Abstract The use of alternative tree and shrub species such as Hibiscus rosa sinensis L, for feeding ruminants, can provide high amounts of feed biomass and high protein content. The most commonly used propagation methods for the production of seedlings of this species are by grafting, layering and cuttings, with the latter method standing out, because it allows obtaining a greater number of seedlings per branch in less time. The objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of alternative rooting agents on wasp flower (H. rosa-sinensis L.) cuttings, under nursery conditions. Five rooting agents were evaluated consisting of Aloe vera, cinnamon, Aloe + molasses + egg (A+M+E), Moringa oleífera and the antagonistic fungus Trichoderma sp, plus a control consisting of the addition of water. The variables evaluated were number of roots per plant, root length, number of regrowths, fresh root weight per plant, dry root weight per plant, root biomass and survival percentage. The data were organized in a Microsoft Excel 2013 spreadsheet, then analyzed in the statistical program InfoStat 2020. The treatment with Trichoderma sp favors the vegetative growth of H. rosa-sinensis, followed by the A+M+E, Moringa and cinnamon treatments. The treatments with the highest percentage of survival were Moringa, cinnamon, Aloe, and Trichoderma sp, considered as excellent, while the A+M+H and control treatments were considered good.

Resumen El uso de las especies alternativas de árboles y arbustos como son Hibiscus rosa sinensis L, para la alimentación de rumiantes, puede proporcionar altas cantidades de biomasa alimenticia y alto contenido de proteína. Los métodos de propagación más utilizados para la producción de plántulas de esta especie son por injerto, acodo y esquejes, destacándose este último método, porque permite obtener un mayor número de plántulas por rama en menor tiempo. El objetivo de la investigación fue evaluar el efecto de enraizadores alternativos sobre esquejes de flor de avispa (H. rosa-sinensis L.), bajo condiciones de vivero. Se evaluaron cinco enraizadores que consistieron en aloe vera, canela, aloe + melaza + huevo (A+M+H), Moringa oleifera y el hongo antagonista Trichoderma sp, además de un testigo que consistió en la adición de agua. Las variables evaluadas fueron número de raíces por planta, longitud de raíces, número de rebrotes, peso fresco de raíz por planta, peso seco de raíz por planta, biomasa de raíces y porcentaje de sobrevivencia. Los datos fueron organizados en una hoja de cálculo de Microsoft Excel 2013, posteriormente fueron analizados en el programa estadístico InfoStat 2020. El tratamiento con Trichoderma sp favorece el crecimiento vegetativo de H. rosa-sinensis, seguido de los tratamientos A+M+H, Moringa y canela. Los tratamientos con mayor porcentaje de sobrevivencia fueron Moringa, canela, aloe y Trichoderma sp, considerados como excelentes, mientras que los tratamientos A+M+H y testigo fueron considerados buenos.

ABSTRACT Although soybean is one of the most important agricultural commodities in the world, it has been losing genetic diversity in recent decades, due to the intense breeding process and reproduction method. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance and estimate the genetic diversity among inbred lines, and identify promising crossings. A total of 66 soybean genotypes were evaluated, 61 of which were pre-commercial lines, and five commercial cultivars (AS3797, DESAFIO, M7110, M7739, M8210) as controls. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with three replicates. The distance matrix between the inbred lines was calculated by Mahalanobis distance and grouping by the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA). The maximum distance was 1,776.26 between cultivar M7110 and the G23 inbred line, and the minimum 1.50 between inbred lines G13 and G36, with an average distance of 364.40, demonstrating genetic diversity. The traits that contributed most to genetic divergence were number of days to flowering (66.7%) and physiological maturation (28.55%). Inbred lines G60 (higher grain yield), G51 and G33 (lower physiological maturation) and cultivar M7110 (greater divergence) stood out. Four groups were formed, with G1 having the highest grain yield and fewest days to flowering and physiological maturation. The indicated crossings are between G60, G57, CD2728, M7110, G33 and G32 (group G1) and G47 (group G4).

RESUMO A soja é uma das mais importantes comodities agrícolas mundiais, no entanto, devido ao intenso processo de melhoramento e sua forma de reprodução, vem perdendo diversidade genética ao longo das últimas décadas. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho agronômico, estimar a diversidade genética entre as linhagens e identificar cruzamentos promissores. Para isto, foram avaliados 66 genótipos de soja, sendo 61 linhagens pré-comerciais e cinco cultivares comerciais (AS3797, DESAFIO, M7110, M7739, M8210) como controles. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso com três repetições. A matriz de distância entre as linhagens foi calculada pela distância de Mahalanobis e o agrupamento pelo método da ligação média entre grupos (UPGMA). A distância máxima foi de 1.776,26 entre as linhagens M7110 e G23, e a mínima de 1,50 entre as linhagens G13 e G36, sendo a distância média de 364,40, demonstrando a existência de diversidade genética. Os caracteres que mais contribuíram para a divergência genética foram número de dias para o florescimento (66,7%) e maturação fisiológica (28,55%). As linhagens G60 (maior produtividade de grãos), G51 e G33 (menor maturação fisiológica) e a cultivar M7110 (maior divergência) se destacaram. Formaram-se quatro grupos, sendo o grupo G1 com maior produtividade de grãos e menor número de dias para o florescimento e maturação fisiológica. Os cruzamentos indicados são entre G60, G57, CD2728, M7110, G33 e G32 (grupo G1) com a G47 (grupo G4).

Resumen Introducción: la nutrición parenteral es una mezcla de macro y micronutrientes necesarios para el prematuro que no puede alimentarse por vía enteral. La mezcla binaria contiene en una bolsa carbohidratos, proteínas y micronutrientes y en otra los lípidos intravenosos, que son más susceptibles de contaminación microbiana especialmente por Candida albicans, por lo que asociaciones profesionales recomiendan el uso en línea “y” de un solo filtro, lo que no es práctica habitual hospitalaria. Objetivo: determinar la presencia de Candida albicans en dispositivos que contienen lípidos intravenosos usados en neonatos y relacionarla con el uso correcto del filtro de 1.2 µm. Método: se evaluaron tres grupos de muestras constituidas por los restos de una solución de lípidos (ML) administrados al paciente prematuro durante 24 h. sembradas en agar Sabouraud organizadas en: (ML1): solución de lípidos obtenida directamente de la bolsa de etinil vinil acetato (EVA). (ML2): solución de lípidos filtrados con dispositivo de 1.2 µm. conectado directamente al catéter (práctica observada). (ML3): solución de lípidos contaminados con Candida que fueron sembrados en agar Sabouraud y posteriormente filtrados. Resultados: el 100 % de las muestras filtradas (ML2) y (ML3) como se esperaba, no presentaron Candida albicans, el 100 % de las muestras (ML1) que no fueron filtradas, tampoco presentaron Candida albicans. Conclusiones: no hubo presencia de Candida albicans en las soluciones lipídicas utilizadas directamente con filtro 1.2 µm, sin embargo, se recomienda el uso de un solo filtro 1.2 µm en línea “Y” según las normas internacionales para el ahorro del Sistema sanitario.

Abstract Introduction: parenteral nutrition is a mixture of macro and micronutrients necessary for the premature infant who cannot be fed enterally. The binary mixture contains carbohydrates, amino acids and micronutrients in one bag and intravenous lipids in another. The latter are more susceptible to microbial contamination, especially by Candida albicans. For this reason, many professional associations typically recommend the use of a single filter in line “Y”; however, this has not yet become standard hospital practice. Aim: to determine the presence of Candida albicans in devices that contain intravenous lipids used in neonates and relate it to the correct use of the 1.2 µm filter. Method: three groups of samples consisting of the remains of a lipid solution (ML) administered to the premature patient for 24 h seeded on Sabouraud agar organized as follows: (ML1), lipid solution obtained directly from the ethinyl vinyl acetate bag were evaluated. (ML2): filtered lipid solution with a 1.2 µm device connected directly to the catheter. (ML3): solution of lipids intentionally contaminated with Candida and subsequently filtered. Results: Candida albicans was not detected in any of the filtered simples (ML2 and ML3) and also not detected in any of the unfiltered simples (ML1). Conclusions: there was no presence of Candida albicans in the lipid solutions used directly with a 1.2 µm filter, however, the use of a single 1.2 µm filter in line “Y” is recommended according to international standards to save the health system.

Summary Background and aims: Serra do Itapetinga houses one of the most important remnants of Atlantic Forest in the macrometropolis of Sao Paulo, the most populous region of Brazil. In the context of monographic works on Brazilian Nothoscordum species, a new species with current distribution restricted to Serra do Itapetinga was identified, and is described and illustrated here. M&M: Recognition of the new species is based on morphological, molecular and cytological data. Descriptions and morphological comparisons were obtained from examination of herbarium collections or living plants. Based on nuclear (ITS) and plastid (ndhF and matK) DNA markers, a molecular phylogeny including the described species is presented. Its conservation status was assessed using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Results: Nothoscordum itapetinga bears free staminal filaments, a typical morphological character of sect. Nothoscordum. Its placement in sect. Nothoscordum is also supported by molecular data and base chromosome number. We provide its chromosome count along with karyotype formula and DNA content. Comments on its distribution, habitat and conservation are furnished. Conclusions: With the data available the new species is considered Critically Endangered (CR). The localities of occurrence suffered decades of impacts resulting from intensive and uncontrolled use, in addition to human-induced fires, which modified the vegetation structure and floristic composition. Urgent measures are required to ensure the survival of the remaining populations of N. itapetinga.

Resumo Introdugao e objetivos: A Serra do Itapetinga abriga um dos mais importantes remanescentes de Floresta Atlántica da Macrometrópole Paulista, a regiáo mais populosa do Brasil. No contexto do tratamento monográfico de Nothoscordum para o país, uma nova espécie com distribuipáo atual restrita á Serra do Itapetinga foi identificada e é aqui descrita e ilustrada. M&M: O reconhecimento da nova espécie está baseado tanto em dados morfológicos como moleculares e citogenéticos. As descripóes e comparares morfológicas foram feitas a partir da análise de materiais vivos ou depositados nas colepóes dos herbários consultados. Com base em marcadores nuclear (ITS) e plastidiais (ndhF e matK) uma filogenia molecular incluindo a espécie descrita é apresentada. O seu estado de conservapáo foi avaliado de acordo com diretrizes e critérios da IUCN. Resultados: Nothoscordum itapetinga apresenta filamentos estaminais livres, uma característica típica da sepáo Nothoscordum. Seu posicionamento nesta sepáo também é suportado por dados moleculares e número cromossomico básico. Sáo fornecidos seu número cromossomico, fórmula cariotípica e conteúdo total de DNA. Comentários sobre sua distribuipáo, hábitat e conservapáo sáo apresentados. Conclusoes: Com base nos dados disponíveis, a nova espécie é considerada Criticamente em Perigo de extinpáo. As localidades de ocorréncia sofreram décadas de impactos do uso intensivo e náo ordenado, além de incendios florestais, e que alteraram parte de sua estrutura e composipáo florística. Apees urgentes sáo consideradas fundamentais para garantir a sobrevivéncia das populapóes remanescentes de N. itapetinga.

The objective of the present work was to apply self-organizing feature maps (SOFM) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) to evaluate the protective capacity of tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), butylhydroxyanisole (BHA), and butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) antioxidants against the biodiesel oxidation reaction. For this, the antioxidant concentration and the biodiesel compliance parameters were used as continuous input variables and the type of antioxidant as a categorical. The SOFM proved to be an adequate tool for the classification of biodiesel samples containing antioxidants. The performance of the 5 most active networks of the model ranged from 89 to 99% for training, testing, and validation with an error below 1.42 × 10-4. Statistical tests applied to validate the model showed no significant difference between predicted and experimental values. The global sensitivity analysis showed that the relative protection factor (RPF) contributed with 34.89%, the antioxidant with 31.49%, the induction period with 10.69%, the water content with 6.00%, and the others all together with 16.93% in the construction of the regression models by MLP.

Abstract Some experimental results concerning the performance of fiber-reinforced soil composites made of soil and shredded fibers from waste tires are presented. The composite mixtures were prepared with fiber addition of 0, 15, 30, and 45 wt%. After molding, the specimens were oven-dried and tested for unconfined compressive strength and water immersion durability. The results showed an improvement in durability with the addition of fiber. The results also indicated good compressive strength performance for the composites with a fiber content of 15 and 30 wt%. The 30 wt% fiber addiction was the best choice because of the environmental sustainability appeal to solid waste reduction.

Resumen Objetivo: Este estudio tiene como objetivo principal determinar la respuesta al esquema de tratamiento de primera línea con triple terapia estándar (amoxicilina, claritromicina, omeprazol), para erradicación de Helicobacter pylori en una determinada población, para determinar si este esquema propuesto en guías internacionales es aún una opción adecuada para pacientes en una determinada región de Costa Rica. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda en el servicio de gastroenterología del Hospital San Francisco de Asís, Grecia, Alajuela, Costa Rica; de todos los pacientes con infección por Helicobacter pylori y que recibieron tratamiento de primera línea con triple terapia (amoxicilina, claritromicina y omeprazol) por 14 días, en el periodo comprendido entre febrero 2017 a febrero 2019, incluyendo para el análisis solamente en los que se contaba con una prueba confirmatoria posterior a tratamiento, ya fuera por antígeno fecal de H. pylori o biopsia convencional. Resultados: Se identificaron un total de 369 casos. El diagnóstico se realizó con biopsia en el 96,4% de los pacientes. La respuesta al tratamiento de primera línea se alcanzó en un 90.5% corroborada por antígeno fecal en el 92.1% de los casos. Conclusiones: Este estudio muestra que la terapia triple con amoxicilina, claritromicina e Inhibidor de bomba de protones por 14 días mantiene un adecuado nivel de eficacia. Sin embargo, hay que tomar en cuenta que estos datos son únicamente de un área de atracción determinada y puede que no reflejen la realidad de todo el país.

Abstract Aim: The main objective of this study is to determine the response to the firstline treatment regimen with triple standard therapy (amoxicillin, clarithromycin, omeprazole), to eradicate Helicobacter pylori in a certain population. The goal is to determine if the proposed regimen in international guidelines services is still a suitable option for patients in a certain region of Costa Rica. Methods: The study took place in San Francisco de Asís Hospital, Grecia, Alajuela, Costa Rica. All patients with a Helicobacter pylori infection that were given first- line treatment with triple therapy (amoxicillin, clarithromycin and omeprazole) for its eradication for 14 days, in the period between February of 2017 and February of 2019, were included in the study. Results: A total of 369 cases were identified. The diagnosis was made with biopsy in 96.4% of patients. Response to first-line treatment was achieved in 90.5% corroborated by fecal antigen in 92.1% of all cases. Conclusions: This study shows that triple therapy with amoxicillin, clarithromycin and omeprazole for 14 days maintains an adequate level of efficacy. However, it must be considered that these results are from a specific area and may not reflect the reality of the entire country.

ABSTRACT Over the past few years, there has been a steady increase in the use of aircraft vehicles, in particular unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). UAV navigation is generally controlled by a human pilot. But the challenge for the scientific community is to carry out autonomous navigation. Some solutions have been proposed for the UAV autonomous navigation. Studies indicate as a solution to use data fusion and/or image processing navigation. Kalman Filter (KF) can be employed as a data fuser, but the KF has disadvantages. An alternative to the KF is based on artificial intelligence. Here, the KF is replaced by a self-configured neural network. This work investigates a way to select data for training the neural fuser, based on cross-validation techniques. The results are compared to the data fusion done by a KF.

ABSTRACT Ensilage of refused fruit with forage is a viable approach to increase resource use in ruminant feed. The use of refused melon (Cucumis melo L. subsp. melo var. inodorus H. Jacq.) fruit (RMF), ensiled at 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, or 8% of natural matter with sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), was assessed in terms of chemical- bromatological composition and fermentative profile. Experimental silos filled with mixtures and hermetically sealed were used. After 34 d of fermentation, the silos were opened, and samples were analyzed. Dry matter concentration shows a quadratic increase (P < 0.05) with RMF inclusion in sorghum silage rising from 30.83% to 32.08% at 4% of RMF inclusion, followed by a reduction in the subsequent levels. There was a linear increase (P < 0.05) in ether extract, total digestible nutrients, digestible energy, metabolizable energy, and in vitro digestibility of DM and organic matter, increasing respectively 3.96%, 5.32%, 0.25 Mcal kg-1, 0.19 Mcal kg-1, 1.89% and 0.74% from 0% to 8% of RMF inclusion. There was a linear reduction (P < 0.05) of neutral detergent fiber, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin with RMF inclusion. We also observed a linear increase (P < 0.05) in ammoniacal N, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and lactic acid concentrations in silage with the addition of RMF. The inclusion of RMF improved the chemical-bromatological composition and fermentative profile of sorghum silage, and an inclusion level of 8% is recommended.

Abstract Two different reactive concentrated magnesium hydroxide (HM) pulps, produced in a lab reactor mill, and a synthetic and non-reactive HM-pulp, for comparative analyses, have been prepared and studied. Sodium polyacrylate was selected as a dispersant for improving the HM pulp fluidity, with concentrations varying from 0.42% to 2.0% on a dry basis. The two reactive pulps differed from each other mainly by the impurity level and for both, a residual MgO amount was detected, implying that the hydration reaction could proceed. Results (with and without dispersant) confirmed the formation of particle clusters as HM concentration rose until a critical value, above which the pulp behaved as a solid. Reactive HM-pulps with high impurities may represent a limiting factor in the drying operation. Among all HM-pulps studied, the purest reactive pulp with 1% dispersant presented the best flow behavior making this reactive pulp the most suitable to be tested in a pilot spray dryer.

Abstract Probiotics are live microorganisms that when ingested in adequate amounts help in the balance of the intestinal microbiota. Kefir is considered a probiotic beverage associated with the improvement of several pathologies. Fruit juices are considered an excellent culture medium for these microorganisms, presenting nutrients that favor microbial growth. This work aimed to prepare a probiotic drink from the fermentation of whole grape juice by microorganisms from the water kefir. Different amounts of kefir grains were tested (5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 g) in 500 mL of grape juice. The fermentation processes were developed under static conditions at room temperature for 24 h. Seven formulations were tested for physical-chemical and microbiological analyses. A questionnaire on the knowledge and consumption of probiotics was applied to the academic community. Three formulations were selected for sensory analysis and stored under refrigeration. All formulations showed growth of lactic acid bacteria and no reduction in storage viability. A significant reduction in soluble solids was observed in all formulations, and an increase in acidity and pH formulations with 5 and 20 g of kefir, respectively. About 64% of the participants reported knowing the definition of probiotics. In addition, a low intake of this product was observed. The formulation with 5 grams of water kefir grains was better accepted by the consumers when compared to the others. Thus, grape juice can be a great alternative to consume probiotic microorganisms, especially for those who do not consume dairy products.

ABSTRACT Objectives: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) can be permanent (PCH) or transient (TCH). While the importance of thyroxine in myelination of the brain is undisputed, the benefits to neurodevelopmental outcomes of TCH treatment are controversial. Our objectives were to determine predictive factors for PCH and verify its prevalence changes over time. Subjects and methods: A total of 165 children were evaluated at 3 years of age to verify the diagnosis of PCH. 130 were submitted to a two-step cluster analysis, with the aim of grouping them into homogeneous clusters. The mean incidence of PCH and TCH was calculated from 2004 to 2010 and 2011 to 2015. Results: Sixty-six children were diagnosed with PCH, and 99 were diagnosed with TCH. Eighty-one percent of PCH children and all TCH children with thyroid imaging had glands in situ. Eighty children (61.5%) were in Cluster 1, 8 children (6.2%) were in Cluster 2 and 42 children (32.3%) were in Cluster 3. No children had PCH in Cluster 1, while 87.5% of children in Cluster 2 and all children in Cluster 3 had PCH. The most important predictor for PCH was the initial serum TSH, which was marginally higher in importance than the blood spot TSH, followed by the initial serum free T4. The mean incidence of PCH (odds ratio: 1.95, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.95, p < 0.0001) and TCH (odds ratio 1.33, 95%, CI 1.02 to 1.77, p = 0,038) increased over time. Conclusions: The most important PCH predictors are the initial serum TSH and the blood spot TSH. The mean incidence of both PCH and TCH in our series increased.

The simultaneous diffusion of inorganic components in the olive pulp in wet brine was modeled based on Fick’s generalized 2nd Law and simulated using the finite element method. The main and crossed diffusion coefficients, the film coefficient and the Biot number were determined, with the application of the simplex optimization method, through the minimization of the percentage errors. The errors between the simulated and experimental data were 5.35% for NaCl and 4.77% for KCl and the adjusted main diffusion coefficients were 0.4358 × 10-12 m2 s-1 for NaCl and 0.5408 × 10-12 m2 s-1 for KCl. The system developed to simulate diffusion allows the control and modulation of the salts content that diffuses through the olive pulp.

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the inconsistency between clinical diagnosis of death and autopsy findings in adolescents with chronic diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional study including a sample of adolescents’ autopsies who died in a pediatric and adolescent tertiary hospital over 18 consecutive years. During this period, there were n = 2912 deaths, and n = 581/2912(20%) occurred in adolescents. Of these, n = 85/581(15%) underwent autopsies and were analyzed. Further results were divided into two groups: Goldman classes I or II (high disagreement between main clinical diagnosis of death and anatomopathological findings, n = 26) and Goldman classes III, IV or V (low or no disagreement between these two parameters, n = 59). Results: Median age at death (13.5 [10‒19] vs. 13 [10‒19] years, p = 0.495) and disease duration (22 [0‒164] vs. 20 [0‒200] months, p = 0.931), and frequencies for males (58% vs. 44%, p = 0.247) were similar between class I/II vs. class III/IV/V. The frequency of pneumonia (73% vs. 48%, p = 0.029), pulmonary abscess (12% vs. 0%, p = 0.026), as well as isolation of yeast (27% vs. 5%, p = 0.008), and virus (15% vs. 2%, p = 0.029) identified in the autopsy, were significantly higher in adolescents with Goldman class I/II compared to those with Goldman class III/IV/V. In contrast, cerebral edema was significantly lower in adolescents of the first group (4% vs. 25%, p = 0.018). Conclusion: This study showed that 30% of the adolescents with chronic diseases had major discrepancies between clinical diagnosis of death and autopsy findings. Pneumonia, pulmonary abscess, as well as isolation of yeast and virus were more frequently identified at autopsy findings in the groups with major discrepancies.

Abstract This study aimed to develop and evaluate bread with the use of pulp and flours of pequi, in partial replacement of water and wheat flour, to develop a bakery product with good technological, nutritional and sensorial qualities. The pequi husk and pulp flours were obtained by means of a thermal pre-treatment, oven drying and standardization of the dry material. Whereas, the bread formulation was defined through the baker’s formulation. Besides, the dehydration process caused significant changes (p<0.05) in the L* value and chromaticity (C*), mainly of the flours (husk and pequi pulp), such changes are due to non-enzymatic oxidative processes and pigment degradation, especially carotenoids. The effect of the substitution of ingredients (wheat flour and water) by husk and pulp flours and pequi pulp contributed to the increase in lipid, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract and energy value content. However, the substitution promoted changes in the attributes of color and textural properties, such as increased hardness, chewiness and cohesiveness. Nevertheless, all formulations showed good sensory acceptance and thus, pequi sweet breads can be implemented in school meals for contributing and meeting the nutritional recommendations established by the School Feeding Brazilian Program (PNAE).