Characterization of edaphic fauna in different monocultures in Savanna of Piauí / Caracterização da fauna edáfica em diferentes monoculturas no Cerrado piauiense

Vegetation cover may show diversity and composition patterns of the soil invertebrate community, as a function of litter quantity and quality in a specific habitat. The objective of this work was to characterize the distribution of edaphic fauna in different monocultures. The study was carried out at Chapada Grande farm in Regeneração, PI. Four monoculture areas were chosen: no-tillage soybean, eucalyptus, pasture, and a preserved native cerrado forest. Soil fauna was collected in a dry and wet period by pitfall traps containing 4% formaldehyde. The edaphic fauna was evaluated by the number of individuals per trap per day, average richness and richness, Shannon diversity index and Pielou uniformity index. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and multivariate Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The highest number of individuals per day trap and of average richness were registered in the pasture, eucalyptus and forest areas in both periods, while soybean showed lower values with predominance of Coleoptera and Formicidae groups. The pasture and forest areas showed of higher Shannon index values in the two evaluated seasons, probably due to higher contributions organic residues in the soil that favors the shelter, feeding and reproduction conditions. Regarding the Pielou index, the soybean system showed higher values in this variable. The Aranae, Coleoptera, Formicidae and Diptera groups predominated in the humid period, while Coleoptera and Formicidae predominated in the dry period. Systems that generate greater accumulation of residues harbor a greater diversity of invertebrates of the edaphic fauna. Seasonality had an effect on all variables analyzed and the wet period showed more expressive values.(AU)

A cobertura vegetal pode mostrar padrões de diversidade e composição da comunidade de invertebrados do solo, em função da quantidade e qualidade da serapilheira em determinado habitat específico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a distribuição da fauna edáfica em diferentes monocultivos. O estudo foi realizado na fazenda Chapada Grande no município de Regeneração, PI. Foram escolhidas quatro áreas de monocultivos: soja em sistema de plantio direto, eucalipto, pastagem, além de uma mata nativa de cerrado preservada. Foram realizadas coletas da fauna do solo, em período seco e úmido, por meio de armadilhas do tipo pitfall contendo 4% de formol. A fauna edáfica foi avaliada pelo número de indivíduos por armadilha por dia, riqueza e riqueza média, índice de diversidade de Shannon e índice de uniformidade de Pielou. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e à análise multivariada de Componentes Principais (ACP). O maior número de indivíduos por armadilha dia e de riqueza média foram registrados nas áreas pastagem, eucalipto e mata nos dois períodos, enquanto que a soja mostrou valores inferiores com predomínio dos grupos Coleoptera e Formicidae. As áreas de pastagem e mata mostraram maiores valores de índice de Shannon nas duas épocas avaliadas provavelmente em função de maiores aportes de resíduos orgânicos no solo que favorece as condições de abrigo, alimentação e reprodução. Em relação ao índice de Pielou o sistema com soja mostrou maiores valores nessa variável. Os grupos Araneae, Coleoptera, Formicidae e Diptera predominaram no período úmido, enquanto Coleoptera e Formicidae se destacaram no período seco. Sistemas que geram maior acúmulo de resíduos abrigam uma maior diversidade de invertebrados da fauna edáfica. A sazonalidade apresentou efeito sobre todas as variáveis analisadas sendo que o período úmido mostrou valores mais expressivos.(AU)

Characterization of edaphic fauna in different monocultures in Savanna of Piauí / Caracterização da fauna edáfica em diferentes monoculturas no Cerrado piauiense

Abstract Vegetation cover may show diversity and composition patterns of the soil invertebrate community, as a function of litter quantity and quality in a specific habitat. The objective of this work was to characterize the distribution of edaphic fauna in different monocultures. The study was carried out at Chapada Grande farm in Regeneração, PI. Four monoculture areas were chosen: no-tillage soybean, eucalyptus, pasture, and a preserved native cerrado forest. Soil fauna was collected in a dry and wet period by pitfall traps containing 4% formaldehyde. The edaphic fauna was evaluated by the number of individuals per trap per day, average richness and richness, Shannon diversity index and Pielou uniformity index. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and multivariate Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The highest number of individuals per day trap and of average richness were registered in the pasture, eucalyptus and forest areas in both periods, while soybean showed lower values with predominance of Coleoptera and Formicidae groups. The pasture and forest areas showed of higher Shannon index values in the two evaluated seasons, probably due to higher contributions organic residues in the soil that favors the shelter, feeding and reproduction conditions. Regarding the Pielou index, the soybean system showed higher values in this variable. The Aranae, Coleoptera, Formicidae and Diptera groups predominated in the humid period, while Coleoptera and Formicidae predominated in the dry period. Systems that generate greater accumulation of residues harbor a greater diversity of invertebrates of the edaphic fauna. Seasonality had an effect on all variables analyzed and the wet period showed more expressive values.

Resumo A cobertura vegetal pode mostrar padrões de diversidade e composição da comunidade de invertebrados do solo, em função da quantidade e qualidade da serapilheira em determinado habitat específico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a distribuição da fauna edáfica em diferentes monocultivos. O estudo foi realizado na fazenda Chapada Grande no município de Regeneração, PI. Foram escolhidas quatro áreas de monocultivos: soja em sistema de plantio direto, eucalipto, pastagem, além de uma mata nativa de cerrado preservada. Foram realizadas coletas da fauna do solo, em período seco e úmido, por meio de armadilhas do tipo pitfall contendo 4% de formol. A fauna edáfica foi avaliada pelo número de indivíduos por armadilha por dia, riqueza e riqueza média, índice de diversidade de Shannon e índice de uniformidade de Pielou. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e à análise multivariada de Componentes Principais (ACP). O maior número de indivíduos por armadilha dia e de riqueza média foram registrados nas áreas pastagem, eucalipto e mata nos dois períodos, enquanto que a soja mostrou valores inferiores com predomínio dos grupos Coleoptera e Formicidae. As áreas de pastagem e mata mostraram maiores valores de índice de Shannon nas duas épocas avaliadas provavelmente em função de maiores aportes de resíduos orgânicos no solo que favorece as condições de abrigo, alimentação e reprodução. Em relação ao índice de Pielou o sistema com soja mostrou maiores valores nessa variável. Os grupos Araneae, Coleoptera, Formicidae e Diptera predominaram no período úmido, enquanto Coleoptera e Formicidae se destacaram no período seco. Sistemas que geram maior acúmulo de resíduos abrigam uma maior diversidade de invertebrados da fauna edáfica. A sazonalidade apresentou efeito sobre todas as variáveis analisadas sendo que o período úmido mostrou valores mais expressivos.

Characterization of edaphic fauna in different monocultures in Savanna of Piauí.

Vegetation cover may show diversity and composition patterns of the soil invertebrate community, as a function of litter quantity and quality in a specific habitat. The objective of this work was to characterize the distribution of edaphic fauna in different monocultures. The study was carried out at Chapada Grande farm in Regeneração, PI. Four monoculture areas were chosen: no-tillage soybean, eucalyptus, pasture, and a preserved native cerrado forest. Soil fauna was collected in a dry and wet period by pitfall traps containing 4% formaldehyde. The edaphic fauna was evaluated by the number of individuals per trap per day, average richness and richness, Shannon diversity index and Pielou uniformity index. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and multivariate Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The highest number of individuals per day trap and of average richness were registered in the pasture, eucalyptus and forest areas in both periods, while soybean showed lower values with predominance of Coleoptera and Formicidae groups. The pasture and forest areas showed of higher Shannon index values in the two evaluated seasons, probably due to higher contributions organic residues in the soil that favors the shelter, feeding and reproduction conditions. Regarding the Pielou index, the soybean system showed higher values in this variable. The Aranae, Coleoptera, Formicidae and Diptera groups predominated in the humid period, while Coleoptera and Formicidae predominated in the dry period. Systems that generate greater accumulation of residues harbor a greater diversity of invertebrates of the edaphic fauna. Seasonality had an effect on all variables analyzed and the wet period showed more expressive values.

Characterization of edaphic fauna in different monocultures in Savanna of Piauí

Abstract Vegetation cover may show diversity and composition patterns of the soil invertebrate community, as a function of litter quantity and quality in a specific habitat. The objective of this work was to characterize the distribution of edaphic fauna in different monocultures. The study was carried out at Chapada Grande farm in Regeneração, PI. Four monoculture areas were chosen: no-tillage soybean, eucalyptus, pasture, and a preserved native cerrado forest. Soil fauna was collected in a dry and wet period by pitfall traps containing 4% formaldehyde. The edaphic fauna was evaluated by the number of individuals per trap per day, average richness and richness, Shannon diversity index and Pielou uniformity index. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and multivariate Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The highest number of individuals per day trap and of average richness were registered in the pasture, eucalyptus and forest areas in both periods, while soybean showed lower values with predominance of Coleoptera and Formicidae groups. The pasture and forest areas showed of higher Shannon index values in the two evaluated seasons, probably due to higher contributions organic residues in the soil that favors the shelter, feeding and reproduction conditions. Regarding the Pielou index, the soybean system showed higher values in this variable. The Aranae, Coleoptera, Formicidae and Diptera groups predominated in the humid period, while Coleoptera and Formicidae predominated in the dry period. Systems that generate greater accumulation of residues harbor a greater diversity of invertebrates of the edaphic fauna. Seasonality had an effect on all variables analyzed and the wet period showed more expressive values.

Resumo A cobertura vegetal pode mostrar padrões de diversidade e composição da comunidade de invertebrados do solo, em função da quantidade e qualidade da serapilheira em determinado habitat específico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a distribuição da fauna edáfica em diferentes monocultivos. O estudo foi realizado na fazenda Chapada Grande no município de Regeneração, PI. Foram escolhidas quatro áreas de monocultivos: soja em sistema de plantio direto, eucalipto, pastagem, além de uma mata nativa de cerrado preservada. Foram realizadas coletas da fauna do solo, em período seco e úmido, por meio de armadilhas do tipo pitfall contendo 4% de formol. A fauna edáfica foi avaliada pelo número de indivíduos por armadilha por dia, riqueza e riqueza média, índice de diversidade de Shannon e índice de uniformidade de Pielou. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e à análise multivariada de Componentes Principais (ACP). O maior número de indivíduos por armadilha dia e de riqueza média foram registrados nas áreas pastagem, eucalipto e mata nos dois períodos, enquanto que a soja mostrou valores inferiores com predomínio dos grupos Coleoptera e Formicidae. As áreas de pastagem e mata mostraram maiores valores de índice de Shannon nas duas épocas avaliadas provavelmente em função de maiores aportes de resíduos orgânicos no solo que favorece as condições de abrigo, alimentação e reprodução. Em relação ao índice de Pielou o sistema com soja mostrou maiores valores nessa variável. Os grupos Araneae, Coleoptera, Formicidae e Diptera predominaram no período úmido, enquanto Coleoptera e Formicidae se destacaram no período seco. Sistemas que geram maior acúmulo de resíduos abrigam uma maior diversidade de invertebrados da fauna edáfica. A sazonalidade apresentou efeito sobre todas as variáveis analisadas sendo que o período úmido mostrou valores mais expressivos.

Edaphic fauna in a vegetation gradient in the Sete Cidades National Park / Fauna edáfica em um gradiente vegetacional no Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades

Abstract The vegetation physionomy and cover can show patterns of diversity and composition of the edaphic community, depending on the quantity and quality of litter in a specific habitat. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the vegetation gradient formed by Graminoid Field (GRF), Cerrado Sensu Stricto (CSS), Cerradão (CRD) and Semideciduous Seasonal Forest (SSF) on density, diversity and composition of the edaphic fauna community in two seasons of the year, in the Sete Cidades National Park (Piauí state). For fauna sampling, a total of eight pitfall traps, distanced 10 m, were placed in each area in the central part of each system, where they remained for seven days. In the wet period, there was a tendency to increase the number of individuals as a function of the complexity of the vegetation formation, with the inverse occurring in the dry period. It was verified an environmental variation of the climatic factors temperature and humidity according to the vegetal formation, contributing to a heterogeneous distribution of the fauna. The GRF formation presented a significantly lower value of average richness only in the dry period. Regarding the variables of diversity and uniformity, they did not show drastic variations in relation to the vegetation gradient studied. The dominant groups in the vegetation gradient were Formicidae, Coleoptera, Aranae, Acari and Collembola, with reduction of the number of Coleoptera in the dry season. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed greater differences in the composition of the communities between the vegetation formations for the rainy season. At this time, the formations SSF and CRD were associated to a greater diversity of invertebrates than CSS and GRF, demonstrating the influence of the vegetation complexity on the soil fauna community.

Resumo A fisionomia e cobertura vegetal podem mostrar padrões de diversidade e composição da comunidade edáfica, em função da quantidade e qualidade da serapilheira em determinado habitat específico. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito do gradiente vegetacional formado por Campo Graminóide (CGR), Cerrado Sensu Stricto (CSS), Cerradão (CRD) e Floresta Estacional Semidecídua (FES) sobre a densidade, diversidade e composição da comunidade da fauna edáfica em duas épocas do ano do Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades (PI). Para amostragem da fauna foram colocadas um total de oito armadilhas do tipo Pit-fall, distanciadas por 10 m, em cada área na parte central de cada sistema, onde permaneceram por sete dias. No período úmido houve uma tendência a aumento do número de indivíduos conforme a complexidade da formação vegetal e o inverso ocorreu no período seco. Verificou-se uma variação ambiental dos fatores climáticos temperatura e umidade conforme a formação vegetal contribuindo para uma distribuição heterogênea da fauna. Apenas no período seco a formação CGR apresentou valor significativamente menor de riqueza média. Em relação às variáveis de diversidade e uniformidade não apresentaram variações drásticas em relação ao gradiente vegetacional estudado. Os grupos dominantes no gradiente vegetacional foram Formicidae, Coleoptera, Aranae, Acari e Collembola, com redução do número de Coleoptera na época seca. Pela análise de componentes principais (ACP) constatou-se maiores diferenças na composição das comunidades entre as formações vegetais para o período chuvoso. Nesta época, as formações vegetais os estádios FES e CRD estiveram associados a uma maior diversidade de invertebrados do que CSS e CGR, demonstrando influência da complexidade vegetacional sobre a comunidade da fauna do solo.

Edaphic fauna in a vegetation gradient in the Sete Cidades National Park.

The vegetation physionomy and cover can show patterns of diversity and composition of the edaphic community, depending on the quantity and quality of litter in a specific habitat. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the vegetation gradient formed by Graminoid Field (GRF), Cerrado Sensu Stricto (CSS), Cerradão (CRD) and Semideciduous Seasonal Forest (SSF) on density, diversity and composition of the edaphic fauna community in two seasons of the year, in the Sete Cidades National Park (Piauí state). For fauna sampling, a total of eight pitfall traps, distanced 10 m, were placed in each area in the central part of each system, where they remained for seven days. In the wet period, there was a tendency to increase the number of individuals as a function of the complexity of the vegetation formation, with the inverse occurring in the dry period. It was verified an environmental variation of the climatic factors temperature and humidity according to the vegetal formation, contributing to a heterogeneous distribution of the fauna. The GRF formation presented a significantly lower value of average richness only in the dry period. Regarding the variables of diversity and uniformity, they did not show drastic variations in relation to the vegetation gradient studied. The dominant groups in the vegetation gradient were Formicidae, Coleoptera, Aranae, Acari and Collembola, with reduction of the number of Coleoptera in the dry season. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed greater differences in the composition of the communities between the vegetation formations for the rainy season. At this time, the formations SSF and CRD were associated to a greater diversity of invertebrates than CSS and GRF, demonstrating the influence of the vegetation complexity on the soil fauna community.

Edaphic fauna in a vegetation gradient in the Sete Cidades National Park / Fauna edáfica em um gradiente vegetacional no Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades

The vegetation physionomy and cover can show patterns of diversity and composition of the edaphic community, depending on the quantity and quality of litter in a specific habitat. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the vegetation gradient formed by Graminoid Field (GRF), Cerrado Sensu Stricto (CSS), Cerradão (CRD) and Semideciduous Seasonal Forest (SSF) on density, diversity and composition of the edaphic fauna community in two seasons of the year, in the Sete Cidades National Park (Piauí state). For fauna sampling, a total of eight pitfall traps, distanced 10 m, were placed in each area in the central part of each system, where they remained for seven days. In the wet period, there was a tendency to increase the number of individuals as a function of the complexity of the vegetation formation, with the inverse occurring in the dry period. It was verified an environmental variation of the climatic factors temperature and humidity according to the vegetal formation, contributing to a heterogeneous distribution of the fauna. The GRF formation presented a significantly lower value of average richness only in the dry period. Regarding the variables of diversity and uniformity, they did not show drastic variations in relation to the vegetation gradient studied. The dominant groups in the vegetation gradient were Formicidae, Coleoptera, Aranae, Acari and Collembola, with reduction of the number of Coleoptera in the dry season. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed greater differences in the composition of the communities between the vegetation formations for the rainy season. At this time, the formations SSF and CRD were associated to a greater diversity of invertebrates than CSS and GRF, demonstrating the influence of the vegetation complexity on the soil fauna community.(AU)

A fisionomia e cobertura vegetal podem mostrar padrões de diversidade e composição da comunidade edáfica, em função da quantidade e qualidade da serapilheira em determinado habitat específico. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito do gradiente vegetacional formado por Campo Graminóide (CGR), Cerrado Sensu Stricto (CSS), Cerradão (CRD) e Floresta Estacional Semidecídua (FES) sobre a densidade, diversidade e composição da comunidade da fauna edáfica em duas épocas do ano do Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades (PI). Para amostragem da fauna foram colocadas um total de oito armadilhas do tipo Pit-fall, distanciadas por 10 m, em cada área na parte central de cada sistema, onde permaneceram por sete dias. No período úmido houve uma tendência a aumento do número de indivíduos conforme a complexidade da formação vegetal e o inverso ocorreu no período seco. Verificou-se uma variação ambiental dos fatores climáticos temperatura e umidade conforme a formação vegetal contribuindo para uma distribuição heterogênea da fauna. Apenas no período seco a formação CGR apresentou valor significativamente menor de riqueza média. Em relação às variáveis de diversidade e uniformidade não apresentaram variações drásticas em relação ao gradiente vegetacional estudado. Os grupos dominantes no gradiente vegetacional foram Formicidae, Coleoptera, Aranae, Acari e Collembola, com redução do número de Coleoptera na época seca. Pela análise de componentes principais (ACP) constatou-se maiores diferenças na composição das comunidades entre as formações vegetais para o período chuvoso. Nesta época, as formações vegetais os estádios FES e CRD estiveram associados a uma maior diversidade de invertebrados do que CSS e CGR, demonstrando influência da complexidade vegetacional sobre a comunidade da fauna do solo.(AU)

First record of Eremionycha bahiana (Boheman) infesting Tabebuia sp

The Chrysomelidae is the second largest family regarding the number of species within the order Coleoptera. It consists of 37,000 species grouped into 19 subfamilies. Among these subfamilies, most presents species considered agricultural pests ( Chaboo, 2007 ; Laumann et al., 2004 ; Stolar and Bidau, 1997 ). The subfamily Cassidinae has about 6,000 species distributed into 324 genera. They can be found worldwide, with a higher diversity in the tropics, especially in South America and less frequently in North America and Australia ( Chaboo, 2007 ). According to Barney et al. (2007) , the subfamily Cassidinae currently includes two previously recognized subfamilies: Hispinae (“hispines” or leaf-mining beetles) and Cassidinae (tortoise beetles). The species of this subfamily feed on leaves and are associated with the Boraginaceae, Bignoniaceae, Asteraceae, Convolvulaceae and Solanaceae families, and also associated with other no host plants ( Boldt and Staines, 1993 ; Buzzi, 1988 ; Virkki et al., 1992 ). Coleoptera specimens of all developmental stages were collected manually in plants of the genus Tabebuia sp. (Bignoniaceae) at the Agricultural Sciences Center, Socopo campus, Teresina, Piauí state, located in the campus of the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI). They were housed in small cages (transparent plastic pots, 500 mL capacity) and their development was observed at laboratorial conditions. Samples of these insects were sent to a taxonomist for species identification. Images of specimens were obtained using the stereo microscope Hirox at the São Paulo University (Esalq/USP, Piracicaba, SP) Electron Mycroscopy Laboratory and the Nikon SMZ1500 at the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA, Lavras, MG) Electron Microscopy Laboratory.(AU)

Chemical and pharmacological aspects of neutralization of heparins from different animal sources by protamine.

Essentials Bovine (HBI) and porcine (HPI) heparins differ in structure and anticoagulant activity. Protamine-neutralization was evaluated on a variety of physical-chemical methods. HBI requires more protamine than HPI to fully neutralize its anticoagulant activity. Protamine preferentially removes higher-sulfated chains of HBI while HPI is evenly precipitated. SUMMARY: Background Protamine neutralization is an essential step for the safe use and inactivation of the unfractionated heparin (UFH) that is widely employed in surgical and non-surgical procedures involving extracorporeal circulation. Objective To compare protamine neutralization of different pharmaceutical-grade UFHs prepared from porcine or bovine intestine (HPI and HBI, respectively). HBI has approximately half the anticoagulant potency of HPI, mostly as consequence of its fraction enriched with N-sulfated α-glucosamine disaccharides. Methods Protamine neutralization of HPI and HBI was evaluated with in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo assays. We also performed in-depth assessments of the complexation of protamine with these distinct UFHs by using nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy. Results HPI and HBI interact similarly with protamine on a mass/mass basis; however, HBI requires more protamine than HPI to have its anticoagulant activity fully neutralized, because of its lower potency, which entails the use of higher doses. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra revealed that HPI precipitates homogeneously with protamine. On the other hand, the low-sulfated fraction of HBI, enriched with N-sulfated α-glucosamine, precipitates at higher concentrations of protamine than the fraction more like HPI, with a preponderance of N,6-disulfated α-glucosamine disaccharides. Finally, mass spectroscopy spectra showed that some of the different peptide components of protamine interact preferentially with the heparins, irrespective of their animal origin. Conclusion Our results have important medical implications, indicating that protamine neutralization of HBI, determined exclusively by point-of-care coagulation assessments, must fail because of its lower-sulfated fraction with reduced anticoagulant activity that could remain in the circulation after the neutralization procedure.

Bem-estar e qualidade de ovos de codornas alimentadas com extratos de camomila e passiflora / Welfare and quality of quail eggs fed with extracts of chamomile and passionflower

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different combinations of passionflower (Passiflora alata) and chamomile (Matricaria chamomile) on performance, egg quality, behavior and stress of quails during the rearing and laying phases. A total of 196 birds was distributed in randomized blocks, divided into four treatments (conventional feed: 125 mg of Matricaria chamomile + 375 mg of Passiflora alata/kg of feed; 250 mg of M. chamomile + 250 mg of P. alata/kg of feed; 375 mg of M. chamomile + 125 mg P. alata/kg of feed), with seven replications and seven birds per cage. The rearing period began at 28 days of age and lasted 14 days. At this stage were evaluated daily feed intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion, viability, time in tonic immobility (TIT), intensity of injury and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio (H:L). The laying period started when quails reached 42 days of age, in which feed intake, feed conversion, egg production and quality, viability, TIT, intensity of injury and H:L ratio. In the rearing period, the inclusion of the phytotherapics in the diets did not alter the performance, H:L ratio and the intensity of injury (P≥0,05), but the TIT decreased when adding 250 mg of each phytotherapic (P<0,05). In the laying period, the different combinations of chamomile and passionflower did not affect the performance and external quality of fresh eggs (P≥0,05). However, when 250 mg of each phytotherapic was added to the diets, there was a reduction in TIT, H:L ratio and intensity of injury in the head and body of the quails (P<0,05), indicating that the birds were less stressed. As for the internal quality of fresh eggs, there was an improvement in the Haugh unit and the percentages of yolk and albumen when adding 250 mg of each phytotherapic (P<0,05). We concluded that the inclusion of chamomile and passionflower in the diets does not alter the performance of the quails during the rearing and laying periods, does not influence the external...(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes combinações de passiflora (Passiflora alata) e de camomila (Matricaria camomila) sobre o desempenho, qualidade de ovos, comportamento e estresse de codornas durante as fases de recria e de postura. Foram utilizadas 196 aves, distribuídas em blocos ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos (ração convencional; 125 mg de Matricaria chamomila + 375 mg de Passiflora alata/kg de ração; 250 mg de M. chamomila + 250 mg de P. alata/kg de ração; 375 mg de M. chamomila + 125 mg P. alata/kg de ração), com sete repetições e sete aves por parcela. A fase de recria iniciou-se aos 28 dias de idade das aves, durando 14 dias. Nesta fase foram avaliados consumo diário de ração, ganho diário de peso, conversão alimentar, viabilidade de criação, o tempo em imobilidade tônica (TIT), a intensidade de ferimentos e a relação entre heterófilos e linfócitos (H:L). A fase de postura teve início quando as aves atingiram 42 dias de idade, em que foram avaliados consumo de ração, conversão alimentar, produção e qualidade de ovos, viabilidade, TIT, intensidade de ferimentos e relação H:L. Na fase de recria a inclusão dos fitoterápicos às rações não alterou o desempenho, a relação H:L e as intensidades de lesões (P≥0,05), mas diminuiu o TIT quando da adição de 250 mg de cada fitoterápico (P<0,05). Na fase de postura as diferentes combinações de camomila e passiflora não afetaram o desempenho e a qualidade externa de ovos frescos (P≥0,05). No entanto, quando se adicionou 250 mg de cada extrato nas rações houve redução no TIT, na relação H:L e na intensidade de lesões na cabeça e corpo das aves (P<0,05), indicando que as aves estavam menos estressadas. Quanto à qualidade interna de ovos frescos, verificou-se melhora na unidade Haugh e nas porcentagens de gema e de albúmen quando da inclusão de 250 mg de cada fitoterápico (P<0,05). Conclui-se que a adição de camomila e de passiflora nas rações não altera o desempenho produtivo das aves nas...(AU)

Bem-estar e qualidade de ovos de codornas alimentadas com extratos de camomila e passiflora / Welfare and quality of quail eggs fed with extracts of chamomile and passionflower

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different combinations of passionflower (Passiflora alata) and chamomile (Matricaria chamomile) on performance, egg quality, behavior and stress of quails during the rearing and laying phases. A total of 196 birds was distributed in randomized blocks, divided into four treatments (conventional feed: 125 mg of Matricaria chamomile + 375 mg of Passiflora alata/kg of feed; 250 mg of M. chamomile + 250 mg of P. alata/kg of feed; 375 mg of M. chamomile + 125 mg P. alata/kg of feed), with seven replications and seven birds per cage. The rearing period began at 28 days of age and lasted 14 days. At this stage were evaluated daily feed intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion, viability, time in tonic immobility (TIT), intensity of injury and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio (H:L). The laying period started when quails reached 42 days of age, in which feed intake, feed conversion, egg production and quality, viability, TIT, intensity of injury and H:L ratio. In the rearing period, the inclusion of the phytotherapics in the diets did not alter the performance, H:L ratio and the intensity of injury (P≥0,05), but the TIT decreased when adding 250 mg of each phytotherapic (P<0,05). In the laying period, the different combinations of chamomile and passionflower did not affect the performance and external quality of fresh eggs (P≥0,05). However, when 250 mg of each phytotherapic was added to the diets, there was a reduction in TIT, H:L ratio and intensity of injury in the head and body of the quails (P<0,05), indicating that the birds were less stressed. As for the internal quality of fresh eggs, there was an improvement in the Haugh unit and the percentages of yolk and albumen when adding 250 mg of each phytotherapic (P<0,05). We concluded that the inclusion of chamomile and passionflower in the diets does not alter the performance of the quails during the rearing and laying periods, does not influence the external...

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes combinações de passiflora (Passiflora alata) e de camomila (Matricaria camomila) sobre o desempenho, qualidade de ovos, comportamento e estresse de codornas durante as fases de recria e de postura. Foram utilizadas 196 aves, distribuídas em blocos ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos (ração convencional; 125 mg de Matricaria chamomila + 375 mg de Passiflora alata/kg de ração; 250 mg de M. chamomila + 250 mg de P. alata/kg de ração; 375 mg de M. chamomila + 125 mg P. alata/kg de ração), com sete repetições e sete aves por parcela. A fase de recria iniciou-se aos 28 dias de idade das aves, durando 14 dias. Nesta fase foram avaliados consumo diário de ração, ganho diário de peso, conversão alimentar, viabilidade de criação, o tempo em imobilidade tônica (TIT), a intensidade de ferimentos e a relação entre heterófilos e linfócitos (H:L). A fase de postura teve início quando as aves atingiram 42 dias de idade, em que foram avaliados consumo de ração, conversão alimentar, produção e qualidade de ovos, viabilidade, TIT, intensidade de ferimentos e relação H:L. Na fase de recria a inclusão dos fitoterápicos às rações não alterou o desempenho, a relação H:L e as intensidades de lesões (P≥0,05), mas diminuiu o TIT quando da adição de 250 mg de cada fitoterápico (P<0,05). Na fase de postura as diferentes combinações de camomila e passiflora não afetaram o desempenho e a qualidade externa de ovos frescos (P≥0,05). No entanto, quando se adicionou 250 mg de cada extrato nas rações houve redução no TIT, na relação H:L e na intensidade de lesões na cabeça e corpo das aves (P<0,05), indicando que as aves estavam menos estressadas. Quanto à qualidade interna de ovos frescos, verificou-se melhora na unidade Haugh e nas porcentagens de gema e de albúmen quando da inclusão de 250 mg de cada fitoterápico (P<0,05). Conclui-se que a adição de camomila e de passiflora nas rações não altera o desempenho produtivo das aves nas...

Characterization of edaphic fauna in different monocultures in Savanna of Piauí

Abstract Vegetation cover may show diversity and composition patterns of the soil invertebrate community, as a function of litter quantity and quality in a specific habitat. The objective of this work was to characterize the distribution of edaphic fauna in different monocultures. The study was carried out at Chapada Grande farm in Regeneração, PI. Four monoculture areas were chosen: no-tillage soybean, eucalyptus, pasture, and a preserved native cerrado forest. Soil fauna was collected in a dry and wet period by pitfall traps containing 4% formaldehyde. The edaphic fauna was evaluated by the number of individuals per trap per day, average richness and richness, Shannon diversity index and Pielou uniformity index. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and multivariate Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The highest number of individuals per day trap and of average richness were registered in the pasture, eucalyptus and forest areas in both periods, while soybean showed lower values with predominance of Coleoptera and Formicidae groups. The pasture and forest areas showed of higher Shannon index values in the two evaluated seasons, probably due to higher contributions organic residues in the soil that favors the shelter, feeding and reproduction conditions. Regarding the Pielou index, the soybean system showed higher values in this variable. The Aranae, Coleoptera, Formicidae and Diptera groups predominated in the humid period, while Coleoptera and Formicidae predominated in the dry period. Systems that generate greater accumulation of residues harbor a greater diversity of invertebrates of the edaphic fauna. Seasonality had an effect on all variables analyzed and the wet period showed more expressive values.

Resumo A cobertura vegetal pode mostrar padrões de diversidade e composição da comunidade de invertebrados do solo, em função da quantidade e qualidade da serapilheira em determinado habitat específico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a distribuição da fauna edáfica em diferentes monocultivos. O estudo foi realizado na fazenda Chapada Grande no município de Regeneração, PI. Foram escolhidas quatro áreas de monocultivos: soja em sistema de plantio direto, eucalipto, pastagem, além de uma mata nativa de cerrado preservada. Foram realizadas coletas da fauna do solo, em período seco e úmido, por meio de armadilhas do tipo pitfall contendo 4% de formol. A fauna edáfica foi avaliada pelo número de indivíduos por armadilha por dia, riqueza e riqueza média, índice de diversidade de Shannon e índice de uniformidade de Pielou. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e à análise multivariada de Componentes Principais (ACP). O maior número de indivíduos por armadilha dia e de riqueza média foram registrados nas áreas pastagem, eucalipto e mata nos dois períodos, enquanto que a soja mostrou valores inferiores com predomínio dos grupos Coleoptera e Formicidae. As áreas de pastagem e mata mostraram maiores valores de índice de Shannon nas duas épocas avaliadas provavelmente em função de maiores aportes de resíduos orgânicos no solo que favorece as condições de abrigo, alimentação e reprodução. Em relação ao índice de Pielou o sistema com soja mostrou maiores valores nessa variável. Os grupos Araneae, Coleoptera, Formicidae e Diptera predominaram no período úmido, enquanto Coleoptera e Formicidae se destacaram no período seco. Sistemas que geram maior acúmulo de resíduos abrigam uma maior diversidade de invertebrados da fauna edáfica. A sazonalidade apresentou efeito sobre todas as variáveis analisadas sendo que o período úmido mostrou valores mais expressivos.

Evidence of the Association Between Psychology and Tissue and Organ Transplantation in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The addition of psychologists to organ transplant teams is still new in Brazil. In seeking the efficient performance of this professional, the knowledge of the scientific production and the development of research in the area is fundamental. In this sense, this study aims to survey the Brazilian scientific research that has investigated the psychologic aspects involved in tissue and organ transplantation. METHODS: A literature narrative review was performed with the use of the "Transplante AND Psicologia" descriptors in the Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde and the CAPES Journal Portal. RESULTS: Fifty-three articles were found, of which 22 met the inclusion criteria: publications dating from 2000 to 2014 and the main topic of interest of the studies being quality of life, followed by organ donation. The instruments used most frequently were interviews developed by the researchers and the SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: Recent Brazilian studies on the association between psychology and transplantation are still scarce, possibly because of the recent addition of psychologists to transplantation teams. Therefore, it is suggested that more scientific research is made in the area and that the objects of study are more varied, to ensure adequacy of the psychologist to meet the specific demands of organ and tissue transplantation process.

Regular and moderate aerobic training before allergic asthma induction reduces lung inflammation and remodeling.

Experimental studies have reported that aerobic exercise after asthma induction reduces lung inflammation and remodeling. Nevertheless, no experimental study has analyzed whether regular/moderate aerobic training before the induction of allergic asthma may prevent these inflammatory and remodeling processes. For this purpose, BALB/c mice (n = 96) were assigned into non-trained and trained groups. Trained animals ran on a motorized treadmill at moderate intensity, 30 min/day, 3 times/week, for 8 weeks, and were further randomized into subgroups to undergo ovalbumin sensitization and challenge or receive saline using the same protocol. Aerobic training continued until the last challenge. Twenty-four hours after challenge, compared to non-trained animals, trained mice exhibited: (a) increased systolic output and left ventricular mass on echocardiography; (b) improved lung mechanics; (c) decreased smooth muscle actin expression and collagen fiber content in airways and lung parenchyma; (d) decreased transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood; (e) increased interferon (IFN)-γ in BALF and interleukin (IL)-10 in blood; and (f) decreased IL-4 and IL-13 in BALF. In conclusion, regular/moderate aerobic training prior to allergic asthma induction reduced inflammation and remodeling, perhaps through increased IL-10 and IFN-γ in tandem with decreased Th2 cytokines.

The tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib reduces lung inflammation and remodelling in experimental allergic asthma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Asthma is characterized by chronic lung inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. Despite recent advances in understanding of its pathophysiology, asthma remains a major public health problem, and new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. In this context, we sought to ascertain whether treatment with the TK inhibitor dasatinib might repair inflammatory and remodelling processes, thus improving lung function, in a murine model of asthma. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Animals were sensitized and subsequently challenged, with ovalbumin (OVA) or saline. Twenty-four hours after the last challenge, animals were treated with dasatinib, dexamethasone, or saline, every 12 h for 7 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, the animals were killed, and data were collected. Lung structure and remodelling were evaluated by morphometric analysis, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy of lung sections. Inflammation was assessed by cytometric analysis and ELISA, and lung function was evaluated by invasive whole-body plethysmography. KEY RESULTS: In OVA mice, dasatinib, and dexamethasone led to significant reductions in airway hyperresponsiveness. Dasatinib was also able to attenuate alveolar collapse, contraction index, and collagen fibre deposition, as well as increasing elastic fibre content, in OVA mice. Concerning the inflammatory process, dasatinib reduced inflammatory cell influx to the airway and lung-draining mediastinal lymph nodes, without inducing the thymic atrophy promoted by dexamethasone. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: In this model of allergic asthma, dasatinib effectively blunted the inflammatory and remodelling processes in asthmatic lungs, enhancing airway repair and thus improving lung mechanics.

Effects of acute hypercapnia with and without acidosis on lung inflammation and apoptosis in experimental acute lung injury.

We investigated the effects of acute hypercapnic acidosis and buffered hypercapnia on lung inflammation and apoptosis in experimental acute lung injury (ALI). Twenty-four hours after paraquat injection, 28 Wistar rats were randomized into four groups (n=7/group): (1) normocapnia (NC, PaCO2=35-45 mmHg), ventilated with 0.03%CO2+21%O2+balancedN2; (2) hypercapnic acidosis (HC, PaCO2=60-70 mmHg), ventilated with 5%CO2+21%O2+balancedN2; and (3) buffered hypercapnic acidosis (BHC), ventilated with 5%CO2+21%O2+balancedN2 and treated with sodium bicarbonate (8.4%). The remaining seven animals were not mechanically ventilated (NV). The mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-6 (p=0.003), IL-1ß (p<0.001), and type III procollagen (PCIII) (p=0.001) in lung tissue was more reduced in the HC group in comparison with NC, with no significant differences between HC and BHC. Lung and kidney cell apoptosis was reduced in HC and BHC in comparison with NC and NV. In conclusion, in this experimental ALI model, hypercapnia, regardless of acidosis, reduced lung inflammation and lung and kidney cell apoptosis.

Effects of inhalational anaesthetics in experimental allergic asthma.

We evaluated whether isoflurane, halothane and sevoflurane attenuate the inflammatory response and improve lung morphofunction in experimental asthma. Fifty-six BALB/c mice were sensitised and challenged with ovalbumin and anaesthetised with isoflurane, halothane, sevoflurane or pentobarbital sodium for one hour. Lung mechanics and histology were evaluated. Gene expression of pro-inflammatory (tumour necrosis factor-α), pro-fibrogenic (transforming growth factor-ß) and pro-angiogenic (vascular endothelial growth factor) mediators, as well as oxidative process modulators, were analysed. These modulators included nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2, sirtuin, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Isoflurane, halothane and sevoflurane reduced airway resistance, static lung elastance and atelectasis when compared with pentobarbital sodium. Sevoflurane minimised bronchoconstriction and cell infiltration, and decreased tumour necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-ß, vascular endothelial growth factor, sirtuin, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, while increasing nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 expression. Sevoflurane down-regulated inflammatory, fibrogenic and angiogenic mediators, and modulated oxidant-antioxidant imbalance, improving lung function in this model of asthma.