Sugarcane productivity and economic viability in response to planting density.

Planting with higher density in sugarcane is one of the practices used to overcome low productivity. However, this planting material is equivalent to 25% of the total cost of production, being one of the main expenses for cultivation. In this sense, the present work aims to evaluate the productivity and economic viability of sugarcane as a function of planting density. The experiment was carried out at Usina Monte Alegre in the municipality of Mamanguape, Paraíba, Brazil, from March 2021 to January 2022 with the variety RB92579. Seven planting density were studied: T1: 7 gems m-1, T2: 10 gems m-1, T3: 12 gems m-1, T4: 11 gems m-1, T5: 15 gems m-1, T6: 17 gems m-1, T7: 24 gems m-1, in randomized blocks with four replications. Growth, productivity and economic viability were evaluated. The highest productivity of cane and sugar, 77.69 ton ha-1 and 10.390 ton ha-1, respectively, was with planting density of 17 and 24 gems-1. While the minimum productivity of cane (61.313 ton ha-1) and sugar (7.924 ton ha-1) was recorded at sowing density of 7 and 11 gems-1. However, cultivation density with 7 and 10 gems m-1 were the ones that provided the highest profitability around 50%, followed by density of 12, 15 and 17 gems m-1 with an average of 45% profit and 11 and 24 gems m-1 with the lowest proportion of profit on average 38%. The cultivation with 17 gems m-1 of cane provides in cane-plant, variety RB92579, greater productivity with a profit rate of 45%, being the most suitable.

[Executive functions in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: exploring the prefrontal model]. / Funciones ejecutivas en pacientes con apnea obstructiva del sueño: explorando el modelo prefrontal.

INTRODUCTION: According to the prefrontal model, individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) manifest behaviours mimicking dysexecutive syndrome as a result of blood gas abnormalities and sleep fragmentation. OBJECTIVE: To compare executive functions in OSA patients with normative values and explore their relationship with blood gas abnormalities and sleep fragmentation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were recruited from the wider community and from a tertiary care hospital. The score obtained in the neuropsychological assessment was compared with Student's t-test for a sample. A multiple linear regression analysis was subsequently estimated, using polysomnographic parameters of hypercapnia, hypoxemia and sleep fragmentation as the predictor variables, and the executive function score as the variable to be predicted. RESULTS: Although the neuropsychological assessment performance of 26% of this sample was classified as executive impairment, indicators of sleep fragmentation and gas abnormalities failed to predict the performance of executive functions. CONCLUSION: A proportion of the patients with OSA presented performance similar to a dysexecutive syndrome; however, the factors underlying and fostering this type of cognitive manifestation remain unclear. Early treatment for this public health problem could be the best tool available for improving quality of life and preventing health risks.

TITLE: Funciones ejecutivas en pacientes con apnea obstructiva del sueño: explorando el modelo prefrontal.Introducción. El modelo prefrontal propone que los individuos con apnea obstructiva del sueño (AOS) manifiestan conductas similares a un síndrome disejecutivo como resultado de las alteraciones de gases en la sangre y la fragmentación del sueño. Objetivo. Comparar las funciones ejecutivas en pacientes con AOS con valores normativos y explorar su relación con las alteraciones de gases en la sangre y la fragmentación del sueño. Pacientes y métodos. Se reclutó a pacientes de la comunidad general y de un hospital de tercer nivel. La puntuación obtenida en la evaluación neuropsicológica se contrastó con la t de Student para una muestra. Posteriormente, se estimó un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple mediante parámetros polisomnográficos de hipercapnia, hipoxemia y fragmentación del sueño como variables predictoras, y la puntuación de funciones ejecutivas como variable que se debe predecir. Resultados. Pese a que el desempeño en la evaluación neuropsicológica del 26% de esta muestra se clasificó como alteración ejecutiva, los indicadores de fragmentación del sueño y alteraciones de gases no predijeron el desempeño ejecutivo. Conclusión. Una fracción de los pacientes con AOS mostró un desempeño similar a un síndrome disejecutivo; no obstante, permanecen indefinidos los factores que subyacen y favorecen este tipo de manifestaciones cognitivas. La atención temprana de este problema de salud pública podría ser la mejor herramienta disponible en aras de mejorar la calidad de vida y prevenir riesgos a la salud.

Triheptanoin, an odd-medium-chain triglyceride, impacts brain cognitive function in young and aged mice.

ABSTRACTThe brain aging process triggers cognitive function impairment, such as memory loss and compromised quality of life. Cognitive impairment is based on bioenergetic status, with reduced glucose uptake and metabolism in aged brains. Anaplerotic substrates are reported to promote mitochondrial ATP generation, having been tested in clinical trials for the treatment of neurological disorders and metabolic diseases.Objectives and Methods: To assess whether the improvement in oxidative capacity ameliorates cognitive function in adults (12 weeks), and aged (22-month-old) C57/6BJ mice, they received (1) a ketogenic diet, (2) a ketogenic diet supplemented with the anaplerotic substance, triheptanoin, or (3) a control diet for 12 weeks. Spontaneous alternation and time spent in a previously closed arm in the Y-maze test and time interacting with an unknown object in the novel object recognition test (NORT) were used to evaluate working memory. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the prefrontal lobe, brain left hemisphere, and cerebellum was also evaluated. Glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3) expression in the prefrontal lobe was analyzed by western blotting.Results: The ketogenic diet (KD) reduced spontaneous alternation in aged mice, leading to lower AChE activity in the aged prefrontal lobe and cerebellum, and in the parieto-temporal-occipital lobe of adult mice. Furthermore, KD decreased GLUT3 protein expression in the frontal lobe of the adults.Discussion: Supplementation of KD with triheptanoin prevented memory impairment and showed similar values of AChE activity and GLUT3 expression compared to the controls. Our data suggest that triheptanoin has a potential role in the bioenergetic capacity of the brain, improving cognitive function.

Agronomic parameters of sugarcane under planting densities in different cultivation cycles.

Low density sugarcane plantation (LDSP) has been implemented by some sugarcane producers in Brazil, aiming to save seeds and operational costs. The study was carried out in the municipality of Areia, Paraíba, Brazil. Five planting densities were used, varying from 5 to 25 m-2 of buds arranged in randomized blocks, with four replications. Data were measured annually over three cultivation cycles (2017 to 2020), during which the field was fertilized with NPK and the harvests were carried out manually without prior burning. The lower planting density presents higher productivity only in the cane plant (101.03 t ha-1) due to the higher plant height (2.37 m) and the higher number of stalks (11 stalks m-2), suggesting that these variables are due to the greater availability of light, water and photosynthate. However, there is a drastic reduction in sugarcane yield for this lower population in the 2nd ratoon by up to 65.62%, which is correlated with number of stalks per meter. We demonstrate the agronomic viability of LDSP in the population of 10 buds m-2 in relation to conventional planting of sugarcane until the 2nd ratoon. Data are important for future studies to present additional considerations for other production factors, such as the effects of mechanized harvesting and the management of nutrients and water, assessing the sustainability of this large-scale planting system.

Multidisciplinary Management of Intrusive Luxation: Four-year Clinical Follow-up.

This article aims to describe the multidisciplinary clinical management of an intrusive luxation case. The clinical case reports the management of crown fracture and intrusive luxation of permanent maxillary incisors. The clinical results and subjective outcomes four years after the trauma and after two years of post-treatment follow-up are presented. An 11-year-old female patient sought dental care at the local University after experiencing dental trauma. Crown fracture of tooth 8 and the intrusion and crown fracture of teeth 9 and 10 were clinically diagnosed. The multidisciplinary treatment performed involved: periodontal surgical procedures; orthodontic traction; endodontic treatment; dental bleaching; and esthetic resin composite restorations. After two years of follow-up, the clinical parameters of the restorations were satisfactory, as well as the periodontal and periapical status. Oral health-related quality of life was assessed before and after treatment using the OHIP-Aes instrument, with a significant improvement in quality of life after treatment. The multidisciplinary approach was an effective treatment for this case of intrusive luxation. The dentofacial function and esthetics were recovered and the patient's quality of life was improved.

Influence of Parity on the Colostrum Bacterial Community Composition in Holstein Cows.

The colostrum bacteriome of primiparous (P) and multiparous (M) Holstein cows was analysed by 16S rRNA sequencing. The species richness (Chao 1), diversity (Shannon and Simpson), and beta diversity did not differ between cow groups. The phyla Firmicutes, Tenericutes, Kiritimatiellaeota, and Fibrobacteres were more abundant in M cows, while Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Cloacimonetes, and Fusobacteria were more abundant in P cows. At the genus level, no significant differences were observed between groups (P < 0.05), and Prevotella_1 was the most abundant taxon. P and M cows shared 1030 taxonomic operational units (OTUs), with Acinetobacter showing greater abundance. In conclusion, parity did not affect the colostrum bacteriome of P and M cows and a healthy mammary gland could represent a reservoir of Acinetobacter in dairy farms. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-022-01016-x.

Genotoxic and mutagenic effects of methyl ether dillapiole on the development of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

Dillapiole, extracted from Piper aduncum essential oil and its derivatives, has been shown to be a potential alternative to the control of Aedes aegypti, which has become resistant to synthetic insecticides. Methyl ether dillapiole (MED) and temephos (TM) were compared to complement the data on the genotoxicity and developmental changes of Ae. aegypti. Over four generations (G1 -G4 ), third stage larvae were treated with MED at 60, 80 and 100 µg/mL and TM at 0.002, 0.005 and 0.007 µg/mL for 4 h. Adult females were separated to estimate oviposition and hatching rates, and total egg length. Over the four generations, a significant reduction was recorded in oviposition and hatching rates, and in mean egg length (Tukey, P < 0.05), compared with the negative control (NC). Cytological slide preparations were done from adult oocytes and larval neuroblasts. The cumulative effects of genotoxic (bridges, budding and nuclear fragmentation) and mutagenic (micronucleus and chromosomal breakage) damage was observed in the neuroblasts and oocytes of exposed mosquitoes. Developmental changes and damage to the genome of MED-treated Ae. aegypti were greater than those caused by TM. Further studies should focus on understanding the effects of the MED molecule on Ae. aegypti.

Effects of canola oil and antioxidants on performance, serum parameters, carcass traits, and rumen fermentation patterns of Nellore cattle.

Several nutritional strategies have been used in beef cattle production in order to increase animal performance and profitability. However, in the past two decades, the increase of consumer preference for functional foods has driven the investigation for improving food via adding functional substances to animal diets. We evaluated the effect of canola oil supplementation associated with vitamin E and selenium on performance, rumen metabolism, carcass traits, meat tenderness, and serum, liver, and meat status of antioxidants in finishing Nellore males. Animals were fed for 106 days in a feedlot and were randomly distributed in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: two levels of oil in the diet (no inclusion and 3% canola oil, defined as diet without oil inclusion (NO) and effect of oil (OIL), respectively) and two levels of antioxidants in the diet (no inclusion and 2.5 mg of Se/kg of DM + 500 UI of vitamin E/kg of DM, defined as diet without antioxidant inclusion (NA) and effect of the antioxidants (ANT), respectively). DM intake (kg/day) was evaluated daily; performance and serum were analysed at the beginning of the feedlot and every 28 days. Animals were slaughtered and hot carcass weight (kg) was recorded; ruminal fluid and liver samples were collected. At 24 h postmortem, carcass pH was recorded and the Longissimus thoracis was sampled. There was no significant effect of the OIL*ANT interaction (P > 0.05) for any trait evaluated. Bulls fed OIL presented greater final BW (P < 0.01), average daily gain (kg/day; P < 0.01), feed efficiency (P < 0.01), rump fat thickness (P8RF; P < 0.05), and greater tenderness; the ANT diet increased P8RF (P < 0.05). The levels of selenium and vitamin E in serum, liver, and meat were increased (P < 0.01) with the inclusion of ANT. ANT did not change triiodothyronine (T3, ng/mL) and thyroxine (T4, µg/gL) serum concentrations but decreased serum glucose levels. The treatments did not affect (P > 0.05) ruminal parameters or the protozoa population. Our results showed that the inclusion of 3% canola oil in the diet DM increased performance, feed efficiency, carcass fat deposition, and tenderness, with no effect on rumen fermentation and protozoa population of Nellore cattle in a feedlot system. The inclusion of ANT in the cattle diet did not affect performance or rumen parameters. However, the levels of ANT were increased in the serum, liver, and meat, enriching the final product with these compounds.

Biomechanical analysis in mandibular advancement and occlusal plane rotation with finite element analysis.

We used finite element analysis to assess stress on the cortical bone and plate fixation system, as well as mandibular resistance after sagittal split ramus osteotomy with different mandibular advancements and rotations of the occlusal plane. Three-dimensional mandibular models were obtained, and 6mm and 12mm advancements were planned associated with linear, clockwise, and counter-clockwise rotation of the angle of the occlusal plane. Each model was then fixed with one or two 2.0mm system plates and secured with four monocortical screws. A total of 12 models were built and subjected to a vertical load in the lower central incisor ranging from 50N to 500N in 50N increments. Results showed that the 12mm advancement was associated with higher stress on the bone and plate surface. Additionally, the models fixed with two plates exhibited lower plate stress than those fixed with a single plate. Counter-clockwise rotation of the angle of the mandibular plane in the 6mm advancement caused more plate stress, which did not occur in the 12mm advancement. This analysis has shown that change in the occlusal plane in large mandibular advancements does not act as an additional stress factor. These findings can help to better understand the tensions on bone and plate surfaces in patients who need large mandibular advancements that are associated with a change in the occlusal plane, and will aid better surgical planning.

Guanosine enhances glutamate uptake and oxidation, preventing oxidative stress in mouse hippocampal slices submitted to high glutamate levels.

Glutamate (Glu) is the main mammalian brain neurotransmitter. Concerning the glutamatergic neurotransmission, excessive levels of glutamate in the synaptic cleft are extremally harmful. This phenomenon, named as excitotoxicity is involved in various acute and chronic brain diseases. Guanosine (GUO), an endogenous guanine nucleoside, possesses neuroprotective effects in several experimental models of glutamatergic excitotoxicity, an effect accompanied by an increase in astrocytic glutamate uptake. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the involvement of an additional putative parameter, glutamate oxidation to CO2, involved in ex-vivo GUO neuroprotective effects in mouse hippocampal slices submitted to glutamatergic excitotoxicity. Mice were sacrificed by decapitation, the hippocampi were removed and sliced. The slices were incubated for various times and concentrations of Glu and GUO. First, the concentration of Glu that produced an increase in L-[14C(U)]-Glu oxidation to CO2 without cell injury was determined at different time points (between 0 and 90 min); 1000 µM Glu increased Glu oxidation between 30 and 60 min of incubation without cell injury. Under these conditions (Glu concentration and incubation time), 100 µM GUO increased Glu oxidation (35%). Additionally, 100 µM GUO increased L-[3,4-3H]-glutamate uptake (45%) in slices incubated with 1000 µM Glu (0-30 min). Furthermore, 1000  µM Glu increased reactive species levels, SOD activity, and decreased GPx activity, and GSH content after 30 and 60 min; 100 µM GUO prevented these effects. This is the first study demonstrating that GUO simultaneously promoted an increase in the uptake and utilization of Glu in excitotoxicity-like conditions preventing redox imbalance.

Performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Nellore cattle supplemented with supranutritional doses of sodium selenite or selenium-enriched yeast.

The enrichment of meat with selenium is important to improve the intake of selenium by humans. The effects of supranutritional doses of sodium selenite or selenium-enriched yeast on performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality were evaluated using 63 Nellore cattle in a completely randomized design with two sources (sodium selenite and selenium-enriched yeast), three levels (0.3, 0.9 and 2.7 mg Se/kg DM) and control treatment (without addition of selenium). Final body weight (BW), average daily gain, dry matter intake and gain to feed ratio (G : F) at the end of 84 days of supplementation were not influenced by treatments (P>0.05). Values of pH, ribeye area, back fat thickness and marbling score were also not influenced by treatments ( P>0.05). Dressing percentage was greater (P=0.02) in Nellore cattle supplemented with organic Se (58.70%) compared to animals supplemented with inorganic Se (57.94%). Hot carcass weight increased ( P=0.05) with the increasing of Se levels in the diet. Colour, shear force (SF), cooking and drip loss remained unchanged ( P>0.05); however thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was 15.51% higher with inorganic Se compared with organic Se. The selenium concentration in the meat of animals receiving organic selenium was higher ( P<0.001) than that of animals receiving sodium selenite, at all levels (0.3; 0.9 and 2.7 mg/kg DM). The meat of animals receiving 2.7 mg of organic Se/kg of DM presented concentration of 372.7 µg Se/kg in the L.dorsi muscle, and the intake of 150 g of this meat by humans provides approximately 100% of the recommended Se intake (55 µg Se/day for adults). Therefore, the use of supranutritional doses of 2.7 mg Se/kg of DM, regardless of source, is a way of naturally producing selenium-enriched meat without compromising performance, carcass characteristics and quality of Nellore bovine meat.

The signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT-6) mediates Th2 inflammation and tissue damage in a murine model of peanut-induced food allergy.

INTRODUCTION: Food allergies are inflammatory conditions mediated by Th2 and probably STAT-6 dependent immune responses. OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: Here we investigated the role of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 6 (STAT-6) in development of inflammation in peanut allergy. METHODS: To induce food allergy, wild-type (WT) and mice deficient for STAT-6 (Stat6-/-) were sensitized with peanut proteins and challenged with peanut seeds. RESULTS: WT animals lost weight and refused the peanut diet, in contrast to Stat6-/- mice, which had a better maintenance of body weight and more regular seeds' consumption. The augmented peanut-specific IgG, IgG1 and IgE in the allergic WT was abolished in Stat6-/- animals that also presented increased IgG2a. There was an overall reduction in the gut mediators in the absence of STAT-6, including those related to inflammatory and Th2 responses, in contrast to a rising counter regulatory and Th1 reaction in Stat-6-/- mice. These animals had IFN-γ and IL-10 similar to WT after the four-week challenge. Most interestingly, Stat-6-/- mice had no intestinal damage, in contrast to WT animals, which had inflammatory infiltrate, tissue destruction, epithelial exulceration, edema, congestion and loss of villous architecture in the small gut segments. CONCLUSIONS: STAT-6 plays an important role in the establishment of the Th2 inflammatory responses and intestinal damage in peanut allergy.

Mitochondrial DNA control region diversity in a population from Parana state-increasing the Brazilian forensic database.

The entire mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (nucleotide position 16024-576) sequences were obtained through Sanger sequencing method for 122 individuals from Parana state, South of Brazil. We observed a total of 108 different haplotypes of which 97 were unique and 11 were shared by more than one individual. The haplogroups were classified according to the updated mtDNA phylogeny, by EMMA (estimating mitochondrial haplogroups using a maximum likelihood approach). Our results revealed the predominance of Amerindian haplogroups with a frequency of 49.2% of the population sample, followed by European lineages with 38.5% and 12.3% of African lineages. Parana population sample set presented a high haplotype diversity (0.9976) and the random match probability was 0.0106. The phylogenetical findings and the diversity indices confirm the high genetic heterogeneity of this population and suggest a high informativeness of mtDNA analyses in forensic cases. The population data will contribute to increase the Brazilian mtDNA database for forensic purposes and it is available through EMPOP (European DNA Profiling Group mitochondrial DNA population database) under the accession number EMP00714.

Cashew apple bagasse as new feedstock for the hydrogen production using dark fermentation process.

Cashew apple bagasse (CAB) has been studied as feedstock for the biohydrogen production using Clostridium roseum and the dark fermentation process. Pretreatment with alkaline hydrogen peroxide (CAB-AHP) on raw material and the acid and enzymatic hydrolysis have been taken into account to evaluate the H2 yields. Results show that the acid hydrolysate obtained from CAB produced higher H2 molar yield (HMY) (15 mmolH2/Lhydrolysate) than the acid hydrolysate from CAB-AHP (4.99 mmolH2/Lhydrolysate), These HMY were noticeably higher than values obtained from the enzymatic hydrolysate of CAB-AHP (1.05 mmolH2/Lhydrolysa) and the enzymatic hydrolysate of CAB (0.59 mmolH2/Lhydrolysa). The maximum biohydrogen productivity (12.57 mLH2/L.h) was achieved using the acid hydrolysate from CAB, with a H2 content of about 72% vol, that could be satisfactory in view of an energetic applications of the biogas. Results suggest that CAB could be considered for the hydrogen production process, providing an appropriate destination for this lignocellulosic biomass, and consequently, reducing the environmental impact it can exert.

Biomechanical simulation of temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) devices: a scoping review of the finite element method.

The aim of this study was to perform a literature review on the use of finite element modeling (FEM) for the evaluation of the biomechanical behavior of temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) devices. An electronic search of online medical and scientific literature database was conducted using selected search terms. The search identified 307 studies, of which 19 were considered relevant to this study. Of the 19 selected studies, 10 (52.6%) investigated the influence of geometry and fixation methods, while two (10.5%) evaluated the behavior of artificial condyle-fossa structures. The TMJR devices assessed in these studies included TMJ Inc. (aka Christensen; 63.2%), Zimmer Biomet (15.7%), Stryker (10.5%), and a theoretical intramedullary condylar component (5.3%); 26.3% of the studies evaluated custom TMJR devices. Such studies provided important data on the distribution of strain and stress through TMJR structural components and surrounding bone by using different software systems and methods. The mean stress values were lower on a custom TMJR condyle-ramus component and the supporting bone than on the stock device. FEM proved to be an accurate and valuable biomechanical simulation tool for studying the current TMJR devices and should be considered a useful tool for the improvement and development of future joint replacement devices.

T cell immunity to Zika virus targets immunodominant epitopes that show cross-reactivity with other Flaviviruses.

Zika virus (ZIKV) Infection has several outcomes from asymptomatic exposure to rash, conjunctivitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome or congenital Zika syndrome. Analysis of ZIKV immunity is confounded by the fact that several related Flaviviruses infect humans, including Dengue virus 1-4, West Nile virus and Yellow Fever virus. HLA class II restricted T cell cross-reactivity between ZIKV and other Flaviviruses infection(s) or vaccination may contribute to protection or to enhanced immunopathology. We mapped immunodominant, HLA class II restricted, CD4 epitopes from ZIKV Envelope (Env), and Non-structural (NS) NS1, NS3 and NS5 antigens in HLA class II transgenic mice. In several cases, ZIKV primed CD4 cells responded to homologous sequences from other viruses, including DENV1-4, WNV or YFV. However, cross-reactive responses could confer immune deviation - the response to the Env DENV4 p1 epitope in HLA-DR1 resulted in IL-17A immunity, often associated with exacerbated immunopathogenesis. This conservation of recognition across Flaviviruses, may encompass protective and/or pathogenic components and poses challenges to characterization of ZIKV protective immunity.

Aspecto médico veterinário legal das lesões em aves silvestres promovidas por colisões com aeronaves / Medico-legal veterinary aspect of lesions in bird strike

The objective of this study was to describe lesions in four birds, victims of collisions with aircraft, coming from the International Airport of Recife/Guararapes Gilberto Freyre, Pernambuco, Brazil. Contused wounds were predominant in birds in this study, characterized by the presence of fractures, bruises and hematomas and justified by the blunt action promoted by the type of vulnerant agent involved (aircraft). The analysis under medico-legal veterinary aspect of lesions in bird strike is essential, because in addition to the attempt to establish a standard for differentiating the aircraft lesions, it can guide the bird strike hazard management programs at airports, since the necropsy allows the identification of the species involved or at least facilitates the obtaining biological material for identification.(AU)

Biomarcadores histológicos em brânquias de Sciades herzbergii (Siluriformes, Ariidae) capturados no Complexo Estuarino de São Marcos, Maranhão / Histological biomarkers in gills of Sciades herzbergii (Siluriformes, Ariidae) caught in the Estuarine Complex of São Marcos, Maranhão

Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade ambiental de duas áreas do complexo estuarino de São Marcos, utilizando-se as alterações branquiais em Sciades herzbergii como biomarcadores de contaminação aquática. Foram realizadas coletas no período de estiagem (setembro/dezembro de 2015) e no período chuvoso (março/junho de 2016). Foram capturados 40 exemplares de S. herzbergii em dois locais distintos do complexo estuarino: A1) Porto do Itaqui Bacanga (área potencialmente impactada); A2) Igarapé do Puca, Alcântara (área controle). Foram registradas as variáveis abióticas: salinidade, temperatura, pH e oxigênio dissolvido. No laboratório, as brânquias de cada espécime foram fixadas em formol a 10% e mantidas em álcool a 70% até a execução da técnica histológica usual. As alterações branquiais identificadas nos peixes da área potencialmente contaminada foram: deslocamento do epitélio (DE), congestão (CO), aneurisma (AN), fusão lamelar (FL), hiperplasia (HI), dilatação capilar (DC), necrose (NE) e proliferação de células epiteliais (PCE). As alterações na região controle foram: deslocamento do epitélio (DE), fusão lamelar (FL), necrose (NE) e proliferação de células epiteliais (PCE). As alterações branquiais foram mais frequentes na região portuária (84%) do que na região controle (16%). Esses resultados indicam que os peixes da área potencialmente contaminada estão apresentando respostas biológicas ao estresse local.(AU)

This study aimed to compare an environmental quality of two areas of the estuarine complex of São Marcos using gills of changes in Sciades herzbergii as biomarkers of aquatic contamination. Samples were made during the dry season (September/ December 2015) and rainy season (March/ June 2016). They were captured 40 specimens of S. herzbergii at two different points of the estuarine complex: A1) Itaqui port (potentially contaminated area); A2) Igarapé do Puca, Alcântara (control area). Abiotic variables were recorded: salinity, temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen. In the laboratory, the gills of each species were fixed in 10% formaldehyde and kept in 70% alcohol until the usual histological technique was performed. The gill alterations identified in the fish of the potentially contaminated area were: epithelial displacement (DE), congestion (CO), aneurysm (AN), lamellar fusion (FL), hyperplasia (HI), capillary dilation (DC), necrosis and epithelial cell proliferation (PCE). The changes in the control region were: epithelial displacement (DE), lamellar fusion (FL), necrosis (NE) and epithelial cell proliferation (PCE). Gill alterations were more frequent in the port region (84%) than in the control region (16%). These results indicate that fish from the potentially contaminated area are presenting biological responses to local stress.(AU)

Anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em carcarás (Caracara plancus) procedentes da região aeroportuária do Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil / Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus) from Recife Airport, Pernambuco, Brazil

Objetivou-se com este estudo pesquisar a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em carcarás (Caracara plancus) capturados no Aeroporto Internacional do Recife/Guararapes Gilberto Freyre, Pernambuco, Brasil. Foram analisadas 115 amostras de soros sanguíneos pelo teste de aglutinação modificada (IgG, MAT≥25) utilizando taquizoítos inativados em formalina. Do total de amostras analisadas, 5,21% (6/115) foram positivas para presença de anticorpos anti-T. gondii, 16,67% com título 1:25 (1/06) e 83,33% (5/06) com título 1:50. A ocorrência de anticorpos em carcarás procedentes de região aeroportuária fomenta a preocupação em relação a aspectos ainda pouco elucidados, relacionados principalmente à inserção de aves silvestres na cadeia epidemiológica da toxoplasmose conectada à ação antrópica, tornando próxima a interação entre animais silvestres, domésticos e o homem. Dessa forma, é notória a necessidade de estudos relacionados à dinâmica de transmissão entre os diferentes genótipos existentes nessa tríade e sua relação com o meio ambiente, a fim de determinar a influência dessa espécie animal na cadeia epidemiológica da toxoplasmose.(AU)

The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in carcarás (Caracara plancus) captured in the Recife/Guararapes Gilberto Freyre International Airport, in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. 115 samples of blood sera were tested by the Modified Agglutination Test technique (IgG, MAT > 25) using tachyzoites inactivated in formalin. Of the total of the analyzed samples, 5,21% (6/115) were positive for the presence of antibodies against T. gondii, 16,67% with a titer of 1:25 (1/06) and 83,33% (5/06) with a titration of 1:50. The occurrence of antibodies in caracaras coming from airport region generate concern about aspects still poorly understood, mainly related to the inclusion of wild birds in the epidemiological chain of toxoplasmosis connected to human action, making close interaction between wild animals, domestic and man. Thus, the need for studies related to the dynamics of transmission between the different existing genotypes in this triad is evident as is its relationship with the environment to determine the influence of this animal species in the epidemiological chain of toxoplasmosis.(AU)

Efeito da suplementação parenteral extra de cobre e zinco sobre a resposta imunológica de vacas Nelore / Effects of parenteral over-supplementation of cooper and zinc on immune response of Nellore cows

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação mineral injetável extra de cobre (Cu) e zinco (Zn) sobre a resposta imunológica de vacas Nelore no período pré-parto. Foram avaliadas 60 vacas prenhes, as quais foram divididas em dois tratamentos, por meio da distribuição aleatória em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso. Aos 75 dias antes do parto, as vacas do tratamento testemunha (T) receberam soro fisiológico como placebo e os animais suplementados (S) receberam mineral injetável via subcutânea (75mg de cobre e 250mg de zinco, em dose única). Foram realizadas três coletas de sangue, duas antes da data prevista para o parto (75 e 10 dias) e uma 30 dias após o parto. Os teores de Cu, Zn, ceruloplasmina, imunoglobulinas G (IgG) e M (IgM) foram analisados durante as três coletas. A atividade fagocitária foi avaliada aos 30 dias pós-parto. Os dados foram examinados mediante análise de variância, com o uso do pacote estatístico do SAS, e os dados individuais da atividade fagocitária pelo PROC GLM. Os dados de Cu, Zn, IgG e IgM foram analisados como medidas repetidas no tempo de coleta por meio do PROC MIXED, com o nível de significância de 5%. Os teores de Cu, Zn, IgM, IgG, ceruloplasmina e a atividade fagocitária das vacas não sofreram influência dos tratamentos (P>0,05). O fornecimento de Cu e Zn injetável, nas doses utilizadas, aos 75 dias antes do parto para vacas Nelore, em dietas suficientes, não alterou os teores de Cu, Zn, ceruloplasmina e a resposta imunológica até 30 dias após o parto.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of extra injectable mineral supplementation of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) on the immune response of Nellore cows in pre-partum period. Sixty pregnant cows were randomly distributed in a completely randomized design in two treatments. In the control treatment (T), cows received saline as placebo, and supplemented treatment (S) received mineral injection (75mg copper and 250mg of zinc, single dose) subcutaneously, 75 days prior to parturition. Blood was sampled three times, two before the expected date of parturition (75 and 10 days) and another at 30 days postpartum. Analyses were performed for Cu, Zn, ceruloplasmin, immunoglobulin G (IgG) and M (IgM) in the three periods and the phagocytic activity in the last period (30 days postpartum). The experimental data were subjected to analysis of variance using the statistical package SAS, being that the individual data phagocytic activity were analyzed by PROC GLM, and the Cu, Zn, IgG and IgM were analyzed as repeated measures in the time, using the PROC MIXED, with the significance level of 5%. The Cu, Zn, IgM, IgG, ceruloplasmin and the phagocytic activity of the cows were not affected by treatments (P>0.05). The supply of injectable Cu and Zn, at the doses used, 75 days before parturition to Nellore cows in sufficient diets, did not alter the serum contents of Cu, Zn, ceruloplasmin and the immune response up to 30 days after parturition.(AU)