ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different colors and management of polypropylene non-woven fabric coverings and two different localized irrigation systems on the physiological characteristics and yield of industrial tomatoes. The experiment was installed in a randomized block design arranged in a split-plot scheme with four replications. Surface and subsurface drip were used in the plots, and five plant cover strategies with non-woven fabric in the subplots: i) without non-woven fabric; ii) coverage with white non-woven fabric; iii) coverage with white non-woven fabric, removed between 30 and 60 days after transplanting the seedlings; iv) coverage with red non-woven fabric; v) coverage with red non-woven fabric, removed between 30 and 60 days after transplanting. Photosynthesis, transpiration, electron transport rate, stomatal conductance, carbon concentration, total fruit yield, and water use efficiency were evaluated. ANOVA and the Scott-Knott test were used. Transpiration is favored by the white non-woven fabric and the stomatal conductance by the white and uninterrupted red one. However, the tomato yield is not influenced by the coverings, except for the red one, removed only between 30 and 60 days after transplanting, which is the worst condition for industrial tomato production. Surface and subsurface irrigation can be used with the same efficiency.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de diferentes colorações e manejos de coberturas de tela não-tecida, e de dois diferentes sistemas de irrigação localizada sobre características fisiológicas e produção de frutos do tomateiro industrial. O experimento foi instalado em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com 4 repetições, em parcelas subdivididas. Gotejamentos superficial e subterrâneo foram utilizados nas parcelas; e 5 estratégias de cobertura da planta com tela não-tecida nas subparcelas: i) sem cobertura; ii) cobertura com tela não-tecida branca; iii) tela não-tecida branca, retirado entre 30 e 60 dias após o transplante; iv) tela não-tecida vermelha; v) tela não-tecida vermelha, retirado entre 30 e 60 dias após o transplante. Avaliou-se: taxa fotossintética, de transpiração e de transporte de elétrons; condutância estomática; concentração de carbono; produção total de frutos e eficiência do uso da água. Foram utilizados ANOVA e teste de Scott-Knott. A transpiração é favorecida pelas coberturas brancas, a condutância estomática, pelas coberturas brancas e vermelha ininterrupta, porém a produtividade não é influenciada pelas coberturas, exceto a vermelha, retirada entre 30 e 60 dias após transplante, que é a pior condição para o tomate industrial. Irrigações superficial e subterrânea podem ser utilizadas com mesma eficiência.

Resumo Com o crescente interesse no seu cultivo, estudos na produção de pitaya ((Selenicereus undatus (Haw.) D.R. Hunt, família Cactaceae) é de fundamental importância quando se busca novas técnicas para o incremento do cultivo e garantia de um pomar homogêneo e produtivo. Objetivou-se avaliar a influência do uso de diferentes concentrações de ácido giberélico e do estágio de maturação de frutos na germinação de sementes e vigor de plântulas de pitaya vermelha da polpa branca, tendo em vista a qualidade fisiológica de mudas produzidas a fim de subsidiar trabalhos de melhoramento genético e conservação da espécie. Foram utilizadas sementes de frutos de pitaya vermelha da polpa branca em dois estágios de maturação (fisiologicamente maduros e conservados à 10°C em BOD por 3 meses), tratadas com diferentes concentrações de ácido giberélico: 0, 50, 100 e 500 mg/L. Foi possível observar que houve influência do armazenamento de frutos na germinação, emergência e crescimento das plântulas em função das concentrações de ácido giberélico. Assim, verifica-se que, no caso de sementes extraídas de frutos maduros de pitaya vermelha da polpa branca, quando semeadas nas condições do presente estudo, é necessário a utilização de GA3 para incrementar a emergência e o vigor das plântulas, com doses ótimas variando entre 150 e 300 mg/L. No caso da necessidade em armazenar os frutos de pitaya para a posterior retirada de sementes, também nas mesmas condições de semeadura do presente estudo, observa-se que, em síntese, é necessária a utilização de GA3, porém em doses maiores do que o observado no primeiro, sendo de, no mínimo, 500 mg/L. O presente estudo mostra que há influência do estágio de maturação dos frutos de pitaya vermelha de polpa branca para retirada de sementes sobre a qualidade das mudas, concluindo que o uso de sementes extraídas de frutos maduros, sem fermentação, é mais adequado para esta finalidade.

Abstract With increased interest in cultivation, the study of white-fleshed pitahaya (Selenicereus undatus (Haw.) D.R. Hunt, Cactaceae family) seedling production is of fundamental importance in the search for novel techniques to increase cultivation and guarantee homogeneous and productive orchards. The present study investigated the influence of various gibberellic acid (GA3) concentrations and fruit maturation stages on seed germination and vigor of white-fleshed pitahaya seedlings, considering the physiological quality of seedlings produced to support genetic breeding and conservation programs of the species. White-fleshed pitahaya seeds at two maturation stages (physiologically ripe and maintained at 10 °C in Biochemical Oxygen Demand incubators for three months) were treated with varying GA3 concentrations of 0, 50, 100, and 500 mg/L. We observed the influence of fruit storage on seedling germination, emergence, and growth as a function of GA3 concentration. According to the results, seeds extracted from ripe white-fleshed pitahaya fruits grown under the conditions tested here required GA3 application to increase seedling emergence and vigor, with optimal doses in the 150–300-mg/L range. In the case of pitahaya fruits intended for storage for future seed removal and maintained under the same sowing conditions, the application of higher doses of GA3 was necessary when compared to the previous condition, with a minimum dose of 500 mg/L GA3. The present study shows that the maturation stage of white-fleshed pitahaya fruits intended for seed removal influences the quality of seedlings; therefore, the use of seeds extracted from ripe pitahaya fruits without fermentation is more appropriate for the purpose.

Resumo Relatos da medicina popular costumam atuar como referencial para o desenvolvimento de novos fármacos a partir de moléculas naturais com ações terapêuticas para doenças de alta gravidade e prevalência como o câncer. Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. é uma espécie da família Bromeliaceae, considerada uma planta alimentícia não convencional (PANC), encontrada nas regiões sul e centro-oeste do Brasil. Apesar do alto teor nutritivo e potencial farmacológico de seus frutos, poucos estudos científicos relatam suas ações biológicas. Desta forma, este estudo avalia o perfil fitoquímico de extratos aquoso e etanólico obtidos de frutos de B. antiacantha, bem como a sua possível ação antioxidante, antitumoral e citotóxica. O extrato aquoso apresentou compostos fenólicos e flavonoides, enquanto os extratos etanólicos apontam a presença de flavonóides e cumarina em sua composição, independente da região de coleta. O extrato etanólico demonstrou efeito antioxidante mais promissor do que o extrato aquoso e também induziu uma inibição significativa na viabilidade de células humanas de câncer cervical da linhagem SiHa. Além disso, o tratamento com ambos extratos não alterou a viabilidade de células não tumorais da linhagem de queratinócitos humanos imortalizados (HaCaT). Estes dados trazem novas informações sobre extratos obtidos de uma espécie vegetal nativa, comestível e já utilizada tradicionalmente, mas abrindo novas perspectivas quanto a possíveis aplicações terapêuticas.

Abstract Reports from popular medicine usually act as a basis for the development of new drugs from natural compounds with therapeutic actions for serious diseases and prevalence such as cancer. Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. is a species of the Bromeliaceae family, considered an unconventional food plant, found in the south and midwest regions of Brazil. Despite the high nutritional content and pharmacological potential of its fruits, few scientific studies report its biological actions. Thus, this study evaluates the phytochemical profile of aqueous and ethanol extracts obtained from B. antiacantha fruits, as well as their possible antioxidant, antitumor, and cytotoxic activities. The aqueous extract exhibited phenolic compounds and flavonoids, while ethanol extracts indicated the presence of flavonoids and coumarin in their composition, regardless of the region of collection. The ethanolic extract demonstrated a more promising antioxidant effect than the aqueous extract and also induced a significant inhibition in the viability of human cervical cancer cells of the SiHa strain. In addition, treatment with both extracts did not alter the viability of non-tumor cells of the immortalized human keratinocyte lineage (HaCaT). These results bring new data about extracts obtained from a native plant, edible and traditionally used in popular medicine, opening new perspectives for its possible therapeutic application.

Resumo O Brasil é o maior produtor de figos da América do Sul, porém o cultivo comercial brasileiro da figueira baseia-se na plantação de uma única cultivar, o Roxo-de-Valinhos, resultando em sérios problemas relativos a pragas e doenças. Uma vez que há variações epigenéticas na interação planta-patógeno, principalmente por meio da regulação gênica, o presente trabalho objetiva realizar a caracterização in vivo de acessos de figo, por meio da análise de incidência natural de nematoides formadores de galha e de incidência natural de ferrugem, correlacionada ao seu perfil epigenômico, a fim de subsidiar trabalhos de conservação, melhoramento genético e produção da cultura. A análise dos componentes principais dos dados da caracterização dos acessos foi realizada por meio da matriz de correlação residual obtida pela análise de variância conjunta utilizando o programa GENES. Pôde-se constatar que todas as plantas foram atacadas por este patógeno, evidenciando que são suscetíveis ao mesmo. Já a análise conjunta dos dados demonstrou que a metilação e a incidência de ferrugem em folhas, quando observadas na mesma fase fenológica da planta, se correlacionam, apresentando evidências iniciais de mesmas cargas fatoriais de pressão nos genótipos, com a premissa de comportamento semelhante nos mesmos, indicando que, além do fator genético, fatores abióticos também são responsáveis pelas alterações no fenótipo das plantas, evidenciando a plasticidade fenotípica das mesmas.

Abstract Commercial fig tree cultivation in Brazil involves a single cultivar, ‘Roxo-de-Valinhos’. The use of a single cultivar results in serious diseases and related problems. The aim of this study was to characterize fig accessions by analyzing the natural root-knot nematode and leaf rust incidence in relation to the epigenomic profile of the plant, since epigenetic variations affect plant–pathogen interactions. All plants were attacked by nematodes, indicating susceptibility; Meloidogyne incognita was the root-knot nematode species involved. Joint analysis of data showed that methylation and leaf rust incidence were correlated when observed in the same phenological phase, presenting initial evidence of the same factorial pressure loads in genotypes, suggesting similar behavior within these genotypes.

Resumo A infecção por micobactérias não tuberculosas é uma das doenças bacterianas crônicas mais comuns em peixes ornamentais de aquário e parece estar diretamente relacionada a práticas de manejo estressantes. Além disso, também representa potencial zoonótico. Aqui, apresentamos o isolamento e a caracterização de micobactérias não tuberculosas de peixes-anjo de água doce doentes (Pterophyllum scalare) em São Paulo, Brasil. Foram avaliadas nove fêmeas reprodutoras descartadas com sinais de doença. Os peixes exibiam letargia, perda de apetite, caquexia, úlceras cutâneas e exoftalmia. Na necropsia, quatro peixes apresentaram granulomas macroscópicos no baço. Mycobacterium chelonae, M. fortuitum, M. gordonae, M. intracellulare e M. peregrinum foram isolados e identificados por análise de restrição por PCR de hsp65. A análise histopatológica revelou lesões microscópicas compatíveis com micobacteriose, e o bacilo de Mycobacterium foi observado pela coloração de Ziehl-Neelsen. Notavelmente, todas as espécies de Mycobacterium identificadas neste estudo já foram relatadas em pacientes humanos; portanto, animais doentes podem ser uma fonte de infecção para pessoas que manipulam peixes e aquários.

Abstract Nontuberculous mycobacteria infection is one of the most common chronic bacterial diseases in ornamental aquarium fish and appears to be directly related to stressful husbandry practices. Furthermore, it also represents zoonotic potential. Here we present the isolation and characterization of non-tuberculous mycobacteria from diseased freshwater angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) in São Paulo, Brazil. Nine discarded breeding females with signs of disease were evaluated. The fish exhibited lethargy, loss of appetite, cachexia, skin ulcers, and exophthalmia. At necropsy, four fishes presented macroscopic granulomas in the spleen. Mycobacterium chelonae, M. fortuitum, M. gordonae, M. intracellulare and M. peregrinum were isolated and identified by hsp65 PCR restriction analysis. Histopathological analysis revealed microscopic lesions compatible with mycobacteriosis, and Mycobacterium bacillus were observed by Ziehl-Neelsen stain. Notably, all Mycobacterium species identified in this study have already been reported in human patients; therefore, diseased animals may be a source of infection for people who handle fish and aquariums.

Abstract This work presents an adaptive hybrid signal precoding strategy for Cell-Free (CF) Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. The proposed solution exploits the advantages of both distributed and centralized signal processing schemes to perform precoding. In our proposal, some access points (APs) are dynamically configured to be used in a centralized precoding scheme, whereas others are adjusted to employ a distributed method. Simulation results show that it is possible to achieve a good compromise between spectral efficiency (SE) and computational complexity (CC) in CF Massive MIMO systems finding a sensible balance between APs utilized in centralized and distributed precoding. To the best of our knowledge, prior-art solutions have not addressed an adaptive hybrid precoding method itself, they have only proposed a specific solution for each architecture, i.e., distributed or centralized.

Metabolomics can provide a readout of the biochemical and physiological state of a biological system. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has been widely applied for metabolomic analysis due to its numerous advantages, such as good sensitivity, high resolution, reproducibility, extensive database, lower acquisition cost and greater coverage. In addition, combined with efficient methods of sampling and sample preparation, the metabolomic analysis of damaged skin based on GC-MS can provide an important step toward elucidating several skin diseases. Based on this, this review presents a comprehensive overview of sampling, sample preparation, data processing and GC-MS analysis of metabolomic studies of damaged skin. Also, part of the biological interpretation of metabolites such as cis- and trans-urocanic acid (UCA) altered in photoexposed skin and lauric acid (C12:0) and palmitic acid (C16:0) in melanoma is discussed. Finally, to improve decision-making, a part of the integration of skin metabolomics with other omics sciences for the advancement of diagnosis is presented.

Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, occurs most commonly in Latin America. As the treatment is highly toxic and ineffective in the chronic phase of the disease, alternative treatments are needed. Through quantitative structure-activity relationship modeling (QSAR) analysis using ligand-based and structure-based virtual screening methods, we predicted the trypanocidal potential of 47 neolignans against three targets, the enzymes cruzain, trypanothione reductase, and sterol 14-alpha demethylase. A combined analysis allowed for the selection of potent inhibitors against Trypanosoma cruzi. Of these compounds, two were isolated and shown to inhibit the growth of epimastigotes at concentrations of 9.64 and 8.72 µM, and trypomastigote forms at 4.88 and 2.73 µM. Therefore, the compounds (2R, 3R)-2,3-dihydro-2 (4 methoxyphenyl)-3-methyl-5-(E)-propenylbenzofuran (46) and ottomentosa (47) may be a good option of growth inhibitors for the parasite stages and warrant additional study.

RESUMO O rabanete e a alface são duas hortaliças que podem ser consorciadas, porque são culturas companheiras que se complementam. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar retornos agro-bioeconômicos advindos do consórcio rabanete-alface em diversas quantidades equitativas de biomassa de jitirana (Merremia aegyptia) e flor-de-seda (Calotropis procera) em diferentes densidades populacionais de alface, em ambiente semiárido. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso, com os tratamentos dispostos em esquema fatorial 4 × 4, com quatro repetições. O primeiro fator consistiu em quantidades equitativas de biomassa de M. aegyptia e C. procera nas doses de 20, 35, 50 e 65 Mg ha-1 em base seca. O segundo fator compreendeu quatro densidades populacionais de alface de 150, 200, 250 e 300 mil plantas ha-1. As cultivares de alface e rabanete plantadas foram ‘Tainá’ e ‘Crimson Gigante’, respectivamente. Retornos agro-bioeconômicos expressivos deste consórcio de rabanete-alface foram obtidos na razão equivalente de terra (RET) de 2,25, escore da variável canônica Z de 3,00 e na renda liquida (RL) de 52.270,48 R$ ha-1, respectivamente, na quantidade de biomassa de 65 Mg ha-1 dos adubos verdes e densidade populacional de alface de 300 mil plantas ha-1. Além disso, registrou-se também um índice de eficiência produtiva (IEP) de 0,96 e uma razão competitiva (RC) de 2,61 na quantidade de biomassa dos adubos de 65 Mg ha-1 e densidade de alface de 150 mil plantas ha-1. A utilização de biomassa de M. aegyptia e C. procera do bioma Caatinga, mostrou-se uma tecnologia viável para produtores que praticam o cultivo de rabanete e alface em consórcio em ambiente semiárido.

ABSTRACT Radish and lettuce are two crop vegetables that can be intercropped because they are companion cultures that complement each other. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate agro-bioeconomic returns arising from radish-lettuce intercropping in different equitable amounts of hairy woodrose (Merremia aegyptia) and roostertree (Calotropis procera) biomass at different population densities of lettuce, in the semi-arid environment. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with treatments arranged in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme with four replicates. The first factor consisted of equitable amounts of M. aegyptia and C. procera biomass at doses of 20, 35, 50, and 65 Mg ha-1 on a dry basis. The second factor comprised four lettuce population densities of 150, 200, 250, and 300 thousand plants ha-1. The lettuce and radish cultivars planted were ‘Tainá’ and ‘Crimson Gigante’, respectively. Expressive agro-bioeconomic returns from this radish-lettuce intercropping were obtained in the land equivalent ratio (LER) of 2.25, a score of the canonical variable Z of 3.00, net income (NI) of 52,270.48 R$ ha-1, respectively, in the biomass amount of 65 Mg ha-1 of the green manures and lettuce population density of 300 thousand plants ha-1. Also, there was a productive efficiency index (PEI) of 0.96 and a competitive ratio (CR) of 2.61 in the biomass amount of green manure of 65 Mg ha-1 and lettuce density of 150 thousand plants ha-1. Using M. aegyptia and C. procera biomass from the Caatinga biome proved to be a viable technology for producers who practice the cultivation of radish and lettuce in intercropping in the semi-arid environment.

Abstract Considering the side effects in the oral cavity and dental structures of radiotherapy (RDT) for head and neck cancer, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of RDT on the root dentin concerning the obliteration of dentinal tubules, the inorganic composition of intra-radicular dentin, and the integrity of collagen fibers. Thirty human canines were selected from a biobank and randomly divided into two groups (n=15). The samples were sectioned buccolingually, and a hemisection was used for structural analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). Low-vacuum SEM images were obtained at 2000-x magnification to observe the obliteration of the dentinal tubules. Moreover, compositional evaluation was performed using EDS. After RDT, the SEM and EDS analyses were repeated using the same methodology. RDT was applied fractionally at 2 Gy per day, 5 days per week, for 7 weeks, resulting in a total dose of 70 Gy. The collagen integrity of the irradiated and non-irradiated samples was analyzed using Masson’s trichrome and picrosirius red staining polarization microscopy. Samples subjected to RDT exhibited dentinal tubule obliteration (p < 0.001); low integrity of type I and III collagen fibers (p < 0.05); compositional reduction of calcium (p = 0.012), phosphorus (p = 0.001), and magnesium (p < 0.001); an increased Ca/P ratio (p < 0.001). RDT affects the structure of dentinal tubules, the inorganic composition of intra-radicular dentin, and the collagen fiber integrity in the root dentin, which may interfere with the effectiveness and durability of dental procedures.

Resumo Considerando os efeitos colaterais na cavidade oral e estruturas dentárias da radioterapia (RDT) para o câncer de cabeça e pescoço, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da RDT sobre a dentina radicular quanto à obliteração dos túbulos dentinários, a composição inorgânica da dentina intra-radicular e a integridade das fibras colágenas. Trinta caninos humanos foram selecionados de um biobanco e divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos (n=15). As amostras foram seccionadas no sentido vestíbulo-lingual, e uma hemissecção foi utilizada para análise estrutural por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e espectrômetro de raios X de dispersão de energia (EDS). Imagens de MEV de baixo vácuo foram obtidas com aumento de 2500x para observar a obliteração dos túbulos dentinários. Além disso, a avaliação composicional foi realizada usando EDS. Após a RDT, as análises em MEV e EDS foram repetidas usando a mesma metodologia. A RDT foi aplicada fracionada a 2 Gy por dia, 5 dias por semana, durante 7 semanas, resultando em uma dose total de 70 Gy. A integridade do colágeno das amostras irradiadas e não irradiadas foi analisada usando microscopia de polarização de coloração com tricrômio de Masson e picrosirius red. As amostras submetidas a RDT apresentaram obliteração dos túbulos dentinários (p < 0,001); baixa integridade das fibras colágenas tipo I e III (p < 0,05); redução composicional de cálcio (p = 0,012), fósforo (p = 0,001) e magnésio (p < 0,001); e uma relação Ca/P aumentada (p < 0,001). A RDT afeta a estrutura dos túbulos dentinários, a composição inorgânica da dentina intra-radicular e a integridade das fibras colágenas na dentina radicular, o que pode interferir na eficácia e durabilidade dos procedimentos odontológicos.

Abstract CuCrO2 was synthesized by solution combustion synthesis (SCS) and applied as a heterogeneous catalyst to produce soybean biodiesel. The combustion reaction was carried out using urea as a fuel, and copper (II) and chromium (III) nitrates as precursors. After the powders’ obtention, these were calcined and functionalized in an acidic medium. The powders were characterized by thermogravimetry (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and infrared spectroscopy (IR) techniques. The TG curve revealed that the formation of the CuCrO2 in the combustion reaction remained stable up to 1000 °C. The XRD results confirmed the formation of the CuCrO2 compound. The SEM images showed that the crystallinity of the samples increased after the calcination process. The IR spectra showed the presence of delafossite characteristic bands. After the transesterification reaction, biodiesel was obtained with a yield of around 80%. Thus, catalysts based on delafossite synthesized through the combustion method and functionalized showed to be promising for the transesterification reaction of vegetable oils.

This study aimed to assess the effects of starting creep feeding at different ages on performance, behaviour, haematological, and biochemical parameters in piglets. A total of 138 piglets (1.34 ± 0.25 kg, n = 13 sows), weaned at 21 d-old, were assigned to treatments using a completely randomized design. The litter was divided into two groups: seven litters (n = 80 piglets) were subjected to creep feeding on the fifth day of age (creep 5) and five litters (n = 58 piglets), on the tenth day of age (creep 10). Piglets were weighed at birth, weaning, and after the first week in the nursery. Piglet behaviour was evaluated daily for 15 min until day 20. Blood was collected on day 13, at weaning, and at the end of the first week in the nursery. There was no difference in body weight in the suckling phase, but piglets fed Creep 5 showed greater body weight gain in the first nursery week. The Creep 5 group had lower feed leftovers during the five days of evaluation of feed intake. There were no differences in haematological parameters and amylase concentration; however, the piglets spent more time lying down, sucking, and massaging the udder. On day 8, the piglets in the Creep 5 group showed a higher frequency of exploratory behaviour. In conclusion, piglets fed Creep 5 had optimal performance after weaning and improved feed intake capacity by displaying more exploratory behaviour than Creep 10. Creep management did not alter haematological and biochemical parameters.

This study aimed to assess the effects of starting creep feeding at different ages on performance, behaviour, haematological, and biochemical parameters in piglets. A total of 138 piglets (1.34 ± 0.25 kg, n = 13 sows), weaned at 21 d-old, were assigned to treatments using a completely randomized design. The litter was divided into two groups: seven litters (n = 80 piglets) were subjected to creep feeding on the fifth day of age (creep 5) and five litters (n = 58 piglets), on the tenth day of age (creep 10). Piglets were weighed at birth, weaning, and after the first week in the nursery. Piglet behaviour was evaluated daily for 15 min until day 20. Blood was collected on day 13, at weaning, and at the end of the first week in the nursery. There was no difference in body weight in the suckling phase, but piglets fed Creep 5 showed greater body weight gain in the first nursery week. The Creep 5 group had lower feed leftovers during the five days of evaluation of feed intake. There were no differences in haematological parameters and amylase concentration; however, the piglets spent more time lying down, sucking, and massaging the udder. On day 8, the piglets in the Creep 5 group showed a higher frequency of exploratory behaviour. In conclusion, piglets fed Creep 5 had optimal performance after weaning and improved feed intake capacity by displaying more exploratory behaviour than Creep 10. Creep management did not alter haematological and biochemical parameters.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To identify longitudinal patterns of maternal depression between three months and five years after child's birth, to examine predictor variables for these trajectories, and to evaluate whether distinct depression trajectories predict offspring mental health problems at age 5 years. METHODS: We used data from the Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition in Acre (MINA-Brazil) study, a population-based birth cohort in the Western Brazilian Amazon. Maternal depressive symptoms were assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 3 and 6–8 months, and 1 and 2 years after delivery. Mental health problems in 5-year-old children were evaluated with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) reported by parents. Trajectories of maternal depression were calculated using a group-based modelling approach. RESULTS: We identified four trajectories of maternal depressive symptoms: "low" (67.1%), "increasing" (11.5%), "decreasing" (17.4%), and "high-chronic" (4.0%). Women in the "high/chronic" trajectory were the poorest, least educated, and oldest compared with women in the other trajectory groups. Also, they were more frequently multiparous and reported smoking and having attended fewer prenatal consultations during pregnancy. In the adjusted analyses, the odds ratio of any SDQ disorder was 3.23 (95%CI: 2.00–5.22) and 2.87 (95%CI: 1.09–7.57) times higher among children of mothers belonging to the "increasing" and "high-chronic" trajectory groups, respectively, compared with those of mothers in the "low" depressive symptoms group. These differences were not explained by maternal and child characteristics included in multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS: We identified poorer mental health outcomes for children of mothers assigned to the "chronic/severe" and "increasing" depressive symptoms trajectories. Prevention and treatment initiatives to avoid the adverse short, medium, and long-term effects of maternal depression on offspring development should focus on women belonging to these groups.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Identificar padrões longitudinais de depressão materna entre três meses e cinco anos após o nascimento de seus filhos, analisar variáveis preditoras dessas trajetórias e avaliar se trajetórias distintas de depressão predizem problemas de saúde mental infantil aos cinco anos de idade. MÉTODOS: Utilizou-se dados do estudo sobre saúde e nutrição materno infantil no Acre (MINA-Brasil), uma coorte de nascimentos de base populacional na Amazônia ocidental brasileira. Os sintomas depressivos maternos foram avaliados pela Escala de Depressão Pós-parto de Edimburgo (EPDS) aos 3 e 6–8 meses e 1 e 2 anos após o parto. Problemas de saúde mental em crianças com cinco anos de idade foram avaliados pelo Questionário de Capacidades e Dificuldades (SDQ– Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), respondido pelos pais. As trajetórias de depressão materna foram calculadas usando uma abordagem de modelagem baseada em grupos. RESULTADOS: Foram identificadas quatro trajetórias de sintomas depressivos maternos: "baixa" (67,1%), "crescente" (11,5%), "decrescente" (17,4%) e "alta-crônica" (4,0%). As mulheres na trajetória "alta/crônica" eram mais pobres, menos escolarizadas, mais velhas e multíparas e relataram tabagismo com maior frequência e menor número de consultas de pré-natal durante a gestação do que as demais. Nas análises ajustadas, a razão de chances de qualquer transtorno do SDQ foi 3,23 (IC95%:2,00–5,22) e 2,87 (IC95%: 1,09–7,57) vezes maior entre os filhos de mães nos grupos de trajetória "crescente" e "alta-crônica", respectivamente, do que de mães do grupo de sintomas depressivos "baixos". As características maternas e infantis incluídas nas análises multivariadas foram incapazes de explicar essas diferenças. CONCLUSÕES: Identificou-se piores desfechos de saúde mental para filhos de mães atribuídas às trajetórias "crônica/grave" e "crescente" de sintomas depressivos. Iniciativas de prevenção e tratamento para evitar os efeitos adversos a curto, médio e longo prazo da depressão materna sobre o desenvolvimento de seus filhos devem se concentrar principalmente nas mulheres nesses grupos.

Abstract In Compost-Bedded Pack Barn (CBP) systems, air velocity is linked with the thermal comfort of housed dairy cattle and bedding quality and, therefore, assessing ventilation efficiency is essential. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate and characterize dependence and spatial distribution of air velocity at the 1.5 m height (vair,M) and at bedding level (vair,B) in an open CBP system with positive pressure ventilation. The study was conducted in 2021, in a facility located in the Zona da Mata region, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The facility area was divided into a mesh composed of 55 equidistant points, where vair,M and vair,B data were collected in the morning (09:00 a.m.) and afternoon (03:00 p.m.) periods, during three weeks in Brazilian winter. Geostatistics techniques were used to assess dependence and spatial distribution. In both periods evaluated, there were a strong occurrence of spatial dependence and non-uniform vair,M and vair,B distributions. The vair,M and vair,B values were lower than recommended (1.8 m∙s–1) in more than 65.0% of the area. Adequate ventilation levels were observed only in the first 20.0 m of the facility, from Southeast to Northwest, because of the fan lines present.