Abstract This study investigated whether increased food intake after 15 days of low-protein, high-carbohydrate (LPHC) and its normalization in the later period of development change the content of key proteins related to leptin or adiponectin signaling in the hypothalamus. Male rats were divided into five groups: Control groups received a control diet (17% protein, 63% carbohydrate) for 15 (C15) or 45 (C45) days; LPHC groups received an LPHC diet (6% protein, 74% carbohydrate) for 15 (LPHC15) or 45 (LPHC45) days; and Reverse group (R): received LPHC diet for 15 days followed by control diet for another 30 days. The LPHC15 group showed increased adiposity index, leptin level, and adiponectin level, as well as decreased the leptin receptor (ObRb) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) content in the hypothalamus compared with the C15 group. LPHC diet for 45 days or diet reversion (R group) rescued these alterations, except the adiponectin level in LPHC45 rats, which was higher. In summary, LPHC diet reduced hypothalamic leptin action by diminishing ObRb and POMC levels, leading to hyperphagia and adiposity body. Medium-term administration of LPHC diet or reverting to control diet restored the levels of these proteins, thereby improving body lipid mass rearrangement in adulthood.

Abstract We investigated the effects of eyestalk ablation and cheliped autotomy in inducing molting in Callinectes ornatus. The specimens in intermolt stage were divided into two size classes: 1 (30-50 mm) and 2 (51-70 mm) and were further divided into four experimental groups. In the CA group (Cheliped Autotomy, n=76), crabs were submitted to cheliped autotomy; in the UA group (Unilateral Ablation, n=66) and BA group (Bilateral Ablation, n=66) to unilateral and bilateral eyestalk ablation, respectively. The C group (Control, n=70) was used as control. The animals were individually kept in tanks interconnected to a recirculation system for 30 days. The highest frequency of premolt was recorded in the BA group (32%), followed by the CA group (16%). The premolt frequency of class 1 (28%) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than of class 2 (8%). The mean time until molt in the BA group was significantly lower (p <0.05) than other groups tested. The highest mortality rates were 55% and 25% in crabs from the BA and CA groups, respectively. The results indicate bilateral eyestalk ablation and cheliped autotomy are potentially capable of inducing molt in C. ornatus, but these techniques have limited efficiency for the commercial application of large-scale soft-shell crab.

Abstract Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) have received great interest in recent decades. However, PGPB mechanisms remain poorly understood in forage species. We aimed to evaluate roots endophytic and rhizospheric bacteria strains from Brachiaria humidicola and Brachiaria decumbens. The strains were evaluated for biological nitrogen-fixing in saline stress (0 to 10.0 g L-1 of NaCl), N-acyl homoserine lactones and indole-like compounds (ILC) production, the activity of hydrolytic enzymes, and inorganic phosphate solubilization (IPS) under different C sources. The diversity of strains was assessed by BOX-PCR. About 58% of strains were positive for BNF. High salinity levels reduced the growth and BNF. About 58% produced N-acyl homoserine lactones. The ILC was present in 39% of strains. Cellulase, polygalacturonase, pectate lyase, and amylase production were observed in 77, 14, 22, and 25% of strains, respectively. The IPS was observed in 44, 81, and 87% of isolates when glucose, mannitol and sucrose were used, respectively. Comparing two plant species and niches, the strains associated with B. humidicola and root endophytic presented more PGPB mechanisms than others. We found high strain diversity, of which 64% showed similarity lower than 70%. These results can be supporting the bioproducts development to increase forage grasses production in tropical soils.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e quantificar os fatores de produção presentes em granjas de crescimento e terminação (CT) de suínos, em um sistema cooperativo do estado do Paraná, Brasil, e determinar a influência desses fatores no consumo diário de ração (CDR) e na conversão alimentar (CA). Foram avaliados, entre os anos de 2010 e 2013, os históricos produtivos de 538 lotes de engorda, alojados em 175 granjas comerciais, totalizando aproximadamente 404.000 animais. Foram considerados 40 fatores de produção, relacionados ao manejo, à sanidade, às instalações e aos equipamentos, à nutrição, à genética e ao ambiente. Em baias com menos de 20 suínos, o CDR diminuiu (P<0,05) e a CA melhorou (P<0,01). Nas baias com comedouros basculantes (lineares), o CDR reduziu (P<0,01) e a CA melhorou (P=0,001). Em baias com lâmina d’água, o CDR aumentou (P<0,01) e a CA piorou (P<0,01). Lotes formados apenas por fêmeas apresentaram menor CDR (P<0,001) e melhor CA (P<0,001), quando comparados aos lotes mistos. As variáveis selecionadas para os modelos finais explicaram cerca de 25% e 46% da variância total para CDR e para a CA, respectivamente. Os modelos constituem um instrumento de auxílio efetivo para tomadas de decisões técnicas dentro do setor suinícola.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the production factors present in growing and finishing (GF) pig farms partners of a cooperative in Paraná State, Brazil, and to determine the influence of these factors on daily feed intake (DFI) and the feed conversion ratio (FCR). From 2010 to 2013, the historical production of 538 batches of fattening pigs in 175 commercial farms were analyzed, in an amount approximately 404,000 animals. A total of 40 production factors regarding the management, sanity, plant and equipment, nutrition, genetics and environment were taken into consideration. Pens with less than 20 pigs resulted in a reduction in DFI (P<0.05) and an improved FCR (P<0.01). In pens that used linear dump feeders, the DFI was less (P<0.01) and the FCR was better (P=0.001). Pens with shallow pools had higher DFI (P<0.01) and worse FCR (P<0.01). Batches of females had lower DFI (P<0.001) and better FCR (P<0.001) compared to mixed-sex batches. The factors used for the final models explained the 25% and 46% of the total variance for the DFI and FCR, respectively. The models consist in effective aid instruments for technical decision making in the swine industry.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a influência de dietas contendo silagem de diferentes cultivares de sorgo sobre as características físicas e químicas na carne de ovinos sem padrão racial definido, com idade entre cinco e sete meses e peso vivo médio de 17,7±3,7kg, alimentados com dietas contendo silagem de diferentes cultivares de sorgo. O experimento foi conduzido na Estação Experimental Pendência, pertencente à Empresa Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária - Emepa, tendo um período experimental de 42 dias. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos (silagem de sorgo BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 e Ponta Negra) e sete repetições. Ao atingirem o peso de abate de 26,24kg, os animais foram encaminhados ao abate. Procedeu-se à análise do pH, da cor, da perda de peso por cocção, da força de cisalhamento, bem como à determinação de umidade, proteínas, cinzas e lipídeos totais no músculo Longissimus dorsi. As dietas não influenciaram os parâmetros de pH (5,64), cor (L*23,13, a* 18,00, b*15,78), perdas de peso por cocção (34,43%), umidade (72,53%), proteína (24,08%), cinzas (1,09%) e lipídeos (2,99%). A força de cisalhamento diferiu entre as dietas, com a silagem do cultivar BRS 655 propiciando uma carne mais macia (2,10kgf/cm2). As silagens de sorgo utilizadas na confecção das dietas de cordeiros em confinamento não interferem nas características de qualidade da carne de ovinos sem padrão racial definido. Dietas contendo silagem de sorgo granífero BRS 655 proporcionaram uma carne mais macia.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the influence of diets containing silage of different sorghum cultivars on the physical and chemical characteristics in the meat of lambs. Thirty five animals of undefined breed with average age between 5 and 7 months and average body weight of 17. 7±3.7kg were used. The lambs were randomly assigned to five treatments (sorghum silage BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 e Ponta Negra) with seven replicates. When they reach 26.24kg of weight, the animals were sent to be slaughtered. Proceeded to the analysis of pH, color, cooking losses, shear force, determination of humidity, protein, ash and total amount of lipids in the Longissimus dorsi. The diets did not influence the parameters of pH (5.64), color (L*23.13, a* 18.00, b*15.78), cooking losses (34.43%), humidity (72.53%), protein (24.08%), ash (1.09%) or lipids (2.99%). The shear force differed among the diets, with the silage of cultivar BRS 655 providing a tender meat (2.10kgf/cm2). The sorghum silages used in in the diets did not interfere in the meat quality characteristics of feedlot lambs. Diets containing sorghum grain silage BRS 655 provided a tender meat.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o valor nutricional e determinar a energia metabolizável do farelo residual de milho (FRM) sem e com o uso da enzima alfa- amilase. Foi realizado um experimento de metabolismo com 180 pintos machos Cobb com 14 dias, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com seis tratamentos, cinco repetições e seis aves por parcela. As dietas experimentais foram: T1: ração referência (RR), T2: 60% T1 + 40% de FRM, T3: RR + enzima, T4: 60% T1 + 40% de FRM com adição de enzima, T5: RR com substituição de 100% do milho pelo FRM e T6: RR com substituição de 100% do milho pelo FRM com adição de enzima. A composição química do FRM foi: 88,33% de matéria seca (MS), 10,23% de proteína bruta (PB), 15,44% de extrato etéreo (EE), 4,33% de cinzas (CZ) e 4555kcal/kg de energia bruta (EB). Os valores dos coeficientes de metabolizabilidade aparente para o FRM sem e com adição de enzima foram, respectivamente, de 73,37% e 76,33% para MS (p=0,0136), 70,44% e 70,39% para PB (p=0,9595) e de 74,79% e 76,77% para EB (p=0,0128). Os valores da energia metabolizável aparente (EMA) e da EMA corrigida para retenção de nitrogênio (EMAn) para o FRM (na base natural) foram de 3322±19 e 3241±18kcal/kg e de 3334±16 e 3261±17kcal/kg, respectivamente, sem e com adição de enzima. A adição da enzima não teve efeito estatístico significativo sobre os valores de EMA e EMAn, entretanto houve efeito positivo no coeficiente de metabolização da energia.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value and the metabolizable energy of residual corn bran (FRM) with and without the use of alpha amylase enzyme. One metabolism assay was done using 180 Ross male broilers at 14 days of age distributed in an entirely randomized design with six treatments, five replications and six broilers per plot. The assay treatments established were: T1: reference diet (RR), T2: 60% T1 + 40% of FRM, T3: T1 (RR) + enzyme addition, T4: 60% T1 + 40% of FRM with enzyme addition, T5: T1 (RR) with 100% replacement of corn by FRM and T6: T1 (RR) with 100% replacement of corn by FRM with enzyme addition. FRM chemical composition was: 88.33% of dry matter (MS), 10.23% of crude protein (PB), 15.44% of crude fat (EE), 4.33% of ashes (CZ) and 4555Kcal/kg of Gross Energy (EB). The FRM apparent metabolizability coefficients with and without the enzyme addition were, respectively, 73.37% and 76.33% for MS (p=0.0136), 70.44% and 70.39% for PB (p=0.9595) and 74.79% and 76.77% for EB (p=0.0128). The apparent metabolizable energy (EMA) and EMA corrected for nitrogen retention values (as is basis) were 3322±19 and 3241±18Kcal/kg and 3334±16 and 3261±17Kcal/kg, respectively, for with and without the enzyme addition to FRM. The enzyme addition had no statistical significance on the EMA and EMAn values, however, a significant effect on energy metabolizability coefficient was observed.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito antibacteriano e tripanocida in vitro do extrato hidroalcóolico das raízes de Tradescantia sillamontana Matuda (Commelinaceae), conhecida popularmente como veludo branco. Foi avaliada a atividade antibacteriana in vitro frente às bactérias Streptococcus mitis (CIM = 100 µg/mL; CMB = 150 µg/mL), Streptococcus mutans (CIM = 200 µg/mL; CMB = 220 µg/mL), Streptococcus sanguinis (CIM = 400 µg/mL; CMB = 425 µg/mL), Streptococcus sobrinus (CIM = 400 µg/mL; CMB = 420 µg/mL) e Bacteroides fragilis (CIM = 400 µg/mL; CMB = 430 µg/mL) pelo método de diluição em caldo. Os protozoários da família tripanossomatídeo causam doenças tropicais que costumam ser negligenciadas que costumam ser como a tripanossomíase, para a qual estão disponíveis poucos medicamentos. Neste contexto, o extrato hidroalcóolico das raízes de T. sillamontana também foi avaliado frente às formas tripomastigotas da cepa Y de Trypanosoma cruzi, com promissora atividade frente a este protozoário (IC50 = 2,4 µg/mL). Quando avaliada a atividade citotóxica frente a fibroblastos da linhagem LLCMK2, o extrato apresentou moderada citotoxicidade (CC50 = 480,37 µg/mL). Os resultados ora apresentados para o extrato hidroalcóolico das raízes de Tradescantia sillamontana Matuda demonstraram promissoras atividades antibacteriana e tripanocida, sendo uma fonte alternativa de produtos naturais com atividades contra T. cruzi e algumas bactérias do gênero Streptococcus e Bacteroides.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro, antibacterial and trypanocidal effect of the hydroalcoholic extract from the roots of Tradescantia sillamontana Matuda (Commelinaceae), commonly known as Veludo branco. The in vitro antibacterial activity against the standard bacteria Streptococcus mitis (MIC = 100µg/mL; MBC = 150 µg/mL), Streptococcus mutans (MIC = 200µg/mL; MBC = 220 µg/mL), Streptococcus sanguinis (MIC = 400µg/mL; MBC = 425 µg/mL), Streptococcus sobrinus (MIC = 400µg/mL; MBC = 420 µg/mL) andBacteroides fragilis (MIC = 400µg/mL; MBC = 430 µg/mL), using microdilution broth methods. Protozoans from the trypanosomatid family cause neglected tropical diseases such as trypanosomiasis, for which few drugs are available. In this context, the hydroalcoholic extract of the Tradescantia sillamontana roots was also investigated with regards to the in vitro effects against the trypomastigote forms of theY strain of Trypanosoma cruzi, showing strong activity against this parasite (IC50 = 2.4 µg/mL). When performing cytotoxic activity against fibroblasts LLCMK2 line, the extract showed moderate cytotoxicity (CC50 = 480.37 mg/mL). The results presented for the hydroalcoholic extract of the roots of Tradescantia sillamontana Matuda demonstrated effective antibacterial and trypanocidal activities and were shown to be an alternative source of natural products with activity against T. cruzi and some bacteria of the genus Streptococcus and Bacteroides.

Objetivou-se determinar a composição físico-química, os valores energéticos e os coeficientes de digestibilidade de quatro farinhas de silagem de peixe para frangos de corte. Foram produzidas quatro farinhas de silagem de peixe, utilizando-se o resíduo da filetagem de tilápias ensilado com diferentes fontes de carboidratos fermentáveis. Analisou-se a composição físico-química das silagens, e, em seguida, um ensaio de metabolismo com 180 pintos machos da linhagem Cobb de 14 a 25 dias de idade. Também foram avaliados o tempo de trânsito gastrintestinal das rações e o desempenho das aves nas gaiolas. Os animais foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos, seis repetições e seis aves por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram de uma dieta referência e de quatro dietas teste compostas de 60% da ração referência e 40% do resíduo da filetagem de tilápia ensilado com diferentes fontes de carboidratos, sendo a farinha de silagem de peixe com o farelo de algaroba (SFA), com a farinha de varredura de mandioca (SFVM), com o farelo de milho (SFM) e com a casca da mandioca (SCM). A SFM obteve o maior teor de PB, 22,38%, de EE, 27,35%, e o maior tempo de trânsito, com 195,0min; a SCM apresentou o maior valor de MM, 11,12%. Os valores de EMA e EMAn das farinhas de silagem de peixe não diferiram significativamente entre eles. O maior GP e a melhor CA foram apresentados pelos animais do tratamento SFM, e os piores GP e CA pelos frangos de corte alimentados com dietas contendo a SFVM. Com base na composição obtida, estas silagens de peixe têm potencialidade para serem utilizadas em dietas para frangos de corte.

The objective of this research was to determine the physical and chemical composition energy value and digestibility of four fish silage meal for broilers. Four flours were produced from fish silage using the residue of tilapia filleting ensiled together with different sources of fermentable carbohydrates. We analyzed the physical and chemical composition of silages and then a metabolism trial with 180 male Cobb chicks 14-25 days old, and also evaluated gastrintestinal transit time of feed and performance of birds in cages. The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and six replicates of six birds each. Treatments consisted of a reference diet and four test diets composed of 60% of the reference diet with the inclusion of 40% of the residue of tilapia silage with different sources of carbohydrates, and the fish silage meal with bran mesquite (SFA) with the scan cassava flour (SFVM) with corn meal (SFM), and peel cassava (SCM). The SFM had the highest content of CP, 22.38%, EE, 27.35%, and the largest transit time with 195.0 min, the SCM showed the highest MM, 11.12%. The AME and AMEn of flour fish silage did not differ significantly between them. The biggest and best GP CA was presented by animals in the SFM treatment and the worse CA GP was for broilers fed diets containing SFVM. Based on the composition obtained, these fish silage have the potential to be used in diets for broilers.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of inclusion of leucena leaf flour in diets on body composition of juveniles of tambaqui. A total of 240 juveniles were distributed in 12 plastic boxes (350 L), in a completely randomized experimental design with four treatments (0, 8, 16 and 24 % of inclusion of leucena leaf flour) and three replications. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between treatments, indicating that it can be possible to include up to 24 % leucena leaf flour in diets for juveniles of tambaqui, with no change in body composition.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da inclusão de farinha de folha de leucena em dietas sobre a composição corporal de juvenis de tambaqui. Um total de 240 juvenis foram distribuídos em 12 caixas plásticas (350 L), em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos (0, 8, 16 e 24 % de inclusão de farinha de folha de leucena) e três repetições. Não houve diferença significativa (p>0,05) entre os tratamentos, indicando que é possível incluir até 24 % de farinha de folha de leucena em rações para juvenis de tambaqui, sem que haja alteração da composição corporal.

O potencial alelopático de quatro diferentes extratos de plantas medicinais (Eclipta alba, Gomphrena globosa, Tabernaemontana catharinensis e Tithonia diversifolia) foi avaliado na germinação de Bidens pilosa e Lactuca sativa. Dentre os resultados obtidos no teste de germinação, notou-se um maior poder inibitório do extrato de G. globosa sobre sementes e plântulas de Bidens pilosa e Lactuca sativa independente da concentração utilizada e aumento da atividade inibitória de extratos T. catharinensis e de T. diversifolia com aumento da concentração destes. Quanto ao Índice de Velocidade de Germinação, os dados demonstraram redução do índice devido a elevada mortalidade das plântulas submetidas aos extratos de G. globosa e de T. catharinensis e a germinação tardia das sementes submetidas ao extrato de T. diversifolia. Quanto ao vigor das sementes, as menores porcentagens de sobrevivência ocorreram extratos à 2,5% para B. pilosa e 10% para L. sativa.

The allelopathic potential of four different extracts of medicinal plants (Eclipta alba, Gomphrena globosa, Tabernaemontana catharinensis and Tithonia diversifolia) was evaluated on the germination of Bidens pilosa and Lactuca sativa. The results obtained in the germination test indicated a greater inhibitory activity of G. globosa extract on Bidens pilosa and Lactuca sativa seeds and seedlings, regardlessof the used concentration, and an increase in the inhibitory activity of T. catharinensis and T. diversifolia extracts with an increase in their concentrations. As to Germination Speed Index, the data demonstrated a reduction due to the high mortality of seedlings subjected to G. globosa and T. catharinensis extracts and a late germination of seeds subjected to T. diversifolia extracts. As to the vigor of seeds, the smallest survival percentages occur at 2.5% for B. pilosa and at 10% for L.sativa.

Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke is a tree commonly found in the Amazon region and an extract of its stem bark is popularly used as an antimalarial and anti-inflammatory agent and as an antidote to snake venom. Ursolic acid; five lupane type triterpenes: betulin, betulinic acid, lupenone, 3ß-hydroxylup-20(29)-ene-27,28-dioic acid, and 2a,3ß-dihydroxylup-20(29)-ene-27,28-dioic acid, and three phytosteroids: stigmasterol, sitosterol and campesterol, have been isolated from stem extracts of A. amazonicus Ducke. Their structures were characterized by spectral data including COSY and HMQC. In an in vitro biological screening of the isolated compounds, 3ß-hydroxylup-20(29)-ene-27,28-dioic acid was cytotoxic against the SKBR-3 human adenocarcinoma cell line (1 to 10 mg/mL), while 2a,3ß-dihydroxylup-20(29)-ene-27,28-dioic acid exhibited cytotoxicity against both SKBR-3 human adenocarcinoma and C-8161 human melanoma tumor cell lines (>0.1 mg/mL). In the present study, different extracts and some fractions of this plant were also investigated for trypanocidal activity due to the presence of pentacyclic triterpenes. The triterpene classes are potent against Trypanosoma cruzi. The bioassays were carried out using blood collected from Swiss albino mice by cardiac puncture during the parasitemic peak (7th day) after infection with the Y strain of T. cruzi. The results obtained showed that A. amazonicus is a potential source of bioactive compounds since its extracts and fractions isolated from it exhibited in vitro parasite lysis against trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi at concentrations >100 µg/mL. Fractions containing mainly betulin, lupenone, 3ß-hydroxylup-20(29)-ene-27,28-dioic acid, and 2a,3ß-dihydroxylup-20(29)-ene-27,28-dioic acid showed more activity than crude extracts.

Para verificar o efeito da inclusão das interações reprodutor x rebanho e reprodutor x rebanho-ano como fator de ajustamento da heterogeneidade de variância, registros de produção de leite e gordura foram estratificados, com base no desvio-padrão fenotípico da produção de leite ajustada, em duas classes: baixo (<1.280kg) e alto (>1.280kg) desvio-padrão. Três modelos foram utilizados, sem e com interação reprodutor x rebanho e reprodutor x rebanho-ano, em análises de característica única, geral e em cada classe de desvio-padrão. Médias e componentes de variâncias foram maiores na classe de alto desvio-padrão. Na classe de baixo desvio-padrão, a herdabilidade não se alterou com a inclusão dos efeitos de interação no modelo, sendo de 0,34 para produção de leite e de 0,32 para produção de gordura. Na classe de alto desvio-padrão, as herdabilidades foram: 0,37, 0,35 e 0,36, e de 0,35, 0,32 e 0,35, para produção de leite e gordura, nos modelos sem, com interação reprodutor x rebanho e com interação reprodutor x rebanho-ano, respectivamente. A inclusão do efeito de interação reprodutor x rebanho nos modelos foi significativa (P<0,01) para produção de gordura, em análise geral e na classe de alto desvio-padrão, pelo teste da razão de verossimilhança.

In order to verify the effect of including the interactions of sire x herd and the sire x herd-year, as a adjust factor of the variance heterogeneity, registers of milk and fat yields were classified into two classes of standard deviation: low (<1.280kg) and high (>1.280kg), based on phenotypic standard deviation of the milk production adjusted. Three models, without and with interaction of sire x herd and sire x herd-year, were used in the general univariate analyses and in each standard deviation class. Averages and variance components were higher in the high standard deviation. In the class of low standard deviation, heritability didn't alter with the inclusion of the interaction effects in the model, being of 0.34 for milk yield and 0.32 for fat yield. In the class of high standard deviation, heritabilities were: 0.37, 0.35 and 0.36, and of 0.35, 0.32 and 0.35, for milk and fat yield, in the models without and with interaction of sire x herd and with interaction of sire x herd-year, respectively. The inclusion of the interaction of sire x herd was significant (P<0.01) for fat yield, in general analyses and in the high standard deviation class, in the likelihood ratio test.

Utilizaram-se registros de pesos do nascimento aos 196 dias de idade de 927 cordeiros, filhos de 45 reprodutores e 323 matrizes de ovinos da raça Santa Inês, controlados de 1983 a 2000, com o objetivo de avaliar três modelos que consideraram ou não o efeito genético materno e a (co)variância entre os efeitos genéticos direto e materno, para estimar componentes de variância e parâmetros genéticos por meio de modelos uni e bicaracterísticas. Os componentes de (co)variâncias e os parâmetros genéticos direto e materno para os pesos foram estimados pelo método da máxima verossimilhança restrita, sob modelo animal. De acordo com o teste de razão de verossimilhança, o modelo que incluiu o efeito aditivo direto mais o efeito materno foi o indicado para todas as características estudadas. A não-inclusão do efeito materno no modelo de análise superestimou as variâncias e as herdabilidades para o efeito direto (0,56 a 0,23). A importância do efeito materno diminuiu ao longo da trajetória de crescimento, à medida que a idade dos cordeiros aumentava. As variâncias e as herdabilidades estimadas por meio dos modelos bicaracterísticas para os efeitos genéticos diretos foram superiores às obtidas pelos modelos unicaracterísticas. As correlações genéticas entre as características foram altas e positivas. O efeito materno foi importante para todas as características estudadas, devendo, portanto, ser considerado nos estudos de crescimento. Os modelos bicaracterísticas possibilitaram resgatar parte da variância aditiva direta, levando a estimativas maiores de herdabilidade.

Records of birth weights at 196 days of age of 927 lamb progenies of 45 sires and 323 dams of Santa Ines sheep, controlled from 1983 to 2000, were used with purpose of evaluating three models that considered or no the maternal genetic effect and covariance between direct and maternal genetic effects, to estimate variance components and genetic parameters by single and two-trait analyses. The (co)variance components and genetic direct and maternal parameters were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood methods, under animal model. The model that included additive direct and maternal effects showed higher value for log likelihood for all the studied traits. Model without maternal effect overestimated the variances and heritability for direct genetic effect (0.56 to 0.23). The importance of maternal effect decreased with growth, as the age of the lambs increased. The variances and heritability estimates in two-trait models for genetic direct genetic effect were higher than those obtained by single-trait models. The genetic correlations between the traits were high and positive. The maternal effect was important for all the studied traits. The two-trait models allowed better estimate of the direct additive variance, causing higher heritability value.

Foram utilizados registros de pesos do nascimento aos 196 dias de idade de 927 cordeiros da raça Santa Inês, controlados de 1983 a 2000, com os objetivos de estimar parâmetros genéticos e predizer valores genéticos dos animais por meio de modelos de regressão aleatória e compará-los aos obtidos por meio de modelos bicaracterísticas. Os modelos de regressão aleatória foram ajustados por intermédio de polinômios de Legendre. As estimativas de herdabilidade do efeito genético direto aumentaram do nascimento aos 196 dias de idade. As herdabilidades para o efeito materno aumentaram do nascimento aos 56 dias, decrescendo em seguida com a idade. As herdabilidades para o efeito direto obtidas pelas análises bicaracterísticas e regressão aleatória apresentaram tendência oposta. As estimativas obtidas pelas análises bicaracterísticas decresceram do nascimento aos 196 dias de idade, e as obtidas pelos modelos de regressão aleatória aumentaram. As herdabilidades para efeito materno estimadas pelos modelos de regressão aleatória e bicaracterísticas apresentaram o mesmo comportamento, porém em diferentes magnitudes. A correlação de ordem entre os valores genéticos preditos pelos dois modelos foi baixa. As estimativas de herdabilidade e correlações genéticas obtidas pelo modelo de regressão aleatória foram mais coerentes quando comparadas àquelas obtidas pelo modelo bicaracterística.

Records on weights from birth to 196 days of age of 927 lambs of Santa Ines hairless sheep, from 1983 to 2000, were used to estimate genetic parameters and to predict breeding values by random regression models and to compare these estimates with those obtained by two-traits model. The random regression models were fitted by quadratic and cubic orthogonal Legendre polynomials. The heritability estimates of direct effect increased from birth to 196 days of age. The heritabilities for the maternal effect increased from birth to 56 days, and decreased after that age. The heritabilities for direct effect obtained by two-trait and random regression analyses showed opposite tendency. While the estimates obtained by two-trait analyses decreased from birth to 196 days of age, those obtained by random regression models increased. The heritabilities for maternal effect, obtained by both models, showed the same behavior, however with different magnitude. The Spearman correlation between estimated breeding values by both models was low. The heritability and genetic correlations estimated by random regression model were more consistent than those estimated by two-trait model.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a worldwide leading cause of death. The standard method for evaluating critical partial occlusions is coronary arteriography, a catheterization technique which is invasive, time consuming, and costly. There are noninvasive approaches for the early detection of CAD. The basis for the noninvasive diagnosis of CAD has been laid in a sequential analysis of the risk factors, and the results of the treadmill test and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS). Many investigators have demonstrated that the diagnostic applications of MPS are appropriate for patients who have an intermediate likelihood of disease. Although this information is useful, it is only partially utilized in clinical practice due to the difficulty to properly classify the patients. Since the seminal work of Lotfi Zadeh, fuzzy logic has been applied in numerous areas. In the present study, we proposed and tested a model to select patients for MPS based on fuzzy sets theory. A group of 1053 patients was used to develop the model and another group of 1045 patients was used to test it. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare the performance of the fuzzy model against expert physician opinions, and showed that the performance of the fuzzy model was equal or superior to that of the physicians. Therefore, we conclude that the fuzzy model could be a useful tool to assist the general practitioner in the selection of patients for MPS.