Abstract Price of iron ore is affected by instabilities of microeconomic balance between supply and demand. Periods of equilibrium adjustment result in huge swings, growth or global recession. They also impact the viability of mineral enterprises and generate consequences to important global economic scenarios. This research aims to evaluate the market variables capable of influencing the price of iron ore through multivariate statistical techniques. Principal component analysis and multiple linear regression, booth multivariate statistical techniques were used. The studied variables were rate export of iron ore and concentrates from Brazil, steel production from China, steel production from Japan, production from Europe, steel production from the United States, steel production from India, steel price, coal price, China’s Construction Gross Domestic Production, United States construction index, oil price and global oil production. First three components explained 89.12% of the variability of the data matrix. Multiple linear regression highlighted the significance of five variables. They are export iron ore from Brazil, steel production from China, price of coal, steel production from India and price of steel.

Abstract The aim of the present study was to perform in vitro and in vivo assessments of the antineoplastic action of 4-amino-pyrimidine encapsulated in liposomes. Liposomes were prepared and characterized for particle size and drug encapsulation and submitted to long-term stability tests. Cytotoxicity assays were performed in HeLa cells. Antineoplastic activity was investigated using the experimental sarcoma 180 tumor in Swiss albino mice. Encapsulation efficiency was 82.93 ± 0.04% and no significant changes were found with respect to particle size or pH after centrifugation and mechanical agitation tests. The in vitro results at concentration of 20 μg/mL indicated a considerable reduction in cell viability after treatment with encapsulated pyrimidine (75.91%). The in vivo assays using the compounds in encapsulated and free forms and 5-fluorouracil achieved tumor inhibition rates of 66.47 ± 26.8%, 50.46 ± 16.24% and 14.47 ± 9.22%, respectively. Mitotic counts demonstrated a greater reduction in the number of mitoses in animals treated with liposomal pyrimidine (32.15%) compared to those treated with the pyrimidine free (87.69%) and 5-fluorouracil (71.39%). This study demonstrated that the development of liposome formulations containing 4-amino-pyrimidine is a promising alternative for overcoming limitations related to the toxicity of current cancer treatment, ensuring greater therapeutic efficacy.

RESUMO Os dípteros hipoboscídeos são parasitos de aves e ocasionalmente de alguns mamíferos, encontrados em todos os biomas brasileiros, com aproximadamente 30 espécies, descritas em 10 gêneros. Durante o período de janeiro de 2021 a junho de 2022, foram coletados hipoboscídeos em exames de rotina de aves das famílas Accipitridae, Ardeidae Cathartidae, Columbidae, Falconidae, Ramphastidae e Strigidae, recebidas ou resgatadas pelo Zoológico de Sorocaba. Os parasitos foram encaminhados para diagnóstico taxonômico no Laboratório de Apoio Diagnóstico de Doenças Parasitárias da Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), em Niterói, RJ, onde as seguintes espécies foram identificadas: Icosta americana, Ornithoctona eritrocephala, Pseudolynchia canariensis e Stilbometopa podopostyla. Existem poucas informações na literatura sobre a especificidade parasitária, a relação parasito-hospedeiro e a importância desses ectoparasitos em hospedeiros selvagens.

Abstract Feeding is a determining factor in the various characteristics of sheep meat and animal performance, the objectives were to evaluate the effect of supplementation of ewe lambs finished in different nutritional planes on the gene expression of CASP3, CAPN1, CAPN2 and CAST and its possible association with meat quality. Samples of the Longissimus lumborum muscle of 24 ewe lambs were used, distributed in 3 groups (n=8): P (pasture), PS (pasture and supplement) and F (feedlot). Physicochemical analyses were performed for centesimal analysis, pH, lipid oxidation, Warner-Bratzler shear force and RT-qPCR for the analysis of relative gene expression of the following genes: CASP3, CAPN1, CAPN2 and CAST. There is an increase in daily weight gain and ethereal extract values in the meat of confined animals, due to the greater energy intake in the nutrition of these animals. Animals kept only on pasture have lower lipid oxidation in meat than other treatments because of the lower percentage of lipids. The Warner-Bratzler shear force is considerably higher in the meat of animals kept only on pasture but is still considered tender. The different nutritional systems do not interfere with the gene expression of CASP3, CAPN1, CAPN2 and CAST in ewe lambs.

RESUMO A relação entre o tamanho do pellet da ração e o crescimento dos peixes é bem conhecida na literatura. No entanto, a magnitude dessa associação em relação à eficiência alimentar dos animais ainda não está clara. Portanto, o presente estudo conduzido na Universidade de Virginia Tech (Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center EUA), investigou os efeitos de três tamanhos diferentes de pellets da ração, 1,7 mm (EP.1), 2,3 mm (EP.2) e 3,1 mm (EP.3), sobre o crescimento de juvenis bijupirá (Rachycentron canadum), em um sistema fechado de recirculação. Os animais foram criados por 55 dias, em tanques de 77,5 litros (densidade inicial de 3,78 g / L), pesando 41,83 ± 1,24 g. Os resultados mostraram que, durante o período de cultivo equivalente a oito semanas, não houve diferenças significativas entre o peso final dos peixes para os diferentes tamanhos de pellets (EP.1 - 952,5 ± 40,7 g; EP.2 - 1014,5 ± 26,6 g; EP.3 - 1030,0 ± 54,8 g). No entanto, o ganho de biomassa mostrou diferenças significativas para o maior pellet quando comparado com o menor (EP.1 - 704,0±34+.3 g; EP.2 - 763,0±27,8 g; EP.3 -776,5±51,9 g). Consequentemente, diferenças significativas também foram encontradas nos fatores de conversão alimentar.

ABSTRACT It is known that there is a close relationship between pellet feed size and fish growth. However, the magnitude of this relationship regarding an animals’ feed efficiency is not yet clear. Therefore, the present study conducted at the Virginia Tech - Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center (USA), investigated the effects of three different pellet feed sizes, 1.7mm (EP.1), 2.3 mm (EP.2) and 3.1 mm (EP.3), on the growth of Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Animals were farmed for 55 days in 77.5-liter tanks (6 fish with an initial density of 3.78 g L⁻¹) weighing approximately 41.83±1.24g. The results showed that during the 8-week culture period, there were no significant differences between the animal’s final weight over the different pellet feed sizes (EP.1 - 952.5±40.7g; EP.2 - 1014.5±26.6g; EP.3 - 1030.0±54.8g). However, biomass gain showed significant differences (EP.1 - 704.0±34+.3g; EP.2 - 763.0±27.8g; EP.3 -776.5±51.9g). Consequently, significant differences were also found in the feed conversion factors.

Abstract We examined the effects of including sunflower cake (SC) associated with an enzyme complex (EC) in the diet of meat quails on nutrient metabolism, performance, carcass characteristics, bone parameters and economic viability. In total, 432 meat quails (7 to 42 days old) were assigned to six treatments in a completely randomised design with 6 replicates with 12 birds each. A 2 × 3 factorial arrangement was adopted (two levels of SC: 10 and 20%; three diet formulation strategies: normal, reduction in the nutrient and energy matrix considering the enzymatic contribution and reduced diet with EC). No interaction effect was observed. The increased levels of SC from 10% to 20% promoted in decrease in the metabolisability coefficients of dry matter and gross energy and in the value of AMEn and increased relative weight of gizzard. The addition of EC in diets containing SC allows a better metabolization of nitrogen and energy, equalize to the normal diet. The best breast yield was obtained in the birds fed the reduced diet with EC, in relation to normal diet. The reduced diet and the reduced diet with EC provided the lowest cost of food and the best economic efficiency index. Up to 20% of the sunflower cake can be included in the diet of cut quail, with or without enzyme supplementation. However, the use of the enzyme complex composed of carbohydrases, proteases and phytase can favor the metabolization of nitrogen and energy from the diet containing sunflower cake.

Abstract This work describes a pharmacological screening of Brazilian medicinal plants through their anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity activities. Cytotoxicity activity of Mouriri elliptica and Alchornea glandulosa as well as the drugs celecoxib and doxorubicin were evaluated in cultures of peritoneal macrophages. The immune system influence of these samples was analyzed by determining production/inhibition of NO, production of tumor necrosis factor-α and production of interleukin-10. Regarding the production/inhibition of NO, there was NO production by M. elliptica and NO inhibition when the cells were exposed to A. glandulosa; Macrophages generally produce more NO, plus TNF-α and less IL-10, when associated to the tumor phenomenon, characterizing the inflammation involved in cancer. A. glandulosa showed anti-inflammatory effect, inhibited NO production and it was associated with low TNF-α production, although not as low as the macrophages associated with celecoxib and doxorubicin. These cytokines were not different in animals with tumor. Celecoxib confirms its anti-inflammatory action by markedly inhibiting NO and TNF-α, but also inhibiting IL-10 which is an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Doxorubicin inhibited NO in a higher percentage in the group of animals with tumor, although the literature reports that this drug stimulates the production of NO and this collaborates with its cytotoxic effect.

Physical performance is a multifactorial and complex trait influenced by environmental and hereditary factors. Environmental factors alone have been insufficient to characterize all outstanding phenotypes. Recent advances in genomic technologies have enabled the investigation of whole nuclear and mitochondrial genome sequences, increasing our ability to understand interindividual variability in physical performance. Our objective was to evaluate the association of mitochondrial polymorphic loci with physical performance in Brazilian elite military personnel. Eighty-eight male military personnel who participated in the Command Actions Course of the Army were selected. Total DNA was obtained from blood samples and a complete mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) was sequenced using Illumina MiSeq platform. Twenty-nine subjects completed the training program (FINISHED, ‘F'), and fifty-nine failed to complete (NOT_FINISHED, ‘NF'). The mtDNA from NF was slightly more similar to genomes from African countries frequently related to endurance level. Twenty-two distinct mtDNA haplogroups were identified corroborating the intense genetic admixture of the Brazilian population, but their distribution was similar between the two groups (FST=0.0009). Of 745 polymorphisms detected in the mtDNA, the position G11914A within the NADPH gene component of the electron transport chain, was statistically different between F and NF groups (P=0.011; OR: 4.286; 95%CI: 1.198-16.719), with a higher frequency of the G allele in group F individuals). The high performance of military personnel may be mediated by performance-related genomic traits. Thus, mitochondrial genetic markers such as the ND4 gene may play an important role on physical performance variability.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a aplicabilidade da elastografia ARFI na complementação diagnóstica das alterações prostáticas em cães. Foram avaliados 22 cães saudáveis e 45 com alterações prostáticas, diagnosticadas pela associação de exames físicos geral e específico, hemograma, ultrassonografia modo B e Doppler. No estudo elastográfico, foram verificadas a homogeneidade e a deformidade tecidual, pelo elastograma, e obtidas as velocidades de cisalhamento dos lobos esquerdo e direito de todas as próstatas. A alteração de homogeneidade tecidual foi observada em 62,2% dos animais, enquanto a velocidade de cisalhamento se mostrou significativamente maior em cães com alterações prostáticas, com ponto de corte >2,35m/s como indicativo de alteração. Todos os animais de ambos os grupos se apresentaram não deformáveis. Concluiu-se que a elastografia ARFI é capaz de fornecer resultados qualitativos e quantitativos que auxiliam no diagnóstico das alterações prostáticas caninas de forma não invasiva.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to assess the applicability of ARFI elastography for the complementary diagnosis of canine prostatic alterations. Twenty-two healthy dogs and 45 with prostatic alterations were diagnosed by the association of general and specific physical exams. Complete blood count, B-mode and Doppler ultrasound were performed. For the elastography study, tissue homogeneity and deformity were verified using the elastogram, and the shear velocities of the left and right lobes of all prostates were obtained. The change in tissue homogeneity was observed in 62.2% of the animals, while the shear speed was significantly higher in dogs with prostatic alterations, with a cut-off point > 2.35m/s as an indication of change. All animals in both groups were non-deformable. It was concluded that ARFI elastography is capable of providing qualitative and quantitative results that assist in the diagnosis of canine prostatic alterations in a non-invasive way.

RESUMO: Este estudo realizou uma análise histomorfométrica da retina e determinou os valores de acuidade visual de três espécies de morcegos do gênero Artibeus, incluindo Artibeus lituratus, Artibeus planirostris e Artibeus obscurus. Em total, 13 animais foram usados para esse estudo, no qual as retinas foram hemidissecadas, fixadas, cortadas e coradas. A acuidade visual foi determinada pela densidade de células ganglionares na retina e também foi realizado a mensuração das camadas retinianas a partir de cortes histológicos. As retinas dessas três espécies são avasculares, não apresentaram tapetum lucidum em nenhum quadrante e possuem as 10 camadas retinianas comum em mamíferos. Verificou-se também que a espessura da retina na região central foi significativamente maior em todos os parâmetros mensurados (p<0,001), com exceção da camada plexiforme externa (OPL) que foi significativamente maior na região periférica (p<0,001). As retinas das três espécies exibiram uma especialização retiniana em forma de faixa visual horizontal apresentando a maior concentração de células ganglionares na região inferotemporal. Além disso, a espécie A. lituratus exibiu áreas extras de alta densidade celular na retina. Assim, a espécie A. lituratus exibiu a maior acuidade visual (1,92 ciclos/grau), A. planirostris mostrou um valor intermediário entre essas duas espécies (1,77 ciclos/grau) e A. obscurus exibiu a menor acuidade visual (1,50 ciclos/grau). Todas estas características estão relacionadas aos padrões de ecolocalização e hábitos alimentares de cada espécie. Portanto, pode-se concluir que os morcegos do gênero Artibeus têm um alto valor de acuidade visual em comparação com outros morcegos ecolocalizadores e todas essas diferenças devem estar diretamente ligadas à filogenia do gênero.

ABSTRACT: This study performed a histomorphometric analysis of the retina and estimated the visual acuity of three fruit-eating bats of the genus Artibeus, including Artibeus lituratus, Artibeus planirostris and Artibeus obscurus. In total, 13 animals were used for this study, in which the retinas were hemidisected, fixed, cut, and stained. The visual acuity was determined by the density of ganglion cells in the retina and the retinal layers were also measured from histological sections. The retinas of these bats are avascular, do not present tapetum lucidum in any quadrant, and have the 10 retinal layers common in mammals. Moreover, it was observed that the thickness of the retina in the central region was significantly higher in all measured parameters (p<0.001), except for the outer plexiform layer (OPL) which was significantly higher in the peripheral region (p<0.001). The retinas of the three species showed a horizontal visual streak with a higher concentration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) at the inferotemporal region. In addition, the species A. lituratus exhibited extras areas of high cell density in the retina. Thus, A. lituratus showed the highest visual acuity (1.92 cycles/degree), while A. planirostris showed a visual acuity of (1.77 cycles/degree) and A. obscurus exhibited the lowest visual acuity (1.50 cycles/degree). All these characteristics are related to the echolocation system and the eating habits of each species. Therefore, it can be concluded that bats of the genus Artibeus have a high visual acuity value compared to other echolocating bats and all these differences might be directly linked to the phylogeny of the genus.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as diferentes concentrações e princípios de prebióticos e do butirato de sódio, visando substituir a colistina como promotor de crescimento. Foram utilizados 120 leitões, desmamados aos 22 dias de idade, com peso médio inicial de 5,475 ± 0,719kg. Os animais foram distribuídos em blocos ao acaso, em seis tratamentos, que corresponderam ao uso dos seguintes aditivos dietéticos: T1) colistina (40ppm); T2) β-glucanos/mananoligossacarídeos (0,2%); T3) butirato de cálcio (0,1%); T4) β-glucanos/mananoligossacarídeos (0,1%) + frutoligossacarídeos (0,01%) + galactoligossacarídeos (0,09%); T5) β-glucanos/mananoligossacarídeos (0,1%) + frutoligossacarídeos (0,03%) + galactoligossacarídeos (0,07%); e T6) β-glucanos/mananoligossacarídeos (0,1%) + frutoligossacarídeos (0,05%) + galactoligossacarídeos (0,05%). Os resultados mostraram que não houve diferença entre os tratamentos para nenhum dos parâmetros de desempenho em nenhuma das fases avaliadas. Para a incidência e a intensidade de diarreia, os resultados apontam que os tratamentos com os aditivos alternativos apresentaram efeitos semelhantes aos do grupo tratado com colistina. Foi encontrada diferença significativa para perfil dos ácidos graxos propiônicos (0,23% colistina e 0,32%, 0,36%, 0,37% aditivos) e ácidos totais (0,67% colistina e 0,97% aditivos) no ceco. A suplementação com diferentes composições e concentrações de prebióticos e do ácido butírico pode substituir a colistina de forma viável no controle da diarreia e na modulação da produção volátil de ácidos graxos no ceco.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess different prebiotic concentrations and principles, in addition to calcium butyrate, aiming to replace colistin as a growth promoter. The sample consisted of 120 piglets weaned at 22 days old with mean initial weight of 5.475 ± 0.719kg. The animals were assigned to random blocks in six treatments corresponding to the use of the following dietary additives: T1) colistin (40 ppm); T2) β-glucan/mannan-oligosaccharides (0.2%); T3) calcium butyrate (0.1%); T4) β-glucan/mannan-oligosaccharides (0.1%) + fructooligosaccharides (0.01%) + galactooligosaccharides (0.09%); T5) β-glucan/mannan-oligosaccharides (0.1%) + fructooligosaccharides (0.03%) + galactooligosaccharides (0.07%); and T6) β-glucan/mannan-oligosaccharides (0.1%) + fructooligosaccharides (0.05%) + galactooligosaccharides (0.05%). The results showed no difference among treatments for the performance parameters in any of the phases evaluated. For diarrhea incidence and intensity, the results indicated that the treatments with alternative additives had similar effects as the group treated with colistin. A significant difference was found for the profile of propionic acid (0.23% colistin and 0.32%, 0.36%, 0.37% additives) and total fatty acids (0.67% colistin and 0.97% additives) values in the caecum. The supplementation with different compositions and concentrations of prebiotics and butyric acid may viably replace colistin in controlling diarrhea and modulating volatile fatty acid production in the caecum.

RESUMO A resistência bacteriana aos antibióticos é uma realidade, tanto na saúde humana quanto veterinária, limita o arsenal terapêutico e eleva os custos relacionados ao tratamento do paciente. Um cão, com sinais de cistite, recebeu tratamento com enrofloxacina, na dose de 5mg/kg, em três momentos seguidos, com baixa efetividade. Identificou-se presença de urólitos uretrais e foi feita uro-hidropropulsão. O animal apresentou nova obstrução, para a qual foi realizada uma cistotomia, mas continuou com sinais de infecção. Realizou-se, então, urocultura e teste de antibiograma. Foi identificada Escherichia coli, que se mostrou resistente a 13 antibióticos, sendo sensível somente à piperacilina-tazobactam e amicacina. No teste de triagem para β-lactamase, detectou-se a produção de ESβL. A qPCR indicou presença dos genes blaCTXm, blaDHA, blaOXA, blaIMP, blaTEM, blaGIM, blaSIM, blaSPM e blaSME, que podem conduzir um perfil fenotípico de resistência para ampicilina, amoxicilina-ácido clavulânico, aztreonam, cefepima, cefoxitina, cefuroxima, ceftazidima, ceftriaxona, imipenem, piperacilina-tazobactam. Este caso reafirma o valor que a análise laboratorial agrega ao diagnóstico e tratamento da cistite e da urolitíase, podendo definir o sentido de evolução do prognóstico e a velocidade em que a saúde do paciente será restabelecia.

ABSTRACT Bacterial resistance is a reality in both human and veterinary health, it limits the therapeutic arsenal and raises the costs of the patient’s treatment. A dog with signs of cystitis received treatment with 5mg/kg enrofloxacin at three consecutive times, with low effectiveness. The presence of urethral uroliths was identified and urohydropulsion was done. The animal presented a new obstruction, for which a cystotomy was performed, but continued with signs of infection. Uroculture and antimicrobial susceptibility test were then performed. Escherichia coli was identified, which was resistant to 13 antibiotics, being sensitive only to piperacillin-tazobactam and amikacin. In the screening test for β-lactamase, the production of ESβL was detected. The qPCR indicated the presence of the bla CTXm, bla DHA, bla OXA, bla IMP, bla TEM, bla GIM, bla SIM, bla SPM and bla SME genes, which may lead to a phenotypic resistance profile for ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, aztreonam, cefepime cefoxitin, cefuroxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, imipenem, and piperacillin-tazobactam. This case reaffirms the value that laboratory analysis adds to the diagnosis and treatment of cystitis and urolithiasis, which can define the direction of evolution of the prognosis and the speed at which the patient's health will be restored.

Resumo A geometria fractal fascina pela capacidade de descrever formas geométricas complexas e que usualmente estão presentes no mundo real . A dimensão fractal ou de Hausdorff d é utilizada para descrever leis de invariância de escala, em que as funções autossimilares seguem uma lei da forma f ( s x ) = s d f ( x ), sendo s o fator de escala. Intimamente relacionado ao problema da invariância de escala está o problema da determinação dos pontos fixos de um sistema, que matematicamente correspondem aos pontos que mapeiam o domínio de uma função para ele mesmo. Em sistemas dinâmicos correspondem ao valor para o qual a resposta do sistema usualmente converge e permanece estável. Na presente contribuição são apresentados os conceitos gerais associados à invariância de escala e ponto fixo, para prontamente empregá-los no problema de associação de impedâncias complexas em série e em topologia de escada. São discutidos em detalhes o problema da função de transferência de linhas de transmissão e o estudo de alguns gráficos de fluxo (flow graphs) de convergência das equações de recursividade.

Abstract Fractal geometry is fascinating due to its ability to describe the complex geometries naturally occurring in real world. The fractal or Hausdorff dimension d is used to describe the laws of scale invariance, which are exemplified by functions satisfying a mathematical law of the form f ( s x ) = s d f ( x ), being s the scale factor. Closely related is the problem of determining the fixed point of physical systems. Mathematically, the fixed point corresponds to a point in the domain of a function which is mapped to itself. In dynamical systems, it typically corresponds to the value to which the response of the system converge and stabilize. The present contribution aims to present the general concepts of scale invariance and fixed or critical points, employing such aspects to the problem of complex impedance association, both in series and in ladder configuration. The complex impedance, and transfer function of transmission lines and flow graphs related to the convergence the iterative equations to a fixed points are discussed in more details.

RESUMO: O uso indiscriminado de antibióticos no tratamento de mastite caprina leva ao desenvolvimento de micro-organismos resistentes que poderão estar presentes em alimentos, colocando em risco a saúde humana. Dessa forma, a própolis surge como uma alternativa para o tratamento de doenças por possuir uma ação antimicrobiana, principalmente pela presença de flavonoides em sua composição. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o potencial antimicrobiano da própolis frente à Staphylococcus spp. isolados de casos de mastite caprina e qualificar o extrato etanoico bruto por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE-DAD). Neste estudo, os valores de concentração bactericida mínima (CBM) dos extratos de própolis em álcool etílico, acetato de etila e hexano nos isolados foram de 6250, 3125 e 1562,5μg/mL, respectivamente. Pelo teste de aderência à microplacas, observou-se que 20,78% dos microorganismos, não foram capazes de formar biofilme, 14,70% foram classificados como moderados, 64,70% em fracos e nenhum como forte produtor de biofilme. A própolis em seus diferentes diluentes foi capaz de afetar a formação de biofilme e apresentou significativa atividade antimicrobiana frente a cepas de Staphylococcus spp., podendo ser indicada para utilização em estudos “in vivo”.

ABSTRACT: The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in the treatment of caprine mastitis causes the appearance of resistant microorganisms, besides leaving residues in milk, putting at risk to human health. In this way, propolis is an alternative in the treatment of diseases because it has antimicrobial activity, mainly because of the presence of flavonoids in its composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of propolis to Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from cases of goat mastitis and qualify the crude ethanoic extract by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In this study, the minimum bactericidal concentration values of propolis extracts in ethanol, ethyl acetate and hexane showed that the best concentrations capable of promoting the highest mortality of the isolates of Staphylococcus spp. from mastitis in goats, were 6250, 3125 and 1562.5μg/mL, respectively. By the microplate adherence test, it was found that 20.78% isolates were not able to form biofilm, 14.70% were classified as moderate and 64.70% were weak and none as a strong biofilm producer. Propolis in its different diluents was able to affect the formation of biofilm and showed a pronounced marked antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus spp. strains and may be indicated for use in in vivo studies.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produção de forragem e o potencial de utilização do capim faixa-branca submetido a frequências de desfolhação. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de quatro frequências de desfolhação: muito alta (25cm), alta (35cm), média (45cm) e baixa (55cm), avaliados em duas épocas do ano (maior e menor insolação), entre 2015 e 2016. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e medidas repetidas no tempo. A produção diária de folhas foi menor na frequência muito alta em relação às outras frequências. A redução das frequências de desfolhação aumentou a produção diária de colmo, senescência diária de folhas, produção total diária e acúmulo líquido diário de forragem e diminuiu o potencial de utilização da forragem. No período de maior insolação, a produção diária de colmos, o acúmulo líquido diário de forragem e o potencial de utilização de forragem foram maiores e a senescência diária de folhas foi menor. A frequência de desfolhação muito alta não proporcionou um bom desenvolvimento da planta, enquanto a frequência baixa apresentou elevada produção de colmos. As frequências de desfolhação alta e média são mais indicadas para a desfolhação do capim faixa-branca, promovendo uma melhor proporção de folhas em relação a colmos.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the production of forage and the potential of utilization of digit grass subjected to four defoliation frequencies: very high (25cm), high (35cm), medium (45cm), and low (55cm), evaluated at two times of the year (higher and lower insolation), from January 2015 to January 2016. A randomized-block design with four replicates was adopted and measures repeated over time. The daily production of leaves was lower at the very high frequency in relation to the other frequencies. The reduction in defoliation frequency increased the daily production of stems, the daily leaf senescence, the total daily forage production, and the daily forage accumulation, and decreased the potential of forage utilization. At the time of higher insolation, the daily production of stems, the daily forage accumulation, the potential of utilization of forage were higher, and the daily leaf senescence was lower. The very high frequency of defoliation did not provide a good development of the plan, while the lower frequency displayed a high production of stems. The high and medium frequencies of defoliation are more indicated to the defoliation of digit grass, enabling a better proportion of leaves in relation to stems.