Antimicrobial Activity in Chitosan-Treated Prosthetic Materials: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: The antimicrobial effect of prosthetic materials treated with chitosan was systematically reviewed. METHODS: The searches were carried out on PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, LILACS, Embase, and Open Grey with searches performed in March 2022. Selection of in vitro studies, data extraction and risk of bias analysis were performed following the PRISMA guidelines and registered at the Open Science Framework. The evaluated prosthetic materials corresponded to PMMA and tissue conditioner, treated with chitosan. RESULTS: After evaluating the eligibility criteria, 11 articles were included for the qualitative synthesis. The evaluated prosthetic materials corresponded to PMMA (n=8) and tissue conditioner (n=3). All studies performed the incorporation of chitosan in the tissue conditioner (n=3). Regarding PMMA, the use of chitosan as a denture cleanser was the most used (n=3), followed by incorporation (n=2), multilayers coating onto PMMA (n=2) and denture adhesive for PMMA (n=1). Chitosan has antimicrobial activity and is effective in the treatment of prosthetic materials in most studies, but it depends on some factors, such as the treatment method, the type and characteristics of the chitosan, the microorganism evaluated, and its form of organization. CONCLUSION: Chitosan showed highly antimicrobial activity and was effective when used in prosthetic materials.

Association of coronary calcification with prognosis of Covid-19 patients without known heart disease.

Risk factors that determine the severity of Covid-19 have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of coronary artery calcification (CAC) as a risk factor for death or mechanical ventilation (MV) of patients without known heart disease infected with Covid-19. We analyzed 283 consecutive in-patients with acute respiratory symptoms with chest computed tomography (chest-CT), without previous heart disease, and criteria for Covid-19 (RT-PCR positive and/or typical clinical and chest-CT findings). CAC was classified by the number of coronary segments affected as absent (0), mild (1-3), and severe calcification (more than 3). The association between CAC, CAC severity, and death or MV due to severe respiratory failure was assessed by logistic regression. The mean age was 58.7±15.7 years and 54.1% were men. Patients with CAC were older, more likely to have hypertension, and less likely to be obese. CAC was present in 75 patients (26.5%), of which 42 had a mild calcification and 33 had severe calcification, and was associated with death (OR=2.35, 95%CI: 1.01-5.48) or MV (OR=2.72, 95%CI: 1.20-6.20) adjusted for multiple confounders, with significant and increased odds ratio for the severe form of CAC (death: OR=3.70, 95%CI: 1.20-11.42; MV: OR=3.30, 95%CI: 1.09-9.95). We concluded that CAC was an independent risk factor for death or MV in Covid-19 patients without previous heart disease, particularly for those with severe calcification. CAC can be easily visualized on common chest-CT, widely used in evaluation of moderate to severe Covid-19.

Association of coronary calcification with prognosis of Covid-19 patients without known heart disease

Risk factors that determine the severity of Covid-19 have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of coronary artery calcification (CAC) as a risk factor for death or mechanical ventilation (MV) of patients without known heart disease infected with Covid-19. We analyzed 283 consecutive in-patients with acute respiratory symptoms with chest computed tomography (chest-CT), without previous heart disease, and criteria for Covid-19 (RT-PCR positive and/or typical clinical and chest-CT findings). CAC was classified by the number of coronary segments affected as absent (0), mild (1-3), and severe calcification (more than 3). The association between CAC, CAC severity, and death or MV due to severe respiratory failure was assessed by logistic regression. The mean age was 58.7±15.7 years and 54.1% were men. Patients with CAC were older, more likely to have hypertension, and less likely to be obese. CAC was present in 75 patients (26.5%), of which 42 had a mild calcification and 33 had severe calcification, and was associated with death (OR=2.35, 95%CI: 1.01-5.48) or MV (OR=2.72, 95%CI: 1.20-6.20) adjusted for multiple confounders, with significant and increased odds ratio for the severe form of CAC (death: OR=3.70, 95%CI: 1.20-11.42; MV: OR=3.30, 95%CI: 1.09-9.95). We concluded that CAC was an independent risk factor for death or MV in Covid-19 patients without previous heart disease, particularly for those with severe calcification. CAC can be easily visualized on common chest-CT, widely used in evaluation of moderate to severe Covid-19.

Timed artificial insemination plus heat I: effect of estrus expression scores on pregnancy of cows subjected to progesterone-estradiol-based protocols.

Expression of estrus near timed artificial insemination (TAI) is associated with greater fertility, and estrus detection could improve TAI fertility or direct TAI management, although accurate estrus detection can be difficult and time-consuming using traditional methods. The aim of this study is to evaluate influence of estrus on pregnancy (artificial insemination pregnancy rates (P/AI)) and to validate an alternative method to classify estrus/heat expression using tail chalking (HEATSC) in postpartum Bos indicus cows subjected to TAI in progesterone-estrogen-based protocols. In experiment 1 (Exp. 1), cows (5491) were subjected to visual observation of estrus after progesterone device removal, before TAI, and P/AI was evaluated according to estrus and body condition score (BCS). Cows received a progesterone device and 2 mg estradiol benzoate (EB). After 8 days, the device was removed and 150 µg of d-cloprostenol and 300 IU equine chorionic gonadotrophin was given. Later, animals in Exp. 1 received 1 mg EB and TAI 44 to 48 h. In the Exp. 2 - 3830 cows using similar protocol, received different ovulation inducers: 1 mg EB (n=1624) or 1 mg estradiol cypionate (EC; n=2206) on day 8 (D8). Cows were then marked with chalk, and HEATSC evaluated at TAI on D10 (HEATSC1 - no chalk removal=no estrus expression; HEATSC2 - partial chalk removal=low estrus expression; HEATSC3 - near complete/complete chalk removal=high estrus expression). In Exp. 1, cows showing estrus presented greater P/AI (48.4% v. 40.2%, P<0.05). In Exp. 2, P/AI (HEATSC1 - 40.0%; HEATSC2 - 49.7%; HEATSC3 - 60.9%; P<0.001), and larger follicle timed artificial insemination (LFTAI) (<0.001) varied according to HEATSC. There was no difference in P/AI (P=0.41) or LFTAI (P=0.33) according to ovulation inducer. Cows with greater BCS showed greater P/AI in both experiments (P<0.05). Estrus presence and greater HEATSC improved P/AI, and EC v. EB used promoted differential estrus manifestation (cows showing HEATSC2 and HEATSC3: 79.5% with EB v. 69.98% with EC use, P<0.001), however, with similar P/AI. The use of HEATSC in B. indicus cows subjected to TAI is useful to identify cows with greater estrus expression and consequently improved pregnancy rates in TAI, allowing the cows with low HEATSC to be targeted for additional treatments aimed at improving P/AI.

Timed artificial insemination plus heat II: gonadorelin injection in cows with low estrus expression scores increased pregnancy in progesterone/estradiol-based protocol.

The use of tail chalk and estrus/heat expression scores (HEATSC) evaluation is instrumental in identifying cows with greater estrus expression and greater artificial insemination pregnancy rates (P/AI) in cows submitted to timed artificial insemination (TAI), and cows with low or no estrus expression present lower P/AI. It was intended in this study to improve the pregnancy rates in TAI for Bos indicus beef cows, and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) injection was hypothesized to increase pregnancy rates in a TAI program for cows submitted to progesterone-estradiol-based protocols with low or no estrus expression, evaluated by HEATSC. Cows (n= 2284) received a progesterone device and 2 mg estradiol benzoate, after 8 days the device was removed and 1 mg estradiol cypionate, 150 µg of d-cloprostenol and 300 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin was administered. All cows were marked with chalk and HEATSC evaluated (scales 1 to 3) at TAI performed on day 10. Animals with HEATSC1 and HEATSC2 (n= 937) received 100 µg de gonadorelin (GNRH group; n= 470), or 1 ml saline (Control group; n= 467), and cows with HEATSC3 (named HEAT group; n= 1347) received no additional treatment. The larger dominant follicle, evaluated on day 8and at TAI (day 10), was greater in HEAT group (P= 0.0145 and P <0.001, respectively). Corpus luteum (CL) area and progesterone concentration was evaluated on day 17, and CL area was larger in HEAT group, intermediary in Control and lower in GnRH group (Control= 2.68 cm2, GnRH= 2.37 cm2, HEAT group= 3.07 cm2, P <0.001). Greater progesterone concentrations were found in HEAT group than in Control and GnRH groups (Control= 4.74 ng/ml, GnRH= 4.29 ng/ml, HEAT group= 6.08 ng/ml, P<0.001). There was a difference in ovulation rate, greater in HEAT group than GnRH and Control groups (Control= 72.5%; GnRH= 81.25%; HEAT group= 90.71%; P= 0.0024). Artificial insemination pregnancy rates was greater in HEAT group (57.09% (769/1347) than in Control and GNRH groups, with positive effect of GnRH injection at the time of TAI in P/AI (Control= 36.18% (169/467), GnRH= 45.95% (216/470); P<0.0001). In conclusion, GnRH application in cows with low HEATSC (1 and 2) is a simple strategy, requiring no changes in TAI management to increase pregnancy rates in postpartum beef cows submitted to progesterone-estradiol-based TAI protocols, without reaching, however, the pregnancy rates of cows that demonstrate high estrus expression at the TAI.

Impact of a sepsis bundle in wards of a tertiary hospital.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a prevalent disease worldwide and still exhibits high rates of mortality. In the last years, many interventions aiming a positive impact on sepsis evolution have been studied. One of the main is the use of managed care protocols (sepsis bundles), which consist in systematization of diagnosis and treatment, such as standardization of antibiotics, collection of specific tests (cultures, lactate), and fluid replacement. Some studies have shown a reduction in hospital costs and lower mortality with the use of these tools. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of a sepsis bundle in wards of a tertiary hospital. METHODS: One hundred sixty-seven patients were retrospectively studied. The intervention was called "3-h bundle" and consisted of collecting lactate and cultures, start broad-spectrum antibiotics in the first hour of sepsis diagnosis, and volume replacement with crystalloid if hypotension or lactate ≥2 mmol/L. RESULTS: The overall mortality was 31.1%. Individuals who received the 3-h bundle showed a 44% lower mortality in comparison with who did not (25.6 vs. 45.7%; p = 0.01). Furthermore, the use of the sepsis bundle was independently correlated with lower mortality (OR = 0.175; CI = 0.04-0.64; p = 0.009). Therefore, a lower need for ICU admission and shorter length of stay in these units were observed in patients who received the intervention. CONCLUSION: The use of a sepsis protocol with systematic care in wards was associated with lower mortality, less need for ICU admission and shorter stay on these units.

Genetic variability and expression of agro-morphological traits among genotypes of Coffea arabica being promoted by supplementary irrigation.

The use of supplementary irrigation to sustain the plantation during moments of severe water stress or moments of high water demand is becoming almost a norm to keep sustainable crops, especially due to the climate changes and the high frequency in which climate extremes are occurring lately. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance and expression of genetic variability among genotypes of Coffea arabica L. cultivated in farming systems with different levels of water supply, focusing on rainfed or supplementary irrigated systems. The experiment was developed in competition field, testing 8 genotypes of C. arabica L. in rainfed or supplementary irrigated systems. The growth and production were evaluated during 2 consecutive cycles (2014-2015 and 2015-2016). Among the growth gains, it was observed large gains in coffee yield, but the magnitude of the gains varied among genotypes. For crop yield, for example, Paraíso MG/H 419-1 presented 136% gain, while Oeiras MG-6851 was capable of yielding as much more coffee in rainfed conditions than in irrigated system. The expression of variability for some agronomic traits (such as coffee yield, canopy size, growth rate, and number of new buds) may be intensified by the supplementary water supply, which promotes gains in production and growth, increases the magnitude of variation among genotypes and allows to identify different patterns for selection, which may not be observed in the rainfed systems.

Refractory aqueous misdirection syndrome: A possible complication of penetrating keratoplasty. / Síndrome de dirección inadecuada del humor acuoso refractario: una posible complicación de la queratoplastia penetrante.

CLINICAL CASE: An 85 year-old woman presented with a flat anterior chamber of the left eye, severe ocular hypertension, and a normal ultrasound examination in the day following a penetrating keratoplasty (PK). The clinical status did not respond to maximum medical therapy, laser posterior capsulotomy, anterior hyaloidotomy, and complete 23 G vitrectomy. The patient refused further intervention, and light perception was lost after 6 months of follow-up. DISCUSSION: This is the first report of refractory aqueous misdirection syndrome following primary PK. Despite maximum medical and surgical management efforts, aqueous misdirection syndrome subsequent to primary PK may have a catastrophic outcome.

Genetic diversity of standard leaf nutrients in Coffea canephora genotypes during phenological phases.

Diagnosing foliar nutritional status is essential for fertilizer recommendations and for the identification of nutrient imbalances. This study aimed to verify genetic diversity and establish mean standards (leaf nutrient contents; LNCs) and relationships among leaf nutrients (LNC relationships; LNCRs) in seven conilon coffee genotypes during both pre-flowering and bean-filling stages. Twenty crops from several cities in the northern region of Espírito Santo State, Brazil, with crop yield either equal to or greater than 100 bags per hectare (during two harvests) were assessed. A total of 140 samples were collected during each evaluation period for quantification of leaf nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and B). The Ward procedure, a hierarchical genetic clustering method, was used to quantify the genetic diversity among genotypes. To examine differences between the LNCs and LNCRs, F-and Scott-Knott tests were used. LNCs and LNCRs showed significant differences among the conilon coffee genotypes during the evaluation periods. Additionally, the 8V, 10V,and 12V genotypes exhibited the highest values for most of the nutrients, especially for N, P, and Cu. Therefore, the clustering method revealed genetic diversity among genotypes for standard leaf nutrient levels, implying that leaf diagnosis could be specific to each genotype and phenological stage.

Mixed models identify physic nut genotypes adapted to environments with different phosphorus availability.

The aim of this study was to screen physic nut (Jatropha curcas) genotypes that differ in their phosphorous (P) use, using mixed models. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse located in the experimental area of the Centro de Ciências Agrárias of the Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, in Alegre, ES, Brazil. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design, using a 10 x 3-factorial scheme, including ten physic nut genotypes and two environments that differed in their levels of soil P availability (10 and 60 mg/dm3), each with four replications. After 100 days of cultivation, we evaluated the plant height, stem diameter, root volume, root dry matter, aerial part dry matter, total dry matter, as well as the efficiency of absorption, and use. The parameters were estimated for combined selection while considering the studied parameters: stability and adaptability for both environments were obtained using the harmonic mean of the relative performance of the predicted genotypic values. High genotype by environment interactions were observed for most physic nut traits, indicating considerable influences of P availability on the phenotypic value. The genotype Paraíso simultaneously presented high adaptability and stability for aerial part dry matter, total dry matter, and P translocation efficiency. The genotype CNPAE-C2 showed a positive response to P fertilization by increasing both the total and aerial part dry matter.

Comportamento alimentar de vacas Nelore e de seus bezerros puros ou mestiços / Feeding behavior of Nellore cows and their pure or crossbred calves

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a influência do grupo genético do bezerro no comportamento alimentar diurno de mães e suas crias. Foram utilizadas 24 vacas Nelores paridas e seus bezerros, oito Nelores (puros), oito 1/2 Simental 1/2 Nelore e oito 1/2 Red Angus 1/2 Nelore. Avaliaram-se as medidas de frequência e duração das mamadas, tempo de pastejo e ruminação dos bezerros e das vacas. Os bezerros puros mamaram mais frequentemente que os mestiços (3,51 vs. 3,17 vezes/dia), porém com menor duração de mamada (7,37 vs. 7,80 minutos). A frequência de mamadas, a duração de cada mamada e o tempo total de mamadas diminuíram com o aumento da idade do bezerro. Nos bezerros, pastejo e ruminação aumentaram com a idade; entretanto, nas vacas, aumentou o tempo de pastejo e diminuiu o de ruminação com o passar dos dias. Os bezerros mestiços pastaram, em média, 18 minutos a mais que os puros, e os machos 16 minutos a mais que as fêmeas. Os bezerros machos ruminaram, aos 40 dias de idade, 25 minutos a mais que as fêmeas, mas essa diferença diminuiu com a idade e desapareceu por volta dos 220 dias. O comportamento da mãe e de sua cria é influenciado pelo grupo genético desta última.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a calf's genetic group on the behavior of dam and calf. We used 24 Nellore dams and their calves, of which eight were Nellore, eight were 1/2Simmental 1/2Nelore and eight 1/2Red Angus 1/2Nellore. Grazing and rumination times, as well as suckling frequency and time, were measured. The straight bred calves suckled more often than the crossbreds (3.51 vs. 3.17 times/day), but their suckling lasted less time (7.37 vs 7.80 minutes). Suckling frequency, suckling length and total time spent suckling decreased as calf age increased. Calf grazing and rumination time increased with age; however, the cows' grazing time increased and rumination time decreased as the days postpartum went by. The crossbred calves grazed, on average, 18 minutes longer than the crossbreds, and the males grazed 16 minutes longer than the females. The male calves grazed, at 40 days of age, 25 minutes longer than the females, but this difference decreased as they grew and disappeared around 220 days. In conclusion, dam and calf behavior are influenced by the calf's genetic group.(AU)

Assessment of genetic divergence among coffee genotypes by Ward-MLM procedure in association with mixed models.

Mixed linear models have been used for the analysis of the genetic diversity and provided further accurate results in crops such as eucalyptus, castor, and sugarcane. However, to date, research that combined this analysis with Ward-MLM procedure has not been reported. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify divergent coffee genotypes by Ward-MLM procedure, in association with the mixed-decision models. The experiment was initiated in February 2007, in the northwestern Rio de Janeiro State. The 25 evaluated genotypes were grown with a spacing of 2.5 x 0.8 m, in a randomized block design, with 5 replications, containing 8 plants each. The following agronomic traits were evaluated: plant height, stem diameter, plagiotropic branch number, and productivity. Four measurements were performed for each character from 2009 to 2012, between May and July. Data were analyzed using REML/BLUP analysis and Ward- MLM procedure. The Ward-MLM procedure in association with mixed linear models demonstrated the genetic variability among the studied coffee genotypes. We identified two groups of most divergent coffee genotypes, which can be combined by crossings and selections in order to obtain genotypes with high productivity and variability.

Biometry and diversity of Arabica coffee genotypes cultivated in a high density plant system.

The present study was developed to respond to the need for an increase in crop yield in the mountain region of Caparaó (southern Espírito Santo State, Brazil), an area of traditional coffee production. This study aimed to analyze the diversity and characterize the crop yield of genotypes of Coffea arabica L. with potential for cultivation in high plant density systems. In addition, it also aimed to quantify the expression of agronomic traits in this cultivation system and provide information on the genotypes with the highest cultivation potential in the studied region. The experiment followed a randomized block design with 16 genotypes, four repetitions, and six plants per experimental plot. Plant spacing was 2.00 x 0.60 m, with a total of 8333 plants per hectare, representing a high-density cultivation system. Coffee plants were cultivated until the start of their reproductive phenological cycles and were evaluated along four complete reproductive cycles. Genotypes with high crop yield and beverage quality, short canopy, and rust resistance were selected. C. arabica genotypes showed variability in almost all characteristics. It was possible to identify different responses among genotypes grown in a high plant density cultivation system. Although the chlorophyll a content was similar among genotypes, the genotypes Acauã, Araponga MG1, Sacramento MG1, Tupi, and Catuaí IAC 44 showed a higher chlorophyll b content than the other genotypes. Among these, Sacramento MG1 also showed high leafiness and growth of vegetative structures, whereas Araponga MG1, Pau-Brasil MG1, and Tupi showed high fruit production. In addition, Araponga MG1 had also a higher and more stable crop yield over the years.

Evidence of genetic tolerance to low availability of phosphorus in the soil among genotypes of Coffea canephora.

The expansion of agriculture to new areas in order to increase the competitiveness of coffee producing countries has resulted in cultivation expanding into regions with lower natural fertility. This scenario has created the need to differentiate genotypes of Conilon coffee based on their tolerance to low levels of nutrients in the soil, especially phosphorus, which imposes high limitations on crop yield in tropical regions. In this context, the objective of this study was to identify differential tolerance among genotypes of Conilon coffee cultivated in environments with different levels of phosphorus availability in the soil. The experiment was conducted in a controlled environment, following a completely randomized design, with three replications in a factorial scheme 13 x 3, the factors were as follows: 13 genotypes of Conilon coffee from groups of different ripening cycles and three environments with different levels of phosphorus availability in the soil (fertilization without phosphorus supply, and phosphorus supply at 50 and 100% of recommendations). Discrimination of tolerance was based on 14 variables, including vegetative growth, accumulation of dry matter, nutrient content, and nutritional efficiencies. Estimates of genetic parameters indicated high genotypic variability for genotypes cultivated in environments with low phosphorus availability in the soil. It was possible to classify genotypes 22, 23, 24, 67, 76, 77, and 83 as tolerant of a low availability of phosphorus in the soil during early development. There was no clear relationship between ripening cycles and the tolerance of the genotypes to low phosphorus availability in the soil.

Chronic Ocular Graft vs Host Disease as a Serious Complication of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Case Report.

Chronic graft-vs-host disease (cGVHD) is a serious systemic immunological complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Ocular GVHD (O-GVHD) is frequently associated with cGVHD. Secondary corneal epithelial changes can occur in the setting of advanced chronic O-GVHD-associated keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), which generally has a stable course with conventional medical treatment. Bilateral corneal ulcers and ocular perforation, although not frequent, can occur in most extreme cases. The authors describe 2 clinical cases of ocular perforation (Clinical case 1) and bilateral simultaneous corneal ulcers (Clinical case 2) due to advanced chronic O-GVHD, which can rarely occur despite treatment. A close ophthalmological follow-up and good dialogue with the multidisciplinary transplantation team are essential after allo-HSCT.

Adubação fosfatada associada à cama de frango e sua influência na produtividade e no teor de flavonoides da Marcela (Achyrocline satureioides (Lam. ) DC. ) em duas épocas de colheita / Total biomass and flavonoid contents of Achyrocline satureioides in response to phosphate fertilizer and broiler litter at two successive harvests

RESUMO: Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a produção de massa e o teor de flavonoides de plantas de marcela cultivadas com fósforo e cama de frango e colhidas em duas épocas. Estudou-se a combinação de doses de P2O5 (0, 100, 200 e 300 kg ha-1) na forma de superfosfato triplo, com e sem cama de frango (10 t ha-1), arranjados como fatorial 4x2, no delineamento blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Foram feitas duas colheitas das plantas, consideradas como parcelas subdivididas no tempo. A propagação foi indireta, com semeio em bandejas e transplante ao campo. As plantas foram colhidas aos 195 e 223 dias após o transplantio - DAT. A altura máxima das plantas foi de 1,14 m com uso da cama de frango e de 0,97 m sem cama, aos 195 dias após o transplantio. A produção máxima de massa fresca de parte aérea das plantas foi de 30,31 t ha-1 na colheita aos 223 DAT, enquanto a de massa seca foi de 11,38 t ha-1, ambas com o uso de 300 kg ha-1 de P2O5.A massa fresca de inflorescências foi maior (4,08 t ha-1) com adição de cama de frango ao solo e menor (3,49 t ha-1) sem cama de frango; em resposta às doses de fósforo, cresceram linearmente, sendo a máxima de 4,65 t ha-1 com uso de 300 kg ha-1 de P2O5, independente da época de colheita. A massa seca de inflorescências foi máxima de 2,38 t ha-1 com o uso de 300 kg ha-1 P2O5 na colheita aos 223 DAT. A maior produção de massa seca e o maior teor de flavonoides das inflorescências foram obtidos com o cultivo das plantas de marcela em solo com cama de frango (10 t ha-1) e com P2O5 (300 kg ha-1) na colheita aos 223 dias após o transplantio.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the biomass yield and flavonoid contents of Achyrocline satureioides grown under different levels of phosphate fertilizer in association with broiler litter, during two successive harvests. Four levels of P2O5 (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1), as triple superphosphate, and two levels of broiler litter (0 and 10 t ha-1) were arranged as a 4x2 factorial design in randomized blocks with four replications. Two harvests of plants, considered as split-plot, were made. Seeds were sown in polystyrene trays then transplanted to the experimental field and harvested at 195 and 223 days after transplanting (DAT). The maximum heights of the plants were 1.14 m under the addition of broiler litter and 0.97 m without it, at 195 days after transplanting. The highest yields of total fresh weight (30.31 ton ha-1) and dry weight (11.38 ton ha-1) were obtained at 223 DAT, both with the concentration of 300 kg ha-1 P2O5. The fresh weight of the inflorescences was greater under the addition of broiler litter (4.08 ton ha-1) than without it (3.49 ton ha-1). The plants grew linearly in response to the use of phosphate, and the maximum yield was 4.65 ton ha-1 under the concentration of 300 kg ha-1 P2O5, regardless of the harvest season. The dry weight of the inflorescences reached maximum yield (2.38 ton ha-1) at 223 DAT, in response to the use of 300 kg ha-1 P2O5. The highest yield of dry weight and the highest contents of flavonoids from the inflorescences were obtained when A. satureioides was grown under the concentration of P2O5 (300 kg ha-1) with the addition of broiler litter (10 ton ha-1) and harvested at 223 DAT.

Crescimento inicial de Campomanesia xanthocarpa O. Berg sob diferentes composições de substratos / Initial growth of Campomanesia xanthocarpa O. Berg under different substrate compositions

RESUMO: O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a influência de diferentes composições de substratos no crescimento inicial de Campomanesia xanthocarpa, bem como avaliar índices fisiológicos. O trabalho foi desenvolvido em Dourados-MS, no período de janeiro a outubro de 2008. Foi estudada a Campomanesia xanthocarpa sob cinco diferentes substratos (LVd/A/O= Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico+areia grossa lavada+Organosuper® (5:4:1 v/v); LVd/A/C= Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico+areia grossa lavada+cama-de-frango (5:4:1 v/v); LVd/A/O2= Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico+areia grossa lavada+Organosuper® (7:2:1 v/v); LVd/A/C2= Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico+areia grossa lavada+cama-de-frango (7:2:1 v/v); LVd/A= Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico+areia grossa lavada (6:4 v/v)), em vasos de 7 dm3, e mantidos em ambiente protegido com 100% de luminosidade. O substrato composto por Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico + areia grossa lavada proporcionou maior diâmetro de caule (8,29 mm), massa seca de raiz, caule e folhas (6,98; 4,49 e 9,06 g/planta, respectivamente) e aumento nos índices fisiológicos nas avaliações finais, indicando que este substrato pode ser utilizado no desenvolvimento de Campomanesia xanthocarpa.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different compositions of substrates on the initial growth of Campomanesia xanthocarpa and to evaluate the physiological rate. The study was conduct in the city of Dourados - state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, in the period from January to October 2008. The Campomanesia xanthocarpa was studying under five different substrates (LVd/A/O= Oxisol+coarse sand+Organosuper® (5:4:1 v/v); LVd/A/C= Oxisol+ coarse sand+ chicken manure (5:4:1 v/v); LVd/A/O2= Oxisol+ coarse sand+Organosuper® (7:2:1 v/v); LVd/A/C2= Oxisol+ coarse sand+chicken manure (7:2:1 v/v); LVd/A= Oxisol+ coarse sand (6:4 v/v)) in 7 dm3 pots and kept in a protected environment with 100% brightness. The substrate consisting of Oxisol + coarse sand provided greater stem diameter (8.29 mm), dry weight of the root, stem and leaf (6.98, 4.49 and 9.06 g / plant, respectively) and increased the physiological indices in the final evaluations, which indicates that this substrate can be used in the development of Campomanesia xanthocarpa.

Reproductive performance and reconception of Nellore cows according to their pure- or cross-bred calves.

The objective of the present research was to evaluate the effect of a calf's genetic group on the productive and reproductive efficiency of its Nellore dam. Fixed-time artificial insemination was applied to 800 cows using semen extracted from Nellore, Simmental and Angus Red bulls. Four hundred eleven cows calved, producing 119 Nellore, 103 ½Simmental-½Nellore and 189 ½Nellore-½Angus Red calves. The second mating period, which paired Nellore cows with Simmental bulls, was initiated 10 days after parturitions began and lasted for 5 months. Based on the two successive parturitions, the cumulative parturition rate for calving periods of 3, 4 and 5 months was calculated. Although no significant difference was observed for birth weight among the genetic groups, cross-bred calves weighed, on average, 10% more than did pure-bred calves at the age of 205 days. Nellore dams experienced a gestation period that was 7 days longer than did the cross-bred dams, and the former showed a higher parturition rate at 90 and 120 days of the calving season, but not at 150 days (calving rates of 80.6, 76.4 and 76.2% for mothers of Nellore, ½Nellore-½Angus Red and ½Nellore-½Simmental, respectively, p > 0.05). At 90 and 120 days, Nellore dams produced more kg of calf per mated dam. In conclusion, in a short breeding season, Nellore dams nursing pure-bred Nellore calves were found to have a higher biological efficiency compared with Nellore dams nursing cross-bred calves.

Adaptability and stability of conilon coffee in areas of high altitude.

In view of the predicted models of global climate change and differences in prices and production costs, there is increased interest in Coffea canephora cultivation in areas of high altitude. However, this species is sensitive to low temperatures, where genotypes vary regarding adaptation/tolerance mechanisms, demonstrating genotype x environment interaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability and adaptability of C. canephora varieties in high-altitude areas. The experiments were carried out in February 2004, in Bom Jesus do Itabapoana, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, at an altitude of 725 m. Four clonal varieties (EMCAPA 8111, EMCAPA 8121, EMCAPA 8131, and EMCAPA 8151) and five harvests (2006 to 2010) were used. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four treatments and six plots, with 12 plants in each plot and spaced 2.5 x 1.2 m. Adaptability and stability parameters were determined using methods based on nonparametric analysis and analysis of variance. The results showed that the EMCAPA 8131 had the best performance according to stability and adaptability parameters and may be promising for high-altitude regions.

Agronomic performance of arabica coffee genotypes in northwest Rio de Janeiro State.

Considering the productive potential of arabica coffee in the Rio de Janeiro State and the shortage of breeding programs for this species in the state, this study aimed to evaluate the vegetative and productive characteristics of 25 arabica coffee genotypes to indicate 1 or more varieties for the northwest Rio de Janeiro region. The experiment was in Varre e Sai, RJ, Brazil, and plants were planted in 2007 with a spacing of 2.5 x 0.8 m. Five plots were used, consisting of 8 plants per plot to measure vegetative growth, height, stem diameter, and plagiotropic branch number characteristics and productivity in the biennia 2009/2010 and 2011/2012. The classification by sieve was performed at harvest in 2011. The variables were subjected to analysis of variance and means grouped by the Scott Knott test at 5% probability, and the productivity was subjected to joint analysis of variance. Pearson's correlation coefficients between growth and productivity variables were estimated. The best genotypes were Catucaí Amarelo 2 SL, Catiguá MG 02, Acauã, Palma II, Sabiá 398, IPR 103, IPR 100, Catucaí Amarelo 24/137, and Catucaí Amarelo 20/15.