Resumo A melhoria da germinação de plantas é fundamental para garantia de mudas de melhor qualidade. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar se o condicionamento de sementes com qualidade de luz (light quality - LIQ) e extrato aquoso de tubérculos de Cyperus rotundus (AEC) modula a germinação e o crescimento inicial de plântulas de Moringa oleifera. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4x4, sendo quatro condições de LIQ (luz branca, azul, vermelha e vermelho distante) e quatro concentrações de AEC (0, 25, 50 e 100%). O condicionamento de sementes com luz vermelha reduziu o tempo médio de emergência, enquanto que as luzes azul, vermelha e vermelho extremo associadas a 50% de extrato aquoso de C. rotundus aumentaram o comprimento inicial da parte aérea e o acúmulo de pigmentos fotossintéticos. Condicionamento de sementes com luz azul induziu a formação de plântulas com menor comprimento final da parte aérea, no entanto, a aplicação de 100% de extrato aquoso de C. rotundus reverteu o menor crescimento. A luz branca associada às concentrações de 50 e 100% de fitormônios promoveu maior taxa de crescimento relativo da parte aérea de plântulas. Nossa pesquisa mostra que o condicionamento de sementes com radiação espectral de luz e extrato aquoso de tubérculos de Cyperus rotundus modula a germinação e o crescimento inicial de plântulas de Moringa oleifera. Mais trabalhos precisam ser feitos para determinar os compostos do AEC responsáveis que que atuam como fitormônios e são responsáveis pelo crescimento inicial.

Abstract Improving plant germination is essential to guarantee better quality seedlings. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate whether the seed priming with light quality (LIQ) and the aqueous extract of Cyperus rotundus (AEC) tuber could modulate the germination and initial growth of Moringa oleifera L. seedlings. The experimental design was a completely randomized in the 4x4 factorial scheme, composed of four LIQ conditions (white, blue, red, and distant red light) and four AEC concentrations (0, 25, 50 and 100%). Seed priming with red light reduced the average emergence time, while blue, red, and extreme red lights associated with 50% of aqueous extract of C. rotundus increased shoot initial length and photosynthetic pigment accumulation. Seed priming with blue light resulted in seedlings with a shorter final shoot length. However, application of 100% of aqueous extract of C. rotundus reversed this. The white light in combination with concentrations of 50 and 100% of AEC promoted a higher relative shoot growth rate of seedlings. The research revealed that seed priming with light quality and aqueous extracts of C. rotundus tubers modulates the germination and initial growth of M. oleifera seedlings. More work needs to be done to determine the responsible compounds in AEC that is responsible for priming growth as phytohormones.

RESUMO O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito da dose e do manejo de aplicação de cinzas de madeira nos atributos de qualidade do solo em uma área de Cerrado cultivada com Urochloa brizantha. O experimento foi realizado em blocos casualizados, no esquema em faixas 5 × 2 e quatro repetições. As doses de cinzas foram de 0, 8, 16, 24 e 32 t ha-1, e o manejo de aplicação considerou cinza de madeira incorporada e não incorporada ao solo. Os valores de P, K e pH do solo aumentaram com o aumento das doses de cinza de madeira. A densidade do solo diminuiu 9,66% com as doses de cinzas de madeira de 24 e 32 t ha-1 incorporadas ao solo. Devido ao aumento do pH do solo, dose de cinzas de madeira maior que 16 t ha-1 diminuiu a atividade enzimática. Uma dose de cinza de madeira de 24 t ha-1 resultou em melhores condições para o solo, melhorando sua qualidade e contribuindo para o equilíbrio e a dinâmica entre os atributos químicos, físicos e biológicos do solo, o que levou à redução da densidade e maior disponibilidade de P no solo.

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate the effect of wood ash dose and application management on soil quality attributes in a Cerrado area cultivated with Urochloa brizantha. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design in a 5 × 2 strip-plot scheme and four repetitions. The ash doses were 0, 8, 16, 24, and 32 t ha-1, and the application management considered wood ash that is incorporated and not incorporated into the soil. The P, K, and pH values of the soil increased with an increase in the doses of wood ash. The soil bulk density decreased by 9.66% with the wood ash doses of 24 and 32 t ha-1 incorporated into the soil. Owing to an increase in the soil pH, a wood ash dose of greater than 16 t ha-1 decreased the enzymatic activity. A wood ash dose of 24 t ha-1 resulted in better conditions for the soil, improving its quality and contributing to the balance and dynamics between the chemical, physical, and biological attributes of the soil, which led to the reduced density and greater availability of P in the soil.

RESUMO Aplicações exógenas de compostos químicos estimulam modificações no metabolismo vegetal e conferem tolerância a diferentes estresses ambientais, incluindo o déficit hídrico. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do uso de ácido salicílico (AS) e prolina na redução do estresse hídrico em uma variedade tradicional de feijão-caupi em um clima típico do semiárido brasileiro. Foi utilizado um delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2 × 4 com cinco repetições. Foram utilizadas duas lâminas de irrigação, correspondentes a 100% (W100) e 50% da evapotranspiração diária (W50) e quatro tratamentos com atenuadores: controle (água destilada), AS (550 mg L-1), prolina (690 mg L-1) e 690 mg L-1 prolina + 550 mg L-1 AS. Os elicitores promoveram alterações no metabolismo osmótico e antioxidante, o que pode contribuir para o mecanismo de tolerância das plantas de feijão-caupi sob restrição hídrica. A aplicação de ácido salicílico aumentou a síntese de osmorreguladores, a concentração de proteínas e modulou a atividade de enzimas antioxidantes em plantas de feijão-caupi sob estresse. A concentração de prolina aumentou sinergicamente nas plantas tratadas com prolina e AS, principalmente em 50% de reposição de água.

ABSTRACT Exogenous applications of chemical compounds stimulate changes in plant metabolism and promote tolerance to different environmental stresses, including water deficit. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of salicylic acid (SA) and proline (PRO) to reduce water stress in a traditional variety of cowpea in a typical Brazilian semiarid climate. A completely randomized design was used in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme, with five replicates. Two irrigation regimes were evaluated corresponding to 100% (W100) and 50% of daily evapotranspiration (W50), respectively, with the addition of the following four attenuators: control (distilled water), SA (550 mg L-1), PRO (690 mg L-1), and 690 mg L-1 PRO + 550 mg L-1 SA. The treatments promoted changes in osmotic and antioxidant metabolism, which may contribute to the tolerance mechanisms of cowpea plants to water stress. The application of SA increased osmoregulator synthesis and protein concentrations, and modulated antioxidant enzyme activity in the cowpea plants under water stress. PRO concentrations increased synergistically in plants treated with PRO and SA, particularly in 50% of water replacement.

Resumo Helmintos são endoparasitas que infectam uma variedade de espécies de aves. As infecções por endoparasitas podem causar doenças graves, podendo matar aves em cativeiro e representam um problema de manutenção e conservação. Os ovos e as formas larvais desses parasitas são geralmente eliminados nas fezes do hospedeiro. O principal objetivo deste estudo é relatar a ocorrência de ovos e oocistos em fezes de aves silvestres em cativeiro no Zoológico de Goiânia e em aves de vida livre em seu entorno. As amostras fecais foram submetidas a exame parasitológico para identificação da presença de helmintos e classificação dos ovos com base nas características morfológicas. Ovos de nematóides (Positivo/N) foram identificados como Ascaridia spp. em Brotogeris chiriri (2/2), Dromaius novaehollandiae (1/1) e Rhea americana (2/2); Ascarididae em Pavo cristatus nigripensis (1/1); Capillaria spp. em Ara chloropterus (1/1) e Penelope jacucaca (1/1); Capillaria plagiaticia em Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (1/2) e Ara spp. (2/2); Capillaria venusta em Rhamphastus tucanus (1/2); e ovos de nematóide não identificado de Amazona amazonica (2/2). Oocistos de Eimeria spp. foram encontrados nas fezes de A. hyacinthinus (1/2). Considerando pássaros de vida livre, ovos de Diphyllobothrium spp. foram encontrados em Ardea alba (2/2) e Nycticorax nycticorax (2/3). Coinfecção de Eustrongylides spp. foi encontradada em A. alba (1/2). Esta é a primeira ocorrência de: Ascaridia spp. parasitando B. chiriri; e C. venusta parasitando R. tucanus. Em conclusão, os ovos de helmintos encontrados nas espécies de aves hospedeiras acima mencionadas são consistentes com os relatados na literatura, e os protocolos de tratamento e controle foram baseados em sua identificação.

Abstract Helminths are endoparasites that infect a variety of bird species. Endoparasite infections can cause severe diseases, including kill captive avian hosts and represents a problem to maintenance and conservation. The eggs and larval forms of these parasites are usually eliminated in the host feces. The main interest of this study is to report the occurrence of eggs and oocysts in feces from captive wild birds in Goiânia Zoo and free-living birds in its surroundings. The fecal samples were subjected to parasitological examination to identify the presence of helminths and to classify their eggs based on morphological characteristics. Eggs of nematode parasites (Positive/N) were identified as Ascaridia spp. in Brotogeris chiriri (2/2), Dromaius novaehollandiae (1/1) and Rhea americana (2/2); Ascarididae in Pavo cristatus nigripensis (1/1); Capillaria spp. in Ara chloropterus (1/1) and Penelope jacucaca (1/1); Capillaria plagiaticia in Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (1/2) and Ara spp. (2/2); Capillaria venusta in Rhamphastus tucanus (1/2); and unidentified nematode eggs from Amazona amazonica (2/2). Eimeria spp. oocyst was founded in feces from A. hyacinthinus (1/2). Considering free-living birds, Diphyllobothrium spp. eggs were founded in Ardea alba (2/2) and Nycticorax nycticorax (2/3). Co-infection of Eustrongylides spp. was founded in A. alba (1/2). This is the first occurrence of: Ascaridia spp. parasitizing B. chiriri; and C. venusta parasitizing R. tucanus. In conclusion, the helminth eggs found in the abovementioned host bird species are consistent with those reported in the literature, and treatment and control protocols were based on their identification.

In this study, antimicrobial activity of extracts and lupenone from A. inundata (Fabaceae, Mimosoideae), were tested. In addition, the multi-element composition of the leaves, bark and stems (heartwood) of A. inundata was evaluated using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). Lupenone was isolated in the petroleum ether extract of leaves, for the first time. Biological assays were conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic) of extracts, their fractions and lupenone. The results showed antimicrobial and antileishmanial activity of these compounds, which may be useful for obtaining a chemical composition and biological activity database on Albizia species. For multi-element composition, we found the mean concentrations (minimum-maximum) of Al, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, V and Zn in the samples ranged between 0.06 and 265.41 µg g-1. Concentration ranges of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn are large, which makes these samples as additional sources of these macronutrients.

Abstract Objective Pulp revascularization is an effective treatment for immature necrotic teeth. Calcium hydroxide has been used in pulp revascularization as an intracanal medication due to its antimicrobial action and the non-exhibition of crown discoloration and cytotoxicity for stem cells from the apical papilla. Our study aimed to investigate the clinical success and quantitative radiographic changes of root development in immature traumatized teeth using calcium hydroxide plus 2% chlorhexidine gel as intracanal medication. Methodology In this retrospective study, 16 patients were treated with a standardized pulp revascularization protocol. Calcium hydroxide and 2% chlorhexidine gel were manipulated in a 1:1 (v/v) ratio and inserted into root canals with Lentulo spirals (Dentsply Maillefer, Baillaigues, Switzerland). Patients were followed up for a period from 9 to 36 months for the evaluation of clinical and radiological data. Radiographic measurements of root length, root width, apical diameter, and MTA placement from the apex were quantified using software ImageJ. Wilcoxon test and t-test were used, according to nonparametric or parametric data, respectively, for changes over time in root length, root width, and apical diameter. Results Fifteen teeth survived during the follow-up period (93.75%) and met the criteria for clinical success. Although the changes seem to be very small in many cases, significant increases in the average root length (14.28%, p<0.0001), root width (8.12%, p=0.0196), and decrease in apical diameter (48.37%, p=0.0007) were observed. MTA placement from the apex and age at the time of treatment was not significantly associated with the quantitative radiographic outcomes. Conclusions Pulp revascularization in traumatized immature teeth treated with calcium hydroxide plus 2% chlorhexidine gel as intracanal medication had high success and survival rates, showing periodontal healing and resolution of signs and symptoms. However, concerning the continued root development, the outcomes can still be considered unpredictable.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi a caracterização e o aproveitamento dos resíduos de duas argilas (B e C, coletadas em diferentes camadas do capeamento) e argilito, gerados da extração da gipsita no município de Araripina, para a aplicação em cerâmica vermelha. Foram preparados os corpos de prova cerâmicos utilizando as argilas residuais com a incorporação de 40%, 50% e 80% de argilito, moldados por compressão, secos a 110 °C e sinterizados a 850, 950 e 1050 °C durante 2 h. Em seguida, foram avaliadas a absorção de água, retração linear, perda ao fogo, porosidade aparente, massa específica aparente, resistência à flexão em três pontos e microestrutura da superfície de fratura. O uso das argilas residuais com o teor máximo de 50% de argilito mostrou-se viável em cerâmica vermelha. Os melhores resultados foram obtidos nos corpos cerâmicos com a argila B (contendo montmorilonita) com adição de 40% e 50% de argilito em relação à argila C.

Abstract The objective of this study was to characterize and explore wastes of two clays (B and C, collected at different soil layers) and argillite, generated during the extraction of gypsum in the municipality of Araripina-Brazil, for application in red ceramics. Ceramic samples were prepared using residual clays with additions of 40%, 50% and 80% of argillite, compression-molded, dried at 110 ºC and sintered at 850, 950 and 1050 ºC for 2 h. Then, water absorption, linear retraction, loss on ignition, apparent porosity, apparent specific gravity, three-point flexural strength and microstructure of fracture surface were evaluated. The use of residual clays with a maximum content of 50% of argillite showed feasible in red ceramics. The best results were obtained in the ceramic bodies with clay B (containing montmorillonite) with addition of 40% and 50% of argillite in relation to clay C.

Cnidoscolus quercifolius Pohl is a Brazilian medicinal plant from Caatinga biome and possesses several pharmacological properties. Phytochemical investigations have attributed some of these properties to the presence of flavonoids. In this paper, we report the influence of the extraction process on the flavonoid content obtained from leaves of C. quercifolius and its antioxidant activity. A factorial design 22 was performed, using temperature and agitation as independent variables. Qualitative and quantitative analyzes of the extracts were performed by HPLC-DAD. Rutin and apigenin were identified in the extracts and chosen as analytical markers. Pareto chart and Surface response plots suggested that rutin content was increased up to 3.93 times when temperature was employed during the extraction process. However, apigenin content was significantly reduced in the method whose temperature or agitation were used (p<0.05). A higher antioxidant activity was observed in extracts whose rutin extraction was favored, suggesting that this flavonoid contributes at least in part to the antioxidant potential of the species.

RESUMO Para tornar a atividade cafeeira competitiva é utilizada, por alguns produtores, a cafeicultura de precisão. Desta forma é possível a criação de mapas temáticos que direcionam as práticas de manejo para as regiões em que há limitações para o desenvolvimento das plantas. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, identificar a dependência espacial da produtividade de plantas de uma lavoura de café, em 2012 e 2013. A área experimental está localizada em um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico argiloso, em Três Pontas, Minas Gerais. Foram georreferenciados 100 pontos para a coleta dos dados da produtividade, por meio de derriça manual em pano. Também foi avaliada a diferença da produtividade entre as safras. Os dados foram processados por meio de análise geoestatística. Foi possível identificar e caracterizar a dependência espacial das duas safras, bem como a criação dos mapas de isolinhas. Observaram-se diferenças entre os mapas de 2012 e 2013 devido ao ciclo fenológico bienal do café, o que pode ser confirmado pelo mapa da diferença entre as safras. Recomenda-se um manejo da lavoura que considere a variabilidade espacial da produtividade, para maior retorno econômico.

ABSTRACT To make the coffee activity competitive, some farmers use precision coffee farming. Thus, it is possible to create thematic maps that guide management practices for regions where there are limitation for the plant development. The objective of this study was to identify the spatial dependence of coffee crop yield, in 2012 and 2013. The experimental area is located in a Haplustox in Três Pontas, Minas Gerais. One hundred sampling points were georeferenced for the collection of yield data through manual harvest. The difference of yield between crop seasons was also evaluated. Data were processed using geostatistical analysis. It was possible to identify and characterize the spatial dependence of all variables, as well as to create contour maps. There were differences between the 2012 and 2013 maps, due to the biennial coffee phenological cycle, which can be confirmed by the map of the difference between the crop seasons. It is recommended a crop management that considers the spatial variability of yield for greater economic return.

Resumo A variação anual na precipitação é considerada o fator mais importante que influencia a dinâmica populacional em ambientes secos. No entanto, diferentes fatores podem controlar a dinâmica populacional em diferentes microhabitats. A hipótese deste estudo é que as variações de microhabitats podem atenuar a influência da sazonalidade climática sobre a dinâmica populacional de espécies herbáceas em uma áreas floresta seca (Caatinga) no Brasil. Então, objetivou-se avaliar a influência de três microhabitats (plano, rochoso e ciliar) sobre a dinâmica das populações de quatro espécies herbáceas (Delilia biflora, Commelina obliqua, Phaseolus peduncularis e Euphorbia heterophylla) em um fragmento de Caatinga da Estação Experimental do Instituto de Pesquisas Agronômicas de Pernambuco, no Brasil, durante um período de três anos. D. biflora, C. obliqua e P. peduncularis foram encontrados em todos os microhabitats, mas elas estavam presentes em baixas densidades no microhabitat ciliar. Não houve registro de E. heterophylla no microhabitat ciliar. O tamanho das populações, as taxas de mortalidade e de natalidade variaram ao longo do tempo em cada microhabitat. Este estudo indica que diferentes as condições de estabelecimento influenciaram o tamanho das populações e a ocorrência das quatro espécies e confirma que microhabitat pode atenuar o efeito do estresse hídrico sobre a mortalidade durante a estação seca, mas a força desse papel atenuador pode variar com o tempo e a espécie considerada.

Abstract Variation in annual rainfall is considered the most important factor influencing population dynamics in dry environments. However, different factors may control population dynamics in different microhabitats. This study recognizes that microhabitat variation may attenuate the influence of climatic seasonality on the population dynamics of herbaceous species in dry forest (Caatinga) areas of Brazil. We evaluated the influence of three microhabitats (flat, rocky and riparian) on the population dynamics of four herbaceous species (Delilia biflora, Commelina obliqua, Phaseolus peduncularis and Euphorbia heterophylla) in a Caatinga (dry forest) fragment at the Experimental Station of the Agronomic Research Institute of Pernambuco in Brazil, over a period of three years. D. biflora, C. obliqua and P. peduncularis were found in all microhabitats, but they were present at low densities in the riparian microhabitat. There was no record of E. heterophylla in the riparian microhabitat. Population size, mortality rates and natality rates varied over time in each microhabitat. This study indicates that different establishment conditions influenced the population size and occurrence of the four species, and it confirms that microhabitat can attenuate the effect of drought stress on mortality during the dry season, but the strength of this attenuator role may vary with time and species.

Resumo Nesse estudo, descrevemos a diversidade de Mesembrinelinae, em uma reserva biológica na cidade de Nova Iguaçu, Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Armadilhas contendo sardinha foram distribuídas sazonalmente em quatro pontos: Ponto A (22° 58.788’ S, 43° 43.459’ W), na borda da mata B (22° 58.523’ S, 43° 44.540’ W), C (22° 58.350’ S, 43° 44.678’ W), e D (22° 34.865’ S, 43º 27.063’ W), localizados a 1.000m, 500m e 2.000m para o interior da borda respectivamente. Foram coletados 2.159 exemplares de Mesembrinellinae, com um total de dez espécies. Laneela nigripes Guimarães, 1977 foi a espécie mais abundante, seguida por Mesembrinella bellardiana Aldrich, 1922, Eumesembrinella cyaneicincta (Surcouf, 1919) e Mesembrinella semihyalina Mello, 1967. Essas espécies foram consideradas comuns e contantes durante o período de estudo. Mesembrinella batesi Aldrich, 1922, Eumesembrinella quadrilineata Fabricius, 1805 e Huascaromusca aeneiventris (Wiedmann, 1830) foram as moscas com as menores abundâncias, sendo consideradas raras e acidentais, Eumesembrinella besnoiti (Seguy, 1925) foi rara e acessória. Eumesembrinella cyaneicincta, M. bellardiana, M. semihyalina e M. bicolor foram as mais coletadas no ponto B, enquanto L. nigripes foi a mais coletada no ponto C. Os efeitos de borda não foram evidentes porque os quatro pontos apresentaram populações similares. O ponto B apresentou uma relação forte e positiva entre a abundância e a riqueza, no ponto C a correlação foi positiva e fraca e não houve correlação nos pontos A e D. A maior abundância de indivíduos foi registrada nas estações do outono e inverno. Espécimes da subfamília Mesembrinellinae ocorreram da borda até 2.000 metros para o interior da mata.

Abstract In this study we describe the diversity of Mesembrinelinae in a biological reserve in the city of Nova Iguaçu, State of Rio de Janeiro. Traps containing sardines were distributed seasonally, at four sites: Site A (22° 58.788’ S, 43° 43.459’ W), in a forest edge, and sites B (22° 58.523’ S, 43° 44.540’ W), C (22° 58.350’ S, 43° 44.678’ W), and D (22° 34.865’ S, 43° 27.063’ W), located 1,000m, 500m, and 2,000m respectively, inwards from the edge. A total of 2,150 individuals of Mesembrinellinae were collected, representing ten species. Laneela nigripes Guimarães, 1977 was the most abundant species, followed by Mesembrinella bellardiana Aldrich, 1922, Eumesembrinella cyaneicincta (Surcouf, 1919) and Mesembrinella semihyalina Mello, 1967. These species were common and constant during the study period. Mesembrinella batesi Aldrich, 1922, Eumesembrinella quadrilineata (Fabricius, 1805) and Huascaromusca aeneiventris (Wiedmann, 1830) were the less abundant flies, being considered rare and accidental. Eumesembrinella besnoiti (Seguy, 1925) was rare and accessory. Eumesembrinella cyaneicincta, M. bellardiana, M. semihyalina and M. bicolor were mostly collected in site B, while L. nigripes was mostly collected in site C. The edge effect was not evident since the four sites showed similar populations. Site B showed a strong positive relationship between abundance and richness, in site C the correlation was positive and weak, and there was no correlation in A and D. The highest abundance of specimens was recorded during autumn and winter. These flies occurred from the edge up to 2,000m inside the forest.

Na primeira semana de vida, frangos de corte são muito sensíveis a condições diferentes de suas temperaturas de conforto. Dessa forma, objetiva-se com o presente trabalho avaliar o comportamento e as respostas produtivas de frangos de corte submetidos a condições de conforto e estresse térmico em diferentes intensidades (27; 30; 33 e 36ºC) e períodos de duração (1; 2; 3 e 4 dias a partir do 2º dia de vida). No experimento, diariamente, monitoraram-se dez minutos de imagens de cada hora, de cada tratamento, para a avaliação dos principais comportamentos das aves. Os comportamentos similares em diferentes temperaturas foram identificados usando o método de análise de cluster de Ward e foram agrupados por dendogramas em que se classificou a similaridade destes dados. O consumo de ração, consumo de água e massa corporal destes animais foram avaliados e usados para dar suporte aos comportamentos observados. Dessa forma, observou-se o comportamento similar das aves do 2º ao 5º dia de vida, submetidas a 27 e 30 ºC em permanecerem agrupadas e/ou isoladas, e a 30 e 33 ºC em permanecerem nos bebedouros e/ou comedouros. As aves submetidas a 33ºC apresentaram o melhor desempenho, e a 30 e 36ºC apresentaram desempenhos intermediários.

In the first week of a chick life, broilers are very sensitive to different conditions outside their thermoneutral zone. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the behaviors and productive responses of broilers subjected to conditions of thermal comfort or challenge at different intensities (27, 30, 33 and 36ºC) and durations (1, 2, 3 and 4 days starting on the second day of life). In the experiment, ten minutes of images from each hour of each treatment were analyzed to evaluate the key behaviors of the birds. Similar behavior at different dry-bulb air temperatures were identified by using Ward's method of cluster analysis. These behaviors were grouped by dendograms in which the similarity of these data was qualified. Feed intake, water intake and body mass of these animals were evaluated and used to support the observed behaviors. Thus, a similar huddling behavior was observed in the birds from the 2nd to the 5th day of life subjected to 27ºC and 30ºC, while at 30ºC and 33ºC the behavior of accessing feeders and drinkers was also similar. Chicks subjected to 33ºC presented the best performance, and at 30 and 36ºC showed intermediate development.

O diagnóstico clínico da doença de Parkinson (DP) pode estar sujeito a erros especialmente nas fases iniciais da doença. Recentemente, técnicas de imagem in vivo que avaliam o transportador de dopamina pré-sináptico (DAT) surgiram como uma ferramenta empregada no diagnóstico da DP, melhorando sua acurácia. OBJETIVO: Foi demonstrar a utilização clínica de um traçador de tomografia computadorizada por emissão de fóton único (SPECT) e destacar importantes aspectos dos casos de SWEDDs (exames sem evidência de déficit dopaminérgico) neste contexto. CASOS: Descrevemos quatro pacientes representativos de síndromes parkinsonianas clinicamente incertas submetidos a [99mTc]-TRODAT-1 SPECT e revisamos suas implicações. CONCLUSÃO: O DAT-SPECT é uma técnica importante e eficiente para o diagnóstico diferencial das síndromes parkinsonianas. Além disso, os casos de SWEDDs apresentam peculiaridades clínicas e paraclínicas que podem retrospectivamente identificá-los como tremor essencial ou tremor distônico. As conclusões têm alcance limitado pela falta de dados histopatológicos.

The clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is susceptible to misdiagnosis, especially in the earlier stages of the disease. Recently, in vivo imaging techniques assessing the presynaptic dopamine transporter (DAT) have emerged as a useful tool in PD diagnosis, improving its accuracy. OBJECTIVE: It was to illustrate the clinical usefulness of a brain single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) DAT ligand, and highlight relevant aspects of scans without evidence of dopaminergic deficit (SWEDDs) in this context. CASES: We described four representative patients with clinically unclear parkinsonian syndromes who underwent [99mTc]-TRODAT-1 SPECT and reviewed the clinical implications. CONCLUSION: DAT-SPECT is an important, cost-effective, technique for the differential diagnosis of parkinsonian syndromes. Additionally, SWEDD cases present clinical and paraclinical peculiarities that may retrospectively identify them as essential/dystonic tremor. The lack of histopathological data limits further conclusions.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Arrabidaea chica (Humb. & Bonpl.) B. Verl., Bignoniaceae, extracts on Ehrlich solid tumor development in Swiss mice. Leaves of A. chica were extracted with two distinct solvents, ethanol and water. The phytochemical analysis of the extracts indicated different classes of secondary metabolites like as anthocyanidins, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. Ethanol (EE) and aqueous (AE) extracts at 30 mg/kg reduced the development of Ehrlich solid tumor after ten days of oral treatment. The EE group presented increase in neutrophil count, α1 and β globulin values, and decrease of α2 globulin values. Furthermore, EE reduced the percentage of CD4+ T cells in blood but did not alter the percentage of inflammatory mononuclear cells associated with tumor suggesting a direct action of EE on tumor cells. Reduced tumor development observed in AE group was accompanied by a lower percentage of CD4+ T lymphocytes in blood. At the tumor microenvironment, this treatment decreased the percentage of CD3+ T cells, especially due to a reduction of CD8+ T subpopulation and NK cells. The antitumor activity presented by the AE is possibly related to an anti-inflammatory activity. None of the extracts produced toxic effects in animals. In conclusion, the ethanol and aqueous extracts of A. chica have immunomodulatory and antitumor activities attributed to the presence of flavonoids, such as kaempferol. These effects appear to be related to different mechanisms of action for each extract. This study demonstrates the potential of A. chica as an antitumor agent confirming its use in traditional popular medicine.