Pythium and Phytopythium species associated with weeds collected in vegetable production fields in Brazil.

This study aimed to identify Pythium and Phytopythium species from weeds collected in vegetable fields and test their pathogenicity. Weeds with symptoms of damping-off, root rot or wilt were sampled in the Brazilian states of Ceará, Goiás and Pernambuco, as well as in the Distrito Federal, for isolation and identification of the causal agents. Once isolated, colonies with typical Pythium and Phytopythium characteristics grew in selective V8 medium. Procedures for species identification included morphology and amplification of the ITS and Cox II regions, which were compared with other accessions available at GenBank. The phylogenetic relationships among the isolates and pathogenicity to their original hosts were evaluated. Six Pythium species were identified: P. aphanidermatum, P. oopapillum, P. orthogonon, P. ultimum var. ultimum, P. myriotylum and P. sylvaticum, and two species of Phytopythium, Phy. chamaehyphon and Phy. oedochilum. In the pathogenicity tests, the 10 weed hosts showed symptoms of damping-off or root rot after inoculation, with exception of Portulaca oleraceae in which none of the isolates was pathogenic. Therefore, common weeds in vegetable fields areas can host different Pythium and Phytopythium species and play an important role in the epidemiology of vegetable diseases, in particular on pathogen survival and population increase.

Species diversity, novel interactions and absence of well-supported host-guided phylogenetic groupings of Neotropical Alternaria isolates causing foliar lesions in Solanaceae.

AIM: To report the characterization of 120 Alternaria isolates inducing early blight-like foliar lesions in nine species of five Solanaceae genera collected across all macrogeographical Brazilian regions. MATERIAL AND RESULTS: Phylogenetic relationships were assessed via analyses of the Alternaria alternata allergenic protein-coding, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and the calmodulin gene sequences. Most of the tomato isolates were placed into the Alternaria linariae cluster, whereas most of the potato isolates were grouped with Alternaria grandis. Novel host-pathogen interactions were also reported. Seventeen isolates were selected for morphometrical characterization, and a subsample of 13 isolates was employed in pathogenicity assays on tomato, potato, eggplant, scarlet eggplant, Capsicum annuum, Datura stramonium, Physalis angulata and Nicotiana tabacum. Eleven isolates were able to induce foliar lesions in tomatoes but none in C. annuum. Potato was susceptible to a subgroup of isolates but displayed a subset of isolate-specific interactions. Morphological traits were in overall agreement with molecular and host range data. CONCLUSION: Alternaria linariae and A. grandis were confirmed as the major causal agents of tomato and potato early blight, respectively. However other Alternaria species are also involved with early blight in solanaceous hosts in Brazil. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The diversity and host-specific patterns of the Alternaria isolates from Solanaceae may have practical implications in establishing effective early blight genetic resistance and cultural management strategies especially for tomato and potato crops.

A three-decade survey of Brazilian Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici races assessed by pathogenicity tests on differential tomato accessions and by molecular markers.

AIM: Physiological race determination of 143 Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) isolates collected along 30 years in major tomato-producing regions of Brazil. MATERIALS AND RESULTS: Physiological races were determined via root-dipping inoculation of differential tomato accessions and by the PCR-based marker system of Hirano and Arie (2006). According to pathogenicity/virulence assays, five race 1, 23 race 2 and 115 race 3 isolates were identified. FOL race 1 and 2 isolates prevailed up to early 2000s. Afterwards, the large majority of the isolates was classified as the invasive race 3. Novel reports of race 3 were done in five states, thus expanding its geographical distribution. Using this PCR-based marker system, a precise discrimination was observed for all race 3 isolates. However, all race 1 and 2 isolates displayed only the cosmopolitan race 1-specific amplicon pattern. CONCLUSION: The development and/or validation of novel race-specific marker systems are necessary to allow a precise discrimination of the potentially endemic Brazilian FOL race 2. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The present characterization of isolates indicates that distinct evolutionary mechanisms are acting to select new FOL races and/or genetic variants across agroecosystems around the globe.

Avaliação observacional da qualidade do pescado comercializado no município de nova iguaçu frente à pandemia por sars-cov-2 / Observational evalution of fish quality marketed in nova iguaçu county during sars-cov-2 pandemic

The pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 brought to society a health crisis that drastically affected the global economy and brought more restrictive measures to food supply establishments, which are classified as essential activities. However, they had to adapt to the new hygienic-sanitary operating protocol, established through regulations published by the Federal and State Governments in order to reduce the chances of viral spread. The objective of the study was to evaluate the hygienic and sanitary conditions of fish sold in fish markets in the city of Nova Iguaçu/RJ, through questionnaires on the application of good marketing and handling practices, during the lockdown related to the coronavirus pandemic. An observational "checklist" type questionnaire was used to assess the hygienic and sanitary conditions of fish in 13 fish markets located in 7 districts of Nova Iguaçu/RJ. It was observed that in 92% of the establishments visited had materials and equipment in disuse in the outdoor area, had failures in conservation, sanitation and adequate maintenance, without vector and pest control, without a suitable container for waste collection, lack of personal cleanliness and did not present the amount of flaky ice adequate to coat the fish. Thus, it was possible to check that the establishments did not follow the basic rules of hygiene and safety of the fish to reduce the dissemination of the coronavirus, confirming that the commercialization of fish in the fish markets visited in the municipality of Nova Iguaçu/RJ does not meet the recommended standards of hygiene and packaging of the products sold. Therefore, the relevance of this study is to provide fishmongers in the municipality of Nova Iguaçu, practical and viable guidelines for adapting to the legislation, with the main objective of updating and favoring the reinforcement of Good Handling Practices through an illustrative folder distributed later on visits to establishments.

A pandemia causada pelo SARS-CoV-2 trouxe para a sociedade uma crise sanitária que afetou drasticamente a economia global e trouxe medidas mais restritivas para os estabelecimentos fornecedores de alimentos, que são classificados como atividades essenciais. Contudo, tiveram que se adequar ao novo protocolo higiênico-sanitários de funcionamento, estabelecido através de normativas publicadas pelos Governos Federal e Estadual com o intuito de reduzir as chances de disseminação viral. O objetivo do trabalho consistiu em avaliar as condições higiênico-sanitárias do pescado comercializado em peixarias do município de Nova Iguaçu/RJ, através de questionários sobre a aplicação de boas práticas de comercialização e manipulação, durante o “lockdown” referente à pandemia por coronavírus. Utilizou-se um questionário tipo "checklist" observacional para avaliação das condições higiênico-sanitárias do pescado em 13 peixarias, localizadas em 7 bairros de Nova Iguaçu/RJ. Foi observado que em 92% dos estabelecimentos visitados apresentavam materiais e equipamentos em desuso na área externa, apresentavam falhas de conservações, higienização e manutenção adequadas, sem controle de vetores e pragas, sem recipiente adequado para coleta de resíduos, faltava asseio pessoal e não apresentavam a quantidade de gelo em escama adequada para recobrir o pescado. Dessa forma, foi possível verificar que os estabelecimentos não seguiam as normas básicas de higiene e segurança do pescado para reduzir a disseminação do coronavírus, corroborando que a comercialização do pescado nas peixarias visitadas no município de Nova Iguaçu/RJ não atende aos padrões preconizados de higiene e acondicionamento dos produtos comercializados. Sendo assim, a relevância desse estudo consiste em disponibilizar as peixarias do município de Nova Iguaçu, orientações práticas e viáveis de se adequarem a legislação, tendo como objetivo principal atualizar e favorecer o reforço das Boas Práticas de Manipulação através de um folder ilustrativo distribuído posteriormente as visitas aos estabelecimentos.

Avaliação observacional da qualidade do pescado comercializado no município de nova iguaçu frente à pandemia por sars-cov-2 / Observational evalution of fish quality marketed in nova iguaçu county during sars-cov-2 pandemic

The pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 brought to society a health crisis that drastically affected the global economy and brought more restrictive measures to food supply establishments, which are classified as essential activities. However, they had to adapt to the new hygienic-sanitary operating protocol, established through regulations published by the Federal and State Governments in order to reduce the chances of viral spread. The objective of the study was to evaluate the hygienic and sanitary conditions of fish sold in fish markets in the city of Nova Iguaçu/RJ, through questionnaires on the application of good marketing and handling practices, during the lockdown related to the coronavirus pandemic. An observational "checklist" type questionnaire was used to assess the hygienic and sanitary conditions of fish in 13 fish markets located in 7 districts of Nova Iguaçu/RJ. It was observed that in 92% of the establishments visited had materials and equipment in disuse in the outdoor area, had failures in conservation, sanitation and adequate maintenance, without vector and pest control, without a suitable container for waste collection, lack of personal cleanliness and did not present the amount of flaky ice adequate to coat the fish. Thus, it was possible to check that the establishments did not follow the basic rules of hygiene and safety of the fish to reduce the dissemination of the coronavirus, confirming that the commercialization of fish in the fish markets visited in the municipality of Nova Iguaçu/RJ does not meet the recommended standards of hygiene and packaging of the products sold. Therefore, the relevance of this study is to provide fishmongers in the municipality of Nova Iguaçu, practical and viable guidelines for adapting to the legislation, with the main objective of updating and favoring the reinforcement of Good Handling Practices through an illustrative folder distributed later on visits to establishments.(AU)

A pandemia causada pelo SARS-CoV-2 trouxe para a sociedade uma crise sanitária que afetou drasticamente a economia global e trouxe medidas mais restritivas para os estabelecimentos fornecedores de alimentos, que são classificados como atividades essenciais. Contudo, tiveram que se adequar ao novo protocolo higiênico-sanitários de funcionamento, estabelecido através de normativas publicadas pelos Governos Federal e Estadual com o intuito de reduzir as chances de disseminação viral. O objetivo do trabalho consistiu em avaliar as condições higiênico-sanitárias do pescado comercializado em peixarias do município de Nova Iguaçu/RJ, através de questionários sobre a aplicação de boas práticas de comercialização e manipulação, durante o “lockdown” referente à pandemia por coronavírus. Utilizou-se um questionário tipo "checklist" observacional para avaliação das condições higiênico-sanitárias do pescado em 13 peixarias, localizadas em 7 bairros de Nova Iguaçu/RJ. Foi observado que em 92% dos estabelecimentos visitados apresentavam materiais e equipamentos em desuso na área externa, apresentavam falhas de conservações, higienização e manutenção adequadas, sem controle de vetores e pragas, sem recipiente adequado para coleta de resíduos, faltava asseio pessoal e não apresentavam a quantidade de gelo em escama adequada para recobrir o pescado. Dessa forma, foi possível verificar que os estabelecimentos não seguiam as normas básicas de higiene e segurança do pescado para reduzir a disseminação do coronavírus, corroborando que a comercialização do pescado nas peixarias visitadas no município de Nova Iguaçu/RJ não atende aos padrões preconizados de higiene e acondicionamento dos produtos comercializados. Sendo assim, a relevância desse estudo consiste em disponibilizar as peixarias do município de Nova Iguaçu, orientações práticas e viáveis de se adequarem a legislação, tendo como objetivo principal atualizar e favorecer o reforço das Boas Práticas de Manipulação através de um folder ilustrativo distribuído posteriormente as visitas aos estabelecimentos.(AU)

Comparative genome analysis and characterization of the Salmonella Typhimurium strain CCRJ_26 isolated from swine carcasses using whole-genome sequencing approach.

Salmonella pathogenicity relies on virulence factors many of which are clustered within the Salmonella pathogenicity islands. Salmonella also harbours mobile genetic elements such as virulence plasmids, prophage-like elements and antimicrobial resistance genes which can contribute to increase its pathogenicity. Here, we have genetically characterized a selected S. Typhimurium strain (CCRJ_26) from our previous study with Multiple Drugs Resistant profile and high-frequency PFGE clonal profile which apparently persists in the pork production centre of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. By whole-genome sequencing, we described the strain's genome virulent content and characterized the repertoire of bacterial plasmids, antibiotic resistance genes and prophage-like elements. Here, we have shown evidence that strain CCRJ_26 genome possible represent a virulence-associated phenotype which may be potentially virulent in human infection. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Whole-genome sequencing technologies are still costly and remain underexplored for applied microbiology in Brazil. Hence, this genomic description of S. Typhimurium strain CCRJ_26 will provide help in future molecular epidemiological studies. The analysis described here reveals a quick and useful pipeline for bacterial virulence characterization using whole-genome sequencing approach.

Phytosterol-enriched milk lowers LDL-cholesterol levels in Brazilian children and adolescents: Double-blind, cross-over trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Despite evidence of the lipid-lowering effect of plant sterols among adults with hypercholesterolemia, data regarding phytosterol use in children are limited. In this paper, we examined the effects of daily consumption of a phytosterol-enriched milk compound on the lipid profiles of Brazilian children and adolescents with dyslipidemia. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a randomized, double blind, crossover clinical trial. Twenty eight dyslipidemics outpatients (aged 6-9 years) from an University Hospital were randomly allocated to control or intervention group. The intervention group received milk enriched with 1.2 g/day of plant sterol and the control group received the equivalent amount of skim milk during the period of 8 weeks. Changes from baseline in the mean lipid profile, including total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) concentrations. Serum lipid profiles, glucose levels, dietary and anthropometric data were determined at weeks 0, 4, 8, 16, and 20. Details regarding the safety and tolerance of phytosterol were obtained, using an open-ended questionnaire. Intention-to-treat analysis were performed, using the proc mixed procedure in SAS. After 8 weeks, the mean concentrations of TC and LDL-C were significantly reduced in the intervention group as compared to the control group with reductions of 5.9% (p = 0.09) and 10.2% (p = 0.002), respectively. In addition, TG concentrations were reduced by 19.7% (p = 0.09). No serious side effects were reported during the study. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that plant sterols are an effective and safe treatment of infantile dyslipidemia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: RBR-3h7f9k.

Reactive natural phosphate applied at different time points and combined with nitrogen fertilizers affects the production of marandu grass / Fosfato natural reativo aplicado em épocas distintas e associado a fertilizantes nitrogenados afetam a produção de capim-marandu

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ideal time of application of reactive natural phosphate combined with nitrogen fertilizers for Marandu grass fertilization. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a random block design with six treatments and six replicates. A 3x2 factorial scheme consisting of three times of application of reactive natural phosphate (before, together and after liming) and two nitrogen sources (ammonium sulfate and urea) was used. No interaction was observed between the time of reactive natural phosphate application and nitrogen fertilizer. However, in the first cut, reactive natural phosphate resulted in a larger number of leaves and tillers (47 leaves/pot and 13 tillers/pot) when applied after liming and increased leaf blade mass (4.26 g/pot) when applied together with liming. In the second and third cut, the time of application did not influence any of the variables studied, except for residual dry matter which was lower (20.17 g/pot) when reactive natural phosphate was applied before liming. Treatment with ammonium sulfate resulted in a lower pH in the three cuts performed. In the second and third cut, a higher leaf blade dry mass (12.5 and 14.8 g/pot, respectively) and a larger number of leaves (95 and 111 leaves/pot, respectively) and tillers (29 and 39 tillers/pot, respectively) were observed for the treatment with ammonium sulfate. The time of application of reactive natural phosphate exerted no significant effect on the agronomic efficiency of the three cuts. However, in the third cut, the application of reactive natural phosphate together with or after liming was superior to the soluble phosphate source. Reactive natural phosphate should be applied together with or after liming, regardless of the nitrogen fertilizer used. Ammonium sulfate optimizes the development of Marandu grass after regrowth of this forage.

Objetivou-se avaliar a época de aplicação de fosfato natural reativo associado a fertilizantes nitrogenados na adubação do capim-marandu. O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com seis tratamentos e seis repetições. Utilizou-se esquema fatorial 3x2, com três épocas de incorporação de fosfato natural reativo (antes, junto e depois da calagem) e duas fontes de nitrogênio (sulfato de amônio e ureia). Não houve interação entre as épocas de incorporação de fosfato natural reativo e os fertilizantes nitrogenados. Entretanto, no primeiro corte, o fosfato natural reativo, quando aplicado depois da calagem, proporcionou maior número de folhas e perfilhos (47 folhas/vaso e 13 perfilhos/vaso, respectivamente), contudo quando incorporado junto com a calagem proporcionou maior massa de lâminas foliares (4,26 g/vaso). No segundo e terceiro cortes, a época de incorporação não influenciou nenhuma das variáveis mencionadas, com exceção da massa seca de resíduo que foi menor (20,17 g/vaso) quando incorporado antes da calagem. O tratamento com sulfato de amônio resultou menor pH nos três cortes realizados. No segundo e terceiro cortes, notou-se maior massa seca de lâminas foliares (12,5 e 14,8 g/vaso, respectivamente), maior número de folhas (95 e 111 folhas/vaso, respectivamente) e perfilhos (29 e 39 perfilhos/vaso, respectivamente) no tratamento com sulfato de amônio. A época de incorporação do fosfato natural reativo não apresentou diferença significativa na eficiência agronômica nos três cortes. No entanto, no terceiro corte a incorporação do fosfato natural reativo junto e depois da calagem foram superiores à fonte fosfatada solúvel. Independente do fertilizante nitrogenado, o fosfato natural reativo deve ser incorporado junto ou depois da calagem. O sulfato de amônio otimiza o desenvolvimento do capim-marandu a partir da rebrota dessa forrageira.

Reactive natural phosphate applied at different time points and combined with nitrogen fertilizers affects the production of marandu grass / Fosfato natural reativo aplicado em épocas distintas e associado a fertilizantes nitrogenados afetam a produção de capim-marandu

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ideal time of application of reactive natural phosphate combined with nitrogen fertilizers for Marandu grass fertilization. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a random block design with six treatments and six replicates. A 3x2 factorial scheme consisting of three times of application of reactive natural phosphate (before, together and after liming) and two nitrogen sources (ammonium sulfate and urea) was used. No interaction was observed between the time of reactive natural phosphate application and nitrogen fertilizer. However, in the first cut, reactive natural phosphate resulted in a larger number of leaves and tillers (47 leaves/pot and 13 tillers/pot) when applied after liming and increased leaf blade mass (4.26 g/pot) when applied together with liming. In the second and third cut, the time of application did not influence any of the variables studied, except for residual dry matter which was lower (20.17 g/pot) when reactive natural phosphate was applied before liming. Treatment with ammonium sulfate resulted in a lower pH in the three cuts performed. In the second and third cut, a higher leaf blade dry mass (12.5 and 14.8 g/pot, respectively) and a larger number of leaves (95 and 111 leaves/pot, respectively) and tillers (29 and 39 tillers/pot, respectively) were observed for the treatment with ammonium sulfate. The time of application of reactive natural phosphate exerted no significant effect on the agronomic efficiency of the three cuts. However, in the third cut, the application of reactive natural phosphate together with or after liming was superior to the soluble phosphate source. Reactive natural phosphate should be applied together with or after liming, regardless of the nitrogen fertilizer used. Ammonium sulfate optimizes the development of Marandu grass after regrowth of this forage.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a época de aplicação de fosfato natural reativo associado a fertilizantes nitrogenados na adubação do capim-marandu. O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com seis tratamentos e seis repetições. Utilizou-se esquema fatorial 3x2, com três épocas de incorporação de fosfato natural reativo (antes, junto e depois da calagem) e duas fontes de nitrogênio (sulfato de amônio e ureia). Não houve interação entre as épocas de incorporação de fosfato natural reativo e os fertilizantes nitrogenados. Entretanto, no primeiro corte, o fosfato natural reativo, quando aplicado depois da calagem, proporcionou maior número de folhas e perfilhos (47 folhas/vaso e 13 perfilhos/vaso, respectivamente), contudo quando incorporado junto com a calagem proporcionou maior massa de lâminas foliares (4,26 g/vaso). No segundo e terceiro cortes, a época de incorporação não influenciou nenhuma das variáveis mencionadas, com exceção da massa seca de resíduo que foi menor (20,17 g/vaso) quando incorporado antes da calagem. O tratamento com sulfato de amônio resultou menor pH nos três cortes realizados. No segundo e terceiro cortes, notou-se maior massa seca de lâminas foliares (12,5 e 14,8 g/vaso, respectivamente), maior número de folhas (95 e 111 folhas/vaso, respectivamente) e perfilhos (29 e 39 perfilhos/vaso, respectivamente) no tratamento com sulfato de amônio. A época de incorporação do fosfato natural reativo não apresentou diferença significativa na eficiência agronômica nos três cortes. No entanto, no terceiro corte a incorporação do fosfato natural reativo junto e depois da calagem foram superiores à fonte fosfatada solúvel. Independente do fertilizante nitrogenado, o fosfato natural reativo deve ser incorporado junto ou depois da calagem. O sulfato de amônio otimiza o desenvolvimento do capim-marandu a partir da rebrota dessa forrageira.(AU)

Unplanned flexible ureteroscopy during percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the prone position.

BACKGROUND: Over time, the prone position has been shown to be effective and safe for performing percutaneous nephrolithotomy. One of its disadvantages, however, is the inability to simultaneously perform an ureteroscopy after positioning the patient, which is feasible in the supine position. Our objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of implementing flexible ureteroscopy with the patient in the prone position. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present a case of percutaneous nephrolithotomy of partial staghorn calculi in the prone position during which access to the middle calyx was not possible. It was therefore necessary to conduct flexible ureteroscopy. The 64-year-old female patient had consulted for lumbar pain of 6 months of evolution. RESULTS: We performed percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the prone position. After extracting calculi from the inner calyx and renal pelvis, access to the fragments located in the middle calyx could not be achieved. Rather than performing a new puncture, we decided to enter in a retrograde manner with a flexible ureteroscope, succeeding in extracting the residual calculi, leaving the patient completely free of calculi. CONCLUSION: In our case, the implementation of retrograde flexible ureteroscopy was feasible without changing the patient's original position.

Lophine derivatives as activators in peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence.

Lophine and four of its derivatives were used as activators (ACTs) of the chemiluminescent peroxyoxalate (PO) reaction of bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)oxalate with H2O2, catalysed by imidazole. Kinetic emission assays have shown that with the tested compounds the reaction mechanism, regarding the formation of the high energy intermediate (HEI) of the PO reaction, occurs as previously seen for commonly used ACTs. A bimolecular interaction of the compounds with the HEI leads to chemiexcitation through the chemically initiated electron exchange luminescence (CIEEL) mechanism, as confirmed by a linear free-energy correlation between the relative catalytic rate constants and the oxidation potentials of the compounds. The yields of excited state formation and light emission, in the range of 10(-2)-10(-3) E mol(-1), are comparable to the ones seen with commonly used ACTs. A Hammett plot with ρ = -0.90 indicates the buildup of a partial positive charge on the transition step of the catalytic process, consistent with the formation of a radical cation of the ACT, being an additional validation of the CIEEL mechanism in this system.

Nutritional evaluation of young bulls on tropical pasture receiving supplements with different protein:carbohydrate ratios.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the nutritional parameters of young bulls supplemented with different ratios of protein: carbohydrate on tropical pastures from 4 until 18 months old. Fifty-five non-castrated beef calves (138.3±3.4 kg, 90 to 150 d of age) were used. The calves (young bulls) were subjected to a 430-d experimental period encompassing 4 seasons. The treatments were as follows: control, only mineral mixture; HPHC, high protein and high carbohydrate supplement; HPLC, high protein and low carbohydrate supplement; LPHC, low protein and high carbohydrate supplement; and LPLC, low protein and low carbohydrate supplement. The amount of supplement was adjusted every 28 d. Dry matter (DM) intake was higher in the dry-to-rainy transition and rainy seasons for all nutritional plans. Non-supplemented animals had lower intakes of DM and total digestible nutrients (TDN) than supplemented young bulls in all seasons. Although differences in DM intake were not observed between supplemented animals, the supplements with high carbohydrate (HPHC and LPHC) had lower forage intake during suckling (rainy-to-dry transition season) and in the rainy season. However, the HPHC treatment animals had higher intake and digestibility of neutral detergent fiber. It can be concluded that supplementation with high protein levels (supplying 50% of the crude protein requirement) provide the best nutritional parameters for grazing young bulls in most seasons, increasing intake and digestibility of diet, and these effects are more intense when associated with high carbohydrate levels level (supplying 30% TDN requirement).

Protein restriction does not impair adaptations induced in cardiomyocytes by exercise in rats.

The effect of a treadmill running program on physical performance and morphofunctional adaptations was investigated in control and malnourished rats. Male 4-week old Wistar rats were randomized in groups of 12 animals: control trained (CT), control sedentary (CS), malnourished trained (MT) and malnourished sedentary (MS). Control and malnourished animals received chow with 12% protein or 6% protein, respectively. Trained groups were subjected to a treadmill running program for 8 weeks. Physical performance, biochemical parameters, cardiomyocytes morphology and biomechanics were determined. Malnourished animals presented reduction in body mass, serum levels of total protein, albumin and hemoglobin compared to the control groups. At 1 and 3 Hz cardiomyocytes from CT and MT showed higher cell shortening, speed of contraction and relaxation compared to the other groups. At 3 Hz cardiomyocytes from MS showed reduction in cell shortening and speed of contraction compared to CS. Protein restriction does not prevent the improvement in physical performance or cardiomyocytes biomechanical efficiency and growth in response to exercise. These findings could represent a modulatory effect of exercise to maintain cardiomyocyte growth at the expense of reducing the rate of body growth in order to ensure proper cellular function in conditions of cardiovascular overload imposed by exercise.

Identification of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici Race 3 Infecting Tomatoes in Northeast Brazil.

The three races of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) are important tomato pathogens throughout the world, causing severe economic losses (1). In Brazil, races 1 and 2 are widespread, but the current geographic distribution of race 3 is restricted to the mild climate areas of Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro States in the southeast region (2,3). Here we report the spread of FOL race 3 to the warm northeast region of Brazil. Plants in commercial fields of the hybrid 'Alambra' (resistant to FOL races 1 and 2) were found displaying chlorosis, vascular browning, and wilt symptoms in Jaguaquara County, Bahia State, Brazil. Disease incidence ranged from 10 to 50%. The virulence profile of six isolates obtained from three distinct tomato-producing fields was investigated by root-dipping inoculation (106 conidia/ml) of 21-day-old seedlings from a set of FOL race differential accessions: 'Ponderosa' (susceptible to all races), 'IPA-5' (FOL race 1 resistance; I-1 locus); 'Alambra' and 'Floradade' (FOL races 1 and 2 resistance; I-2 gene), and Solanum pennellii 'LA 716' (resistant to all three races; I-3 locus). All six isolates were able to induce severe wilt symptoms in 100% of the plants from all lines but S. pennellii 'LA 716'. FOL race 3 identity was confirmed via PCR assays employing a specific set of primers that are able to discriminate all the three FOL races as well as F. oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici isolates (1). Total DNA was extracted from pure fungal colonies growing in agar medium. The typical FOL race 3 amplicon profiles (i.e. positive for the primers uni, sp13, and sp23 and negative for the primer sprl) were observed only in the six FOL 3 isolates from Bahia as well as in five reference isolates of race 3 (previously obtained from tomato in Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro States), thus confirming their race identities. This recent, fast, and wide geographic expansion of the FOL race 3 in Brazil suggests that the pathogen has been introduced into new tomato producing areas via either contaminated seeds or seedlings. Because of the complexity of establishing effective chemical and cultural control strategies, these epidemics caused by FOL race 3 in distinct areas of Brazil might cause the replacement of the currently grown susceptible hybrids by resistant ones. References: (1) Y. Hirano and T. Arie. J. Gen. Plant Pathol. 72:273, 2006; (2) A. Reis et al. Fitopatol. Bras. 30:426, 2005; (3) A. Reis and L. S. Boiteux. Hort. Bras. 25:451, 2007.

Liver transplantation using University of Wisconsin or Celsior preserving solutions in the portal vein and Euro-Collins in the aorta.

INTRODUCTION: Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is today the gold standard treatment of the end-stage liver disease. Different solutions are used for graft preservation. Our objective was to compare the results of cadaveric donor OLT, preserved with the University of Wisconsin (UW) or Celsior solutions in the portal vein and Euro-Collins in the aorta. METHODS: We evaluated retrospectively 72 OLT recipients, including 36 with UW solution (group UW) and 36 with Celsior (group CS). Donors were perfused in situ with 1000 mL UW or Celsior in the portal vein of and 3000 mL of Euro-Collins in the aortia and on the back table managed with 500 mL UW or Celsior in the portal vein, 250 mL in the hepatic artery, and 250 mL in the biliary duct. We evaluated the following variables: donor characteristics, recipient features, intraoperative details, reperfusion injury, and steatosis via a biopsy after reperfusion. We noted grafts with primary nonfunction (PNF), initial poor function (IPF), rejection episodes, biliary duct complications, hepatic artery complications, re-OLT, and recipient death in the first year after OLT. RESULTS: The average age was 33.6 years in the UW group versus 41 years in the CS group (P = .048). There was a longer duration of surgery in the UW group (P = .001). The other recipient characteristics, ischemia-reperfusion injury, steatosis, PNF, IPF, rejection, re-OLT, and recipient survival were not different. Stenosis of the biliary duct occured in 3 (8.3%) cases in the UW group and 8 (22.2%) in the CS (P = .19) with hepatic artery thrombosis in 4 (11.1%) CS versus none in the UW group (P = .11). CONCLUSION: Cadaveric donor OLT showed similar results with organs preserved with UW or Celsior in the portal vein and Euro-Collins in the aorta.

Effect of frequency of static stretching on flexibility, hamstring tightness and electromyographic activity

We compared the effect of the number of weekly repetitions of a static stretching program on the flexibility, hamstring tightness and electromyographic activity of the hamstring and of the triceps surae muscles. Thirty-one healthy subjects with hamstring tightness, defined as the inability to perform total knee extension, and shortened triceps surae, defined by a tibiotarsal angle wider than 90° during trunk flexion, were divided into three groups: G1 performed the stretching exercises once a week; G2, three times a week, and G3, five times a week. The parameters were determined before and after the stretching program. Flexibility improved in all groups after intervention, from 7.65 ± 10.38 to 3.67 ± 12.08 in G1, from 10.73 ± 12.07 to 0.77 ± 10.45 in G2, and from 14.20 ± 10.75 to 6.85 ± 12.19 cm in G3 (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). The increase in flexibility was higher in G2 than in G1 (P = 0.018), while G2 and G3 showed no significant difference (G1: 4 ± 2.17, G2: 10 ± 5.27; G3: 7.5 ± 4.77 cm). Hamstring tightness improved in all groups, from 37.90 ± 6.44 to 29 ± 11.65 in G1, from 39.82 ± 9.63 to 21.91 ± 8.40 in G2, and from 37.20 ± 6.63 to 26.10 ± 5.72° in G3 (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). During stretching, a statistically significant difference was observed in electromyographic activity of biceps femoris muscle between G1 and G3 (P = 0.048) and G2 and G3 (P = 0.0009). No significant differences were found in electromyographic activity during maximal isometric contraction. Stretching exercises performed three times a week were sufficient to improve flexibility and range of motion compared to subjects exercising once a week, with results similar to those of subjects who exercised five times a week.

Effect of frequency of static stretching on flexibility, hamstring tightness and electromyographic activity.

We compared the effect of the number of weekly repetitions of a static stretching program on the flexibility, hamstring tightness and electromyographic activity of the hamstring and of the triceps surae muscles. Thirty-one healthy subjects with hamstring tightness, defined as the inability to perform total knee extension, and shortened triceps surae, defined by a tibiotarsal angle wider than 90 degrees during trunk flexion, were divided into three groups: G1 performed the stretching exercises once a week; G2, three times a week, and G3, five times a week. The parameters were determined before and after the stretching program. Flexibility improved in all groups after intervention, from 7.65 +/- 10.38 to 3.67 +/- 12.08 in G1, from 10.73 +/- 12.07 to 0.77 +/- 10.45 in G2, and from 14.20 +/- 10.75 to 6.85 +/- 12.19 cm in G3 (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). The increase in flexibility was higher in G2 than in G1 (P = 0.018), while G2 and G3 showed no significant difference (G1: 4 +/- 2.17, G2: 10 +/- 5.27; G3: 7.5 +/- 4.77 cm). Hamstring tightness improved in all groups, from 37.90 +/- 6.44 to 29 +/- 11.65 in G1, from 39.82 +/- 9.63 to 21.91 +/- 8.40 in G2, and from 37.20 +/- 6.63 to 26.10 +/- 5.72 degrees in G3 (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). During stretching, a statistically significant difference was observed in electromyographic activity of biceps femoris muscle between G1 and G3 (P = 0.048) and G2 and G3 (P = 0.0009). No significant differences were found in electromyographic activity during maximal isometric contraction. Stretching exercises performed three times a week were sufficient to improve flexibility and range of motion compared to subjects exercising once a week, with results similar to those of subjects who exercised five times a week.

Migration of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt to the right atrium: complications in the intraoperative period of liver transplantation.

This article reports the case of a patient who underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, which migrated to the right atrium. During liver transplantation, the extracardiac portion was sectioned and the portion adherent inside the atrium was managed expectantly.

Efeitos do alongamento muscular e condicionamento físico no tratamento fisioterápico de pacientes com fibromialgia / Effects of muscle stretching and physical conditioning as physical therapy treatment for patients with fibromyalgia

OBJETIVO: Verificar os efeitos de exercícios de alongamento muscular e condicionamento físico no tratamento fisioterápico da fibromialgia (FM). CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 15 mulheres com diagnóstico de FM, segundo os critérios do Colégio Americano de Reumatologia, divididas em dois grupos: Grupo 1 (G1) com oito pacientes, realizou tratamento por meio de alongamentos musculares e Grupo 2 (G2), sete pacientes, condicionamento físico. Foram avaliados qualidade do sono, fatores de piora e melhora da dor, sintomas associados e medicamentos utilizados. Além disso, foi aplicado o Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), para avaliar o impacto da FM. O tratamento durou oito semanas, sendo uma sessão semanal com duração de 40 a 45 minutos. As variáveis do FIQ antes e depois dos tratamentos foram comparadas pelo teste t para amostras dependentes (alfa< 0,05) e as demais foram analisadas descritivamente. RESULTADOS: A maioria das pacientes apresentava sono não reparador (86,67 por cento), piora da dor com serviços domésticos (40 por cento), nenhum fator de melhora da dor (28,57 por cento), distúrbios do sono como sintomas associados (100 por cento) e utilizava antidepressivos (69,23 por cento). Em relação às variáveis do FIQ, observaram-se diferenças estatisticamente significantes no sono (p= 0,0428) e rigidez matinal (p= 0,0130) nas pacientes do G1. Já no G2, não foram observadas diferenças significantes após o tratamento. CONCLUSÕES: Sugere-se que os alongamentos musculares realizados podem gerar impacto positivo na FM, promovendo melhora do sono e rigidez matinal das pacientes avaliadas.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of muscle stretching exercises and physical conditioning as physical therapy treatment for fibromyalgia. METHODS: Fifteen women with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia in accordance with the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology were evaluated and divided into two groups: Group 1 (G1, eight patients) underwent treatment consisting of muscle stretching and Group 2 (G2, seven patients), participated in a physical conditioning program. Sleep quality, pain-modulating factors, associated symptoms and medications used were evaluated. Furthermore, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was applied to evaluate the impact of fibromyalgia. The treatment lasted for eight weeks, with one session per week of 40 to 45 minutes in duration. The FIQ data obtained before and after treatment were analyzed by means of Student's t test for dependent samples (alpha< 0.05) and other variables were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: Most of the patients presented poor quality of sleep (86.67 percent). Many presented worsening of their pain when doing domestic tasks (40 percent) and there were no factors that relieved their pain (28.57 percent). All presented sleep disorders with associated symptoms (100 percent) and most used antidepressives (69.23 percent). For the FIQ data, statistically significant differences were observed in morning tiredness (p= 0.0428) and stiffness (p= 0.0130) among the G1 patients. Conversely, no difference was observed in G2 after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that the muscle stretching may have had a positive impact on fibromyalgia, with reductions in morning tiredness and stiffness among the patients evaluated.