ABSTRACT Scorpion envenoming is considered a public health problem in Brazil. A recent study described a variation in the clinical outcome of envenoming by Tityus obscurus in two populations separated by 850 km in the northeastern Amazon region. Our aim was to evaluate whether such clinical and toxinological variations are associated with underlying differences in genetic diversity between these two T. obscurus populations. We obtained DNA from five individuals of each population, in the municipalities of Belém and Santarém, located east and west of the state of Pará, Brazil, respectively. Gene regions encoding mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and ribosomal 16S RNA (16S) were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inferences (BA) for both molecular data (COI and 16S). The sampled T. obscurus populations corresponded to two distinct mtDNA lineages (genetic distance COI K2 P = 0.08 to 0.13; 16S K2 P = 0.10 to 0.11) with no shared mutations between groups and well supported by ML and BA inferences. Based on the divergence values found between eastern and western populations (COI, 0.07 to 0.12; 16S, 0.10), our study confirms the genetic heterogeneity of T. obscurus populations within the state of Pará, which correlates with observed venom and clinical differences, and reinforces the need for mapping the distribution of haplotypes throughout the geographic range of T. obscurus, to aid in future epidemiological, toxinological, and evolutionary studies.

RESUMO O envenenamento por escorpiões é considerado um problema de saúde pública no Brasil. Um estudo recente descreve a variação do quadro clínico de envenenamento por Tityus obscurus em duas populações separadas por uma distância de 850 km no nordeste da Amazônia. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se tais variações clínicas e toxicológicas estão associadas a diferenças subjacentes na diversidade genética entre essas duas populações de T. obscurus. Obtivemos DNA de cinco indivíduos de cada população nos municípios de Belém e Santarém, localizados a leste e oeste do estado do Pará, Brasil, respectivamente. Regiões gênicas que codificam marcadores de DNA mitocondrial (mtDNA) citocromo oxidase subunidade I (COI) e RNA ribossômico 16S (16S) foram amplificadas e sequenciadas. As análises filogenéticas foram realizadas por máxima verossimilhança (ML) e inferência Bayesiana (BA) para ambos os dados moleculares (COI e 16S). As populações de T. obscurus amostradas corresponderam a duas linhagens distintas de mtDNA (distância genética COI K2 P = 0,08 a 0,13; 16S K2 P = 0,10 a 0,11) sem mutações compartilhadas entre os grupos, e bem corroboradas por inferências ML e BA. Com base nos valores de divergência encontrados entre as populações oriental e ocidental (COI, 0,07 a 0,12; 16S, 0,10), nosso estudo confirma a heterogeneidade genética das populações de T. obscurus no estado do Pará. Os resultados são congruentes com as diferenças observadas no quadro clínico dos acidentes e toxicidade do veneno, e reforçam a necessidade de mapear a distribuição de haplótipos em toda a distribuição geográfica de T. obscurus, para auxiliar em futuros estudos epidemiológicos, toxinológicos e evolutivos.

ABSTRACT Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody with the ability to bind itself to CD20, leads to a rapid depletion of B-cells (in around 24-72 hours), limiting antibody formation. The marker CD20 does not exist in any other cell type, which makes the action of rituximab specific. This antibody has been used in autoimmune entities such as rheumatoid arthritis and in hematological malignancies, but recently it has gained popularity as an important immunosuppressor in selected kidney diseases. In nephrology, this anti-CD20 antibody had its first indication in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis, but can now be used in primary membranous nephropathy, minimal change disease, lupus nephritis and others. There is also some data that indicates rituximab might have a promising role in other glomerular diseases in the future, but to date evidence is still lacking to recommend its widespread use. The aim of this document is to compile the most recent scientific evidence as to when rituximab should be used in the treatment of various glomerular diseases, and which other may come to benefit from it in the future.

Abstract This article analyzes experiences of sustainable entrepreneurship in the José Gomes rural community in Northeast Brazil, reflecting on the relevance of local development policies in the construction of local collective projects. This qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study adopted rapport techniques, semi-structured interviews (82 dwellers), direct observation, field diary, and bibliographic research. Local development policies were understood as mechanisms for advances and improvements in the quality of life, economic organization, and environmental conservation, which must be incorporated into municipal planning and governmental actions. The results pointed to socio-productive potentials and structural and infrastructural limitations, which hamper the possibilities of spreading sustainable entrepreneurship and consolidating local development.

Resumen Este artículo pretende analizar experiencias de emprendimiento sostenible en la comunidad rural José Gomes, Nordeste de Brasil, y promover una reflexión sobre la relevancia de las políticas de desarrollo local en la construcción de proyectos colectivos regionales. Se utilizaron técnicas de rapport, entrevistas semiestructuradas (82 residentes), observación directa y diario de campo, además de la investigación bibliográfica. Las políticas de desarrollo local se entendieron como mecanismos para el avance y mejoramiento de la calidad de vida, la organización económica y la conservación del medio ambiente que deben incorporarse a la planificación municipal y a las acciones del poder público. Los resultados apuntaron potencialidades socioproductivas y limitaciones estructurales e infraestructurales que agotan las posibilidades de difundir el emprendimiento sostenible y consolidar el desarrollo local.

Resumo Este artigo pretende analisar experiências de empreendedorismo sustentável na comunidade rural José Gomes, Nordeste do Brasil, e promover uma reflexão sobre a relevância das políticas de desenvolvimento local na construção de projetos coletivos regionais. Este estudo caracteriza-se como exploratório e descritivo na abordagem qualitativa. Para tanto, foram utilizados técnicas rapport, entrevistas semiestruturadas (82 moradores), observação direta e diário de campo, além de pesquisas bibliográficas. A pesquisa abordou as políticas de desenvolvimento local como mecanismos de avanço e melhoria na qualidade de vida, na organização econômica e na conservação do meio ambiente, que devem ser incorporadas ao planejamento municipal e às ações do poder público. Os resultados apontaram potencialidades socioprodutivas e limitações estruturais e infraestruturais que esgotam as possibilidades de difusão do empreendedorismo sustentável e a consolidação do desenvolvimento local.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Bishop-Koop ileostomy has been widely used in pediatric patients with the intention of including as much bowel as possible in the intestinal transit early in the management of children with meconium ileus and intestinal atresia. In recent years, we have been using it as an alternative to test the distal bowel function before closure of a previously constructed ostomy in selected children with questionable distal bowel motility. AIMS: The aim of this study was to present our experience with this alternative use of the Bishop-Koop ostomy. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional retrospective review of hospital records, combined with a comprehensive literature review. RESULTS: Seven children were included: five had suspected aganglionosis, one had gastroschisis complicated with ileal atresia, and one had a colonic stricture secondary to necrotizing enterocolitis. In this short series of patients, motility of the distal bowel was correctly assessed in six patients and partially correctly assessed in one patient. One patient did not pass stools per anus after the Bishop-Koop, and he was later confirmed to have Hirschsprung disease. Four patients resumed normal evacuation pattern after closure of the Bishop-Koop. One patient had a Bishop-Koop colostomy because of recurrent enterocolitis after a transanal pull-through. Although he evacuated normally while having the colostomy, the diarrhea recurred after the ostomy was closed. An additional patient, with a severe behavioral problem, did not evacuate per anus after her colostomy was transformed in a Bishop-Koop-type ostomy, despite the apparent presence of normal ganglia in the bowel wall. CONCLUSIONS: Data from the present series allow us to affirm that Bishop-Koop-type ostomy is a safe and efficient procedure that can be used to assess distal bowel function before a definitive transit reconstruction, in children with uncertain motility issues.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A ileostomia Bishop-Koop foi amplamente utilizada em pacientes pediátricos com a intenção de incluir o máximo de intestino possível no trânsito intestinal no manejo inicial de recém-nascidos com íleo meconial e atresia intestinal. Nos últimos anos, temos usado-a como alternativa para testar a função intestinal distal antes do fechamento de uma ostomia, em algumas crianças com motilidade intestinal distal questionável. OBJETIVOS: Apresentar nossa experiência com este uso alternativo da ostomia Bishop-Koop. MÉTODOS: Revisão retrospectiva dos registros hospitalares, combinada com uma revisão abrangente da literatura. RESULTADOS: Sete crianças foram incluídas: cinco tinham suspeita de aganglionose, uma tinha gastrosquise complicada com atresia ileal e uma tinha estenose de colon secundária à NEC. Nesta pequena série de pacientes, a motilidade do intestino distal foi corretamente avaliada em 6 pacientes e parcialmente avaliada em um. Um paciente não evacuou por ânus após o Bishop-Koop e mais tarde foi confirmado que ele tinha doença de Hirschsprung. Seis pacientes retomaram o padrão normal de evacuação após o fechamento do Bishop-Koop. Um paciente que fez uma colostomia Bishop-Koop por causa de enterocolite recorrente após um abaixamento transanal, recidivou a enterocolite após o fechamento definitivo. CONCLUSÕES: A ostomia tipo Bishop-Koop é um procedimento seguro e eficaz que pode ser utilizado para avaliar a função intestinal distal antes de uma reconstrução definitiva do trânsito em crianças com problemas de motilidade intestinal.

ABSTRACT Baru tree (Dipteryx alata) is an arboreal, fruitful plant native to the Cerrado biome with an important socioeconomic impact. Populations of this species are a good model to study anthropogenic disturbances on the biome through the genetic information. In this study, we developed seven new polymorphic microsatellite markers for D. alata, using an enriched genomic library. We performed loci characterization in three populations, obtaining a total of 49 alleles, with an average of 5 to 5.57 alleles per locus. A significant content of polymorphic information was obtained, as indicated by the average expected heterozygosity (uHE), with a total average of 0.58 to 0.65 per locus. The average value of the observed heterozygosity (Ho) was also high, with a total average of 0.73 to 0.85 per locus. Some of the loci are in linkage disequilibrium, such as DalatG6 with DalatB3, DalatH3 and DalatB4. The estimate of the combined loci for the probability of paternity exclusion obtained an average value of 1.00 for all loci, and the average combined probability of identity, the values were (1.210^-5) to (4.410^-6). All markers are informative and suitable for studies on genetic diversity and population structure, aiming at the conservation and management of the species.

Abstract Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a native plant from the Amazon whose seeds contain a high concentration of caffeine. Aqueous extract of guarana is widely used in the world. In this study, the objective was to develop and validate a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography method for the determination of caffeine in extracts and commercial beverages based on guarana. A sensitive, simple, and viable high performance liquid chromatographic method without the need of an analyte extraction procedure was developed and validated according to Brazilian and international requirements. The method presented high performance, fulfilling Brazilian and international requirements, in addition to allowing product compliance tests. Results confirmed high selectivity and linearity (>0.999) between 5 to 135 ug/mL, with no significant matrix effect. Detection and quantification limits were 0.02 µg/mL and 2 µg/mL, respectively. Precision was less than 4 %, and accuracy varied from 99.9-120 %. Applicability of the method was demonstrated by conducting a limited evaluation in products containing caffeine. Commercial extracts showed quite different caffeine levels, while carbonated drinks follow Brazilian and American recommendations. Our results indicate that the developed method can be used to evaluate the quality of the guarana extract and of products containing caffeine.

Abstract Office gynecological procedures are crucial for women health. New anesthetic methods that replace general anesthesia propelled the transition from the operating room to an office setting of multiple interventions (insertion of intrauterine devices, biopsies and hysteroscopies with or without with or without minor therapeutic procedures). Moderate to severe pain is often experienced by women, leading to the interruption of the procedure. No consensus exists upon routine use of analgesia during these office procedures. More effective pain control strategies and guidelines are needed for pain relief in outpatient gynecological procedures. The reflection in this work is intended to pave the way for a generalized pain management in gynecological procedures to widespread satisfy women expectations and needs.

Resumo Os procedimentos ginecológicos em ambulatório são cruciais na área da saúde da mulher. Novos métodos anestésicos que substituem a anestesia geral e impulsionam a transição do bloco operatório para o consultório para a realização de múltiplas intervenções diagnósticas e terapêuticas, são indispensáveis. A dor moderada a intensa é frequentemente sentida pelas mulheres, levando à interrupção do procedimento. Não existe consenso sobre o uso de rotina de analgesia durante esses procedimentos em ambulatório. Estratégias e diretrizes de controle da dor mais eficazes são necessárias para o alívio da dor para a realização de alguns procedimentos como são exemplo a introdução de dispositivos intrauterinos e a realização de histeroscopias. Este trabalho é uma reflexão sobre este tópico com o objetivo de abrir caminho para um controlo generalizado da dor em procedimentos ginecológicos de modo a satisfazer amplamente as expectativas e necessidades das mulheres.

Abstract Introduction: Neonatal sepsis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric age. Since the predominant causative microorganisms vary between regions and over time, it is crucial to know the local epidemiology. The aim of this study was to characterize patients with positive blood culture and clinical presentation of sepsis admitted to a Neonatology Unit and identify possible risk factors and implicated microorganisms and respective antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study of clinical data of patients admitted to the Neonatology Unit of a level II hospital with positive blood culture and clinical presentation of sepsis over five years (2014-2018). Results: Seventy-three culture-proven sepsis cases were identified, 51 (69.9%) of which corresponded to low-birth-weight neonates and 52 (71.2%) to preterm newborns. Most cases (60; 82.2%) concerned late-onset sepsis. The most frequent microorganisms identified were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (55; 75.3%), mainly associated with late-onset sepsis. Group B Streptococcus and Escherichia coli were the most common microorganisms isolated in early-onset sepsis. No cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were identified. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus presented high resistance rates to beta-lactam antibiotics. Conclusions: The results retrieved from this study document the local epidemiology of neonatal sepsis and show a high frequency of late-onset sepsis associated with nosocomial pathogens. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. are resistant to the most commonly used antibiotics, with these cases requiring the use of vancomycin. It is crucial to implement effective guidelines to control and prevent nosocomial infections and reduce the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of neonatal sepsis, as well as the need for broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Resumo Introdução: A sépsis neonatal continua a ser uma das principais causas de mortalidade e morbilidade neonatal. Dado que os microrganismos etiológicos responsáveis predominantes variam entre regiões e ao longo do tempo, torna-se essencial conhecer a epidemiologia local. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar os doentes com hemocultura positiva e apresentação clínica compatível com sépsis internados numa Unidade de Neonatologia e identificar possíveis fatores de risco e agentes microbianos envolvidos e respetivas sensibilidades. Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo descritivo de dados clínicos de doentes com hemocultura positiva e apresentação clínica compatível com sépsis internados na Unidade de Neonatologia de um hospital de nível II ao longo de cinco anos (2014-2018).. Resultados: Foram identificados 73 casos de sépsis confirmados por hemocultura, 51 (69,9 %) dos quais correspondentes a recém-nascidos com baixo peso e 52 (71,2%) a recém-nascidos pré-termo. A maior parte dos casos era relativa a sépsis tardia (60; 82,2%). Os microrganismos mais frequentemente identificados foram Sthapylococcus coagulase-negativos (55; 75,3%), principalmente associados a sépsis tardia. Os principais responsáveis por sépsis precoce foram Streptococcus do Grupo B e Escherichia coli. Não foram isolados Staphylococcus aureus resistentes a meticilina. Os Sthapylococcus coagulase-negativos apresentaram elevadas taxas de resistência aos antibióticos beta-lactâmicos. Conclusões: Os resultados obtidos documentam a epidemiologia local de sépsis neonatal, caracterizada por elevada frequência de sépsis tardia associada a microrganismos nosocomiais. Os Sthapylococcus coagulase-negativos são resistentes à maioria dos antibióticos mais frequentemente utilizados, sendo necessária a utilização de vancomicina nestes casos. É urgente implementar protocolos eficazes de prevenção e controlo de infeções nosocomiais para diminuir a incidência, mortalidade e morbilidade de sépsis neonatal e a utilização de antibióticos de largo espetro.

RESUMO Este estudo determina o grau de estresse hidrológico (HS) na bacia do rio Goiana em Pernambuco, um estado do nordeste do Brasil. O índice de estresse hidrológico é obtido comparando-se os valores das licenças superficiais com os limites concedidos pelos gestores. Os resultados apontaram para uma situação de “Alto” estresse hidrológico (HS) na sub-bacia da Nazaré da Mata, com aproximadamente 94,76% da vazão outorgável sendo utilizada. Na sub-bacia do Caricé, o grau de estresse hidrológico foi considerado “Médio”, sendo concedido cerca de 31,77% da vazão disponível. As demais sub-bacias tiveram resultados considerados como “Baixo” estresse hidrológico (entre 0% e 25%). Com os resultados, o estudo ressalta a importância do constante monitoramento dos dados de demanda por usos de água na região e o aperfeiçoamento dos critérios para concessão de outorga pelos órgãos gestores.

ABSTRACT This study determines the degree of hydrological stress (HS) on the Goiana River basin in Pernambuco, a state in northeastern Brazil. The hydrological stress index is obtained by comparing the values of the surface permits with the limits granted by the managers. The results pointed to a situation of “High” hydrological stress (HS) in the Nazaré da Mata sub-basin, with approximately 94.76% of the grantable flow being used. In the Caricé sub-basin, the degree of hydrological stress was considered “Medium,” with about 31.77% of available flow being granted. The other sub-basins had results considered to be “Low” hydrological stress (between 0% and 25%). Given these results, this study emphasizes the importance of constantly monitoring data on the demand for water use in the region and improving the criteria management bodies follow when granting permits.

RESUMO Com a expansão do plantio de sorgo como cultura de sucessão na segunda safra, os programas de melhoramento precisam ampliar a criação de novas linhagens, visando à produção de híbridos de alto desempenho. O primeiro passo para o processo de seleção consiste na avaliação do desempenho per se das linhagens ou de suas combinações híbridas. O presente trabalho objetivou estimar a capacidade combinatória de linhagens de sorgo granífero em diferentes condições ambientais em plantios na segunda safra. Os ensaios foram conduzidos em sistema de plantio direto, em quatro ambientes: Rio Verde, Sete Lagoas, Teresina e Sinop. Foram avaliados trinta híbridos resultantes dos cruzamentos de seis linhagens restauradoras da fertilidade (R) com cinco linhagens macho-estéreis (A). Foi empregado o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, com três repetições. As características avaliadas foram dias para o florescimento, altura das plantas e produtividade de grãos. O ambiente influenciou significativamente nas estimativas de capacidade geral e específica de combinação, e estas sugerem haver importância dos efeitos aditivos e dominantes no controle desses caracteres. As linhagens restauradoras GI.1 e G1.2 contribuíram para aumentar a produtividade de seus híbridos em mais 650 kg.ha-1. Entre as linhagens macho estéreis as melhores para rendimento de grãos foram GII.1 e GII.4 com contribuição acima de 450 kg.ha-1 nos híbridos em que participaram. As combinações híbridas GI.5xGII.3 e GI.1xGII.2 se destacaram por apresentarem potencial de obterem médias altas de produtividade de grãos, associando aspectos favoráveis de dias para o florescimento e altura das plantas.

ABSTRACT The expansion of sorghum as a succession crop, after soybean, has demanded the development of new inbred lines by the breeding programs. The first step in the selection process consists of evaluating the performance per se of the inbred lines or of their hybrid combination. The purpose of this study was to determine the combining ability of sorghum inbred lines under different environment conditions of the crop production areas. The trials were carried out in the second season of 2017, under no-tillage system, in four environments, Rio Verde, Sete Lagoas, Teresina and Sinop. Thirty hybrids, resulting from the crosses of six fertility restoration lines (R) with five male-sterile lines (A) were evaluated. A randomized complete block design with three replicates was used in all experiments. The characteristics evaluated were flowering, plant height and grain yield. The environment significantly influenced the estimates of general and specific combining ability, which suggests that both effects, additive and dominant, are important in the control of these characters. The restoring lines GI.1 and G1.2 contributed to increasing the grain yield of their hybrids by over 650 kg.ha-1. Among the male-sterile lines, the best for grain yield were GII. 1 and GII.4 with contribution above 450 kg.ha-1 in the hybrids in which they participate. The hybrid combinations GI.5xGII.3 and GI.1xGII.2 stood out with potential to obtain high grain yield, associating positive aspects of the other characteristics.

RESUMO Tendo em vista a carência de informações técnicas sobre a lâmina de água e adubação com nitrogênio via fertirrigação em cultivo protegido para produção de pimentão na região norte do Brasil. Este trabalho foi realizado objetivando-se estudar tensões de água no solo sob diferentes doses de nitrogênio, para o cultivo de pimentão em cultivo protegido. O experimento executado em casa de vegetação na Fazenda Escola de Igarapé Açu da Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, no espaçamento 1,0 x 0,50 m, em delineamento de blocos casualizados, esquema fatorial 5x4, com três repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por cinco tensões de água no solo (15, 25, 35, 45 e 65 kPa) e quatro doses de nitrogênio (0, 135, 265 e 395 kg ha-1). Houve interação entre os fatores tensão de água no solo e doses de nitrogênio apenas para eficiência no uso de nitrogênio, obtendo melhor índice na combinação 15 kPa de água no solo e 135 kg ha-1 de nitrogênio. Número total de frutos, comprimento e diâmetro de frutos tiveram diferença significativa apenas para as tensões de água no solo. Produção por planta, produtividade total, eficiência no uso da água foram estatisticamente significativas para as tensões de água no solo e doses de nitrogênio. Logo, recomenda-se a tensão de 15 kPa de água no solo e dose de 265 kg ha-1 de nitrogênio, para o cultivo de pimentão em ambiente protegido.

ABSTRACT Considering the lack of technical information on the water depth and nitrogen fertilization via fertigation in protected cultivation for bell pepper production in northern Brazil, this paper aimed to study the soil water tensions under different nitrogen doses for the cultivation of bell pepper in protected environment. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Igarapé-Açu School Farm of the Federal Rural University of the Amazon, at 1.0 x 0.50 m spacing, using the experimental design of randomized blocks in a 5x4 factorial scheme, with three replicates. The treatments consisted of five soil water tensions (15, 25, 35, 45 and 65 kPa) and four nitrogen doses (0, 135, 265 and 395 kg ha-1). There was interaction between soil water tension and nitrogen doses only for nitrogen use efficiency, and the best value was obtained with the combination between soil water tension of 15 kPa and nitrogen dose of 135 kg ha-1. Total number of fruits, fruit length and fruit diameter showed significant differences only as a function of soil water tensions. Production per plant, total yield and water use efficiency were statistically significant for soil water tensions and nitrogen doses. Therefore, for the conditions in which this study was carried out, it is recommended to apply a soil water tension of 15 kPa and nitrogen dose of 265 kg ha-1 for bell pepper cultivation in protected environment.

Resumen Introducción: Poincianella bracteosa (Tul.) L.P. Queiroz. (Fabaceae), conocida como catingueira, es tradicionalmente utilizada en la medicina para tratar diarrea, hepatitis y anemia. Sin embargo, no hay estudios sobre los efectos tóxico genéticos de la P. bracteosa. Objetivo: En el presente estudio se tuvo como objetivo investigar el perfil fitoquímico y el potencial mutagénico y antimutagénico del extracto acuoso de la cáscara de P. bracteosa en Allium cepa y Mus musculus. Métodos: El extracto de la cáscara fue diluido en agua destilada para fornecer las cuatro concentraciones (2, 4, 8 y 16 mg/ml) utilizadas en el bioensayo A. cepa y las tres dosis (10, 20 y 40 mg / Kg) fueron administradas a los ratones (5 animales por grupo). El perfil fito-químico fue realizado por el test colorimétrico para identificar los principales metabólitos secundarios en el extracto de la cáscara. Tras el tratamiento, 5 000 células meristemáticas fueron analizadas para determinar el índice mitótico, el promedio de alteraciones cromosómicas y el porcentaje de reducción de daños. Para ratones, tras 24, 48 y 72 h, la sangre de la cola de cada animal fue recolectado para la preparación de dos láminas por animal. Para cada animal, 2 000 eritrocitos normocromáticos por ratón fueron evaluados para establecer el número de micronúcleos y el efecto protector. Se analizaron los dados por el test de Kruskal-Wallis (P < 0.05). El estudio fito-químico del extracto detectó azúcares reductores y taninos. Resultados: Ninguna de las concentraciones del extracto fue citotóxica y en todos los tratamientos (pre, simultáneo y después) fue observado el efecto citoprotetor en A. cepa. El promedio total de las alteraciones cromosómicas en todas las concentraciones apuntó actividad no mutagénica de la cáscara. El porcentaje de reducción del daño fue observada en los tratamientos pre (de 77.6 al 90.5 %), simultáneo (del 95.6 al 114.7 %) y tras (de 84.8 al 117.7 %). En los ratones, ninguna de las dosis del extracto presentó efecto mutagénico y el porcentaje de reducción del daño osciló de -21.2 al 78.6 % (pre); de 27.5 al 101.3 % (simultánea) y de 85.5 al 120.6 % (tras-tratamiento). Probablemente, los fito-químicos presentes en el extracto no interfirieron en el ciclo celular (A. cepa), tampoco causaron daños al DNA (A. cepa y ratones) y presentaron efecto protector en las dos especies estudiadas. Los datos observados apuntan la importancia del extracto de la cáscara de P. bracteosa para inhibición del daño y quimio prevención. Sin embargo, más estudios deben ser realizados para garantizar su efecto protector sobre el material genético.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Poincianella bracteosa (Tul.) L.P. Queiroz. (Fabaceae), known as catingueira, is traditionally used in medicine to treat diarrhea, hepatitis and anemia. However, there are no studies on their toxicogenetic effects. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile as well as the mutagenic and antimutagenic potential of P. bracteosa aqueous bark extract in Allium cepa and Mus musculus. Methods: The extract from barks was diluted in distilled water to yield the four concentrations (2, 4, 8 and 16 mg/ml) used in the A. cepa bioassay and the three doses (10, 20 and 40 mg/Kg) administered to the mice (five animals per group). The phytochemical profile was performed by the colorimetric test to identify the main secondary metabolites in the bark extract. After treatment, five-thousand meristematic cells were analyzed to determine the mitotic index, the mean number of chromosome alterations and the percentage of damage reduction. For mice, after 24, 48 and 72 h, tail blood was collected from each animal for the preparation of two slides per animal. For each animal, 2 000 normochromatic erythrocytes per mice were evaluated to establish the number of micronuclei and the protective effect. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test (P < 0.05). Results: The phytochemical analysis of the extract detected reducing sugars and tannins. None of the concentrations of extract was cytotoxic and the cytoprotective effect was observed in A. cepa for all treatments (pre-, simultaneous and post-). The total mean of chromosome alterations in all concentrations indicated a non-mutagenic activity of the bark. The percentage of damage reduction was observed in the pre- (77.6 to 90.5 %), simultaneous (95.6 to 114.7 %) and post- (84.8 to 117.7 %) treatments. In mice, none of the dosages of extract presented mutagenic effect and the percentage of damage reduction varied from -21.16 to 78.63 % (pre-); from 27.51 to 101.28 % (simultaneous) and from 85.47 to 120.63 % (post-treatment). Conclusions: Probably, the phytochemicals in the extract did not interfere with the cell cycle (A. cepa) nor caused damage to the DNA (A. cepa and mice), and exhibited protective effect in both studied species. The observed data indicate the importance of P. bracteosa bark extract for the inhibition of damage and chemoprevention. However, more studies should be carried out to ensure its protective effect on the genetic material.

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the need of seminal plasma removal for short-term cooling of buck semen in soybean lecithin (SL) based extender. Each pool was divided equally, and one half was subjected to centrifugation to remove seminal plasma (SP-), while the other half remained with seminal plasma (SP+). Then, both SP+ and SP- samples were diluted in two SL extenders (extender A = 1% SL; extender B = 2% SL), cooled to 5ºC and stored for 48 hours. The sperm kinetics, evaluated by CASA, and plasma membrane integrity (PMI), acrosomal integrity (ACI) and high mitochondrial membrane potential (HMMP), evaluated by epifluorescence microscopy, were determined within five minutes after reaching 5°C (T0), as well as after 24 (T24) and 48 (T48) hours of storage. Interactions (seminal plasma vs. extender vs. time;) were observed for all variables assessed. Total and progressive motility and other variables of sperm kinetics decreased after 24 hours of cooling in the SP+ group, and after 48 hours of storage, these same variables were lower in SP+/B compared to SP-/B groups. Furthermore, SP+ reduced PMI (extender B, T48), HMMP (A and B extenders, T48) and ACI (extender A, T0) compared to SP- samples. The interactions between seminal plasma and soybean lecithin phospholipids seemed to occur in a time-dependent manner. It was concluded that the removal of seminal plasma improves the quality of goat semen that was cooled in a soybean lecithin-based extender, especially when using 2% soybean lecithin.

ABSTRACT. Maize breeding programs conduct multi-environment trials every year to assess the performance of new cultivars in pre-releasing tests. The data are combined across sites and seasons to perform a joint analysis in order to obtain information that will help breeders to select the best cultivars for different environments. Beyond this, it is essential to understand the different factors that can hamper the selection and genetic progress (i.e., genetic variability, selection intensity and genotype-by-environment interactions). In this study, the genetic progress (GP) was estimated and the adaptability and stability of 81 maize genotypes were evaluated in a series of trials for the value of cultivation and use (VCU) between the 2010/11 and 2014/15 growing seasons. The genotypes were composed of open-pollinated varieties, topcross hybrids, intervarietal hybrids, and single, double and three-way cross hybrids and were assessed in 117 environments in the central region of Brazil, from which 22 presented environmental stresses. For grain yield, an annual GP of 331.5 kg ha-1 was observed, thus showing efficiency in the selection of superior cultivars. Additionally, it was observed that some low-cost seed cultivars showed yield potential, adaptability and stability estimates that were compatible with commercial hybrids, thus making them quite attractive for cultivation in environments with or without abiotic stresses.