Epidemiological survey of gastrointestinal infections by gastrointestinal nematodes and coccidia in cattle in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil / Levantamento epidemiológico das infecções gastrintestinais por nematóides astrintestinais e coccídios em bovinos no Semiárido do Nordeste do Brasil

The aim of the present study was to carry out an epidemiological survey on gastrointestinal infections by nematodes and coccidia in cattle herds in the semiarid region of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. A total of 832 cattle were sampled, of both sexes and different ages, on 21 farms in 21 municipalities in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Fecal samples were collected individually to perform eggs per gram (EPG) and oocysts per gram (OoPG) counts in feces, and to perform fecal cultures. To assess factors associated with nematode and coccidia infections, epidemiological survey forms were applied to the farmers. The total frequency of infections by nematodes was 59.6% (496/832) and it was 36.9% (307/832) for coccidia. The levels of infection by nematodes and coccidia were most frequently low (EPG < 300; OoPG < 1,000), in 72.4% (359/496) and 75.2% (231/307), respectively. The most frequent nematode genera was Haemonchus spp. (78.8%). The risk factors for nematode infections in cattle were beef production trait (odds ratio = 2.99) and extensive rearing system (odds ratio = 3.8); the factors for coccidia were age ≤ 12 months (odds ratio = 2.9) and body score between 1 and 2 (odds ratio = 5.2). These results prove that there are high frequencies of gastrointestinal infections by nematodes and coccidia in cattle herds in the semiarid region of Paraíba, with predominantly low levels of infection. However, given the importance of subclinical infections, adjustments to sanitary management measures can contribute to reduction of parasite indices and better performance among the animals, thus generating greater profitability for farmers.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar uma análise epidemiológica sobre as infecções gastrintestinais por nematóides e coccídios em rebanhos bovinos na região semiárida da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. Um total de 832 bovinos foram utilizados, de ambos os sexos e diferentes idades, oriundos de 21 fazendas em 21 municípios do estado da Paraíba, Brasil. Amostras fecais individuais foram coletadas para a realização de contagens de ovos por grama (OPG) e oocistos por grama (OoPG) de fezes e para realizar coproculturas. Para obter os fatores associados às infecções por nematódeos e coccídios, questionários epidemiológicos foram aplicados aos produtores. A frequência total de infecções por nematóides foi 59,6% (496/832) e 36,9% (307/832) para coccídios. O nível de infecção para nematóides e coccídios mais frequente foi o baixo (OPG < 300; OoPG < 1.000), em 72,4% (359/496) e 75,2% (231/307), respectivamente. O gênero de namatóide mais frequente foi Haemonchus spp. (78,8%). Os fatores de risco para infecções por nematóides em bovinos foram aptidão para corte (odds ratio = 2.99) e sistema de criação extensivo (odds ratio = 3,8); os fatores para infecções por coccídios foram idade ≤ 12 meses (odds ratio = 2,9) e escore corporal entre 1 e 2 (odds ratio = 5,2). Estes resultados demonstraram que são elevadas as frequências de infecções gastrintestinais por nematóides e coccídios em rebanhos bovinos no Semiárido da Paraíba, com predominância de infecções em nível baixo. Entretanto, devido a importância das infecções subclínicas, ajustes em medidas de manejo sanitário podem contribuir para a redução dos índices de infecções por parasitos e melhorar a performance entre os animais, gerando maiores benefícios econômicos aos produtores.

Arthropods as possible loss or solution sources on Acacia mangium (Fabales: Fabaceae) saplings / Artrópodes como possíveis fontes de perda ou solução em mudas de Acacia mangium (Fabales: Fabaceae)

Acacia mangium (Willd.) (Fabales: Fabaceae) tree shows applicability in programs to recover degraded areas due to its fast-growing, rustic, pioneer species, with the potential to fix nitrogen. However, this plant is attacked by pests. It is important to know, among them, the most important. This study aims to evaluate the herbivorous insects (loss sources) and their natural enemies (solution sources) on 48 A. mangium saplings. They were classified according to their ability to damage or reduce the source of damage on these saplings using the percentage of the Importance Index-Production Unknown (% I.I.-P.U.). The loss sources Trigona spinipes Fabr. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), Aleyrodidae (Hemiptera), Phenacoccus sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), Aethalion reticulatum L. (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae), and Tropidacris collaris Stoll. (Orthoptera: Romaleidae), showed the highest % I.I.-P.U. on leaves of A. mangium saplings. The solution sources Oxyopidae (Araneae), Pseudomyrmex termitarius (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), and Brachymyrmex sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), showed the highest % I.I.-P.U. on leaves of A. mangium saplings. The number of Lordops sp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was reduced per number of Brachymyrmex sp.; that of T. collaris those of Oxyopidae and Brachymyrmex sp.; and that of Tettigoniidae that of P. termitarius, totaling 8.93% of reduction of these herbivorous insects (numbers) on A. mangium saplings. These herbivorous insects turn into problems in commercial plantations of this plant since to are related to pests in some crops. These tending ants and Oxyopidae can be important on A. mangium commercial crops because they can reduce the number of these herbivorous insects.

A Acacia mangium (Willd.) (Fabales: Fabaceae) apresenta aplicabilidade em programas de recuperação de áreas degradadas devido ao seu rápido crescimento, espécie rústica, pioneira, com potencial de fixação de nitrogênio. No entanto, esta planta é atacada por pragas. É importante saber, entre eles, o mais importante. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar os insetos herbívoros (fontes de perda) e seus inimigos naturais (fontes de solução) em 48 mudas A. mangium. Eles foram classificados de acordo com sua capacidade de danificar ou reduzir a fonte de dano nessas mudas usando o percentual do Índice de Importância-Produção Desconhecido (% I.I.-P.U.). As fontes de perda Trigona spinipes Fabr. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), Aleyrodidae (Hemiptera), Phenacoccus sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), Aethalion reticulatum L. (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae) e Tropidacris Collaris Stoll. (Orthoptera: Romaleidae), apresentaram os maiores % I.I.-P.U. em folhas de mudas de A. mangium. As fontes de solução Oxyopidae (Araneae), Pseudomyrmex termitarius (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) e Brachymyrmex sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) apresentaram os maiores % I.I.-P.U. nas folhas de mudas de A. mangium. O número de Lordops sp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) foi reduzido pelo número de Brachymyrmex sp.; a de T. collaris pelos de Oxyopidae e Brachymyrmex sp.; e a de Tettigoniidae pelo de P. termitarius, totalizando 8,93% de redução destes insetos herbívoros (números) em mudas de A. mangium. Esses insetos herbívoros podem se tornar problemas em plantações comerciais desta planta, pois estes estão relacionados como pragas em algumas culturas. Essas formigas e Oxyopidae podem ser importantes em cultivos comerciais de A. mangium, pois podem reduzir o número desses insetos herbívoros.

Individual variation in the advertisement call of Aplastodiscus albosignatus (Anura: Hylidae) is correlated with body size and environmental temperature

The importance of amphibian bioacoustics is widely documented in ecological, taxonomical and evolutionary studies, as calls might act as a primary mechanism of reproductive isolation. The influence of air temperature and male size on the variation of the advertisement calls in anurans is widely recognized but still insufficiently analyzed in Brazilian species. Our goals were to (1) describe the advertisement call of Aplastodiscus albosignatus (Lutz & Lutz, 1938), (2) test the influence of temperature and body size on its acoustic signals and (3) evaluate the variation of within and between-male acoustic signals. Advertisement calls of A. albosignatus consist of an unpulsed note with four harmonics. In most cases, the dominant frequency is the third harmonic but, in some calls, it was the minimum frequency (first harmonic). The average duration of calls was 0.191 s, the interval between calls was 2.08 s and the repetition rate was 33 calls per minute. On average, the minimum frequency was 550.15 Hz, the maximum frequency was 3531.70 Hz and the third harmonic was 2498.9 Hz. To evaluate the effect of air temperature, and body size on the variation of call parameters, we performed generalized linear models. The most explanatory model for spectral parameters was temperature plus body size. Concerning temporal variables, the best model that explains the variation in call duration was body size, while for the interval between calls was air temperature. The maximum frequency and the frequency of the third harmonic had little variation in the calls of both the same male and different males. Thus, these parameters were considered important in species recognition.(AU)

Use of hydrogel in the irrigation management of white pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) seedlings: Biometrics and accumulation of organic and inorganic solutes / Uso do hidrogel no manejo da irrigação de mudas de pitaya branca (Hylocereus undatus): Biometria e acúmulo de solutos orgânicos e inorgânicos

The initial development of pitayas may be limited by a few factors, among them, water deficit. Agricultural hydrogels can be used as an alternative to enhance the retention and availability of water and nutrients in the soil. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of irrigation frequency and hydrogel doses on the development of white pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) seedlings to establish a time interval in days between irrigations that provides better seedling development and determine the hydrogel dose that provides a reduction of water consumption without damaging seedling development. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks in a 4 x 4 factorial arrangement, in which the treatments corresponded to 4 hydrogel doses (0, 2, 4, and 6 g/plant of Biogel Hidro Plus) incorporated into the substrate and four irrigation frequencies (1, 3, 5, and 7 days of interval). The biometric characteristics, photosynthetic pigments, and organic and inorganic solutes of the plants were evaluated after 120 days. The use of daily irrigation negatively influenced the growth and biomass accumulation of the aerial part of the seedlings and, consequently, provided the lowest values of cladodes of the pitaya seedlings. Pitaya seedlings had greater development when using an irrigation frequency of around 3 days. The application of 6 g/plant of hydrogel provided the highest averages for accumulation of dry biomass, photosynthetic pigments, and organic and inorganic solutes at irrigation levels of 3.6, 4, and about 3.8 days of intervals, respectively. Hydrogel incorporation allowed increasing the interval between irrigations by 1 day without damages to the seedling development.(AU)

O desenvolvimento inicial das pitayas pode ser limitado por alguns fatores, entre eles, a escassez de água. Os hidrogeis agrícolas podem ser usados como alternativa para aumentar a retenção e a disponibilidade de água e nutrientes no solo. Portanto, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a influência da frequência de irrigação e das doses de hidrogel no desenvolvimento de mudas de pitaya branca (Hylocereus undatus) para estabelecer um intervalo de tempo em dias entre as irrigações que proporcione melhor desenvolvimento das mudas e determinar a dose de hidrogel que proporcione uma redução de consumo de água sem prejudicar o desenvolvimento das mudas. O delineamento experimental consistiu em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 4 x 4, em que os tratamentos corresponderam a 4 doses de hidrogel (0, 2, 4 e 6 g/ planta de Biogel Hidro Plus) incorporados ao substrato e quatro frequências de irrigação (1, 3, 5 e 7 dias de intervalo). As características biométricas, pigmentos fotossintéticos e solutos orgânicos e inorgânicos das plantas foram avaliados após 120 dias. O uso da irrigação diária influenciou negativamente no crescimento e no acúmulo de biomassa da parte aérea das mudas e, consequentemente, proporcionou os menores valores de cladódios das mudas de pitaya. As mudas de pitaya tiveram maior desenvolvimento com a frequência de irrigação em torno de 3 dias. A aplicação de 6 g/planta de hidrogel proporcionou as maiores médias de acúmulo de biomassa seca, pigmentos fotossintéticos e solutos orgânicos e inorgânicos em níveis de irrigação de 3,6, 4 e cerca de 3,8 dias de intervalo, respectivamente. A incorporação do hidrogel permitiu aumentar o intervalo entre as irrigações em 1 dia sem prejuízo ao desenvolvimento das mudas.(AU)

Episode of Hepatitis C viral infection in the people of Swat, Pakistan / Episódio de infecção viral por Hepatite C no povo de Swat, Paquistão

Infectious agents cause serious diseases in humans worldwide and are responsible for the high rate of morbidity and mortality. The prevalence and epidemiology of infectious disease (HCV) in the hospital visited patients referred by the physicians through the initial findings and their associated risk factors were studied in Swat. The data of 174 infected patients were collected during the period of 2015 to 2017 from two clinical laboratories of Tehsil Matta Swat. Inform consent form was taken before blood collection. After taking informed consent blood samples were collected and ICT test was performed and then ICT positive cases were conform through PCR. A total of 174 ICT positive samples [106 male and 68 females] were included in this study. Age was considered from 10 to 72 years. Of the 174 ICT strip positive, 99 [63 males, 36 females] were confirmed through PCR. The prevalence rate was recorded 56.89%. I.V/I.M injection was recorded in 100% of the individuals. Visits to the barber shop was reported in (58%) of the individuals, married individuals were (81.0), surgical operation was reported in (44.8%), sharing toothbrush was observed in (29.9%), piercing was reported in (39.7%), family history was reported in (26.4%), dental treatment was observed in (21.8%), jaundice were (13.2%) and tattooing was (1.7%). Blood transfusion, surgical operations, Jaundice, family history and dental treatment were found significant risk factors for acquiring HCV infection. It was concluded that proper implementation of precautionary measures should be needed to control the spread of HCV in far near future.

Agentes infecciosos causam doenças graves em humanos em todo o mundo, e são responsáveis pelo alto índice de morbimortalidade. A prevalência e a epidemiologia das doenças infecciosas no hospital que atendeu pacientes encaminhados pelos médicos por meio dos achados iniciais e seus fatores de risco associados foram estudadas em Peshawar. Os dados de 174 pacientes infectados foram coletados durante o período de 2015 a 2017 oriundos de dois laboratórios clínicos de Tehsil Matta Swat. O formulário de consentimento informado foi obtido antes da coleta de sangue. Após a obtenção do consentimento informado, foram coletadas amostras de sangue e foi realizado o teste ICT e, em seguida, os casos ICT positivos foram confirmados por PCR. Um total de 174 amostras ICT positivas [106 homens e 68 mulheres] foi incluído neste estudo. A idade considerada foi de 10 a 72 anos. Das 174 tiras de ICT positivas, 99 casos [63 homens, 36 mulheres] foram confirmados por PCR. A taxa de prevalência foi de 56,89%. A injeção IV / IM foi registrada em 100% dos indivíduos. A visita à barbearia foi relatada em (58%) dos indivíduos, os números de casados foram (81,0%), e a operação cirúrgica foi relatada em (44,8%), o compartilhamento de escova de dente foi observado em (29,9%), o piercing foi relatado em (39,7%), antecedentes familiares foram relatados em (26,4%), tratamento odontológico em (21,8%), icterícia (13,2%) e tatuagem em (1,7%). Transfusão de sangue, operações cirúrgicas, icterícia, histórico familiar e tratamento odontológico foram fatores de risco significativos para adquirir infecção por Vírus da Hepatite C (VHC). Concluiu-se que a implementação adequada de medidas de precaução deve ser necessária para controlar a propagação do VHC em um futuro próximo.

Episode of Hepatitis C viral infection in the people of Swat, Pakistan

ABSTRACT Infectious agents cause serious diseases in humans worldwide and are responsible for the high rate of morbidity and mortality. The prevalence and epidemiology of infectious disease (HCV) in the hospital visited patients referred by the physicians through the initial findings and their associated risk factors were studied in Swat. The data of 174 infected patients were collected during the period of 2015 to 2017 from two clinical laboratories of Tehsil Matta Swat. Inform consent form was taken before blood collection. After taking informed consent blood samples were collected and ICT test was performed and then ICT positive cases were conform through PCR. A total of 174 ICT positive samples [106 male and 68 females] were included in this study. Age was considered from 10 to 72 years. Of the 174 ICT strip positive, 99 [63 males, 36 females] were confirmed through PCR. The prevalence rate was recorded 56.89%. I.V/I.M injection was recorded in 100% of the individuals. Visits to the barber shop was reported in (58%) of the individuals, married individuals were (81.0), surgical operation was reported in (44.8%), sharing toothbrush was observed in (29.9%), piercing was reported in (39.7%), family history was reported in (26.4%), dental treatment was observed in (21.8%), jaundice were (13.2%) and tattooing was (1.7%). Blood transfusion, surgical operations, Jaundice, family history and dental treatment were found significant risk factors for acquiring HCV infection. It was concluded that proper implementation of precautionary measures should be needed to control the spread of HCV in far near future.

RESUMO Agentes infecciosos causam doenças graves em humanos em todo o mundo, e são responsáveis pelo alto índice de morbimortalidade. A prevalência e a epidemiologia das doenças infecciosas no hospital que atendeu pacientes encaminhados pelos médicos por meio dos achados iniciais e seus fatores de risco associados foram estudadas em Peshawar. Os dados de 174 pacientes infectados foram coletados durante o período de 2015 a 2017 oriundos de dois laboratórios clínicos de Tehsil Matta Swat. O formulário de consentimento informado foi obtido antes da coleta de sangue. Após a obtenção do consentimento informado, foram coletadas amostras de sangue e foi realizado o teste ICT e, em seguida, os casos ICT positivos foram confirmados por PCR. Um total de 174 amostras ICT positivas [106 homens e 68 mulheres] foi incluído neste estudo. A idade considerada foi de 10 a 72 anos. Das 174 tiras de ICT positivas, 99 casos [63 homens, 36 mulheres] foram confirmados por PCR. A taxa de prevalência foi de 56,89%. A injeção IV / IM foi registrada em 100% dos indivíduos. A visita à barbearia foi relatada em (58%) dos indivíduos, os números de casados foram (81,0%), e a operação cirúrgica foi relatada em (44,8%), o compartilhamento de escova de dente foi observado em (29,9%), o piercing foi relatado em (39,7%), antecedentes familiares foram relatados em (26,4%), tratamento odontológico em (21,8%), icterícia (13,2%) e tatuagem em (1,7%). Transfusão de sangue, operações cirúrgicas, icterícia, histórico familiar e tratamento odontológico foram fatores de risco significativos para adquirir infecção por Vírus da Hepatite C (VHC). Concluiu-se que a implementação adequada de medidas de precaução deve ser necessária para controlar a propagação do VHC em um futuro próximo.

Episode of Hepatitis C viral infection in the people of Swat, Pakistan / Episódio de infecção viral por Hepatite C no povo de Swat, Paquistão

Infectious agents cause serious diseases in humans worldwide and are responsible for the high rate of morbidity and mortality. The prevalence and epidemiology of infectious disease (HCV) in the hospital visited patients referred by the physicians through the initial findings and their associated risk factors were studied in Swat. The data of 174 infected patients were collected during the period of 2015 to 2017 from two clinical laboratories of Tehsil Matta Swat. Inform consent form was taken before blood collection. After taking informed consent blood samples were collected and ICT test was performed and then ICT positive cases were conform through PCR. A total of 174 ICT positive samples [106 male and 68 females] were included in this study. Age was considered from 10 to 72 years. Of the 174 ICT strip positive, 99 [63 males, 36 females] were confirmed through PCR. The prevalence rate was recorded 56.89%. I.V/I.M injection was recorded in 100% of the individuals. Visits to the barber shop was reported in (58%) of the individuals, married individuals were (81.0), surgical operation was reported in (44.8%), sharing toothbrush was observed in (29.9%), piercing was reported in (39.7%), family history was reported in (26.4%), dental treatment was observed in (21.8%), jaundice were (13.2%) and tattooing was (1.7%). Blood transfusion, surgical operations, Jaundice, family history and dental treatment were found significant risk factors for acquiring HCV infection. It was concluded that proper implementation of precautionary measures should be needed to control the spread of HCV in far near future.

Agentes infecciosos causam doenças graves em humanos em todo o mundo, e são responsáveis pelo alto índice de morbimortalidade. A prevalência e a epidemiologia das doenças infecciosas no hospital que atendeu pacientes encaminhados pelos médicos por meio dos achados iniciais e seus fatores de risco associados foram estudadas em Peshawar. Os dados de 174 pacientes infectados foram coletados durante o período de 2015 a 2017 oriundos de dois laboratórios clínicos de Tehsil Matta Swat. O formulário de consentimento informado foi obtido antes da coleta de sangue. Após a obtenção do consentimento informado, foram coletadas amostras de sangue e foi realizado o teste ICT e, em seguida, os casos ICT positivos foram confirmados por PCR. Um total de 174 amostras ICT positivas [106 homens e 68 mulheres] foi incluído neste estudo. A idade considerada foi de 10 a 72 anos. Das 174 tiras de ICT positivas, 99 casos [63 homens, 36 mulheres] foram confirmados por PCR. A taxa de prevalência foi de 56,89%. A injeção IV / IM foi registrada em 100% dos indivíduos. A visita à barbearia foi relatada em (58%) dos indivíduos, os números de casados foram (81,0%), e a operação cirúrgica foi relatada em (44,8%), o compartilhamento de escova de dente foi observado em (29,9%), o piercing foi relatado em (39,7%), antecedentes familiares foram relatados em (26,4%), tratamento odontológico em (21,8%), icterícia (13,2%) e tatuagem em (1,7%). Transfusão de sangue, operações cirúrgicas, icterícia, histórico familiar e tratamento odontológico foram fatores de risco significativos para adquirir infecção por Vírus da Hepatite C (VHC). Concluiu-se que a implementação adequada de medidas de precaução deve ser necessária para controlar a propagação do VHC em um futuro próximo.

Episode of Hepatitis C viral infection in the people of Swat, Pakistan / Episódio de infecção viral por Hepatite C no povo de Swat, Paquistão

Infectious agents cause serious diseases in humans worldwide and are responsible for the high rate of morbidity and mortality. The prevalence and epidemiology of infectious disease (HCV) in the hospital visited patients referred by the physicians through the initial findings and their associated risk factors were studied in Swat. The data of 174 infected patients were collected during the period of 2015 to 2017 from two clinical laboratories of Tehsil Matta Swat. Inform consent form was taken before blood collection. After taking informed consent blood samples were collected and ICT test was performed and then ICT positive cases were conform through PCR. A total of 174 ICT positive samples [106 male and 68 females] were included in this study. Age was considered from 10 to 72 years. Of the 174 ICT strip positive, 99 [63 males, 36 females] were confirmed through PCR. The prevalence rate was recorded 56.89%. I.V/I.M injection was recorded in 100% of the individuals. Visits to the barber shop was reported in (58%) of the individuals, married individuals were (81.0), surgical operation was reported in (44.8%), sharing toothbrush was observed in (29.9%), piercing was reported in (39.7%), family history was reported in (26.4%), dental treatment was observed in (21.8%), jaundice were (13.2%) and tattooing was (1.7%). Blood transfusion, surgical operations, Jaundice, family history and dental treatment were found significant risk factors for acquiring HCV infection. It was concluded that proper implementation of precautionary measures should be needed to control the spread of HCV in far near future.(AU)

Agentes infecciosos causam doenças graves em humanos em todo o mundo, e são responsáveis pelo alto índice de morbimortalidade. A prevalência e a epidemiologia das doenças infecciosas no hospital que atendeu pacientes encaminhados pelos médicos por meio dos achados iniciais e seus fatores de risco associados foram estudadas em Peshawar. Os dados de 174 pacientes infectados foram coletados durante o período de 2015 a 2017 oriundos de dois laboratórios clínicos de Tehsil Matta Swat. O formulário de consentimento informado foi obtido antes da coleta de sangue. Após a obtenção do consentimento informado, foram coletadas amostras de sangue e foi realizado o teste ICT e, em seguida, os casos ICT positivos foram confirmados por PCR. Um total de 174 amostras ICT positivas [106 homens e 68 mulheres] foi incluído neste estudo. A idade considerada foi de 10 a 72 anos. Das 174 tiras de ICT positivas, 99 casos [63 homens, 36 mulheres] foram confirmados por PCR. A taxa de prevalência foi de 56,89%. A injeção IV / IM foi registrada em 100% dos indivíduos. A visita à barbearia foi relatada em (58%) dos indivíduos, os números de casados foram (81,0%), e a operação cirúrgica foi relatada em (44,8%), o compartilhamento de escova de dente foi observado em (29,9%), o piercing foi relatado em (39,7%), antecedentes familiares foram relatados em (26,4%), tratamento odontológico em (21,8%), icterícia (13,2%) e tatuagem em (1,7%). Transfusão de sangue, operações cirúrgicas, icterícia, histórico familiar e tratamento odontológico foram fatores de risco significativos para adquirir infecção por Vírus da Hepatite C (VHC). Concluiu-se que a implementação adequada de medidas de precaução deve ser necessária para controlar a propagação do VHC em um futuro próximo.(AU)

Forage biomass and water storage of cactus pear under different managements in semi-arid conditions

Forage biomass production and water storage (WS) was evaluated in cactus pear cv. Gigante fertilized with combinations of nitrogen (10, 70, 100, 130, and 190 kg ha−1 yr−1 N) and phosphorus (10, 70, 100, 130, and 190 kg ha−1 yr−1 P2 O5 ) in annual (AH) and biennial (BH) harvest frequencies, in Quixadá and Tejuçuoca, Brazil. A randomized complete block design was used in a split-plot arrangement with four replications. In Quixadá, the maximum total forage biomass (TFB) recorded in the AH was 3,522.9 kg ha−1 yr−1 for the N/P2 O5 combination of 134.6/190.0 kg ha−1 yr−1, and in the BH, the maximum TFB of 1,583.2 kg ha−1 yr−1 was recorded for the N/P2 O5 combination of 114.6/136.8 kg ha−1 yr−1. In Tejuçuoca, the maximum TFB recorded in the AH was 9,783.0 kg ha−1 yr−1 for the N/P2 O5 combination of 137.7/190.0 kg ha−1 yr−1, and in the BH, the maximum TFB of 12,124.0 kg ha−1 yr−1 was recorded for the N/P2 O5 combination of 190.0/56.8 kg ha−1 yr−1. In Quixadá, the maximum WS recorded in the AH was 39.1 kg ha−1 mm−1 for the N/P2 O5 combination of 161.0/190.0 kg ha−1 yr−1, and in the BH, the maximum WS of 11.3 kg ha−1 mm−1 was recorded for the N/P2 O5 combination of 113.5/158.7 kg ha−1 yr−1. In Tejuçuoca, the maximum WS recorded in the AH was 196.1 kg ha−1 mm−1 for the N/P2 O5 combination of 190.0/190.0 kg ha−1 yr−1, and in the BH, the maximum WS of 265.5 kg ha−1 mm−1 was recorded for the N/P2 O5 combination of 190.0/10.0 kg ha−1 yr−1. To achieve the persistence and longevity of the cactus pear cv. Gigante, the management with BH and fertilization with the N/P2 O5 combination of 114.6/136.8 kg ha−1 yr−1 (in regions similar to Quixadá) and N/P2 O5 combination of 190.0/56.8 kg ha−1 yr−1 (in regions similar to Tejuçuoca) is recommended.

Nutritional value of cactus pear grown under different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus and two harvest frequencies

This study evaluated the effects of N/P fertilization on the chemical, mineral composition, and in vitro degradation kinetics of cactus pear cv. Gigante. The research was conducted in Quixadá and Tejuçuoca, CE, Brazil. Nine N/P combinations were evaluated from five levels of N (10, 70, 100, 130, and 190 kg ha−1 year−1), five levels of P2 O5 (10, 70, 100, 130, and 190 kg ha−1 year−1), and two harvest frequencies (annual and biannual). The experiment was performed in a split plot completely randomized block design, with four replications. The maximum CP content was obtained in biannual harvest in Quixadá and Tejuçuoca with the combined levels N/P2 O5 of 190/190 and 130.03/190 kg ha−1 year−1, respectively. Calcium content was reduced by fertilization, which allowed to reduce the Ca:P ratio to 9.72:1.00 with the N/P2 O5 combination at 190/10 kg ha−1 year−1 in the biannual harvest. The increase in N and P levels results in higher S and Mn content and higher digestibility. The annual harvest improves quality in Quixadá. However, it has weaker influence on quality in Tejuçuoca. In Tejuçuoca, Mg, Cu, and Mn contents are lower under annual harvest. Sulfur content is lower under annual harvest in both sites.

Behavior of male and female eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus) in an artificial environment

The eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus) is a species of parrot native to the Solomon Islands, Sumba, New Guinea and nearby islands, northeastern Australia, and the Moluccan Islands. The wide range of behaviors emphasizes the existence of knowledge of only a mere fraction of the significant behavioral parameters of these birds. The objective of this study is to identify the behavior of the eclectus parrot kept in captivity and to check the frequency of these birds in certain places of the nursery, comparing the results to other studies about parrots and the behavior in nature. This is a study about the behavior of a bird with a very pronounced sexual dimorphism, where the males have a predominantly green color, and the females are mainly red-colored. In the wild, while the male perches on the outer branches of the trees, thefemale usually perches close to tree trunks. This location, together with her red and blue plumage, provides the ideal camouflage in the dark interior of the trees.

Temperature effect on the maximum swimming speed of jack mackerelTrachurus japonicus through muscle contraction monitoring

The purpose of this study is to know the effect of temperature on fish muscle contraction of jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus), which muscle contraction will determine the tail beat frequency and maximum swimming speed. The maximum swimming speed of was evaluated according to the measurement of the muscle contraction time with electric stimuli of 2-7 V, 50 ms. Fish were separated into four groups for temperature acclimation at 10, 15, 18 and 22ºC to reflect typical changes in seasonal water temperature in Japan. Results showed that the swimming speed of the fish was positively related to the tail-beat frequency at all temperatures. The muscle contraction time was also affected by the acclimated temperature, which longer at the lower temperature than higher ones. Mean contraction time (Tm) was 45.1 ms at 10 ºC, 32.7 ms at 15 ºC, 32.9 ms at 18 ºC, and 31.9 ms at 22 ºC, respectively. The mean of maximum tail-beat frequency (Fmax) obtained from Fmax = ½ Tm was 11.4 Hz at 10 ºC, 15.8 Hz at 15 ºC, 16,4 Hz at 18 ºC, and 16.6 Hz at 22 ºC. These were used to estimate the maximum swimming speed (Umax) at each temperature, resulting in 9.45 FL s-¹ at 10 ºC, 13.5 FL s-¹ at 15 ºC, 14.0 FL s-¹ 18 ºC, and 14.2 FL s-¹ at 22 ºC. The seasonal temperature effects on the swimming performance of T. japonicus, which lower water temperature in the winter made low swimming performance.(AU)

Temperature effect on the maximum swimming speed of jack mackerelTrachurus japonicus through muscle contraction monitoring

The purpose of this study is to know the effect of temperature on fish muscle contraction of jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus), which muscle contraction will determine the tail beat frequency and maximum swimming speed. The maximum swimming speed of was evaluated according to the measurement of the muscle contraction time with electric stimuli of 2-7 V, 50 ms. Fish were separated into four groups for temperature acclimation at 10, 15, 18 and 22ºC to reflect typical changes in seasonal water temperature in Japan. Results showed that the swimming speed of the fish was positively related to the tail-beat frequency at all temperatures. The muscle contraction time was also affected by the acclimated temperature, which longer at the lower temperature than higher ones. Mean contraction time (Tm) was 45.1 ms at 10 ºC, 32.7 ms at 15 ºC, 32.9 ms at 18 ºC, and 31.9 ms at 22 ºC, respectively. The mean of maximum tail-beat frequency (Fmax) obtained from Fmax = ½ Tm was 11.4 Hz at 10 ºC, 15.8 Hz at 15 ºC, 16,4 Hz at 18 ºC, and 16.6 Hz at 22 ºC. These were used to estimate the maximum swimming speed (Umax) at each temperature, resulting in 9.45 FL s-¹ at 10 ºC, 13.5 FL s-¹ at 15 ºC, 14.0 FL s-¹ 18 ºC, and 14.2 FL s-¹ at 22 ºC. The seasonal temperature effects on the swimming performance of T. japonicus, which lower water temperature in the winter made low swimming performance.

Overcoming dormancy in Bauhinia scandens seeds / Superação de dormência de sementes de Bauhinia scandens

Bauhinia scandens, an ornamental climbing vine, recently introduced in Brazil, in 2006 which has been gaining prominence due to its anti-tumor medicinal properties. A common feature amongst species of the Fabaceae family is dormancy due to the impermeability of the integument of the seed to water. The demand for seedlings of this species makes it necessary to elucidate the germination process and initial seedling growth. The objective of this study was to determine a method to overcome dormancy, thereby promoting seed germination and initial growth of B. scandens seedlings. The seeds were subjected to one of four treatments, besides the control: mechanical scarification, immersion in water (26 °C for 24 hours), immersion in hot water (86 °C for 24 hours, then 26 °C) and immersion in H2 SO4 (95%) for 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. The seeds were evaluated for water content, germination (normal, abnormal seedlings, dormant and dead seeds), first count, mean germination time and relative frequency of germination. The seedlings were evaluated for emergence in sand, first count, emergence speed index, length and dry matter mass. B. scandens seeds should be immersed in H2SO4 for 45 and 60 minutes before sowing to overcome dormancy, in order to promote and standardize seed germination and enhance initial growth of the seedlings.(AU)

Bauhinia scandens é uma trepadeira ornamental, recentemente trazida para o Brasil, que vem ganhando destaque devido às propriedades medicinais antitumorais. Uma característica comum entre as espécies da família Fabaceae é a dormência nas sementes por impermeabilidade do tegumento e para a demanda por mudas desta espécie torna necessário o conhecimento sobre o processo germinativo das sementes e o crescimento inicial das plântulas. O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar um método para a superação da dormência, promoção da germinação das sementes e crescimento inicial de plântulas de B. scandens. As sementes foram submetidas aos seguintes tratamentos: testemunha, escarificação mecânica, imersão em água (26 °C/ 24 h), imersão em água quente (86 ºC e ao final do período de 24 h, 26 ºC), imersão em H2 SO4 (95%) por 15, 30, 45 e 60 minutos. As sementes foram avaliadas quanto ao teor de água, germinação (plântulas normais, anormais, sementes dormentes e mortas), primeira contagem, tempo médio de germinação e frequência relativa. As plântulas foram avaliadas quanto à emergência em areia, primeira contagem, índice de velocidade de emergência, comprimento e massa de matéria seca. As sementes de B. scandens devem ser imersas em H2 SO4 por 45 e 60 minutos antes da semeadura para superar a dormência, promover e uniformizar a germinação de sementes e proporcionar maior crescimento inicial de plântulas.(AU)

Leaf tissue flows and defoliation patterns of Alexandergrass grazed by heifers receiving energy supplement

The study was carried out to evaluate defoliation patterns and to quantify leaf tissue flows in Alexandergrass (Urochloa plantaginea (Link.) Hitch) grazed by beef heifers receiving whole rice bran in three levels of supplementation (0, 0.5 and 1 % of body weight). A rotational stocking grazing method and two area replications were utilized. The experimental design was completely randomized following a repeated measure arrangement. The supply of rice bran to heifers grazing Alexandergrass increased the stocking rate by 13%. Regardless of the feeding system, the heifers grazed the expanding leaf blades in the top stratum of the canopy more frequently compared to other types of leaf. Leaf tissue flows, leaf blade intake and grazing intensity have not been changed by supplement fed.(AU)

Leaf tissue flows and defoliation patterns of Alexandergrass grazed by heifers receiving energy supplement

The study was carried out to evaluate defoliation patterns and to quantify leaf tissue flows in Alexandergrass (Urochloa plantaginea (Link.) Hitch) grazed by beef heifers receiving whole rice bran in three levels of supplementation (0, 0.5 and 1 % of body weight). A rotational stocking grazing method and two area replications were utilized. The experimental design was completely randomized following a repeated measure arrangement. The supply of rice bran to heifers grazing Alexandergrass increased the stocking rate by 13%. Regardless of the feeding system, the heifers grazed the expanding leaf blades in the top stratum of the canopy more frequently compared to other types of leaf. Leaf tissue flows, leaf blade intake and grazing intensity have not been changed by supplement fed.

Caracterização de pelagens em equinos da raça Campolina / Characterization of coat colors horses from the Campolina breed

Desde tempos remotos, a pelagem é valorizada no agronegócio equestre. Em animais Campolina, objetivou-se avaliar a ocorrência de pelagens e a distribuição entre sexos nos estados do Brasil, assim como verificar a frequência desse fenótipo nos acasalamentos e associá-lo com medidas lineares e qualidade da marcha. Foram selecionados 44.437 registros definitivos e utilizaram-se testes de qui-quadrado para avaliar a distribuição de pelagens entre sexos, estados e décadas. Por análise descritiva, foi obtida frequência de acasalamento dos fenótipos e proporções resultantes nos filhos. Foram contabilizados os indivíduos acasalados e os mais usados por décadas de nascimento e de registro. Pelagens baia, alazã e castanha predominaram, com 20.422; 11.941 e 5.256 animais, respectivamente. O fenótipo baio representou 45,21% em Minas Gerais; 46,98% no Rio de Janeiro e 48,98% em São Paulo. Para machos e fêmeas constatou-se maior frequência de pelagens baia, alazã e castanha. Os acasalamentos mais frequentes foram alazã x baia, baia x baia e baia x castanha. Este é o primeiro artigo a avaliar a ocorrência das pelagens em equinos da raça Campolina, sendo baia a mais prevalente em ambos os sexos. A qualidade da marcha ao registro não está associada à pelagem. Esse fenótipo deve ser usado com cautela na seleção.(AU)

Since ancient times, coat colors are valued in the equestrian business. The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of coat colors and distribution among sexes in Brazil and also verify the frequency of this phenotype in reproduction to associate it with linear measurements and functionality. 44,437 definitive records were selected, and chi-square tests were used to evaluate coat colors and distribution between sexes, states and decades. By descriptive analysis the phenotypes breeding frequency and proportions in the offspring were obtained. Breeding and most used individuals were accounted by decade of birth and registration. Dun, chestnut and bay coat colors predominated, with 20,422; 11,941 and 5,256 animals, respectively. Dun represented 45.21% in Minas Gerais; 46.98% in Rio de Janeiro and 48.98% in São Paulo. For males and females there was a higher frequency of dun, chestnut and bay. The most frequent breeding colors were chestnut x dun, dun x dun and dun x bay. This is the first article to evaluate the coat colors in the Campolina population, dun being the most prevalent coat color in both sexes. The gait quality at the register is not associated with the coat color. This phenotype should be used with caution in selection.(AU)

Megathyrsus Maximus cv. Massai at different cutting frequencies / Megathyrsus Maximus cv. Massai submetido a frequências de corte

We evaluated the growth dynamics and forage production of Massai grass subjected to different cutting frequencies during the rainy season, with the aim to determine the most suitable cutting frequency to increase grass productivity. A randomized block design with four treatments (four cutting frequencies, 24, 32, 48, and 96 days) was used. The morphological characteristics were evaluated weekly in seven random tillers. Leaf appearance rate, phyllochron value, foliar elongation rate, leaf senescence rate, and stem elongation rate were influenced (p < 0.05) by the cutting frequency, while no effect was found for leaf life span. The number of live leaves per tiller, mean length of leaf blades, population density of tillers (DPP), and sheath length were influenced by the cutting frequency, along with plant height, dry mass of harvested leaf blade, dry mass of harvested stem, dry mass of harvested dead material, and leaf/stem ratio, while there was no effect on dry mass of forage harvested. The rates of leaf blade accumulation, stem accumulation, forage loss, and forage production were not affected by cutting frequency. A cutting frequency of 24 days resulted in the highest productivity values of Massai grass during the rainy season.(AU)

Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar a dinâmica de crescimento e produção de forragem do capim Massai submetido as frequências de desfolhação, durante o período chuvoso, com intuito de elucidar a melhor frequência de desfolhação no manejo do pastejo, para garantir maior produtividade do capim. Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizado, com quatro tratamentos (quatro frequências de desfolhação do dossel, sendo 24; 32; 48 e 96 dias de intervalo de corte). As características morfogênicas foram avaliadas após o corte de uniformização, em sete perfilhos ao acaso por repetição. Estas avaliações foram feitas semanalmente. A taxa de aparecimento foliar, o filocrono, a taxa de alongamento foliar, a taxa de senescência foliar e a taxa de alongamento do colmo foram influenciados (p < 0,05) pelas frequências de corte do capim Massai, não havendo efeito (p > 0,05) na duração de vida da folha. O número de folhas vivas por perfilho, o comprimento médio de lâminas foliares, a densidade populacional de perfilhos (DPP) e o comprimento da bainha foram influenciados pelas frequências de corte do capim Massai. A altura da planta, a massa seca de lâmina foliar colhida, a massa seca do colmo colhida, a massa seca de material morto colhida e a relação folha/colmo foram influenciados pelas frequências de corte, não havendo resposta na massa seca de forragem colhida. As taxas de acúmulo de lâmina foliar, o acúmulo de colmo, a perda de forragem e a produção bruta de forragem não foram influenciadas pelas frequências de corte. A frequência de desfolhação no período de 24 dias, apresentou os melhores valores de produtividade do capim Massai durante o período chuvoso.(AU)

Megathyrsus Maximus cv. Massai at different cutting frequencies / Megathyrsus Maximus cv. Massai submetido a frequências de corte

We evaluated the growth dynamics and forage production of Massai grass subjected to different cutting frequencies during the rainy season, with the aim to determine the most suitable cutting frequency to increase grass productivity. A randomized block design with four treatments (four cutting frequencies, 24, 32, 48, and 96 days) was used. The morphological characteristics were evaluated weekly in seven random tillers. Leaf appearance rate, phyllochron value, foliar elongation rate, leaf senescence rate, and stem elongation rate were influenced (p < 0.05) by the cutting frequency, while no effect was found for leaf life span. The number of live leaves per tiller, mean length of leaf blades, population density of tillers (DPP), and sheath length were influenced by the cutting frequency, along with plant height, dry mass of harvested leaf blade, dry mass of harvested stem, dry mass of harvested dead material, and leaf/stem ratio, while there was no effect on dry mass of forage harvested. The rates of leaf blade accumulation, stem accumulation, forage loss, and forage production were not affected by cutting frequency. A cutting frequency of 24 days resulted in the highest productivity values of Massai grass during the rainy season.

Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar a dinâmica de crescimento e produção de forragem do capim Massai submetido as frequências de desfolhação, durante o período chuvoso, com intuito de elucidar a melhor frequência de desfolhação no manejo do pastejo, para garantir maior produtividade do capim. Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizado, com quatro tratamentos (quatro frequências de desfolhação do dossel, sendo 24; 32; 48 e 96 dias de intervalo de corte). As características morfogênicas foram avaliadas após o corte de uniformização, em sete perfilhos ao acaso por repetição. Estas avaliações foram feitas semanalmente. A taxa de aparecimento foliar, o filocrono, a taxa de alongamento foliar, a taxa de senescência foliar e a taxa de alongamento do colmo foram influenciados (p 0,05) na duração de vida da folha. O número de folhas vivas por perfilho, o comprimento médio de lâminas foliares, a densidade populacional de perfilhos (DPP) e o comprimento da bainha foram influenciados pelas frequências de corte do capim Massai. A altura da planta, a massa seca de lâmina foliar colhida, a massa seca do colmo colhida, a massa seca de material morto colhida e a relação folha/colmo foram influenciados pelas frequências de corte, não havendo resposta na massa seca de forragem colhida. As taxas de acúmulo de lâmina foliar, o acúmulo de colmo, a perda de forragem e a produção bruta de forragem não foram influenciadas pelas frequências de corte. A frequência de desfolhação no período de 24 dias, apresentou os melhores valores de produtividade do capim Massai durante o período chuvoso.

Caracterização de pelagens em equinos da raça Campolina / Characterization of coat colors horses from the Campolina breed

Desde tempos remotos, a pelagem é valorizada no agronegócio equestre. Em animais Campolina, objetivou-se avaliar a ocorrência de pelagens e a distribuição entre sexos nos estados do Brasil, assim como verificar a frequência desse fenótipo nos acasalamentos e associá-lo com medidas lineares e qualidade da marcha. Foram selecionados 44.437 registros definitivos e utilizaram-se testes de qui-quadrado para avaliar a distribuição de pelagens entre sexos, estados e décadas. Por análise descritiva, foi obtida frequência de acasalamento dos fenótipos e proporções resultantes nos filhos. Foram contabilizados os indivíduos acasalados e os mais usados por décadas de nascimento e de registro. Pelagens baia, alazã e castanha predominaram, com 20.422; 11.941 e 5.256 animais, respectivamente. O fenótipo baio representou 45,21% em Minas Gerais; 46,98% no Rio de Janeiro e 48,98% em São Paulo. Para machos e fêmeas constatou-se maior frequência de pelagens baia, alazã e castanha. Os acasalamentos mais frequentes foram alazã x baia, baia x baia e baia x castanha. Este é o primeiro artigo a avaliar a ocorrência das pelagens em equinos da raça Campolina, sendo baia a mais prevalente em ambos os sexos. A qualidade da marcha ao registro não está associada à pelagem. Esse fenótipo deve ser usado com cautela na seleção.(AU)

Since ancient times, coat colors are valued in the equestrian business. The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of coat colors and distribution among sexes in Brazil and also verify the frequency of this phenotype in reproduction to associate it with linear measurements and functionality. 44,437 definitive records were selected, and chi-square tests were used to evaluate coat colors and distribution between sexes, states and decades. By descriptive analysis the phenotypes breeding frequency and proportions in the offspring were obtained. Breeding and most used individuals were accounted by decade of birth and registration. Dun, chestnut and bay coat colors predominated, with 20,422; 11,941 and 5,256 animals, respectively. Dun represented 45.21% in Minas Gerais; 46.98% in Rio de Janeiro and 48.98% in São Paulo. For males and females there was a higher frequency of dun, chestnut and bay. The most frequent breeding colors were chestnut x dun, dun x dun and dun x bay. This is the first article to evaluate the coat colors in the Campolina population, dun being the most prevalent coat color in both sexes. The gait quality at the register is not associated with the coat color. This phenotype should be used with caution in selection.(AU)