ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to assess the effects of two levels of soybean hulls (0 and 400.1 g/kg) and whole or ground corn in the diet of newborn crossbred dairy male calves on intake, performance, blood indicators, and feeding cost. Twenty-eight calves with an average weight of 33.0±6.2 kg and four days of age were distributed into four treatment groups in a completely randomized design (n = 7) for 56 days. Weekly samples of feed, diets, and leftovers were collected to determine dry matter and nutrient intakes. To evaluate apparent digestibility, samples were taken using titanium dioxide as a maker. Blood samples were also collected to evaluate blood indicators. The inclusion of soybean hulls resulted in greater neutral detergent fiber intake by the calves, but reduced their non-fibrous carbohydrates intake, which was also reduced by the use of whole corn in the diet. Although the total digestible nutrients content of diets decreased with the use of whole corn and inclusion of soybean hulls, its intake did not vary (0.75 kg/d), regardless of the factors analyzed. The apparent digestibilities of dry matter (0.87 kg/kg) and crude protein (0.89 kg/kg) were similar, resulting in similar performance between the animals, regardless of the factors analyzed. In the quantities evaluated, the use of soybean hulls or whole corn did not affect blood indicators and was insufficient to reduce feed costs; the cost of daily feed was $2.06, while the cost per kilogram of gain was $3.74. The inclusion of up to 400.1 g/kg of soybean hulls or the replacement of ground corn with whole corn does not affect the performance of crossbred dairy calves during the preweaning period, demonstrating that both can be used in animal feed during this phase of production. 0 ( 4001 400 1 400. gkg g Twentyeight Twenty eight 33062 33 6 2 33.0±6. n 7 5 intakes digestibility maker nonfibrous non fibrous 0.75 075 75 (0.7 kg/d, kgd kg/d , d kg/d) analyzed 0.87 087 87 (0.8 kg/kg kgkg 0.89 089 89 animals evaluated costs 206 06 $2.06 374 3 74 $3.74 period production 40 3306 33.0±6 0.7 07 (0. 0.8 08 8 20 $2.0 37 $3.7 4 330 33.0± 0. $2. $3. 33.0 $2 $3 33. $

RESUMEN: Objetivo: Evaluar la influencia del bloqueo anestésico del septo intertransverso (BASIT) sobre el dolor posoperatorio en cirugía de columna lumbar. Método: El estudio se realizó de forma prospectiva observacional. Fueron incluidos en el estudio 105 pacientes sometidos a cirugía de columna lumbar posterior y se dividieron en dos grupos: 35 pacientes en el grupo experimental, recibieron BASIT al final del procedimiento, y 70 pacientes en el grupo control, sin BASIT. Los pacientes fueron evaluados por dolor lumbar (escala visual de dolor), consumo de opioides en el primer día postoperatorio, complicaciones relacionadas con el procedimiento y tiempo de estancia hospitalaria después de la cirugía. Resultado: La muestra consistió en 46 hombres y 59 mujeres, con una edad media de 57,7 años (21 a 90 años). El dolor postoperatorio medio en el grupo experimental fue de 1,88 y en el grupo control de 2,11 (p<0,05). Hubo una tendencia hacia un menor uso de morfina en el grupo experimental con p = 0,053. Hubo una diferencia estadística en el consumo de morfina entre los pacientes que no usaban previamente opioides en comparación con los que ya los usaban (p 0,04). No hubo diferencia entre los grupos con respecto a la duración de la estancia. Conclusión: El bloqueo anestésico del septo intertransverso redujo el consumo de opioides y los niveles de dolor lumbar posoperatorio (p<0,05), sin diferencia estadística en la estancia hospitalaria ni en las complicaciones relacionadas con la técnica. Nivel de Evidencia II; Estudio Clínico Prospectivo. RESUMEN Objetivo (BASIT Método observacional 10 3 7 escala dolor, , dolor) Resultado 4 5 mujeres 577 57 57, 21 (2 9 años. . años) 188 1 88 1,8 211 2 11 2,1 p<0,05. p005 p<0,05 0 05 (p<0,05) 0053 053 0,053 0,04. 004 0,04 04 0,04) Conclusión p<0,05, técnica II Prospectivo ( 18 8 1, 2, p00 p<0,0 (p<0,05 005 0,05 00 0,0 p0 p<0, (p<0,0 0, p<0 (p<0, p< (p<0 (p<

RESUMO: Objetivo: Avaliar a influência do bloqueio anestésico do septo intertransverso (BASIT) sobre a dor pós-operatória em cirurgia de coluna lombar. Metodologia: O estudo foi realizado de modo prospectivo e observacional. Foram incluídos no estudo 105 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia da coluna lombar por via posterior e divididos em dois grupos: 35 pacientes no grupo experimental, que recebeu o BASIT ao final do procedimento e 70 pacientes no grupo controle, sem o BASIT. Os pacientes foram avaliados quanto à dor lombar (escala visual de dor), consumo de opioide no 1º dia pós-operatório, complicações referentes ao procedimento e tempo de internamento após a cirurgia. Resultados: A amostra consistiu em 46 homens e 59 mulheres, com média de idade de 57,7 anos (21 a 90 anos). A média de dor pós-operatória do grupo experimento foi 1,88 e no grupo controle 2,11 (p<0,05). Houve uma tendência a menor uso de morfina no grupo experimento com p = 0,053. Houve diferença estatística no consumo de morfina entre os pacientes que não utilizavam opioides previamente quanto comparados aos que já faziam uso (p 0,04). Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto ao tempo de internamento nem eventos adversos relacionados à técnica. Conclusão: O bloqueio anestésico do septo intertransverso reduziu o consumo de opioides e os níveis de dor lombar após cirurgia (p<0,05), não havendo diferença estatística no tempo de internamento, nem intercorrências relacionadas a técnica. Nível de Evidência II; Estudo Prospectivo Clínico. RESUMO Objetivo (BASIT pósoperatória pós operatória Metodologia observacional 10 3 experimental 7 escala dor, , dor) º pósoperatório, pósoperatório operatório, operatório pós-operatório Resultados 4 5 mulheres 577 57 57, 21 (2 9 anos. . anos) 188 1 88 1,8 211 2 11 2,1 p<0,05. p005 p<0,05 0 05 (p<0,05) 0053 053 0,053 0,04. 004 0,04 04 0,04) técnica Conclusão p<0,05, II Clínico ( 18 8 1, 2, p00 p<0,0 (p<0,05 005 0,05 00 0,0 p0 p<0, (p<0,0 0, p<0 (p<0, p< (p<0 (p<

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the influence of intertransverse septal anesthetic block (BASIT) on postoperative pain in lumbar spine surgery. Methods: The study was carried out prospectively and observationally. Were included 105 patients who underwent posterior lumbar spine surgery, divided into two groups: 35 patients in the experimental group, who received BASIT at the end of the procedure, and 70 patients in the control group, without BASIT. Patients were assessed for low back pain (visual pain scale), opioid consumption on the 1st postoperative day, complications related to the procedure, and length of stay after surgery. Results: The sample consisted of 46 men and 59 women, with a mean age of 57.7 years (21 to 90 years). Mean postoperative pain in the experimental group was 1.88, and in the control group 2.11 (p<0.05). There was a trend towards less morphine use in the experimental group with p = 0.053. There was a statistical difference in morphine consumption between patients who did not previously use opioids and those who already used them (p 0.04). There was no difference between the groups regarding length of stay. Conclusion: Anesthetic blockade of the intertransverse septum reduced the consumption of opioids and the levels of low back pain after surgery (p<0.05), with no statistical difference in length of hospital stay or complications related to the technique. Level of Evidence II; Clinical Prospective Study. Objective (BASIT Methods observationally 10 3 procedure 7 visual scale, scale , scale) st day Results 4 5 women 577 57 57. 21 (2 9 years. . years) 188 1 88 1.88 211 2 11 2.1 p<0.05. p005 p<0.05 0 05 (p<0.05) 0053 053 0.053 0.04. 004 0.04 04 0.04) Conclusion p<0.05, technique II Study ( 18 8 1.8 2. p00 p<0.0 (p<0.05 005 0.05 00 0.0 1. p0 p<0. (p<0.0 0. p<0 (p<0. p< (p<0 (p<

Resumo Medir o desempenho de segurança nas organizações é um elemento crítico na gestão de sistemas de produção. Essa prática permite que as decisões sejam tomadas de forma objetiva e com base na análise de dados. No estudo da engenharia de resiliência aplicada à segurança dos sistemas produtivos, há interesse por parte da comunidade científica e das empresas em identificar, nos diferentes processos das organizações, indicadores para medir o desempenho resiliente na gestão da segurança. Este estudo tem como objetivo discutir e analisar métodos qualitativos e quantitativos para identificar o potencial de resiliência na gestão de segurança e subsidiar novas pesquisas sobre engenharia de resiliência aplicada à gestão de desempenho de segurança em indústrias com altos riscos tecnológicos. A metodologia utilizada incluiu uma revisão sistemática da literatura nacional e internacional dos últimos dez anos. Os resultados obtidos fornecem uma análise crítica dos métodos utilizados para definir indicadores de segurança aplicados por meio da engenharia de resiliência à gestão da segurança do trabalho em organizações que lidam com altos riscos tecnológicos. Métodos qualitativos para geração de indicadores de segurança sob a ótica da Engenharia de Resiliência têm se mostrado um caminho melhor, pois aplicam os conceitos de Segurança I e Segurança II e indicadores de alerta precoce. produção dados produtivos tecnológicos anos melhor precoce

Abstract Measuring organizational safety performance is critical in managing production systems. This practice allows decisions to be made objectively and based on data analysis. In the study of resilience engineering applied to the safety of production systems, there is interest on the part of the scientific community and companies in identifying, in the different processes of organizations, indicators to measure resilient performance in safety management. This study aims to discuss and analyze qualitative and quantitative methods to identify the potential for resilience in safety management and support new research on resilience engineering applied to safety performance management in industries with high technological risks. The methodology used included a systematic review of national and international literature from the last ten years. The results obtained provide a critical analysis of the methods used to define safety indicators applied through resilience engineering to occupational safety management in organizations that deal with high technological risks. Qualitative methods for generating safety indicators from the perspective of Resilience Engineering have proven to be a better way, as they apply the concepts of Safety I and Safety II and early warning indicators. systems identifying risks years way

ABSTRACT Growth analysis (GA) is used to quantify plant development based on morphophysiological changes. GA is a practical tool to evaluate nursery techniques to make them more efficient. The objective of this essay was to quantity measure morphophysiological growth variables of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla and Hymenaea courbaril (jatoba) container seedlings to characterize growth stages. The essay was conducted in a shade house located in the western state of Paraná. GA analyses were performed at 10-day intervals on seedlings of both species. When evaluating Hymenaea courbaril seedlings results indicated increased values of height, diameter, root and shoot dry biomass up to 130 days after emergence (DAE). Seedling growth stage-based GA were 70, 100 and 130 DAE for the Eucalyptus hybrid and 50, 80, and 110 DAE for jatoba which presented accelerated, intermediate and reduced seedling growth.

Resumo O parasito pulmonar Dictyocaulus viviparus tem um papel importante na saúde e produtividade bovina em todo o mundo, uma vez que infecções podem levar a perdas econômicas. Além de sua importância, poucos estudos que investigam aspectos epidemiológicos das infecções por esse parasito têm sido realizados. Objetivou-se, nesta pesquisa, relatar a ocorrência de infecção por nematódeos pulmonares em rebanhos bovinos de corte, criados em uma importante área de produção pecuária, na região Nordeste do Brasil. De setembro de 2020 a agosto de 2021, foram coletadas, mensalmente, amostras fecais (n = 493) de 46 bovinos de corte. De todos os animais avaliados, larvas de nematódeos pulmonares foram detectadas em 8,7% (4/46). Os animais não apresentaram nenhum sinal clínico sugestivo de infecção por parasitos pulmonares. Vinte larvas foram recuperadas, com o número mínimo (n = 1) detectado em outubro e dezembro, e o número máximo (n = 13) em novembro. Apresentavam comprimento médio de 363 μm (± 28,65 μm), largura média de 19 μm (±1,03 μm) e eram morfologicamente semelhantes a Dictyocaulus sp.. Este estudo relata a ocorrência desse parasito nesta área. Logo, os veterinários locais devem estar atentos à inclusão desse parasito no diagnóstico diferencial de outras infecções respiratórias em bovinos de corte.

Abstract The lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus has an important role in cattle health and productivity worldwide, since infections can lead to substantial economic losses. Despite its importance, few studies investigating the epidemiological aspects of infection by this parasite have been conducted. The aim of this study was to report the occurrence of lungworm infection in beef cattle herds reared in an area of livestock production in the northeastern region of Brazil. From September 2020 to August 2021, monthly fecal samples (n = 493) were collected from 46 beef cattle. Among all the animals assessed, lungworm larvae were detected in 8.7% (4/46). None of them presented any clinical sign suggestive of infection by lungworm parasites. Twenty larvae were retrieved, with the minimum number (n = 1) detected in October and December, and the maximum number (n = 13) in November. These presented a mean length of 363 μm (± 28.65 μm) and mean width of 19 μm (± 1.03 μm), and were morphologically similar to Dictyocaulus sp.. This study reports the occurrence of this parasite in this livestock production area. Lastly, local veterinarians need to be aware of inclusion of this parasite in the differential diagnosis of other respiratory infections in beef cattle.

Abstract Exogenous application of stress inductors can facilitate and accelerate some biological responses that promote plant defense. The objective of the experiment was to quantify some compounds linked to nitrogen metabolism as a function of the application of salicylic acid in Schinus terebinthifolius seedlings submitted to water deficit. The experiment was constituted of four doses of salicylic acid and three periods of water deficit. Quantifications included levels of nitrate, free ammonium, total soluble amino acids, proteins, proline, glycine-betaine and relative water content. When evaluating the relative water content in seedlings of Schinus terebinthifolius at 8 days, it was observed that the dose of 200 mg L-1. Seedlings showed physiological responses when subjected to doses of salicylic acid of 200 and 300 mg L-1. The increase in concentration of proline and glycine are advantageous, because these substances act as osmoregulators and cell protectors against deficit hydrical.

Abstract Inulin is a resistant fructooligosaccharide, synthesized by a wide variety of plants. Due to the importance of fibers intake and the high amount of residues of açaí, the objective of this study was to optimize the inulin extraction process from açaí seed flour (ASF) and subsequently, from this biomass, to develop inulin purification technology. Açaí seeds were dehydrated in a ventilated oven. Aiming the inulin extraction, from ASF, an aqueous extract was elaborated. It went through several stages of centrifugation and filtration with alcohol, acetone and water, until the constitution of a precipitate that was lyophilized. The analysis of the solvent concentrations effects and the precipitation temperatures on the responses was performed using the Designer Expert Program. A model with a response surface and contour was generated, allowing temperature, time and water: ASF relation selection, what provided the highest inulin concentrations, in other words, the extraction treatment with 80 °C and proportion of water: ASF of 4:1, for 20 minutes, presented the best performance. Although this extraction output is inferior when compared to other sources, it must be considered as relevant, since the açaí seed is evaluated as a waste product.

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study compares the results achieved following parasacral TENS administered using two different weekly schedules. Materials and Methods: Children of at least four years of age with a diagnosis of pure overactive bladder were included in this randomized clinical trial and treated with parasacral TENS (2 versus 3 sessions per week). All the participants also underwent standard urotherapy. Results: Sixteen children were included in the twice-weekly group and eighteen in the three times weekly group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to sex; however, there was a difference in age. There were no significant differences regarding complete resolution of urinary symptoms, with 8 children (50%) in the twice-weekly group and 11 children (61%) in the three times weekly group having their symptoms completely resolved (p=0.73). There was a significant difference in the DVSS score in both groups following TENS treatment compared to baseline (p=0.0001 for both groups), but not between groups. Evaluation of the bladder diary showed no difference between the groups before or after treatment. Conclusion: For children with overactive bladder who are unable to undergo parasacral TENS treatment three times weekly, the method can be administered successfully at twice-weekly sessions.

Resumo Os conhecimentos de centenas de comunidades tradicionais brasileiras sobre o uso de plantas e animais nativos, bem como a biodiversidade do país atraem a biopirataria. Esses recursos vêm sendo explorados por empresas para fabricação de medicamentos, alimentos, químicos e cosméticos. Em 2015, o Brasil sancionou a Nova Lei da Biodiversidade, Lei nº 13.123/2015. A repartição de benefícios para as comunidades quilombolas fica garantida com essa Nova Lei? Este artigo tem o objetivo de analisar essa Lei, verificando se houve avanços em relação à legislação anterior, Medida Provisória nº 2.186-16/2001. A pesquisa, com base em revisão da literatura, teve caráter bibliográfico e exploratório. Além da revisão, foi encaminhado um questionário com perguntas semiestruturadas para 30 comunidades quilombolas, porém somente duas destas responderam, inviabilizando constatar se essa lei vem atender aos anseios dessas comunidades no que diz respeito à repartição dos benefícios. O estudo permitiu concluir que, apesar de trazer inovações, a Nova Lei de Biodiversidade não impede que a biopirataria continue ocorrendo.

Abstract The knowledge of hundreds of traditional Brazilian communities about the use of native plants and animals as well as the country's biodiversity attracts biopiracy. These resources are being exploited by companies for the manufacture of medicines, foods, chemicals and cosmetics. In 2015 Brazil sanctioned the New Biodiversity Law, Law No. 13,123 / 2015. Is the benefit sharing for the ‘quilombola’ communities (ex-slave communites) guaranteed by this New Law? The article aims to analyze this law, checking if there have been advances in relation to the previous legislation, Provisional Measure No. 2.186-16 / 2001. The research, based on literature review, had a bibliographic and exploratory character. In addition to the review, a questionnaire with semi-structured questions was sent to 30 ‘quilombola’ communities, but only two of them answered, making it impossible to ascertain whether this law meets the aspirations of these communities with regard to benefit sharing. The study concluded that, despite bringing innovations, the New Biodiversity Law does not prevent biopiracy from continuing.

Resumo: A administração pública brasileira possui milhares de órgãos e setores distribuídos pelo território nacional, em nível federal, estadual e municipal, desenvolvendo atividades que podem provocar impactos sociais e ambientais significativos. O objetivo desta pesquisa é propor um índice de sustentabilidade por meio do Modelo de Diagnóstico Socioambiental para o Setor Público (Disasp). Esse modelo baseia-se no Sistema Contábil Gerencial Ambiental, elaborado por pesquisadores da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. O modelo proposto complementa esse sistema incluindo as diretrizes da Agenda Ambiental da Administração Pública, programa do Ministério do Meio Ambiente que busca incentivar práticas de gestão socioambiental no setor governamental. O método Disasp foi testado em uma autarquia federal situada no município do Rio de Janeiro. Para o diagnóstico da instituição direcionou-se o questionário a sete gestores, contendo 124 questões, segundo oito eixos temáticos: Uso Racional dos Recursos Naturais e Bens Públicos; Gestão Adequada dos Resíduos; Qualidade de Vida no Ambiente de Trabalho; Sensibilização e Capacitação; Compras Públicas Sustentáveis; Construções Sustentáveis; Responsabilidade Socioambiental; e Gestão Institucional. Como resultado, obteve-se um índice de sustentabilidade considerado “fraco”, indicando a necessidade de esse órgão melhorar seu desempenho socioambiental. O estudo indica que o Disasp cumpriu de forma adequada seu papel como instrumento de avaliação socioambiental para o setor público. Para estudos futuros, pode-se estender a aplicação do método Disasp em outros momentos da autarquia estudada, bem como aplicá-lo a outros órgãos públicos.

Abstract: The Brazilian public administration system has thousands of organizations and departments at federal, state, and municipal levels, distributed throughout the national territory. These conduct activities that can have significant social and environmental impacts. The present research aims to propose a sustainability index through the Public Sector Social-environmental Diagnosis Model (DISASP). This model is based on the Environmental Management Accounting System developed by researchers from the Federal University of Santa Catarina. The proposed model complements this system by including the guidelines of the Environmental Public Administration Agenda, a Ministry of the Environment program that encourages socio-environmental management practices in the government sector. The DISASP method was tested in a federal autarky in the city of Rio de Janeiro. For institutional diagnosis, seven managers were sent a questionnaire containing 124 questions with eight thematic axes: Rational Use of Natural Resources and Public Goods; Adequate Waste Management; Quality of Life in the Work Environment; Awareness and Training; Sustainable Public Procurement; Sustainable Construction; Social and Environmental Responsibility; and Institutional Management. A “weak” sustainability index was obtained, indicating the need for this sector to improve its socio-environmental performance. The study indicated that DISASP adequately fulfilled its role as an instrument for assessing socio-environmental practices in the public sector. Future studies should extend application of the DISASP method to the autarky under study at various points in time, as well as apply it to other public agencies.

RESUMO: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade econômica relacionada ao risco da substituição de milho por milheto em dietas com 80% de concentrado no confinamento de bovinos por 89 dias. Os níveis de substituição foram: 0, 33, 66 e 100%. O risco foi estimado usando simulação de Monte Carlo, correlação de Spearman entre as variáveis de entrada, dominância estocástica e análise de sensibilidade. Os valores médios esperados ± desvio padrão para o valor presente líquido (R$/animal) foram de ± 71,74 ± 283,32, 91,23 ± 285,18, 196,05 ± 273,79 e 223,80 ± 267,96 para dietas contendo 0, 33, 66 e 100% de milheto, respectivamente. A probabilidade de valor presente líquido ≥0 foi de 63,4, 66,1, 78,4 e 82,4%, respectivamente. Os valores presentes líquidos foram estatisticamente diferentes (p<0,05), e os níveis mais elevados dominaram os valores mais baixos. Os itens que mais influenciaram os valores presentes líquidos foram, em ordem decrescente, os preços de bovinos não terminados e acabados, pesos inicial e final, preços de concentrado e forragem, consumo de concentrado e forragem. Com base nos resultados da simulação, a dieta de 100% de milheto mostrou a melhor viabilidade econômica.

ABSTRACT: The goal of the present study was to assess the economic viability relating to the risk of replacing corn with pearl millet in diets with 80% concentration for feedlot cattle confined for 89 days. Replacement levels were: 0, 33, 66, and 100%. The risk was estimated using Monte Carlo simulation, Spearman’s rank correlation test between input variables, stochastic dominance, and analysis of sensitivity. The expected average values ± standard deviation for net present value (R$/animal) were ± 71.74 ± 283.32, 91.23 ± 285.18, 196.05 ± 273.79, and 223.80 ± 267.96 for diets containing 0, 33, 66, and 100% of pearl millet, respectively. The probability of ≥0 net present value was 63.4, 66.1, 78.4, and 82.4%, respectively. The net present values were statistically different (P<0.05), and the higher levels dominated the lower values. The items that most influenced the net present values were, in descending order, prices of unfinished and finished cattle, initial and final weights, prices of concentrate and forage, concentrate and forage consumption. Based on the results of the simulation, diet of 100% pearl millet exhibited the best economic viability.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate performance, apparent digestibility, blood parameters, and quantitative characteristics of carcass and internal organs of crossbred dairy calves fed different levels of crude glycerin in corn grain-based diets. Twenty-four calves of three months of age and average initial weight of 95.5±11.8 kg were used. The experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments (0, 80, 160, and 240 g kg−1 of crude glycerin of DM of diets). The calves were fed in feedlot until six months of age (195.68±2.38 kg of BW). Dry matter (4.14, 4.11, 3.80, and 3.49 kg day−1) and apparent digestible energy intake (0.43, 0.41, 0.37, and 0.35 MJ kg−1 BW) decreased with increasing levels of glycerin in the diets. There was no effect on the apparent digestibility of nutrients, average daily gain, feed efficiency, carcass characteristics, and blood parameters. The diets did not influence the weights [g kg−1 of empty body weight (EBW)] of lungs, heart, kidneys, liver, omasum, abomasum, and large intestine. The reticulorumen weight (g kg−1 EBW) increased, whereas the small intestine weight decreased with increased levels of glycerin in the diets. The area, height, and width of the rumen papillae were not changed with increasing levels of glycerin. The rumen wall thickness increased with increasing levels of glycerin in the diets. The inclusion up to 240 g kg−1 DM of crude glycerin of in corn grain-based diets for the production of dairy calves does not alter animal performance, carcass characteristics, and weights of internal organs.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the trend of use of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) for screening of prostate cancer (PC) among Brazilian doctors, from the beginning of its regular availability in clinical laboratories. Material and Methods: A serial cross-sectional study was performed using data obtained from a large database between 1997 and 2016. The general PSA screening trend during this period, adjusted for the total number of exams performed in men, was analyzed. Time-series analysis was performed through observation of the general regression curve using the generalized least squares method, and the impact of the recommendations was assessed with autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models. Results: During the period studied 2,521,383 PSA determinations were done. The age of the participants ranged from 21 to 111 years, with an average of 56.7 ± 22.7 years. The relative number of PSA tests/100.000 exams in males showed a constant reduction since 2001, and this trend was more evident in the group aged 55-69 years. Although statistically significant, the impact of reduced PSA screening after the 2012 USPSTF publication was clinically irrelevant. Conclusions: Our results indicated a continuous reduction in the use of PSA screening over time, regardless of the publication of recommendations or clinical guidelines. The fact that this trend was more pronounced among those with a greater benefit potential (55-69 years), relative to groups with a greater damage potential due to overdiagnosis and overtreatment (aged >74 years and <40 years), is a matter of concern. Follow-up studies of these trends are advisable.

ABSTRACT. Carcass and meat characteristics of 48 Nellore heifers at 24 to 30 months of age, with an initial weight of 263.4 ± 13.9 kg, were evaluated. The experiment was set up as a completely randomized design with four treatments, which consisted of four slaughter-weight classes, namely <340, 340-370, 370-400, or >400 kg. Back fat thickness was not influenced (p > 0.05) by slaughter weight in any of the forms it was expressed (mm or %), averaging 5.3 mm. Loin eye area in cm2 increased (p < 0.05) with the increase in slaughter weight. Animals slaughtered at a live weight (LW) of more than 400 kg showed better (p < 0.05) carcass conformation than the other experimental groups (9.8 points). Heifers slaughtered at over 400 kg LW had a more compact (p < 0.05) carcass (1.65 cm kg-1 cold carcass). The marbling degree of meat was lower (p < 0.05) in the animals slaughtered at less than 340 kg LW. In conclusion, cull heifers must not be slaughtered at a LW of less than 340 kg and slaughter weights greater than 400 kg have positive implications on important carcass characteristics, notably conformation and marbling.