RESUMO A produção artesanal de queijos envolve uma tradição secular no estado de Minas Gerais, no Brasil, exercendo importante papel histórico e social. Objetivou-se, com este estudo, avaliar as características de queijos minas artesanal de sete regiões certificadas para sua produção em relação à sua composição físico-química e centesimal, a fim de se identificarem parâmetros que sejam úteis para diferenciá-los. A composição físico-química e centesimal revelou diferença entre os queijos das diferentes regiões para as variáveis nitrogênio solúvel, índices de extensão e profundidade de maturação, cinzas, oxidação, gordura e pH. Os maiores valores para os índices de extensão e profundidade de maturação foram observados na região do Cerrado. Os queijos da região da Canastra se mostraram diferentes daqueles das demais regiões em razão do maior teor de umidade, assim como os queijos de Campo das Vertentes, que apresentaram maiores valores de pH e compostos nitrogenados. Apesar das semelhanças entre os queijos em cada região, esses apresentaram posicionamentos dispersos na análise de componentes principais. Existem diferenças na composição físico-química e centesimal entre os queijos minas artesanais oriundos das distintas regiões em Minas Gerais, e os parâmetros analisados podem ser utilizados para diferenciá-los. Os teores de cinzas, gordura, índice de oxidação, teores de nitrogênio solúvel e pH foram os parâmetros que estiveram associados a maiores diferenças dos queijos conforme sua região de origem. Gerais Brasil social Objetivouse, Objetivouse Objetivou se, Objetivou-se estudo físicoquímica físico química diferenciálos. diferenciálos diferenciá los. los diferenciá-los cinzas oxidação Cerrado umidade Vertentes nitrogenados principais origem

ABSTRACT Artisanal cheese production involves a centuries-old tradition in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil, playing an important historical and social role. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of artisanal Minas cheeses from seven regions certified for their production in relation to their physical-chemical and centesimal composition to identify parameters that are useful to differentiate them. There were differences among the cheeses from different regions for the soluble nitrogen variables, extension and depth of ripening indexes, ash, oxidation, fat and pH. The highest values for the ripening length and depth index were observed in the Cerrado region. The cheeses from the Canastra region were different due to the higher moisture content, and the cheeses from Campo das Vertentes presented higher pH and nitrogen compound values. Despite the similarities among cheeses in each region, they had dispersed positions in the principal components analysis. There are differences in the physicochemical and centesimal composition among the artisanal Minas cheeses from the distinct regions in Minas Gerais, and the analyzed parameters can be used to differentiate them. The contents of ash, fat, oxidation index, soluble nitrogen and pH were the parameters that were associated with greater differences in cheeses. centuriesold centuries old Brazil role physicalchemical physical chemical them variables indexes ash content analysis

ABSTRACT: This study discusses the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological characteristics of two outbreaks of ocular infection in ostriches (Struthio camelus) caused by the trematode Philophthalmus sp. The outbreaks occurred in the states of Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte in Northeast Brazil. Ostrich farming was categorized as semi-intensive farming with free access to the weir and river. The clinical symptoms for infection included nictitating membrane inflammation, epiphora (tearing), eyelid edema, ocular congestion, eyeball destruction, emaciation, and death, and the infection period ranged from 8 to 16 months. Macroscopically, thickening of the eyelids and conjunctiva were observed, with orange parasites infestation. Histologically, the lesions were characterized as lymphoplasmacytic and heterophilic, multifocal to coalescing, moderate, chronic conjunctivitis associated with hyperplasia and ectasia of the Harderian gland, and numerous parasites. The parasites were oval and flattened with an oral suction cup, acetabulum, and thick cuticle containing spicules. The diagnosis of philophthalmiasis was based on epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings associated with the morphological characteristics of the parasites present in the conjunctival sacs which were similar to the trematode Philophthalmus sp. Philophthalmiasis can occur in ostriches raised on urban and rural properties in Northeastern Brazil, probably associated with the contact of birds with contaminated water, and is characterized by severe conjunctivitis that can result in the loss of the eyeball and death of the animals.

RESUMO: Descrevem-se as características epidemiológicas, clínicas e patológicas de dois surtos de infecção ocular pelo trematódeo Philophthalmus sp. em avestruzes ocorridos nos estados do Ceará e Rio Grande do Norte no Nordeste do Brasil. As propriedades tinham em comum, a criação semi-intensiva e livre acesso a açude e rio. Os sinais clínicos incluíam protrusão da membrana nictante, lacrimejamento, edema palpebral, congestão ocular, destruição do globo ocular, emagrecimento e morte. A evolução clínica variou de oito a 16 meses. Macroscopicamente, observou-se espessamento das pálpebras e conjuntivas associado a numerosas estruturas parasitárias alaranjadas. No segundo surto, as lesões eram mais graves e consistiam em perda do globo ocular direito e anexos. Histologicamente, as lesões caracterizavam-se por conjuntivite linfoplasmocítica e heterofílica, multifocal a coalescente, moderada, crônica associada a hiperplasia e ectasia da glândula de Harderian e numerosas estruturas parasitárias. Os parasitas eram ovalados, achatados com ventosa oral e acetábulo e cutícula espessa contendo espículas. O diagnóstico de filoftalmíase foi realizado com base nos achados epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos associadas as características morfológicas dos parasitas presentes nos sacos conjuntivais compatíveis com o trematódeo Philophthalmus sp. A filoftalmíase pode ocorrer em avestruzes criados em propriedades urbanas e rurais no Nordeste do Brasil, provavelmente associado ao contato das aves com água contaminada e caracteriza-se por quadros de conjuntivite grave que pode resultar com a perda do globo ocular e morte dos animais.

Islet transplantation represents a therapeutic option for type 1 diabetes (T1D). Long-term viability of transplanted islets requires improvement. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been proposed as adjuvants for islet transplantation facilitating grafting and functionality. Stem cell aggregation provides physiological interactions between cells and enhances the in situ concentration of modulators of inflammation and immunity. We established a hanging-drop culture of adult human skin fibroblast-like cells as spheroids, and skin spheroid-derived cells (SphCs) were characterized. We assessed the potential of SphCs in improving islet functionality by cotransplantation with a marginal mass of allogeneic islets in an experimental diabetic mouse model and characterized the secretome of SphCs by mass spectrometry-based proteomics. SphCs were characterized as multipotent progenitors and their coculture with anti-CD3 stimulated mouse splenocytes decreased CD4+ T cell proliferation with skewed cytokine secretion through an increase in the Th2/Th1 ratio profile. SphCs-conditioned media attenuated apoptosis of islets induced by cytokine challenge in vitro and importantly, intratesticular SphCs administration did not show tumorigenicity in immune-deficient mice. Moreover, SphCs improved glycemic control when cotransplanted with a marginal mass of allogeneic islets in a diabetic mouse model without pharmacological immunosuppression. SphCs' protein secretome differed from its paired skin fibroblast-like counterpart in containing 70% of up- and downregulated proteins and biological processes that overall positively influenced islets such as cytoprotection, cellular stress, metabolism, and survival. In summary, SphCs improved the performance of transplanted allogeneic islets in an experimental T1D model, without pharmacological immunosuppression. Future research is warranted to identify SphCs-secreted factors responsible for islets' endurance.

Neuropathic pain is a condition with varying origins, including reduced dietary micronutrient intake. Phytate is a polyphosphate found in seeds and grains that can act as an antinutrient due to the ability of sequester essential divalent metals. Here we tested whether moderate dietary phytate intake could alter nociceptive pain. We subjected weaning mice to a chow supplemented with 1% phytate for eight weeks. Body weight gain, glycemic responses, food ingestion, water ingestion, and liver and adipose tissue weights were not altered compared to controls. We observed a decreased mechanical allodynia threshold in the intervention group, although there were no changes in heat- or cold-induced pain. Animals consuming phytate showed reduced spinal cord tumor necrosis factor (TNF), indicating altered inflammatory process. These data provide evidence for a subclinical induction of mechanical allodynia that is independent of phytate consumption in animals with otherwise normal phenotypic pattern.

Abstract Niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) has gained prominence as an anti-corrosive pigment. The performance of anti-corrosive coatings based on Nb2O5 was tested in an environment with an acid atmosphere and at high temperatures. For comparison, SAE 1020 carbon steel samples were coated with two anti-corrosive coatings based on Nb2O5: applied by thermal spray and epoxy paint. The samples were partially immersed in the laboratory for 720 h and 1440 h in a 40% (v/v) H2SO4 at 25°C, 60°C, and 80°C. An in-situ evaluation was carried out of chemical industry installations over 4383 h in microclimates with the presence of corrosive agents at temperatures up to 70°C. The results obtained showed that the Nb2O5 coatings applied by thermal spray offer better anti-corrosive performance under immersive conditions. In contrast, under conditions submitted to steam, both the Nb2O5 coatings applied by thermal spraying and epoxy-Nb2O5 paint show excellent anti-corrosive behavior.

Constitutional genomic imbalances are known to cause malformations, disabilities, neurodevelopmental delay, and dysmorphia and can lead to dysfunctions in the cell cycle. In extremely rare genetic conditions such as small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMC), it is important to understand the cellular consequences of this extra marker, as well the factors that contribute to their maintenance or elimination through successive cell cycles and phenotypic impact. The study of chromosomal mosaicism provides a natural model to characterize the effect of aneuploidy on genome stability and compare cells with the same genetic background and environment exposure, but differing in the presence of sSMC. Here, we report the functional characterization of different cell lines from two familial patients with mosaic sSMC derived from chromosome 12. We performed studies of proliferation dynamics, stability, and variability of these cells using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), and conventional staining. We also quantified the telomere-related genomic instability of sSMC cells using 3D telomeric profile analysis by quantitative-FISH. sSMC cells exhibited differences in the cell cycle dynamics compared to normal cells. First, the sSMC cells exhibited lower proliferation index and higher frequency of SCE than normal cells, associated with a higher level of chromosomal instability. Second, sSMC cells exhibited more telomeric-related genomic instability. Lastly, the differences of sSMC cells distribution among tissues could explain different phenotypic repercussions observed in patients. These results will help in our understanding of the sSMC stability, maintenance during cell cycle, and the cell cycle variables involved in the different phenotypic manifestations.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar a resposta superovulatória e a produção embrionária de ovelhas Bergamácia Brasileira e relacioná-las com a condição folicular antes do tratamento superovulatório, como referência para seleção de doadoras com potencial para superovulação. Vinte e três ovelhas foram avaliadas quanto à população folicular por ultrassonografia na fase de metaestro do ciclo estral e divididas em grupos com baixa, média e alta população folicular. Posteriormente foram sincronizadas, superovuladas com 133mg de pFSH, acasaladas e submetidas à coleta de embriões. A resposta superovulatória (9,0±3,3 vs. 10,7±6,2 vs. 13,8±7,1) e a produção embrionária (4,0±3,8 vs. 2,6±2,0 vs. 1,8±4,0) foram semelhantes entre os grupos (P>0,05). Houve correlação positiva entre o número de folículos no metaestro e o número de corpos lúteos com regressão prematura (RPCL) (0,52) e correlação negativa entre a taxa de recuperação e RPCL (-0,44) (P <0,05). As ovelhas que apresentaram RPCL tiveram mais folículos no metaestro (16,9±7,8 vs. 12,7±3,2) e menor taxa de recuperação embrionária (38,8±29,3 vs. 72,2±29,9) do que as que apresentaram CLs funcionais (P<0,05). A quantificação folicular nas fases de metaestro não foi capaz de identificar doadoras com alto potencial de produção embrionária. Animais com RPCL tiveram maior população folicular no metaestro e menor recuperação de embriões.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to quantify the superovulatory response and embryo production of Brazilian Bergamasca sheep and to evaluate the link to the follicular condition before superovulatory treatment, as a reference for selection of donors with potential for superovulation. Follicular population of twenty-three sheep was evaluated by ultrasound during metestrus phase of the estrous cycle and divided into groups of low, medium and high follicular population. Subsequently, they were synchronized, superovulated with 133mg of pFSH, mated and subjected to embryo collection. The superovulatory response (9.0±3.3 vs 10.7±6.2 vs 13.8±7.1) and embryo production (4.0±3.8 vs 2.6±2.0 vs 1,8±4.0) were similar between groups (P>0.05). There was a positive correlation between the number of follicles during the metestrus phase and the number of corpus luteum with premature regression (PLR) (0.52) and a negative correlation between the recovery rate and PLR (-0.44) (P<0.05). The sheep that presented PLR had more follicles during metestrus (16.9±7.8 vs 12.7±3.2) and lower embryo recovery rate (38.8±29.3 vs 72.2±29.9) than those with functional CLs (P<0.05). Follicular quantification during metestrus phases was unable to identify donors with high embryo production. Animals with PLR had a larger follicular population during metestrus and lower embryo recovery rate.

RESUMO O presente estudo objetivou avaliar os níveis crescentes de óleo de resíduo de pescado em dietas para poedeiras leves sobre o perfil bioquímico sérico. Foram utilizadas poedeiras Hisex White com 29 semanas, com água e ração ad libitum. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, consistindo de oito tratamentos correspondentes aos níveis de inclusão de óleo de resíduo de pescado (0; 0,5; 1,0; 1,5; 2,0; 2,5; 3,0 e 3,5%) nas dietas, com quatro repetições de seis aves cada. Os dados coletados foram submetidos à regressão polinomial a 5% de significância. Diferenças significativas (P<0,05) foram observadas nas concentrações de triglicerídeos, glicose, colesterol total e ácido úrico. Esses parâmetros apresentaram uma diminuição quando as aves se alimentaram com rações contendo maior nível de óleo do resíduo de pescado. Os resultados do presente estudo indicaram que a inclusão de óleo do resíduo de pescado acarretou um efeito significativo no perfil bioquímico sérico de poedeiras, principalmente nas concentrações de glicose, triglicerídeos, colesterol total e ácido úrico. O nível de inclusão de 3,5% do óleo do resíduo de pescado acarretou maior desequilíbrio no perfil bioquímico sérico das poedeiras.

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to evaluate increasing levels of fish waste oil in diets for laying hens on serum biochemistry profile. 192 Hisex White laying hens at 29 weeks of age were used, with water and food ad libitum. The experimental design was completely randomized consisting of eight treatments corresponding to the inclusion levels of fish waste oil (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5%) in the diets, with four replicates of six birds each. Data collected were subjected to polynomial regression at 5% of significance. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in triglycerides, glucose, total cholesterol, and uric acid. These parameters presented a decrease when hens fed diets with higher level of fish waste oil. The results of the present study indicated that the inclusion of fish waste oil caused a significant effect in the serum biochemical profile of laying hens, especially in glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and uric acid concentrations. The inclusion level of 3.5% of fish waste oil caused larger disequilibrium in the serum biochemical profile of laying hens.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of various concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), and calcium chloride (CaCl2) on the growth and in vitro fermentation of cellulolytic, glycolytic, and amylolytic microorganisms from the rumen of a goat. Six concentrations of each salt were tested separately, namely 0 mg/dL, 100 mg/dL, 200 mg/dL, 400 mg/dL, 800 mg/dL, and 1600 mg/dL in the culture medium. The experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design, in a 6 x 3 factorial arrangement of salt concentration and substrate (starch, cellulose, and glucose) with three replications of each treatment combination. Concentrations of microbial protein, ammonia (NH3-N), and volatile fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) were measured. A quadratic effect of CaCl2 concentration on the production of microbial protein was observed in the cellulose medium. The effect of MgCl2 on NH3-N production in the cellulose medium decreased linearly. Propionate concentration decreased linearly with increasing levels of NaCl and MgCl2 in the media containing starch. There was a decreasing linear effect of MgCl2 on the concentration of butyrate in the media containing glucose. In conclusion, concentrations of NaCl and CaCl2 up to 1,600 mg/dL did not affect the microbial activity of starch, cellulose, and glucose-fermenting organisms. However, the microbial activity of starch-fermenting microbes was inhibited at salt concentrations above 800 mg/dL. Thus, brackish water could be used by goats in semiarid regions, but its use should be managed carefully so that it does not have a negative impact on rumen microbial populations.

RESUMO: O estresse causado por temperaturas extremas configura-se como um dos principais elementos que limitam a distribuição geográfica e o crescimento sazonal de diversas plantas, provocando severo atraso no seu desenvolvimento, reduzindo a taxa fotossintética e sinalizando a síntese de compostos de defesa. Diante das mudanças ambientais em curso e dos danos que essas mudanças podem causar na fisiologia e no crescimento das plantas, o objetivo deste trabalho foi compreender as interações entre temperatura, fisiologia e crescimento, bem como caracterizar o impacto que a alteração da temperatura exerce sobre o desenvolvimento inicial de Vernonia ferruginea Less. Para determinação de parâmetros fisiológicos e de crescimento, plântulas dessa espécie foram acondicionadas em câmaras de germinação com as temperaturas constantes dos tratamentos previamente ajustadas (10, 20, 25, 30 e 35 oC) por 60 dias. A faixa ótima de temperatura para crescimento inicial de V. ferruginea está entre 25 e 30 oC. O estresse causado pelas temperaturas subótimas e supraótimas afetou a homeostase celular e provocou atraso no crescimento e desenvolvimento das plântulas. Em situações estressantes, observou-se a inibição do crescimento e a ativação de mecanismos de resposta para a adaptação e manutenção da homeostase celular mediante o acúmulo do osmoprotetor prolina, e carboidratos solúveis. Adicionalmente, as plantas apresentaram desenvolvimento normal dentro de uma ampla faixa de temperatura, apesar do atraso no desenvolvimento, da alteração nas trocas gasosas e na síntese de substâncias relacionadas ao sistema de defesa.

ABSTRACT: Stress caused by extreme temperatures is one of the main elements that limit the geographical distribution and the seasonal growth of several plants, causing a severe delay in their development, reducing the photosynthetic rate and signaling the synthesis of defense compounds. Considering the current environmental changes and the damages that these changes can cause in plant physiology and growth, the objective of this work was to understand the interactions between temperature, physiology and growth, and to characterize the impact of temperature changes on the initial development of Vernonia ferruginea Less. Seedlings of this species were conditioned in germination chambers at previously adjusted constant temperatures (10, 20, 25, 30, and 35 oC) for sixty days, in order to evaluate physiological and growth parameters. The optimum temperature range for the initial growth of V. ferruginea is between 25 and 30 oC. The stress caused by sub-optimal and over-optimal temperatures affected cell homeostasis and caused a delay in the growth and development of seedlings. In stressful situations, growth inhibition and the activation of response mechanisms were observed for the adaptation and maintenance of cellular homeostasis through the accumulation of the proline osmoprotectant and soluble carbohydrates. Additionally, plants presented a normal development within a wide temperature range, despite the development delay, the change in gas exchanges and the synthesis of substances related to the defense system.

RESUMO Para avaliar as condições higiênico-sanitárias e tecnológicas (HST) de produção e comercialização da carne de sol no município de Salinas, na região Norte do estado de Minas Gerais, foram coletadas 40 amostras no comércio local para a realização de análises físico-químicas e microbiológicas. A carne de sol é produzida artesanalmente em estabelecimentos comerciais e considerada uma tradição da região. Nas análises físico-químicas de umidade, proteína, gordura, cinzas, cloretos e pH, foram encontrados valores médios de 70,13%, 22,35%, 2,25%, 5,09%, 3,63% e 5,8, respectivamente. Duas amostras (5%) foram positivas para Salmonella spp. e 16 (40%) apresentaram contagens de S. aureus superiores a 103UFC/g. Os valores encontrados nas análises de mesófilos aeróbicos, bolores e leveduras e coliformes totais e termotolerantes foram de 2,50x107 UFC/g, 1,73x104 UFC/g, 9,1NMP/g e 4,3NMP/g, respectivamente. A carne de sol produzida em Salinas é um produto artesanal, portanto heterogêneo quanto às características de produção, comercialização e de qualidade microbiológica e físico-química. A importância socioeconômica da carne de sol na região é considerável, o que justifica a necessidade de se conhecer melhor suas características para auxiliar no desenvolvimento de eventuais políticas públicas regionais visando ao controle sanitário desse produto.

ABSTRACT In order to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary and technological conditions (HST) of production and commercialization of sun-dried meat, in the city of Salinas, in the North of Minas Gerais, 40 samples of the product were collected in the local commerce for carrying out physicochemical and microbiological analyses. The sun-dried meat is produced in the commercial establishments and considered a tradition of the region. In the physicochemical analyzes of moisture, protein, fat, ash content, chlorides and pH were found values of 70.13%, 22.35%, 2.25%, 5.09%, 3.63% and 5.8, respectively. Two samples (5%) were positive for Salmonella spp. and 16 (40%) had Staphylococcus aureus counts higher than 10 3 CFU/g. The values found for the analyses of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, yeasts and molds and total and thermotolerant coliforms were 2.50 x 10 7 CFU/g, 1.73 x 10 4 CFU/g, 9.1MPN/g and 4.3MPN/g, respectively. The sun-dried meat from Salinas is a handmade product, therefore heterogeneous in terms of production, and physicochemical and microbiological quality. The socioeconomic importance of the sun-dried-meat in the region is considerable, which justifies the need to know its characteristics better to help in the development of regional public policies aiming at sanitary control of the product.

RESUMO: O guaranazeiro é uma planta nativa da região amazônica, cujo fruto é conhecido como guaraná. A produção de guaraná envolve pequenos agricultores e é fonte de renda para milhares de pessoas nos meios rural e urbano. A interferência causada pelas plantas daninhas na cultura constitui um importante fator que limita sua produção. Apesar da importância econômica e social do guaranazeiro, ainda são escassos estudos sobre o manejo das plantas daninhas em seu cultivo. Diante do exposto, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo estudar os efeitos da interferência das plantas daninhas sobre a produtividade do guaranazeiro em diferentes períodos. O estudo foi conduzido em Maués, AM, nas safras de 2014 e 2015. O delineamento experimental adotado foi em blocos casualizados com oito tratamentos e quatro blocos. Os tratamentos foram a combinação de quatro períodos diferentes de controle ou de convivência das plantas daninhas (março a maio; junho a agosto; setembro a novembro; dezembro a fevereiro). A comunidade infestante foi composta por 23 espécies de plantas daninhas, pertencentes a 12 famílias botânicas, sendo Paspalum virgatum a espécie com o maior índice de valor de importância (55,74%). O convívio das plantas daninhas com o guaranazeiro durante o período de junho a agosto proporcionou as menores produtividades (156,16 kg ha-1 de grãos), em comparação ao mesmo período com controle das plantas daninhas (309,05 kg ha-1 de grãos). A interferência das plantas daninhas de junho a agosto reduziu em 50% a produtividade do guaranazeiro.

ABSTRACT: Guarana is a plant native to the Amazon region that produces the fruit known as guarana. Guarana production is carried out by small farmers and is a source of income for thousands of people in rural and urban areas. The interference caused by the competition between weeds and guarana is an important limiting factor of its production. Despite its economic and social importance, there are few studies on the management of weeds in this species. Thus, this research aimed to study the effects of weed interference on guarana yield in different periods. This study was performed in Maués, AM, in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. The experimental design was a randomized block design with eight treatments and four blocks. Treatments consisted of a combination of four different periods of control or coexistence with weeds (March to May, June to August, September to November, and December to February). Weed community was composed of 23 weed species belonging to 12 botanical families, with Paspalum virgatum being the species with the highest importance value index (55.74%). Weed coexistence with guarana from June to August provided the lowest yields (156.16 kg ha-1 of grains) when compared to weed control in the same period (309.05 kg ha-1 of grains). Weed interference from June to August reduced guarana yield by 50%.

Abstract: Several microbiological indicators of soil quality present high sensitivity, but little is known about the influence of topographic factors on them. This work aimed to evaluate variability of biological indicators of soil quality across a hillslope under native forest and the influence of topographic factors on them. Four positions on a hillslope were evaluated. Activity of the enzymes β-glucosidase, acid phosphatase, urease and fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis were determined, as well as basal and substrate-induced respiration, and density of microorganisms: total bacteria, total fungi, actinobacteria, phosphate solubilizers, ammonifiers, native rhizobia, free-living N2-fixing bacteria, spores of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and percentage of root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Activity and density of microorganisms were correlated with topographic factors. The relation of these factors to the variations of the evaluated indicators was determined using the random forest algorithm. Microbiological indicators varied according to the hillslope positions. The indicators urease, basal respiration, spore density, mycorrhizal colonization, total bacteria and fungi, phosphate solubilizers, and free-living N2-fixing bacteria detected in JNFB and FAM culture medium did not vary with terrain attributes and were therefore more indicated in cases of topographic variations. This and future studies can help to select the best microbiological indicators for different conditions.

RESUMO: A interferência entre sistemas de raízes ocorre abaixo da superfície do solo muito antes que a competição entre plantas se expresse na parte aérea. Entre os recursos de competição, os nutrientes são destacados pela limitação nos solos, tornando necessária a suplementação, especialmente do fósforo (P). Dessa forma, objetivou-se neste estudo estimar, a partir da semeadura, características visuais nos sistemas de raízes do feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris) de variedade Carioca, em competição com braquiária (Urochloa brizantha), considerando-se ainda a aplicação de fósforo P2O5. Utilizou-se esquema fatorial com seis tratamentos, resultantes da combinação de três esquemas de cultivo (feijoeiro em cultivo isolado ou em competição com uma ou duas plantas de braquiária) e aplicação ou não de adubação fosfatada (90 kg ha-1 de P2O5), conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em casa de vegetação com ambiente controlado, com quatro repetições. Após a semeadura das espécies, os resultados da visualização foram tomados a cada 12 horas, por meio do registro fotográfico do desenvolvimento do sistema radicular em rizotrons. Foi observado maior crescimento e área total do sistema radicular quando em monocultivo e em competição com uma planta de braquiária em presença de adubação fosfatada. Em contrapartida, o feijão em recipiente com duas plantas de braquiária investiu recursos em maior comprimento e área total do sistema radicular em ausência do fertilizante. Pode-se afirmar a existência de indícios da interferência a partir de três dias após a semeadura das espécies.

ABSTRACT: Interference between root systems occurs below the ground surface long before the competition between plants is expressed in the shoot. Nutrients stand out for being limited in the soil, requiring supplementation, especially phosphorus. Thus, this study aimed at estimating, from sowing, visual characteristics in the root systems of bean plants from the Carioca variety (Phaseolus vulgaris) when in competition with brachiaria (Urochloa brizantha), considering also the application of phosphorus P2O5. A factorial design with six treatments was used resulting from the combination of three cultivation schemes (beans in isolated crops or in competition with one or two brachiaria plants), and the application or not of phosphate fertilizer (90 kg ha-1 of P2O5), in a completely randomized design with four replications. After the sowing of the species, the visualization results were taken at every 12 hours, by means of the photographic record of the development of the root system in rhizotrons. Greater growth and greater total area of the root system were observed in bean monocultures and when competing with one brachiaria plant in the presence of phosphate fertilization. In contrast, the bean plant in the container with two brachiaria plants invested its resources in greater length and total area of the root system when in the absence of the fertilizer. It can be stated that there is evidence of interference starting three days after the sowing of the species.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diets containing silages of forages that are adapted to the semi-arid environment on the characteristics of the carcass and of non-carcass components of 32 mixed-breed lambs at approximately six months old, with an average live weight of 17.61 ± 2.63 kg. Lambs were assigned to four treatments (diets containing silages of Atriplex nummularia Lind, Cenchrus ciliaris, Gliricidia sepium and Manihot sp.) in a completely randomized design with eight replicates. Animals fed the diet containing old man saltbush showed higher values for the intakes of dry matter (1.080 g/day), crude protein (190 g/day) and total digestible nutrients (740 g/day), body condition score (2.81 points), fatness (2.87 points), carcass conformation (3.19 points), live weight (29.1 kg), empty bodyweight (23.41 kg), weights of the commercial cuts neck, shoulder and ribs (0.46, 0.82 and 1.12 kg, respectively), and skin weight (1.972 kg). No differences were found between the diets for carcass dressing percentage, external and internal carcass lengths, leg length and circumference, rump circumference and width, chest width and depth, full bodyweight, empty bodyweight, cooling losses, pH before and after cooling, loin, and leg. Silages of old man saltbush, buffelgrass, gliricidia and pornunça are recommended for inclusion in lamb diets. Diets with old man saltbush silage provide the best results for characteristics of the carcass and of non-carcass components besides weight gain, which can reach up to 200 g/day depending on the formulation.