Lumbosacral pain in a patient with psoriatic arthritis: when the rheumatic disease is innocent.

Lumbar pain is a very common symptom that derives from benign musculoskeletal conditions, rheumatic inflammatory diseases, neoplasms, and referred and/or nociplastic pain. A 70-year-old man with psoriatic arthritis presented with early-onset lumbosacral pain without evident red flags. Symptomatic treatment was unhelpful. Radiographic imaging showed subtle signs of a disease that could easily be missed. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a massive prostatic malignancy with bone (sacral and iliopubic) metastasis. Awareness must be given not to disregard every lumbar pain as part of the preexisting rheumatic inflammatory disease (spondyloarthropathy in this case) or a common muscle/ligament/articular disarrangement. Persistence of pain, albeit not inflam-matory nor sharp in nature, despite adequate treatment might be just as important as an acute red flag and requires proper follow-up.

Topological phases of graphene-Kagome systems.

The growing skill in the synthesis processes of new materials has intensified the interest in exploring the properties of systems modeled by more complex lattices. Two-dimensional super-honeycomb lattices, have been investigated in metallic organic frameworks. They turned out as a significant route to the emergence of localized electronic responses manifested as flat bands in their structure with topological isolating behavior. A natural inquiry is a complete analysis of their topological phases in the presence of electronic correlation effects. Here we analyze the electron-electron correlation effects via Hubbard mean-field approximation on the topological phases of 2D and quasi-1D graphene-Kagome lattices. The 2D spin conductivity phase's diagrams describe metallic, trivial, and topological insulating behaviors, considering different energy coupling and electronic occupations. Our results pave the way to smart-engineered nanostructured devices with relevant applications in spintronics and transport responses.

Myelin imaging measures as predictors of cognitive impairment in MS patients: A hybrid PET-MRI study.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment is one of the concerns of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and has been related to myelin loss. Different neuroimaging methods have been used to quantify myelin and relate it to cognitive dysfunctions, among them Magnetization Transfer Ratio (MTR), Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), and, more recently, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with 11C-PIB. OBJECTIVE: To investigate different myelin imaging modalities as predictors of cognitive dysfunction. METHODS: Fifty-one MS patients and 24 healthy controls underwent clinical and neuropsychological assessment and MTR, DTI (Axial Diffusion-AD and Fractional Anisotropy-FA maps), and 11C-PIB PET images in a PET/MR hybrid system. RESULTS: MTR and DTI(FA) differed in patients with or without cognitive impairment. There was an association of DTI(FA) and DTI(AD) with cognition and psychomotor speed for progressive MS, and of 11C-PIB uptake and MTR for relapsing-remitting MS. MTR in the Thalamus (ß= -0.51, p = 0.021) and Corpus Callosum (ß= -0.24, p = 0.033) were predictive of cognitive impairment. DTI-FA in the Caudate (ß= -26.93, p = 0.006) presented abnormal predictive result. CONCLUSION: Lower myelin content by 11C-PIB uptake was associated with worse cognitive status. MTR was predictive of cognitive impairment in MS.

How a discerning cytological examination can aid in the diagnosis of infectious diseases: case reports.

Infections caused by uncommon and resistant pathogens in unusual sites have been increasingly reported in medical literature. We describe four cases of rare cytological findings and clinical impact for patients. In the first case, Aspergillus sp and Pneumocystis jirovecii were observed in the bronchoalveolar lavage of a patient with severe systemic lupus. In the second and third cases, we describe the presence of Trichomonas sp and Strongyloides sp larvae in samples of pleural and peritoneal fluid, respectively. The fourth report is about a patient with a wrist subcutaneous nodule whose synovial aspiration and cytology revealed the presence of brown septate hyphae. The early identification of the infectious agent in the cytological examination was essential for the introduction and/or re-adaptation of therapy in the four cases described. Patients in this report were immunocompromised with severe comorbidities, conditions often associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes.

How a discerning cytological examination can aid in the diagnosis of infectious diseases: case reports

Infections caused by uncommon and resistant pathogens in unusual sites have been increasingly reported in medical literature. We describe four cases of rare cytological findings and clinical impact for patients. In the first case, Aspergillus sp and Pneumocystis jirovecii were observed in the bronchoalveolar lavage of a patient with severe systemic lupus. In the second and third cases, we describe the presence of Trichomonas sp and Strongyloides sp larvae in samples of pleural and peritoneal fluid, respectively. The fourth report is about a patient with a wrist subcutaneous nodule whose synovial aspiration and cytology revealed the presence of brown septate hyphae. The early identification of the infectious agent in the cytological examination was essential for the introduction and/or re-adaptation of therapy in the four cases described. Patients in this report were immunocompromised with severe comorbidities, conditions often associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes.

Genomics and climate change.

Climate change is predicted to change the nature and distribution of global farming systems, and strategies will be needed to adapt and optimise global food-producing systems. If genomic technologies are to be useful in this scenario, there is a need for the careful definition of phenotypes and routine sample collection, as well as large-scale genotyping of animal populations. Genomic tools will greatly enhance the characterisation of available germplasm and exploration of local genetic resources, while faster and cheaper DNA sequencing is leading to an increased understanding of the underlying genetic basis of traits. The use of genomic tools to increase animal resilience, reduce methane emissions from cattle and sheep, improve disease resistance, decrease environmental impact, reduce competition for land and water and, finally, increase production may be the most feasible path for the future of livestock production. In this review, the authors discuss various genomic strategies in the light of climate change, focusing on the selection of resistant/tolerant animals, landscape genomics, metagenomics and gene editing.

L'un des effets anticipés du changement climatique sera la modification de la nature et de la distribution des systèmes d'élevage dans le monde, raison pour laquelle des stratégies seront nécessaires pour adapter et optimiser les systèmes mondiaux de production alimentaire. Si l'on veut que les technologies de la génomique soient utiles dans ce scénario, il faudra procéder avec soin à la définition des phénotypes et à la collecte de routine des échantillons, et réaliser le génotypage à grande échelle des populations animales. Les outils génomiques permettront d'améliorer nettement la caractérisation du germoplasme disponible et d'effectuer une exploration plus approfondie des ressources génétiques locales, tandis que le séquençage ADN devenu plus rapide et meilleur marché se traduira par une meilleure compréhension de la base génétique sousjacente des caractères. Le recours à des outils génomiques pour augmenter la résilience animale, réduire les émissions de méthane du cheptel bovin et ovin, améliorer la résistance aux maladies, diminuer l'impact environnemental, réduire la concurrence pour les terres et les ressources hydrographiques et, enfin, accroître la production pourrait être la voie à suivre la plus réaliste pour l'avenir de la production animale. Les auteurs examinent plusieurs stratégies génomiques à la lumière du changement climatique, en se concentrant sur la sélection des animaux résistants/tolérants, sur la génomique du paysage, sur la métagénomique et sur l'édition génomique.

Según apuntan las predicciones, el cambio climático va a modificar la naturaleza y la distribución de los sistemas agropecuarios del mundo y por doquier en el planeta harán falta estrategias destinadas a adaptar y optimizar los sistemas de producción de alimentos. Para que las herramientas de la genómica sean útiles, en caso de que efectivamente se cumplan estos augurios, es indispensable disponer de detalladas caracterizaciones fenotípicas, muestreos sistemáticos y tipificaciones génicas a gran escala de las poblaciones animales. Las herramientas de la genómica mejorarán mucho la caracterización del germoplasma existente y el estudio de los recursos genéticos locales, a la vez que la secuenciación de ADN, cada vez más rápida y barata, nos aporta ya un conocimiento más profundo de la base genética de los rasgos fenotípicos. Quizá el camino más practicable para el porvenir de la producción ganadera sea el que pasa por utilizar las herramientas de la genómica para conferir más resiliencia a los animales, reducir las emisiones de metano del ganado vacuno y ovino, mejorar la resistencia a enfermedades, atenuar el impacto ambiental, reducir la competencia por los suelos y el agua y, por último, incrementar la producción. Los autores examinan una serie de estrategias genómicas desde la óptica del cambio climático, centrándose en la selección de animales resistentes o tolerantes, la genómica de paisajes, la metagenómica y la edición génica.

Laser-assisted production of HAp-coated zirconia structured surfaces for biomedical applications.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop a novel design for implants surface functionalization through the production of HAp-coated zirconia structured surfaces by means of hybrid laser technique. The HAp-rich structured surfaces were designed to avoid hydroxyapatite (HAp) coating detachment from the zirconia surface during implant insertion, thus guaranteeing an effective osseointegration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The functionalization process of zirconia surface started by creating micro-textures using a Nd:YAG laser and subsequent deposition of a HAp coating on the designated locations by dip-coating process. Afterwards, a CO2 laser was used to sinter the HAp coating. The potential of the HAp-coated zirconia structured surfaces was inspected concerning HAp bioactivity preservation, surface wettability, HAp coating adhesion to the textured surfaces and mechanical resistance of zirconia, as assessed by different approaches. RESULTS: The functionalized surfaces exhibited a superhydrophilic behavior (2.30 ± 0.81°) and the remaining results showed that through the hybrid strategy, it is possible to maintain the HAp bioactivity as well as promote a strong adhesion of HAp coating to the textured surfaces even after high energy ultrasonic cavitation tests and friction tests against bovine bone. It was also verified that the flexural strength of zirconia (503 ± 24 MPa) fulfills the strict requirements of the ISO 13356:2008 standard and as such is expectable to be enough for biomedical applications. SIGNIFICANCE: The promising results of this study indicate that the proposed surface design can open the window for manufacturing zirconia-based implants with improved bioactivity required for an effective osseointegration as it avoids the coating detachment problem during the implant insertion.

Exigência de lisina digestível de frangos de corte machos de 22 a 42 dias de idade / Digestible lysine levels of male broilers from 22 to 42 days of age

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a exigência de lisina digestível para frangos de corte machos sob as características de desempenho, composição corporal e rendimento de carcaça dos animais, de 22 a 42 dias de idade. As dietas diferiram quanto aos níveis de lisina digestível, mantendo-se a relação dos demais aminoácidos com a lisina. Foram utilizados seis níveis de lisina digestível: 0,88%; 0,96%; 1,05%; 1,13%; 1,22%; e 1,30%. Distribuídos em 36 unidades experimentais de 36 aves cada, 1296 animais da linhagem Cobb - 500® tiveram as seguintes características de desempenho avaliadas: consumo de ração (CR), peso corporal (PC), ganho de peso (GP), conversão alimentar (CA), viabilidade criatória (VC) e índice de eficiência produtiva (IEP). Aos 42 dias de idade, foram selecionadas ao acaso cinco aves para avaliação do rendimento de carcaça, e duas para avaliação da composição corporal. A CA, o IEP e o rendimento de peito foram influenciados, sendo sua exigência de 1,30%, sugerindo que níveis maiores de lisina digestível que as recomendações utilizadas como base neste estudo (1,13%) trouxeram benefícios aos animais sobre essas características.(AU)

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the optimal levels of digestible lysine in the diet of male broilers, evaluating performance characteristics, body composition, and carcass yield of the animals in the final phase (22 to 42 days old). The diets differed in digestible lysine content, maintaining the relation among the other amino acids and lysine in accordance with the ideal protein concept. The six levels of digestible lysine in the diet were: 0.88%; 0.96%; 1.05%; 1.13%; 1.22%, and 1.30%. A total of 1296 animals were employed, distributed in 36 experimental units of 36 birds each. The determined performance characteristics corresponded to feed intake (FI), body weight (BW), weight gain (WG), feed conversion (FC), viability (VB), and productive efficiency index (PEI). At 42 days of age seven birds per experimental unit were selected at random, five for the estimation of yield and total carcass and commercial cut weight, and two for the evaluation of body composition. FC, animal breast yield and PEI weres influenced with requirements of 1.30%. With respect to nationally known recommendations regarding digestible lysine (1.13%), higher levels of the amino acid in the diet have brought benefits regarding the characteristics above.(AU)

Antibacterial activity of Barbatimão (Stryphnodendron adstringens) against Staphylococcus aureus: in vitro and in silico studies.

We evaluated the activity of the aqueous fraction and the ethyl acetate fraction of Stryphnodendron adstringens against Staphylococcus aureus and proposed their mechanism of action. The antibacterial activity of S. adstringens fractions was evaluated against S. aureus and the cell targets were rated by docking. The fractions showed moderate antibacterial activity against S. aureus without toxicity on two mammalian cell lines. They also showed synergistic antibacterial activity with tannic acid (TA). In silico assays indicated FabG, FabZ and FabI as probable targets. The metabolic pathway for fatty acid biosynthesis in S. aureus was affected by components of S. adstringens. The synergistic effect when combining TA with S. adstringens fractions suggests a natural alternative to S. aureus control. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first study describing the possible targets of action of Stryphnodendron adstringens on Staphylococcus aureus. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the components of S. adstringens affected the metabolic pathway for fatty acid biosynthesis (FAS II) in S. aureus, inhibiting the FabI, FabG and FabZ enzymes. As tannic acid (TA) is a known inhibitor of some targets identified, we showed synergistic antibacterial activity of S. adstringens in combination with TA. This combination did not show toxicity against HaCaT and Vero cells and based on all these results we suggest that S. adstringens can be a natural and sustainable alternative to S. aureus control.

Novel laser textured surface designs for improved zirconia implants performance.

The development of new surface designs to enhance the integration process between surgically placed implants and biological tissues remains a challenge for the scientific community. In this way and trying to overcome this issue, in this work, laser technology was explored to produce novel textures on the surface of green zirconia compacts produced by cold pressing technique. Two strategies regarding line design (8 and 16 lines design) and different laser parameters (laser power and number of laser passages) were explored to assess their influence on geometry and depth of created textures. The produced textures were evaluated with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and it was observed that well-defined textured surfaces with regular geometric features (cavities or pillars) were obtained by laser combining different strategies lines design and parameters. The potential of proposed textures was also evaluated regarding surface wettability, friction performance (static and dynamic coefficient of friction evolution) against bone, aging resistance and flexural strength. Results demonstrated that all the produced textures display a super hydrophilic or hydrophilic behavior. Regarding the friction behavior, it was experimentally observed a high initial static coefficient of friction (COF) for all produced textures. Concerning the aging resistance, all the textured surfaces revealed a low monoclinic content, less than 25% after 5 h of hydrothermal aging. The flexural strength results showed that the mechanical resistance of zirconia was not significantly compromised with the laser action. Based on the obtained results, it is possible to prove that the processing route used for manufacturing the new and different surface designs (cold pressing technique followed by laser texturing) showed to be particularly effective for the production of zirconia implants with customized surface designs according to the properties required in a specific application. These new surface designs besides to enhance the surface wettability and also to improve the fixation at the initial moment of the implantation, do not significantly compromise the resistance to aging and the mechanical performance of zirconia. Hence, a positive impact on the long-term performance of the zirconia implants may be expected with the proposed novel laser textured surface designs.

Suplementação proteica de vacas leiteiras mantidas em pastagem de Tifton 85 durante o período de seca / Protein supplementation of dairy cows grazing Tifton 85 during the dry season

Concentrados com alta proteína bruta e minerais e com menor concentração de energia poderiam ser utilizados em menores quantidades no balanceamento de dietas com volumosos tropicais. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar o consumo de matéria seca, a resposta produtiva e econômica de vacas da raça Girolando mantidas em pastagem de Tifton 85 durante o período de seca, as quais receberam diferentes concentrações de suplementação proteica. Foram utilizadas 12 vacas da raça Girolando em lactação, com produção de leite média inicial de 18,00±1,615kg/dia. Os animais foram distribuídos em três quadrados latinos (4x4), constituídos de quatro tratamentos e quatro períodos experimentais, com duração de 15 dias cada. Os tratamentos consistiram de uma dieta controle, apenas sal mineral e três níveis de suplementação proteica com 40; 50 e 60% de proteína bruta (PB) sendo fornecidas nas quantidades de 2,5kg/animal/dia. Observou-se que os fornecimentos de suplementos proteicos proporcionaram um efeito substitutivo da forragem em relação à suplementação mineral. O uso de suplementação concentrada com teor de 40% de proteína bruta foi mais eficiente em termos produtivos, econômicos e de produção de proteína bruta no leite.(AU)

Concentrates with high crude protein and minerals and lower energy concentration could be used in smaller quantities in balancing diets with tropical bulk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dry matter intake, the productive and economical response of Girolando cows kept in Tifton 85 pasture during dry season receiving different concentrations of protein supplementation. Twelve lactating Girolando cows with initial mean milk yield of 18.00±1.615kg/day were used. The animals were distributed in three Latin squares (4x4), consisting of four treatments and four experimental periods, each lasting 15 days. The treatments were composed of control diet with only mineral salt, and three levels of protein supplementation with 40, 50, and 60% crude protein (CP) being supplied in the amounts of 2.5kg/animal/day. It was found that the protein supplement supplies provided a substitutive effect of forage relative to mineral supplementation. The use of concentrated supplementation with 40% crude protein content was more efficient in terms of production, production of crude protein in milk and economically.(AU)

Assessing the relationship between organic farming practices and microbiological characteristics of organic lettuce varieties (Lactuca sativa L.) grown in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

AIMS: This study aimed to gather information on farming practices employed in organic lettuce fields in Sao Paulo, Brazil and associate these practices with the microbiological characteristics of the products. METHODS AND RESULTS: Practices were surveyed using a questionnaire applied in ten farms, where 200 heads of lettuce were collected and submitted to enumeration of total coliforms and generic Escherichia coli and tested for Salmonella spp. using culture and molecular (qPCR) methods. Based on the responses, the farms could be clustered in two groups: group 1, comprised by six farms, where chicken manure was used as fertilizer in most of them and the composting process was not performed on site; and group 2, comprised by four farms, where other types of fertilizer were used, and the composting process was performed on site. Generic E. coli was detected in 56 (28%) samples, with an average of 1·1 ± 0·7 log MPN per g. Salmonella DNA was detected in two (1%) samples by qPCR. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence and bacterial loads of generic E. coli, and the occurrence of Salmonella, even at low populations undetectable by conventional culture methods, highlight the need for control measures during farming practices to reduce microbial contamination and risks of foodborne illnesses. These measures include the use of properly composted manure and appropriate washing procedures for leafy vegetables before consumption. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The obtained data contribute to a better understanding of the farming practices of organically grown lettuces in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Development of novel zirconia implant's materials gradated design with improved bioactive surface.

Zirconia implants are becoming a preference choice for different applications such as knee, dental, among others. In order to improve osseointegration, implant's surfaces are usually coated with bioactive materials like hydroxyapatite (HAp) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) that are very similar to the calcium phosphates found in bones. However, due to the implantation process, these coatings can be detached from the zirconia surface, leading to implant premature failure. In this work, a new component materials design aiming to avoid this coating detachment problem is proposed. It is based on the use of a bioactive zirconia-calcium phosphate composite outer layer onto the zirconia bulk, where the zirconia bulk provides mechanical strength and the outer layer provides biological performance. In order to assess the potential of this new materials design, two types of bioactive zirconia outer composite layers (zirconia reinforced by 10 vol% of HAp and by 10 vol% of ß-TCP) were produced by press and sinter process and the gradated samples were fully characterized concerning materials, mechanical resistance, fatigue resistance, and biological performance, as measured by different approaches. Results showed that the novel component materials design and the manufacturing process proposed for producing the bioactive zirconia samples with outer composite layers on zirconia bulk substrates are a promising solution for implants, with improved biological performance without substantially compromising their overall mechanical and fatigue properties.

Assessing Sus scrofa diversity among continental United States, and Pacific islands populations using molecular markers from a gene banks collection.

Human migration and trade facilitated domesticated livestock movement, gene flow and development of diverse populations upon which agriculture is based. In addition, varying USA ecological conditions has led to a diverse set of livestock populations to utilize. Quantifying genetic diversity of these populations is incomplete. This paper quantifies genetic diversity captured by the National Animal Germplasm Program and explores genetic structure and differences among 19 pig populations (feral populations from Pacific islands, continental US, and Chinese breeds) using 70,231 SNP from 500 animal samples. Among continental US breeds Fis was consistently low suggesting genetic variability is sufficiently available for breeders to use. A unique population structure using principal component analysis illustrated clear distinctions between Duroc, Yorkshire, Hampshire, breeds of Chinese origin, and feral Pacific Island populations were identified. Five Y chromosome haplotypes were evaluated and demonstrated migration patterns from European, central Asia, and potentially Polynesian waves of gene flow. Quantifying diversity and potential origin of Pacific populations provides insight for future uses, and the need for preservation. Viewing gene bank holdings in context of diversity measures we found a lack of inbreeding within breeds, suggesting the collection represents a wide sampling of individual breeds.

Energy consumption, CO2 emissions and costs related to baths water consumption depending on the temperature and the use of flow reducing valves.

In the domestic segment, various appliances and processes consume great amount of water and, consequently, energy. In this context, the main aim of this study is to analyse the impact of water temperature, flow and bath duration in water and energy consumptions. The impact on CO2 emissions and a simple costs analysis were also carried out. It included a monitoring plan of 197 baths taken under different scenarios of water temperature and flow. It was concluded that increasing water consumption leads to an increase on energy consumption and that both resources consumptions increase with bath duration. Bath temperature had influence not only on energy consumption, as expected, but also in water consumption, what may be explained by the user's satisfaction during baths with higher temperatures. The use of a flow reducing valve is not a guarantee of water saving which can also be related to the user's satisfaction patterns, given that the introduction of a flow reducing valve can lead to a bath duration increase. In what concerns to the CO2 emissions, it was concluded, as expected, that higher values are obtained for baths with higher temperatures given their relation with higher energy consumptions patterns. A simple costs analysis revealed that having flow reducing valves, with a bath temperature of 75 °C, increased the costs with electricity and water in 119% and 32%, respectively, when compared with a temperature of 60 °C.

Which are the factors that may explain the differences in water and energy consumptions in urban and rural environments?

Rural and urban environments present significant differences between water and energy consumptions. It is important to know, in detail, which factors related to the consumption of these two resources are different in both environments, once that will be those important to manage and discuss in order to improve its use efficiency and sustainability. This research work involves a survey whose aim is to find the factors that in rural and urban environments may justify the differences found in water and energy consumptions. Besides the collection of water and energy consumption data, this survey analyzed 80 variables (socio-demographic, economic, household characterization, among others), that were chosen among the bibliography as possible factors that should influence water and energy consumptions. After the survey application in rural and urban areas and the data statistical treatment, 42 variables remained as truly differentiating factors of rural and urban environments and so as possible determinants of water and energy consumptions. In order to achieve these objectives, a descriptive data analysis and statistical inference (Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test and the Chi-square test of homogeneity) were performed. All the 42 differentiating variables that result from this study may be able to justify these differences, however this will not be presented in the paper and it is reserved for future work.

Ti6Al4V laser surface preparation and functionalization using hydroxyapatite for biomedical applications.

This work presents a novel texture design for implants surface functionalization, through the creation of line-shaped textures on Ti6Al4V surfaces and subsequent sintering of hydroxyapatite (HAp) powder into the designated locations. HAp-rich locations were designed to avoid HAp detachment during insertion, thus guaranteeing an effective osseointegration. This process starts by creating textured lines using a Nd:YAG laser, filling these lines with HAp powder and sintering HAp using a CO2 laser. The adhesion of HAp is known to be influenced by HAp sintering parameters, especially laser power and scanning speed and also by the textured lines manufacturing. Different laser parameters combinations were used to assess the sintering and adhesion of HAp to the textured lines. HAp adhesion was assessed by performing high energy ultrasonic cavitation tests and sliding tests mimicking an implant insertion, with Ti6Al4V/HAp specimens sliding against animal bone. The HAp content retained after these tests was measured and results showed that an excellent HAp sintering and adhesion was achieved when using a scan speed of 1 mm/s and laser power between 9 and 9.6 W. It is important to emphasize that results indicated that the HAp bioactivity was maintained when using these conditions, validating this functionalization process for the production of hip prosthesis with improved bioactivity. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1534-1545, 2018.

Respostas produtivas, marginais e econômicas de vacas Girolando sob pastejo de Tifton 85 recebendo diferentes concentrados / Productive, marginal and economic responses of Girolando cows under grazing of Tifton 85 receiving different concentrates

A energia é considerada o nutriente mais limitante para produção de leite de vacas em pastagens, mas será que a suplementação deve ser energética? Assim, objetivou-se avaliar a resposta produtiva, marginal e econômica de vacas Girolandas mantidas em pastagem de Tifton 85 durante o período das águas, as quais receberam diferentes tipos de suplementação. O primeiro tratamento foi a suplementação mineral ad libitum; o segundo tratamento, o fornecimento de 1,0kg/dia de suplementação proteica; o terceiro e quarto tratamentos, o fornecimento de 2,0kg/dia de suplementação proteico-energética e 4,0kg/dia de suplementação energética, respectivamente. Foram utilizadas 12 vacas com produção de leite média de 15,0±1,99kg/dia. Os dados foram avaliados como três quadrados latinos 4 x 4 simultâneos ao nível de 5% de significância. O consumo de matéria seca de forragem não foi influenciado pelas suplementações (P>0,05). A maior produção de leite (P<0,05) foi observada com a suplementação energética, em média 14,73kg/dia, não diferente da produção com a suplementação proteico-energética, média de 13,84kg de leite/dia. Observaram-se respostas produtivas marginais de 1,03; 0,84 e 0,44kg de leite/kg de concentrado, para suplemento proteico, proteico-energético e energético, respectivamente, bem como saldo financeiro positivo para as suplementações proteica e proteico-energética em relação à suplementação mineral. A suplementação proteico-energética mostrou-se a mais eficiente.(AU)

Energy is considered the most limiting nutrient for the production of milk cows in pastures, but will that supplementation must be energy? The objective was to evaluate the productive, marginal and economic response of Girolando cows kept in Tifton 85 pasture during rain period receiving different types of supplementation. One treatment was mineral supplementation ad libitum, a second treatment providing 1.0kg/day of protein supplementation, and a third and fourth treatments providing 2.0kg/day of protein-energetic supplementation and 4.0kg/day of energy supplementation, respectively. Twelve cows were used with average milk production 15.0±1.99kg/day. The data were evaluated as three Latin squares 4 x 4 simultaneous to the 5% level of significance. The dry matter intake of forage not influenced by supplementation (P> 0.05). The higher milk production was observed with energetic supplementation on average 14.73kg of milk/day, no different of production obtained from protein-energy supplementation, average of 13.84kg of milk/day. Marginal productive response was observed, with responses of 1.03; 0.84 and 0.44kg milk/kg concentrate for proteic supplement, proteic-energetic, and energetic, respectively. Positive financial balance was found for protein and protein-energy supplements in relation to mineral supplementation. Protein-energy supplementation proved the most efficient.(AU)

Creation of forest edges has a global impact on forest vertebrates.

Forest edges influence more than half of the world's forests and contribute to worldwide declines in biodiversity and ecosystem functions. However, predicting these declines is challenging in heterogeneous fragmented landscapes. Here we assembled a global dataset on species responses to fragmentation and developed a statistical approach for quantifying edge impacts in heterogeneous landscapes to quantify edge-determined changes in abundance of 1,673 vertebrate species. We show that the abundances of 85% of species are affected, either positively or negatively, by forest edges. Species that live in the centre of the forest (forest core), that were more likely to be listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), reached peak abundances only at sites farther than 200-400 m from sharp high-contrast forest edges. Smaller-bodied amphibians, larger reptiles and medium-sized non-volant mammals experienced a larger reduction in suitable habitat than other forest-core species. Our results highlight the pervasive ability of forest edges to restructure ecological communities on a global scale.