Intense stimulation of most living cells triggers the activation of immediate early genes, such as Fos and Jun families. These genes are important in cellular and biochemical processes, such as mitosis and cell death. The present study focused on determining the temporal expression pattern of Fos and Jun families in fibroblasts and neural stem cells of cerebellum, hippocampus, and subventricular zone (SVZ) of rats of different ages at 0, 0.5, 1, 3, and 6 h after stimulation with fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2. In neonates, a similar expression pattern was observed in all cells analyzed, with lower expression in basal condition, peak expression at 0.5 h after stimulation, returning to baseline values between 1 and 3 h after stimulation. On the other hand, cells from adult animals only showed Fra1 and JunD expression after stimulation. In fibroblasts and hippocampus, Fra1 reached peak expression at 0.5 h after stimulation, while in the SVZ, peak level was observed at 6 h after stimulation. JunD in fibroblasts presented two peak expressions, at 0.5 and 6 h after stimulation. Between these periods, the expression observed was at a basal level. Nevertheless, JunD expression in SVZ and hippocampus was low and without significant changes after stimulation. Differences in mRNA expression in neonate and adult animals characterize the significant differences in neurogenesis and cell response to stimulation at different stages of development. Characterizing these differences might be important for the development of cell cultures, replacement therapy, and the understanding of the physiological response profile of different cell types.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho é determinar os níveis de HMGB1, TNF-alfa e IL-8 no lavado broncoalveolar (BAL), bem como quantificar a expressão sérica de TLR2 e TLR4 mRNA em tecido pulmonar de coelhos com dois graus de lesão pulmonar aguda (LPA). Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em grupos com LPA grave (S) e leve / moderada (MM), induzidas com solução salina morna, e um grupo controle. HMGB1, TNF-alfa, IL-8, TLR2mRNA e TLR4mRNA foram medidos após a indução de LPA e quatro horas de ventilação mecânica. Os resultados mostraram níveis aumentados de IL-8, TNF-alfa, HMGB1 e TLR4mRNA nos grupos com LPA. As concentrações de HMGB1, IL-8 e TNF-alfa no LBA foram maiores no S comparado ao MM. Aumento de TLR4mRNA foi observado em S e MM versus controle. Os resultados sugerem uma participação precoce da HMGB1 na LPA em conjunto com IL-8 e TNF-alfa e associação com a gravidade da LPA. O TLR4 foi expresso na ALI e possivelmente possui papel precoce na fisiopatologia da LPA, mas sem associação com a gravidade.

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to measure HMGB1, TNF-alpha, and IL-8 in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), serum and TLR2 and TLR4mRNA expression in lung tissue of rabbits with two grades of acute lung injury (ALI). The animals were randomly assigned to groups with severe (S) and mild/moderate (MM) ALI, induced with warm saline, and a control group. HMGB1, TNF-alpha, IL-8, TLR2mRNA and TLR4mRNA were measured after ALI induction. The results showed increased levels of IL-8, TNF-alpha, HMGB1 and TLR4mRNA in the ALI groups. HMGB1, IL-8 and TNF-alpha concentrations in BAL were higher in S compared MM. Increased TLR4mRNA was observed in S and MM versus control. The results suggest an early participation of HMGB1 in ALI together with IL-8 and TNF-alpha and association with severity. TLR4 has early expression and role in ALI pathophysiology but is not associated with severity.

The addition of protease to broiler diets may complement the action of endogenous enzymes and improve protein digestibility. Here, the authors evaluated the effect of adding protease to broiler diets that contained animal-based meal on bird performance, digestibility, and biometry of digestive tract organs. Four treatments, which contained animal- or plant-based meals with or without supplementary protease were compared, namely basal vegetable feed (BVF), BVF + protease (BFP), basal vegetable feed + animal byproduct meal (BFA), and BFA + protease. In the first experiment, 320 one-day-old Cobb 500® chicks were allocated to eight replicates with 10 birds per replicate. The experimental period was seven days, and nutrient metabolizability was evaluated. In the second experiment, 720 one-day-old Cobb 500® chicks were assigned to treatments in a similar manner, with six replicates and 30 birds per replicate, but the experimental period was 42 days. Significant differences (P <0.05) were observed between treatments for nutrient digestibility, weight gain, feed consumption, average final weight, food conversion, viability, and biometry of the pancreas. Treatments with animal-based meals had the highest digestibility. Birds fed these meals grew faster in the pre-starter phase and consumed less feed between 1 and 21 days. However, between 1 and 42 days old, broilers fed plant-based diets had better feed conversion, and the group that did not receive protease supplementation had a better liveability rate.

O hemangiossarcoma ocular na espécie equina é um tumor maligno, raro e agressivo, de origem vascular endotelial. No presente trabalho, descreve-se um caso de hemangiossarcoma ocular em uma égua de 10 anos que apresentava secreção serossanguinolenta advinda de uma massa, acometendo a conjuntiva bulbar e a terceira pálpebra do olho direito. O diagnóstico foi realizado com base na avaliação histopatológica e na imuno-histoquímica. Foi realizada a enucleação, assim como a completa excisão cirúrgica do tecido acometido, não sendo observada, após seis meses da terapia, a recidiva ou a metástase da lesão.

Equine ocular hemangiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive malignant tumor of vascular endothelial origin. We describe a case of ocular hemangiosarcoma in a 10-year-old mare with serosanguineous secretion arising from a mass involving the bulbar conjunctiva and third eyelid of the right eye. The diagnosis was based on histopathological evaluation and immunohistochemistry. Enucleation was performed as complete surgical excision of the affected tissue, with no recurrence or metastasis of the lesion being observed after six months of.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho comparar e correlacionar as características de desempenho e de carcaça em codornas de corte do nascimento aos 35 dias de idade. Foram utilizadas 1176 codornas de um dia, machos e fêmeas, de sete genótipos de codornas de corte (EV1, EV2, UFV1, UFV2, UFV3, LF1 e LF2), distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com ensaio fatorial 7x2 (genótipo x sexo), em sete repetições com 12 codornas por unidade experimental. As codornas foram pesadas individualmente do nascimento aos 35 dias de idade, em intervalos semanais. Aos 35 dias de idade, dois machos e duas fêmeas de cada genótipo e repetição foram amostrados e abatidos para avaliação do peso de carcaça e dos cortes nobres. As análises estatísticas foram conduzidas utilizando-se o procedimento GLM e CORR com a opção MANOVA do SAS para avaliar as diferenças entre os genótipos e a correlação entre as variáveis. Não houve interação (P≥0,05) entre genótipo e sexo para as características de desempenho (peso e ganho de peso nas diferentes idades). Entretanto, houve efeito significativo da interação genótipo x sexo (P<0,05) para as características de pesos de carcaça, peito e coxa+sobrecoxa. Em geral, as codornas dos grupos genéticos UFV1, UFV2 e UFV3 foram as mais pesadas dos sete aos 35 dias de idade e apresentaram maiores rendimentos de carcaça. Como observado pelas correlações fenotípicas, a tendência é que codornas que apresentam maior peso corporal e ganho de peso irão apresentar maior peso de carcaça e dos seus principais cortes.

This study was carried out to compare and relate the performance and carcass traits of different quail genotypes from hatch to 35 days of age. A total of 1176 one-day-old quails of both sexes were allotted in a completely randomized experimental design, in a 7x2 factorial scheme (genotypes x sexes), in seven replicates with 12 quails per experimental unit. Quails of each genotype were weighed weekly from hatch to 35 days of age. At 35 days of age two males and two females of each genotype and replicate were sampled and slaughtered to evaluate carcass weight and main cut yield. Statistical analyses were performed by GLM and CORR procedure from the Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 2000, version 9.0), with the MANOVA option of the SAS device to assess the differences between the genotypes and the correlation between variables. There was no interaction (P≥0.05) between genotype and sex with the performance characteristics of weight and weight gain. However, there was a significant effect of genotype x sex (P<0.05) for the characteristics carcass,breast, thigh and drumstick weights. In general, quails of genetic groups UFV1, UFV2 and UFV3 were heavier from 7 to 35 days of age. We observed that for the correlation the tendency is that quail that showed higher body weight and weight gain will have greater housing and main cuts weight.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da inclusão de Yucca schidigera e zeólita (Clinoptilolita) em alimentos (super premium e standard) para cães adultos sobre o coeficiente de indigestibilidade aparente de minerais. No primeiro ensaio, foram utilizados 21 cães, com peso médio de 12,5kg±1,46, distribuídos em sete tratamentos em dois períodos (dieta super premium denominada controle e controle com adição de 125, 250, 375ppm de Yucca schidigera e 0,5%, 0,75% e 1,0% de zeólita). O segundo foi realizado com um alimento standard, utilizando-se 21 parcelas experimentais distribuídas em três tratamentos (dieta standard denominada controle e controle com adição de 375ppm de Yucca schidigera e 1,0% de zeólita). Os aditivos não afetaram a aceitabilidade do alimento e as características fecais nos dois ensaios (P>0,05). Com exceção do cálcio, nenhum mineral sofreu interferência da inclusão dos aditivos (P>0,05) no experimento com alimento super premium. No ensaio com alimento standard, tanto cálcio quanto fósforo e magnésio apresentaram redução na excreção (P<0,05) com a inclusão dos aditivos. Pôde-se concluir que a inclusão dos aditivos nas concentrações testadas pode interferir na excreção de alguns minerais da dieta.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding Yucca schidigera and zeolite (Clinoptilolite) to feed (super premium and standard) for adult dogs on the apparent indigestibility coefficient of minerals. In the first assessment, 21 dogs were used, with average weight of 12.5kg±1.46 in seven treatments in two periods (super premium diet referred to as control and control with the addition of 125, 250, 375ppm Yucca schidigera and 0.5%, 0.75% and 1.0% zeolite). The second assessment was conducted with standard feed, using 21 experimental plots distributed in three treatments (standard diet referred to as control and control with the addition of 375ppm of Yucca schidigera and 1.0% zeolite). The additives did not affect the acceptability of feed and fecal characteristics in both assessments (P>0.05). With the exception of calcium, no minerals were affected by the inclusion of additives (P>0.05) in the experiment with super premium feed. In the assessment with standard feed, calcium as phosphorus and magnesium presented decreased excretion (P<0.05) with the inclusion of additives. It is possible to conclude that the inclusion of additives in the tested concentrations may interfere with the excretion of some minerals in the diet.

The objective of the present study was to compare the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) and carprofen (CP) on postoperative incisional pain using the plantar incision (PI) model in rats. A 1-cm longitudinal incision was made through skin, fascia and muscles of a hind paw of male Wistar rats and the development of mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity was determined over 4 days using the von Frey and Hargreaves methods, respectively. Based on the experimental treatments received on the third postoperative day, the animals were divided into the following groups: PI+CP (CP, 2 mg/kg, po); PI+EAST36 (100-Hz EA applied bilaterally at the Zusanli point (ST36)); PI+EANP (EA applied to a non-acupoint region); PI+IMMO (immobilization only); PI (vehicle). In the von Frey test, the PI+EAST36 group had higher withdrawal force thresholds in response to mechanical stimuli than the PI, PI+IMMO and PI+EANP groups at several times studied. Furthermore, the PI+EAST36 group showed paw withdrawal thresholds in response to mechanical stimuli that were similar to those of the PI+CP group. In the Hargreaves test, all groups had latencies higher than those observed with PI. The PI+EAST36 group was similar to the PI+IMMO, PI+EANP and PI+CP groups. We conclude that 100-Hz EA at the ST36 point, but not at non-acupoints, can reduce mechanical nociception in the rat model of incisional pain, and its effectiveness is comparable to that of carprofen.

RESUMO A adoção de práticas culturais como o consórcio de culturas e o tipo de irrigação podem beneficiar a comunidade de inimigos naturais no agroecossistema ao disponibilizar micro-habitas mais favoráveis e recursos alternativos, principalmente em períodos de baixa precipitação pluviométrica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar como o consórcio tomate + coentro e o tipo de irrigação (gotejamento e aspersão) podem beneficiar a comunidade de inimigos naturais no agroecossistema do tomateiro. O trabalho foi realizado no campo experimental da Embrapa Hortaliças, Gama, DF, de setembro a novembro de 2008. Os tomateiros foram plantados em monocultura ou consorciados com o coentro e irrigados por gotejamento e por aspersão (três repetições por tratamento), formando dois conjuntos de parcelas experimentais de acordo com o tipo de irrigação. A comunidade de inimigos naturais foi amostrada por observações diretas em 20 plantas de tomate por parcela e nas plantas de coentro sacudindo-se as plantas em cima de uma bandeja onde eram coletados os insetos. A abundância, riqueza e diversidade das espécies de inimigos naturais foram maiores nas parcelas cultivadas com coentro, independente do sistema de irrigação. Nas parcelas plantadas em monocultura foram encontradas mais espécies quando o tomateiro foi irrigado por aspersão. No entanto, a resposta de cada espécie de inimigo natural ou grupo de espécies foi distinta para o consórcio ou o tipo de irrigação. Portanto, em períodos de baixa precipitação, o consórcio tomate + coentro e a irrigação por aspersão podem favorecer a conservação de inimigos naturais no agroecossistema do tomateiro orgânico.

ABSTRACT The adoption of cultural practices such as companion plants and the kind of irrigation system can benefit the community of natural enemies in the agroecosystem due to the increase of more favorable microhabitats available and as a source of alternative resources, mainly in periods of low precipitation. This study evaluated how the tomato + coriander intercrop and the kind of irrigation (drip and sprinkler) could benefit the community of natural enemies in the tomato agroecosystem. This work was carried out in the experimental field of Embrapa Hortaliças, Gama, DF, from September to November 2008. The tomatoes were planted in monoculture or with coriander (companion plant) and irrigated by drip and sprinkler irrigation (three replicates per treatment), forming two groups of experimental plots according to the kind of irrigation. The community of natural enemies was sampled by the direct observation of specimens on 20 tomatoes plants per plot and in the treatments. Coriander plants were shaken over a plastic tray for collection of insects. The abundance, richness and diversity of natural enemies were higher in tomato + coriander plots, regardless of the irrigation system. We observed more species of natural enemies in tomato monoculture plots when it was irrigated by sprinkler irrigation. However, the cultural practices adopted had a different effect on each species or group of species. Therefore, in periods of low precipitation, the tomato + coriander consortium associated with sprinkler irrigation can enhance the conservation of natural enemies in the organic tomato agroecosystem.

Os Autores relatam um caso de paracoccidioidomicose diagnosticado como se fora hanseníase tuberculóide, tanto do ponto de vista clínico como histopatológico. Lesão cutânea de padrão sarcoídico é raramente observada como lesão inicial da paracoccidioidomicose em jovens e pode simular outras dermatoses infecciosas ou inflamatórias. O achado histológico de granuloma tuberculóide apresenta dificuldade diagnóstica similar. O tratamento realizado com dapsone, um derivado sulfamídico, pode ter retardado a evolução clínica esperada para o padrão clássico da paracoccidioidomicose tipo juvenil, o qual apenas se materializou 24 meses após a paciente ter iniciado tratamento como hanseníase.

The authors report a case of paracoccidioidomycosis misinterpreted as tuberculoid leprosy, both on clinical and histological examination. Sarcoid-like cutaneous lesion as the initial presentation is rare in young patient with paracoccidioidomycosis and can simulate other infectious or inflammatory diseases. On histology, tuberculoid granuloma presented similar difficulties. Treatment with dapsone, a sulfonamide derivative, could have delayed the presumed natural clinical course to the classical juvenile type of paracoccidioidomycosis, observed only 24 months after the patient had been treated for leprosy.

A utilização de lamas residuais urbanas (LRU) em solos agrícolas contribui para o incremento da sua fertilidade e reciclagem destes resíduos, mas as concentrações de alguns metais podem limitar os níveis de aplicação. Neste trabalho, avaliam-se os teores de cobre (Cu) nas águas de escorrimento superficial, num ensaio semeado com uma consociação pratense de leguminosas e gramíneas, em que foi aplicada LRU com elevada concentração de Cu (2042 mg kg-1). O ensaio, em blocos casualizados, foi instalado, em Mértola, num Luvissolo Háplico (LVha), de declive médio de 15%, com três níveis de LRU de Évora (L0 = 0, L1 = 12 e L2 = 24 t/ha) e duas repetições. Em cada talhão (48 m²), foram instalados dispositivos de erosão de chapa zincada (4 m²) aos quais se acoplaram depósitos de polietileno (80 L), para recolha de águas de escorrimento superficial. Analisou-se o Cu nas águas de escorrimento colhidas em 2002 (sete datas), 2003 (cinco datas) e 2004 (duas datas). De acordo com o Decreto-Lei 236/98, que normaliza a qualidade da água, a concentração de Cu foi inferior ao valor limite de emissão (1,0 mg L-1) para a descarga de águas residuais e inferior ao valor máximo recomendado (0,2 mg L-1) para as águas de rega. Relativamente aos resultados obtidos, em 2002 pode estimar-se que seriam necessários cerca de 75397 anos para esgotar o Cu adicionado ao solo na modalidade L2. Com base nos valores de 2004, seriam indispensáveis 47123 e 100016 anos para escorrer o Cu nas modalidades L1 e L2, respectivamente. Não foi possível quantificar a duração da perda do elemento com os resultados de 2003, devido à superioridade do valor de Cu escoado em L0, relativamente aos das outras modalidades. O Cu proveniente da aplicação desta LRU teve um arrastamento reduzido, podendo afirmar-se que não terá um efeito poluente através da água de escorrimento superficial nos recursos hídricos superficiais e subterrâneos da região.

Agricultural land spreading of urban biosolids (UB) contributes to increase soil fertility and also for its recycling, but the concentrations of some metals may restrict the application rates. In this work, the copper (Cu) concentrations in surface runoff water (SRW) were evaluated, in a field experiment of application of UB with a high Cu concentration (2042 mg kg-1) with a sown pasture mixture. The field experiment was a randomised block design, with three UB rates from Évora (L0 = 0, L1 = 12, and L2 = 24 t/ha), and two replicates. It was established on a Haplic Luvisol, in Mértola, with a mean slope of 15%. Erosion devices of zinc plate (4 m²) were installed in each plot (48 m²) to which polyethylene reservoirs were connected (80 L) to collect the SRW. The SRW sampled in 2002 (seven dates), 2003 (five dates) and 2004 (two dates) were analysed for Cu. According to the Decreto-Lei nº 236/98, which sets out requirements for the water quality, the SRW Cu concentrations were lower than the emission value (1,0 mg L-1) for the wastewater discharge and they were also lower than the maximum recommended value (0,2 mg L-1) for irrigation water. From the data obtained in 2002, about 75397 years would be required to drain the Cu added to the soil through the UB L2 rate. From the results got in 2004, about 47123 and 100016 years would be needed to remove the Cu from the UB L1 and L2 rates, respectively. As regard to 2003, it was not possible to quantify the loss of the element, as the Cu concentration at the L0 rate was higher than at the other rates. The Cu from the application of this UB had a reduced dragging and will not be pollutant to the surface-water and groundwater resources of the region.

Opisthorchis felineus foi encontrado em um gato admitido no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro. No momento de admissão, o animal apresentava-se em estado de choque, com hipotermia, desidratação e mucosas pálidas. As análises hematológicas revelaram linfopenia, eosinofilia e anemia moderada. À necrópsia observou-se distensão da vesícula biliar e intensa infestação parasitária no fígado. O estudo morfológico do parasita revelou tratar-se de Opisthorchis felineus.

Entrapment neuropathy is a group of clinical disorders involving compression of a peripheral nerve and interference with nerve function mostly through traction injury. We have investigated the chronic compression of peripheral nerves as an experimental procedure for detecting changes in ultrastructural nerve morphology. Adult hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus, N = 30) were anesthetized with a 25% pentobarbital solution and received a cuff around the right sciatic nerve. Left sciatic nerves were not operated (control group). Animals survived for varying times (up to 15 weeks), after which they were sacrificed and both sciatic nerves were immediately fixed with a paraformaldehyde solution. Experimental nerves were divided into segments based upon their distance from the site of compression (proximal, entrapment and distal). Semithin and ultrathin sections were obtained and examined by light and electron microscopy. Ultrastructural changes were qualitatively described and data from semithin sections were morphometrically analyzed both in control and in compressed nerves. We observed endoneurial edema along with both perineurial and endoneurial thickening and also the existence of whorled cell-sparse structures (Renaut bodies) in the subperineurial space of compressed sciatic nerves. Morphometric analyses of myelinated axons at the compression sites displayed a remarkable increase in the number of small axons (up to 60%) in comparison with the control axonal number. The distal segment of compressed nerves presented a distinct decrease in axon number (up to 40%) comparatively to the control group. The present experimental model of nerve entrapment in adult hamsters was shown to promote consistent histopathologic alterations analogous to those found in chronic compressive neuropathies.

Pressor responses elicited by stimulation of the nucleus raphe obscurus (NRO) depend on the integrity of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). Therefore, to test the participation of excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors in the cardiovascular responses evoked by NRO stimulation (1 ms, 100 Hz, 40-70 µA, for 10 s), the EAA antagonist kynurenic acid (Kyn) was microinjected at different sites in the ventrolateral medullar surface (2.7 nmol/200 nl) of male Wistar rats (270-320 g, N = 39) and NRO stimulation was repeated. The effects of NRO stimulation were: hypertension (deltaMAP = +43 ± 1 mmHg, P<0.01), bradycardia (deltaHR = -30 ± 7 bpm, P<0.01) and apnea. Bilateral microinjection of Kyn into the RVLM, which did not change baseline parameters, almost abolished the bradycardia induced by NRO stimulation (deltaHR = -61 ± 3 before vs -2 ± 3 bpm after Kyn, P<0.01, N = 7). Unilateral microinjection of Kyn into the CVLM did not change baseline parameters or reduce the pressor response to NRO stimulation (deltaMAP = +46 ± 5 before vs +48 ± 5 mmHg after Kyn, N = 6). Kyn bilaterally microinjected into the caudal pressor area reduced blood pressure and heart rate and almost abolished the pressor response to NRO stimulation (deltaMAP = +46 ± 4 mmHg before vs +4 ± 2 mmHg after Kyn, P<0.01, N = 7). These results indicate that EAA receptors on the medullary ventrolateral surface play a role in the modulation of the cardiovascular responses induced by NRO stimulation, and also suggest that the RVLM participates in the modulation of heart rate responses and that the caudal pressor area modulates the pressor response following NRO stimulation.

A cigarrinha das pastagens Deois flavopicta Stal (Hom.: Cercopidae) ocorre naturalmente em gramíneas nativas no Brasil Central em baixas densidades populacionais. Após a introdução de gramíneas africanas, principalmente do gênero Brachiaria, D. flavopicta passou a produzir explosões populacionais e tornou-se a principal praga das pastagens na região. Estudos visando comparar os efeitos da planta hospedeira nativa e da exótica sobre a fecundidade do inseto foram desenvolvidos. Fêmeas de D. flavopicta, mantidas durante a fase adulta em Brachiaria ruziziensis, produziram mais ovos e tiveram maior longevidade média que aquelas mantidas em Axonopus marginatus, independente da planta hospedeira em que foram criadas durante a fase ninfal. Devido aos danos causados pelos adultos na planta hospedeira, o efeito da densidade de indivíduos em sua própria fecundidade foi avaliado em gaiolas de oviposição contendo plantas de B. ruziziensis padronizadas no comprimento e quantidade de perfilhos. Densidades de um, dois, três, quatro e seis casais com fêmeas virgens foram avaliadas. A densidade populacional de três casais, equivalente a 150 adultos/m², ou maior que esta, reduziu a fecundidade das fêmeas. Estes estudos contribuíram para o entendimento dos mecanismos que influem para as baixas populações de cigarrinha observadas em gramíneas nativas e que promovem explosões populacionais em pastagens cultivadas com plantas introduzidas.

The spittlebug Deois flavopicta Stal (Hom.: Cercopidae) occurs naturally on native grasses in Central Brazil in low population densities. After the introduction of African grasses, mainly of the genus Brachiaria, for cattle raising, D. flavopicta began to produce population outbreaks and became a pest. Two studies were conducted, aiming to estimate the effects of a native and an exotic host plant on the fecundity of this insect. Females of D. flavopicta maintained during the adult stage on Brachiaria ruziziensis produced more eggs and lived longer than those maintained on Axonopus marginatus (a native grass widely distributed in Brazil), independently of the host plant on which the nymphs were reared. Due to the severe damage produced by adult D. flavopicta on the host plant, the effect of insect density on its own reproductive capacity was evaluated in oviposition cages containing plants of B. ruziziensis, standardized in height and stem number. Densities of one, two, three, four and six couples with virgin females were evaluated. Population densities of three couples, equivalent to 150 adults/m², or higher decreased insect's fecundity. These results contributed to the understanding of the mechanisms that determine low levels of spittlebug populations in the native grasses and promote population outbreaks in introduced ones.

Avaliou-se o desempenho de características produtivas de sete grupos genéticos (M1C1, C1C1, C2C2, M1C2, C2F1, C1F1, M1F1) de frangos de corte obtidos a partir do cruzamento entre dois genótipos desenvolvidos pela UFV (M1 e F1) e duas das principais marcas comerciais (C1 e C2). As aves foram distribuídas ao acaso em 84 boxes (15 aves/boxe e 12 repetições), onde permaneceram até o 42º dia de idade. No primeiro período (1º ao 21º dia de idade) as aves receberam ração com 3000 kcal de EM/kg, e no segundo período (22º ao 42º dia de idade) foram utilizadas rações com quatro diferentes níveis de energia (2900, 3050, 3200 e 3350 kcal EM/kg). Foram avaliadas as características: consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar no primeiro e segundo períodos e no período total (1 a 42 dias). No primeiro período observaram-se diferenças entre os grupos genéticos quanto ao ganho de peso e consumo de ração, mas não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto à conversão alimentar. No segundo período e no período total observaram-se diferenças no consumo de ração, no ganho de peso e na conversão alimentar entre grupos genéticos e níveis de energia. Os grupos C1C1 e C2C2 apresentaram, em geral, os melhores resultados. O efeito do nível de energia foi linear para essas características.

Performance traits of seven genetic groups (M1C1, C1C1, C2C2, M1C2, C2F1, C1F1, M1F1) of broilers obtained from crosses of two genetic groups developed by UFV (M1 and F1) and two commercial lines (C1 and C2) was studied. The birds were randomly allotted in 84 boxes (15 birds/box) whith 12 replicates. In the first period (1 to 21 days) the birds were fed on diet with 3000 kcal of EM/kg, and in the second period (22 to 42 days) they were fed on diets with four different levels of energy (2900, 3050, 3200 and 3350 kcal EM/kg). The following traits were analyzed: feed intake, weight gain and feed:gain ratio in the first (1 to 21 days), and second (22 to 42 days) periods and in total period (1 to 42 days of age). In the first period, significant differences among the genetic groups for weight gain and feed intake were observed, but no significant differences among the groups for feed:gain ratio were found. In the second period and in the total period, significant differences among the genetic groups and levels of energy for feed intake, weight gain and feed:gain ratio were observed. The effect of the levels of energy was linear for all traits studied.