ABSTRACT Degradation of bovine small intestine and respective effects on biomechanics have not been described to date. Biomechanical testing of intestinal tissues is often carried out within a few hours of donor death and tissue deterioration is not accounted for. Freezing is efficient for the preservation of several tissues; however, it may cause cellular damage. This study investigated the morphologic and biomechanical changes of bovine jejunum at different postmortem moments. Effects of freezing and thawing on morphology and biomechanical behavior were also examined. Macroscopic changes were first noted within eight hours of death. At this time, histologic changes also started to set in, and biomechanical tests revealed lower bursting pressure (203.10±46.14mmHg). At 12 hours, tissue rearrangement was noted, and bursting pressure increased (238.43±31.04mmHg). A second drop in pressure was detected at 18 hours (235.20±38.21mmHg), followed by a progressive drop until the end of the experimental period. Histologic changes revealed progressive deterioration. Mechanical resistance did not differ between thawed and fresh specimens. It was concluded that bovine jejunal specimens retain biomechanical resistance up to 6 hours after death. Freezing and thawing did not affect the mechanical resistance of the intestinal wall in this experimental model.

RESUMO A degradação do intestino delgado de bovinos e seu efeito biomecânico não são descritos na literatura. Trabalhos que envolvem a biomecânica intestinal realizam os ensaios em poucas horas após o óbito dos doadores, sem avaliação de seu estado de deterioração. O congelamento é eficiente na conservação de vários tecidos, porém pode provocar danos em nível celular. Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a degradação morfológica e biomecânica do jejuno de bovinos em diferentes tempos post mortem. O efeito do congelamento e do descongelamento sobre essas características também foi avaliado. As primeiras alterações macroscópicas foram observadas oito horas após o óbito. No mesmo momento, se iniciaram as alterações histológicas e a menor pressão suportada ao teste biomecânico (203,10±46,14mmHg). A partir de 12 horas, o tecido sofreu um rearranjo, suportando maior pressão (238,43±31,04mmHg). Uma segunda queda foi detectada após 18 horas (235,20±38,21mmHg), seguida de redução progressiva até o término do experimento. As lesões histológicas foram progressivas e graduais. As amostras testadas após descongelamento não apresentaram diferença estatística quanto à resistência mecânica em comparação com os espécimes frescos. Concluiu-se que as amostras mantêm sua resistência biomecânica até 6 horas após o óbito. Também se mostrou que o congelamento e o descongelamento, nas condições testadas, não alteraram a resistência mecânica da parede intestinal.

RESUMO A brucelose é uma das doenças de caráter zoonótico mais difundidas no mundo, representando um grande problema econômico e de saúde pública. A Brucella melitensis, a B. suis e a B. abortus são consideradas as mais patogênicas espécies para humanos. A espécie apontada como a mais virulenta é a B. melitensis, endêmica em várias partes do mundo, particularmente o biovar 3 na região do Mediterrâneo e na Europa Oriental. Alguns países da América Latina são seriamente afetados pelo biovar 1, especialmente México, Peru e norte da Argentina. O Brasil é considerado livre desse agente etiológico, porém sempre há o questionamento se a infecção não ocorre ou se falta pesquisa. Diante dessa questão, o objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a ocorrência de anticorpos contra amostras lisas de Brucella em caprinos e ovinos dos estados de Sergipe, Bahia, Ceará e Paraíba. Todas as amostras foram submetidas à triagem pelo teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado (AAT). Como testes confirmatórios, utilizou-se a reação de fixação de complemento (RFC) e também o teste de polarização fluorescente (TPF). Nenhuma amostra foi positiva nos testes confirmatórios (RFC e TPF). Esse resultado comprova que a infecção por B. melitensis é exótica no Brasil.

ABSTRACT Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease widespread almost all over the world, representing a significant economic and public health problem. Brucella melitensis, B. suis and B. abortus are considered the most pathogenic species for humans. The most virulent species, B. melitensis is endemic in many parts of the world, particularly the biovar 3 in the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe. Some Latin American countries are seriously affected by biovar 1, especially Mexico, Peru and northern Argentina. Furthermore, while Brazil is considered free of this etiologic agent, one recurrent question is whether this infection really does not occur in Brazil or there is a lack of research/data on the subject. To answer this question, this study aims to investigate the occurrence of antibodies against smooth Brucella in goats and sheep in the states of Sergipe, Paraíba, Ceará and Paraíba. All samples were screened by the Rose Bengal test (RBT). The complement fixation (CFT) and the fluorescence polarization (FPT) tests were used as confirmatory tests. There were no positive samples in the confirmatory tests (both CFT and FPT). We, therefore, conclude that this result reinforces the previous knowledge regarding the exotic status of B. melitensis infection in Brazil.

RESUMO A atividade de aquicultura apresentou elevado crescimento, juntamente com o aumento do consumo de proteína animal proveniente desse setor. As indústrias de processamento facilitam o preparo do pescado ao consumidor, todavia geram grandes volumes de efluentes de alto potencial poluidor. A legislação ambiental estabelece normas para o lançamento de efluentes, tornando necessária a implementação de sistemas de tratamento para a redução dos poluentes gerados. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho de um reator anaeróbio compartimentado (ABR) seguido por filtro anaeróbio (FA), tratando efluente de processamento de pescado. O trabalho foi desenvolvido em um frigorífico que possuía uma estação de tratamento de efluentes composta por peneira estática, caixa de gordura, reator ABR e filtro anaeróbio. O monitoramento consistiu em análises físico-químicas e biológicas de amostras coletadas do afluente e dos efluentes de cada etapa do tratamento. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: amônia, nitrito, nitrato, NTK, fosfato e coliformes. Os resultados médios da eficiência de remoção desses parâmetros, respectivamente, do reator ABR foram de 5, 40, 69, -19, -25 e 83%, e do FA -0,5, 73, 53, 10, -1, e -17%. O sistema composto pelo reator ABR seguido pelo filtro anaeróbio apresentou alta remoção de nitrito, nitrato e coliformes.

ABSTRACT The aquaculture showed high growth along with the increase in the consumption of animal protein from this sector. The processing industries facilitate the preparation of fish for the consumer; however, they generate large volumes of effluents with a high polluting potential. Environmental legislation establishes norms for the release of effluents, making it necessary to implement treatment systems to reduce the pollutants generated. The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of a compartmentalized anaerobic reactor (ABR) followed by an anaerobic filter (AF) treating fish processing effluent. The work was carried out in a slaughterhouse that had an effluent treatment station consisting of a static sieve, grease box, ABR reactor and anaerobic filter. Monitoring consisted of physical-chemical and biological analyzes of samples collected from the influent and effluents from each stage of treatment. The parameters evaluated were ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, NTK, phosphate and coliforms. The average results of the removal efficiency of these parameters, respectively, for the ABR reactor were 5, 40, 69, -19, -25 and 83%, and for the AF -0.5, 73, 53, 10, -17 and -17%. The system composed by the ABR reactor followed by the Anaerobic Filter showed high removal of nitrite, nitrate, and coliforms.

RESUMO O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho de reator anaeróbio compartimentado (RAC) seguido por filtro anaeróbio em escala real tratando efluentes do processamento de frigorífico de pescado. O trabalho foi desenvolvido em um frigorífico de pescado localizado no sul do estado de Minas Gerais, que possui uma estação de tratamento de efluentes composta por peneira estática, caixa de gordura, reator ABR e filtro anaeróbio. O monitoramento do sistema consistiu em um conjunto de análises físico-químicas dos afluentes e efluentes de todos os pontos de coleta de amostras da estação de tratamento coletados quinzenalmente. Os parâmetros avaliados foram temperatura, pH, demanda química de oxigênio (DQO), demanda bioquímica de oxigênio (DBO), sólidos suspensos totais (SST), sólidos suspensos voláteis (SSV), ácidos voláteis totais (AVT) e alcalinidade. Problemas operacionais encontrados no tratamento primário não foram limitantes para o sistema, que conseguiu atender parâmetros da legislação ambiental de Minas Gerais quanto à eficiência de remoção de DQO, DBO e SSV das águas residuárias do processamento de pescado. O sistema de tratamento é uma alternativa promissora para o tratamento de efluentes do processamento de pescado.

ABSTRACT The objective of the present work was to evaluate the performance of a compartmentalized anaerobic reactor (CAR) followed by anaerobic filter in real scale, effluent treatment from fish fridge processing. The work was developed in a fish fridge located in the south of the state of Minas Gerais, which has an effluent treatment plant composed of static screen, grease removal device, CAR reactor and anaerobic filter. The monitoring happened trough physical-chemical parameters of fluids and effluents from all sampling points of the plant biweekly. The parameters evaluated were temperature, pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), volatile suspended solids (VSS), volatile fatty acids (VFA) and alkalinity. Operational problems found in the primary treatment were not limiting for the system performance, which managed to meet the parameters of environmental legislation in Minas Gerais according to the efficiency of removal of COD, BOD and VSS from wastewater from fish processing.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o pH e as concentrações de cálcio (Ca2+), magnésio (Mg2+), cloro (Cl-), sódio (Na+) e potássio (K+) na secreção da glândula mamária de éguas Mangalarga Marchador (MM) no período pré-parto, a fim de determinar o melhor método para predizer proximidade do parto na raça. Quarenta e duas éguas MM foram avaliadas diariamente a partir dos 310 dias de gestação até o parto. O pH, aferido pelo pHmetro e por fitas reagentes, e os eletrólitos Ca2+, Mg2+ e Cl- apresentaram diferenças significativas em suas concentrações nos últimos 10 dias pré-parto (P<0,05). A diminuição significativa dos valores médios de pH (pHmetro= 6,67±0,42; fitas reagentes= 6,23±0,53) e o aumento significativo nas concentrações médias de Ca2+ (12,6±5,8mmol/L) e Mg2+ (10,93±3,66mmol/L) foram observados 24 horas pré-parto (P<0,0001). As concentrações de cloro diminuíram significativamente oito dias antes do parto (P<0,0001), porém continuaram sem alteração até o momento da parição. O pH da secreção foi eficaz para predizer o momento do parto. Valores quantitativos obtidos por meio do pHmetro apresentaram maior acurácia em comparação às fitas de pH, porém obteve-se forte correlação entre os dois métodos. Cálcio e magnésio foram os únicos eletrólitos que apresentaram alterações significativas no pré-parto imediato e são indicadores mais precisos de quando não esperar o parto.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine pH and the concentrations of Calcium (Ca2+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Chloride (Cl-), Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+) and Calcium (Ca2+) in the mammary gland secretion in pre-foaling Mangalarga Marchador (MM) mares to determine the best method to predict parturition in the breed. Forty-two pregnant MM mares were evaluated once daily from 310 days of gestation until parturition. Mammary gland secretion pH, measured by pH meter and pH paper strip, Mg2+, Ca2+ and Cl- levels significantly changed during the last 10 days prior to parturition (p<0.05). The lowest pH mean value (pH meter=6.67±0.42; pH strip=6.23±0.53) and significantly higher mean concentrations of Ca2+ (12.6±5.8mmol/L) and Mg2+ (10.93±3.66mmol/L) were obtained 24 hours prior to foaling (p<0.0001). Chloride levels reduced significantly 8 days prior to parturition (p<0.0001) but remained unchanged until the due date. Mammary gland pH secretion, measured by pH meter and pH paper strip, was effective to predict parturition. Quantitative pH values obtained with the pH meter had a greater accuracy in comparison to pH paper strips, but a strong correlation was found between both methods. Calcium and magnesium were the only electrolytes that changed in concentration immediately prior to parturition and are better indicators of when not to expect foaling.

RESUMO Este estudo retrospectivo foi baseado em dados extraídos de prontuários de 48 cavalos com obstrução intestinal causada por enterólitos e / ou corpos estranhos observados ao longo de 17 anos. A análise dos dados teve como objetivo descrever as principais características desse tipo de cólica. Obstruções provocadas por enterólitos, corpos estranhos ou ambos foram responsáveis por 40 (83,34%), seis (12,50%) e dois (4,16%) casos nesta amostra, respectivamente. Os cavalos afetados tinham entre um e 32 anos (idade média de 9,5 anos), e 14 cavalos foram alimentados com alfafa. Acredita-se que a alfafa contribua para a formação de enterólitos. Corpos estranhos e enterólitos foram encontrados no cólon transverso (12 casos, 25%), maior ou menor (10 casos, 20,83%, respectivamente). A obstrução simultânea de diferentes segmentos intestinais também foi registrada. Estes envolveram o cólon menor e o cólon maior em 10 casos (20,83%), o cólon transverso e o cólon maior em quatro casos (8,33%), o cólon menor e o transverso em um caso (2,08%) e a transição do cólon maior para o cólon transverso em um caso (2,08%). A sobrevida em curto prazo foi de 77,08%, em geral, e de 87,50% quando contabilizados apenas os pacientes submetidos ao tratamento pós-operatório. Os dados de sobrevivência são consistentes com as taxas de sobrevivência de 91% relatadas na literatura.

ABSTRACT This retrospective study was based on data extracted from medical records of 48 horses with intestinal obstruction caused by enteroliths and/or foreign bodies seen over the course of 17 years. Data analysis was aimed at describing the major features of this type of colic. Obstructions caused by enteroliths, foreign bodies or both accounted for 40 (83.34%), 6 (12.50%) and 2 (4.16%) cases in this sample respectively. Affected horses were aged 1 to 32 years (mean age 9.5 years) and 14 horses were fed alfalfa. Alfalfa is thought to contribute to enterolith formation. Foreign bodies and enteroliths were found in the transverse (12 cases, 25%), the large or the small colon (10 cases, 20.83% respectively). Concurrent obstruction of different intestinal segments was also recorded. These involved the small and the large colon in 10 cases (20.83%), the transverse and the large colon in 4 cases (8.33%), the small and the transverse colon in 1 case (2.08%) and the transition from the large to the transverse colon in one case (2.08%). Short term survival was 77.08% overall and 87.50% when only patients submitted to postoperative treatment were accounted for. Survival data are consistent with survival rates of 91% reported in literature.

Abstract This study analyzed the parasitism by Clinostomum sp. metacercariae of the neotropical fish Cichlasoma paranaense (Kullander 1983) and environmental variables’ influence on their host-parasite relationship in Central Brazil. Fish were collected in five impoundments (I) from three towns: Itauçú (n = 2), Inhumas (n = 1), and Goiânia (n = 2), Goiás State, Brazil. Ninety-five fish were analyzed, weighted and length measured. Afterward, the presence of metacercariae in the gills, muscles, fins, and body cavities was investigated. The metacercariae were fixed in AFA solution, kept in 70% alcohol, and stained with carmine. The infection prevalence revealed that 0.64, 0.56 and 0.91% of fish was infected. The abundance was 4.14, 3.22 and 5.88, with a mean intensity of 6.44, 5.80 and 6.42 per impoundment (I 13, I 15 and I 16), respectively. The frequency of metacercariae was higher in fish collected in Goiânia. High frequency of parasites was observed in the gills, muscles, and fins. The limnological variables did not present direct interference in the parasitism. The fish’ standard length influenced the number of metacercariae positively but did not differ to the relative condition coefficient.

In early 2021, Brazil saw a dramatic recurrence in Covid-19 cases associated to the spread of a novel variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the P1 variant. In light of previous reports showing that this variant is more transmissible and more likely to infect people who had recovered from previous infection, a retrospective analysis was conducted to assess if the early 2021 Covid-19 wave in Brazil was associated with an increase in the number of individuals presenting with a more severe clinical course. Fifty-one thousand and fourteen individuals who underwent telemedicine consultations were divided into two groups: patients seen on or before January 31, 2021, and on or after February 1, 2021. These dates were chosen based on the spread of the P1 variant in Brazil. Referral to the emergency department (ED) was used as a marker of a more severe course of the disease. No differences were seen in the proportion of patients referred to the ED in each group nor in the odds ratio of being referred to the ED from the 1st of February 2021 (OR=0.909; 95%CI: 0.81-1.01). Considering the entire cohort, age had an impact on the odds of being referred to the ED, with individuals older than 59 years showing twice the risk of the remaining population and those less than 19 years showing a lower risk.

This study evaluated histological changes in the digestive organs and kidneys of sheep fed sugarcane silage augmented with detoxified castor bean meal (CBM). Forty Santa Inês sheep (initial weight 20 ± 0.3 kg) were adapted to the experimental regime for 14 days, after which data were collected for 60 days. The treatments consisted of S0: sugarcane silage (SC); S5: SC augmented with 5% CBM; S10: SC augmented with 10% CBM; S15: SC augmented with 15% CBM; and S20: SC augmented with 20% CBM. After 74 days of confinement, the animals were slaughtered, and then fragments of the liver, rumen, intestine, and kidney were collected for histomorphometric analyses. The intake of dry matter and the average weight gain increased linearly with the level of CBM (P <0.05), as did the rumen absorption area, the height of the papillae and the width of the papillae. The thickness of the keratinized portion of the epithelium was not influenced, Thus, no effect was detected of the anti-nutritional factor of CBM on this organ. In the intestine, CBM increased the height of the villi and the number of goblet cells. However, S20 caused some kidney damage and decreased hepatic glycogen stock, but not sufficiently to reduce performance. Thus, augmentation of sugarcane with CBM, up to 20%, is viable in feeding sheep.

Resumo A previsão de vazão é uma das mais importantes informações na programação da geração de energia hidroelétrica e no planejamento de curto a longo prazo. A previsão de vazão é mais relevante em cenários de escassez hídrica, quando há redução da geração hidroelétrica e aumento da produção por usinas termelétricas para garantir outros usos da água nessas condições. Prever e prognosticar a precipitação por meio de modelos estocásticos e determinísticos é essencial mesmo com as limitações inerentes à complexidade fenomenológica atmosférica. Estabelecer diretriz com base em tais modelos fundamentados em variáveis hidrometeorológicas (e.g., séries de precipitação) e fenômenos climáticos podem reduzir erros e melhorar a operação de reservatórios. O Operador Nacional do Sistema (ONS) e agentes de geração podem decidir com menos riscos operacionais, otimizar os recursos energéticos, minimizar custos para o consumidor e suprir energia elétrica mesmo em períodos de escassez hídrica. Assim, este trabalho apresenta um sistema de monitoramento e previsão de precipitação nas bacias hidrográficas da CESP para melhorar as estimativas de vazão afluentes aos seus reservatórios. A previsão de chuva com até cinco dias de antecedência foi realizada com o sistema ARPS. As estimativas, medições e simulações de chuva obtidas foram utilizadas em simulações de vazão afluente nas bacias da CESP com o modelo SMAP para verificação. Os resultados sugerem melhoria de desempenho por meio da integração de dados e previsão de precipitação com o sistema ARPS.

Abstract Flow forecasting is one of the most important information to scheduling hydroelectric power generation and short- to long-term planning. Flow prediction is most relevant in water scarcity scenarios, when there is a reduction in hydroelectric power generation and an increase in production by thermoelectric plants to guarantee other uses of water under such conditions. The prediction and prognostic precipitation through stochastic and deterministic models is essential even with the inherent limitations of atmospheric phenomenological complexity. Establishing guidelines upon such models based on hydrometeorological variables (e.g., precipitation time series) and climate phenomena can reduce errors and improve reservoir operations. The National System Operator (ONS) and generation agencies may decide with fewer operational risks in order to optimize energy resources, minimize consumer costs and supply electricity even in times of water scarcity. Thus, this paper describes a rain monitoring and forecasting system in the CESP watersheds to improve the streamflow estimation of CESP reservoirs. We present an objective statistical analysis scheme (ANOBES) that integrates the meteorological satellite precipitation estimation with CESP, DAEE and ANA telemetric network rainfall measurements. Rain forecasting up to five days in advance is performed with the ARPS system. The estimates, measurements and rainfall simulations obtained were used in tributary flow simulations of CESP watersheds with the SMAP model for verification. Rain forecast up to five days in advance was made with the ARPS system. The estimates, measurements and rainfall simulations obtained were used in tributary flow simulations in CESP basins with the SMAP model for verification. The results suggest performance improvement with data integration and precipitation prediction with the ARPS system.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o perfil de ácidos graxos (AG) do leite de vacas alimentadas com dietas à base de silagem de milho contendo 0% e 8,9% de glicerina bruta (GB) na matéria seca (MS). Foram utilizadas 18 vacas Holandês x Gir com 48±18 dias em lactação, produzindo 19,8±4,9kg/dia de leite. Utilizou-se delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com nove vacas/tratamento e duas medidas repetidas no tempo, com os resultados analisados por modelos mistos. A inclusão de GB na dieta não alterou a ingestão de MS, mas reduziu os consumos dos AG oleico, linoleico e α-linolênico. Os teores dos AG mirístico, palmítico, rumênico, vacênico, esteárico, oleico, linoleico, α-linolênico e CLA trans-10 cis-12 na gordura do leite foram semelhantes entre dietas. A inclusão de GB reduziu os teores dos AG elaídico e C18:1 trans-10 e aumentou os teores dos AG de cadeia ímpar linear e do ácido láurico. Não houve efeito da inclusão da GB sobre os índices de aterogenicidade e trombogenicidade da gordura do leite. Concluiu-se que a inclusão de glicerina bruta em dieta à base de silagem de milho não afetou a qualidade nutricional da gordura do leite de vacas Holandês x Gir.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the milk fatty acid (FA) composition of cows fed corn silage-based diets containing 0% and 8.9% of crude glycerin (GB) on a dry matter (DM) basis. Eighteen Holstein x Gyr cows with 48±18 days in milk and producing 19.8±4.9kg milk/day were used in the study. The experimental design was a randomized block with nine cows per treatment and two repeated measures. Results were analyzed using mixed models. The milk fat contents of myristic, palmitic, rumenic, vaccenic, estearic, oleic, linoleic, α-linolenic, and trans-10 cis-12 CLA were similar between diets. Dietary inclusion of GB decreased elaidic and trans-10 C18:1, and increased lauric acid and odd linear-chain FA contents in milk fat. Both atherogenicity and trombogenicity indices were unaffected by GB inclusion. It was concluded that GB inclusion in corn silage-based diets had no effect on the nutritional quality of milk fat from Holstein x Gyr dairy cows.

Abstract Plant-derived molluscicides have been indicated as biodegradable and low-cost strategies for control of Biomphalaria spp., intermediate host for the Schistosoma. This study evaluated whether the crude ethanolic extract of the Persea americana stem bark has molluscicidal activity against embryos, newly-hatched and adults of Biomphalaria glabrata. The extract was obtained, characterized and its toxicity analyzed by snail embryotoxicity test (144 h) and acute toxicity test with newly-hatching and adult snails (96 h). Results showed the presence of flavonoids, anthraquinone heterosides, coumarins and tannins in the crude ethanolic extract, which showed molluscicidal activity against all life cycle stages of B. glabrata. The LC50 for embryos, newly-hatched and adults were 27.06, 30.60 and 55.55 ppm, respectively. Embryos exposed to the extract at 50 ppm showed hatching inhibition and at 6.2 and 25 ppm had the highest rates of morphological alterations, such as shell malformations and coagulation of the perivitelline substance. Adult snails exposed to the extract at 75 ppm showed a peak of behavioral changes, such as lethargy and shell reclusion, in addition to answers like hemolymph release in most concentrations. Further studies are required, prioritizing toxicity testing on non-target organisms and further elucidation of the active molecules.

Obesity affects the respiratory system through various mechanisms, including systemic inflammation and direct mechanical hindrance due to fat deposition in the chest and abdomen. In addition, changes in the neural control of respiration and increases in thoracic blood volume can promote abnormalities in lung function. Thus, determining relationships between the distance covered in the 6-min walk test (6MWT) and demographic and lung function variables may help us better understand the mechanisms involved in reduced functional exercise capacity in obesity. To explore the determinants of the 6-min walking distance (6MWD) and evaluate the influence of lung function on the distance covered, 263 obese Brazilian women performed the 6MWT and underwent spirometry and respiratory muscle strength measurement. The mean age was 41.8±11.1 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 45±8 kg/m2. The 6MWD showed correlations with height (r=0.319), age (r=-0.281), weight (r=-0.370), BMI (r=-0.561), forced vital capacity (FVC, r=0.443), expiratory peak flow (r=0.278), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP, r=0.326), and maximal expiratory pressure (r=0.259), all with P<0.0001. In the stepwise forward regression analysis, BMI, FVC, age, and MIP were the independent predictive variables for 6MWD, explaining 41% of its variability. The reference equation including lung function was as follows: 6MWD (m) = 513.6 - (4.439 × BMIkg/m2) + (1.136 × FVC%predicted) - (1.048 × ageyrs) + (0.544 × MIP%predicted). Thus, the inclusion of lung function in a reference equation for 6MWD contributes to a better prediction of the distance covered in this population.

RESUMO: O uso da soja transgênica resistente ao glyphosate pode causar impactos diretos ou indiretos nos componentes do agroecossistema. O impacto direto é provocado pela inserção do gene de resistência, e o indireto está relacionado às alterações nas práticas de manejo. Dessa forma, este trabalho objetivou avaliar o impacto da soja resistente ao glyphosate e seu manejo com esse herbicida sobre a comunidade de artrópodes do dossel das plantas. Os tratamentos foram: soja transgênica e não transgênica com capina mecânica das plantas daninhas; e soja transgênica com uma e três aplicações de glyphosate. As populações de artrópodes no dossel das plantas foram amostradas ao longo de dois cultivos. A incorporação do gene de resistência ao glyphosate não afetou a riqueza e a abundância de artrópodes no dossel das plantas. Já a aplicação do glyphosate reduziu a riqueza de predadores e de fitófagos mastigadores e sugadores nos tratamentos com três aplicações desse herbicida. No segundo ano de cultivo a densidade total de artrópodes foi menor na soja transgênica com três aplicações de glyphosate em relação aos demais tratamentos. O mesmo ocorreu com a densidade do fitófago mastigador Cerotoma arcuatus nos dois anos de cultivo. Já as densidades dos fitófagos succionadores Bemisia tabaci, Caliothrips brasiliensis e Tetranychus sp. foram maiores na soja transgênica com três aplicações de glyphosate do que nos demais tratamentos. A aplicação de glyphosate (uma ou três) reduziu densidades do predador Solenopsis sp. e do detritívoro Hypogastrurasp.

ABSTRACT: This study aims to evaluate the impact of glyphosate-resistant soybean and its management with glyphosate on the canopy arthropod community. We study the direct impact of the insertion of the resistance gene and the indirect impact of management practices, specifically herbicide application. To do this, we use the following treatments: non-GM and GM soybean with mechanical weed control and GM soybean with one and three applications of glyphosate. Arthropods in the crop canopy were sampled over time in all treatments. The incorporation of the glyphosate resistance gene did not affect the richness and abundance of arthropods in the plant canopy. Glyphosate application reduced the richness of predators and chewing and sucking phytophagous arthropods in treatments with three herbicide applications. In the second season, total arthropod density was the lowest in transgenic soybean with three glyphosate applications. The density of Cerotoma arcuatus, a chewing phytophagous arthropod, followed similar trends, while both glyphosate treatments (one or three applications) reduced the densities of the predator Solenopsis sp. and the detritivore Hypogastrura sp. Meanwhile, the densities of the sucking phytophagous arthropods Bemisia tabaci, Caliothrips brasiliensis, and Tetranychus sp. were the highest in transgenic soybean with three glyphosate applications.

RESUMO: Talisia esculenta, popularmente conhecida como pitombeira, é uma árvore cujos frutos são amplamente consumidos por seres humanos no nordeste do Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos de dois surtos de intoxicação espontânea por T. esculenta em bovinos no Agreste de Pernambuco, Nordeste do Brasil. Os casos ocorreram nos municípios de São Bento do Una e Belo Jardim De um total de 25 bovinos adultos, oito adoeceram após consumirem as folhas e frutos de T. esculenta. Quatro morreram em até 72 horas após a observação dos primeiros sinais clínicos; que consistiam em ataxia, relutância em caminhar, andar cambaleante, tremores de cabeça, espasmos musculares nos membros, rigidez dos membros pélvicos com posição de ampla base, atonia ruminal e, quando excitados, apresentavam quedas e permaneciam em posições anormais. Dois bovinos foram necropsiados e o único achado significante foi a presença de folhas, cascas e sementes parcialmente digeridas de T. esculenta no conteúdo ruminal. Microscopicamente não foram observadas lesões. Não existe terapia específica para a intoxicação pelas folhas de T. esculenta. A profilaxia consiste em evitar que bovinos tenham acesso às áreas de pastagem contendo a planta.

ABSTRACT: Talisia esculenta, commonly known as pitombeira, is a tree which fruits are widely consumed by human beings in northeastern Brazil. The aim of this work is to describe the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of two outbreaks of spontaneous poisoning by T. esculenta in cattle in the dry region of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. The cases occurred in the municipalities of São Bento do Una and Belo Jardim. From a total of 25 adult cattle, eight become sick after ingest T. esculenta leaves and fruits. Four cattle died until 72 hours after the first clinical signs; which consisted in ataxia, reluctance to walk, tottering, head tremors muscle spasms in the limbs, rigidity of the pelvic limbs with wide base stance position, ruminal atony and, when stressed, presented falls and remained in abnormal positions. Two cattle were necropsied; the only significant finding was the presence of partially digested leaves, barks and seeds of T. esculenta in ruminal contents. Microscopically no lesions were observed. There is no specific therapy for poisoning by T. esculenta leaves. Prophylaxis consists in preventing cattle from gaining access to pasture areas containing the plant.