ABSTRACT Developing countries face great challenges to couple agricultural intensification and sustainable supply chain development. This paper explores the opportunities for innovation in the conservation of the locally adapted Curraleiro Pé-Duro (CPD) cattle. The CPD is a historical Brazilian breed, related to regional culture, which exhibits remarkable adaptability in tropical biomes. The research method consisted of interviewing and analyzing the discourse of CPD breeders in Tocantins, Brazil. The systematization of the data resulted in four categories and eleven subcategories, which were defined a posteriori. Our findings reveal motivational aspects, potentialities, and prospects for valuation, besides the needs and perceived challenges faced by CPD farmers. A better understanding of the current situation may guide public policies, encourage stakeholders, benefit farmers, and lead to sustainable agri-food initiatives. The empirical contributions of our diagnosis are discussed, and we show how they bring forward and provide valuable lessons to prospect innovations in the conservation of CPD cattle. These findings may support scholars and people who are also interested in accessing and supporting the conservation of indigenous livestock. In general, the study supports the definition of strategies, planning, and investments for the value chain, including the participation of upstream and downstream segments of the farms.

RESUMO Os países em desenvolvimento enfrentam grandes desafios para combinar a intensificação da agricultura com o desenvolvimento sustentável das cadeias de abastecimento. Este documento explora as oportunidades de inovação na conservação do gado Curraleiro Pé-Duro (CPD). O CPD é uma raça brasileira histórica, relacionada à cultura regional, que apresenta notável adaptabilidade em biomas tropicais. O método de pesquisa consistiu em entrevistar e analisar o discurso dos criadores de CPD no Tocantins, Brasil. A sistematização dos dados resultou em quatro categorias e onze subcategorias, que foram definidas a posteriori. Nossas descobertas revelam aspectos motivacionais, potencialidades e perspectivas de valorização, além das necessidades e desafios percebidos pelos produtores de CPD. Uma melhor compreensão da situação atual pode orientar as políticas públicas, incentivar os interessados, beneficiar os agricultores e levar a iniciativas agroalimentares sustentáveis. As contribuições empíricas de nosso diagnóstico são discutidas e mostramos como elas trazem e fornecem lições valiosas para prospectar inovações na conservação do gado de CPD. Estas descobertas podem apoiar acadêmicos e pessoas que também estão interessadas em acessar e apoiar a conservação e produção animal com uso de raças crioulas. Em geral, o estudo apoia a definição de estratégias, planejamento e investimentos relacionados com cadeia de valor, incluindo a participação de segmentos a montante e a jusante das fazendas.

ABSTRACT: This study performed a molecular detection and characterization of Giardia duodenalis infecting pigs, goats and sheep in rural and peri-urban communities in the state of Piauí, northeastern Brazil, and proposed phylogenetic relationships among the characterized parasites. We assessed 52 fecal samples from pigs, 13 from goats, and 10 from sheep. A fragment of the β-giardin locus was PCR-amplified and sequenced. Overall, PCR-based G. duodenalis positivity was 11/52 (21.2%) in pigs, 2/13 (15.4%) in goats, and 2/10 (20%) in sheep. Seven out of 15 successfully amplified samples could be sequenced: three from pigs, two from goats, and two from sheep. Parasites from different hosts were found to belong to sub-assemblage AII. The phylogenetic analyses of the original G. duodenalis AII β-giardin sequences obtained from distinct host species and sequences of G. duodenalis recovered from humans available in GenBank suggest that the parasites are genetically related, supporting a local scenario of cross-host transmission.

RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivo detectar e caracterizar geneticamente amostras de Giardia duodenalis recuperadas de suínos, caprinos e ovinos em comunidades rurais do estado do Piauí, no nordeste do Brasil, propondo relações filogenéticas entre os parasitas caracterizados. Foram estudadas 52 amostras fecais de suínos, 13 de caprinos e 10 de ovinos. Uma região (560 pb) do lócus codificante da β-giardina foi amplificada por PCR e submetida a sequenciamento nucleotídico. A positividade para G. duodenalis pela PCR foi 11/52 (21,2%) em suínos, 2/13 (15,4%) em caprinos e 2/10 (20%) em ovinos. De 15 amostras amplificadas, sete puderam ser sequenciadas: três obtidas de suínos, dois de caprinos e dois de ovinos. Todas foram caracterizadas como pertencentes à subassemblage AII. Análises filogenéticas de amostras de G. duodenalis AII identificadas em diferentes hospedeiros, incluindo sequências de parasitas recuperadas de humanos e obtidas no GenBank, sugerem que os isolados têm alto grau de homologia. Os resultados apontam para um cenário de transmissão cruzada entre diferentes espécies de hospedeiros.

RESUMO Os dados genealógicos compreenderam 45.711 animais nascidos entre 1901 e 2016, com 48.127 animais no arquivo de pedigree. A estrutura populacional foi analisada em termos de completude de pedigree, coeficiente de endogamia individual (F), intervalo de geração (L), taxa de endogamia (ΔF), tamanho efetivo da população (Ne), número efetivo de fundadores (ff) e número efetivo de ancestrais (fa). O rebanho consistia inicialmente de 13 touros e 14 vacas, e houve variações no número de touros e vacas selecionados ao longo do período analisado, com 2.575 touros, 13.691 vacas e 45.711 nascimentos registrados no final de 2016. No total, 48,81% das vacas tiveram apenas uma progênie. A maioria das barragens (47,59%) tinha entre três e sete anos, com média de L na população de 7,9 anos. De acordo com os resultados, 52,75% das vacas, 44,92% dos touros e 63,71% dos bezerros da raça Guzerá na região Norte do Brasil apresentaram algum grau de endogamia, com coeficientes de pequena magnitude (0,56, 0,83 e 0,71% para vacas, touros e bezerros, respectivamente). Essa flutuação não impediu a evolução genética do rebanho na região. O tamanho efetivo da população não parece comprometer a manutenção da variabilidade genética na raça.

ABSTRACT Genealogical data comprised 45,711 animals born between 1901 and 2016, with 48,127 animals in the pedigree file. Population structure was analyzed in terms of pedigree completeness, individual inbreeding coefficient (F), generation interval (L), rate of inbreeding (ΔF), effective population size (Ne), effective number of founders (ff), and effective number of ancestors (fa). The herd initially consisted of 13 bulls and 14 cows, and there were variations in the number of selected bulls and cows throughout the analyzed period, with 2,575 bulls, 13,691 cows, and 45,711 births recorded at the end of 2016. In total, 48.81% of the cows had only one progeny. Most dams (47.59%) were between three and seven years old, with a mean L in the population of 7.9 years. According to the results, 52.75% of the cows, 44.92% of the bulls, and 63.71% of the calves of the Guzerat breed in the northern region of Brazil showed some degree of inbreeding, with small-magnitude coefficients (0.56, 0.83, and 0.71% for cows, bulls, and calves, respectively). This fluctuation did not hinder the genetic evolution of the herd in the region. The effective population size does not seem to compromise the maintenance of genetic variability in the breed.

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 Foram avaliados os efeitos de dois protocolos de exercício em plataforma vibratória (PV) sobre as temperaturas dos joelhos e retais. Onze animais participaram de dois protocolos de exercício, diferentes na duração de cada exercício. O protocolo de exercício 1 (PE1) foi de 30 segundos e o PE2 foi de 60 segundos, com diferentes níveis vibratórios em ambos (L1 = aceleração ≅ 1g; L4 = aceleração ≅ 2,5g; e L7 = aceleração ≅ 5g). Os animais foram avaliados antes e um minuto após os exercícios, por meio de termografia infravermelha para a obtenção das temperaturas dos joelhos. A temperatura retal (TR) foi aferida em cada momento. Os cães apresentaram temperaturas dos joelhos mais elevadas em PE1, em todos os níveis vibratórios, em comparação a antes do exercício; o PE2 resultou em temperatura mais alta apenas na intensidade máxima de vibração (L7). Aumento na TR foi observado apenas no PE2. Os resultados sugerem que o protocolo de curta duração (PE1) aumentou as atividades muscular e vascular periférica da articulação, independentemente da intensidade da vibração; o protocolo de longa duração (PE2) com intensidade máxima de vibração aumentou a TR demonstrando atividade além do grupo muscular do joelho. Conclui-se que os exercícios na PV podem ser utilizados como terapia complementar para atividade muscular de baixo impacto em cães e pode ser adequada para o consumo eficiente de energia.

ABSTRACT The effects of two vibration platform (VP) exercise protocols on stifle and rectal temperatures were evaluated. Eleven animals participated in two exercise protocols, different in duration in each exercise. Exercise protocol 1 (EP1) took 30 seconds and EP2, 60 seconds, with different vibratory levels in both cases (L1 = acceleration ≅ 1g, L4 = acceleration ≅ 2.5g, and L7 = acceleration ≅ 5g). The animals were evaluated before and 1 minute after the exercise, using infrared thermography to obtain stifle temperatures. The rectal temperature (RT) was also checked at each moment. The dogs had higher stifle temperatures in EP1 at all vibratory levels compared to the time before the exercise; EP2 resulted in higher temperature only at maximum vibration intensity (L7). Increase in TR was observed only in EP2. The results suggested that the short duration protocol (EP1) increased the muscular and peripheral vascular activities of the joint, regardless of the vibration intensity. The long duration protocol (EP2) with maximum vibration intensity increased the RT, demonstrating activity beyond the stifle muscle group. It is concluded that exercises on the VP can be used as complementary therapy for low-impact muscle activity in dogs and may be adequate for efficient energy consumption.

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.

Abstract Data Centers are growing steadily worldwide, and they are expected to continue growing up to 53% in 2020. Energy efficiency, in high power consumption, is a key venue. There are methodologies to measure this efficiency, one example is using the PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) index. In this paper is proposed a new index for measuring efficiency at the design stage, the EUED (Energy Usage Effectiveness Design). This index allows to evaluate systems using “free cooling” and adiabatic system. A comparison is performed considering the equipment in the worst situation. The thermodynamics parameter enthalpy is used to calculate the results. This new methodology allows to determine differences between the cities of São Paulo and Curitiba (1.21%) and between Rio de Janeiro and Curitiba (10.61%). The values for the EUED index were 1.245 kW/kW for Curitiba, 1.260 kW/kW for São Paulo and 1.377 kW/kW for Rio de Janeiro, respectively, reaching a difference of 16.86% for Curitiba, 16.19% for São Paulo and 10.31% for Rio de Janeiro in relation to PUE COA (Power Usage Effectiveness Constant Outdoor Air). The advantage of the EUED is that it works with the 8,760 hours in the design phase, using psychometric elements to determine when to use free cooling and evaporative system, and more importantly varying the COP according to environmental characteristics.

RESUMO O presente estudo descreve os aspectos histopatológicos de infecção causada por mixosporídio da espécie Kudoa orbicularis, o qual forma pseudocistos dispersos em toda a musculatura estriada esquelética, epi e hipoaxial, de Chaetobranchopsis orbicularis, capturados no Rio Arari, município de Cachoeira do Arari, Ilha do Marajó, Pará. Foram realizadas as técnicas histológicas de impregnação em parafina, utilizando-se as colorações de hematoxilina-eosina, Gomori, Ziehl-Neelsen e Giemsa. As análises necroscópicas dos espécimes de C. orbicularis revelaram 100% (50/50) de infecção por K. orbicularis. Os espécimes apresentavam macroscopicamente musculatura com características anormais de textura, se mostrava inconsistente e frágil. Durante a necropsia, pôde ser observado um progressivo amolecimento da musculatura, o que demonstra um rápido processo enzimático autolítico. Com base nos achados descritos neste trabalho, caracterizou-se uma infecção da musculatura de C. orbicularis por K.orbicularis, com demonstração de sinais clínicos de doença no peixe; os achados necroscópicos mostraram danos ao organismo hospedeiro, com instalação de infecção fibrosística nas fibras musculares, associada com uma mioliquefação post mortem.

ABSTRACT This study describes aspects of infections caused by the myxosporidian Kudoa orbicularis in filter-feeding cichlids, Chaetobranchopsis orbicularis, caught in the Arari River in the municipality of Cachoeira do Arari, on Marajó Island, Pará, Brazil. The parasite forms pseudocysts scattered throughout the striated epaxial and hypaxial muscles. Samples embedded in paraffin were analyzed histologically using hematoxylin-eosin, Gömöri, Ziehl-Neelsen, and Giemsa staining. Necropsy of the C. orbicularis specimens revealed that 100% (50/50) were infected with K. orbicularis. The specimens presented grossly abnormal muscle texture, resulting in extensive inconsistencies and weakness. Progressive softening of the muscles was observed during necropsy, indicating the rapid enzymatic autolysis of the tissue. The parasite found in the muscle tissue of C. orbicularis was identified as K. orbicularis, with clinical signs of disease being observed in the fish. The necropsy revealed extensive damage to the host organism, with well-established fibrocystic infections in the muscle fibers, associated with post mortem myoliquefaction.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To assess breakthrough pain management in patients at radiation oncology and its impact on pain control in these patients, as well as the tolerability of the analgesic treatments used and the satisfaction and impact on the quality of life of patients. Material and methods: An epidemiological, observational, prospective, multicentre study carried out in patients diagnosed with cancer and with cancer pain treated with a 3rd step analgesic therapy who had begun radiotherapy treatment (RT) susceptible to modification by an oncologist, for pain control. Patients were recruited from 15 Radiation Oncology Services centres from the regions of Valencia and Murcia between May 2013 and December 2014. Patient data collected included: demographic data, basal cancer process characterization and baseline pain, and information on basal analgesic treatment and RT employed. Pain level was recorded at 1 and 3 months by assessing: the change in the dimension of Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) pain and the amount of pain caused by episodes of breakthrough pain, the level of satisfaction, the quality of life (EQ-5D), and the tolerability to analgesic treatment. Results: Patients included in the analysis (n = 49) were mainly males (72.3 %) and the mean age (± Standard Deviation) was 63.7 ± 11.5 years. In 26.5 % of patients the tumours were located in lungs and 28.6 % in head and neck. All but one of the patients reported pain during the baseline visit (20.8 % due to the primary tumour, 54.2 % to metastases, and 22.9 % to RT treatment). The median (Q1-Q3) number of breakthrough crises/day was 3.0 (2-4.5). Overall, 60.4 % were receiving treatment for breakthrough pain and Fentanyl was the most commonly used drug (70.4 %). Pain management strategies were: reinforcement/modification of long-term analgesics (30.4 %), reinforcement/modification of short-term analgesics (21.7 %), reinforcement/modification of long-term and short-term analgesics (21.7 %), and decrease/suppression of any fast- or long-term analgesics (26.1 %). Independently from the strategy, a decrease in the maximum pain and the total amount of pain were observed over time, and an improvement during the follow-up visits was observed in the quality of life, health gain, and overall treatment satisfaction. Only two adverse reactions were reported. Conclusions: Breakthrough pain in cancer patients, who underwent radiotherapy treatment, is a symptom of high prevalence. There is no predominant analgesic strategy in the management of these patients, but Fentanyl is the drug most frequently used. Patients are very satisfied with the pharmacologic treatment and the reduction in the breakthrough pain obtained has a favourable effect on the global health status and quality of life of patients.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Estudiar el manejo del dolor irruptivo en pacientes de oncología radioterápica que lo experimentan, y su impacto en el control analgésico del mismo, la tolerabilidad de los tratamientos analgésicos utilizados, así como la satisfacción y el impacto en la calidad de vida del paciente. Material y métodos: Estudio epidemiológico, observacional, prospectivo, multicéntrico, en pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer y dolor de origen oncológico tratado con una pauta analgésica de 3er escalón, que iniciaron un tratamiento con radioterapia (RT) susceptible de que el oncólogo modificara su control analgésico. Los pacientes se reclutaron de 15 servicios de Oncología Radioterápica procedentes de centros de las regiones de Valencia y Murcia entre mayo de 2013 y diciembre de 2014. Basalmente se recogieron: datos sociodemográficos, caracterización del proceso oncológico y del dolor, tratamiento analgésico y tipo, y dosis/intensidad de la RT empleada. Al mes y a los tres meses se caracterizó el dolor mediante la valoración del cambio en la dimensión del dolor del cuestionario breve de dolor (CBD) y de la cantidad de dolor producido por episodios de dolor irruptivo, el nivel de satisfacción, la calidad de vida (EuroQol-5D) y la tolerabilidad al tratamiento analgésico. Resultados: Los pacientes incluidos en el análisis (n = 49) fueron mayoritariamente hombres (72,3 %) y la edad media (± desviación estándar) 63,7 ± 11,5 años. En el 26,5 % de los pacientes el tumor se encontraba en pulmón y en el 28,6 % en cabeza y cuello. Todos, excepto uno, refirieron dolor en el momento de la visita basal (20,8 % debido al tumor primario, 54,2 % metástasis y en 22,9 % tratamiento con RT). La mediana (Q1-Q3) del número de crisis al día fue 3,0 (2-4,5). El 60,4 % estaban recibiendo tratamiento para el dolor irruptivo, siendo fentanilo el principio activo más frecuentemente utilizado (70,4 %). Las estrategias para manejar el dolor fueron: refuerzo/modificación de analgésicos de larga duración (30,4 %), corta duración (21,7 %), ambos (21,7 %) o disminución/supresión en analgésicos de acción rápida o de larga (26,1 %). Independientemente de la estrategia, se observa una disminución en cuanto al "máximo dolor", y la cantidad total de dolor entre las 3 visitas, y una mejoría en cuanto a la "calidad de vida", "ganancia de salud" y la "satisfacción global del tratamiento". Solo se reportaron dos reacciones adversas. Conclusiones: El dolor irruptivo en los pacientes oncológicos en tratamiento de radioterapia, constituye un síntoma de elevada prevalencia. No hay una estrategia analgésica predominante para el manejo de estos pacientes, pero el fentanilo es el fármaco más frecuentemente utilizado. Los pacientes están satisfechos con el tratamiento y la reducción del dolor irruptivo repercute favorablemente en el estado general y calidad de vida de los pacientes.

ABSTRACT: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) therapy is an alternative for patients who cannot recover with current treatments. Ensure movilization of MSC to the affected organs would represent an advantage for therapeutic management of CVD. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone precursor whose levels decrease throughout life, which has been associated with the onset of CVD. Several studies have shown that DHEA consumption, prevents and improves heart condition, although it is not known if this is because an effect on cardiomyocytes is exercised on these cells and this, in turn, to CTM. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of conditioned medium from H9C2 cell line pretreated with DHEA and subjected to damage, on the motility of CTM, performing a wound healing assay. Pretreatment with DHEA and damage to H9C2 cell line, promotes motility of CTM. Stimulation of CTM motility by an indirect effect of DHEA could be a therapeutic strategy for heart damage.

RESUMEN: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV) son la principal causa de muerte a nivel mundial, donde la terapia con Células Troncales Mesenquimales (CTM) representa una alternativa para los pacientes que no logran recuperarse con los tratamientos actuales. El lograr que las CTM residentes se movilicen al órgano afectado representaría una ventaja para el manejo terapéutico de las ECV. La dehidroepiandrosterona (DHEA) es un precursor hormonal cuyos niveles disminuyen a lo largo de la vida, lo que se ha asociado al desarrollo de ECV. Diversos estudios han demostrado que el consumo de DHEA previene y mejora la condición cardiaca, aunque no se sabe si esto ocurre porque se ejerce un efecto en los cardiomiocitos y estos, a su vez, hacia las CTM. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar el efecto del medio condicionado procedente de la línea H9C2 pretratada con DHEA y sometida a daño, sobre la motilidad de CTM, llevando a cabo un ensayo de cierre de herida. El pretratamiento con DHEA y el daño en la línea H9C2, promueve la motilidad de CTM. El estímulo de la motilidad de CTM por un efecto indirecto de DHEA podría ser una estrategia terapéutica para el daño cardiaco.

RESUMO Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar a fisiologia de milho e plantas daninhas em convívio sob diferentes densidades. Utilizou-se delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições. Foi adotado esquema fatorial 5 x 2 + 1 e 5 x 3, para o milho e plantas daninhas, respectivamente, correspondendo aos fatores espécies de planta daninha (Bidens pilosa, Commelina benghalensis, Urochloa brizantha, Sorghum arundinaceum e Ipomoea triloba) e densidade de infestação (testemunha, 15 e 30 plantas m-2). Mantiveram-se em convívio com o híbrido de milho transgênico DKB 390 PRO 2, além de um tratamento adicional para plantas de milho ausentes de competição. Aos 45 e 60 dias após o plantio (DAP) do milho, foram realizadas avaliações fisiológicas na cultura, e aos 38 dias após o transplantio (DAT), para as plantas daninhas, utilizou-se analisador de gases no infravermelho (IRGA). Houve alterações fisiológicas no milho devido ao convívio com as plantas daninhas. Aos 45 DAP, a competição, independentemente da espécie infestante, causou menor taxa fotossintética no milho em convívio com 15 plantas m-2; a condutância estomática foi inferior nas duas densidades. Aos 60 DAP, o milho em competição com 15 e 30 plantas m-2 apresentou menor taxa transpiratória. U. brizantha e S. arundinaceum apresentaram redução na fotossíntese e transpiração em função do aumento da densidade e do convívio com o milho.

ABSTRACT This study aimed at evaluating the physiology of maize and weeds when living under different densities. The randomized block design with 4 replications was used. The factorial scheme 5 x 2 + 1 and 5 x 3 was adopted, for maize and weeds respectively, corresponding to weed species (Bidens pilosa, Commelina benghalensis, Urochloa brizantha, Sorghum arundinaceum and Ipomoea triloba) and infestation density (control, 15 and 30 plants m-2). Weeds were kept in coexistence with the maize hybrid DKB 390 PRO 2, with an additional treatment for maize plants absent of competition. It was kept in coexistence with maize hybrid DKB 390 PRO 2 besides an additional treatment with maize plants absent of competition. On day 45 and 60 after maize planting (DAP) physiological reviews were performed within the culture, and 38 days after weed transplanting (DAT), an infrared gas analyzer (IRGA) was used. There were physiological changes in maize due to the coexistence with weeds. On day 45 DAP, the competition, regardless of the weed species, caused less photosynthetic rate in maize coexisting with 15 plants m-2; the stomatal conductance was lower in both densities. On day 60 DAP, maize in competition with 15 and 30 plants m-2 showed lower transpiration rate. U. brizantha and S. arundinaceum showed reduction in photosynthesis and transpiration, due to increased density and coexistence with maize.

In times of drought, the availability of feed is reduced, and the use of concentrate ingredients, such as wheat bran, becomes costly for animal production. Thus, the use of spineless cactus emerges as a potential solution to the shortage of feed and water during prolonged drought periods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing wheat bran with spineless cactus plus urea (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) in sugarcane-based diets for sheep on nutrient intake, feeding behaviour, nitrogen balance and microbial protein synthesis. Five male Santa Ines sheep with average initial bodyweight of 34.0 ± 3.6 kg were used in a 5 ₓ 5 Latin square. The maximum intakes of dry matter (DM) (1414 g/day), organic matter (OM) (1281 g/day), crude protein (CP) (204 g/day), neutral detergent fibre corrected for ash and protein (NDFap) (425 g/day), and total digestible nutrients (tdN) (890 g/day) were estimated with replacement levels of 80.2%, 75.3%, 88.6%, 50.5%, and 79.3% respectively. Feeding behaviour was not altered by replacing wheat bran with spineless cactus plus urea. Nitrogen retention increased by 0.10 g/day, while plasmatic urea nitrogen increased by 0.20 mg/day for every 1% level of replacement. The maximum production of microbial nitrogen (15.9 g/day) and microbial protein synthesis (99.4 g/day) were estimated with replacement levels of 45.8 and 45.7%, respectively. It is concluded that up to 80% wheat bran could be replaced with spineless cactus plus urea in sugarcane-based diets for sheep.

Recent evidence suggests that cell-derived circulating miRNAs may serve as biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases. However, a few studies have investigated the potential of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). In this study, we aimed to characterize the miRNA profiles that could distinguish hypertensive patients with LHV, hypertensive patients without LVH and control subjects, and identify potential miRNAs as biomarkers of LVH. LVH was defined by left ventricular mass indexed to body surface area >125 g/m2 in men and >110 g/m2 in women and patients were classified as hypertensive when presenting a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or more, or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or more. We employed miRNA PCR array to screen serum miRNAs profiles of patients with LVH, essential hypertension and healthy subjects. We identified 75 differentially expressed miRNAs, including 49 upregulated miRNAs and 26 downregulated miRNAs between LVH and control patients. We chose 2 miRNAs with significant differences for further testing in 59 patients. RT-PCR analysis of serum samples confirmed that miR-7-5p and miR-26b-5p were upregulated in the serum of LVH hypertensive patients compared with healthy subjects. Our findings suggest that these miRNAs may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertensive LVH and may represent novel biomarkers for this disease.

The integration of supply chains has become a global operations strategy for many organisations because it allows them to improve customer service, minimise operating costs, and synchronise channels across the supply chain. This paper presents the design and implementation of a fuzzy expert system for the integration of collaborative supply chains. A measurement instrument that was statistically validated and formulated using a mathematical model was designed to implement the fuzzy expert system. This instrument was applied in 44 small-, medium-, and large-sized Mexican enterprises to determine their integration level. Specific actions were proposed, based on the results, to improve the attained integration level.

Die integrasie van voorsieningskettings is deesdae 'n omvattende strategie vir baie organisasies, omdat dit hulle toelaat om kliëntediens te verbeter. Die ontwerp en implementering van 'n wasige ekspertstelsel word voorgehou. 'n Statisties gevalideerde meetinstrument wat met 'n wiskundige model geformuleer is, is ontwerp om die wasige ekspertstelsel te implementeer. Dié meetinstrument is in 44 klein, medium en groot Meksikaanse ondernemings toegepas om hulle integrasievlak te bepaal. Spesifieke aksies, gegrond op die resultate, is aanbeveel om die integrasievlak te verbeter.