Post-COVID-19 tomographic abnormalities.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of persistent respiratory symptoms tends to be low in patients with a longer recovery time after COVID-19. However, some patients may present persistent pulmonary abnormalities.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of tomographic abnormalities 90 days after symptom onset in patients with COVID-19 and compare two chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) analysis techniques.METHODS: A multicentre study of patients hospitalised with COVID-19 having oxygen saturation <93% on room air at hospital admission were evaluated using pulmonary function and HRCT scans 90 days after symptom onset. The images were evaluated by two thoracic radiologists, and were assessed using software that automatically quantified the extent of pulmonary abnormalities.RESULTS: Of the 91 patients included, 81% had at least one pulmonary lobe with abnormalities 90 days after discharge (84% were identified using the automated algorithm). Ground-glass opacities (76%) and parenchymal bands (65%) were the predominant abnormalities. Both chest HRCT technical assessments presented high sensitivity (95.9%) and positive predictive value (92%), with a statistically significant correlation at baseline (R = 0.80) and after 90 days (R = 0.36).CONCLUSION: The prevalence of pulmonary abnormalities on chest HRCT 90 days after symptom onset due to COVID-19 was high; both technical assessments can be used to analyse the images.

18F-FDG PET/CT images defined the true extent of a urothelial bladder carcinoma.

A patient was referred, after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, for pre-surgical evaluation of urothelial bladder carcinoma (single lesion). Two thickenings in the left ureter wall identified on the CT scan were equivocal for malignancy. 18F-FDG PET/CT with delayed pelvic images, hyperhydration, and furosemide showed hypermetabolic ureteral metastases and multifocal bladder tumors. There were no lymph nodes or distant metastases. These 18F-FDG PET/CT findings completely altered the surgical treatment. The patient underwent left nephroureterectomy, radical cystoprostatectomy, and lymphadenectomy, followed by a urinary transit reconstruction. Histopathology confirmed multifocal high-grade urothelial carcinoma in the bladder walls and left ureter and benign lymph nodes.

Case Reports and Literature Review About Family Autonomy in the Process of Donation of Organs and Gametes: An Ethical and Legal Analysis.

The recovery or collection of postmortem semen raises relevant ethical and social concerns. In this study we report 2 cases witnessed by the authors in an organ procurement organization in Brazil. The patients had a diagnosis of brain death, were organ donors, and had no consent for the use of postmortem sperm. In Brazil, the diagnosis of brain death has been clearly established since 1997, with the most recent update in 2017, but has not considered the possibility of the collection of sperm or eggs from the donor. A review of the world literature has been carried out, as well as current legislation in different countries, including Brazil, with special interest in the impact on the autonomy of the deceased (informed consent or not), the wife, the generation of the child and their rights, and the ethical role of the physician.

Early Vascular Thrombosis After Kidney Transplantation: Can We Predict Patients at Risk?

BACKGROUND: Renal transplant is the therapy of choice for patients with chronic renal disease. In recent years, improvement in immunosuppressive drugs reduced early graft loss associated with acute rejection. However, vascular thrombosis, accounting for 5% of early graft loss, can sensitize the recipient for human leukocyte antibodies, reducing the chance for a second transplant. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for vascular thrombosis in a single transplant center, to design specific prevention protocol. METHODS: This was a retrospective, case-control study. From the Renal Transplant Unit database, we identified 21 cases of vascular thrombosis in recipients of kidneys from deceased donors. Recipients from the contralateral kidney from the same donor, without vascular complications, were assigned to the control group. Data analyzed included donor, recipient, transplant surgery, and post-operative follow-up. The local ethics committee approved the protocol. RESULTS: Thrombosis and control groups were comparable for recipient characteristics, cold ischemia time, organ side (right or left), and site of arterial anastomosis. We observed an increased risk for vascular thrombosis in kidneys with multiple veins (odds ratio, 11.32; P = .03). Organ retrieval surgery complications, such as vascular lesions or heterogeneous perfusion, despite normal pre-implantation biopsy, were considered risk factors for vascular thrombosis within the first post-operative day (odds ratio, 7.1; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: In this series, multiple renal vein and organ retrieval surgery complications were risk factors for early vascular thrombosis.

Strategies of rotational stocking management on weight gain and productivity of heifers grazing on marandu palisade grass / Estratégia de manejo em pastejo rotacionado no ganho de peso e produtividade de novilhas pastejando capim marandu

Pasture management can affect plant growth and interfere with the performance of the animals or the productivity of the production system. Marandu palisade grass swards subjected to year-round grazing by crossbred heifers were evaluated. Three stocking systems were tested: 1) a grazing cycle of 28 days (T28d); 2) when the sward reached a pre-grazing height of 30 cm (T0.3m), and 3) when the sward reached a pre-grazing height of 30 cm under irrigation (T-irrig0.3m). Heifers from treatments T28d and T0.3m were supplemented with dry matter at 1% of BW during winter. Statistical was a completely randomized block split-plot design. The light interception was higher (P<0.001) for T-irrig0.3m during winter. A lower leaf area index (P<0.001) was found for T28d, and T0.3m during winter and for T0.3m during autumn. There was an effect of stocking systems (P=0.0055), season (P<0.001) and interaction (P<0.0001) on weight gain (WG), stocking rate and productivity. The lowest WG was obtained in winter for the T-irrig0.3m treatment. The mean WG was 0.45, 0.49 and 0.43 kg/day for T28d, T0.3m and T-irrig0.3m, respectively. Lower productivity (P=0.0155) was observed for T28d when compared to T0.3m and T-irrig0.3m. The productivity rates were 662.2, 741.7 and 758.3 kg WG/ha, per season for T28d, T0.3m and T-irrig0.3m, respectively...

O manejo de pastagens pode afetar o crescimento das plantas e interferir no desempenho dos animais ou na produtividade do sistema de produção. Sistemas de pastejo de capim marandu foram avaliados durante um ano, sendo ocupados por novilhas mestiças. Três sistemas de pastejo foram avaliados: 1) ciclos de pastejos fixos com 28 dias (T28d); 2) pastejos iniciados quando a altura da planta era de 30 cm (T0,3m), e 3) pastejos iniciados quando a altura da planta era de 30 cm recebendo irrigação (T-irrig0,3m). As novilhas dos tratamentos T28d e T0,3m foram suplementadas durante o inverno seco em 1% do peso vivo. O delineamento foi em blocos casualisados e medidas repetidas no tempo. A interceptação luminosa foi maior (P<0,001) para T-irrig0,3m durante o inverno. Menor índice de área foliar (P<0,001) foi observada para T28d, eT0,3m no inverno e para T0,3m durante o outono. Houve efeito de sistema de pastejo (P=0,0055), estação do ano (P<0,001) e interação (P<0,0001) no ganho de peso (GP), taxa de lotação e produtividade. O menor GP foi obtido no inverno e no tratamento T-irrig0,3m. As médias de GP foram 0,45, 0,49 e 0,43 kg/dia para T28d, T0,3m e T-irrig0,3m, respectivamente. Menor produtividade (P=0,0155) foi observada em T28d quando comparado com T0,3m e T-irrig0,3m. As produtividades foram 662,2, 741,7 e 758,3 kg GP/ha por estação do ano para T28d, T0,3m e T-irrig0,3m, respectivamente...

Strategies of rotational stocking management on weight gain and productivity of heifers grazing on marandu palisade grass / Estratégia de manejo em pastejo rotacionado no ganho de peso e produtividade de novilhas pastejando capim marandu

Pasture management can affect plant growth and interfere with the performance of the animals or the productivity of the production system. Marandu palisade grass swards subjected to year-round grazing by crossbred heifers were evaluated. Three stocking systems were tested: 1) a grazing cycle of 28 days (T28d); 2) when the sward reached a pre-grazing height of 30 cm (T0.3m), and 3) when the sward reached a pre-grazing height of 30 cm under irrigation (T-irrig0.3m). Heifers from treatments T28d and T0.3m were supplemented with dry matter at 1% of BW during winter. Statistical was a completely randomized block split-plot design. The light interception was higher (P<0.001) for T-irrig0.3m during winter. A lower leaf area index (P<0.001) was found for T28d, and T0.3m during winter and for T0.3m during autumn. There was an effect of stocking systems (P=0.0055), season (P<0.001) and interaction (P<0.0001) on weight gain (WG), stocking rate and productivity. The lowest WG was obtained in winter for the T-irrig0.3m treatment. The mean WG was 0.45, 0.49 and 0.43 kg/day for T28d, T0.3m and T-irrig0.3m, respectively. Lower productivity (P=0.0155) was observed for T28d when compared to T0.3m and T-irrig0.3m. The productivity rates were 662.2, 741.7 and 758.3 kg WG/ha, per season for T28d, T0.3m and T-irrig0.3m, respectively...(AU)

O manejo de pastagens pode afetar o crescimento das plantas e interferir no desempenho dos animais ou na produtividade do sistema de produção. Sistemas de pastejo de capim marandu foram avaliados durante um ano, sendo ocupados por novilhas mestiças. Três sistemas de pastejo foram avaliados: 1) ciclos de pastejos fixos com 28 dias (T28d); 2) pastejos iniciados quando a altura da planta era de 30 cm (T0,3m), e 3) pastejos iniciados quando a altura da planta era de 30 cm recebendo irrigação (T-irrig0,3m). As novilhas dos tratamentos T28d e T0,3m foram suplementadas durante o inverno seco em 1% do peso vivo. O delineamento foi em blocos casualisados e medidas repetidas no tempo. A interceptação luminosa foi maior (P<0,001) para T-irrig0,3m durante o inverno. Menor índice de área foliar (P<0,001) foi observada para T28d, eT0,3m no inverno e para T0,3m durante o outono. Houve efeito de sistema de pastejo (P=0,0055), estação do ano (P<0,001) e interação (P<0,0001) no ganho de peso (GP), taxa de lotação e produtividade. O menor GP foi obtido no inverno e no tratamento T-irrig0,3m. As médias de GP foram 0,45, 0,49 e 0,43 kg/dia para T28d, T0,3m e T-irrig0,3m, respectivamente. Menor produtividade (P=0,0155) foi observada em T28d quando comparado com T0,3m e T-irrig0,3m. As produtividades foram 662,2, 741,7 e 758,3 kg GP/ha por estação do ano para T28d, T0,3m e T-irrig0,3m, respectivamente...(AU)

Ovarian response is a better predictor of clinical pregnancy rate following embryo transfer than is thin endometrium or presence of an endometrioma.

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether endometrial thickness and the presence of endometrioma are independent predictors of clinical pregnancy rate or simply associated with poor ovarian response (POR). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study assessing the first cycle of all women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in a university hospital in Brazil between January 2011 and December 2012. Only the first cycle of each woman within the study period was considered. Women over 40 years of age and those who used clomiphene citrate during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) or did not undergo embryo transfer were excluded from analysis. POR was defined as ≤ three oocytes retrieved and a thin endometrium was defined as endometrial thickness ≤ 7.0 mm on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration. We performed a multiple regression analysis to identify which of the following parameters were independent predictors of clinical pregnancy: age, number of oocytes retrieved, endometrial thickness or the presence of endometrioma. RESULTS: Within the study period, 787 women began COS, but 270 were excluded from analysis. Among the 517 women analyzed, those who achieved pregnancy were younger and yielded more oocytes. The proportion of POR was higher in women with a thin endometrium (17/57 (29.8%) vs 80/460 (17.4%); P = 0.03) and in women with endometrioma (15/39 (38.5%) vs 82/478 (17.2%); P = 0.002). The results of regression analysis showed that only age and the number of oocytes retrieved were independent predictors of pregnancy. Additionally, we observed higher clinical pregnancy rates in women with a thin endometrium from whom ≥ seven oocytes were retrieved (11/25 (44.0%)) compared to women with normal endometrial thickness (99/241 (41.1%)). Considering only women from whom ≥ four oocytes were retrieved, we observed reasonable pregnancy rates in those with a thin endometrium (14/40 (35.0%)) and in those with endometrioma (9/24 (37.5%)). CONCLUSION: Both a thin endometrium and the presence of endometrioma are associated with POR but are not important independent predictors of clinical pregnancy. Good pregnancy rates can be observed when these conditions are present in women with a good ovarian response.

Assessment of ovarian reserve by antral follicle count in ovaries with endometrioma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the antral follicle count (AFC) is underestimated in the presence of an endometrioma. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study assessing all women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) at our clinic between January 2011 and December 2012 who had both ovaries and unilateral endometrioma. The primary outcome of the study was the difference between AFC and the number of oocytes retrieved per ovary. RESULTS: Within the study period 787 women underwent IVF/ICSI at our clinic. Sixty of these women had at least one endometrioma, but 23 were excluded from the analysis as six had only one ovary and 17 had bilateral endometriomas. Therefore a total of 37 women were included in this study and analysis. Compared with the contralateral ovaries, ovaries with an endometrioma were significantly larger in volume (median, 10.3 (interquartile range (IQR), 4.7-18.9) cm(3) vs median, 3.6 (IQR, 2.7-6.5) cm(3); P < 0.001) and presented a significantly lower AFC (median, 3.0 (IQR, 1.0-6.0) vs median, 5.0 (IQR, 2.0-6.5); P = 0.001). However, the median number of oocytes retrieved was similar (P = 0.60) between ovaries with an endometrioma (2.0 (IQR, 0.5-5.0)) and the contralateral ovaries (2.0 (IQR, 0.0-4.0)). Accordingly, the median difference between AFC and number of oocytes retrieved was significantly smaller (P = 0.005) for ovaries with an endometrioma (0.0 (IQR, -1.0 to 1.5) than for those without (2.0 (IQR, 0.0-4.0)). CONCLUSIONS: Although the AFC is reduced in ovaries with an endometrioma, the number of oocytes retrieved is similar, suggesting that the AFC is underestimated in such ovaries. We believe that this is a consequence of an impaired ability to detect small follicles in the presence of an endometrioma.

Experimental varicocoele in rats affects mechanisms that control expression and function of the androgen receptor.

Varicocoele is an important cause of male infertility. Normal male reproductive function and fertility depends on a delicate balance between androgen receptor (AR) and the classic oestrogen receptors ESR1 (ERα) and ESR2 (ERß). Using a model of surgically induced varicocoele in rats, this study aimed to investigate the effects of varicocoele on the expression of AR, ESR1, ESR2 and G-protein coupled oestrogen receptor (GPER). Varicocoele did not affect the mRNA and protein expression of ESR1 and ESR2 in both testes. Varicocoele did not affect the mRNA and protein expression of GPER in the right testis, but slightly reduced the mRNA and increased the protein levels in the left testis. Varicocoele did not affect the mRNA for AR, but reduced the protein levels in both testes. A proteomic approach was used in an attempt to find differentially expressed targets with possible correlation with AR downregulation. Varicocoele caused the differential expression of 29 proteins. Six proteins were upregulated, including the receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1), and 23 were downregulated, including dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase, alpha-enolase and pyrophosphatase 1. Western blot analysis confirmed that varicocoele upregulated the expression of RACK1, a protein involved with tyrosine phosphorylation and regulation of AR transcriptional activity, AR metabolism and dynamics of the blood-testis barrier. In conclusion, this study suggests that varicocoele affects mechanisms that control AR expression and function. This regulation of AR may play an important role in the varicocoele-induced testicular dysfunction. Furthermore, varicocoele downregulates several other proteins in the testis that may be useful markers of spermatozoa function and male infertility.

Deleterious effect of hypothermia in myocardial protection against cold ischemia: a comparative study in isolated rat hearts.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing need to improve heart preservation benefit the performance of cardiac operations, decrease morbidity, and more important, increase the donor pool. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of Krebs-Henseleit buffer (KHB), Bretschneider-HTK (HTK), St. Thomas No. 1 (STH-1), and Celsior (CEL) solutions infused at 10°C and 20°C. METHODS: Hearts isolated from male albino Wistar rats and prepared according to Langendorff were randomly divided equally into 8 groups according to the temperature of infusion (10°C or 20°C) and cardioprotective solutions (KHB, HTK, STH-1, and CEL). After stabilization with KHB at 37°C, baseline values were collected (control) for heart rate (HR), left ventricle systolic pressure (LVSP), coronary flow (CF), maximum rate of rise of left ventricular pressure during ventricular contraction (+dP/dt) and maximum rate of fall of left ventricular pressure during left ventricular relaxation (-dP/dt). The hearts were then perfused with cardioprotective solutions for 5 minutes and kept for 2 hours in static ischemia at 20°C. Data evaluation used analysis of variance (ANOVA) in all together randomized 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's test for multiple comparisons. The level of significance chosen was P < .05. RESULTS: We observed that all 4 solutions were able to recover HR, independent of temperature. Interestingly, STH-1 solution at 20°C showed HR above baseline throughout the experiment. An evaluation of the corresponding hemodynamic values (LVSP, +dP/dt, and -dP/dt) indicated that treatment with CEL solution was superior at both temperatures compared with the other solutions, and had better performance at 20°C. When analyzing performance on CF maintenance, we observed that it was temperature dependent. However, when applying both HTK and CEL, at 10°C and 20°C respectively, indicated better protection against development of tissue edema. Multiple comparisons between treatments and hemodynamic variable outcomes showed that using CEL solution resulted in significant improvement compared with the other solutions at both temperatures. CONCLUSION: The solutions investigated were not able to fully suppress the deleterious effects of ischemia and reperfusion of the heart. However, these results allow us to conclude that temperature and the cardioprotective solution are interdependent as far as myocardial protection. Although CEL solution is the best for in myocardial protection, more studies are needed to understand the interaction between temperature and perfusion solution used. This will lead to development of better and more efficient cardioprotective methods.

Polymorphism in Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) based on internal transcribed spacer-RFLP, ISSR and intron markers.

Isolates of entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae were characterized using internal transcribed spacer-RFLP, ISSR and intron splice site primers. Thirty-seven isolates were studied, most of which were obtained from the sugar cane pest, Mahanarva fimbriolata (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) from Tangará da Serra, Southwest Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Internal transcribed spacer-RFLP did not differentiate the isolates of M. anisopliae var. anisopliae, while ISSR and intron primers identified three distinct groups. Variability among these groups was 96% for (GTG)(5) and 100% for the other primers. We found considerable genetic variability, even among isolates from the same geographical origin and host.

Comparative analysis of the performance of various crystalloid cardioplegic solutions on myocardial protection after prolonged cold ischemia.

INTRODUCTION: The quality and effectiveness of myocardial protection are fundamental problems to expand the use of and consequently good outcomes of donated hearts for transplantation. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to compare the cardioprotective effects of Krebs-Henseleit, Bretschneider-HTK, St Thomas, and Celsior solutions using a modified nonrecirculating Langendorff column model of isolated perfused rat heart during prolonged cold storage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After removal 36 rat hearts underwent isolated perfusion into a Langendorff apparatus using Krebs-Henseleit solution for a 15-minute period of recovery; we excluded organs that did not maintain an aortic pressure above 100 m Hg. Subsequently, we equally distributed the hearts into four groups according to the cardioprotection solution; group 1, Krebs-Henseleit (control); group II, Bretschneider-HTK; group III, St Thomas; and group IV, Celsior. Each heart received the specific cardioplegic solution at 10°C for 2-hour storage at 20°C, before a 15 minutes perfusion with Krebs-Henseleit solution for recovery and stabilization. After 60 additional minutes of perfusion, every 5 minutes we determined heart rate (HR), coronary flow (CF), left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), and positive and negative peak of the first derivative of left ventricular pressure (+dP/dt and -dP/dt, respectively). RESULTS: Comparative analysis by Turkey's test showed the following performances among the groups at 60 minutes of reperfusion: HR: II = IV > III > I; CF: II = IV > I = III; LVSP: IV > I = II = III; +dP/dt: IV > I = II = III; and -dP/dt: IV = II > I = II. CONCLUSION: Cardioprotective solutions generally used in clinical practice are not able to avoid hemodynamic alterations in hearts exposed to prolonged ischemia. Celsior solution showed better performance than Bretschneider-HTK, St Thomas, and Krebs-Henseleit.

Molecular detection of anaplasma platys in a naturally-infected cat in Brazil

Following the accidental finding of inclusion bodies similar to Anaplasma platys in a stained blood smear from a cat, DNA analysis of the 16S rRNA gene was performed and 100 percent identity was found with different strains of A. platys. These data confirm that cats are susceptible to parasitism by A. platys.

New hosts of Myrothecium spp. in Brazil and a preliminary in vitro assay of fungicides

Myrothecium roridum and M. verrucaria are two plant pathogenic species causing foliar spots in a large number of cultivated plants. This paper aims to study the causal agents of foliar spots in vegetable crops (sweet pepper, tomato and cucumber), ornamental plants (Spathiphyllum wallisii, Solidago canadensis, Anthurium andreanum, Dieffenbachia amoena) and a solanaceous weed plant (Nicandra physaloides). Most of the isolates were identified as M. roridum; only the isolate 'Myr-02' from S. canadensis was identified as M. verrucaria. All the isolates were pathogenic to their original plant hosts and also to some other plants. Some fungicides were tested in vitro against an isolate of M. roridum and the mycelial growth recorded after seven days. Fungicides with quartenary ammonium, tebuconazole and copper were highly effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth of M. roridum. This paper confirms the first record of M. roridum causing leaf spots in sweet pepper, tomato, Spathiphyllum, Anthurium, Dieffenbachia and N. physaloides in Brazil. We also report M. roridum as causal agent of cucumber fruit rot and M. verrucaria as a pathogen of tango plants.

New hosts of Myrothecium SPP. In brazil and a preliminary In Vitro assay of fungicides.

Myrothecium roridum and M. verrucaria are two plant pathogenic species causing foliar spots in a large number of cultivated plants. This paper aims to study the causal agents of foliar spots in vegetable crops (sweet pepper, tomato, cucumber), ornamental plants (Spathiphyllum, Solidago canadensis, Anthurium, Dieffenbachia) and a solanaceous weed plant (Nicandra physalodes). Most of the isolates were identified as M. roridum; only the isolate 'Myr-02' from S. canadensis was identified as M. verrucaria. All the isolates were pathogenic to their original plant hosts and also to some other plants. Some fungicides were tested in vitro against an isolate of M. roridum and the mycelial growth recorded after seven days. Fungicides with quartenary ammonium, Tebuconzole and copper were highly effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth of M. roridum. This paper confirms the first record of M. roridum causing leaf spots in sweet pepper, tomato, Spathiphyllum, Anthurium, Dieffenbachia and N. physalodes. We also report M. roridum as causal agent of cucumber fruit rot and also M. verrucaria in tango plants.

Molecular detection of Anaplasma platys in a naturally-infected cat in Brazil.

Following the accidental finding of inclusion bodies similar to Anaplasma platys in a stained blood smear from a cat, DNA analysis of the 16S rRNA gene was performed and 100% identity was found with different strains of A. platys. These data confirm that cats are susceptible to parasitism by A. platys.

Molecular detection of Anaplasma platys in a naturally-infected cat in Brazil

Following the accidental finding of inclusion bodies similar to Anaplasma platys in a stained blood smear from a cat, DNA analysis of the 16S rRNA gene was performed and 100% identity was found with different strains of A. platys. These data confirm that cats are susceptible to parasitism by A. platys.

New hosts of Myrothecium spp. in Brazil and a preliminary in vitro assay of fungicides

Myrothecium roridum and M. verrucaria are two plant pathogenic species causing foliar spots in a large number of cultivated plants. This paper aims to study the causal agents of foliar spots in vegetable crops (sweet pepper, tomato and cucumber), ornamental plants (Spathiphyllum wallisii, Solidago canadensis, Anthurium andreanum, Dieffenbachia amoena) and a solanaceous weed plant (Nicandra physaloides). Most of the isolates were identified as M. roridum; only the isolate 'Myr-02' from S. canadensis was identified as M. verrucaria. All the isolates were pathogenic to their original plant hosts and also to some other plants. Some fungicides were tested in vitro against an isolate of M. roridum and the mycelial growth recorded after seven days. Fungicides with quartenary ammonium, tebuconazole and copper were highly effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth of M. roridum. This paper confirms the first record of M. roridum causing leaf spots in sweet pepper, tomato, Spathiphyllum, Anthurium, Dieffenbachia and N. physaloides in Brazil. We also report M. roridum as causal agent of cucumber fruit rot and M. verrucaria as a pathogen of tango plants.

Produção de leite, leite residual e concentração hormonal de vacas Gir x Holandesa e Holandesa em ordenha mecanizada exclusiva / Milk yield, residual milk, oxytocin concentration and cortisol release in Holstein and Gir x Holstein cows machine milked without stimulus from a calf

Avaliaram-se as concentrações de ocitocina e de cortisol e as produções de leite e de leite residual de três grupos genéticos de vacas: ½Gir×½Holandês (n=6, grupo genético F2), »Gir×¾Holandês (n=6, grupo genético F3) e Holandês (n=6, grupo genético H), ordenhadas mecanicamente e na ausência do bezerro. O grupo genético H produziu mais leite do que os grupos F2 e F3, e a concentração de ocitocina foi semelhante nos três grupos. O aumento de ocitocina durante a ordenha foi maior para os grupos H e F3 em relação ao grupo F2. O leite residual do grupo F2 foi maior do que o dos grupos genéticos F3 e H. O cortisol do grupo F2 foi maior do que o das vacas dos demais grupos genéticos. Vacas dos grupos F2 e F3 foram mais estressadas durante a ordenha do que vacas do grupo H, mas as dos dois grupos genéticos cruzados liberavam suficiente quantidade de ocitocina que permitiu a ejeção efetiva de leite.(AU)

In a machine milking system in which calves were not present, oxytocin concentration (OT), cortisol release (CORT), milk yield and residual milk were evaluated for cows of three genetic groups: ½Gir×½Holstein (n=6, genetic group F2), »Gir×¾Holstein (n=6, genetic group F3) and Holstein (n=6, genetic group H). Group H had higher milk yield than groups F2 and F3, whereas OT was similar among groups. The increase in OT during milking was greater for H and F3 than for F2. Residual milk for F2 was higher than for F3 and H. The CORT for F2 was higher than for cows of the other two genetic groups. Cows from F2 and F3 were more stressed than H cows during machine milking, but the Gir × Holstein groups did release sufficient OT to induce an effective milk letdown response.(AU)

Produção de leite, leite residual e concentração hormonal de vacas Gir x Holandesa e Holandesa em ordenha mecanizada exclusiva / Milk yield, residual milk, oxytocin concentration and cortisol release in Holstein and Gir x Holstein cows machine milked without stimulus from a calf

Avaliaram-se as concentrações de ocitocina e de cortisol e as produções de leite e de leite residual de três grupos genéticos de vacas: ½ Gir X ½ Holandês (n=6, grupo genético F2), » Gir X ¾ Holandês (n=6, grupo genético F3) e Holandês (n=6, grupo genético H), ordenhadas mecanicamente e na ausência dó bezerro. O grupo genético H produziu mais leite do que os grupos F2 e F3, e a concentração de ocitocina foi semelhante nos três grupos. O aumento de ocitocina durante a ordenha foi maior para os grupos H e F3 em relação ao grupo F2. O leite residual do grupo F2 foi maior do que o dos grupos genéticos F3 e H. O cortisol do grupo F2 foi maior do que o das vacas dos demais grupos genéticos. Vacas dos grupos F2 e F3 foram mais estressadas durante a ordenha do que vacas do grupo H, mas as dos dois grupos genéticos cruzados liberavam suficiente quantidade de ocitocina que permitiu a ejeção efetiva de leite.