Abstract This research evaluated the effects of long-term (30 years) winter cover crops under conventional farming system and no-tillage system on edaphic fauna in a Rhodic Hapludox soil, from Paraná State, Brazil. We used three winter cover crops (black oat, hairy vetch and fallow), and as a reference a fragment of natural forest. Soil monoliths were collected at two times, one during the flowering of maize (April 2013) and the other during the flowering of soybean (January 2014). The extraction of the monoliths was carried out in three layers in the soil profile (0-10, 10-20 and 20-30 cm). Seventeen taxonomic groups were sampled. The density of the edaphic fauna is inversely related to soil depth. The winter crops associated with the no-tillage system in long-term resulted in fauna densities similar to the natural environment, with a higher density (density increase of 2.2x) at a depth of 10-20 cm in areas with black oat. At 0-10 cm depth, black oat and vetch under no-tillage systems resulted in an increase of 62% and 69% (April 2013) and 46 and 44% (January 2014), respectively, in the density of soil fauna, when compared to the same winter crops in conventional farming system.

Abstract Weeds can be hosts of root-knot nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne. The importance of the species Meloidogyne morocciensis parasitizing many crops is recognized, but their reproductive capacity in weeds is not known. The present study hypothesizes the ability of M. morocciensis to parasitize and reproduce in different weed species found in Brazil. The objective was to evaluate the reproduction of M. morocciensis in 36 weed species. The plants were individually inoculated with 5,000 eggs and second stage juveniles and kept in greenhouse for 60 days. The experimental design was completely randomized with twelve replications. The root system of each plant was evaluated for gall index (GI), final nematode population (PF), number of nematode/g of root (NNGR) and reproduction factor (RF). It was verified that M. morocciensis has the capacity to parasite 36 weed species belonging to 16 different botanical families, confirming the hypothesis proposed. From the 36 species evaluated, 77.8% (28) were susceptible (FR ≥ 1.0) to M. morocciensis. The present study is the first to identify different weeds as hosts of M. morocciensis, evidencing its polyphagous habit, indicating species of plants with high capacity to multiply this nematode and that need more attention during the integrated management of these pathogen.

Abstract Meloidogyne javanica is among the most important nematodes that damage soybean, and although genetic resistance is the ideal control measure, there are few cultivars described as resistant among those recommended for southern Brazil. The objective of this work was to evaluate the reaction of soybean cultivars to M. javanica. The inoculum of nematodes (Est. J3) was obtained from soybean plants and inoculated into tomato plants cultivar “Santa Cruz”. Thirty-seven soybean cultivars widely used in the South, Southeast and Midwest of Brazil were used in the experiment. For each plant a suspension of 5,000 eggs + juveniles of second stage of M. javanica was inoculated into a sterile soil hole in 2-liter pots with six replications. The evaluation of root weight, number of galls, number of nematodes was 60 days after M. javanica inoculation. The results were subjected to analysis of variance, and the averages of each treatment were compared to each other by the Scott-Knott cluster test at 5% probability. Even though M. javanica presented RF> 1.00 in all soybean genotypes tested, different levels of susceptibility were observed. Thus, the lowest reproduction of the root-knot nematode was observed in M 5947 IPRO, HO AMAMBAY IPRO, BMX GARRA IPRO and FPS ATALANTA.

ABSTRACT Many features of flowers comprise the key elements of the pollinating strategies of flowering plants. Our aims were to describe features that attract pollinators and to identify the pollination system of Petunia interior, a species for which bees have been suggested as the probable pollinators. Therefore, we described the morphology and floral biology, assessed nectar production, concentration, and composition, examined reproductive mode and identified pollinators. P. interior has a purple, infundibuliform, zygomorphic corolla with a short and wide tube and blue pollen. Flower opening and pollen release were asynchronous throughout the day. The pollen grains have pollenkitt on the surface. The nectar sugar composition has a proportion of sucrose lower than the proportion of glucose + fructose, and the nectar supply was constant, in small amounts, at a concentration between 16.6-23.1 %. The reproductive system is xenogamous and bees were the exclusive pollinators. P. interior exhibits a set of floral traits that prevent self-pollination and maintains attractiveness to the bees. The greater reproductive success under natural conditions highlights the importance of bees for the reproductive success of P. interior. As far as floral traits are concerned, only the sugar concentration in the nectar does not correspond to melittophily.

ABSTRACT Chlorophyll content is a widely used parameter for nutritional status diagnosis in sugarcane. This study aimed to develop a predictive model of chlorophyll content in sugarcane seedlings using spectral imagery analysis within the electromagnetic spectrum visible range. The experiment was carried out in a split-plot design, with two fertilization rates and three sugarcane cultivars. For chlorophyll analysis, 144 leaves were collected from seedlings. Chlorophyll contents were extracted and measured by SPAD-502 meter. Spectral images within the range of 480 to 710 nm were analyzed using reflectance, absorbance (white source), and fluorescence (source at 405 and 470 nm) responses. Predictive models were developed using multivariate regression methods such as Principal Component Regression and Partial Least Squares Regression. We chose the best model through absorbance response using variable selection and the PLSR method (R2P = 0.718 and RMSEP = 7.665). The wavelengths of 480, 490, 500, 600, 630, and 640 nm were identified as the best for total chlorophyll content determination. The spectral image processing-based method can provide a chlorophyll measurement equivalent to SPAD, with the advantage of having a higher spatial coverage over the entire leaf area. Besides, it can also support automation of the chlorophyll measurement in greenhouses.

ABSTRACT Chimeric Antigen Receptor T (CAR-T) cells are certainly an important therapy for patients with relapsed and/or refractory hematologic malignancies. Currently, there are five CAR-T cell products approved by the FDA but several research groups and/or biopharmaceutical companies are encouraged to develop new products based on CAR cells using T or other cell types. Production of CAR cells requires intensive work from the basic, pre-clinical to translational levels, aiming to overcome technical difficulties and failure in the production. At least five key common steps are needed for the manipulation of T-lymphocytes (or other cells), such as: cell type selection, activation, gene delivery, cell expansion and final product formulation. However, reproducible manufacturing of high-quality clinical-grade CAR cell products is still required to apply this technology to a greater number of patients. This chapter will discuss the present and future development of new CAR designs that are safer and more effective to improve this therapy, achieving more selective killing of malignant cells and less toxicity to be applied in the clinical setting.

ABSTRACT Currently, there are four CAR-T products commercially available on the market. CAR-T cells have shown high remission rates and they represent an effective treatment option for patients with resistant or refractory B cell malignancies. Approval of these cell therapy products came after an extended period of preclinical evaluation that demonstrated unprecedented efficacy in this difficult-to-treat patient population. This review article outlines the main preclinical evaluations needed for CAR T cell product development.

ABSTRACT Extracellular soil enzymes are fundamental for the functioning of ecosystems. Several processes in the soil depend on the activity of these enzymes, including plant decomposition, soil organic matter formation/mineralization, and nutrient cycling. Moreover, extracellular enzyme activity occurs in the soil and is therefore influenced by environmental factors. Due to the high sensitivity to these factors, extracellular enzymes are used for monitoring soil quality. This review aimed to present the main contributions of soil enzymes to agriculture, emphasizing the dynamics of elements in the soil and the environmental factors that modulate enzyme activity. With this knowledge, the relationship of extracellular enzymes to soil quality is demonstrated and their use as a tool for soil monitoring. Finally, the evolution of research on soil enzymes in Brazil is presented, and the perspectives of basic and applied studies necessary to expand the knowledge and use of enzymes in soil management are pointed out. Soil enzymes play a key role in numerous soil processes, thereby making them useful indicators of productive capacity and soil quality. Research on enzymes in soil has developed significantly in the last two decades, which has made it possible for farmers to analyze and interpret enzyme activity in the soil in the laboratory.

ABSTRACT Chlorophylls and carotenoids are the main photosynthetic pigments in plants, and photosynthetic potential can be used to determine the nitrogen fixation or cycling capacity of cover crops. Therefore, this study quantified and compared the content of photosynthetic pigments in Raphanus sativus and Vicia sativa by using two different methods, namely the extraction method and measurements with a portable chlorophyll meter, and determined whether the results of these two methods showed a significant correlation. Photosynthetic pigments were measured, using both methods, in a greenhouse and laboratory, at four developmental stages: the vegetative stages I (30 days after sowing [DAS]), II (60DAS), and III (90DAS), and the reproductive stage (150DAS). The determination of the photosynthetic pigment content in R. sativus and V. sativa, obtained from the extraction method and chlorophyll index, revealed significant differences depending on the developmental stage in both species. Furthermore, the contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids determined using the extraction method showed high coefficients of correlation with the total chlorophyll index determined using the portable chlorophyll meter. Therefore, the portable chlorophyll meter can be used for the accurate evaluation of the photosynthetic potential of Raphanus sativus and Vicia sativa, which also saves time and reagents.

Resumen La infancia temprana es un periodo de gran relevancia en el desarrollo socioemocional infantil; de hecho, es donde se sientan las bases del desarrollo futuro. En este sentido, las adquisiciones durante el primer año de vida son predictores importantes de las habilidades sociales y emocionales futuras, de modo que la sensibilidad materna, según evidencia respecto a sus efectos en el desarrollo socioemocional del niño, ha demostrado ser un aspecto fundamental durante este periodo. Teniendo esto en cuenta, y considerando la relevancia de dicha competencia, así como el alza mundial y nacional en las tasas de cesárea y los posibles riesgos asociados al tipo de parto vivenciado, el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la influencia de la sensibilidad materna y del tipo de parto en el desarrollo socioemocional infantil al año de edad. Para ello, se estudió una muestra no probabilística intencionada de 91 madres con sus respectivos hijos o hijas -de distinto nivel socioeconómico- que asistían a salas cuna públicas o privadas en la ciudad de Santiago, Chile, por medio de dos instrumentos: la escala de sensibilidad del adulto (ESA) y la functional emotional assessment scale (FEAS). En general, los resultados no mostraron diferencias en el desarrollo socioemocional de los niños según el tipo de parto, aunque sí se pudo apreciar una relación entre una mayor sensibilidad materna y un mayor desarrollo socioemocional de los niños al año de edad. Al final se discuten las implicaciones de promover la sensibilidad materna con el fin de apoyar un óptimo desarrollo socioemocional en los infantes.

Abstract Early childhood is a period of high relevance in children's socioemotional development, establishing the basis for future development. Acquisitions during the first year of life are significant predictors of future social and emotional skills. During this period, maternal sensitivity is also essential, and there is evidence regarding its effects on the socioemotional development of the child. Considering the relevance of this competence, together with the global and national increase in cesarean rates and the possible risks associated with the type of delivery experienced, the influence of the type of delivery and the maternal sensitivity in child's socioemotional development at one year of age was analyzed. For this, an intentional non-probabilistic sample of 91 mothers with their respective children of different socioeconomic levels, who attended public or private nurseries in the city of Santiago, Chile, was studied. The instruments used were the Adult Sensitivity Scale (ESA) and the Functional Emotional Assessment Scale (FEAS). The results showed no differences in the children's socioemotional development according to the type of delivery. However, it was possible to observe an association between a higher maternal sensitivity and a more significant socioemotional development on children at one year of age. The implications of promoting maternal sensitivity are discussed to support optimal socioemotional development in infants.

Diante do quadro de pandemia da COVID-19, a comunidade cirúrgica enfrenta o possível risco de contágio de profissionais envolvidos no ato operatório; gerando preocupações e dúvidas referentes a escolha da via de acesso mais adequada nesse momento. Com objetivo de orientar os cirurgiões, baseado em diversos protocolos publicados até o momento, o Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgiões traz recomendações acerca deste assunto. O objetivo desta nota técnica é, através de uma compilação de publicações e recomendações de Sociedades Científicas de Cirurgia de todo mundo, trazer orientações relativas ao acesso laparoscópico durante a pandemia por COVID-19.

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, the surgical community faces the possible risk of infection of health care professionals involved in the surgical procedure. This leaves to concerns and questions referred to the most adequate surgical approach at this moment. With the objective of guiding surgeons, and based in many different protocols published until now, the Brazilian College of surgeons brings recommendations about this subject. The aim of this technical note is, trough a compilaton of publications and recommendations from Scientific Societies of Surgery worldwide, to provide guidelines regarding laparoscopic access during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resumo O feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris) é uma das principais culturas produzidas no Brasil. Sua produtividade é comprometida por diversas enfermidades, incluindo as causadas pelos nemátodes-das-galhas (NGR, Meloidogyne spp.). Três ensaios foram conduzidos em estufa com o objetivo de avaliar o comportamento de sete genótipos (C2-1-6-1-1, C4-8-1-1, PR11-6-4-1-2 Pr11-6-4-1-2, IAC-Alvorada, IAC-Diplomata e IAC-Una) de feijão a Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica e M. enterolobii. O tomateiro (Solanum lycopersicum) cv. Rutgers foi utilizado como controlo para comprovar a viabilidade do inóculo. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com oito tratamentos e cinco repetições por tratamento. Para a comprovação dos resultados, os três ensaios foram repetidos no tempo, seguindo a mesma metodologia. O solo foi inoculado com 5.000 ovos + juvenis de segundo estádio (J2) de cada espécie de nemátode por vaso. As variáveis, índice de galhas (IG) e de massas de ovos (IMO) e o fator de reprodução (FR) foram determinados 60 dias após a inoculação. Os genótipos de feijão C4-8-1-1 e C2-1-6-1-1 foram resistentes a M. incognita e a M. javanica, respectivamente. Nenhum genótipo foi resistente a M. enterolobii nos dois ensaios. Os restantes genótipos de feijão foram suscetíveis às espécies de nemátodes estudadas. Os genótipos resistentes (C4-8-1-1 e C2-1-6-1-1) poderão ser utilizados em áreas de cultivo infestadas com M. incognita e M. javanica, respectivamente, ou usados como fontes de resistência em programas de melhoramento genético.

Abstract Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is one of the main crops produced in Brazil. In growing areas, productivity has been committed by various diseases, including those caused by root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.). Three independent experiments were conducted in greenhouse to evaluate the behavior of seven genotypes (PR11-6-4-1-2, Pr11-6-4-1-2 , C4-8-1-1 C2-1-6-1-1, IAC-Diplomata, IAC-Alvorada and IAC-Una) and three bean cultivars (IAC-Diplomata, IAC-Alvorada and IAC-Una) to Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica and M. enterolobii. The tomato Rutgers was used as control to confirm the inoculum viability. The experimental design was completely randomized with eight treatments and five replicates. To confirm the results, three experiments were repeated using the same methodology. The soil was inoculated with 5,000 eggs from each species of nematode per pot. As variables, gall (GI) and egg mass (EM) indexes and the reproduction factor (RF) were determined 60 days after inoculation. The genotypes C4-8-1-1 and C2-1-6-1-1 were resistant to M. incognita and M. javanica, respectively. No genotype were resistant to M. enterolobii in both assays. The other genotypes were susceptible to the nematode species studied. The resistant genotypes (C4-8-1-1 and C2-1-6-1-1) can be used in infested areas with M. incognita and M. javanica, respectively, or used as sources of resistance in breeding programs.