ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous amylase on gas production, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and in vitro digestion kinetics of sorghum (Sorghum vulgaris) and two corn hybrids of different grain textures. Ruminal fluid was collected from two rumen-fistulated cows receiving or not exogenous amylase (0.7g kg-1 of dry matter (DM basis)), provided to achieve 396 kilo Novo units kg-1 for amylase activity (DM basis). Gas production was measured after 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36, 42 e 48 hours of incubation. Amylase increased gas production (mL) by 5.4%. Corn hybrids have higher in vitro dry matter digestibility than sorghum. Exogenous amylase increased the potential of gas production (A) (P=0.01). There was an effect of hybrid for IVDMD (P<0.01). The addition of exogenous amylase increases the in vitro gas production, improves fermentation kinetics, and increases the production of the ammonia nitrogen of corn and sorghum grains, but does not affect in vitro and dry matter digestibility or the short-chain fatty acids production.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da amilase exógena na produção de gases, a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) e a cinética de digestão in vitro de sorgo (Sorghum vulgaris) e de dois híbridos de milho de diferentes texturas de grãos. O líquido ruminal foi coletado de duas vacas fistuladas no rúmen recebendo ou não amilase exógena (0,7g kg-1 de matéria seca (MS)), fornecida para atingir 396 kg Novo unidades kg-1 para atividade de amilase (base na MS). A produção de gás foi medida após uma, três, seis, nove, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36, 42 e 48 horas de incubação. A amilase aumentou a produção de gás (mL) em 5,4%. Híbridos de milho apresentam maior DIVMS que o sorgo. A amilase exógena aumentou o potencial de produção de gás (A) (P=0,01). Houve efeito de híbrido para DIVMS (P<0,01). Amilase exógena aumenta a produção de gás in vitro, melhora a cinética da fermentação e aumenta a produção de nitrogênio amoniacal de grãos de milho e sorgo, mas não afeta a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca ou a produção de ácidos graxos de cadeia curta.

RESUMO A brucelose é uma das doenças de caráter zoonótico mais difundidas no mundo, representando um grande problema econômico e de saúde pública. A Brucella melitensis, a B. suis e a B. abortus são consideradas as mais patogênicas espécies para humanos. A espécie apontada como a mais virulenta é a B. melitensis, endêmica em várias partes do mundo, particularmente o biovar 3 na região do Mediterrâneo e na Europa Oriental. Alguns países da América Latina são seriamente afetados pelo biovar 1, especialmente México, Peru e norte da Argentina. O Brasil é considerado livre desse agente etiológico, porém sempre há o questionamento se a infecção não ocorre ou se falta pesquisa. Diante dessa questão, o objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a ocorrência de anticorpos contra amostras lisas de Brucella em caprinos e ovinos dos estados de Sergipe, Bahia, Ceará e Paraíba. Todas as amostras foram submetidas à triagem pelo teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado (AAT). Como testes confirmatórios, utilizou-se a reação de fixação de complemento (RFC) e também o teste de polarização fluorescente (TPF). Nenhuma amostra foi positiva nos testes confirmatórios (RFC e TPF). Esse resultado comprova que a infecção por B. melitensis é exótica no Brasil.

ABSTRACT Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease widespread almost all over the world, representing a significant economic and public health problem. Brucella melitensis, B. suis and B. abortus are considered the most pathogenic species for humans. The most virulent species, B. melitensis is endemic in many parts of the world, particularly the biovar 3 in the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe. Some Latin American countries are seriously affected by biovar 1, especially Mexico, Peru and northern Argentina. Furthermore, while Brazil is considered free of this etiologic agent, one recurrent question is whether this infection really does not occur in Brazil or there is a lack of research/data on the subject. To answer this question, this study aims to investigate the occurrence of antibodies against smooth Brucella in goats and sheep in the states of Sergipe, Paraíba, Ceará and Paraíba. All samples were screened by the Rose Bengal test (RBT). The complement fixation (CFT) and the fluorescence polarization (FPT) tests were used as confirmatory tests. There were no positive samples in the confirmatory tests (both CFT and FPT). We, therefore, conclude that this result reinforces the previous knowledge regarding the exotic status of B. melitensis infection in Brazil.

Abstract Objective: To analyse the mortality trends in children under five years old in Brazil from 2017 to 2020 and the influence of COVID-19 in 2020. Methods: A retrospective study employing secondary data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System. Deaths according to cause were extracted and disaggregated into early, late, post-neonatal, and 1 to 4-year-old periods. Corrected mortality rates per 1, 000 live births and relative risk ratio for the cause of death were calculated. Results: There were 34, 070 deaths, being 417 (1.2%) from COVID-19 in 2020. COVID-19 mortality was 0.17 per 1000 live births, reaching 0.006 in the early neonatal period, 0.007 in the late neonatal, 0.09 in the postneonatal, and 0.06 in 1 to 4-year-old. Mortality decreased mostly for some diseases that originated in the perinatal period, congenital anomalies, diseases of the respiratory system and external causes, in this order. In 2020, the highest rate was in the early neonatal period, with a fall from 7.2 to 6.5, followed by the postneonatal (3.9 to 3.4) and late neonatal (2.3 to 2.1). Among children aged 1 to 4-year-old, external causes had the highest proportional rate, and diseases of the respiratory system showed the highest decline. Conclusion: The mortality rate declined from 2017 to 2020, and this variation was higher in the early neonatal period. The risk of death from COVID-19 was 14 times higher in the postneonatal period and 10 times higher in children aged 1 to 4 year-old compared to the early neonatal period.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar o melhor acesso laparoscópico para visualização e manipulação das estruturas umbilicais no interior da cavidade abdominal de fetos bovinos. Foram utilizados nove fetos de bezerros de vacas no terço final da gestação, todos submetidos à laparoscopia com dois portais de acesso, primeiro no flanco direito e depois na região ventral do abdômen, onde foram verificadas as possibilidades de acesso às estruturas umbilicais. Em ambas as abordagens, os portais de acesso permitiram visualizar e manipular as estruturas de interesse, mas a abordagem lateral foi mais eficaz com melhor visualização e manipulação. Os acessos ventrais não proporcionavam a mesma facilidade de visualização e manipulação, pois as estruturas umbilicais fixadas na parede abdominal ficavam muito próximas aos portais. Esses resultados demonstram que a laparoscopia pode ser utilizada para manipulação e visualização das estruturas umbilicais, sendo a abordagem lateral mais eficaz.

Contradictory findings suggest that the behavioral and abuse-related effects of ethanol are mediated by its action at α1 subunit-containing GABAA (α1GABAA) receptors. In the present study, we investigated the effects of a sub-chronic post-ethanol administration treatment with zolpidem, an α1-preferring positive allosteric modulator at GABAA receptors, on the subsequent expression of ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization in mice. Animals received ethanol (1.8 g/kg, ip) or saline treatments every other day for 15 days (8 treatment sessions) and were subsequently treated with zolpidem (0.5 mg/kg, ip) or vehicle 4 times on alternate days. At the end of the treatment phase, animals were challenged with saline or ethanol on separate days for the evaluation of the expression of conditioned locomotion and behavioral sensitization. Eight-day treatment with ethanol did not lead to the development of ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization. Animals treated with ethanol and subsequently administered vehicle showed similar locomotion frequencies during the last ethanol challenge compared to the control group receiving ethanol for the first time. Animals treated with ethanol and subsequently administered zolpidem expressed behavioral sensitization to ethanol during the ethanol challenge. The present study adds to the literature by providing further evidence of a role of α1GABAA receptors on the behavioral effects of ethanol. Because of the current highly prevalent co-abuse of ethanol and benzodiazepine drugs in humans, the use of zolpidem and other α1GABAA receptor ligands during ethanol withdrawal should be monitored carefully.

RESUMO: Ricinus communis é um arbusto da família Euphorbiaceae conhecido popularmente como “mamona” ou “carrapateira”. A planta é considerada oleaginosa e suas sementes têm sido utilizadas, principalmente, na produção de biodiesel. A extração do óleo pode ser mecânica ou com solventes, gerando, como subprodutos, a torta de mamona e a farinha de mamona, respectivamente. A ingestão acidental desses subprodutos pode causar intoxicação em animais e humanos, caracterizada por sinais digestivos devido a toxalbumina ricina. A toxidez das sementes varia entre as espécies animais, em equinos a dose letal de sementes é de 0,1g/kg de peso vivo. Há vasta literatura sobre a intoxicação por R. communis em diferentes espécies animais e humanos. Em relação aos equinos os relatos são escassos e com poucas informações sobre os aspectos patológicos da intoxicação. Assim, os objetivos do presente estudo foram descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos observados em um surto de intoxicação acidental por torta de mamona em equinos. Os equinos eram suplementados com torta de dendê (Elaeis guianeesis), no entanto, na compra de uma nova partida, houve um erro no pedido sendo solicitada torta de mamona. Os quatro equinos que receberam a torta de mamona apresentaram sinais clínicos indicativos de cólica, que iniciaram cerca de 21 horas após administração. Três destes morreram, com evolução clínica 2 a 4,5 horas, o outro animal foi tratado com fluidoterapia intravenosa, antibioticoterapia e anti-inflamatório não esteroidal, recuperando-se em 5 dias. Na necropsia de dois destes equinos, as principais lesões foram encontradas no intestino delgado, sendo observadas mucosas com avermelhamento acentuado e recobertas por fina camada de material amarelado fibrinoso. No lúmen intestinal, havia grande quantidade de líquido sanguinolento. O estômago estava repleto de grumos escuros semelhantes às sementes trituradas da mamona em meio ao conteúdo. As adrenais de ambos equinos apresentavam congestão e hemorragias corticais. Na microscopia, a principal lesão foi uma enteropatia fibrino-necrótica, aguda, difusa e acentuada, afetando com maior intensidade o jejuno. O diagnóstico de intoxicação por torta de mamona foi baseado na evidência circunstancial de consumo do subproduto, sendo corroborado pelos aspectos clínicos e patológicos. Os resultados indicam que a torta de mamona vendida para fertilização do solo é extremamente tóxica quando ingerida, havendo a necessidade de detoxicação ou rotulagem adequada informando sobre a sua toxicidade.

Abstract: Ricinus communis is a shrub of the family Euphorbiaceae popularly known in Brazil as “mamona” or “carrapateira”. It is an oleaginous plant whose seeds have been used mainly in biodiesel production. Plant seed oil can be extracted mechanically or using solvents, generating castor bean cake and castor bean meal as by-products, respectively. Accidental ingestion of these by-products can cause poisoning in animals and humans, characterized by digestive signs resulting from the presence of a toxalbumin called ricin. Seed toxicity varies among animal species; in horses, the lethal dose of seeds is 0.1 g/kg of body weight. The literature presents plenty of studies addressing poisoning by R. communis in different animal species and in humans; however, reports are scarce and little information is available on the pathological aspects of poisoning regarding equines. Therefore, the present study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects observed in an outbreak of accidental poisoning with castor bean cake in horses. The equines were supplemented with palm kernel (Elaeis guianeesis) cake; however, in the purchase of a new batch, there was an error in the order, and castor bean cake was requested instead. Four horses that received castor bean cake presented clinical signs indicative of colic, which started about 21 hours after administration. Three of these horses died, with clinical evolution from 2 to 4.5 hours; the other animal was treated with intravenous fluid and antibiotic therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and recovered after five days. In the necropsy of two of these horses, the main lesions were found in the small intestine, where mucosae with pronounced redness and covered with a thin layer of yellow fibrous material were observed. In the intestinal lumen, there was a large amount of bloody liquid. The stomach was full, and dark lumps similar to crushed castor bean seeds were observed in the contents. The adrenal glands of both horses presented congestion and hemorrhage in the cortex. In microscopy, the main lesion was an acute, diffuse and accentuated fibrin-necrotic enteropathy affecting the jejunum. The diagnosis of castor bean cake poisoning was based on the circumstantial evidence of by-product consumption supported by clinical and pathological aspects. The results indicate that castor bean cake commercially available as fertilizer is extremely toxic when ingested, and there is a need for appropriate detoxification or labeling informing of its toxicity.

Resumo Este trabalho apresenta um estudo taxonômico das Gentianaceae das cangas da Serra dos Carajás. Foram encontradas sete espécies pertencentes a cinco gêneros: Chelonanthus viridiflorus, Chelonanthus purpurascens, Coutoubea ramosa, Curtia tenuifolia, Schultesia benthamiana, Voyria tenella, inclusive uma nova espécie aqui descrita, Voyria alvesiana E.F.Guim., T.S.Mendes & N.G.Silva sp. nov.

Abstract This work presents a taxonomic study of the Gentianaceae from the canga of the Serra dos Carajás. Seven species belonging to five genera were found: Chelonanthus viridiflorus, Chelonanthus purpurascens, Coutoubea ramosa, Curtia tenuifolia, Schultesia benthamiana, Voyria tenella, including a new species described here, Voyria alvesiana E.F.Guim. T.S. Mendes & N.G. Silva sp. nov..

Epithelial cell migration is an essential response to enteric pathogens such as enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC). This study aimed to investigate the effects of EPEC infection on intestinal epithelial cell migration in vitro, as well as the involvement of type III secretion system (T3SS) and Rho GTPases. Crypt intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6) were infected with EPEC strains (E2348/69, ΔescF, and the LDI001 strain isolated from a malnourished Brazilian child) and commensal E. coli HS. Wound migration and cell death assays were performed at different time-points. Transcription and expression of Rho GTPases were evaluated using real-time PCR and western blotting. Overall, EPEC E2348/69 reduced migration and increased apoptosis and necrosis levels compared to EPEC LDI001 and E. coli HS strains. Moreover, EPEC LDI001 impaired cell migration at a higher level than E. coli HS and increased necrosis after 24 hours compared to the control group. The different profiles of virulence genes between the two wild-type EPEC strains, characterized by the absence of espL and nleE genes in the LDI001, might explain the phenotypic results, playing significant roles on cell migration impairment and cell death-related events. Moreover, the type III secretion system is determinant for the inhibition of intestinal epithelial cell migration by EPEC 2348/69, as its deletion prevented the effect. Active Rac1 concentrations were increased in E2348/69 and LDI001-infected cells, while the T3SS-deficient strain did not demonstrate this activation. This study contributes with valuable insight to characterize the mechanisms involved in the impairment of intestinal cell migration induced by EPEC.

RESUMO: A cisticercose causada pela Taenia solium é uma zoonose parasitária que afeta humanos e suínos principalmente nos países em desenvolvimento. No Brasil, sua epidemiologia é ainda pouco compreendida em diversas regiões. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência e identificar os fatores de risco associados à cisticercose suína em comunidades rurais localizadas na região leste do estado de Minas Gerais (MG). A partir de 371 propriedades pertencentes à 14 comunidades rurais do município de Tumiritinga, 101 foram amostradas aleatoriamente. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue dos suínos e aplicados questionários epidemiológicos. As amostras séricas foram analisadas através de técnicas de imunodiagnóstico, ELISA e Western Blot, para a detecção de anticorpos. Os dados obtidos nos inquéritos foram analisados utilizando o software EpiInfo 3.5.1 para determinar os fatores de risco associados à cisticercose. A prevalência das propriedades com a presença da cisticercose suína foi de 9,9% (10/101), a soropositividade foi de 5,3% (13/247). Os resultados são alarmantes para a ocorrência da cisticercose suína, sugerindo a presença de portadores de tênia que contribuem manutenção deste ciclo zoonótico nas áreas amostradas. Em relação aos fatores de risco, os determinantes mais importantes para a ocorrência da cisticercose suína foram a criação de suínos soltos (OR:17,4, p:0,0001), a eliminação de fezes humanas no meio ambiente (OR:7,6, p:0,012 ) e o tamanho da propriedade. Cisticercose suína foi diagnosticada somente em áreas representadas por assentamentos de Reforma Agrária. Os resultados permitem recomendar como medida de controle, a destinação dos dejetos humanos em sistemas adequados, a utilização de fossas sépticas, a criação de suínos em sistemas confinados e investimentos em educação em saúde. Ainda, os resultados chamam a atenção para maiores estudos sobre esta zoonose nos assentamentos da reforma agrária do país, devido à sua presença e à falta de conhecimento sobre a epidemiologia da teníase-cisticercose nestas áreas. Estas informações podem servir de base para apoiar políticas públicas voltadas para a criação de um programa eficaz de controle da teníase-cisticercose na região estudada. Uma maior atenção para esta zoonose deve ser estimulada entre médicos, médicos veterinários e agricultores familiares, através da informação e educação.

ABSTRACT: Cysticercosis is caused by Taenia solium, a parasitic zoonosis that affects human and pigs raised free-range in developing countries. The epidemiology of the taeniosis cysticercosis complex in Brazil is poorly understood especially when it comes to field research. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and identify the risk factors associated with porcine cysticercosis in rural communities located in the east of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. From 371 farms in the county of Tumiritinga/MG, 101 farms from 14 communities were randomly sampled. Blood samples from pigs were collected, and epidemiological questionnaires were carried out. The serum samples obtained were analyzed through immunodiagnosis techniques, including ELISA and Western Blot, both for the detection of antibodies. The data obtained by different surveys were analyzed using EpiInfo 3.5.1 software to determine seroprevalence and risk factors associated with cysticercosis. The prevalence of farms with porcine cysticercosis was 9.9% (10/101) and antibody-based seropositive was 5.3% (13/247). The results indicate that cysticercosis occurs in high level in the rural area never studied before. These results suggest the presence of tapeworm carriers contributing to the occurrence and maintenance of this zoonotic life cycle in the county. Regarding risk factors, the most significant determinants for porcine cysticercosis in the field were free-range pig management (OR: 17.4, p: 0.0001), the method of disposal of human faeces in the environmental (OR: 7.6; p 0.012), and the size of the farm. Porcine cysticercosis was diagnosed only in areas represented by Agrarian Reform Settlements. From the results, it is possible to recommend as a means of control and prevention the destination of human faeces in appropriate sanitary landfills and the production of pigs in an enclosed area. Additionally, improving education in the communities sampled will indirectly affect the spreading of this disease. The results draw attention to the largest studies of this zoonotic disease in human settlements from rural areas due to the lack of knowledge about the epidemiology of the taeniosis-cysticercosis complex. The results could serve as the basis to support public policies aimed at creating an effective program to control the taeniosis-cysticercosis complex in the studied area. Awareness of TC among medical doctors, veterinarians, meat animal family producers and the public should be developed through appropriate information and education.

RESUMO Com o objetivo de detectar a presença do lentivírus caprino (LVC) no leite de ovelhas e no sêmen de carneiros, utilizaram-se 10 matrizes e quatro reprodutores infectados experimentalmente com o LVC. Foram coletadas amostras de leite das ovelhas durante os quatro meses de lactação, ocorrendo cinco coletas por animal, totalizando 50 amostras. Quanto aos carneiros, realizaram-se oito coletas de sêmen por animal, durante um ano de experimentação, totalizando 32 amostras. As amostras de leite e de sêmen foram submetidas à extração de DNA e à prova de reação em cadeia da polimerase do tipo nested (nPCR) visando à detecção de DNA proviral do LVC. Oito (16%) amostras de leite foram positivas na nPCR oriundas de duas ovelhas. Apenas uma (3,12%) amostra de sêmen apresentou positividade. Produtos da amplificação foram sequenciados, confirmando-se tratar de sequência genômica do LVC. Dessa forma, demonstrou-se a presença do DNA proviral do LVC em leite e sêmen de ovinos, confirmando a viabilidade da infecção entre espécies e, assim, alertando sobre o risco de que a infecção seja disseminada.

ABSTRACT With the objective of detecting the presence of caprine lentivirus (CLV) in ewe milk and in ram semen, ten matrixes and four reproducers experimentally infected with CLV were used. Samples of ewe milk were collected during the four months of lactation, five collections per animal, totaling 50 samples. Regarding the rams, eight semen collections were made per animal, during one year of experimentation, totaling 32 samples. The milk and semen samples were submitted to DNA extraction and the nested polymerase chain reaction test (nPCR) to detect CLV proviral DNA. Eight (16%) of the milk samples were positive in nPCR originating from two ewes. Only one (3.12%) semen sample was positive. The amplification products were sequenced, and were confirmed to be a CLV genomic sequence. Thus, the presence of CLV proviral DNA in sheep milk and semen was demonstrated, confirming the feasibility of infection between species, and alerting to the risk of spreading infections.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to verify the parasitologycal aspects of fish (Hoplias malabaricus), coming from São Bento city, Maranhão state. For this, 70 fish were used, verifying the parasitism indexes and coefficients. For the parasitological results nematodeos were identified, with zoonotical potential of the Contracaecum spp, Pseudoterranova spp, Eustrongylides spp; monogenetics Gyrodactirus spp, Dactylogirus spp and larva Acanthella of Acanthocephalo. Of the 70 (100%) fishes, 64 (91.4%) were sponged, with prevalence of 82.8% (58) for the nematodeo Contracaecum spp, 65.7% (46), Pseudoterranova spp, 7.1% (5), Eustrongylides spp, 71.4% (50), monogenetics and larva Acanthella of Acantocephalo, respectively. A maior amplitude de intensidade (1-30), coeficiente de variação foi verificado para o nematódeo Pseudoterranova spp., a intensidade média (7,3), índice de abundância (6,7), coeficiente de dominância (36,4) foi ao Contacaecum spp., todos os parasitos estavam no mesentério da cavidade abdominal, encistados em forma larval.The largest intensity width (1-30), variation coefficient was verified for the nematodeo Pseudoterranova spp, the medium intensity (7,3), abundance index (6,7), dominance coefficient (36,4) it went to the Contacaecum spp, all of the parasites were in the mesenterio of the abdominal cavity, encysted in larval form. The results show that fish from this region presented unsatisfactory sanitary conditions in parasitological aspect and can expose consumers to the risks of foodborne illnesses.

RESUMO Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a ocorrência de plantas infestantes após colheita da soja, em sistemas rotacionado de plantio direto e convencional no cerrado de Roraima. Foram implantados dois experimentos simultâneos em áreas adjacentes, sendo o primeiro com sistema de manejo do solo em plantio direto e o segundo em sistema convencional, com as rotações de culturas por cinco anos agrícolas: milheto (2007/2008), soja (2008/2009), milho (2009/2010), feijão-caupi com milho (2010/2011), soja (2011/2012) e milho (2012/2013). Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados com 28 parcelas experimentais, sendo cada parcela de 3 x 15 m (45 m2), distribuídas em quatro blocos. Em maio de 2010 foi feita a semeadura consorciada feijão-caupi com milho e, posteriormente, no mesmo mês de 2011, foi semeada a cultura da soja; 30 dias após a colheita, foram realizadas as coletas das plantas infestantes. A classificação botânica das espécies foi realizada por classes, famílias, nomes científicos e populares, além de comparações com bibliografias especializadas. Os parâmetros fitossociológicos avaliados foram: frequência relativa, densidade relativa, dominância, índice de valor de importância e índice de similaridade de Sorensen, sendo calculados os números de indivíduos (ha-1) e massa seca (%). Das 37 espécies encontradas em ambos os sistemas de plantio, 60% pertencem à classe Liliopsida, onde se destacaram as famílias Fabaceae e Malvaceae. Entretanto, a Poaceae, pertencente à classe Magnoliopsida, apresentou o maior número de espécies em ambos os sistemas. A grande maioria das espécies de plantas infestantes foi comum em ambos os sistemas.

ABSTRACT The goal of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of weeds after soybean harvest in rotational systems of no-till and conventional tillage in the savannah of Roraima, Brazil. Two simultaneous experiments were conducted in adjacent areas, the first one with no-till soil management system and the second one with the conventional system, with crop rotations for five agricultural years: pearlmillet (2007/2008), soybean (2008/2009), maize (2009/2010), cowpea with maize (2010/2011), soybean (2011/2012) and maize (2012/2013). The used experimental design was the randomized block one with 28 plots, sized 3 x 15 m (45 m2) distributed in 4 blocks. In May 2010, the combined sowing of cowpea and maize was performed, and later, during the same month of 2011 soybean was sown. Thirty days after harvesting, weeds were collected. The botanical classification of species was performed by classes, families, scientific and popular names, as well as comparisons with specialized bibliographies. The evaluated phyto-sociological parameters were: relative frequency (FRR), relative density (DRR), dominance (Do), importance value index (IVI), Sorensen’s similarity index (SI), numbers of individuals (ha-1) and dry mass (%). Among the 37 species found in both planting systems, 60% belonged to the Liliopsida class; Fabaceae and Malvaceae stood out. However, Poaceae, belonging to the Magnoliopsida class, had the highest number of species in both systems. Most weed species were common in both systems.

Previous studies have reported on the glucose and lipid-lowering effects of ferulic acid (FA) but its anti-obesity potential has not yet been firmly established. This study investigated the possible anti-obesitogenic effects of FA in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 15 weeks. To assess the antiobesity potential of FA, 32 male Swiss mice, weighing 20–25 g (n=6–8 per group) were fed a normal diet (ND) or HFD, treated orally or not with either FA (10 mg/kg) or sibutramine (10 mg/kg) for 15 weeks and at the end of this period, the body weights of animals, visceral fat accumulation, plasma levels of glucose and insulin hormone, amylase and lipase activities, the satiety hormones ghrelin and leptin, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCH-1) were analyzed. Results revealed that FA could effectively suppress the HFD-associated increase in visceral fat accumulation, adipocyte size and body weight gain, similar to sibutramine, the positive control. FA also significantly (P<0.05) decreased the HFD-induced elevations in serum lipid profiles, amylase and lipase activities, and the levels of blood glucose and insulin hormone. The markedly elevated leptin and decreased ghrelin levels seen in HFD-fed control mice were significantly (P<0.05) reversed by FA treatment, almost reaching the values seen in ND-fed mice. Furthermore, FA demonstrated significant (P<0.05) inhibition of serum levels of inflammatory mediators TNF-α, and MCH-1. These results suggest that FA could be beneficial in lowering the risk of HFD-induced obesity via modulation of enzymatic, hormonal and inflammatory responses.

Podisus nigrispinus é um predador generalista de ocorrência natural em sistemas agrícolas e florestais que contribui de forma efetiva para o equilíbrio populacional dos insetos fitófagos, principalmente lagartas desfolhadoras. Avaliaram-se alterações histológicas nas glândulas salivares e no intestino médio de P. nigrispinus causadas após ingestão do herbicida sistêmico isoxaflutole. Fêmeas desse predador foram alimentadas com folhas de plantas de eucalipto, pupas de Tenebrio molitor ou água, contaminados ou não pelo herbicida. As glândulas salivares e o intestino médio foram dissecados, processados e analisados em microscópio de luz. O nível de atividade e a morfologia celular das glândulas salivares e do intestino médio apresentaram diferenças conforme a alimentação. Os epitélios da glândula salivar e do intestino médio de indivíduos que não tiveram contato com o herbicida apresentaram o citoplasma homogêneo, núcleos com predomínio de cromatina descondensada e nucléolos evidentes. Já os insetos que tiveram contato com o herbicida apresentaram o núcleo pouco desenvolvido e cromatina condensada, evidenciando baixa atividade metabólica. Os insetos contaminados apresentaram conteúdo luminal das glândulas salivares mais acidófilo que aqueles sem intoxicação, além de possuírem secreção heterogênea e granular, sendo mais evidente no bioensaio em que os insetos se alimentaram de água contaminada. Ocorreram mudanças morfológicas marcantes nas células do mesêntero nos insetos contaminados. Foram observados alto grau de apoptose, desorganização e vacúolos secretores no citoplasma epitelial. A porção apical das células do mesêntero mostrou-se pouco desenvolvida, irregular e parcialmente destruída. Conclui-se que o isoxaflutole provoca alterações morfológicas no sistema digestório do predador P. nigrispinus.

Podisus nigrispinus is a generalist predator naturally occurring in agricultural and forestry systems that effectively contributes to the population balance of phytophagous insects, especially defoliating caterpillars. Histological changes were evaluated in the salivary glands and midgut of P. nigrispinus caused by ingestion of systemic herbicide isoxaflutole. These predator females were fed with leaves of eucalyptus plants, Tenebrio molitor pupae or water, contaminated or not by herbicide. Salivary glands and midguts were dissected, processed and analyzed under a light microscope. Activity level and cell morphology of the salivary glands and midgut showed differences among insects fed on plants, contaminated water or pupae. The epithelia of the salivary gland and midgut of individuals which had no contact with the herbicide showed homogeneous cytoplasm, nucleus with predominance of decondensed chromatin and evident nucleoli, intense cell activity features. As for the insects in contact with contaminated food, they presented undeveloped nucleus and condensed chromatin. The luminal contents of the salivary glands in the contaminated insects had become more acidophilus than in insects without poisoning, as well as having heterogeneous and granular secretion, being more evident in the bioassay in which the insects fed on contaminated water. There was a marked morphological change in the midgut cells in contaminated insects. High degree of apoptosis, disorganization and secretory vacuoles in the epithelial cytoplasm were observed. The apical portion of the midgut cells proved undeveloped, irregular and partially destroyed. It is concluded that isoxaflutole causes morphological changes in the digestive system of the predator P. nigrispinus.

RESUMO Objetivou neste trabalho analisar a concentração de polifenóis totais, flavonoides e capacidade antioxidantes por meio dos métodos ABTS e FRAP, em erveiras jovens cultivadas em solo coberto e com sombreamento. Mudas de erva-mate foram submetidas aos tratamentos com solos cobertos e desnudos em sombreamentos de 0, 18, 35 e 50%, após sete e onze meses de cultivo, verão e outono, respectivamente. Foram coletadas folhas maduras para realização dos extratos utilizados para as análises de compostos fenólicos por meio da reação de oxirredução com reagente de Folin-Ciocalteu, flavonoides por método colorimétrico e capacidade antioxidante por frente ao radical ABTS e poder de redução do ferro (FRAP). O teor de compostos fenólicos foi maior nos tratamentos com 35% de sombreamento em comparação ao grupo dos flavonoides e capacidade antioxidante, o que foi demonstrado pela correlação do sombreamento com estes parametros. No método FRAP a maior correlação demonstra que o outono é a melhor época de colheita por apresentar maior concentração de compostos fitoquímicos. Ficou evidente a influência positiva dos sombreamentos (35 e 50%) no teor de compostos fenólicos e flavonoides relacionados à capacidade antioxidante e à qualidade da erva-mate para atender ao mercado consumidor.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to analyze the concentration of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity, by the methods ABTS and FRAP, in young herbs grown in covered and shaded soil. Yerba mate seedlings were subjected to treatment with bare and covered soils in shadings of 0, 18, 35, and 50%, after seven and eleven months cultivation, summer and fall, respectively. Mature leaves were collected to perform the analyses of phenolic compounds by redox reaction with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, of flavonoids by colorimetric method, and of antioxidant capacity by ABTS radical and FRAP (iron reduction method). The content of phenolic compounds was higher in the treatments with 35% shading in correlation with the group of flavonoids and antioxidant capacity. In the FRAP method, the higher correlation shows that autumn is the best time to harvest because of the higher concentration of phytochemical compounds. The positive influence of shading (35 and 50%) was evident in the content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids related to antioxidant capacity and better quality of yerba mate to meet the consumer market.