Resumo Este estudo avaliou o efeito do óleo volátil de Alpinia zerumbet (OVAz) na expressão do gene da caveolina-1 e na fibrose muscular. Os ratos foram imobilizados para induzir a fibrose do músculo gastrocnêmio, e foram tratados com OVAz. A qualidade do colágeno foi avaliada com histologia e à expressão do gene caveolina-1 (CAV-1) foi avaliada usando qPCR. A análise histomorfológica indicou uma redução significativa no perímetro, largura e intensidade do colágeno nos grupos tratados. Os resultados dos níveis de expressão sugeriram diminuição nos grupos de lesão e em dois grupos de tratamento (0,0115 µg/g e 0,009 µg/g). No entanto, com a menor concentração (0,0065 µg/g), não foi observada diferença significativa, apresentando níveis semelhantes aos encontrados em tecido saudável. O uso do OVAz foi eficaz para reverter as alterações do colágeno causadas pela fibrose, e sua menor concentração apresentou uma possível tendência de aumento na expressão do CAV-1. Portanto, os resultados mostraram que o OVAz tem potencial para ser uma alternativa não invasiva e de baixo custo para auxiliar no tratamento da fibrose muscular.

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of the volatile oil of Alpinia zerumbet (VOAz) on caveolin-1 gene expression and muscular fibrosis. The rats were immobilized to induce fibrosis of the gastrocnemius muscle, and they were treated with VOAz. Collagen quality was assessed by histology and the expression of the caveolin-1 (CAV-1) gene was evaluated using qPCR. Histomorphological analysis indicated a significant reduction in the perimeter, width, and intensity of collagen in the treated groups, thus showing that the oil was effective in regulating the quality of collagen at the three concentrations. The results of expression levels suggested a decrease in the lesioned group and in two treatment groups (0.0115 µg/g and 0.009 µg/g). However, with the lowest concentration (0.0065 µg/g), no significant difference was observed, with levels similar to those found in healthy tissue. Therefore, the results showed that VOAz has the potential to be a non-invasive and low-cost alternative to aid in the treatment of muscular fibrosis.

ABSTRACT Cowpea is a socioeconomically important legume in the Northeast region of Brazil, and the most grown and consumed type of bean, representing the main source of low-cost vegetable protein for rural and urban populations in this region. The objective of this work was to characterize the proximate composition, minerals, tannins, phytic acid, and cooking quality of whole grains of cowpea from the commercial cultivars BRS Aracê, BRS Inhuma, and BRS Xiquexique. Grain samples of the cultivars were ground in a zirconium ball mill and the flour was used for analysis. The proximate composition was carried out according to the AOAC methodology. The minerals were determined by nitro-perchloric digestion and reading in a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The anti-nutritional factors tannins and phytic acid were determined by extraction and reading in a spectrophotometer. Cooking quality was assessed using an electric pressure cooker and then a Mattson cooker. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with three treatments (cultivars) and three replications. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the means were compared by the Tukey's test (p<0.05). The cowpea cultivars showed significant differences (p<0.05) for most characteristics evaluated and were similar in terms of ash, lipids, total dietary fiber, and most macrominerals. The results showed that grains of the cultivars BRS Aracê and BRS Xiquexique are excellent sources of dietary fiber, proteins, and minerals and present high cooking quality, while grains of the cultivar BRS Inhuma stood out regarding carbohydrates, soluble dietary fibers, total energetic value, and low levels of factors, anti-nutritional tannins and phytic acid.

RESUMO O feijão-caupi é uma leguminosa de grande importância socioeconômica na região Nordeste do Brasil, sendo o tipo de feijão mais cultivado e consumido, representando a principal fonte de proteína vegetal de baixo custo das populações rural e urbana dessa região. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a composição centesimal, minerais, taninos, ácido fítico e a qualidade de cozimento dos grãos integrais das cultivares de feijão-caupi BRS Aracê, BRS Inhuma e BRS Xiquexique. A composição centesimal foi determinada de acordo com a metodologia AOAC. Os minerais foram determinados por digestão nitro-perclórica e leitura em espectrofotômetro de absorção atômica de chama. Os fatores antinutricionais taninos e ácido fítico foram determinados por extração e leitura em espectrofotômetro. A qualidade do cozimento foi avaliada usando uma panela de pressão elétrica e, em seguida, o cozedor de Matsson. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC), com três tratamentos (cultivares) e três repetições. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (p<0,05). As cultivares apresentaram diferenças significativas (p<0,05) para a maioria das características avaliadas e similares para os teores de cinzas, lipídeos, fibra alimentar total e a maioria dos macrominerais. As cultivares BRS Aracê e BRS Xiquexique representam excelentes fontes de fibras dietéticas, proteínas e minerais, além de alta qualidade de cozimento, enquanto a cultivar BRS Inhuma destacou-se em carboidratos, fibras alimentares solúveis, valor energético total e baixos teores dos fatores antinutricionais analisados.

ABSTRACT Cowpea crops have high socioeconomic importance in the Northeast region of Brazil. These crops generate employment and income; in addition, it is an excellent source of protein, minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber, and contributes to the food security of thousands of people. Biofortification of cowpea with iron, zinc, and proteins can contribute to prevent the higher hunger. The objective of this work was to assess iron, zinc, and protein contents in cowpea grains of different cultivars and the effect of grain size and color on the contents of these nutrients. Twenty-four cultivars with variation in size and color of the seed coat were evaluated. Iron contents ranged from 7.12 to 8.60 mg 100 g-1, with an overall mean of 7.75 mg 100 g-1. Zinc contents ranged from 4.46 to 4.93 mg 100 g-1, with an overall mean of 4.71 mg 100 g-1. Protein contents ranged from 31.50 to 36.24 g 100 g-1, with an overall mean of 33.57 g 100 g-1. Grain size ranged from 13.55 to 37.88 g, with an overall mean of 21.50 g. The cultivars Caldeirão, BRS-Guariba, and Pingo-de-Ouro-1-2 have higher iron contents; BRS-Aracê and BRS-Imponente have higher zinc contents; BR-14-Mulato, BRS-Guariba, BRS-Aracê, and BRS-Inhuma, have higher protein contents; and BR-3-Tracuateua and BRS-Imponente have larger grain sizes. The size and color of the seed coat do not influence the iron, zinc and protein contents of the evaluated cowpea cultivars.

RESUMO O feijão-caupi é uma cultura de grande importância socioeconômica na região Nordeste do Brasil. Além de ser um gerador de emprego e renda, é uma excelente fonte de proteínas, minerais, vitaminas e fibras alimentares, contribuindo para a segurança alimentar de milhares de pessoas. A biofortificação do grão de feijão-caupi com ferro, zinco e proteínas pode contribuir na prevenção da fome oculta. Este trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar os teores de ferro, zinco e proteínas nos grãos de cultivares de feijão-caupi e verificar a influência da cor e tamanho do grão nos teores desses nutrientes. Foram avaliadas 24 cultivares com variação no tamanho e cor do grão. O teor de ferro variou de 7,12 a 8,60 mg 100g-1 e média geral de 7,75 mg 100g-1. O teor de zinco apresentou variação de 4,46 a 4,93 mg 100 g-1 e média geral de 4,71 mg 100 g-1. O teor de proteínas variou de 31,50 a 36,24 g 100g-1, com média geral de 33,57 107 g 100g-1. O tamanho do grão variou de 13,55 a 37,88 g e apresentou média geral de 21,50 g. As cultivares Caldeirão, BRS Guariba e Pingo de Ouro 1-2 apresentam maior teor de ferro; BRS Aracê e BRS Imponente, maior teor de zinco; BR 14-Mulato, BRS Guariba, BRS Aracê e BRS-Inhuma, maior teor de proteínas; e BR 3-Tracuateua e BRS Imponente, maior tamanho de grão. O tamanho e a cor do tegumento grão não influenciam nos teores de ferro, zinco e proteínas das cultivares de feijão-caupi avaliadas.

Resumo O extrato bruto de Marcetia macrophylla mostrou atividade antioxidante, fotoprotetora e antinociceptiva, sendo em seguida investigado como ingrediente ativo em uma formulação fotoprotetora. Assim, o extrato de M. macrophylla apresentou atividade antioxidante com IC50 de 3,43 mg/mL (teste de sequestro do DPPH∙) e Fator de Proteção Solar de 20,25 (FPS/UV-B, 250 µg/mL) e UV-A de 78,09% (teste de fotobranqueamento do trans-resveratrol). A atividade antinociceptiva usando o teste in vivo de contorções abdominais induzidas por ácido acético foi superior a todos os padrões testados (99,14% na dose de 200 mg/Kg). A análise por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência acoplada a detector de fotodiodos e espectroscopia de massas multi-estágio (CLAE-DAD-EM/EM) possibilitou a caracterização dos flavonoides quercetina-3-O-hexosídeo, quercetina-3-O-pentosídeo e quercetina-3-O-desoxihexosídeo. A formulação farmacêutica contendo o extrato ativo bruto de Marcetia macrophylla foi preparada e os testes físico-químicos (características organolépticas, análise de pH e centrifugação), o UVB in vitro (fator de proteção solar, FPS) e UVA (β-caroteno) foram investigados. A formulação apresentou resultados satisfatórios frente aos parâmetros físico-químicos avaliados e ativos contra UV. Assim, M. macrophylla apresentou atividades biológicas com potencial uso em preparações fitofarmacêuticas.

Abstract The antioxidant, photoprotective and antinociceptive Marcetia macrophylla active extract was investigated as an active ingredient in a sunscreen cream formulation. Thus, the M. macrophylla extract showed IC50 of 3.43 mg/ml of the antioxidant (DPPH∙ scavenging test) and Sun Protection Factor of 20.25 (SPF/UV-B, at 250 µg/ml) and UV-A of 78.09% (photobleaching trans-resveratrol test). The antinociceptive activity was superior to all standards tested using the in vivo acetic acid-induced writhing test (99.14% at the dose of 200 mg/kg) and the high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector and mass spectroscopy multi-stage (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS) enabled the structural characterization of the quercetin-3-O-hexoside, quercetin-3-O-pentoside and quercetin-3-O-desoxihexoside. The pharmaceutical formulation containing the Marcetia macrophylla crude active extract was prepared and the physicochemical tests (organoleptic characteristics, pH analysis and centrifugation), the in vitro UVB (sun protection factor, SPF) and UVA (β-carotene) using the spectroscopic method were investigated. The formulation showed satisfactory results concerning the physicochemical parameters evaluated and active against the UV test. Thus, M. macrophylla showed biological activities with potential use in pharmaceutical preparations.

ABSTRACT We report a case of COVID-19-associated meningoencephalitis with a fatal outcome in a male patient with concomitant influenza A, who had been hospitalized at the beginning of 2022, in the Northeastern region of Brazil. He died due to cardiopulmonary arrest after developing status epilepticus on the third day of hospitalization. The SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in cerebrospinal fluid and Influenza A was detected in the nasopharyngeal swab. Meningoencephalitis due to COVID-19 is a rare manifestation and physicians must be aware of this complication, mainly during the pandemic. In viral co-circulation situations, the possibility of respiratory coinfections should be remembered.

This work reports on the properties of GaN films grown by reactive magnetron sputtering onto glass substrate kept at relatively low temperature (400°C), using different RF power applied to the Ga target. Their structural, morphological, vibrational and optical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction, atomic force and scanning electron microscopies, Raman spectroscopy and UV-vis spectrophotometry. The films have wurtzite phase with strong preferential orientation in the c-axis direction. Moreover, two clear contributions to the (0002) diffraction peak could be found, indicating the presence of two different morphologies, which were discussed in terms of the formation of an intermediate layer between the substrate and a dominating columnar-like microstructured film.

ABSTRACT: Canine mammary neoplasms with malignant mesenchymal components, such as carcinosarcomas and sarcomas, belong to an uncommon and histologically heterogeneous group. Little is known about the biological behavior of these histogenic variants. This study aimed to compare the clinicopathological characteristics and the COX-2 immunohistochemical expression of different histologic subtypes of carcinosarcomas and sarcomas. Samples of 23 carcinosarcomas and 15 sarcomas from the mammary glands of female dogs were studied. Medical records were reviewed to obtain clinical data. Subsequently, histology microscope slides were analyzed to assess for mesenchymal subtypes, necrosis, vascular invasion, histologic grades, and lymph node metastasis. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the COX-2 expression. The malignant mesenchymal proliferation was categorized into osteosarcomas (23/40), fibrosarcomas (5/40), liposarcomas (6/40) and chondrosarcomas (4/40). The osteosarcomatous differentiation was the most predominant type among the sarcomas and carcinosarcomas and was associated with vascular invasion (P=0.010) and lymph node metastases (P=0.014). High COX-2 expression was detected in 14.3% of the carcinosarcomas (carcinoma and/or sarcoma cells) and 27.3% of the sarcomas. The carcinosarcomas and sarcomas had similar clinical and pathological characteristics and developed as large tumors, with intratumoral necrosis and a predominance of high histologic grades, although the frequency of vascular invasion and lymph node metastasis was low. Osteosarcoma subtypes presented more aggressive characteristics than non-osteosarcoma subtypes.

RESUMO: Neoplasias mamárias caninas com componentes mesenquimais malignos, como carcinossarcomas e sarcomas, são um grupo de neoplasias pouco frequentes e histologicamente heterogêneas e pouco se sabe sobre o comportamento biológico das variantes histogênicas. O objetivo desse estudo é comparar as características anatomopatológicas e a expressão imunoistoquímica de COX-2 de diferentes subtipos histológicos de carcinossarcomas e sarcomas. Foram estudados 23 carcinosarcomas e 17 sarcomas da glândula mamária de cadelas. Os prontuários médicos foram revisados para obtenção de dados clínicos. Posteriormente, as lâminas histológicas foram avaliadas para acessar os subtipos mesenquimais, necrose, invasão vascular, grau histológico, metástase linfonodal. A imunoistoquímica foi realizada para avaliar a expressão de COX-2. Os tipos encontrados de proliferação mesenquimal maligna foram osteossarcoma (23/40), fibrossarcoma (7/40), lipossarcoma (6/40) e condrossarcoma (4/40). A diferenciação osteossarcomatosa foi predominante entre os sarcomas e carcinossarcomas e foi associado com invasão vascular (P=0,006) e metástase linfonodal (P=0,014). Uma expressão alta de COX-2 foi detectada em 14,3% dos carcinossarcomas (células carcinomatosas e/ou sarcomatosas) e 27,3% dos sarcomas. Os carcinossarcomas e sarcomas apresentaram características clínicas e patológicas semelhantes e se desenvolveram como tumores grandes, com necrose intratumoral e predomínio de alto grau histológico, mas com baixa frequência de invasão vascular e metástase distante. Os subtipos osteossarcomatosos apresentaram características mais agressivas quando comparados com subtipos não osteossarcomatosos.

ABSTRACT Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It has high morbidity and mortality rates and mainly affects socially vulnerable populations. This is a cross-sectional study, with retrospective and prospective data collection. Using questionnaires applied to environmental surveillance coordinators, we characterized the status of CD surveillance activities in municipalities endemic for the disease in Northern Minas Gerais State (MG) and Jequitinhonha Valley (Vale do Jequitinhonha). Moreover, we spatialized the vulnerability index for chronic CD in the study area. The population consisted of 22 environmental surveillance coordinators, active in 2020, from Northern MG and Jequitinhonha Valley, 21 municipalities included in the SaMi-Trop research project, and Montes Claros municipality. After applying the questionnaires to the coordinators, a descriptive analysis of the variables was performed. To characterize the active municipalities, the explanatory variables collected in the questionnaire were compared with the dichotomous variable. Bivariate descriptive analysis was performed. Finally, geoprocessing techniques were used to spatialize the data and prepare maps. Regarding the team of endemic combat agents (ECA), 90.9% reported the lack of a specific team for CD vector control actions. Of the 22 municipalities participating in this study, nine were active (41.1%). Only 25% (n=2) of active municipalities (9% of the municipalities studied) met the target of visiting 50% of households per year. Finally, 81.1% of the coordinators stated that in their municipality, they developed actions linked to primary health care (PHC). The implementation of CD surveillance activities weakened in the endemic region. Few municipalities have a surveillance team, with low regularity of active surveillance and noncompliance with the program’s goal. The results suggest insufficient recording of activities in the information system, considering that there are municipalities that report performing the activities, but no production record was observed in the system.

Abstract This study evaluated physicochemical properties of experimental infiltrants after addition of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAp) or 58S bioactive glass (BAG) and diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate (DPI). The resin matrix was composed of TEGDMA/Bis-EMA (3:1), 0.5 mol% CQ, and 1 mol% EDAB. The blends received or not 0.5 mol% DPI and 10% wt BAG or HAp. Icon was used as commercial control. The groups were characterized by XRD, FT-IR spectrometry, and SEM before and after simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion for up to 7 days. Polymerization kinetics (n =3 ), water sorption and solubility (n=10), and viscosity (n = 3) were surveyed. For polymerization kinetics, the samples were polymerized for 5 min and the data were obtained from 40 s and 5 min. Statistical analysis was made using ANOVA and Tukey's test (a = 0.05). After 7 days of SBF immersion, XRD and FT-IR showed that the HAp crystalline phase was present only in the HAp groups. A lower degree of conversion (DC) and polymerization rate were observed for the Icon and BAG groups, whereas HAp showed higher values. For the BAG group, DPI increased polymerization rate and DC in 40 s. After 5 min, all groups presented DC above 80%. In groups with particles, the HAp groups exhibited higher viscosity, whereas DPI groups showed a decrease in viscosity. Icon had the highest water sorption. To conclude, BAG neither improved the physicochemical properties studied, nor did it show bioactive properties. The addition of DPI reduced viscosity caused by particle addition and also attenuated the DC decrease caused by BAG addition. The addition of bioactive particles to infiltrants should be seen with caution because they increase viscosity and may not bring major clinical improvements that justify their use. DPI might be indicated only if any component is added to the infiltrant to act as a compensation mechanism.

Abstract Foodborne diseases are common illnesses caused by the consumption of food contaminated with microorganisms, such as viruses, fungi, bacteria, and protozoa. Every year, 600 million people become ill and 420,000 people die as a result of consuming contaminated food. Therefore, food safety is an important issue. In this study, samples of homemade spiced mayonnaise and self-serve acai sold in the city of Araguaína, Tocantins, Brazil were analyzed for microbiological contaminants. Acai was collected from 10 stores, one sample from each store, and tested for mold, yeast, and coliforms, as well as coliform identification and total and thermotolerant coliform counts. Mayonnaise was collected from 20 snack bars, one sample from each. These samples were inoculated on MacConkey and Salmonella Shigella agar plates, and the plates were analyzed for growth. Salmonella spp. were detected in some Mayonnaise samples, and coliforms were detected in all acai samples; 60% of samples had thermotolerant coliforms, and only 40% were within the limits established by ANVISA. The collected samples of mayonnaise and acai were contaminated with molds and yeasts above the established limit of 103 CFU/g. Thus, the analyzed mayonnaise and acai samples were contaminated and unfit for consumption, demonstrating the importance of hygienic-sanitary measures in food handling.

Resumo As doenças transmitidas por alimentos são doenças comuns causadas pelo consumo de alimentos contaminados com microrganismos, como vírus, fungos, bactérias e protozoários. Todos os anos, 600 milhões de pessoas ficam doentes e 420.000 pessoas morrem como resultado do consumo de alimentos contaminados. Portanto, a segurança alimentar é uma questão importante. Neste estudo, amostras de maionese temperada caseira e açaí self-service vendidas na cidade de Araguaína, Tocantins, Brasil foram analisadas quanto a contaminantes microbiológicos. O açaí foi coletado em 10 lojas, uma amostra de cada loja, e testado para mofo, levedura e coliformes, bem como identificação de coliformes e contagem de coliformes totais e termotolerantes. A maionese foi coletada de 20 lanchonetes, sendo uma amostra de cada. Essas amostras foram inoculadas em placas de ágar MacConkey e Salmonella Shigella, e as placas foram analisadas quanto ao crescimento. Salmonela spp. foram detectados em algumas amostras de maionese e coliformes foram detectados em todas as amostras de açaí; 60% das amostras apresentaram coliformes termotolerantes, e apenas 40% estavam dentro dos limites estabelecidos pela ANVISA. As amostras coletadas de maionese e açaí estavam contaminadas com bolores e leveduras acima do limite estabelecido de 103 UFC/g. Assim, as amostras de maionese e açaí analisadas estavam contaminadas e impróprias para o consumo, demonstrando a importância das medidas higiênico-sanitárias na manipulação de alimentos.

ABSTRACT Purpose To demonstrate the epidemiological profile and risk factors of patients with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Methods Observational and sectional study. One eye of each patient with greater visual impairment due to AMD treated at the University Hospital Antônio Pedro was included. The main variable to be compared was the presence of AMD divided into inexpressive, initial, intermediate, and advanced stages, according to the classification of the AREDS study. The secondary variables were demographics (gender, age, race, age group), body mass index, iris color, family history of ARMD, lens status, long-term exposure to ultraviolet light and smoking. Statistical tests were performed with Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square analyses and Student’s t test. The significance level was set at 5%. Results After the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 126 patients were included in this study, 20 patients with non-expressive AMD, 30 patients with early AMD, 30 patients with intermediate AMD, and 46 patients with advanced AMD. Among all the risk factors surveyed, only smoking was statistically significant (p = 0.03). Conclusion Smoking as a risk factor for AMD had significant relevance prevalent in this research and even as a preventive factor for this ocular morbidity.

RESUMO Objetivo Demonstrar o perfil epidemiológico e fatores de riscos de pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade. Métodos Estudo observacional e seccional. Foi incluído um olho de cada paciente com maior comprometimento visual por degeneração macular relacionada à idade atendido no Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro. A variável principal a ser comparada foi a presença de degeneração macular relacionada à idade dividida nos estágios inexpressivo, inicial, intermediário e avançado, segundo classificação do estudo AREDS. As variáveis secundárias foram os dados demográficos (sexo, idade, raça, faixa etária), índice de massa corporal, cor da íris, história familiar de degeneração macular relacionada à idade, status do cristalino, longo tempo exposição à luz ultravioleta e tabagismo. Foram realizados testes estatísticos com análise de Kruskal-Wallis, do teste do qui-quadrado e teste t de Student. O nível de significância foi definido em 5%. Resultados Após os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, 126 pacientes foram incluídos neste estudo, sendo 20 pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade inexpressiva, 30 pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade inicial, 30 pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade intermediária e 46 pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade avançada. Dentre todos os fatores de risco pesquisados, apenas o tabagismo se mostrou estatisticamente significativo (p=0,03). Conclusão O tabagismo como fator de risco para degeneração macular relacionada à idade apresentou ter importância expressiva prevalente nesta pesquisa e até mesmo como fator preventivo dessa morbidade ocular.

Abstract We aimed to evaluate how high-fat diet consumption can interfere with rat reproductive performance and fetal development. High-fat diet (HFD) was initiated in 30-day-old rats, distributed into two groups (n=7 animals/group): Rats receiving a standard diet and rats receiving HFD. At adulthood, the rats were mated, and on day 21 of pregnancy, the females were anesthetized, decapitated, and submitted to laparotomy to obtain visceral and periovarian adipose tissue. The uterine horns were exposed for analysis of maternal reproductive performance. The fetuses and placentas were weighed and analyzed. Pearson’s correlation test was used, and p<0.05 was considered significant. There was a significant positive correlation (HFD consumption x increased periovarian fat) and a negative correlation with the implantation, live fetus numbers and lower litter weight. Furthermore, the increased relative weight of periuterine fat was related to the lower number of live fetuses and litter weight. Regarding the fetal weight classification, there was a negative correlation between the relative weight of periovarian fat and the percentage of fetuses appropriate for gestational age and large for gestational age. Therefore, our findings show that HFD maternal intake negatively influenced on reproductive performance and fetal growth.

Abstract This work reports the properties of GaN films grown onto c-Si (100) at relatively low substrate temperature (400°C) by reactive magnetron sputtering. The study depicts the effect of working pressure and RF power on the GaN film structural, vibrational and optical properties characterized by X-ray diffraction, atomic force and scanning electron microscopies, Raman spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry. Unusual low pressure deposition condition (0.40 Pa) was achieved by using a separated argon inlet directed to the Ga target surface, resulting in improved crystalline quality of the films. In this condition, the preferential crystalline orientation, the surface morphology and the optical gap of the GaN films show a strong dependence on the RF power applied to the Ga target, where low RF power (30-60 W) was responsible for increasing the c-axis orientation and the optical gap, while higher RF power (75-90 W) decreased the overall crystal quality and increased the surface roughness.

Abstract In this study, we aimed to assess the spatial variability of microclimate inside a closed compost-bedded pack barn (CBP) with a negative ventilation system during summer and winter. The research was carried out in a CBP located in the Zona da Mata region, Minas Gerais, Brazil. For each of the stations analyzed, the following environmental mean variables observed inside a CBP were measured: air dry-bulb temperature (tdb), air relative humidity (RH), and windspeed, Temperature-Humidity index, and specific enthalpy. The kriging maps showed that the most critical housing conditions in the thermal environment were found, mainly, from the central part of the CBP, close to the exhaust fans. The analyses also pointed out that the system presented temperature gradients along the length, up to 3°C. During the summer afternoon, the entire region of the CBP was in a discomfort situation (tdb>26°C; RH>75%). During the winter, the measured environmental data remained within the comfort zone throughout the facility. However, probably due to the lack of thermal insulation of the material used to close the sides of the CBP, it did not allow spatial thermal uniformity for both seasons. It was also inefficient to keep the animals within the comfort zone for lactating cattle during the critical summer period.