evaluation conditions of the experiment.

La cuantificación de los carotenoides en los alimentos se puede realizar mediante diversas técnicas, como la espectrofotometría, la espectrometría de masas, la cromatografía líquida de alto rendimiento, la cromatografía de gases y la colorimetría. El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la viabilidad de la selección indirecta para evaluar los carotenoides totales en las accesiones de calabaza. El diseño experimental fue bloques completos al azar, con dos repeticiones y tres plantas por parcela. Los tratamientos consistieron en 51 accesiones de Cucurbita moschata Duch de la colección de germoplasma DCAF/UFERSA Cucurbitaceae y un cultivar comercial de C. maxima Duch. Después de la maduración, se cosecharon los frutos y se evaluó el contenido colorimétrico y total de carotenoides. Considerando el efecto de las accesiones como aleatorio, se estimaron los componentes de la varianza y se predijeron los valores genotípicos mediante la máxima verosimilitud restringida (REML) o una mejor predicción lineal e imparcial (BLUP). Las ganancias genéticas directas e indirectas se estimaron con base en una intensidad de selección del 50%. Los parámetros de intensidad de color de la pulpa y el ángulo h° indicaron la posibilidad de selección indirecta de accesiones con un contenido de carotenoides total más alto. La adhesión a ABO22 mostró un mayor contenido de carotenoides totales en las condiciones de evaluación del experimento.

Abstract Patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy (ChC) usually progress with fatigue and dyspnea. Exercise tests are valuable for the functional evaluation of these patients. However, information about the applicability of the exercise tests is scattered, and no studies have systematically reviewed the results. Thus, the present review explored the general aspects and prognostic value of exercise tests in patients with ChC. A literature search of the MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, and LILACS databases was performed to identify relevant studies. There were no data restrictions, and articles that met the objective of the study were selected. Articles written in English, Portuguese, and Spanish were considered, and 25 articles were finally included. The peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was correlated with demographic and echocardiographic variables. Echocardiographic features of the left ventricular diastolic function and right ventricular systolic function appeared to be determinants of functional capacity, in addition to age and sex. VO2peak was associated with higher mortality, especially in patients with dilated ChC. The minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production slope (VE/VCO2 slope) was a strong predictor of survival; however, more studies are needed to verify this observation. Field tests showed moderate to strong correlation with VO2peak and thus may be inexpensive tools for the functional evaluation of patients with ChC. However, few studies have verified their prognostic significance. While exercise tests are useful tools for functional assessment, information is scarce regarding further considerations, and many of the criteria are based on guidelines for other heart diseases.

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar a importância de Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina e Babesia bovis na gênese da tristeza parasitária bovina em bezerros leiteiros do noroeste de Minas Gerais. Foram coletadas 300 amostras sanguíneas de bezerros, seguidas por extração de DNA e Nested- PCR utilizando oligonucleotídeos iniciadores que amplificam fragmentos dos genes sbp-4 (B. bovis) e rap-1a (B. bigemina) e a Semi-Nested para o gene msp5 (A. marginale). A prevalência de A. marginale foi 55,66% (167/300), B. bigemina, 15,33% (46/300) e B. bovis 4,0% (12/300) dos bezerros examinados. Formas parasitárias de A. marginale and B. bigemina foram encontradas em 36,33% e 2,66% dos esfregaços sanguíneos, enquanto B. bovis não foi detectado. Houve diferença estatística entre as prevalências de animais infectados nas faixas etárias 1 (10-70 dias) e 2 (>70-300 dias). Um total de 15 animais com sintomas clássicos da doença foram examinados, e as amostras foram confirmadas como uma infecção simples por A. marginale através da Nested-PCR. Esses resultados confirmam a anaplasmose bovina como a principal agente da tristeza parasitária bovina nos bezerros do rebanho estudado.

Abstract The present study aimed to characterize the importance of the Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina in the genesis of cattle tick fever (CTF) among dairy calves in the northwest of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Blood samples from 300 calves were collected, followed by DNA extraction and nested PCR using oligonucleotide primers to amplify fragments of the semi-nested for the msp5 gene (A. marginale), sbp-4 (B. bovis) and rap-1a (B. bigemina) Among the examined calves, the prevalence of A. marginale was 55.6% (n=167/300), B. bovis was 4.0% (n=12/300) and B. bigemina was 15.3% (n=46/300), by PCR techniques. Parasitic forms of A. marginale and B. bigemina were found in 36,3% and 2,6% of the blood smears while B. bovis was not detected. There was a statistical difference between the positivity of infected animals in the age groups 1 (10-70 days) and (>70-300 days) for A. marginale and B. bigemina. A total of 15 calves with the classic symptoms of disease were examined, and the samples obtained were confirmed as a simple infection by A. marginale through semi-nested PCR. These results confirm bovine anaplasmosis as the primary cause of CTF among the calves of dairy cattle within the studied area.

RESUMO: Atualmente, as informações e o conhecimento gerado sobre os principais ingredientes utilizados em dietas para bovinos possibilitaram maior assertividade em suas formulações. Dentre esses ingredientes, os aminoácidos se destacam como uma ferramenta promissora, capaz de levar à redução nos níveis totais de proteína bruta e ajustar as concentrações ideais de proteína metabolizável nas dietas. Programas nutricionais permitem formular dietas por exigências de aminoácidos, oportunizando o aumento na eficiência de utilização do nitrogênio dietético, reduzindo dispêndios com concentrados ricos em proteína, com a manutenção, ou ainda, incremento de desempenho. Esta revisão buscou apresentar as influências da metionina, em sua formulação protegida da degradação ruminal, frente a parâmetros reprodutivos, resposta imune e desempenho produtivo em bovinos. Os benefícios relacionados à reprodução se mostram ligados aos primeiros dias de implantação embrionária no ambiente uterino, que inicialmente secreta, através do histotrofo produzido por glândulas endometriais, os nutrientes necessários para o desenvolvimento do concepto até a implantação e comunicação vascular com a mãe. Dada a resposta imune, os principais resultados estão relacionados aos benefícios da imunidade inata, com aumento acentuado da capacidade fagocitária de neutrófilos e monócitos, assim como um importante efeito antioxidante mediado por produtos originários da metionina, como a glutationa. Por fim, quando avaliadas as influências em produtividade, a correlação mais evidente é o incremento em proteína no leite de vacas suplementadas com metionina. Na última década, os estudos que investigam os potenciais benefícios dessa suplementação estratégica em bovinos de corte foram intensificados, abrindo um caminho de oportunidades para o desenvolvimento de novos projetos experimentais.

ABSTRACT: Nowadays, information and knowledge generated about the main ingredients used in cattle diets have enabled greater assertiveness in their formulation. Among the ingredients, amino acids stand out as a promising tool, capable of reducing total crude protein (CP) levels and adjusting optimal metabolizable protein concentrations in diets. Nutritional programs allow diets due to amino acid requirements, providing the opportunity to increase the efficiency of the use of dietary nitrogen, increasing the scarce protein concentrates, maintaining or even boosting performance. This review aimed to present the influences of methionine, in its formulation protected from ruminal degradation, according to reproductive parameters, immune response, and productive performance in cattle. Reproduction-related benefits are linked to the early days of embryonic implantation in the uterine environment, which initially secretes through the histotroph produced by endometrial glands, the nutrients needed to develop the conceptus until implantation, and vascular communication with the mother. Given the immune response, the main results are related to the benefits of innate immunity, with marked increase in phagocytic capacity of neutrophils and monocytes, as well as an important antioxidant effect mediated by methionine products, such as glutathione. When evaluating the influences on productivity, the most evident correlation is the increase in protein in the milk of cows supplemented with methionine. Over the past decade, studies investigating the potential benefits of this strategic supplementation in beef cattle were intensified, expanding the opportunities for the development of new experimental projects.

RESUMO A metodologia de modelos mistos REML/BLUP tem sido empregada para estudar os efeitos da interação genótipos x ambientes (G x E) em várias culturas, inclusive em feijão-caupi. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a interação genótipos por ambientes em feijão-caupi via modelos mistos e identificar genótipos que reúnam alta adaptabilidade, estabilidade e produtividade de vagens e grãos verdes nas condições de Mossoró, RN. Os genótipos foram avaliados em ensaios de valor de cultivo e uso conduzidos em duas épocas de cultivo, sob delineamento experimental de blocos completos casualizados, com 23 genótipos e quatro repetições. Os parâmetros genéticos foram estimados via procedimento REML/BLUP, e a seleção baseou -se no método da média harmônica do desempenho relativo dos valores genéticos (MHPRVG). Houve concordância entre as estatísticas MHVG, PRVG e MHPRVG na discriminação dos genótipos, sendo que esta última possibilitou a seleção simultânea de genótipos superiores em produtividade, adaptabilidade e estabilidade. Para as produtividades de vagens e grãos verdes os genótipos de maior destaque foram as cultivares BRS Xiquexique, BRS Aracê e a linhagem MNC05-835B-15 que reuniram alta produtividade de grãos, adaptabilidade e estabilidade, podendo ser cultivados nas duas épocas de cultivo consideradas no estudo.

ABSTRACT The restricted maximum likelihood/best linear unbiased prediction (REML/BLUP) mixed model method has been used to study the effects of genotype by environment interaction (G x E) in various crops including cowpea. This work aimed to analyze the G x E interaction via mixed models to identify cowpea genotypes that meet high adaptability, stability and productivity of pods and green grains when grown under Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte State conditions. Crop value and use were evaluated in two growing seasons, using randomized complete blocks design with 23 genotypes and four replications. The genetic parameters were estimated by the REML/BLUP procedure and selection was based on the harmonic mean of the relative performance of genetic values (HMRPGV). Agreement between the HMGV, relative performance of genotypic values (RPGV) and HMRPGV statistics, provided genotype discrimination. Furthermore, the HMRPGV results enabled the simultaneous selection of superior genotypes for productivity, adaptability and stability. For the productivities of pods and green grains, the most notable genotypes were the cultivars BRS Xiquexique and BRS Aracê, and the line MNC05-835B-15, which showed a high productivity of grains, adaptability and stability, and could be grown in the two growing seasons considered in the study.

Neste estudo, objetivou-se conhecer os padrões de dinâmica da comunidade de árvores em fragmentos florestais aluviais nos períodos de 2005-2007 e 2007-2009. Para isso, foi estudado um fragmento de floresta ciliar e cinco fragmentos de floresta aluvial, no interior da planície de inundação do rio Sapucaí, em São Sebastião da Bela Vista, MG, inventariados, inicialmente, em 2005 e avaliados novamente em 2007 e em 2009. Os resultados demonstraram padrões diferenciados entre os fragmentos e os períodos de tempo. Nos fragmentos onde foi observada, em estudos anteriores, maior influência de enchentes e encharcamento do solo, a mortalidade de árvores foi maior no período de 2007-2009 do que no de 2005-2007. As taxas de mortalidade foram, de forma geral, maiores que as taxas de recrutamento, ocasionando a perda de indivíduos e a perda em área basal. Observando-se o histórico da área, é possível supor que essas perdas estão ocorrendo pela interação de dois fatores: i) excesso hídrico após uma grande enchente e ii) a ocorrência de forte antropização, representado pelo corte seletivo e a entrada de bovinos no interior dos fragmentos.

This study explored the dynamics pattern of the tree community in fragments of alluvial forest in the period 2005- 2007 and in the period 2007-2009. The study comprises a fragment of riparian forest and five fragments of alluvial forest toward the interior of the floodplain of Sapucaí river, in São Sebastião da Bela Vista, MG, initially inventoried in 2005 and then evaluated in 2007 and again in 2009. Results revealed different patterns among fragments and among time intervals. In the fragments where in previous studies a stronger influence of floods and sodden soil had been observed, tree mortality was found to be greater in the 2007-2009 period than in the 2005-2007 period. Overall, mortality rates were found to be higher than recruitment rates, leading to loss of individuals and loss of basal area. Judging by the history of the area, it can be assumed that these losses are due to an interaction of two factors: i) water excess after major flooding and ii) occurrence of strong anthropization, represented by selective logging and cattle introduction in the interior of the fragments.

Com o objetivo de avaliar o impacto de uma enchente de grandes proporções sobre os indivíduos arbóreos, foi realizada, no ano de 2007, a avaliação de uma área aluvial localizada em São Sebastião da Bela Vista, MG, onde foram amostrados cinco fragmentos aluviais e uma floresta ciliar, inventariados inicialmente em 2005. Os resultados indicaram que, após a enchente, a dinâmica no curto-prazo foi caracterizada por taxa de mortalidade superior à de recrutamento e taxa de perda maior do que a de ganho em área basal. Entretanto, a estrutura da comunidade não foi alterada, pois a frequência de indivíduos sobreviventes e de mortos nas classes diamétricas foi proporcional ao número inicial de indivíduos em cada classe. Os resultados permitiram concluir que, apesar de não terem sido observadas alterações na estrutura diamétrica, a dinâmica da comunidade arbórea refletiu o distúrbio causado pela enchente.

In order to evaluate the impact of a catastrophic flooding on tree individuals, it was carried out, in 2007, evaluation of an alluvial area in São Sebastião da Bela Vista, MG, where it was sampled five alluvial fragments and a riparian forest, which was inventoried in 2005. Results show that after the flooding, a short-term dynamics was characterized by a mortality rate higher than recruitment rate and loss rate was higher than gain rate in basal area. However, the structure of the community was not affected, because frequency of surviving and dead trees in the diametric classes was proportional to the initial number of individual in each class. The results allowed to conclude that although there was no alteration in the diametric structure, the tree community dynamics reflected the disturbance caused by the flooding.