Resumo Em todo o mundo, a agricultura convencional faz uso extensivo de pesticidas. Embora os efeitos dos herbicidas sejam relativamente bem conhecidos em termos de impactos ambientais em organismos não-alvo, há pouca evidência científica sobre os impactos de resíduos de herbicidas em artrópodes aquáticos de áreas de conservação tropicais. Este estudo avalia pela primeira vez a toxicidade dos herbicidas ametryn, atrazine e clomazone sobre o inseto aquático Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae). A concentração letal (LC50) de herbicidas foi avaliada para esses insetos, bem como o efeito dos herbicidas nos tecidos e testículos dos insetos. A LC50 estimada foi de 1012,41, 192,42 e 46,09 mg/L para clomazone, atrazine e ametryn, respectivamente. Alterações nos espermatócitos e espermátides foram observadas sob o efeito de atrazine, e efeitos na espermatogênese foram observados para algumas concentrações de clomazone, com aparente recuperação após um curto período de tempo. Nossos resultados fornecem informações úteis sobre os efeitos de resíduos de herbicidas em sistemas aquáticos. Essas informações podem ajudar a minimizar o risco de efeitos reprodutivos de longo prazo em espécies não-alvo que foram negligenciadas anteriormente em estudos de ecotoxicologia.

Abstract Worldwide, conventional agriculture makes extensive use of pesticides. Although the effects of herbicides are relatively well known in terms of environmental impacts on non-target organisms, there is very little scientific evidence regarding the impacts of herbicide residues on aquatic arthropods from tropical conservation areas. This study evaluates for the first time the toxicity of the herbicides ametryn, atrazine, and clomazone on the aquatic insect Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae). The lethal concentration (LC50) of herbicides was evaluated for these insects, as well as the effect of the herbicides on the insects’ tissues and testicles. The estimated LC50 was 1012.41, 192.42, and 46.09 mg/L for clomazone, atrazine, and ametryn, respectively. Spermatocyte and spermatid changes were observed under the effect of atrazine, and effects on spermatogenesis were observed for some concentrations of clomazone, with apparent recovery after a short time. Our results provide useful information on the effects of herbicide residues in aquatic systems. This information can help minimize the risk of long-term reproductive effects in non-target species that have been previously overlooked in ecotoxicology studies.

ABSTRACT This paper describes the modeling, implementation, and evaluation of a control system based on an embedded fuzzy controller for application in irrigation systems. The motivation for the development of this system comes from the need to offer farmers resources that provide a reduction in water and electricity consumption in irrigation, which contributes to reducing production costs and preserving natural resources. The proposed control system aims to keep the water flow constant, as close as possible to the desired value and independent of load variations. A single-board computer, with the fuzzy controller software, a frequency inverter to control the speed of the irrigation motor pump system, and a flow sensor to measure the water flow, was used to implement the system. The proposed control system was evaluated in laboratory and field experiments to simulate real operating conditions. The results showed that the system presents satisfactory performance, representing a viable alternative for application in general irrigation systems.

Abstract Nonlinear Transmission Lines (NLTLs) are a new technique for radio frequency (RF) generation. A loaded ferrite NLTL, known as a gyromagnetic line, uses a solenoid to provide an external magnetic bias. In space applications, specifically in satellites, the replacement of these solenoids by permanent magnets is desirable, eliminating the need for a DC current source, and reducing the weight and the effective cost of the launch. This work investigated and selected permanent magnets for this application, and then computationally modeled the magnet assembly to analyze the resulting magnetic field generated and obtained a uniform field region to meet the NLTL operating specifications. For this, we employed selection charts for the proper choice of material to use in an arrangement of magnets simulated by the electromagnetic software CST Microwave Studio . Magnetic fields with uniformity variations of less than 6% and 23% in regions extended over 18.5 cm and 58.8 cm, corresponding to line lengths of 26.6 cm and 68.0 cm, respectively, were achieved in simulations.

ABSTRACT Agro-industrial by-products are a great option for ruminant feeding. Alternative feedstuffs in ruminant diets are important to increase diets and reduce production costs. The present study evaluated different levels of palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) kernel cake inclusion in diets for feedlot-finished cull cows and their implications on the intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM) and nutrients, as well as animal performance. The experiment was carried out in Ribeirão do Largo, Bahía, Brazil. Thirty-six Holstein × Zebu crossbred cows were assigned to four treatments at the rate of nine cows per treatment. The animals were fed sugarcane bagasse (roughage 15%) and concentrate (85%). The treatments were no addition of palm kernel cake, 8%, 16%, or 24% palm kernel cake inclusion in the total DM diet. Palm kernel cake inclusion influenced DM and nutrient intakes, which responded quadratically. The digestibility of DM, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein showed a quadratic response and maximum digestibility at 1.67%, 5.24%, and 3.68% cake inclusion levels, respectively; values decreased thereafter. The total digestible nutrients decreased linearly based on cake inclusion levels. Treatments affected final body weight, mean daily gain, and feed conversion, which showed a quadratic response to increasing levels of the by-product in the diet and maximum values were at 11.98%, 13.07%, and 16.32% inclusion, respectively. Palm kernel cake is a viable alternative ingredient for animal biological efficiency. The 16% inclusion level in the total DM diet was the most appropriate for the finishing of cull cows in the feedlot.

Abstract A topological group G has the Approximate Fixed Point (AFP) property on a bounded convex subset C of a locally convex space if every continuous affine action of G on C admits a net ( x i ), x i ∈ C, such that x i - g x i ⟶ 0 for all g ∈ G. In this work, we study the relationship between this property and amenability.

A luz, a temperatura e a dormência são fatores que influenciam a germinação das sementes e estão estritamente ligados à emergência de plantas daninhas. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a germinação de Sorghum arundinaceum e Sorghum halepense submetidas a diferentes condições de temperatura e luminosidade, bem como avaliar mecanismos de quebra de dormência das sementes. Para isso, foram realizados dois experimentos, ambos dispostos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. O experimento 1 foi instalado em esquema fatorial duplo de 2 x 5. O primeiro fator consistiu na ausência ou na presença de luz durante 12 horas; e o segundo, em cinco temperaturas constantes: 15, 20, 30, 40 e 45 oC. No experimento 2, avaliou-se a eficiência de nove tratamentos utilizados para quebra de dormência das sementes. As variáveis analisadas nos dois experimentos foram: porcentagem de germinação e índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG). Para a análise estatística, foram realizados a ANOVA e todos os desdobramentos necessários, bem como regressões, quando pertinentes. No experimento 1, em ambas as espécies ocorreu maior germinação na presença de luz. Para S. arundinaceum, as temperaturas em que houve maior porcentagem de germinação foram 33,13 e 31,24 oC, para presença e ausência de luz, respectivamente. Já para S. halepense, essas temperaturas foram de 31,98 e 29,75 oC, na presença e ausência de luz, respectivamente. Quanto aos tratamentos para a quebra da dormência, as sementes escarificadas mecanicamente com lixa foram as que apresentaram a maior germinação e IVG. Conclui-se que as espécies de Sorghum estudadas são fotoblásticas neutras e apresentam dormência do tipo mecânica.

Light, temperature and dormancy are factors that influence the germination of seeds and are strictly linked to the emergence of weeds. The objective of this work was to assess the germination of Sorghum arundinaceum and Sorghum halepense subjected to different conditions of temperature and luminosity, as well as assessing seed dormancy breaking mechanisms. For this, two experiments were conducted, both arranged in a completely randomized design. Experiment 1 was installed in a 2 x 5 double factorial design. The first factor was the absence or presence of light for 12 hours, and the other was composed of five constant temperatures: 15, 20, 30, 40 and 45 oC. In experiment 2, the efficiency of nine treatments used for breaking dormancy of seeds was assessed. The variables analyzed for both experiments were germination percentage and germination speed index (GSI). For the statistical analysis were performed an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and all the necessary consequences, as well as regression, when relevant. In experiment 1 for both species greater germination occurred in the presence of light. For S. arundinaceum the temperatures at which there was the highest percentage of germination were 33.13 and 31.24 oC for presence and absence of light respectively. As for S. halepense these temperatures were 31.98 and 29.75 oC for presence and absence of light respectively. As for the treatments for breaking dormancy, the mechanical scarification of seeds with sandpaper presented the highest germination and GSI. It is concluded that the Sorghum species studied are neutral photoblastic seeds and present mechanical type dormancy.

Purpose To assess the activity, safety and treatment patterns of sunitinib in patients with poor-risk metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the charts of poor risk patients treated with sunitinib from October 2006 to July 2013 who met the eligibility criteria. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Tumor radiological response was measured according to RECIST 1.1 and adverse events (AEs) were assessed through standard criteria. Results Median OS was 8.16 months (95% CI, 5.73-10.59). Of the 53 patients included in this analysis, 9 (17.0%) achieved partial response, 12 (22.6%) had stable disease. Median treatment duration was 3.30 months (95% CI: 1.96-4.63) and 26.4% of patients discontinued treatment due to toxicity. Grade 3 or higher AEs occurred in 39.6% of patients, the most common being fatigue (15.1%), neutropenia (9.5%), nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (7.5% each). Discussion Sunitinib may benefit some unselected poor-risk patients, although the rates of AEs and drug discontinuation suggest a need for careful patient monitoring.

Polyacrylics have been widely used in coatings. However, their application is limited by low corrosion resistance. One way to enhance their properties is the addition of fillers with adequate properties. In this study, composite materials of PMMA and hBN were developed and deposited on steel by dip-coating. The influence of the amount of hBN in the PMMA coating regarding corrosion resistance was investigated. The surface and cross-section of the coatings were characterized by SEM, the porosity was investigated by systematic manual point count and the adhesion was classified according to the tape test standard. The produced coatings were submersed in NaCl and HCl solutions to analyze corrosion resistance. The results showed that the PMMA/hBN composite coatings improved the corrosion resistance in comparison with pure PMMA. Additionally, the coatings are crack free and well bonded to the metallic substrate.

In the present investigation we evaluate methods for the isolation and growth of marine-derived fungal strains in artificial media for the production of secondary metabolites. Inoculation of marine macroorganisms fragments in Petri dishes proved to be the most convenient procedure for the isolation of the largest number of strains. Among the growth media used, 3% malt extract showed the best result for strains isolation and growth, and yielded the largest number of strains from marine macroorganisms. The percentage of strains isolated using each of the growth media which yielded cytotoxic and/or antibiotic extracts was in the range of 23-35%, regardless of the growth media used. Further investigation of extracts obtained from different marine-derived fungal strains yielded several bioactive secondary metabolites, among which (E)-4-methoxy-5-(3-methoxybut-1-enyl)-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2-one is a new metabolite isolated from the Penicillium paxilli strain Ma(G)K.

Schinus molle L., also known as pepper tree, has been reported to have antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antipyretic, antitumoural and cicatrizing properties. This work studies supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) to obtain volatile and non-volatile compounds from the aerial parts of Schinus molle L. and the influence of the process on the composition of the extracts. Experiments were performed in a pilot-scale extractor with a capacity of 1 L at pressures of 9, 10, 12, 15 and 20 MPa at 323.15 K. The volatile compounds were obtained by CO2 supercritical extraction with moderate pressure (9 MPa), whereas the non-volatile compounds were extracted at higher pressure (12 to 20 MPa). The analysis of the essential oil was carried out by GC-MS and the main compounds identified were sabinene, limonene, D-germacrene, bicyclogermacrene, and spathulenol. For the non-volatile extracts, the total phenolic content was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteau method. Moreover, one of the goals of this study was to compare the experimental data with the simulated yields predicted by a mathematical model based on mass transfer. The model used requires three adjustable parameters to predict the experimental extraction yield curves.

Low antimycobacterial drug concentrations have been observed in tuberculosis (TB) patients under treatment. The lactulose/mannitol urinary excretion test (L/M), normally used to measure intestinal permeability, may be useful to assess drug absorption. The objective of this research was to study intestinal absorptive function and bioavailability of rifampin and isoniazid in TB patients. A cross sectional study was done with 41 patients and 28 healthy controls, using the L/M test. The bioavailabilities of rifampin (R) and isoniazid (H) were evaluated in 18 patients receiving full doses. Urinary excretion of mannitol and lactulose, measured by HPLC, was significantly lower in TB patients. The serum concentrations of the drugs were below the expected range for R (8-24 mcg/mL) or H (3-6 mcg/mL) in 16/18 patients. Analyzing the drugs individually, 12/18 patients had low serum concentrations of R, 13/18 for H and 8/18 for both drugs. We suggest that there is a decrease in the functional absorptive area of the intestine in TB patients, which would explain the reduced serum concentrations of antituberculosis drugs. There is a need for new approaches to improve drug bioavailability in TB patients.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade de mudas de híbridos naturais de Eucalyptus grandis e E. saligna produzidas a partir de miniestacas, em tubetes de 50 cc e em blocos prensados com as dimensões de 40 x 60 x 7cm. O experimento foi realizado em DIC, no fatorial 2 x 7 (2 clones e 7 tratamentos) com quatro repetições, no viveiro da Aracruz Celulose S.A., no período de julho a setembro de 2002. Foram analisadas as adequações dos substratos, casca de arroz carbonizada + casca de eucalipto (AR), bagaço de cana + torta de filtro (BT) e turfa, para produção de mudas nos dois tipos de recipientes. Foram feitas avaliações de diâmetro e altura das brotações, área foliar e massa seca da parte aérea. O substrato BT, quando em tubetes, não apresentou bom resultado, sendo o inverso observado quando se utilizou esse substrato em sistemas de blocos prensados. As mudas produzidas nesse sistema exibiram maior velocidade no crescimento.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of Eucalyptus grandis and E. saligna natural hybrid minicuttings, produced in tubes (50cc) and pressed blocks (40x60x7cm). The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, in a 2x7 factorial arrangement (2 clones and 7 treatments) with four replicates (192 minicuttings), in the Aracruz nursery, from July to September 2002. The following substrates were tested; carbonized rice husk + eucalyptus bark (AR), sugarcane bagasse + sugarcane filter cake (BT) and peat (T), for steckling production in two types of containers. The stecklings were evaluated for stem diameter and height, leaf area, shoot dry matter. The BT substrate in tubes did not give good results, different from when it was used in the pressed block system. The stecklings produced in pressed block system gave higher growth speed.

O trabalho teve como objetivo verificar o desempenho, em sacolas, de clones de eucalipto, produzidos em diferentes recipientes e substratos, com ênfase na persistência das deformações radiculares originadas no viveiro e na produção de raízes. As mudas foram produzidas em tubetes (50 cm³) e em blocos prensados (40 x 60 x 7 cm - 16.800 cm³), sendo utilizados como substratos: casca de arroz carbonizada com casca de eucalipto, bagaço de cana com torta de filtro; e turfa. As mudas, com 90 dias, foram transplantadas para sacos plásticos (20 L), com solo da área de plantio. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 x 7, constituído por dois clones (híbridos naturais de Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden e E. saligna Smith) e sete tratamentos, com variação de recipientes e substrato, com quatro repetições, constituídas por quatro plantas. Dois meses após o transplantio, as plantas foram avaliadas quanto ao crescimento em diâmetro ao nível do solo, altura da parte aérea, número de raízes emitidas, comprimento, área superficial e deformação do sistema radicular. As plantas originadas de mudas produzidas em blocos prensados apresentaram melhor desempenho nas avaliações realizadas em relação às dos tubetes. As deformações radiculares causadas por recipientes de paredes rígidas tendem a persistir após a fase de viveiro.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance after the planting of eucalyptus stecklings, produced in different containers and substrates, with emphasis in root production and deformations. The stecklings were produced in tubes (50 cm³) and in pressed blocks (40 x 60 x 7cm -16800 cm³), and used as substrates: carbonized rice husk and eucalyptus husk; sugarcane bagasse and sugarcane filter cake; and peat. At ninety days the stecklings were transplanted to plastic bags (20 L), with soil from the planting area. This experiment was set in a completely randomized design, arranged in a 2 x 7factorial, constituted by two clones (natural hybrid of Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden and E. saligna Smith) and seven treatments, with variation of containers and substrates, with four replicates, constituted by four plants. At two months, the cuttings were evaluated considering their root collar diameter, height, number, length and superficial area of emitted roots, and system root deformations. The plants originated of stecklings produced in pressed blocks presented better performance than the tubes ones. The root deformations caused by containers persist after the nursery stage.

Objective: Some new studies have questioned the often atypical character of pneumonia in aged patients. Therefore to study the different clinical presentation of this patology is our aim. Material and methods: Retrospective analysis of 179 cases of pneumonia in patients aged older than 65 years who were admitted in our hospital during 1992. Results: The average age of the patients was 78 years, being 65.9% of them men. 91% presented pneumonias adquired in the community. 73.1% showed a typical dominant clinical presentation (febrile-respiratory); respiratory (47.4%), febrile (25.7%). The rest presented atypical patterns; mental-neurologic or "cerebral dysfunction" (10.6%), perambulation-general state (6.15%) and digestive-abdominal (9.5%). The respiratory pattern was associated to the presence of respiratory antecedents (p<0.001); the febrile pattem to the absence of cardiovascular antecedents (p<0.05); the mental-neurologic to the presence of neurologic antecedents (p<0.001) and the alteration of perambulation-general state to an evolution of more than 7 days (p<0.05). Conclusions: The greatest number of our pneumonia patients older than 65 years follows a typical clinical pattern febrile-respiratory). The patient’s prior pathology conditions the clinical presentation.

Objetivo: Recientemente, varios estudios han puesto en duda el carácter frecuentemente atípico de la clínica en la neumonía del anciano. Por ello, estudiamos las formas de presentación clínica de esta patología en pacientes de mayor edad. Material y métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de 179 casos de neumonía en pacientes mayores de 65 años, ingresados en nuestro hospital en el año 1992. Resultados: Los pacientes presentaban una edad media de 78 años, siendo la proporción de varones del 65,9%. El 91% presentaban neumonías adquiridas en la comunidad. El 73,1% mostraron un presentación clínica dominante típica (febril-respiratoria); respiratoria (47,4%), febril (25,7%). El resto presentaron patrones atípicos; mental-neurológico o de "disfunción cerebral" (10,6%), deambulación-estado general (6,15%) y abdominal-digestivo (9,5%). El patrón respiratorio se asoció con la presencia de antecedentes respiratorios (p<0,001), el febril con la ausencia de antecedentes cardiovasculares (p<0,05), el mental-neurológico con la presencia de antecedentes neurológicos (p<0,001) y la alteración de la deambulación-estado general con un tiempo de evolución mayor de 7 días (p<0,05). Conclusión: La mayoría de nuestros pacientes mayores de 65 años con neumonía cursan con un patrón clínico típico (febril-respiratorio). La patología previa del paciente condiciona la forma de presentación clínica.

Objetivo: Os substitutos valvares atuais não preenchem os requisitos de uma prótese ideal. A técnica de Ross tenta oferecer, principalmente às crianças, um auto-enxerto em posição aórtica, livre de eventos tromboembólicos, hemólise e com excepcional durabilidade. O homoenxerto em posição pulmonar também tem mostrado bom desempenho a longo prazo. Nosso objetivo é demonstrar a viabilidade da técnica e os resultados da experiência inicial com o procedimento. Casuística e Métodos: Foram operados entre jan/97 e dez/98, 12 pacientes. Insuficiência aórtica - 5 casos, insuficiência aórtica e mitral - 3 casos, insuficiência aórtica e membrana subaórtica - 2 casos, estenose aórtica - 1 caso, reoperação de plastia da valva aórtica - 1 caso. O sexo predominante foi o masculino (75%). A idade variou de 8 a 15 anos (M = 12,17±2,04). A classe funcional III representou 58,3% e II 41,7%. A avaliação pré-operatória foi realizada com auxílio do ecocardiograma e pós-operatória com ecocardiograma e cateterismo cardíaco. Os homoenxertos utilizados foram mantidos em solução preservante antibiótica. Os procedimentos foram realizados com circulação extracorpórea e cardioplegia cristalóide gelada. Resultados: As intercorrências foram: febre 75%, insuficiência cardíaca congestiva (ICC) 25%, hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) 33,3%, sangramento 8,33%, hipersecreção pulmonar 8,33% e isquemia miocárdica 8,33%. Ecocardiograma pós-operatório demonstrou insuficiência aórtica discreta em 4 casos. Angiocardiografia evidenciou ausência de insuficiência aórtica ou pulmonar, gradiente VE-Ao em 2 casos (16 mmHg e 9 mmHg) e gradiente VD-TP em 2 casos (13,5 mmHg e 9,5 mmHg). Encontram-se em classe funcional I (91,6%) e II (8,4%). Conclusões: A técnica é eficaz, reprodutível e de baixa mortalidade. É necessário maior tempo de acompanhamento para avaliação dos enxertos.

Current prosthetic replacement for aortic valve disease are far from the ideal. The pulmonary autograft replacement of the aortic valve, associated with a homograft in pulmonary position (Ross' procedure), offers an attractive option in younger patients, with growth potential and long-term survival. In our Institution, between January 1997 and December 1998, 12 patients have undergone this procedure. Aortic regurgitation was the main lesion in 5 cases - associated with significant mitral regurgitation, requiring intervention, in three, Aortic regurgitation associated with sub-aortic membrane - 2 cases, Aortic stenosis - 1 case. Reoperation due to failure of aortic valve reconstruction - 1 case. The ethiology was rheumatic in 83.3% of the patients. The mean age was 12.17 years (± 2.04) (range, 8 to 15 years). 41.66% (5 patients ) were in NYHA Class II and the remaining in NYHA Class III. Echocardiogram was performed for pre-op and post-op evaluation in all cases, as well as post-op cardiac catheterization. The homografts used in this series were preserved in antibiotic solution and used before three weeks. Post-op fever was present in 9 (75%) patients, congestive heart failure in 3 (25%), systemic hypertension in 4 (33.3%), excessive pulmonary secretion in 1 (8.33%) and myocardial ischemia 1 case (8.33%). Post-op cardiac catheterization, one month after surgery, showed absence of aortic or pulmonary regurgitation. All patients but 1 (8.33%) are in NYHA Class I, with no medication. In conclusion, the techniques is effective and adequate for children, but some long-term follow up is necessary for better evaluation of the grafts.