Resumo Neste artigo apresentamos resultados de uma pesquisa que integra o projeto internacional “Gender and COVID-19”, que contempla diversos temas relacionados aos impactos da pandemia na vida de mulheres e suas famílias, entre eles a insegurança alimentar e a fome. Foram feitas entrevistas semiestruturadas entre dezembro de 2020 e novembro de 2021 com 49 mulheres, moradoras de dois aglomerados urbanos, Cabana do Pai Tomás (Belo Horizonte, MG) e Sapopemba (São Paulo, SP), e de duas comunidades rurais quilombolas, Córrego do Rocha (Chapada do Norte, MG) e Córrego do Narciso (Araçuaí, MG). As análises foram baseadas nas seguintes categorias: sentimentos e termos relacionados à fome; redução na quantidade e qualidade de alimentos; ausência de alimento e nutrientes; dificuldades para produzir alimento, receber auxílio emergencial e/ou doação de alimentos; avaliação dos governos e redes de apoio. Os relatos das entrevistadas evidenciam os desafios vivenciados, suas formas de enfrentamento e críticas à falta de respostas dos governos. Além de apresentarem uma perspectiva de gênero, as mulheres, em especial as lideranças que atuaram na construção de redes de solidariedade, são vozes fundamentais no planejamento de ações de prevenção e mitigação dos impactos de situações emergenciais em suas comunidades.

Abstract This paper presents the results of the research nested in the international project “Gender and COVID-19”, which includes several topics related to the impact of the pandemic on the lives of women and their families, including food insecurity and hunger. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from December 2020 to November 2021 with 49 women living in two urban conglomerates, Cabana do Pai Tomás (Belo Horizonte, MG) and Sapopemba (São Paulo, SP), and two rural quilombola communities, Córrego do Rocha (Chapada do Norte, MG) and Córrego do Narciso (Araçuaí, MG). The analyses were based on the following categories: hunger-related feelings and terms; reduced food amount and quality; lack of food and nutrients; difficulties producing food, receiving emergency aid or food donations; governments evaluation and support networks. The respondents’ reports show the challenges they experienced, their coping methods, and criticism of the government’s lack of responses. Besides presenting a gender perspective, women, especially the leaders who worked in the construction of solidarity networks, are fundamental voices in planning actions to prevent and mitigate the impacts of emergencies in their communities.

Resumo Neste artigo apresentamos resultados de uma pesquisa que integra o projeto internacional “Gender and COVID-19”, que contempla diversos temas relacionados aos impactos da pandemia na vida de mulheres e suas famílias, entre eles a insegurança alimentar e a fome. Foram feitas entrevistas semiestruturadas entre dezembro de 2020 e novembro de 2021 com 49 mulheres, moradoras de dois aglomerados urbanos, Cabana do Pai Tomás (Belo Horizonte, MG) e Sapopemba (São Paulo, SP), e de duas comunidades rurais quilombolas, Córrego do Rocha (Chapada do Norte, MG) e Córrego do Narciso (Araçuaí, MG). As análises foram baseadas nas seguintes categorias: sentimentos e termos relacionados à fome; redução na quantidade e qualidade de alimentos; ausência de alimento e nutrientes; dificuldades para produzir alimento, receber auxílio emergencial e/ou doação de alimentos; avaliação dos governos e redes de apoio. Os relatos das entrevistadas evidenciam os desafios vivenciados, suas formas de enfrentamento e críticas à falta de respostas dos governos. Além de apresentarem uma perspectiva de gênero, as mulheres, em especial as lideranças que atuaram na construção de redes de solidariedade, são vozes fundamentais no planejamento de ações de prevenção e mitigação dos impactos de situações emergenciais em suas comunidades.

Abstract This paper presents the results of the research nested in the international project “Gender and COVID-19”, which includes several topics related to the impact of the pandemic on the lives of women and their families, including food insecurity and hunger. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from December 2020 to November 2021 with 49 women living in two urban conglomerates, Cabana do Pai Tomás (Belo Horizonte, MG) and Sapopemba (São Paulo, SP), and two rural quilombola communities, Córrego do Rocha (Chapada do Norte, MG) and Córrego do Narciso (Araçuaí, MG). The analyses were based on the following categories: hunger-related feelings and terms; reduced food amount and quality; lack of food and nutrients; difficulties producing food, receiving emergency aid or food donations; governments evaluation and support networks. The respondents’ reports show the challenges they experienced, their coping methods, and criticism of the government’s lack of responses. Besides presenting a gender perspective, women, especially the leaders who worked in the construction of solidarity networks, are fundamental voices in planning actions to prevent and mitigate the impacts of emergencies in their communities.

Resumo Fundamento A ecocardiografia tridimensional (ECO 3D) permite a geração de uma curva volume-tempo representativa das alterações no volume ventricular esquerdo (VE) ao longo de todo o ciclo cardíaco. Objetivo O presente estudo tem como objetivo demonstrar as adaptações hemodinâmicas presentes na cardiomiopatia chagásica (CC) por meio das medidas de volume e fluxo obtidas pela curva volume-tempo por ECO 3D. Métodos Vinte pacientes com CC e 15 indivíduos saudáveis foram incluídos prospectivamente em um estudo de desenho transversal. Realizou-se ECO 3D em todos os indivíduos e as curvas volume-tempo do VE foram geradas. O fluxo foi obtido pela primeira derivada da curva volume-tempo por meio do software MATLAB. A significância estatística foi definida com p<0,05. Resultados Embora os pacientes com CC tivessem menor fração de ejeção do VE em comparação com o grupo controle (29,8±7,5 vs. 57,7±6,1, p<0,001), o volume (61,5±25,2 vs. 53,8±21,0, p=0,364) e o fluxo de ejeção máximo durante a sístole (-360,3±147,5 vs. -305,6±126,0, p = 0,231) mostraram-se semelhantes entre os grupos. Da mesma forma, o fluxo máximo na fase de enchimento inicial e durante a contração atrial mostrou-se semelhante entre os grupos. Um aumento na pré-carga expressa pelo volume diastólico final do VE (204,8±79,4 vs. 93,0±32,6), p<0,001) pode manter o fluxo e o volume ejetado semelhantes aos dos controles. Conclusão Com uma ferramenta não invasiva, demonstramos que o aumento no volume diastólico final do VE pode ser o principal mecanismo de adaptação que mantém o fluxo e o volume ejetado no cenário de disfunção sistólica ventricular esquerda severa.

Abstract Background Three-dimensional echocardiography (3D ECHO) allows the generation of a volume-time curve representative of changes in the left ventricular (LV) volume throughout the entire cardiac cycle. Objective This study aims to demonstrate the hemodynamic adaptations present in Chagas cardiomyopathy (CC) by means of the volume and flow measurements obtained by the volume-time curve by 3D ECHO. Methods Twenty patients with CC and 15 healthy subjects were prospectively enrolled in a cross-sectional design study. 3D ECHO was performed in all subjects and the volume over time curves of the LV was generated. The flow was obtained by the first derivative of the volume-time curve using the software MATLAB. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results Although CC patients had lower LV ejection fraction compared to the control group (29.8±7.5 vs. 57.7±6.1, p<0.001), stroke volume (61.5±25.2 vs. 53.8±21.0, p=0.364) and maximum ejection flow during systole (-360.3±147.5 vs. -305.6±126.0, p=0.231) were similar between the groups. Likewise, the maximum flow in the early diastolic filling phase and during atrial contraction was similar between groups. An increase in preload expressed by LV end diastolic volume (204.8±79.4 vs. 93.0±32.6), p<0.001) may maintain the flow and stroke volumes similar to the controls. Conclusion Using a non-invasive tool, we demonstrated that an increase in LV end-diastolic volume may be the main adaptation mechanism that maintains the flow and stroke volumes in the setting of severe LV systolic dysfunction.

BACKGROUND The coronaviruses (CoVs) called the attention of the world for causing outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV), in Asia in 2002-03, and respiratory disease in the Middle East (MERS-CoV), in 2012. In December 2019, yet again a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) first identified in Wuhan, China, was associated with a severe respiratory infection, known today as COVID-19. This new virus quickly spread throughout China and 30 additional countries. As result, the World Health Organization (WHO) elevated the status of the COVID-19 outbreak from emergency of international concern to pandemic on March 11, 2020. The impact of COVID-19 on public health and economy fueled a worldwide race to approve therapeutic and prophylactic agents, but so far, there are no specific antiviral drugs or vaccines available. In current scenario, the development of in vitro systems for viral mass production and for testing antiviral and vaccine candidates proves to be an urgent matter. OBJECTIVE The objective of this paper is study the biology of SARS-CoV-2 in Vero-E6 cells at the ultrastructural level. METHODS In this study, we documented, by transmission electron microscopy and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the infection of Vero-E6 cells with SARS-CoV-2 samples isolated from Brazilian patients. FINDINGS The infected cells presented cytopathic effects and SARS-CoV-2 particles were observed attached to the cell surface and inside cytoplasmic vesicles. The entry of the virus into cells occurred through the endocytic pathway or by fusion of the viral envelope with the cell membrane. Assembled nucleocapsids were verified inside rough endoplasmic reticulum cisterns (RER). Viral maturation seemed to occur by budding of viral particles from the RER into smooth membrane vesicles. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Therefore, the susceptibility of Vero-E6 cells to SARS-CoV-2 infection and the viral pathway inside the cells were demonstrated by ultrastructural analysis.

Objective: To determine whether the SEIR model, associated to mobility changes parameters, can determine the likelihood of establishing control over an epidemic in a city, state or country. Study design and setting: The critical step in the prediction of COVID-19 by a SEIR model are the values of the basic reproduction number (R0) and the infectious period, in days. R0 and the infectious periods were calculated by mathematical constrained optimization, and used to determine the numerically minimum SEIR model errors in a country, based on COVID-19 data until April 11th. The Community Mobility Reports from Google Maps (&lt;https://www.google.com/covid19/mobility&gt;) provided mobility changes on April 5th compared to the baseline (Jan 3th to Feb 6th). The data was used to measure the non-pharmacological intervention adherence. The impact of each mobility component was calculated by logistic regression models. COVID-19 control was defined by SEIR model R0&lt;1.0 in a country. Results: The ECDC has registered 1,653,204 COVID-19 worldwide on April 11th. Sixteen countries presented 78% of all cases. Of the six Google Maps mobility parameters, the “Stay at home” parameter was the strongest one to control COVID-19 in a country: an increase of 50% in mobility trends for places of residence has a 99% chance of outbreak control. Conclusions: Residential mobility restriction presented itself as the most effective measure. The SEIR model associated with mobility parameters proved to be a useful tool in determining the chance of COVID-19 outbreak control.

OBJECTIVES: Adolescence is characterized by continuing profound mental, physical, and social changes and entering into the labor market during this phase may have negative consequences on physical and mental health. Common mental disorders (CMD) are characterized as disorders of mental functions, including symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as various nonspecific and somatic complaints such as reduced ability to concentrate, tiredness, irritation, and forgetfulness. Despite its increasing prevalence, few studies have addressed CMD and its association with work, in adolescents. In the present study, we aimed to identify the main factors associated with CMD and evaluated its association with work, in school adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 12 to 17-year-old adolescent students using a self-administered questionnaire with questions related to work. CMD was verified using the General Health Questionnaire of 12 items. In total, 3424 adolescents were studied. RESULTS: The prevalence of CMD and work in the last year was 28.72% and 19.63%, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounding variables, multivariate analysis showed associations of CMD with female gender (OR=2.72) and work (OR=1.70). CONCLUSION: In the present study, a high number of cases of CMD were observed among the studied adolescents. Female gender and work history in the last year were negatively and independently associated with the presence of CMD.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the dimensions of patient safety culture from the perspective of the nursing team in a public maternity hospital. Method: Cross-sectional study conducted in a public maternity hospital with 69 nursing professionals, from June to August 2017, through the application of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture. Results: The average of positive scores ranged from 33.0% to 69.6%, and the best evaluations were made in the following dimensions: organizational learning, teamwork between units, and non-punitive responses to the error. The most fragile evaluations were made in: internal transfers and shift reports, in addition to the frequency of reported events. Conclusion: The study pointed to a weak safety culture in all areas, and indicated that planning targeted strategies in order to achieve quality safety culture for the mother/child binomial is important.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as dimensões da cultura de segurança do paciente na perspectiva da equipe de Enfermagem, em uma maternidade pública. Método: Estudo transversal realizado em uma maternidade pública, com 69 profissionais de Enfermagem, no período de junho a agosto de 2017, mediante aplicação do questionário Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture. Resultados: A média dos escores positivos variou de 33,0 % a 69,6%, sendo que as melhores avaliações foram nas dimensões: aprendizado organizacional, trabalho em equipe entre as unidades e respostas não punitivas ao erro. Das avaliações com maiores fragilidades, destacam-se: transferências internas e passagem de plantão, além da frequência de eventos relatados. Conclusão: O estudo apontou para a cultura de segurança sem nenhuma área de força em todas as áreas. Assim, evidencia a importância do planejamento de estratégias direcionadas, a fim de alcançar a cultura de segurança com qualidade para o binômio mãe/filho.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar las dimensiones de la cultura de seguridad del paciente desde la perspectiva del equipo de enfermería en un hospital público de maternidad. Método: Estudio transversal realizado en un hospital público de maternidad con 69 profesionales de enfermería, de junio a agosto de 2017, aplicando el cuestionario de la Encuesta hospitalaria sobre cultura de seguridad del paciente. Resultados: El promedio de puntajes positivos varió de 33.0% a 69.6%, y las mejores evaluaciones fueron en las dimensiones: aprendizaje organizacional, trabajo en equipo entre unidades y respuestas no punitivas al error. Las evaluaciones más frágiles incluyen: transferencias internas y cambio de turno, además de la frecuencia de los eventos informados. Conclusión: El estudio señaló una cultura de seguridad débil en todas las áreas. Por lo tanto, destaca la importancia de planificar estrategias específicas para lograr una cultura de seguridad de calidad para el binomio madre / hijo.

RESUMO Hoje, em algumas cidades brasileiras, apresenta-se possibilidade de utilização de dados de alta resolução e de classificação automatizada baseada em bandas espectrais.Assim, este artigo tem por objetivo avaliar a associação do índice espectral NDVI (NormalizedDifferenceVegetation Index) ao uso do LiDAR, visando analisar a cobertura vegetal urbana e as transformações de suas paisagens.Observou-se que a associação da alta resolução espacial de uma imagem aerofotogramétrica à resposta espectral na faixa do infravermelho próximo permitiu a identificação otimizada da cobertura vegetal arbórea. Viabilizando a documentação, visualização e análise dos fenômenos do lugar, facilitando a investigação das relações espaciais, através da representação por mapas, gráficos eprincipalmente para simulação de possíveis cenários espaciais, além disso, possibilitou avaliar intervenções e realizar previsões,auxiliando projeto ou proposta de leis e parâmetros urbanísticos.

ABSTRACT Today, in some Brazilian cities, there is the possibility of using high-resolution data and automated classification based on spectral bands. Thus, this article aims to evaluate the association of the NDVI(normalized difference vegetation index) to the use of LiDAR, in order to analyze urban vegetation cover and the changes of the local landscapes. It was observed that the association of the high spatial resolution of an aerophotogrammetric image to the spectral response in the near infrared range allowed the vegetation to be identified. This enabled the documentation, visualization and analysis of a location’s phenomenon, facilitating the investigation of spatial relationships through representation by maps, charts, especially for simulating possible spatial scenarios and thus permitting the evaluation of interventions and predictions to be made, assisting projects or proposed laws and urban parameters.

RESUME Aujourd’hui, dans certaines villes brésiliennes, il y a la possibilité d’utiliser une des données de haute résolution et de la classification automatisée basée sur des bandes spectrales. Ainsi, cet article vise évaluer l’association de l’indice spectral NDVI (Normalized Indice de végétation par différence) pour l’utilisation de LiDAR afin d’analyser la végétation urbaine et les changements des paysages locaux. Il a été observé que l’association d’une image aérophotogramétrique de haute résolution à la réponse spectrale du niveau d’ infrarouge permet l’identification de la végétation. Cela a permis la documentation, la visualisation et analyse d’un phénomène de location, ce qui facilite l’investigation des telations spatiales par le biais d’unr représentation des cartes, des graphiques, surtout pour la simulation des probables scénarios spatiaux, d’où l’évaluation des interventions et prévisions à accomplir, en soutenant les projets ou les lois proposées ainsi que les paramètres urbains.

Resumo Este trabalho foi desenvolvido de 25 de fevereiro a 01 de julho de 2012 para recomendar a(s) dose(s) de nitrogênio e o(s) período(s) de diferimento que resultam em pastos diferidos de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piatã (capim-piatã) com características estruturais adequadas ao consumo animal. Foram avaliadas combinações entre períodos de diferimento e condições de adubação nitrogenada. Os períodos de diferimento foram longo (127 dias) e curto (79 dias). As doses de nitrogênio foram de 0, 40, 80 e 120 kg/ha. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos casualizados, com três repetições. O índice de área foliar (IAF) e a interceptação luminosa (IL) aumentaram com a aplicação de nitrogênio. Na ausência ou dose pequena de nitrogênio, o pasto diferido por curto período apresentou IAF e IL inferiores ao manejado com longo período de diferimento. A dose de nitrogênio só influenciou a densidade de perfilhos basais vegetativos. O menor período de diferimento resultou em maiores números de perfilhos basais e aéreos vegetativos, assim como número inferior de perfilho basal reprodutivo. O nitrogênio aumentou o comprimento da lâmina foliar e do colmo do perfilho vegetativo. Longo período de diferimento resultou em colmo e lâmina foliar mais compridos e maior número de folhas mortas. O capim-piatã pode ser diferido por 80 dias, com aplicação de 80 kg/ha de nitrogênio no início do período de diferimento.

Abstract This study was conducted from Feb. 25th, 2012 to Jul. 1st, 2012 to recommend nitrogen doses and deferment periods that result in deferred Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piatã (piatã grass) pastures with structural characteristics suitable for animal consumption. Combinations were evaluated between deferment periods and nitrogen fertilization conditions. The deferment periods were long (127 days) and short (79 days). Nitrogen doses were 0, 40, 80, and 120 kg/ha. The experimental design was a randomized block with three replications. The leaf area index (LAI) and light interception (LI) increased with the application of nitrogen. In the absence or at a small nitrogen dose, pasture deferred for short periods presented lower LAI and LI than pasture managed with long deferment period. The nitrogen only influenced the density of vegetative basal tillers. The lower deferment period resulted in a greater number of basal tillers and vegetative air, as well as fewer reproductive basal tillers. Nitrogen increased the length of the leaf blade and the vegetative tiller stem. Long deferral period resulted in longer stem and leaf blade and a larger number of dead leaves. Piatã grass can be deferred for 80 days, with application of 80 kg/ha of nitrogen at the beginning of the deferment period.

Heat treatment improves some wood properties namely: equilibrium moisture, dimensional stability and durability and mechanical properties. In this study, the heat treatment was applied to woods of three natural species from Brazil: Aspidosperma populifolium (peroba mica), Dipteryx odorata (cumaru) and Mimosa scabrella (bracatinga). The woods were heated in an oven under vacuum and under nitrogen, at 180, 200, and 220°C for one hour. The untreated and heat-treated woods were characterized in relation to equilibrium moisture content, basic density, shrinkage, Janka hardness, and bending MOR and MOE according to NBR 7190 standards. All the thermal rectified woods showed a reduction in the hygroscopic equilibrium content, especially when the heating was under vacuum from 13-15% in the untreated woods to 1-3% for vacuum treatment at 220°C. The dimensional stability was improved to only a small extent e.g. volumetric shrinkage tended to decrease with increasing temperature. The mechanical properties were affected differently for the three wood species. Heat- treated cumaru showed increased Janka hardness, MOR and MOE; and peroba mica increased MOR and MOE but not Janka hardness; while bracatinga was less influenced by the heat treatment.

Throughout the 2 years that lasted the in-service teachers training program, we have monitored the professional development of the participants to explore the appropriation of an educational model based on a constructivist learning cycle, through the reflection and action of science teachers. While each teacher appropriates a differentiated model, opening up the communication pattern promoting a more active student role, and the consolidation of the teachers' regulatory strategies of learning, is observed in all cases.

A lo largo de los 2 años que ha durado el programa de formación continua hemos realizado el seguimiento del desarrollo profesional de los docentes participantes para monitorizar la apropiación de un modelo didáctico basado en el ciclo constructivista del aprendizaje, a través de la reflexión y la acción de los profesores de ciencias. Si bien cada profesor se apropia del modelo de forma diferenciada, en todos los casos se observa una apertura del patrón comunicativo que promueve un rol más activo del estudiante, y la consolidación de estrategias reguladoras del aprendizaje por parte del profesor.

We explore the implicit representations systems as obstacles for teachers' professional development. Their characterization requires a professional teaching epistemology model from backgrounds describing the performance of science teachers in the classroom. The research is qualitative, exploratory, interpretative and transversal, based on a case study through three instances of data collection and triangulation analysis. The Implicit Representations Systems characterized reveal various domain theories, grouped in four implicit theories: the sufficiency of meaningful learning; the difficulty of teaching and assessment that promote student self-regulation; managerial role of the teacher imposing the student a passive role, and a realistic, empirical and inductive epistemology.

Se investigan los sistemas de representaciones implícitas como obstáculos para el desarrollo profesional docente. Su caracterización requiere construir un modelo de epistemología profesional docente a partir de antecedentes que describen el quehacer de los profesores de ciencias en el aula. La investigación es cualitativa, exploratoria, interpretativa y transversal, basada en un estudio de casos, con recogida de datos en tres instancias y análisis por triangulación. Los sistemas de representaciones implícitas caracterizados revelan diversas teorías de dominio, agrupadas en cuatro teorías implícitas: la suficiencia del aprendizaje significativo; la dificultad de una didáctica y una evaluación que promuevan la autorregulación del estudiante; el rol directivo del profesor que impone un rol pasivo al estudiante, y una epistemología realista, empirista e inductivista.

The study was carried out between March 1st and July 1st, 2011, in order to evaluate the tillering pattern of the deferred Piata palisade grass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piata). Three sward heights were evaluated in the beginning of the period of deferment: lower (20 cm), medium (30 cm) and higher (40 cm). The experimental design was of completely randomized blocks with three replications. The Piata palisade grass deferred with low initial height presented lower leaf area index, lower light interception and higher leaf angle in relation to the ones deferred with medium and high heights. The advance in the period of deferment increased the leaf area index and the light interception by the sward, in a way that the highest values were recorded in the periods from 91 and 120 days. The leaf angle reduced linearly with the advance in the period of deferment. For basal and aerial tillers, the rates of appearance, mortality and survival of tillers, as well as the balance between appearance and mortality, and the tiller density stability index were not affected by the initial height of the sward. The stability index of the tiller density was lower in the period from 1 to 30 days of deferment in relation to the periods from 31 to 60, from 61 to 90 and from 91 to 120 days. The variation of the initial height of the Piata palisade grass does not influence the tiller density dynamics during the period of deferment. The reduction of the initial height of the Piata palisade grass improves the luminous environment inside the sward, but it does not stimulate the grass tillering during the period of deferment.

The objective of this study was to determine the deferment period and the most adequate initial sward height of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piatã for deferment in the region of Viçosa, Minas Gerais. For so, the following characteristics were evaluated: masses and bulk density of forage and its morphological components, light interception by the sward, leaf area index, leaf angle, sward and extended tiller height and falling index of the deferred piatã grass. The three deferment periods assessed (65, 85 and 105 days) were randomized to the plots and the three sward heights (20, 30 and 40 cm), randomized in the subplots. The experimental design was of completely randomized blocks, with three replicates, in a subdivided plots arrangement. Masses of forage, green stem and dead tissue were higher in the piatã grass managed with deferment period of 105 days. The mass of green leaf blade was higher in the piatã grass deferred with 20 cm height associated to the deferment period of 85 days, which had, as consequence, greater bulk density of green leaf blade. The interception of light by the sward was greater in the piatã grass kept longer in deferment associated with the higher leaf area index, regardless of its initial height. The heights of the sward and extended tillers were greater in the piatã grass under periods of 85 and 105 days of deferment; however, the falling index was not affected by the factors studied. In the region of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, B. brizantha cv. Piatã fertilized with 75 kg/ha nitrogen and deferred with initial height of 20 cm and for a period of 85 days, from mid April, has adequate productivity and structure for animal production.

This experiment was conducted to estimate the effects of nitrogen fertilization associated with the initial height of the Piata palisade grass on the number and structural characteristics of individual tillers after the deferment period. An area with Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piata measuring approximately 288 m² was used. Combinations of levels of nitrogen fertilization (0, 75 and 150 kg/ha of nitrogen) and initial heights of the sward (low - 20 cm, medium - 30 cm and high - 40 cm) were evaluated. The experimental design was of completely randomized blocks in subdivided plots with three replications. The number of vegetative tillers, the stem length of the vegetative, reproductive and dead tillers, and the number of dead leaves of the reproductive and the dead tillers linearly increased with the elevation in the nitrogen level. The deferred Piata palisade grass with low initial height showed lower number of dead basal tillers, shorter length of stems and leaf blades in reproductive tillers and lower number of live and dead leaves in vegetative tillers in relation to the one managed with height considered medium and high. Nitrogen fertilization, in association with low initial height, provides the optimization of forage of Piata palisade grass in deferment conditions.