ABSTRACT Finding sustainable methods for utilizing biosolids, also known as municipal sewage sludge (SS), presents a pressing challenge in modern waste management practices. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of SS amendment on growth, biochemical, proximate, and heavy metal bioaccumulation parameters of berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) fodder crop under field conditions. Trifolium alexandrinum was cultivated using different rates of SS mixing (i.e., T0: 0% as control with no SS application, T1: 5%, and T2: 10%). The results obtained showed a significant (p < 0.05) increment in growth, biochemical, and proximate parameters of T. alexandrinum with an increasing SS mixing rate. The highest productivity of T. alexandrinum fodder (1.92 kg m-2 fw) was observed in the T2 treatment as compared to the control treatment. The heavy metal analysis of shoot and root parts of T. alexandrinum showed that the contents (mg kg-1) of eight elements (Cd 0.02-0.13, Co 0.04-0.08, Cu 5.94-0.05, Cr 0.43-1.68, Fe 7.08-15.93, Ni 0.89-2.90, Mn 1.62-5.38, and Zn 3.30-7.04) increased significantly (p < 0.05) with SS mixing rate. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) was below 1 except for Cu and Zn exhibiting their rapid uptake by plants from SS-treated soils. However, dietary intake modeling (DIM < 1) and health risk index (HRI < 1) studies showed that the levels of heavy metals did not exceed the permissible limits in any SS treatment. Overall, SS amendment has a positive impact on the growth, biochemical, proximate, and heavy metal characteristics of T. alexandrinum. Therefore, this study suggested a strategy for low-cost soil fertilization and fodder crop production which could sustainably benefit waste recycling.

RESUMO Objetivo: A obesidade está associada a doenças oulares, mas as mudanças estruturais subjacentes e os mecanismos patogênicos não foram examinados detalhadamente. Aqui avaliamos os efeitos da obesidade mórbida nos índices morfométricos da doença ocular. Métodos: Voluntários obesos mórbidos (n=101, índice de massa corporal ³40) e indivíduos saudáveis (n=95, índice de massa corporal 18,50 a 24,99) foram examinados por tonometria de aplanação de Goldman, paquimetria e tomografia de coerência óptica de domício espectral. A pressão intraocular, profundidade da câmara anterior, comprimento axial, espessura central da córnea, espessura da camada de fibras nervosas da retina, espessura foveal central e espessura da coroide foram comparadas entre os grupos. Resultados: A pressão intraocular não corrigida foi significativamente maior no grupo com obesidade mórbida do que no grupo controle saudável (15,5 ± 2,5 vs. 14,5 ± 2,6 mmHg, p=0,009), enquanto que o comprimento axial, profundidade da câmara anterior e espessura central da córnea não diferiram entre os grupos. A espessura média da camada de fibras nervosas da retina no quadrante temporal foi reduzida no grupo com obesidade mórbida (72,7 ± 13,6 vs. 85,05 ± 52,6 mm, p=0,024). Da mesma forma, a média das espesuras da retinianas nas localizações nasal e temporal de 1500 m foi menor no grupo com obesidade mórbida (346,6 ± 18,2 mm vs. 353,7 ± 18,8 mm, p=0,008; 323,1 ± 20,3 mm vs. 330,0 ± 18,9 mm, p=0,001). A espessura média da coroide também foi reduzida em quase todos os locais de mensuração (fóvea, temporal 500 e 1000 mm, nasal 500, 1000 e 1500 mm) do grupo obeso (p<0,05). Peso e índice de massa corporal foram negativamente correlacionados com a espessura da coroide subfoveal (r=-0,186, p=0,009; r=-0,173, p=0,015). Conclusão: A obesidade mórbida está associada à elevada pressão intraocular não corrigida e a sinais de neuropatia e retinopatia. A obesidade pode, assim, aumentar os riscos de glaucoma e neuropatia óptica glaucomatosa.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Obesity is associated with eye diseases, but the underlying structural changes and pathogenic mechanisms have not been examined in detail. Here, we assessed the effects of morbid obesity on the morphometric indices of eye disease. Methods: Morbidly obese volunteers (n=101, body mass index [BMI] ³40) and healthy individuals (n=95, BMI: 18.50-24.99) were examined by Goldman applanation tonometry, pachymetry, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Intraocular pressure, anterior chamber depth, axial length, central corneal thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, central foveal thickness, and choroidal thickness were compared between groups. Results: Uncorrected intraocular pressure was significantly greater in the morbidly obese group than in the healthy control group (15.5 ± 2.5 vs. 14.5 ± 2.6 mmHg, p=0.009), whereas axial length, anterior chamber depth, and central corneal thickness did not differ between the groups. The mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness at the temporal quadrant was reduced in the morbidly obese group (72.7 ± 13.6 vs. 85.05 ± 52.6 mm, p=0.024). Similarly, the mean retinal thicknesses at nasal and temporal 1500-mm locations were lower in the morbidly obese group (346.6 ± 18.2 vs. 353.7 ± 18.8 mm, p=0.008; 323.1 ± 20.3 vs. 330.0 ± 18.9 mm, p=0.001). The mean choroidal thickness was also reduced in almost all measurement locations (fovea, temporal 500 and 1000 mm, and nasal 500, 1000, and 1500 mm) of the obese group (p<0.05). Weight and BMI were negatively correlated with subfoveal choroidal thickness (r=-0.186, p=0.009; r=-0.173, p=0.015). Conclusion: Morbid obesity is associated with elevated uncorrected intraocular pressure and signs of neuropathy and retinopathy. Obesity may thus increase the risks of glaucoma and glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

A rizoctoniose, ocasionada pelo fungo Rhizoctonia solani, é uma doença frequente em áreas cultivadas, intensivamente com melão (Cucumis melo) no nordeste brasileiro. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi identificar e caracterizar morfologicamente fontes de resistência de meloeiro a R. solani. No primeiro ensaio foi avaliado o nível de resistência de 22 acessos de meloeiro coletados no nordeste brasileiro, frente ao isolado RS-21. Os acessos resistentes do primeiro experimento juntamente com 13 linhagens do cruzamento ACP x AF-646 foram avaliados para reação aos isolados RS-22 e RS-23 em um segundo ensaio. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco repetições. Foram identificados como fontes de resistência os acessos T-A-08, T-A-09, T-A-19 e a linhagem ACP-AF-06. Nos dois ensaios de inoculação, as sementes foram plantadas em solo infestado com o patógeno pela incorporação de 50 mg de substrato (grãos de arroz) colonizado/kg de solo. A avaliação dos acessos foi realizada após 45 dias, com o auxílio de escala de notas de 0 a 4, para agrupamento de cada genótipo em cinco classes. As fontes de resistência foram caracterizadas morfologicamente em um ensaio em blocos casualizados com três repetições. A caracterização identificou os acessos T-A-08 e T-A-19 como sendo pertencentes à variedade botânica momordica e o acesso T-A-09 e a linhagem ACP-AF-06, pertencentes às variedades acidulus e inodorus, respectivamente. As fontes de resistência poderão ser utilizadas em futuros programas de melhoramento genético visando obter genótipos (linhagens e híbridos simples) resistentes a R. solani.

ABSTRACT Rhizoctonia root rot, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, is a common disease in areas intensively cultivated with melon (Cucumis melo) in the Northeastern Brazil. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize morphologically resistance sources of melon to R. solani. In the first trial, twenty-two melon accessions collected in the Northeastern Brazil were evaluated for their reaction to the isolate RS-21, in an experiment with the completely randomized design and five replications. The resistant accessions of the first experiment and 13 inbred lines of the ACP x AF -646 cross were evaluated for their reaction to the RS-22 and RS-23 isolates on a second trial carried out in a randomized design with five replications. The accessions T-A-08, T-A-09, T-A-19 and the line ACP-AF-06 were identified as sources of resistance. In both inoculation trials, seeds were planted in infested soil (50 mg of colonized rice grains/1.0 kg of soil). The evaluation of accessions was performed after 45 days, with a score scale from 0.0 to 4.0 to cluster genotypes in five classes. Resistance sources were characterized morphologically in an essay carried out in randomized block design with three replications. The characterization identified the T-A-08 and T-A-19 accessions as belonging to the botanical variety momordica and the T-A-09 accession and the ACP-AF-06 inbred line as belonging to the varieties acidulus and inodorus, respectively. Resistance sources may be used in future breeding programs aiming to obtain genotypes (inbred lines and hybrids) resistant to R. solani.

Exposure to arsenic via drinking water is considered as a worldwide problem. Studies have shown that arsenic exposure during pregnancy affects embryogenesis and offspring development in rats and mice. Zinc as a micronutrient regulates many physiological functions, including an antioxidative role under various toxic conditions. However, studies on the perinatal protective effect of zinc on offspring need further attention. The present study was designed to evaluate the potential protective role of zinc in mitigating the adverse effects in the offspring of arsenic exposure during pregnancy. The arsenic (40mg/kg body weight) and zinc (4% w/v) doses formed the only drinking fluid source for the experimental groups of dams during the perinatal period of the experiment. The early development of sensory motor coordination reflexes together with morphological development in the male pups was measured during the weaning period. In adolescence, the offspring were tested for their motor behavior. The enzyme γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) and the oxidative stress indices like reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) were also estimated in the serum of the young adult male mice. Perinatal arsenic exposure caused depletion in body weight gain, delay in morphological development and retardation in the development of all sensory motor reflexes of the pups. In young adults, significant decrease in motor behavior with significant decrease in GSH level in the serum was observed. On the other hand, γ-GT and TBARS were significantly increased in the serum due to arsenic treatment. However, animals exposed to arsenic in the presence of zinc showed a remarkable ameliorating effect of zinc on all observed teratological and biochemical arsenic toxicity in male offspring. It was observed that zinc has an antioxidative role in the perinatal toxicity of arsenic. It is concluded from the present study that zinc consumed during the perinatal period of pregnancy can ameliorate the possible toxicities of arsenic exposure in the offspring by acting as an ameliorative supplement.

Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram avaliar a reação de germoplasma de meloeiro à podridão-de-cratera, causada por Myrothecium roridum, e estudar a herança da resistência. No primeiro experimento, foram avaliados 30 acessos de meloeiro coletados no Nordeste brasileiro. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso com duas repetições. Cada parcela foi formada por uma linha com 12 plantas, da qual três frutos foram amostrados e utilizados para inoculação. Cada fruto foi inoculado em quatro regiões equidistantes na superfície. Em cada região foram realizados 10 ferimentos de aproximadamente 3,0 mm de profundidade. Nestes foram depositados 0,05 mL da suspensão de conídios na concentração de 10(6) esporos mL-1 de água destilada esterilizada por meio de uma pipeta. Os frutos foram colocados sobre placas de Petri e envoltos em sacos de polietileno, contendo algodão hidrófilo, ambos umedecidos com água destilada esterilizada. A avaliação foi efetuada cinco dias após a inoculação determinando-se a área lesionada (em mm²). Os acessos A-9, A-14 e A-30 foram resistentes ao isolado CMM-609 de Myroyhecium roridum. No segundo experimento, foram utilizados os genitores AF-682 e UFERSA-05, como padrões de suscetibilidade e resistência, respectivamente. A partir dos mesmos foram obtidas as gerações F1, F2, RC11 e RC12. As seis populações foram cultivadas em condições de campo em blocos ao acaso. A resistência à podridão-de-cratera em frutos do meloeiro teve herança complexa, com seis loci e envolvimento de efeitos aditivo e de dominância.

The aims of the present study were to assess the reaction of melon accessions to crater rot, caused by Myrothecium roridum, and study the inheritance of resistance. In the first experiment, 30 melon accessions from northeastern Brazil were assessed in a randomized block design with two replicates. Each plot was formed by a row of 12 plants, from which three fruits were sampled and used for inoculation. Each fruit was inoculated at four equidistant sites on the surface. Ten wounds were made at each site to an approximate depth of 3.0 mm, to which 0.05 mL of conidial suspension was placed at a concentration of 10(6) spores mL-1 of sterilized distilled water with the aid of a pipette. The fruits were placed on Petri dishes and enveloped in polyethylene bags containing hydrophilic cotton, both of which were moistened with sterilized distilled water. Five days after inoculation, the injured area (in mm²) was assessed. Accessions A-9, A-14 and A-30 were resistant to the CMM-609 isolate of M. roridum. In the second experiment, the parents AF-682 and UFERSA-05 were used as standards of susceptibility and resistance, respectively. From these plants, generations F1, F2, RC11 and RC12 were obtained. The six populations were grown under field conditions in a randomized block design. Resistance to crater rot on the melon fruits exhibited complex inheritance, with six loci and the involvement of additive and dominance effects.

O oídio, causado por Podosphaera xanthii, é uma importante doença do melão no Nordeste brasileiro. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a reação de famílias, linhagens e cultivares de melão a P. xanthii. Foram conduzidos, em condições de campo, nos municípios de Mossoró e Baraúna, experimentos em látice simples para avaliar 144 famílias. Em casa de vegetação, foi conduzido um experimento em delineamento inteiramente casualizado para avaliar 19 linhagens e as cultivares Yellow Queen, Chilton e Hy Mark. A severidade da doença foi avaliada mediante uma escala de notas. Houve variabilidade genética entre as famílias. Foram identificadas como resistentes, em ambos os locais, as famílias 4, 5, 11, 14, 18, 23, 33, 42, 101, 112 e 140. As linhagens LOF-027, LOF-105, LPS-124, MEL-008 e a cultivar Chilton mostraram resistência à raça 1 do fungo.

Powdery mildew, caused by Podosphaera xanthii, is an important disease of melon in the Brazilian Northeast. The objective of this work was to evaluate the reaction of families, lines and cultivars of melon to P. xanthii. Two experiments in simple lattice were carried out under field conditions in the municipalities of Mossoró and Baraúna to evaluate 144 families. In a greenhouse, an experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design to evaluate 19 lines and the cultivars Yellow Queen, Chilton and Hy Mark. Disease was assessed by a severity scale. There was genetic variability among families. The families 4, 5, 11, 14, 18, 23, 33, 42, 101, 112 and 140 were identified in both sites as resistant. The lines LOF-027, LOF-105, LPS-124, MEL-008 and cultivar Chilton showed resistance to race 1 of the fungus.

Yellow sigatoka, caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella musicola, is a major disease of banana (Musa spp.) and is widely spread in Brazil. This study was conducted to apply spatial dispersion criteria of yellow sigatoka in a sampling system to estimate the disease severity in the Valley of Siriji in northeastern Brazil. The disease spatial pattern was characterized in three fields of cv Pacovan bananas, where 30 contiguous rows, 30 plants per row were considered, giving a total of 900 plants. Severity was analyzed by autocorrelation, Lloyd index and geostatistical interpolative maps. In spite of the narrow range of severity among plantations (44.2-34.5 %), they exhibited a moderately to strongly aggregate pattern with continuous spatial dependencies of 2, 14, and 27 order, implicating contagious distances of 81, 42, and 6 m. The aggregates had an elongated predominance in direction of the rows with lateral contagious distances of 39 to 3 m in two of the fields. Interpolations evidenced spatial generalization of aggregates, concurring with the low values of the Lloyd index (1.01-1.04). Systematic sampling was designed with intervals of selection of rows (k1) and plants (k2) of 6 units for a total n = 50, with which the entire production unit was explored, but giving priority to intra-row selection by the aggregative property. This sampling method was applied in an additional 30 i-fields to estimate the sample size using <img border=0 src="../../../../../img/revistas/agro/v44n3/a9fo1.jpg">, where k is an estimator of aggregation of the negative binomial distribution and CV the acceptable error. With a 5 % error, n i had a range of 111-6 plants and was inversely proportional to the level of severity. In an epidemiological survey, systematic sampling (k1 =6, k2 = 6) is proposed with a 5 % error and n = 34 plants ha-1 , corresponding to 3.8 % of the population.

La sigatoka amarilla, causada por el hongo Mycosphaerella musicola, es una enfermedad importante del banano (Musa spp.) diseminada ampliamente en Brasil. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo aplicar criterios de dispersión espacial de la sigatoka amarilla en un sistema de muestreo para estimar la severidad de la enfermedad en el Valle del Siriji, al nordeste de Brasil. El patrón espacial de la enfermedad se caracterizó en tres plantaciones de banano cv. Pacovan, considerando 30 surcos contiguos y 30 plantas por surco, con un total de 900 plantas. La severidad se analizó mediante autocorrelación, índice de Lloyd y mapas interpolativos geoestadísticos. A pesar del reducido rango de severidad entre plantaciones (44.2-34.5 %), éstas presentaron un patrón de moderado a fuertemente agregado con dependencias espaciales continuas del orden 2, 14 y 27 implicando distancias de contagio de 81, 42 y 6 m. Los agregados tuvieron una predominancia alargada en dirección de los surcos con distancias de contagio lateral, en dos de las plantaciones, de 39 a 3 m. Las interpolaciones evidenciaron una generalización espacial de agregados, lo cual concordó con valores bajos del índice de Lloyd (1.01-1.04). Se diseñó un muestreo sistemático con intervalos de selección de surcos (k1) y plantas (k2) de 6 unidades para un total n = 50, con lo cual se exploró toda la unidad productiva pero se priorizó la selección intrasurco, por la propiedad agregativa. Este muestreo se aplicó en 30 i-plantaciones para estimar el tamaño de muestra mediante <img border=0 src="../../../../../img/revistas/agro/v44n3/a9fo1.jpg">, donde k es un estimador de agregación de la distribución binomial negativa y CV el error aceptable. Con un 5 % de error, n i tuvo un rango de 111-6 plantas y fue inversamente proporcional al nivel de severidad. En un diagnóstico epidemiológico se propone un muestreo sistemático ( k1=6, k2 = 6) con un 5 % de error y n=34 plantas ha-1 lo que representa 3.8 % poblacional.

OBJECTIVE: To explore use-inequity in maternal health-care services in home-based skilled-birth-attendant (SBA) programme areas in Bangladesh. METHODS: Data from a community survey, conducted from February to May 2006, were analysed to examine inequities in use of SBAs, caesarean sections for deliveries and postnatal care services according to key socioeconomic factors. FINDINGS: Of 2164 deliveries, 35% had an SBA, 22.8% were in health facilities and 10.8% were by caesarean section. Rates of uptake of antenatal and postnatal care were 93% and 28%, respectively. There were substantial use-inequities in maternal health by asset quintiles, distance, and area of residence, and education of both the woman and her husband. However, not all inequities were the same. After adjusting for other determinants, the differences in the use of maternal health-care services for poor and rich people remained substantial [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.51 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.68-3.76) for skilled attendance; OR 2.58 (95% CI: 1.28-5.19) for use of caesarean sections and OR 1.53 (95% CI: 1.05-2.25) for use of postnatal care services]. Complications during pregnancy influenced use of SBAs, caesarean-section delivery and postnatal care services. The number of antenatal carevisits was a significant predictor for use of SBAs and postnatal care, but not for caesarean sections. CONCLUSION: Use of maternity care services was higher in the study areas than national averages, but a tremendous use-inequity persists. Interventions to overcome financial barriers are recommended to address inequity in maternal health. A greater focus is needed on the implementation and evaluation of maternal-health interventions for poor people.

OBJETIVO: Estudiar la inequidad en el uso de los servicios de atención materna en las zonas con programas de parteras calificadas (PC) de atención domiciliaria en Bangladesh. MÉTODOS: Se analizaron los datos de una encuesta comunitaria llevada a cabo entre febrero y mayo de 2006 para analizar las inequidades en el uso de las PC, la práctica de cesáreas y los servicios de atención posnatal en función de factores socioeconómicos clave. RESULTADOS: De un total de 2164 partos, el 35% tuvieron lugar con la asistencia de una PC, el 22,8% se produjeron en establecimientos de salud, y un 10,8% se hicieron mediante cesárea. Las tasas de uso de los servicios de atención prenatal y posnatal fueron del 93% y el 28%, respectivamente. Se observaron inequidades sustanciales en el uso de los servicios de salud materna en función de los quintiles de riqueza, la distancia y la zona de residencia y el nivel de instrucción tanto de la mujer como del cónyuge, pero el grado de inequidad difería. Después de ajustar para otros determinantes, las diferencias de uso de los servicios de atención materna entre las personas ricas y las pobres siguieron siendo sustanciales [razón de posibilidades (OR) ajustada de 2,51 (intervalo de confianza del 95%: 1,68-3,76) para la asistencia por personal cualificado; 2,58 (IC95%: 1,28-5,19) para la práctica de cesáreas, y 1,53 (IC95%: 1,05-2,25) para el uso de servicios de atención posnatal]. Las complicaciones durante el embarazo influyeron en el uso de las PC, el parto por cesárea y los servicios de atención posnatal. El número de visitas de atención prenatal fue un factor predictivo importante de la intervención de PC y del recurso a los servicios de atención posnatal, pero no de las cesáreas. CONCLUSIÓN: La utilización de los servicios de maternidad en las zonas estudiadas fue mayor que la media nacional, pero sigue habiendo grandes inequidades en lo tocante al uso de esos servicios. Se recomienda emprender intervenciones para superar los obstáculos económicos y corregir las inequidades en salud materna, y hay que hacer más hincapié en la aplicación y evaluación de las intervenciones de salud materna en la población pobre.

OBJECTIF: Etudier l'inéquité dans le recours aux services de soins maternels dans les zones desservies par des programmes d'assistance à domicile des naissances par du personnel qualifié (SBA) au Bangladesh. MÉTHODES: Les données fournies par une enquête en communauté, réalisée de février à mai 2006, ont été analysées pour étudier, en fonction de facteurs socioéconomiques clés, les inéquités dans le recours aux SBA, à une césarienne pour l'accouchement et aux services de soins postnatals. RÉSULTATS: Sur 2164 accouchements, 35 % ont bénéficié d'un SBA, 22,8 % se sont déroulés dans un établissement de soins et 10,8 % se sont effectués par césarienne. Les taux d'utilisation des soins anténatals et postnatals étaient respectivement de 93 et 28 %. Il existait des inéquités sanitaires substantielles entre les mères selon le quintile de richesse, l'éloignement et la zone de résidence et le niveau d'éducation maternel et paternel. Cependant, ces inéquités étaient d'une ampleur variable. Après ajustement pour d'autres déterminants, les écarts entres riches et pauvres pour le recours aux services de soins maternels restaient importants : odds ratio ajusté (OR) = 2,51 (intervalle de confiance à 95 %, IC = 1,68-3,76) pour l'assistance par du personnel qualifié à la naissance ; OR = 2,58 (IC à 95 % = 1,28-5,19)] pour l'accouchement par césarienne et 0R = 1,53 (IC à 95 % = 1,05-2,25 pour les services de soins postnatals. La survenue de complications pendant la grossesse influait sur le recours aux SBA, à l'accouchement par césarienne et aux services de soins postnatals. Le nombre de visites anténatales était un paramètre prédictif important pour le recours aux SBA et aux soins postnatals, mais pas pour le recours à une césarienne. CONCLUSION: Les services de soins maternels étaient plus utilisés dans les zones étudiées qu'en moyenne dans le pays. Une très forte inéquité persiste cependant dans le recours à ces soins. Des interventions visant à surmonter les obstacles financiers sont recommandées pour faire face à cette inéquité en matière de santé maternelle. Il faut se concentrer davantage sur la mise en œuvre et l'évaluation des interventions en faveur de la santé maternelle visant des personnes défavorisées.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a intensidade da alternariose, causada por Alternaria brassicicola e/ou Alternaria brassicae, e da podridão negra, causada por Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, em cultivos orgânicos de brássicas em Pernambuco e Santa Catarina. Os levantamentos foram realizados no período de novembro de 2001 a fevereiro de 2002, num total de 103 cultivos orgânicos de várias espécies de brássicas. Foram registradas elevadas prevalências das doenças nos estados, com exceção em couve-chinesa em Santa Catarina. A prevalência da alternariose foi 100% nos cultivos de brócolis em Pernambuco, bem como em couve-flor nos dois estados, enquanto a podridão negra atingiu esse nível nos cultivos de brócolis e couve-flor em Santa Catarina. Na média das diferentes espécies de brássicas, as doenças foram mais prevalentes em Pernambuco que Santa Catarina. Entretanto, as médias de severidade de cada doença no conjunto das brássicas não foram diferentes entre os estados, embora as condições climáticas tenham sido nitidamente distintas. A severidade da alternariose variou entre as espécies de brássicas somente em Pernambuco, com a menor severidade registrada em couve-manteiga. Em relação à podridão negra, apenas em Santa Catarina houve diferença na severidade entre as brássicas, sendo registrados os menores níveis em couve-chinesa. Não foram constatadas correlações significativas entre os níveis de severidade da alternariose e da podridão negra, bem como da severidade destas com o número total de plantas e a idade das plantas nos cultivos.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the intensity of Alternaria black spot, caused by Alternaria brassicicola and/or Alternaria brassicae, and black rot, caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris in organic cultivation of brassicas in Pernambuco and Santa Catarina. The survey was carried aut from November 2001 to February 2002, in 103 fields under organic farming systems with different brassicas. High prevalence of the diseases was registered in both states, except on Chinese cabbage in Santa Catarina. Prevalence of Alternaria black spot was 100% on broccoli fields in Pernambuco, as well as on cauliflower in both states, while the black rot reached that level on broccoli and cauliflower fields in Santa Catarina. On the average of the different brassica species, the diseases were more prevalent in Pernambuco than in Santa Catarina. However, when the severity averages of each disease were considered, no significant differences were observed between the two states, although the climatic conditions were highly different. The Alternaria black spot severity varied among the brassica species in Pernambuco, being lower on kale. In Santa Catarina no significant differences were observed among the brassicas species. In relation to the black rot, only in Santa Catarina was there a difference in the disease severity, with the lowest level on Chinese cabbage. No significant correlations were observed either between severity levels of Alternaria black spot and black rot, neither between disease severity and total number of plants or plant age.

OBJECTIVE: Compare two different techniques for laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (LDN), related to the operative costs and learning curve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April/2000 and October/2003, 61 patients were submitted to LDN in 2 different reference centers in kidney transplantation. At center A (CA), 11 patients were operated by a pure transperitoneal approach, using Hem-O-Lok<FONT FACE=Symbol>Ò</FONT> clips for the renal pedicle control and the specimens were retrieved manually, without using endobags. At center B (CB), 50 patients were also operated by a pure transperitoneal approach, but the renal pedicles were controlled with endo-GIA appliers and the specimens were retrieved using endobags. RESULTS: Operative time (231 ± 39 min vs. 179 ± 30 min; p < 0.000), warm ischemia time (5.85 ± 2.85 min vs. 3.84 ± 3.84 min; p = 0.002) and blood loss (214 ± 98 mL vs. 141 ± 82 mL; p = 0.02) were statistically better in CB, when compared to CA. Discharge time was similar in both centers. One major complication was observed in both centers, leading to an open conversion in CA (9.1%). One donor death occurred in CB (2%). Regarding the recipients, no statistical difference was observed in all parameters analyzed. There was an economy of US$1.440 in each procedure performed in CA, when compared to CB. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the learning curve, the technique adopted by CA, showed no deleterious results to the donors and recipients when compared with the CB. On the other hand, this technique was cheaper than the technique performed in the CB, representing an attractive alternative for LDN, mainly in developing centers.