Providing inoculum for Didymella bryoniae studies: the effect of light spectrum and storing at low temperature

Abstract The in vitro sporulation of Didymella bryoniae is of great importance for studies that require pure inoculum and in large quantities. Thus, the objectives of this study were to identify the best condition for D. bryoniae sporulation combining different light spectra (UV-A or UV-B light, white light, and continuous dark), with distinct culture media (PDA, V8, ML, and PDAB) and, to evaluate fungus survivability stored at -20°C over time. The fungus samples were only able to sporulate when subjected to the UV-B light treatment, regardless of the culture medium. The highest appearance of spores conidium type was observed in the PDAB medium, and the lowest production occurred in the ML medium. Reproductive structures, such as perithecia and pycnidia, were observed in all culture media. However, there was considerable variation in the amount of each structure between the different culture media. The ML and V8 media showed a greater number of perithecia and the PDA and PDAB media presented a greater proportion of pycnidia compared to perithecia. The storage duration at -20°C did not affect mycelial growth or mycelial growth rate. In conclusion, the UV-B light is essential for D. bryoniae in vitro sporulation. Moreover, the culture medium composition influences the type of fungal structure produced, as well as spores size and quantity. Freezing at -20°C is an efficient technique that can be used to store D. bryoniae for at least five months without loss of viability.

Resumo A esporulação de Didymella bryoniae in vitro é de grande importância para estudos que requerem inóculo puro e em grandes quantidades. Assim, os objetivos deste estudo foram identificar a melhor condição para esporulação de D. bryoniae combinando diferentes espectros de luz (luz UV-A ou UV-B, luz branca e escuro contínuo) com distintos meios de cultura (PDA, V8, ML e PDAB) e, avaliar a sobrevivência do fungo armazenado a -20°C ao longo do tempo. As amostras de fungo só esporularam quando submetidas ao tratamento com luz UV-B, independentemente do meio de cultura. Maior aparecimento de esporos do tipo conídio foi observado no meio PDAB, e a menor produção ocorreu no meio ML. Estruturas reprodutivas, como peritécios e picnídeos, foram observadas em todos os meios de cultura. No entanto, houve uma variação considerável na quantidade de cada estrutura entre os diferentes meios de cultura. Os meios ML e V8 apresentaram maior número de peritécios e os meios PDA e PDAB apresentaram maior proporção de picnídeos em relação aos peritécios. A duração do armazenamento a -20°C não afetou o crescimento micelial ou a taxa de crescimento micelial. Em conclusão, a luz UV-B é essencial para a esporulação de D. bryoniae in vitro. Além disso, a composição do meio de cultura influencia o tipo de estrutura fúngica produzida, bem como o tamanho e a quantidade dos esporos. O congelamento a -20°C é uma técnica eficiente que pode ser usada para armazenar D. bryoniae por pelo menos cinco meses sem perda de viabilidade

Copaiba oil and Neem extract can be a potential alternative for the behavioral control of Sitophilus zeamais

Abstract Insects' ethology is an important factor when it is desired to carry out pest management. This knowledge makes it possible to manipulate behavioral activities, repel, or attract insects according to needs and interests. The maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Mots., 1855) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), one of the main stored grain pests, has been the target of studies of behavioral changes studies through natural substances due to its resistance to different insecticidal classes. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of sublethal concentrations of neem extract and copaiba oil on the locomotor behavior of S. zeamais. The behavioral characteristic considered were walking activity, the frequency of contact of insects with the treated grain mass, and the time spent for this behavior. The walking activity of the S. zeamais increased with exposure to Neem extract and Copaiba oil. In general, the Neem extract and Copaiba oil-induced more contact with grain mass than the control, suggesting an attractive effect on the insect, however more significant for the Neem oil. The insect's behavior was altered, presenting a specific path due to Copaiba oil and Neem extract stimuli. These results indicate that Copaiba oil and Neem extract can be a potential alternative for controlling S. zeamais on stored products since changes in this pests' behavior can reduce qualitative and quantitative grain damage. Thus, the development of products based on Copaiba oil and Neem extract may be helpful for storage pest management.

Resumo A etologia dos insetos é um fator importante quando se deseja relizar manejo de pragas. Através deste conhecimento, é possível manipular atividades comportamentais, repelir, ou atrair os insetos de acordo com as necessidades e interesses. O gorgulho do milho Sitophilus zeamais (Mots., 1855) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), uma das principais pragas de grãos armazenados tem sido alvo de estudos de alterações comportamentais através de substâncias naturais devido à sua resistência a diferentes classes de insecticidas. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de concentrações subletais de extrato de neem e do óleo de copaíba sobre o comportamento de movimentação de S. zeamais. As características comportamentais consideradas foram: a atividade de caminhamento, a frequência do contato dos insetos com a massa de grãos tratada, e o tempo gasto para realização destes comportamentos. A atividade de caminhamento do S. zeamais aumentou quando os insetos foram expostos ao extrato de Neem e ao óleo de copaíba. Em geral, o extrato de Neem e o óleo de Copaíba induziram mais contato com a massa de grãos do que o controle, sugerindo um efeito atrativo sobre o inseto, contudo este efeito foi mais significativo para o óleo de Neem. O comportamento do inseto foi alterado, apresentando um caminhamento específico devido aos estímulos do óleo de copaíba e do extrato de Neem. Estes resultados indicam que o óleo de copaíba e o extrato de Neem podem ser alternativas potenciais para o controle do S. zeamais em produtos armazenados, uma vez que alterações no comportamento desta praga podem reduzir os danos qualitativos e quantitativos nos grãos. Assim, o desenvolvimento de produtos baseados no óleo de copaíba e no extrato de Neem pode ser útil para o manejo de pragas de armazenamento.

Providing inoculum for Didymella bryoniae studies: the effect of light spectrum and storing at low temperature / Fornecendo inóculo para estudos de Didymella bryoniae: o efeito do espectro de luz e armazenamento em baixa temperatura

Abstract The in vitro sporulation of Didymella bryoniae is of great importance for studies that require pure inoculum and in large quantities. Thus, the objectives of this study were to identify the best condition for D. bryoniae sporulation combining different light spectra (UV-A or UV-B light, white light, and continuous dark), with distinct culture media (PDA, V8, ML, and PDAB) and, to evaluate fungus' survivability stored at -20°C over time. The fungus samples were only able to sporulate when subjected to the UV-B light treatment, regardless of the culture medium. The highest appearance of spores conidium type was observed in the PDAB medium, and the lowest production occurred in the ML medium. Reproductive structures, such as perithecia and pycnidia, were observed in all culture media. However, there was considerable variation in the amount of each structure between the different culture media. The ML and V8 media showed a greater number of perithecia and the PDA and PDAB media presented a greater proportion of pycnidia compared to perithecia. The storage duration at -20°C did not affect mycelial growth or mycelial growth rate. In conclusion, the UV-B light is essential for D. bryoniae in vitro sporulation. Moreover, the culture medium composition influences the type of fungal structure produced, as well as spores' size and quantity. Freezing at -20°C is an efficient technique that can be used to store D. bryoniae for at least five months without loss of viability.

Resumo A esporulação de Didymella bryoniae in vitro é de grande importância para estudos que requerem inóculo puro e em grandes quantidades. Assim, os objetivos deste estudo foram identificar a melhor condição para esporulação de D. bryoniae combinando diferentes espectros de luz (luz UV-A ou UV-B, luz branca e escuro contínuo) com distintos meios de cultura (PDA, V8, ML e PDAB) e, avaliar a sobrevivência do fungo armazenado a -20°C ao longo do tempo. As amostras de fungo só esporularam quando submetidas ao tratamento com luz UV-B, independentemente do meio de cultura. Maior aparecimento de esporos do tipo conídio foi observado no meio PDAB, e a menor produção ocorreu no meio ML. Estruturas reprodutivas, como peritécios e picnídeos, foram observadas em todos os meios de cultura. No entanto, houve uma variação considerável na quantidade de cada estrutura entre os diferentes meios de cultura. Os meios ML e V8 apresentaram maior número de peritécios e os meios PDA e PDAB apresentaram maior proporção de picnídeos em relação aos peritécios. A duração do armazenamento a -20°C não afetou o crescimento micelial ou a taxa de crescimento micelial. Em conclusão, a luz UV-B é essencial para a esporulação de D. bryoniae in vitro. Além disso, a composição do meio de cultura influencia o tipo de estrutura fúngica produzida, bem como o tamanho e a quantidade dos esporos. O congelamento a -20°C é uma técnica eficiente que pode ser usada para armazenar D. bryoniae por pelo menos cinco meses sem perda de viabilidade

Copaiba oil and Neem extract can be a potential alternative for the behavioral control of Sitophilus zeamais / Óleo de copaíba e o extrato de Neem podem ser uma alternativa potencial para o controle comportamental do Sitophilus zeamais

Insects' ethology is an important factor when it is desired to carry out pest management. This knowledge makes it possible to manipulate behavioral activities, repel, or attract insects according to needs and interests. The maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Mots., 1855) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), one of the main stored grain pests, has been the target of studies of behavioral changes studies through natural substances due to its resistance to different insecticidal classes. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of sublethal concentrations of neem extract and copaiba oil on the locomotor behavior of S. zeamais. The behavioral characteristic considered were walking activity, the frequency of contact of insects with the treated grain mass, and the time spent for this behavior. The walking activity of the S. zeamais increased with exposure to Neem extract and Copaiba oil. In general, the Neem extract and Copaiba oil-induced more contact with grain mass than the control, suggesting an attractive effect on the insect, however more significant for the Neem oil. The insect's behavior was altered, presenting a specific path due to Copaiba oil and Neem extract stimuli. These results indicate that Copaiba oil and Neem extract can be a potential alternative for controlling S. zeamais on stored products since changes in this pests' behavior can reduce qualitative and quantitative grain damage. Thus, the development of products based on Copaiba oil and Neem extract may be helpful for storage pest management.

A etologia dos insetos é um fator importante quando se deseja relizar manejo de pragas. Através deste conhecimento, é possível manipular atividades comportamentais, repelir, ou atrair os insetos de acordo com as necessidades e interesses. O gorgulho do milho Sitophilus zeamais (Mots., 1855) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), uma das principais pragas de grãos armazenados tem sido alvo de estudos de alterações comportamentais através de substâncias naturais devido à sua resistência a diferentes classes de insecticidas. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de concentrações subletais de extrato de neem e do óleo de copaíba sobre o comportamento de movimentação de S. zeamais. As características comportamentais consideradas foram: a atividade de caminhamento, a frequência do contato dos insetos com a massa de grãos tratada, e o tempo gasto para realização destes comportamentos. A atividade de caminhamento do S. zeamais aumentou quando os insetos foram expostos ao extrato de Neem e ao óleo de copaíba. Em geral, o extrato de Neem e o óleo de Copaíba induziram mais contato com a massa de grãos do que o controle, sugerindo um efeito atrativo sobre o inseto, contudo este efeito foi mais significativo para o óleo de Neem. O comportamento do inseto foi alterado, apresentando um caminhamento específico devido aos estímulos do óleo de copaíba e do extrato de Neem. Estes resultados indicam que o óleo de copaíba e o extrato de Neem podem ser alternativas potenciais para o controle do S. zeamais em produtos armazenados, uma vez que alterações no comportamento desta praga podem reduzir os danos qualitativos e quantitativos nos grãos. Assim, o desenvolvimento de produtos baseados no óleo de copaíba e no extrato de Neem pode ser útil para o manejo de pragas de armazenamento.

The Impact of Different Surface Treatments on Topography and Bond Strength of Resin Cement to Lithium Disilicate Glass Ceramic.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of different surface treatments on topography, surface roughness, surface energy, and microtensile bond strength stability of resin cement to lithium disilicate glass ceramic. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Seventy disc-shaped specimens of IPS e.max Press were divided into seven groups according to the surface treatment: NT - non-treated (control); FSil - hydrofluoric acid (HF) + silane; FPSil - HF + phosphoric acid (HP) + silane; FUSil - HF + ultrasonic bath (U) + silane; FPUSil - HF + HP + U + silane; MEP - Monobond Etch and Prime (MEP); and MEPH - MEP + heating. Topography and surface roughness were evaluated using a 3D laser confocal microscope (3DLCM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and surface energy with a goniometer. The microtensile bond strength (µTBS) was evaluated after storage in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours and after thermocycling (5,000 cycles, 5°-55° C, 30-second dwell time). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA (surface roughness and surface energy), two-way ANOVA (µTBS), Tukey's HSD post-hoc test, and Student t-test (α=0.05). RESULTS: FUSil, FPSil, and FSil presented similar and highest surface roughness, whereas NT, FPUSil, MEP, and MEPH showed similar, and lowest, roughness values (p<0.05). FPUSil, FPSil, FUSil, and FSil presented a similar and highest surface energy. NT, MEP, and MEPH showed similar and lowest surface energy. CONCLUSION: Only FSil, FPSil, and MEPH maintained bond strength stability after thermocycling, with FPSil leading to less bond strength reduction, suggesting this protocol is more reliable for bonding resin cements to lithium disilicate glass ceramics.

Copaiba oil and Neem extract can be a potential alternative for the behavioral control of Sitophilus zeamais.

Insects' ethology is an important factor when it is desired to carry out pest management. This knowledge makes it possible to manipulate behavioral activities, repel, or attract insects according to needs and interests. The maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Mots., 1855) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), one of the main stored grain pests, has been the target of studies of behavioral changes studies through natural substances due to its resistance to different insecticidal classes. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of sublethal concentrations of neem extract and copaiba oil on the locomotor behavior of S. zeamais. The behavioral characteristic considered were walking activity, the frequency of contact of insects with the treated grain mass, and the time spent for this behavior. The walking activity of the S. zeamais increased with exposure to Neem extract and Copaiba oil. In general, the Neem extract and Copaiba oil-induced more contact with grain mass than the control, suggesting an attractive effect on the insect, however more significant for the Neem oil. The insect's behavior was altered, presenting a specific path due to Copaiba oil and Neem extract stimuli. These results indicate that Copaiba oil and Neem extract can be a potential alternative for controlling S. zeamais on stored products since changes in this pests' behavior can reduce qualitative and quantitative grain damage. Thus, the development of products based on Copaiba oil and Neem extract may be helpful for storage pest management.

Providing inoculum for Didymella bryoniae studies: the effect of light spectrum and storing at low temperature.

The in vitro sporulation of Didymella bryoniae is of great importance for studies that require pure inoculum and in large quantities. Thus, the objectives of this study were to identify the best condition for D. bryoniae sporulation combining different light spectra (UV-A or UV-B light, white light, and continuous dark), with distinct culture media (PDA, V8, ML, and PDAB) and, to evaluate fungus' survivability stored at -20°C over time. The fungus samples were only able to sporulate when subjected to the UV-B light treatment, regardless of the culture medium. The highest appearance of spores conidium type was observed in the PDAB medium, and the lowest production occurred in the ML medium. Reproductive structures, such as perithecia and pycnidia, were observed in all culture media. However, there was considerable variation in the amount of each structure between the different culture media. The ML and V8 media showed a greater number of perithecia and the PDA and PDAB media presented a greater proportion of pycnidia compared to perithecia. The storage duration at -20°C did not affect mycelial growth or mycelial growth rate. In conclusion, the UV-B light is essential for D. bryoniae in vitro sporulation. Moreover, the culture medium composition influences the type of fungal structure produced, as well as spores' size and quantity. Freezing at -20°C is an efficient technique that can be used to store D. bryoniae for at least five months without loss of viability.

Ultrastructural Aspects of The Intestinal Cells Surface of Angiostrongylus Cantonensis By Using of Transmission Electron Microscopy.

The rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a zoonotic parasite and the main cause of eosinophilic meningitis in the world. Its main source of nutrients originates from the degradation of host hemoglobin in blood-feeding helminths, such as A. cantonensis. The purpose of this study was to analyze the ultrastructure of the intestinal cells by using of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A. cantonensis worms obtained from Rattus norvegicus (norway rats) from endemic area were used for TEM. The ultrastructural analysis was performed using fragments cut from the middle part of the worms, and the TEM study revealed the cells with microvilli and nuclei containing areas of loose and condensed chromatin and the presence of macrovesicles and microvesicles of digestion and it was observed in this study that intestinal epithelium is look like a syncytium. The ultrastructural aspects of the intestinal cells surface of A. Cantonensis the indicate that the intestinal epithelium is a multinucleate mosaic or syncytium.

Characterization of novel human intragenic antimicrobial peptides, incorporation and release studies from ureasil-polyether hybrid matrix.

Intragenic antimicrobial peptides (IAPs) are internal sequences of proteins with physicochemical similarities to Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) that, once identified and synthesized as individual entities, present antimicrobial activity. Many mature proteins encoded by the genomes of virtually any organism may be regarded as inner reservoirs of IAPs, conferring them ample biotechnological potential. However, IAPs may also share shortcomings with AMPs, such as low half-life in biological media and non-specific adsorption in eukaryotic cells. The present manuscript reports a translational approach that encompasses the uncovering of two novel IAPs from human proteins as well as the first results concerning the incorporation and sustained release of one of these peptides from ureasil-polyether hybrid polymeric films. For such, the software Kamal was used to scan putative IAPs in the human proteome, and two peptides, named Hs05 and Hs06, were identified, synthesized, and tested as antimicrobials. Biophysical assays were conducted using model phospholipid vesicles and 1H NMR solution structures in phospholipid micelles were obtained for the IAP Hs05. This peptide was incorporated in a polymeric matrix composed of the ureasil/PPO-PEO-PPO triblock copolymer, and the resulting films were evaluated by atomic force microscopy and imaging mass spectrometry. The release rate of Hs05 from the polymeric matrix was assessed and the antimicrobial activity of Hs05-loaded hybrid polymeric films was evaluated against the bacterium Escherichia coli. This study represents the first steps towards the development of polymeric films enriched with IAPs obtained from the human proteome as sustained release devices for topical application.

COMT rs4818, pain sensitivity and duration, and alveolar bone grafting of oral clefts.

PURPOSE: Verifying whether the mutation in COMT rs4818 could be involved in pain modulation. METHODS: Thirty-two individuals born with cleft lip and palate that underwent bone graft from the iliac crest bone were assessed at 12, 24, 48, 72 h, and 7 days regarding their pain experience using a visual analogic scale. DNA from each participant was collected from saliva samples, and genotyping of rs4818 was performed using TaqMan chemistry. Overrepresentation of rs4818 alleles was tested using chi-square or Fisher's exact tests with an alpha of 0.05. RESULTS: Of the 32 individuals, eighteen reported long pain duration, nine reported high pain intensity, and fourteen low pain intensity up to 48 h. No differences were found in the distribution of individuals depending on the reported pain by sex (p = 0.12), age (p = 0.42), or cleft type (p = 0.5). The distribution of COMT r4818 alleles was different depending on the intensity and duration of pain. Carriers of the C wild-type allele were four times more likely to show high pain intensity and duration (odds ratio = 4.29, 95% confidence interval 1.13-16.18), meaning that the G variant allele is protective. CONCLUSION: COMT rs4818 is associated with postoperative pain after alveolar bone grafting.

Crack cocaine smoke on pregnant rats: Maternal evaluation and teratogenic effect.

This study aimed to evaluate maternal toxicity, teratogenic, and placental oxidative effects resulting from the exposure of rats to crack cocaine smoke during pregnancy. Pregnant rats were exposed either to the smoke of crack and ashes (Crack) or to the smoke of ashes alone, nonexposed or pair-fed with the Crack group. Crack group was exposed to the smoke resulting from the burning of 250 mg of crack for 10 min, twice a day, from 7 days prior to mating until cesarian on gestational day 20. Placental oxidative stress and classical parameters of maternal and fetal evaluation were studied, in addition to the morphometric analysis of the fetal metamers. Even in the absence of changes in body weight gain and feed intake, crack altered the reproductive performance of dams. Exposure to the drug promoted late closure of the fetal fontanel. Furthermore, the morphometric study of the brain mass (BM)/skull cap ratio revealed a decrease in the BM of the fetuses exposed to the drug. Exposure to crack has an oxidative potential in fetal development, since exposure to the drug promoted placental lipid peroxidation. Our study showed that daily exposure to crack, even in lower frequency than that performed by users, has a teratogenic potential.

Estudo retrospectivo da raiva em herbívoros e animais silvestres no estado do Maranhão / Retrospective study of rabies in herbivorous and wild animals in the state of Maranhão

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo apresentar uma atualização epidemiológica sobre a raiva em herbívoros e animais silvestres no Estado do Maranhão durante o período de 2010 a 2018. Foi realizada uma análise com base na estatística descritiva, por meio da distribuição de frequências relativas e absolutas. Do total de 409 amostras testadas, independente da espécie, 16,63% (68/409) foram positivas para raiva. Destas, 13,44% (55/409) foram bovinos, 2,44% (10/409) equídeos e 0,73% (3/409) animais silvestres. O percentual total de positividade, quando considerada a espécie ou grupo de espécies (animais silvestres) foi de 35,55% para bovinos, 25,18% para equídeos e 4,86% para animais silvestres. Observa-se ainda que o ano com maior positividade foi o de 2018 com cerca de 46,42% de animais positivos, seguido pelos anos de 2013 e 2012, com, respectivamente, 41,66% e 33,33% animais positivos. Em relação à distribuição geográfica da raiva, houve confirmação de casos em 31 dos 217 municípios do Maranhão, os quais encontram-se distribuídos entre as mesorregiões Norte, Centro, Leste e Oeste maranhense. Desse modo, a raiva está presente no Estado do Maranhão, principalmente entre a população bovina, que tem apresentado incidências elevadas até o presente momento.

This study aimed to present an epidemiological update on rabies in herbivores and wild animals in the State of Maranhão during the period 2010-2018. An analysis was performed, based on the descriptive statistics, through the distribution of relative and absolute frequencies. Of the 409 samples tested, independently of species, 16.63% (68/409) were positive for rabies. Of these, 13.44% (55/409) were cattle, 2.44% (10/409) of equidae and 0.73% (3/409) of wild animals. The total percentage of positivity was 35.55% for cattle, 25.18% for equidae and 4.86% for wild animals. It is observed that the year with the highest positivity was 2018 with about 46,43% of positive animals, followed by the years of 2013 and 2012, with respectively 41,67% and 33,33% of positive animals. Regarding the geographical distribution of rabies, cases were confirmed in 31 of the 217 municipalities of Maranhão, which are distributed among the mesoregions North, Center, East and West of Maranhão. Rabies is present in the State of Maranhão, mainly among the bovine population, which has presented high incidences until the present moment.

ESTUDO RETROSPECTIVO DA RAIVA EM HERBÍVOROS E ANIMAIS SILVESTRES NO ESTADO DO MARANHÃO

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo apresentar uma atualização epidemiológica sobre a raiva em herbívoros e animais silvestres no Estado do Maranhão durante o período de 2010 a 2018. Foi realizada uma análise com base na estatística descritiva, por meio da distribuição de frequências relativas e absolutas. Do total de 409 amostras testadas, independente da espécie, 16,63% (68/409) foram positivas para raiva. Destas, 13,44% (55/409) foram bovinos, 2,44% (10/409) equídeos e 0,73% (3/409) animais silvestres. O percentual total de positividade, quando considerada a espécie ou grupo de espécies (animais silvestres) foi de 35,55% para bovinos, 25,18% para equídeos e 4,86% para animais silvestres. Observa-se ainda que o ano com maior positividade foi o de 2018 com cerca de 46,42% de animais positivos, seguido pelos anos de 2013 e 2012, com, respectivamente, 41,66% e 33,33% animais positivos. Em relação à distribuição geográfica da raiva, houve confirmação de casos em 31 dos 217 municípios do Maranhão, os quais encontram-se distribuídos entre as mesorregiões Norte, Centro, Leste e Oeste maranhense. Desse modo, a raiva está presente no Estado do Maranhão, principalmente entre a população bovina, que tem apresentado incidências elevadas até o presente momento.

Requirement of Digestible Methionine + Cystine to Molted Laying Hens

The present study aimed to determine the ideal requirement of digestible methionine + cystine to molted laying hens. The experimental period lasted 105 days, divided into five periods of 21 days. 144 Hisex White laying hens with 84 weeks-of-age were used. The experimental design was completely randomized with treatments constituted for six levels of digestible methionine + cystine (0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, and 0.70%) in the diets, with four replicates of six birds each. Data collected were evaluated by polynomial regression at 5%. There was a significant effect (p 0.05) of digestible methionine + cystine on feed intake, energy intake, protein intake, egg production, and egg mass. Internal egg quality presented positive linear effect (p 0.05) on albumen height and yolk color. External egg quality was affected (p 0.05) in eggshell %, eggshell thickness and eggshell resistance, where the level of 0.60% of digestible methionine + cystine in the diets provided eggshells with better quality (higher percentage, thicker and breaking resistance). Differences (p 0.05) were also observed in glucose and triglycerides concentration, with 0.60% of digestible methionine + cystine in the diets presenting better equilibrium. Results of the present study suggested that higher levels of digestible methionine + cystine improved the performance and internal egg quality of molted laying hens. The level of 0.60% of digestible methionine + cystine provided better eggshell and equilibrium on blood biochemistry.(AU)

Estudo retrospectivo da raiva em herbívoros e animais silvestres no estado do Maranhão / Retrospective study of rabies in herbivorous and wild animals in the state of Maranhão

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo apresentar uma atualização epidemiológica sobre a raiva em herbívoros e animais silvestres no Estado do Maranhão durante o período de 2010 a 2018. Foi realizada uma análise com base na estatística descritiva, por meio da distribuição de frequências relativas e absolutas. Do total de 409 amostras testadas, independente da espécie, 16,63% (68/409) foram positivas para raiva. Destas, 13,44% (55/409) foram bovinos, 2,44% (10/409) equídeos e 0,73% (3/409) animais silvestres. O percentual total de positividade, quando considerada a espécie ou grupo de espécies (animais silvestres) foi de 35,55% para bovinos, 25,18% para equídeos e 4,86% para animais silvestres. Observa-se ainda que o ano com maior positividade foi o de 2018 com cerca de 46,42% de animais positivos, seguido pelos anos de 2013 e 2012, com, respectivamente, 41,66% e 33,33% animais positivos. Em relação à distribuição geográfica da raiva, houve confirmação de casos em 31 dos 217 municípios do Maranhão, os quais encontram-se distribuídos entre as mesorregiões Norte, Centro, Leste e Oeste maranhense. Desse modo, a raiva está presente no Estado do Maranhão, principalmente entre a população bovina, que tem apresentado incidências elevadas até o presente momento.(AU)

This study aimed to present an epidemiological update on rabies in herbivores and wild animals in the State of Maranhão during the period 2010-2018. An analysis was performed, based on the descriptive statistics, through the distribution of relative and absolute frequencies. Of the 409 samples tested, independently of species, 16.63% (68/409) were positive for rabies. Of these, 13.44% (55/409) were cattle, 2.44% (10/409) of equidae and 0.73% (3/409) of wild animals. The total percentage of positivity was 35.55% for cattle, 25.18% for equidae and 4.86% for wild animals. It is observed that the year with the highest positivity was 2018 with about 46,43% of positive animals, followed by the years of 2013 and 2012, with respectively 41,67% and 33,33% of positive animals. Regarding the geographical distribution of rabies, cases were confirmed in 31 of the 217 municipalities of Maranhão, which are distributed among the mesoregions North, Center, East and West of Maranhão. Rabies is present in the State of Maranhão, mainly among the bovine population, which has presented high incidences until the present moment.(AU)

Requirement of Digestible Methionine + Cystine to Molted Laying Hens

The present study aimed to determine the ideal requirement of digestible methionine + cystine to molted laying hens. The experimental period lasted 105 days, divided into five periods of 21 days. 144 Hisex White laying hens with 84 weeks-of-age were used. The experimental design was completely randomized with treatments constituted for six levels of digestible methionine + cystine (0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, and 0.70%) in the diets, with four replicates of six birds each. Data collected were evaluated by polynomial regression at 5%. There was a significant effect (p 0.05) of digestible methionine + cystine on feed intake, energy intake, protein intake, egg production, and egg mass. Internal egg quality presented positive linear effect (p 0.05) on albumen height and yolk color. External egg quality was affected (p 0.05) in eggshell %, eggshell thickness and eggshell resistance, where the level of 0.60% of digestible methionine + cystine in the diets provided eggshells with better quality (higher percentage, thicker and breaking resistance). Differences (p 0.05) were also observed in glucose and triglycerides concentration, with 0.60% of digestible methionine + cystine in the diets presenting better equilibrium. Results of the present study suggested that higher levels of digestible methionine + cystine improved the performance and internal egg quality of molted laying hens. The level of 0.60% of digestible methionine + cystine provided better eggshell and equilibrium on blood biochemistry.

Características produtivas e nutricionais do capim-xaraés inoculado com bactérias diazotróficas associativas / Productive and nutritional characteristics of Xaraés grass inoculated with diazotrophic associative bacteria

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar as características produtivas e nutricionais do capim- xaraés inoculado com bactérias diazotróficas associativas, em primeiro cultivo em Latossolo Vermelho do Cerrado. O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, constituído por fatorial 6x3: três estirpes de bactérias diazotróficas associativas (MTAz8, MTH2 e Y2), uma combinação das estirpes MTAz8 e MTH2, adubação nitrogenada e testemunha absoluta, e três cortes (30, 60 e 90 dias), em cinco repetições. A inoculação foi feita por meio da inserção de uma alíquota de 5mL de caldo bacteriano contendo 108 células mL-1 no solo próximo ao sistema radicular. As variáveis avaliadas foram: massa seca da parte aérea, porcentagem de proteína bruta, acúmulo e concentração de nitrogênio na parte aérea e determinação do número de bactérias diazotróficas do solo. No tratamento adubado com nitrogênio, a produção de massa seca aumentou ao longo dos cortes. Entre as estirpes de bactérias associativas, a Y2 apresentou maior acúmulo de nitrogênio e maior população de bactérias no meio de cultura LGI. As características nutricionais do capim-xaraés decaíram à medida que foram realizados os cortes.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate yield and nutritional characteristics of Xaraés grass inoculated with diazotrophic associative bacteria in the first cultivation in the Cerrado Oxisol. The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse. The experimental design was completely randomized factorial 6x3 consisting of: three strains of diazotrophic associative bacteria (MTAz8, MTH2 and Y2), a combination of strains MTAz8 and MTH2, nitrogen fertilization and absolute control, and three cuts (30, 60 and 90 days) in five replicates. The inoculation was performed by inserting an aliquot of 5ml of the bacterial broth containing 10 8 cells ml-1 in the soil near the root zone of each plant. The variables evaluated were: dry weight of shoot, crude protein, accumulation and nitrogen concentration in the shoot and determining the number of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil. The fertilized soil dry matter production increased over the cuts. Among the strains Y2 showed higher accumulation of nitrogen and largest population of bacteria in the middle of the LGI culture. The nutritional characteristics of Xaraés grass declined as the cuts were made.(AU)

Características produtivas e nutricionais do capim-xaraés inoculado com bactérias diazotróficas associativas / Productive and nutritional characteristics of Xaraés grass inoculated with diazotrophic associative bacteria

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar as características produtivas e nutricionais do capim- xaraés inoculado com bactérias diazotróficas associativas, em primeiro cultivo em Latossolo Vermelho do Cerrado. O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, constituído por fatorial 6x3: três estirpes de bactérias diazotróficas associativas (MTAz8, MTH2 e Y2), uma combinação das estirpes MTAz8 e MTH2, adubação nitrogenada e testemunha absoluta, e três cortes (30, 60 e 90 dias), em cinco repetições. A inoculação foi feita por meio da inserção de uma alíquota de 5mL de caldo bacteriano contendo 108 células mL-1 no solo próximo ao sistema radicular. As variáveis avaliadas foram: massa seca da parte aérea, porcentagem de proteína bruta, acúmulo e concentração de nitrogênio na parte aérea e determinação do número de bactérias diazotróficas do solo. No tratamento adubado com nitrogênio, a produção de massa seca aumentou ao longo dos cortes. Entre as estirpes de bactérias associativas, a Y2 apresentou maior acúmulo de nitrogênio e maior população de bactérias no meio de cultura LGI. As características nutricionais do capim-xaraés decaíram à medida que foram realizados os cortes.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate yield and nutritional characteristics of Xaraés grass inoculated with diazotrophic associative bacteria in the first cultivation in the Cerrado Oxisol. The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse. The experimental design was completely randomized factorial 6x3 consisting of: three strains of diazotrophic associative bacteria (MTAz8, MTH2 and Y2), a combination of strains MTAz8 and MTH2, nitrogen fertilization and absolute control, and three cuts (30, 60 and 90 days) in five replicates. The inoculation was performed by inserting an aliquot of 5ml of the bacterial broth containing 10 8 cells ml-1 in the soil near the root zone of each plant. The variables evaluated were: dry weight of shoot, crude protein, accumulation and nitrogen concentration in the shoot and determining the number of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil. The fertilized soil dry matter production increased over the cuts. Among the strains Y2 showed higher accumulation of nitrogen and largest population of bacteria in the middle of the LGI culture. The nutritional characteristics of Xaraés grass declined as the cuts were made.(AU)

Remineralizing potential of CPP-ACP creams with and without fluoride in artificial enamel lesions.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effect of pastes containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) with and without fluoride on enamel demineralization. METHODS: Human enamel blocks were used and after incipient caries-like lesions were formed, they were assigned to four groups: G1 - saliva; G2 - MI Paste (RecaldentTM ); G3 - MI Paste Plus (RecaldentTM 900 ppm as NaF); and G4 - Crest™ (1.100 ppm as NaF). The specimens were soaked in demineralizing solution for 6 hours and remineralized in artificial saliva for 18 hours alternatively for 10 days. The dentifrice was prepared with deionized water in a 1:3 proportion (w/w) or applied undiluted in the case of the CPP-ACP formula. Demineralized enamel changes were analysed by surface microhardness (SMH), 3D-profilometry and SEM. Data were analysed by non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test comparisons and one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post hoc test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The SMH values observed in the G2 (47.8 ± 28.5) and G3 (53.6 ± 27.6) groups were different from that of G4 (90.2 ± 17.1), which were significantly higher than that found in G1 (39.4 ± 14.2). The %SMH was significantly lower in G4 when compared to G1 (p < 0.001) and G3 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MI Paste Plus demonstrated a greater protective effect against demineralization than MI Paste and showed smoother surfaces.