Increasing levels of calcium salts of palm fatty acids affect production responses during the immediate postpartum and carryover periods in dairy cows.

Our objective was to determine the dose-response effects of calcium salts of palm fatty acids (CSPF) on nutrient digestibility and production responses of early-lactation dairy cows grazing on tropical pastures and to evaluate carryover effects throughout mid and late lactation. Forty multiparous dairy cows (Jersey × Holstein) with (mean ± standard error of the mean) 20 ± 1.69 kg of milk/d and 20 ± 5.0 d in milk were used in a randomized complete block design. During the treatment period, all cows were kept in a grazing system. The treatments were offered for 90 d (treatment period) and consisted of 4 increasing levels of CSPF: 0 (0 kg/d), 0.2 (0.2 kg/d), 0.4 (0.4 kg/d), and 0.6 (0.6 kg/d). Each treatment had 10 animals. Increasing CSPF from 0 to 0.6 kg/d replaced an equivalent amount of a corn-based concentrate supplement offered at 10 kg/d on an as-fed basis (8.96 kg/d as a dry matter basis). All cows were housed and received a diet without fat inclusion fed as total mixed ration once a day from 91 to 258 d of the experiment (carryover period). During the treatment period, increasing CSPF linearly decreased dry matter intake (1.20 kg/d), linearly increased neutral detergent fiber digestibility (3.90 percentage units), and quadratically increased total fat digestibility (6.30 percentage units at 0.4 kg/d CSPF). Increasing CSPF linearly increased the yields of milk (4.10 kg/d), milk fat (0.11 kg/d), milk lactose (0.19 kg/d), energy-corrected milk (ECM; 3.30 kg/d), and feed efficiency (ECM/dry matter intake, 0.34 kg/kg), and linearly decreased milk protein content (0.38 g/100 g), body weight change (0.05 kg/d), and body condition score (0.37). We observed interactions between CSPF and time during the carryover period. Overall, CSPF supplementation linearly increased or tended to increase milk yield until 202 d of the experiment with a similar pattern observed for all the other yield variables. In conclusion, supplementing CSPF from 0 to 0.6 kg/d during 90 d increased neutral detergent fiber and total fat digestibility and the yields of milk, milk fat, and ECM in early-lactation dairy cows grazing on tropical pastures. Most production measurements linearly increased during the treatment period, indicating that 0.6 kg/d CSPF was the best dose. Also, supplementing CSPF from 0 to 0.6 kg/d for 90 d during early lactation had positive carryover effects across mid and late lactation.

Natural hybridization between Gossypium mustelinum and exotic allotetraploid cotton species.

Cotton has been collected in Brazil for decades for its conservation, evaluation, and the use of its genetic resources. Gossypium mustelinum is an allotetraploid cotton species that only occurs in Brazil, and little is known about its genetic potential for improvement. However, the species is threatened by habitat fragmentation and interspecific hybridization with exotic species of cotton. In this study, we investigated the rate of natural hybridization in two populations of G. mustelinum in Bahia, Brazil, with G. hirsutum and G. barbadense using a set of microsatellite markers.

Direct seeding as a recruitment alternative for the threatened tropical palm Syagrus coronata (Mart.) Beccari in Brazilian dry forest.

Habitat loss reduces biodiversity and threatens ecological services. The use of techniques for vegetation restoration such as direct seeding seems promising, mainly because it reduces costs and labor. The aim of this study was to investigate which are the main ecological filters that can inhibit the success of direct seeding, using Syagrus coronata (Mart.) Beccari (Arecaceae), a species that has great ecological and extractive importance for the Brazilian semi-arid region, and is found in habitats with different management intensities. The following hypotheses were tested: (1) managed habitat (pasture) and natural habitat (caatinga vegetation) show differences in seed fate; and (2) defleshed fruits will have greater seed germination success compared to not defleshed. Seed fate was evaluated for two consecutive years, year I (2016-2017) and year II (2017-2018). Within these years, 800 mature fruits were buried along 300 m transects, half with defleshing treatment, and monitored during 240 days. The highest seed survival occurred in year II, this result may be associated with higher rainfall recorded during the experiment, considering that there was no difference in seed germination between habitats. Defleshing facilitated germination and reduced insect predation, likely by removing invertebrate larvae before they have reached the seed. Desiccation was the major cause of mortality in the entire study and was higher in the managed habitat. Water insufficiency may have caused the deactivation of antioxidant mechanisms and affected the embryo. Although defleshing may favor germination, this procedure would not be indicated for pastures as it favors desiccation. The study showed how habitat management and fruit defleshing can affect seed fate. More studies on ecological relationships need to be carried out to increase understanding of how habitat modification affects the functioning of arid ecosystems.

Liposomes co-encapsulating doxorubicin and glucoevatromonoside derivative induce synergic cytotoxic response against breast cancer cell lines.

Cancer is one of the main causes of death in the world and thus a global public health problem. Among the treatments available for cancer are surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Currently, there is increased interest in the combination of two or more antitumor agents to achieve a synergistic effect in cancer therapy. Doxorubicin (DOX), a chemotherapeutic which has a potent antineoplastic action, has been used in the treatment of various tumors. However, the use of DOX is limited, mainly due to the cardiotoxicity. Therefore, nanostructured systems, such as liposomes, have been developed to carry this drug and target the tumor region, since tumor tissues present enhanced permeability and retention for nanosystems. Cardiac glycosides, such as digitoxin, have recently shown great antitumor potential despite the low therapeutic index which may limit their use. Furthermore, some compounds of this class have low water solubility, which makes their in vivo administration difficult. In this context, liposomes represent a valid strategy to carry simultaneously antitumor drugs allowing their intravenous administration. In this study, liposomes loaded with glucoevatromonoside containing peracetylated glucose hydroxyl groups (GEVPG) and DOX at molar ratio of 1:1 (SpHL-GEVPG:DOX 1:1) were developed, and their chemical and physicochemical properties were evaluated. This formulation presented a combination index (CI) lower than 1 at inhibitory concentration of 90 % growth (IC90) for three human breast tumor lines evaluated (0.52 ± 0.39 for MDA-MB-231, 0.19 ± 0.13 for MCF-7, and 0.99 ± 0.09 for SKBR-3). These results indicate a synergistic cytotoxic effect of the GEVPG and DOX combination encapsulated in liposomes. In addition, SpHL-GEVPG:DOX 1:1 presented selectivity towards these cancer cells. Long-term in vitro cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that MDA-MB-231 surviving cells after treatment with SpHL-GEVPG:DOX 1:1 did not recover proliferation capacity after 21 d. From the studies of cell cycle and death pathway evaluation, it was observed that SpHL-GEVPG:DOX 1:1 arrested the cell cycle in the G2/M phase and similarly induced apoptosis and necrosis. However, SpHL-GEVPG:DOX at molar ratio of 1:1 showed lower induction of both apoptotic and necrotic pathways compared to free DOX and SpHL-DOX, suggesting that the mechanism of death involved may not be related to necrosis or apoptosis. Lastly, SpHL-GEVPG:DOX 1:1 showed a good storage stability for 90 d at 4 °C. Therefore, the results of the present work indicate the potential use of SpHL-GEVPG:DOX 1:1 as a new anticancer formulation.

Natural Vs Managed Habitat: Effect Over the Seed-Predator Pachymerus nucleorum and Its Natural Enemies.

The licuri palm, Syagrus coronata (Martius) Beccari (Arecaceae), is widely distributed throughout the Brazilian Caatinga and has high cultural, socioeconomical, and ecological importance. The palm tree logging is prohibited by the Brazilian law, and thus isolated individuals are a common sight on managed pastures in the Brazilian semi-arid region. We aimed to compare the insect seed-predator Pachymerus nucleorum (Fabricius) (Bruchinae) abundance and its predation levels on S. coronata seeds between managed (pasture) and natural (Caatinga vegetation) habitats. We also monitored the parasitoid Heterospilus prosopodis (Viereck) (Braconidae) abundance and other P. nucleorum potential natural enemies (generalist predators and microhymenopterans). We tested the hypothesis that more complex and heterogenous habitats (i.e., with higher plant diversity) support higher abundance of potential P. nucleorum natural enemies. For such, we collected 600 fruits from each habitat and evaluated the seed predation level by P. nucleorum, as well as the P. nucleorum parasitism by H. prosopodis. The P. nucleorum abundance and its potential natural enemies were estimated using 122 sticky traps placed on the S. coronata individuals' crown. Neither the P. nucleorum and generalist predators abundance differed between habitats, whereas the H. prosopodis and microhymenopterans abundance was higher in the natural habitat. Consequently, P. nucleorum parasitism levels by H. prosopodis were also higher in the natural habitat. Our study indicated that habitat with higher plant diversity supported more natural enemies, thus confirming that increased habitat homogenization leads to decreased parasitism levels by the less parasitoids number in managed habitats. Our results may subsidize conservationist management practices in the managed habitats aiming to improve fruit exploitation techniques sustainability and land-use practices, which would thereafter allow for the S. coronata population conservation in the Brazilian Caatinga.

A new species of Enderleina Jewett (Plecoptera, Perlidae) from Amazonas State, Brazil.

Enderleina Jewett, 1960 is one of the least-known Perlidae genera in northern South America, including six species. During an aquatic insect survey of the northern portion of Amazonas State, Brazil, we collected a male Enderleina with a distinct pronotum pattern and genitalic morphology. The objectives of this study are to describe a new species of Enderleina based on male morphology. The new species can be distinguished from all other Enderleina species in the male by the presence of a paired thin dark band on the mesal region of pronotum and by the structure of the penial armature.

Climate change effects on the geographic distribution of specialist tree species of the Brazilian tropical dry forests.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ecological niche models (ENMs) for three specialist trees (Anadenanthera colubrina, Aspidosperma pyrifolium and Myracrodruon urundeuva) in seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTFs) in Brazil, considering present and future pessimist scenarios (2080) of climate change. These three species exhibit typical deciduousness and are widely distributed by SDTF in South America, being important in studies of the historical and evolutionary processes experienced by this ecosystem. The modeling of the potential geographic distribution of species was done by the method of maximum entropy (Maxent).We verified a general expansion of suitable areas for occurrence of the three species in future (c.a., 18%), although there was reduction of areas with high environmental suitability in Caatinga region. Precipitation of wettest quarter and temperature seasonality were the predictor variables that most contributed to our models. Climatic changes can provide more severe and longer dry season with increasing temperature and tree mortality in tropics. On this scenario, areas currently occupied by rainforest and savannas could become more suitable for occurrence of the SDTF specialist trees, whereas regions occupied by Caatinga could not support the future level of unsustainable (e.g., aridity). Long-term multidisciplinary studies are necessary to make reliable predictions of the plant's adaptation strategies and responses to climate changes in dry forest at community level. Based on the high deforestation rate, endemism and threat, public policies to minimize the effects of climate change on the biodiversity found within SDTFs must be undertaken rapidly.

Mycoflora in commercial pet foods.

This article reports on the identification of mycoflora of 21 dry pet foods (12 belonging to dogs and 9 to cats) that corresponded to 8 commercial brands made in Argentina and imported. The isolation frequency and relative density of the prevalent fungal genera are compared too. Ten genera and fungi classified as Mycelia sterilia were identified. The predominant genera were Aspergillus (62%), Rhizopus (48%), and Mucor (38%). The most prevalent among Aspergillus was Aspergillus flavus followed by Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus terreus. The predominant Mucor was Mucor racemosus followed by Mucor plumbeus and Mucor globosus. The moisture content of these foods ranged from 5.6 to 10.0% and from 7.2 to 9.9% for dog and cat foods, respectively. A greater moisture content in food for the senior category (9.5 +/- 0.2) was observed only in comparison to adult and kitten/puppy. If the moisture content can be maintained at these levels, mold growth would be prevented or at least it would remain at an insignificant level. Some genera and species isolated and identified from the foods analyzed are potentially producing toxins, which are known as mycotoxins. This involves a risk for animal health.

Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae as etiological agents of conjunctivitis outbreaks in the region of Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.

In the study of conjunctivitis outbreaks occurring from September 1994 to September 1996 in the region of Ribeirão Preto, conjunctival exudates of 92 patients were cultivated in Instituto Adolfo Lutz Laboratory I, Ribeirão Preto. Most cases occurred in the age range 2-7 years. The etiological agents which were most frequently isolated from the analyzed cases were: Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, in 40.22% and 21.74%, respectively. 51.35% of the S. pneumoniae isolated strains were not typable. The oxacillin-resistant S. pneumoniae strains were submitted to the minimum inhibitory concentration test (MIC) and three of them presented intermediate resistance, whereas only one was highly resistant to penicillin.

[Spontaneous healing of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania viannia braziliensis in cutaneous lesions]. / Cura espontânea da leishmaniose causada por Leishmania viannia braziliensis em lesões cutâneas.

In field clinics in the communities of Três Braços and Corte de Pedra, Bahia, we have attended 1.416 patients with tegumentary leishmaniasis in fourteen years, the predominant species in transmission is Leishmania Viannia brasi liensis (LVB). Because of the danger of metastasis with this infection treatment was routinely recommended with Glucan-time. However sixteen patients refused injection therapy and six women were pregnant when seen and not treated. All patients were followed up in our clinic. All these patients closed their skin ulcers although one subsequently relapsed. Patients were followed up for variable periods (four to twelve years), after the diagnosis. In nine patients (40.9%) of the cohort, the time to healing after initiation of the lesion was calculated as six months of evolution. At twelve months, nineteen patients (86.3%) had complete healing of their lesions. In three patients an active lesion was present for longer than one year. The determinants of this variable natural evolution of human LVB lesion remains completely unknown. It is difficult for us to understand and compare the effects of therapeutic agents in mucocutaneous leishmaniasis.

[Smoking prevalence among students from a metropolitan area in the southern region of Brazil, 1991]. / Prevalência de tabagismo entre escolares em município de area metropolitana da região sul, Brasil, 1991.

A prevalence study on smoking habits was carried out in 1991, among 864 school children from eight municipal schools in Sapiranga, in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from the 6th through 8th grade of primary school. Data was collected in class, using a questionnaire applied by trained teachers. Among students, 3.2% were smokers, although 20.3% had been exposed to tobacco. Males had begun the smoking habit at a mean age of 14.7 years and females at about 15 years old. The prevalence showed an increasing trend by age and individual school grade. As for gender, male smokers outnumbered females (p < 0,05). Smoking by older brothers and fathers seems to be positively associated with acquisition of the habit by school children.

Insect herbivores associated with an evergreen tree Goniorrhachis marginata Taub. (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) in a tropical dry forest.

Goniorrhachis marginata Taub. (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) is a tree species found in Brazilian tropical dry forests that retain their leaves during the dry season. That being, we addressed the following question: i) How do insect diversity (sap-sucking and chewing), leaf herbivory and defensive traits (tannin and leaf sclerophylly) vary on the evergreen tree species G. marginata between seasons? The abundance of sap-sucking insects was higher in the dry season than in the rainy season. However, we did not verify any difference in the species richness and abundance of chewing insects between seasons. Leaf herbivory was higher in the rainy season, whereas leaf sclerophylly was higher in the dry season. However, herbivory was not related to sclerophylly. Insect herbivores likely decrease their folivory activity during the dry season due to life history patterns or changes in behaviour, possibly entering diapause or inactivity during this period. Therefore, G. marginata acts as a likely keystone species, serving as a moist refuge for the insect fauna during the dry season in tropical dry forest, and the presence of this evergreen species is crucial to conservation strategies of this threatened ecosystem.

Efeito da suplementação na composição física e centesimal da paleta, do costilhar e do pescoço de cordeiros Santa Inês terminados em pastejo / Feeding supplementation effect on physical and chemical composition of shoulder, ribs, and neck of Santa Inês lambs finished on pasture

Avaliou-se o efeito da suplementação sobre a composição físico-química da paleta, do costilhar e do pescoço de ovinos Santa Inês, terminados em pastejo. Foram utilizados 24 ovinos castrados, com peso vivo (PV) médio inicial de 15,8kg, distribuídos em três tratamentos (0, 1,0 e 1,5 por cento do PV em suplementação concentrada). O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos e oito repetições. A paleta, o costilhar e o pescoço foram dissecados em músculo, ossos e gordura para determinação da composição física, e a carne foi submetida à determinação da composição química. Observou-se efeito significativo (P<0,05) da suplementação de 1,0 e 1,5 por cento sobre o rendimento muscular, a relação músculo:osso e os teores de matéria seca e de gordura da carne. Os maiores rendimentos musculares foram observados na paleta e no costilhar com médias de 439,21 e 678,97g e de 377,30 e 693,01g, respectivamente, para suplementação de 0 por cento e 1,5 por cento.

The effect of supplementation on the physicochemical composition of shoulder, ribs, and neck of Santa Inês lambs finished on pasture was evaluated. A total of 24 castrated sheep, averaging 15.8kg BW were used. The animals were allotted in a completely randomized design with three treatments (daily concentrated supplementation equivalent to 0, 1.0, and 1.5 percent of BW) and eight repetitions. The shoulder blade, ribs, and neck were dissected into muscle, bone, and fat to determine the physical composition and the meat was underwent to determination of chemical composition. There was a significant effect (P<0.05) of the supplementation of 1.0 and 1.5 percent on muscle yield, muscle: bone ratio, and dry matter and fat contents of meat. The highest muscle yields were observed in the shoulder and ribs with averages of 439.21 and 678.97g and 377.30 and 693.01g, respectively, for supplementation of 0 percent and 1.5 percent.