Exogenous application of salicylic acid induces salinity tolerance in eggplant seedlings

Abstract Under salt stress conditions, plant growth is reduced due to osmotic, nutritional and oxidative imbalance. However, salicylic acid acts in the mitigation of this abiotic stress by promoting an increase in growth, photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, synthesis of osmoregulators and antioxidant enzymes. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid doses on the growth and physiological changes of eggplant seedlings under salt stress. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, where the treatments were distributed in randomized blocks using a central composite matrix Box with five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (CEw) (0.50; 1.08; 2.50; 3.92 and 4.50 dS m-1), associated with five doses of salicylic acid (SA) (0.00; 0.22; 0.75; 1.28 and 1.50 mM), with four repetitions and each plot composed of three plants. At 40 days after sowing, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, electrolyte leakage, relative water content, and total dry mass were determined. ECw and SA application influenced the growth and physiological changes of eggplant seedlings. Increasing the ECw reduced growth in the absence of SA. Membrane damage with the use of SA remained stable up to 3.9 dS m-1 of ECw. The relative water content independent of the CEw increased with 1.0 mM of SA. The use of SA at the concentration of 1.0 mM mitigated the deleterious effect of salinity on seedling growth up to 2.50 dS m-1 of ECw.

Resumo Em condições de estresse salino, o crescimento das plantas é reduzido, em virtude, do desequilíbrio osmótico, nutricional e oxidativo. Contudo, o ácido salicílico atua na mitigação desse estresse abiótico por promover incremento no crescimento, fotossíntese, metabolismo do nitrogênio, síntese de osmorreguladores e enzimas antioxidantes. Nesse contexto, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de doses de ácido salicílico sobre o crescimento e alterações fisiológicas de mudas de berinjela sob estresse salino. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, onde os tratamentos foram distribuídos em blocos ao acaso utilizando uma matriz composta central Box com cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação (CEa) (0,50; 1,08; 2,50; 3,92 e 4,50 dS m-1), associada a cinco doses de ácido salicílico (AS) (0,00; 0,22; 0,75; 1,28 e 1,50 mM), com quatro repetições e cada parcela composta por três plantas. Aos 40 dias após a semeadura, foram determinados a altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas, área foliar, vazamento de eletrólito, teor relativo de água e massa seca total. A CEa e a aplicação de AS influenciaram no crescimento e nas alterações fisiológicas das mudas de berinjela. O aumento da CEa reduziu o crescimento na ausência de AS. O dano de membrana com o uso de AS manteve-se estável até 3,9 dS m-1 de CEa. O conteúdo relativo de água independentemente da CEa aumentou com 1 mM de SA. O uso de AS na concentração de 1 mM mitigou o efeito deletério da salinidade no crescimento das mudas até 2,50 dS m-1 de CEa.

Exogenous application of salicylic acid induces salinity tolerance in eggplant seedlings / Aplicação exógena de ácido salicílico induz tolerância à salinidade em mudas de berinjela

Abstract Under salt stress conditions, plant growth is reduced due to osmotic, nutritional and oxidative imbalance. However, salicylic acid acts in the mitigation of this abiotic stress by promoting an increase in growth, photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, synthesis of osmoregulators and antioxidant enzymes. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid doses on the growth and physiological changes of eggplant seedlings under salt stress. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, where the treatments were distributed in randomized blocks using a central composite matrix Box with five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (CEw) (0.50; 1.08; 2.50; 3.92 and 4.50 dS m-1), associated with five doses of salicylic acid (SA) (0.00; 0.22; 0.75; 1.28 and 1.50 mM), with four repetitions and each plot composed of three plants. At 40 days after sowing, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, electrolyte leakage, relative water content, and total dry mass were determined. ECw and SA application influenced the growth and physiological changes of eggplant seedlings. Increasing the ECw reduced growth in the absence of SA. Membrane damage with the use of SA remained stable up to 3.9 dS m-1 of ECw. The relative water content independent of the CEw increased with 1.0 mM of SA. The use of SA at the concentration of 1.0 mM mitigated the deleterious effect of salinity on seedling growth up to 2.50 dS m-1 of ECw.

Resumo Em condições de estresse salino, o crescimento das plantas é reduzido, em virtude, do desequilíbrio osmótico, nutricional e oxidativo. Contudo, o ácido salicílico atua na mitigação desse estresse abiótico por promover incremento no crescimento, fotossíntese, metabolismo do nitrogênio, síntese de osmorreguladores e enzimas antioxidantes. Nesse contexto, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de doses de ácido salicílico sobre o crescimento e alterações fisiológicas de mudas de berinjela sob estresse salino. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, onde os tratamentos foram distribuídos em blocos ao acaso utilizando uma matriz composta central Box com cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação (CEa) (0,50; 1,08; 2,50; 3,92 e 4,50 dS m-1), associada a cinco doses de ácido salicílico (AS) (0,00; 0,22; 0,75; 1,28 e 1,50 mM), com quatro repetições e cada parcela composta por três plantas. Aos 40 dias após a semeadura, foram determinados a altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas, área foliar, vazamento de eletrólito, teor relativo de água e massa seca total. A CEa e a aplicação de AS influenciaram no crescimento e nas alterações fisiológicas das mudas de berinjela. O aumento da CEa reduziu o crescimento na ausência de AS. O dano de membrana com o uso de AS manteve-se estável até 3,9 dS m-1 de CEa. O conteúdo relativo de água independentemente da CEa aumentou com 1 mM de SA. O uso de AS na concentração de 1 mM mitigou o efeito deletério da salinidade no crescimento das mudas até 2,50 dS m-1 de CEa.

Nitrogen and potassium synergism influences the yield and quality of Dioscorea cayennensis.

This study aimed to evaluate yield, quality, nematode incidence, chlorophyll content, and primary foliar macronutrients of yam in response to nitrogen and potassium fertilization. A complete randomized block design was used in a factorial scheme (5 x 5), with five nitrogen (0; 60; 120; 180 and 240 kg ha-1 of N) and five potassium doses (0; 60; 120; 180 and 240 kg ha-1 of K2O), with four replicates. The mass, total and commercial productivity of tubers, starch content, ash, leaf N, P, and K content, chlorophyll, and nematode incidence were evaluated. The average mass of tubers obtained was 1.935 kg with doses of 133 kg ha-1 of N and 105 kg ha-1 of K2O. The dose of 178 kg ha-1 of N promoted maximum total tuber productivity (22.56 t ha-1). The doses of 132 kg ha-1 of N and 118 kg ha-1 of K2O resulted in maximum productivity of commercial tubers with 20.35 t ha-1. Leaf N and K, starch, and ash contents were within the standards for yam. The incidence of Meloidogyne, Scutellonema, and Pratylenchus reduced with the increasing simple effect doses of N and K2O. The maximum chlorophyll content was obtained at the dose of 240 kg ha-1 of N. The nitrogen and potassium interaction, despite the antagonistic effects on the accumulation of foliar P and starch, increased the productivity and average mass of commercial tubers, consequently ensuring the profitability of yam cultivation.

Exogenous application of salicylic acid induces salinity tolerance in eggplant seedlings.

Under salt stress conditions, plant growth is reduced due to osmotic, nutritional and oxidative imbalance. However, salicylic acid acts in the mitigation of this abiotic stress by promoting an increase in growth, photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, synthesis of osmoregulators and antioxidant enzymes. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid doses on the growth and physiological changes of eggplant seedlings under salt stress. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, where the treatments were distributed in randomized blocks using a central composite matrix Box with five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (CEw) (0.50; 1.08; 2.50; 3.92 and 4.50 dS m-1), associated with five doses of salicylic acid (SA) (0.00; 0.22; 0.75; 1.28 and 1.50 mM), with four repetitions and each plot composed of three plants. At 40 days after sowing, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, electrolyte leakage, relative water content, and total dry mass were determined. ECw and SA application influenced the growth and physiological changes of eggplant seedlings. Increasing the ECw reduced growth in the absence of SA. Membrane damage with the use of SA remained stable up to 3.9 dS m-1 of ECw. The relative water content independent of the CEw increased with 1.0 mM of SA. The use of SA at the concentration of 1.0 mM mitigated the deleterious effect of salinity on seedling growth up to 2.50 dS m-1 of ECw.

Triticale silage replaces sorghum silage in finishing of Braford heifers / Silagem de triticale substitui silagem de sorgo na terminação de novilhas da raça Braford

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sorghum silage substitution with different proportions of triticale silage on the performance and carcass of Braford heifers. Twenty-four Braford heifers were randomly assigned to four diets where sorghum silage was replaced at 0%, 30%, 60%, and 100% for triticale silage in a feedlot system. During sixty-tree days of the experiment, the feed intake, feed ratio conversion, and average daily gain were measured. The heifers were slaughtered and the effects of the sorghum and triticale silage in carcass characteristics were evaluated. The replacement of sorghum silage with triticale silage did not affect the feed intake and average daily gain (P> 0.05). Feed gain ratio was higher for the heifers that received lower proportions of triticale silage (0% and 30%) in replace sorghum silage (P <0.05). Eye loin area and fat thickness were similar among treatments (P<0.05). Other carcass characteristics, such as slaughter live weight, dressing percentage, conformation and fat classification were similar among experimental treatments (P<0.005). Triticale silage can replace sorghum silage for finishing beef heifers in feedlot system and provides similar carcass characteristics.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da substituição da silagem de sorgo por diferentes proporções de silagem de triticale no desempenho e na carcaça de novilhas Braford. A silagem de sorgo foi substituída em 0%, 30%, 60% e 100% pela silagem de triticale como fonte de volumoso na alimentação de 24 novilhas da raça Braford, em um sistema de confinamento. O período experimental total foi de 63 dias para a avaliação do consumo dos componentes da ração, a conversão alimentar e o ganho médio diário. Ao final do experimento, os animais foram abatidos e avaliados em relação às características de carcaça. A substituição da silagem de sorgo pela silagem de triticale não apresentou efeito no consumo dos componentes da ração e no ganho médio diário entre as novilhas (P>0,05). A conversão alimentar foi melhor para as novilhas que receberam menores proporções de silagem de triticale (0% e 30%) em substituição à silagem de sorgo (P<0,05). As características das carcaças foram semelhantes entre os animais independentemente da fonte de volumoso. A silagem de triticale apresenta-se como alimento alternativo à silagem de sorgo em regiões de transição climática para a terminação de novilhas de corte, proporcionando o mesmo desempenho animal e as mesmas características de carcaça.(AU)

The efficacy of etodolac and ibuprofen, regarding gender, on pain, edema and trismus after impacted lower third molar surgery: A randomized prospective clinical split-mouth study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to conduct a randomized prospective study about the efficacy of etodolac and ibuprofen on trismus, pain and edema regarding gender of patients submitted to impacted lower third molar teeth extraction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients aging between 16 and 35 year-old were submitted to the exodontia of impacted lower third molars. During the postoperative period, patients received nine ibuprofen (600 mg) or etodolac (300 mg) pills via oral administration immediately after surgery and repeated doses every eight hours during three days. Patients were evaluated regarding pain, trismus and edema. RESULTS: Sixteen men and fourteen women participated of the study. No statistical difference was established regarding gender according to the evaluated parameters. However, etodolac use showed better results regarding pain, trismus and edema. CONCLUSIONS: Pain, edema and trismus after impacted third molars extraction were not influenced by gender.

Animal performance and nutritional characteristics of Piatã-grass in integrated systems / Desempenho animal e características nutricionais de capim-piatã em sistemas integrados

The objective was to evaluate animal performance and nutritional characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Piatã in two integrated systems, during the summer and winter, five years after the initial establishment of the area. The randomized block experimental design was adopted with treatments consisting of a control (five native trees per hectare) and an integrated crop-livestock-forestry (ICLF) system with 227 eucalyptus trees per hectare. Animal performance, canopy height, soil cover, forage mass (leaf, stem and senescent material), and forage nutritive value were evaluated. Differences between systems were observed in forage mass (total, leaf, stem and senescent material), soil cover and forage nutritive value in both seasons. Shading conditions provided by eucalyptus in the ICLF system lead to a reduction in forage mass and neutral detergent fiber content, and to an increase in crude protein and in vitro organic matter digestibility. However, no effect on animal performance was obtained. The presence of trees improves the forage nutritive value without impacting animal performance in integrated systems.(AU)

O objetivo foi avaliar o desempenho animal e as características nutricionais de Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Piatã em dois sistemas integrados, durante o verão e o inverno, cinco anos após o estabelecimento inicial da área. O delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso foi adotado com tratamentos constituídos por um controle (cinco árvores nativas por hectare) e um sistema integrado lavoura-pecuária-floresta (ILPF) com 227 eucaliptos por hectare. Desempenho animal, altura do dossel, cobertura do solo, massa de forragem (folha, caule e material senescente) e valor nutritivo da forragem foram avaliados. Diferenças entre os sistemas foram observadas na massa de forragem (total, foliar, caule e material senescente), na cobertura do solo e no valor nutritivo da forragem em ambas as estações. As condições de sombreamento proporcionadas pelo eucalipto no sistema ICLF levaram a uma redução na massa de forragem e no teor de fibra em detergente neutro e a um aumento na proteína bruta e na digestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica. No entanto, nenhum efeito no desempenho animal foi obtido. A presença de árvores melhora o valor nutritivo da forragem, sem impactar o desempenho animal em sistemas integrados.(AU)

Influence of surgical ultrasound used in the detachment of flaps, osteotomy and odontosection in lower third molar surgeries. A prospective, randomized, and "split-mouth" clinical study.

BACKGROUND: As third molar surgery is the most commonly procedure performed in Dentistry and has been accompanied by serious postoperative disorders such as pain, edema and trismus, the study aimed to evaluate if ultrasound device would be able to reduce such postoperative features. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of soft tissue flap elevation, osteotomy and odontosection using piezosurgery versus conventional technique in mandibular third molar extractions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients with impacted mandibular third molars underwent tooth extractions using two different methods. Ten patients were included in the Piezo Flap Group (PFG - the flap was elevated using piezosurgery) and ten patients were part of the Piezo Ostectomy Group (POG - osteotomy and odontosection were carried out with ultrasound tips). The contralateral tooth was included in the Control Group (CG - conventional technique). The patients were evaluated at postoperative periods of 1, 3, 7 and 14-days. The measured parameters were duration of surgery, pain, trismus and swelling. RESULTS: The mean duration of surgery for the PFG was 17.21 minutes (CG 10.07 minutes) and POG was 40.09 minutes (CG 15.97 minutes). There was no statistically significant difference in pain and trismus for any of the postoperative periods evaluated in PFG and POG (p>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in swelling between the PFG and POG, presenting less swelling at the 3-day postoperative period (p=0.038; p<0,05). However, for the remaining analyzed periods there was no difference (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Piezosurgery for tissue elevation of the surgical flap, osteotomy and dental sectioning in mandibular third molar extraction surgery promoted less edema in the early postoperative stages in mandibular third molar extractions despite the longer surgical duration.

Changes in energetic metabolism of Biomphalaria glabrata (Mollusca, Planorbidae) in response to exogenous calcium / Alterações no metabolismo energético de Biomphalaria glabrata em resposta ao cálcio exógeno

Abstract Calcium is considered an essential element for the metabolism of aquatic snail Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818), intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907 in Brazil, and represents a limiting factor to its distribution and adaptation to the environment. This study investigated the effect of different concentrations of exogenous CaCO3 on the energetic metabolism of B. glabrata for better understanding the physiological interference of chemical elements dissolved in the environment with the physiology of this species. Sixty-day-old snails were distributed into six groups, five exposed to different concentrations of CaCO3 (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/L) and a control group. The exposure to CaCO3 was assessed over time, with analysis of 15 snails of each group in the following intervals: 1, 14, 21 or 30 days for hemolymph extraction. Concentrations of calcium and glucose in the hemolymph were determined by commercial kits, and organic acids were extracted using an ion exchange column and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Concentration of calcium in the hemolymph showed no significant difference (p>0.05) from the control group and between the concentrations tested. Concentration of glucose decreased (p<0.05) in the treatments of exposure to 20 and 40 mg/L and increased when exposed to 80 and 100 mg/L CaCO3 compared to control and to other concentrations tested over 30 days. The organic acids pyruvate, oxaloacetate, citrate, succinate, fumarate, beta-hydroxybutyrate and lactate presented increased concentrations, while propionate and acetoacetate, decreased concentrations, when exposed to CaCO3 compared to control. Considering the influence of different periods of exposure to CaCO3, on the 14th day, there were stronger alterations in the metabolism of B. glabrata. In conclusion, exposure to CaCO3 reduced the concentration of glucose, which is metabolized into pyruvate, the final product of glycolysis, and also influenced the energetic metabolism pathways, indicating an aerobic or partially anaerobic functioning.

Resumo O cálcio é considerado um elemento essencial no metabolismo do molusco aquático Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818), principal hospedeiro intermediário de Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907 no Brasil e, tem sido descrito como um fator limitante na distribuição e adaptação desse molusco no ambiente. O presente trabalho avaliou o efeito de diferentes concentrações de carbonato de cálcio (CaCO3) exógeno ao metabolismo energético de B. glabrata, a fim de subsidiar uma melhor compreensão da interferência de elementos químicos dissolvidos no meio aquático na fisiologia destes moluscos. Foram utilizados moluscos com sessenta dias de vida, distribuídos em seis grupos, cinco expostos a diferentes concentrações de CaCO3 (20, 40, 60, 80 e 100mg/L) e um controle. A exposição ao CaCO3 foi avaliada em função do tempo, sendo retirados 15 moluscos de cada grupo nos seguintes intervalos: 1, 14, 21 ou 30 dias para extração da hemolinfa. As concentrações de cálcio e glicose na hemolinfa foram determinadas usando-se kits comercial e os ácidos orgânicos foram extraídos por meio da coluna de troca iônica e analisados através cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Os resultados demonstraram que a concentração de cálcio na hemolinfa não apresentou diferença significativa (p>0,05) em relação ao controle e nas concentrações testadas. A concentração de glicose diminuiu (p<0,05) nas exposições a 20 mg e 40 mg/L e aumentou nas exposições a 80 mg e 100 mg/L de CaCO3 em relação ao controle e demais concentrações testadas ao longo de 30 dias. Os ácidos orgânicos piruvato, oxaloaceato, citrato, succinato, fumarato, β-hidroxibutirato e lactato tiveram suas concentrações aumentadas, enqunato, propionato e acetoacetato tiveram suas concentrações diminuídas na exposição ao CaCO3 comparada ao controle. Quanto a influência dos diferentes períodos de exposição ao CaCO3, aos 14 dias, as alterações no metabolismo de B. glabrata foram mais expressivas. Conclui-se que as exposições ao CaCO3 influenciaram na redução de glicose, sendo esta metabolizada a piruvato, produto final da glicólise e alteraram as vias de metabolismo energético, indicando um funcionamento aeróbio ou parcialmente anaeróbio.

Comportamento ingestivo e parâmetros sanguíneos em ovinos que receberam dietas contendo aditivos à base de extratos de própolis em pó / Ingestive behavior and blood profile in sheep fed with diets containing powdered propolis extract additives

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos do extrato de própolis (LLOSC2) sobre o comportamento ingestivo e os parâmetros sanguíneos em cordeiros alimentados com dieta concentrada. Foram utilizados quatro cordeiros machos, castrados, sem raça definida e com peso médio inicial de 32±1,92kg, mantidos em gaiolas metabólicas individuais durante todo o período experimental. O delineamento experimental foi em quadrado latino 4x4, com quatro animais, quatro dietas e quatro períodos experimentais. As dietas diferiram em relação à adição ou não de extratos de própolis à ração. As dietas testadas diferiam na adição de zero (controle), 1(88,16mg/g de flavonoides), duas (176,32mg/g de flavonoides) ou três (264,48mg/g de flavonoides) doses de aditivo à base de extrato de própolis LLOSC2. A dieta tinha relação volumoso:concentrado de 40:60 e foi formulada para ganhos de 250g. A ração concentrada era composta de milho e farelo de soja. O comportamento ingestivo dos animais foi observado por 24 horas, divididas em quatro períodos de seis horas. As coletas de sangue eram realizadas no último dia do período. Não houve efeito das doses LLOSC2 sobre o tempo despendido em alimentação, ruminação, ócio e ingestão de água. A duração do ciclo ruminativo foi maior nos animais que receberam duas doses de LLOSC2, e o número de movimentos mastigatórios também tendeu a aumentar no período que compreendia das 13 às 19h. Já a dieta contendo uma dose de LLOSC2 aumentou a duração da ruminação do bolo bem como o seu número total de mastigações no período de uma a sete horas. Houve uma diminuição nos níveis séricos de cortisol com a adição de três doses de LLOSC2. O hemograma, o leucograma, o perfil bioquímico e as imunoglobulinas não foram afetados pela inclusão das doses de LLSOC2. A administração de extrato de própolis LLOSC2 à dieta de ovinos não afetou seu comportamento ingestivo, os parâmetros hematológicos, bioquímicos e imunológicos estudados.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of propolis extract (LLOS 2) on feeding behavior and blood parameters in lambs fed concentrate diet. Four male lambs were castrated, mongrel and average weight of 32±1.92kg, kept in individual metabolic cages throughout the trial period. The experimental design was a Latin square 4 x 4 with four animals, four treatments and four experimental periods. The diets differed according to addition or not of propolis extracts to feed. The experimental diets differed in addition to zero (control), 1 (88.16mg/g flavonoids) 2 (176.32mg/g flavonoids) or 3 (264.48mg/g flavonoids) Additive doses based on LLOSC2 propolis extract. The diet had a forage:concentrate ratio of 40:60 and was formulated to 250g gains. The concentrate ration was composed based on corn and soybean meal. The feeding behavior of the animals were observed for 24 hours, divided into four periods of 6 hours. Blood collections were made on the last day of the period. There was no effect of LLOSC2 doses on time spent eating, ruminating, leisure and water intake. The duration of the ruminative cycle was higher in animals that received two doses of LLOSC2 and the number of chewing movements also tended to increase in the period comprised from 13 to 19h. Since the diet containing a dose of LLOSC2, increased duration of rumination cake as well as its total number of chewing in the period of 1 to 7 hours. There was a decrease in serum cortisol with the addition of three doses of LLOSC2. The blood count, white blood cell count, biochemical profile and immunoglobulins were not affected by the inclusion of doses of LLSOC2. Administration of LLOSC2 propolis extract the sheep diet did not affect their feeding behavior, hematological, biochemical and immunological studies.(AU)

Comparison between direct and indirect methods to diagnose malnutrition and cardiometabolic risk in haemodialisys patients.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD) by comparing nutritional risk scores with biochemical, anthropometric and body composition variables. METHODS: Eighty-five individuals [65.9% male, mean (SD) age 62 (14) years] participated in a cross-sectional study. Global Objective Assessment (GOA) and Modified Global Subjective Assessment (mGSA) scores, as well as biochemical, anthropometric and body composition data, were collected using standardised procedures. RESULTS: The prevalence of malnutrition ranged from 20.0% (% body fat by electrical bioimpedance) to 95.3% (by GOA), depending on the indicator or score used. According to the waist circumference, 61.2% of the individuals presented abdominal obesity and visceral adipose tissue was excessive in 20% of them. Malnutrition diagnosis by GOA showed the relationship between the anthropometric and body composition indicators, as assessed by the extent that the ratings of risk nutritional/mild malnutrition and mainly moderate malnutrition were accompanied by a significant decrease in nutritional status and body composition variables. However, with respect to categories of mGSA, no statistically significant differences were observed for nutritional status and body composition variables. In the receiver operator characteristic curve analyses, mGSA and GOA were good indicators for diagnosing malnutrition because both achieved an AUC > 0.5. CONCLUSIONS: mGSA and GOA were more sensitive with respect to identifying individuals at nutritional risk compared to the isolated anthropometric indicators, thus indicating their utility in diagnostic malnutrition. However, individuals at high nutritional risk also presented cardiometabolic risk, as diagnosed mainly by central fat indicators, suggesting the application of both malnutrition and cardiometabolic risk markers in HD patients.

Fracionamento de carboidratos e proteínas, cinética de degradação ruminal in vitro pela técnica de produção de gás, de rações suplementares contendo torta de girassol / Fractionation of carbohydrates, protein and "in vitro" ruminal degradation kinetics by gas production technique of supplementary rations containing sunflower cake

Objetivou-se neste estudo fracionar os carboidratos e as proteínas e avaliar a cinética de degradação ruminal de rações contendo 0; 24; 48 e 72% de torta de girassol. Os carboidratos foram fracionados em A+B1, B2 e C, e as proteínas em A, B1+B2, B3 e C. Os parâmetros de cinética de degradação ruminal das rações foram estimados a partir do método semiautomático de produção cumulativa de gases in vitro. Foram utilizados quatro animais 1/2 Gir x 1/2 Holandês, machos e castrados, fistulados no rúmen, mantidos em pastagem e recebendo 1kg de ração concentrada, como doadores de inócuo ruminal. O ensaio foi realizado em delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com quatro rações e quatro períodos, e os resultados obtidos foram interpretados de acordo com a análise de variância e de regressão a 5% de significância. Houve efeito linear decrescente para o fracionamento de carboidratos totais e a fração A+B1, e efeito linear crescente sobre as frações B2 e C. Para as frações nitrogenadas, houve efeito linear crescente sobre a fração A, e efeito linear decrescente sobre as frações B1+B2 e C. Em relação à cinética de degradação ruminal in vitro, houve efeito decrescente sobre o parâmetro "a", e efeito quadrático sobre os parâmetros "b" e "c", com pontos de máxima, respectivamente, de 61,84 e 66,77% de torta de girassol. A inclusão da torta de girassol nas rações suplementares, nos teores estudados, influenciou nas frações dos carboidratos, das proteínas e nos parâmetros de degradação ruminal. Caso haja a disponibilidade desse ingrediente, ele pode ser adicionado à ração suplementar de bovinos sem prejuízo nos parâmetros nutricionais e metabólicos.(AU)

This work aimed to fractionate carbohydrates and protein and to evaluate ruminal degradation kinetics of rations containing 0; 24; 48 and 72% of inclusion of sunflower cake. The carbohydrates were fractionate in A+B1, B2 and C fraction, and protein in A, B1+B2, B3 and C. Rations ruminal degradation kinetics were realized with the "in vitro" semiautomatic gas production technique. Four male, castrated, 1/2 Gir x 1/2 Holstein were used, all of them fistulated in the rumen. This study was done in randomized block design with four rations and four periods. The results obtained were interpreted according to variance and regression analysis at 5% significance level. There is a decreasing effect for total carbohydrates fractionation and A+B1 fraction, and there is an increasing effect for B2 and C fraction. For nitrogen fractions there is an increasing effect on fraction A and negative linear effect on B1+B2 and C fractions. For "In vitro" ruminal degradation kinetics there is a decreasing effect for "a" parameter, and quadratic effect for "b" and "c" parameters with maximum points respectively 61.84 and 66.77% of sunflower seed meal. The inclusion of sunflower cake in supplementary feeding, the studied levels, influenced the fractions of carbohydrates, proteins and degradation parameters. If there is the availability of this ingredient, it can be added to the supplemental feed cattle subject to the nutritional and metabolic parameters.(AU)

Participation of TLR2 and TLR4 in Cytokines Production by Patients with Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Chronic Chagas Disease.

Chagas disease (CD), caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is a serious public health issue. Its evolution involves an acute stage, characterized by no specific symptoms, and the chronic stage during most individuals are asymptomatic, but about 30-40% of them become symptomatic presenting the cardiac or digestive disease. Host immune response mechanisms involved in symptomatic or asymptomatic chronic disease are not fully understood. The pro-inflammatory cytokines are crucial in host resistance. However, a fine control of this inflammatory process, by action of anti-inflammatory cytokines, is necessary to avoid tissue injury. This control was found to be responsible for no clinical manifestations in asymptomatic individuals. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are extremely important in defining the cytokine profile released in response to a micro-organism. We found that patients with the cardiac form predominantly released the pro-inflammatory cytokines: IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-17 with the involvement of both, TLR2 and TLR4. In contrast, patients with asymptomatic disease release predominantly the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-ß, but also with TLR2 and TLR4 participation. The mechanisms by which stimulation of the same TLRs results in release of different pattern of cytokines, depending on the patients group that is being evaluated, are discussed.

Changes in energetic metabolism of Biomphalaria glabrata (Mollusca, Planorbidae) in response to exogenous calcium.

Calcium is considered an essential element for the metabolism of aquatic snail Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818), intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907 in Brazil, and represents a limiting factor to its distribution and adaptation to the environment. This study investigated the effect of different concentrations of exogenous CaCO3 on the energetic metabolism of B. glabrata for better understanding the physiological interference of chemical elements dissolved in the environment with the physiology of this species. Sixty-day-old snails were distributed into six groups, five exposed to different concentrations of CaCO3 (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/L) and a control group. The exposure to CaCO3 was assessed over time, with analysis of 15 snails of each group in the following intervals: 1, 14, 21 or 30 days for hemolymph extraction. Concentrations of calcium and glucose in the hemolymph were determined by commercial kits, and organic acids were extracted using an ion exchange column and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Concentration of calcium in the hemolymph showed no significant difference (p>0.05) from the control group and between the concentrations tested. Concentration of glucose decreased (p<0.05) in the treatments of exposure to 20 and 40 mg/L and increased when exposed to 80 and 100 mg/L CaCO3 compared to control and to other concentrations tested over 30 days. The organic acids pyruvate, oxaloacetate, citrate, succinate, fumarate, beta-hydroxybutyrate and lactate presented increased concentrations, while propionate and acetoacetate, decreased concentrations, when exposed to CaCO3 compared to control. Considering the influence of different periods of exposure to CaCO3, on the 14th day, there were stronger alterations in the metabolism of B. glabrata. In conclusion, exposure to CaCO3 reduced the concentration of glucose, which is metabolized into pyruvate, the final product of glycolysis, and also influenced the energetic metabolism pathways, indicating an aerobic or partially anaerobic functioning.

The effects of energy and protein supplementation strategy and frequency on the performance of beef cattle that grazed on Tanzania grass pastures during the rainy season.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the different supplementation strategies for finishing Nellore beef cattle on pastures of Tanzania guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq. 'Tanzania'). The experiment was performed in a 12 ha area divided into 12 paddocks of 1 ha each. Forty-eight, 2-year-old, non-castrated Nellore cattle with an initial body weight (BW) of 384 kg (SEM = 21) were used in this study. The following supplementation strategies were evaluated: (1) mineral supplement supplied once per week (MS), (2) energy and protein supplement with intake regulator (2 g/kg BW) supplied once per week (EPS1), (3) energy and protein supplement (7 g/kg BW) supplied daily (EPS2), and (4) energy and protein supplement (7 g/kg BW) supplied three times per week (EPS3). The average daily gain (ADG) of animals receiving EPS3 was 0.177 kg/day higher than those receiving EPS1 (p < 0.01), 0.233 kg/day higher than the MS group, and not significantly different from EPS2. Animals in MS and EPS1 groups exhibited the lowest ADG. The ADG was not significantly different between EPS1 and EPS2 animals, but was 0.203 kg/day higher for EPS2 animals than for MS. Animals receiving only mineral supplementation spent more time grazing than the other supplementation groups tested (p < 0.01). We therefore conclude that Tanzania guinea grass is nutritionally limited and can be amended using supplements, thereby increasing animal performance. Animal performance was higher with increased protein and energy supplementation (7 g/kg BW), independent of the frequency with which supplements were administered.

Recovery of sperm after epididymal refrigeration from domestic cats using ACP-117c and Tris extenders / Recuperação de espermatozoides após refrigeração do epidídimo de gatos domésticos utilizando os diluidores ACP-117c e Tris

We aimed to compare fresh sperm and sperm cooled to 4ºC that had been recovered from the epididymides of cats using powdered coconut water (ACP-117c) and Tris extenders. Sixty epididymides were divided into 6 groups: 10 fresh epididymides were recovered using Tris (T0h); 10 were kept at 4°C/2h and recovered using Tris (T2h); 10 were kept at 4°C/4h and recovered using Tris (T4h); 10 fresh were recovered using ACP-117c (A0h); 10 were kept at 4°C/2h and recovered using ACP-117c (A2h), and 10 were kept at 4°C/4h and recovered using ACP-117c (A4h). The testis-epididymis complexes (TEC) control were not cooled. The others were cooled at 4°C for 2 or 4h. The epididymis was separated and the sperm was recovered by the modified flotation method. Sperm kinetic parameters were evaluated by a computer-system analysis, and vigor, viability, concentration, membrane function and morphology of the sperm were assessed under a light microscope. The progressive motility with ACP-117c declined after 2h of cooling, but did not differ between fresh and 4h. The vigor and membrane function were higher in A4h than A0h. The vigor at T2h and T4h were decreased compared to T0h. T0h was higher than A0h for vigor and sperm membrane function. However, after 4h of cooling, ACP-117c maintained a higher percentage of living cells. Feline epididymal sperm quality can be maintained to the degree necessary for artificial breeding programs following cooling and ACP-117c may be successfully used to recover cat sperm that have been cooled for up to 4h.(AU)

Objetivou-se comparar a qualidade de espermatozoides recuperados a fresco e após refrigeração a 4ºC do epidídimo de gatos domésticos utilizando-se os diluidores ACP-117c e Tris. Sessenta epidídimos foram distribuídos em seis grupos: 10 epidídimos a fresco com o Tris (T0h), 10 a 4°C/2h e recuperados com Tris (T2h), 10 a 4°C/4h e recuperados com Tris (T4h), 10 epidídimos a fresco com o ACP-117c (A0h), 10 a 4 °C/2h e recuperados com ACP-117c (A2h), 10 a 4°C/4h e recuperados com ACP-117c (A4h). Os complexos testículo-epidídimo (CTE) do controle não foram refrigerados. Os outros foram refrigerados a 4°C durante duas e quatro horas. Os epidídimos foram separados das demais estruturas, e os espermatozoides recuperados pela técnica de flutuação modificada. Os parâmetros cinéticos foram avaliados em um sistema computadorizado, e o vigor, a viabilidade, a concentração, a funcionalidade de membrana e a morfologia celular foram avaliados em microscopia de luz. A motilidade progressiva com ACP-117c declinou após duas horas de refrigeração, mas não diferiu entre a recuperação a fresco e após refrigeração por quatro horas. Vigor e integridade funcional da membrana celular foram significativamente superiores no grupo A4h em comparação ao A0h. O vigor espermático em T2h e T4h reduziu significativamente em comparação com T0h. T0h foi significativamente superior ao A0h quanto aos parâmetros de vigor e integridade funcional da membrana espermática, entretanto, após quatro horas de refrigeração, o ACP-117c apresentou um maior percentual de células vivas. Os espermatozoides epididimários de felinos domésticos conseguem manter a qualidade necessária para serem utilizados em programas de reprodução artificial após serem refrigerados e recuperados por meio da técnica de flutuação modificada, e o diluidor ACP-117c pode ser utilizado com sucesso para recuperação de células espermáticas refrigeradas de gatos por até quatro horas.(AU)

Morphometry, Morphology and Ultrastructure of Ring-tailed Coati Sperm (Nasua nasua Linnaeus, 1766).

The ring-tailed coati (Nasua nasua) is a procyonid whose population is in sharp decline. Therefore, studies are needed to better understand the reproduction of this animal. For this reason, this study aimed to evaluate the morphology, morphometry and sperm ultrastructure of ring-tailed coati sperm. Four captive adult males were used for this study. Slides stained with Bengal Rose were used for the morphometric and morphologic analyses. The length and width of the head were measured, as well as the length of the midpiece and tail and the total length of the sperm. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used for the ultrastructural analyses. The most obvious morphological abnormalities observed were coiled tails (6.1 ± 8.7%) and the lack of acrosomes (5.4 ± 4.4%). Regarding the morphometry, the measurements of the head (length × width), midpiece (length) and tail (length) were (mean ± SD) 6.2 ± 0.4 × 8.1 ± 0.6 µm, 14.1 ± 0.5 and 63.9 ± 4.1 µm, respectively, and the total length of the sperm was 86.1 ± 4.3 µm. Through electron microscopy, the presence of electron-lucent points in the nucleus and the presence of approximately 55 mitochondrial spirals in the midpiece were identified. The data obtained in this study provide detailed information on the sperm characteristics of coatis and may inform future research on germplasm conservation, both for this species and other threatened procyonids.

Desempenho, consumo e morfometria in vivo de cordeiros Santa Inês alimentados com rações contendo torta de girassol em substituição ao farelo de algodão / Performance, consumption and in vivo morphometry of Santa Inês lambs fed diets containing sunflower cake in place of cottonseed meal

Este estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de determinar o melhor teor de substituição da proteína do farelo de algodão pela proteína da torta de girassol em dietas para cordeiros Santa Inês, por meio da avaliação do consumo, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar e medidas morfométricas. Foram confinados, por 60 dias, 30 cordeiros da raça Santa Inês, machos inteiros, com idade e peso médio no início do experimento de 80 dias e 21,45±2,16kg, respectivamente. O delineamento experimental foi completamente casualizado, sendo os animais divididos em 5 tratamentos, com 6 repetições por tratamento, de acordo com a quantidade de proteína do farelo de algodão substituída pela proteína da torta de girassol (0, 20, 40, 60 e 80% de substituição). As variáveis peso final, consumo de matéria seca e conversão alimentar não foram afetadas pelas dietas experimentais, embora o ganho médio diário tenha sido inferior para as dietas com maior teor de torta de girassol. Para os parâmetros de consumo, verificou-se diferença apenas no consumo de extrato etéreo em relação ao peso metabólico (g/kg PV0,75), em que cordeiros recebendo dieta com maior teor de torta de girassol ingeriram maiores quantidades de extrato etéreo. Em relação às medidas morfométricas, houve decréscimo linear da altura de dorso e largura de garupa com a inclusão da torta de girassol na dieta. A substituição da proteína do farelo de algodão pela proteína da torta de girassol afetou negativamente o ganho de peso de cordeiros Santa Inês em confinamento. Porém, teve pouca ou nenhuma influência nos parâmetros de consumo e nas medidas morfométricas in vivo.(AU)

This study was conducted with the aim to determine the optimal level of protein replacement of cottonseed meal protein by sunflower cake in diets for Santa Inês lambs, through the evaluation of consumption, weight gain, feed conversion and morphometric measurements. Thirty Santa Inês lambs, bulls, with age and weight at the beginning of the experiment of 80 days and 21.45±2.16kg, respectively, were confined for 60 days. A completely randomized experimental design was used, where the animals were divided into 5 treatments with 6 replicates per treatment. For the treatments, the protein from the cottonseed meal was replaced by the protein of the sunflower cake (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80% of substitutions). For morphometric determinations, the following measurements were taken: pre-slaughter body length, leg length, leg perimeter, height of the dorsum; hip height; chest girth, hip width and chest width. Final weight, dry matter intake and feed conversion were not affected by the experimental diets, although the average daily gain was lower for diets with higher content of sunflower cake. For consumption parameters, there was a difference only in the consumption of ether extract in relation to metabolic weight (g/kg PV 0, 75), where lambs receiving diets with higher levels of sunflower cake ingested larger amounts of ether extract. Regarding the morphometric measurements, there was a linear decrease of the height of the dorsum and hip width with the inclusion of sunflower cake in the diet. The replacement of cottonseed meal protein by sunflower cake protein negatively affected the weight gain of Santa Inês lambs. However, it affected little or nothing the parameters of consumption and in vivo morphometric measurements.(AU)

Functional variations in MBL2 gene are associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Amazonas state of Brazil.

Functional variations in the mannose-binding lectin (MBL2) gene causing low levels of serum MBL are associated with susceptibility to numerous infectious diseases. We investigated whether there is genetic association of MBL2 variant alleles with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by Leishmania guyanensis. We used PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism to genotype six MBL2 variants, three in the promoter region and three in the exon 1. An association was noted between the single nucleotide polymorphism -221X/Y of the MBL2 gene and CL (P=2.9 × 10(-6); odds ratio (OR)=1.9 (1.4-2.5) consistent with the hypothesis that the -221X allele confers high risk to development of CL among L. guyanensis-infected individuals. Furthermore, L. guyanensis-infected individuals bearing the codon 57 allele C had a higher risk of developing CL (P=5 × 10(-5); OR=1.9 (1.4-2.6)). The low MBL expressor haplotype LXPB was also associated to CL (P=6 × 10(-4)). This study raises the possibility that functional polymorphisms in MBL2 gene play a role in clinical outcome of Leishmania infection.