Vaginal temperature modeling in Holstein cows and cluster analysis by the cophenetic correlation coefficient.

The objective was to establish a model for the prediction and characterization of vaginal temperature in Holstein cows, based on environmental predictors and thermal comfort indices, through cluster analysis, validation by the cophenetic correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. The micrometeorological characterization of the site was carried out by recording the air temperature (Tair), the relative humidity (RH), the black globe temperature (BGT), the black globe temperature and humidity (BGHI), and dew point temperature (TDP). The recording of vaginal temperature (Tv) was performed in eight dairy cows using temperature sensors, equipped with data loggers, coupled with intravaginal devices. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and cluster analysis (CA) by using the hierarchical agglomerative method based on the value of the cophenetic correlation coefficient (CCC >0.70), in which representative physiological models were established, characterizing the Tv through multiple regression. In the afternoon the coefficient of variation (CV) was low for all variables, indicating homogeneity of the meteorological variables and efficiency of the ventilation system. The temperature and humidity index (THI) was mild only on the morning. There was a variation of 0.28 °C of Tv between shifts, sufficient to characterize the condition of comfort and stress of the animal, with values above 39 °C indicating animal stress. Tv showed strong correlation with BGT, Tair, TDP and RH, assuming that physiological variables, such as Tv, tend to have greater relationship with abiotic variables. Empirical models were established for estimating Tv based on the analyses performed in this study. Model 1 is recommended for TDP ranges of 14.00-21.00 °C and RH of 30-100%, while model 2 can be used for Tair situations up to 35 °C. The regression models for estimating Tv are promising for characterizing the thermal comfort of dairy cows housed in compost barn systems.

Bioclimatic Zoning for Sheep Farming through Geostatistical Modeling in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has pointed out the high vulnerability of developing countries to climate change, which is expected to impact food and income security. Sheep farming is one of the main animal productions among the families located in the most vulnerable regions of the semiarid region of Pernambuco state, a Brazilian territory known for its high temperatures, low relative humidity, and high net solar radiation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify different regions of Pernambuco that may be more suitable for different breeds of sheep, based on non-parametric statistics and kriging maps of the temperature and humidity index (THI). THI values were determined based on mean annual temperature and wind speed extracted from the TerraClimate remote sensing database. Pernambuco state presented THI values ranging from 66 to 79, with the hair breeds having a high potential for exploitation in almost all territories, including the main meat-producing breeds. The East Friesian breed, a high milk producer, would be well suited to the Agreste mesoregion, a territory that, like the Pajeú and Moxotó microregions, also proved favorable for the introduction of three wool breeds (Suffolk, Poll Dorset, and Texel) known as major meat producers. The kriging maps of the THI values successfully allowed the identification of strategic development regions of Pernambuco state with high potential for sheep breeding.

Should a patient with systemic mastocytosis be vaccinated against COVID-19? / Deve um doente com mastocitose sistêmica ser vacinado contra a COVID-19?

A 26-year-old woman was referred to the allergy department for two episodes of anaphylaxis after intake of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs. In both episodes she was evaluated at the emergency department, and her levels of tryptase were 141 ug/L and 117 ug/L, respectively. Baseline tryptase was 92 ug/L. Bone marrow biopsy, myelogram, and immunophenotypic study were performed, confirming systemic mastocytosis. In patients with mast cell disorders, the risk of anaphylaxis after mRNA vaccine against COVID-19 has been under debate. Considering the occupational risk of COVID-19, the risk of anaphylaxis upon exposure to the vaccine was discussed with the patient and, after consent, Pfizer/BioNTech® BNT162B2 was administered under allergist supervision. No premedication was administered and both vaccine inoculations occurred without eliciting mast cell symptoms.

Mulher de 26 anos enviada à consulta de imunoalergologia após dois episódios de anafilaxia no contexto de ingestão de antiinflamatórios. Em ambos os episódios foi observada no Serviço de Urgência. Os valores de triptase nos episódios foram 141 ug/L e 117 ug/L, respetivamente. A triptase basal 92 ug/L. Realizou biópsia de medula óssea, mielograma e estudo imunofenotípico que confirmaram mastocitose sistêmica. Nos doentes com doença mastocitária, o risco de anafilaxia após administração de vacinas mRNA contra a COVID-19 tem sido debatido. Considerando o risco de exposição à COVID-19, o risco de anafilaxia após administração da vacina foi discutido com a doente e, após consentimento, a vacina Pfizer/BioNTech® BNT162B2 foi administrada sob vigilância de um alergologista. Não foi administrada pré-medicação, e a doente recebeu as duas doses da vacina sem evidenciar sintomatologia relacionada com ativação mastocitária.

Methodology for hydraulic characterisation of the sand filter backwashing processes used in micro irrigation.

The correct operation of the backwashing process in sand filters used in micro irrigation determines directly the effectiveness of the subsequent filtration processes, and consequently the micro irrigation systems maintenance. As backwashing involves the filter bed expansion, the current sand filter design makes it impossible to measure the process. In this sense, this work aims to present a hydraulic characterization methodology of the backwashing process of sand filters used in micro irrigation, evaluating the influence of the sand particle size, the filter bed height, and the sand filter design. The proposed methodology can assist manufacturers in gathering equipment operating information, aiming at its presentation in the product catalogs.•This method article discusses a method of hydraulic evaluation of the backwashing process of sand filters used in micro irrigation.•The method can assist sand filter manufacturers in the correct definition of the equipment's operating parameters.•The method shows the effectiveness of using the filter media pressure loss evaluation in the indirect definition of the minimum fluidisation velocity.

Transpiration and growth of young African mahogany plants subject to different water regimes.

Timber production has been prominent in the Brazil scenario to minimize deforestation. Thus, technical information is necessary to define the productive process of the African mahogany in the Midwest region of Brazil, especially with regard to its hydric parameters. Recent studies, reported in the literature, have shown that irrigation improves the performance of young African mahogany plants in the field. Sap flow measurement can be used to estimate transpiration of perennial plants and to determine their water demand. This study evaluated the influence of two water regimes on the transpiration and growth of an African mahogany forest after irrigation has ceased. Moreover, this study also characterizes the seasonal patterns of transpiration and growth of African mahogany under these conditions. African mahogany plants with 2.5 years of age were cultivated in Bonfinopolis-GO and evaluated for 2 years. Treatments were IT-irrigated until 2 years of age-and NIT-non-irrigated. Plant height (PH), breast height diameter (DBH), trunk volume (TRV), leaf area (LA), leaf dry matter (LDM), and transpiration (T) were monitored by heat dissipation probe (HDP) between Oct/2014 and Oct/2015. Higher growth in LA, DBH, and LDM were observed in IT. However, increase in PH and TRV was similar in both treatments. The mean annual T was similar between treatments (15.0 L m-2 month-1). The highest T was recorded in October/2014 (IT = 33.0 L m-2 month-1) and July/2015 (NIT = 20.5 L m-2 month-1). The greater LA and water deficit blades DEF > 30 mm promoted lower transpiration in the irrigated plants. Irrigation maintained plant growth in PH, DBH, and LA in the third year, even after irrigation has ceased. However, non-irrigated plants were similar in TRV (0.065 m3) and transpiration rates (≈ 15 L m-2 month-1). Winter transpiration (11.3 L m-2 month-1) was lower than in summer (18.8 L m-2 month-1) for irrigated plants and similar for non-irrigated plants (≈ 14 L m-2 month-1). Based on that, in order to maintain the homogeneity of the plants, the irrigation in the first 2 years of cultivation is recommended, and also, the sap flow measures presented satisfactory results regarding the determinations of the water needs of African mahogany.

Correction to: Transpiration and growth of young African mahogany plants subject to different water regimes.

This original article was erroneously published with the contributor name Ana Cláudia Sérvulo. The publisher and author group of the article would like all to know that the contributor name should instead be presented and be recognized as Ana Cláudia Oliveira Sérvulo and not the former.