Abstract Napier grass is a perennial tropical forage that is used in beef and dairy production systems. Despite its significance in animal nutrition, molecular information available, such as microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) or single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, is limited. Using an assembled transcriptome, 50 novel SSR markers were developed, of which 21 were found to be polymorphic. These polymorphic markers were tested for DNA fingerprinting of Embrapa cultivars, five of which revealed distinct allele patterns for cultivar identification. SSR markers 05, 17, and 44 identified a unique pattern in the BRS Kurumi cultivar. The BRS Capiaçu cultivar was identified using SSR markers 17, 43, and 44. The Pioneiro cultivar exhibited a rare fragment amplification pattern using SSR marker 46, while SSR marker 44 revealed a distinct allele in the BRS Canará cultivar. SSR marker panels could be utilized as DNA fingerprinting tools to assist in cultivar identification.

BACKGROUND Non-human primates contribute to the spread of the yellow fever virus (YFV) and the establishment of transmission cycles in endemic areas. OBJECTIVE To describe the severe histopathological aspects of YFV infection, 10 squirrel monkeys were infected with YFV and blood, brain, liver, kidney, spleen, heart, lung, lymph node and stomach were collected at 1-7, 10, 20 and 30 days post-infection (dpi). METHODS Histopathological analysis and detection of the genome and viral antigens and neutralising antibodies were performed by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and neutralisation test, respectively. FINDINGS Only one animal died from the experimental infection. The genome and viral antigens were detected in all investigated organs (1-30 dpi) and the neutralising antibodies from seven to 30 dpi. The brain contained perivascular haemorrhage (6 dpi); in the liver, midzonal haemorrhage and lytic necrosis (6 dpi) were observed. The kidney had bleeding in the Bowman’s capsule and tubular necrosis (6 dpi). Pyknotic lymphocytes were observed in the spleen (1-20 dpi), the lung had haemorrhage (2-6 dpi), in the endocardium it contained nuclear pyknosis and necrosis (2-3 dpi) and the stomach contained blood in the lumen (6 dpi). MAIN FINDINGS Squirrel monkeys reliably reproduced the responses observed in human cases of yellow fever and, therefore, constitute an excellent experimental model for studies on the pathophysiology of the disease.

BACKGROUND Serological evidence of West Nile virus (WNV) infection has been reported in different regions of Brazil from equine and human hosts but the virus had never been isolated in the country. OBJECTIVES We sought to identify the viral etiology of equine encephalitis in Espírito Santo state. METHODS We performed viral culture in C6/36 cells, molecular detection of WNV genome, histopathology and immunohistochemistry from horse cerebral tissue. We also carried out sequencing, phylogenetic analysis and molecular clock. FINDINGS Histopathologic analysis from horse cerebral tissue showed injury related to encephalitis and WNV infection was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The virus was detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) from brain tissue and subsequently isolated in C6/36 cells. WNV full-length genome was sequenced showing the isolated strain belongs to lineage 1a. The molecular clock indicated that Brazilian WNV strain share the same common ancestor that were circulating in US during 2002-2005. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Here we report the first isolation of WNV in Brazil from a horse with neurologic disease, which was clustered into lineage 1a with others US WNV strains isolated in beginning of 2000’s decade.

Abstract Pasture is the main food source for more than 200 million cattle heads in Brazil. Although Brazilian forage breeding programs have successfully released well-adapted, high-yielding cultivars over the years, the use of genomic tools in these programs is currently limited. These tools are required to tackle the main challenges for tropical forage breeding in Brazil. In this context, this notes lists the main research priorities raised at the workshop “Breeding Forages in the Genomic Era”, which are necessary to accelerate the use of genomic tools for next-generation breeding of tropical forages and allow breeders to increase genetic gains. Additionally, an online discussion forum (hosted at http://www.cnpgl.embrapa.br/genfor) has been launched to strengthen collaborations among research groups. The research priorities and more synergistic collaborations will assist researchers and decision-makers in delivering a sustainable increase in production of animal products, especially beef and milk, which are required to feed a rising world population.

BRS Ametista is a common bean cultivar with Carioca grain and yields similar to cultivar Pérola, but with larger grain size, resistance to anthracnose and Fusarium wilt. It is recommended for 18 states in all regions of Brazil and can be planted on over 95% of the area used for common bean in the country.

BRS Notável is a common bean cultivar with carioca grain, suitable for cultivation in 20 Brazilian states. It is a medium-early-maturing cultivar, with an average yield of 2,261 kg ha-1, 8.5% higher than the controls, a high yield potential (4,472 kg ha-1), lodging tolerance and resistance to anthracnose, fusarium wilt, common bacterial blight, and curtobacterium wilt.

FUNDAMENTOS: A cromoblastomicose é uma infecção fúngica crônica, causada por fungos da família Dematiaceae, sendo Fonsecaea pedrosoi a mais comum, segundo vários estudos. É mais frequente em países tropicais e o estado do Pará possui grande casuística mundial. A doença é de difícil tratamento e apresenta recorrência frequente. OBJETIVOS: Descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos, micológicos e formas clínicas dos casos de cromoblastomicose procedentes do estado do Pará - Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foram realizados exames micológicos (direto, cultura e microcultivo) e observação clinicoepidemiológica em 65 pacientes do Serviço de Dermatologia da Universidade Federal do Pará, atendidos no período de 2000 a 2007. Empregou-se a classificação clínica proposta por Carrión em 1950. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes eram, em sua maioria, homens (93,8%), lavradores (89,2%), faixa etária entre 45-55 anos, com predominância de lesões verruciformes (55,4%), localizadas principalmente nos membros inferiores (81,5%). A maioria dos casos pesquisados (61,5%) apresentou um longo tempo de doença, com uma média de 11 anos. O exame micológico direto foi realizado em 86,2% (n=56) dos pacientes; destes, 96,4% (n=54) apresentaram resultado positivo. Foram realizados cultura e microcultivo in vitro de 47 pacientes com exame micológico positivo e os resultados mostraram o Fonsecaea pedrosoi como único agente etiológico identificado nesta amostra. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo mostrou o quanto a cromoblastomicose ainda compromete a qualidade de vida da população local, principalmente a de indivíduos que trabalham em lavouras, cursando com evolução crônica e sem tratamento eficaz. Observa-se a importância de dar continuidade a este estudo, o que poderá proporcionar novas contribuições clínicas ou epidemiológicas.

BACKGROUND: Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic fungal infection caused by fungi from the Dematiaceae family. According to several studies, Fonsecaea pedrosoi is the most common of these fungi. The infection is more common in tropical countries, with the Brazilian state of Pará having one of the largest infected populations worldwide. The disease is difficult to treat and recurrences are common. OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiological and mycological aspects of cases of chromoblastomycosis and its clinical forms in the state of Pará, Brazil. METHODS: Mycological exams (direct mycological examinations, culture and microculture) were performed and a clinical/epidemiological evaluation was made of 65 patients receiving care at the Dermatology Department of the Federal University of Pará between 2000 and 2007. The clinical classification proposed by Carrión in 1950 was used in this study. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were male (93.8%), agricultural workers (89.2%) of 45 to 55 years of age, and the majority of lesions (55.4%) were of the verrucous type, located principally on the lower limbs (81.5%). In the majority of the cases investigated (61.5%), the infection had been present for a long time, with a mean duration of 11 years. Direct mycological examination was performed in 86.2% of the patients (n=56). Of these, 96.4% (n=54) tested positive. Culture and microculture were performed in vitro in 47 cases of those that tested positive at direct microscopy, results showing Fonsecaea pedrosoi to be the only agent present in this sample. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted the extent to which chromoblastomycosis still affects the quality of life of the local population, principally individuals working in agriculture. This is a chronic disease for which there is no effective treatment. The importance of continuing to investigate this disease should be emphasized, as further studies may lead to new clinical or epidemiological findings.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo examinar a concepção de treinadores experts acerca das etapas de formação desportiva a longo prazo do jogador de Voleibol. A amostra do estudo foi composta por 10 treinadores "experts" brasileiros. Os sujeitos apresentaram idade média de 45 ± 13,8 anos e 24,8 ± 12,1 anos de experiência profissional, sendo todos licenciados em Educação Física. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista estruturada e de resposta aberta, baseada no protocolo de Fernandes (2004). A sua adaptação de conteúdo à realidade sócio-cultural e desportiva brasileira foi efetivada pelo método de peritagem. O tratamento das informações foi realizado por meio da análise de conteúdo, com o recurso à interpretação lógico-semântico das ideias prevalecentes no "corpus" das entrevistas. A fidedignidade de codificação foi assegurada pela percentagem de acordos, para o mesmo codificador e codificadores distintos, situando-se os valores registrados entre 95% e 100%. Os resultados revelaram o desconhecimento, por parte dos investigados, acerca da existência de um modelo de formação desportiva do voleibolista, a longo prazo, no Brasil. Além de confirmarem que o Voleibol é uma modalidade de especialização tardia, os participantes do estudo apontam que a idade de iniciação da sua prática sistemática se situa no início da adolescência, por volta dos 13 anos. As componentes de desenvolvimento desportivo acentuam a prática do jogo deliberado na primeira etapa, onde as experiências motoras diversificadas prevalecem. A partir da segunda etapa aumenta a prática deliberada, com o incremento da aquisição de competências específicas e o comprometimento com a modalidade. A ausência de especificação dos conteúdos de treino ao longo das etapas, bem como a parca referência às competências psico-sociais pode dever-se, em grande medida, à possível inexistência de um modelo nacional referenciador da formação desportiva a longo prazo do jogador de Voleibol.

The aim of the present study was to examine the conceptions of expert coaches concerning the volleyball player's long term sport development. The participants were 10 expert coaches. The sample presented 45 ± 13.8 years old and 24.8 ± 12.1 years of coaching experience in the Brazilian volleyball. Data collection was accomplished through structured open answer interviews based on Fernandes' protocol (2004). Its content adaptation to sociocultural and sportive Brazilian reality was accomplished through expert validation. The treatment of the information was accomplished through content analysis, with logic-semantic procedures of the prevalent ideas in the corpus of interviews. The reliability of codification was assured by percentage accord of the same encoder and the different encoders, registering values between 95% and 100%. The present study evidences that no participant knows about the existence of a national long term sport development model for a volleyball player. Moreover, coaches confirmed that the Volleyball is a sport of late specialization, being a widespread consensus that the age of initiation of systematic practice is in the beginning of adolescence, around the age of 13 years old. The components of sport development throughout the stages highlight the practice of the deliberate play in the first stage, where diversified motor experiences prevail. From the second stage, the deliberate practice increases with the acquisition of specific competences and commitment with the modality. The absence of specification of the training contents along the stages, as well as the scanty reference to the psychosocial competences along the stages, can be due, in great measure, to the inexistence of a national model of long term sport development.

Avaliaram-se os efeitos dos níveis de lisina digestível da ração, com base no conceito de proteína ideal, no desempenho de alevinos de de tilápia-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus). Utilizaram-se 432 alevinos revertidos, linhagem tailandesa, com peso inicial de 1,12 ± 0,02 g, em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, composto de 6 dietas, 6 repetições e 12 peixes por unidade experimental. Como tratamentos, avaliaram-se uma dieta basal com 29,12% de proteína bruta e 3.000 kcal de energia digestível/kg, suplementada com aminoácidos sintéticos, resultando em dietas com 0,95; 1,10; 1,25; 1,40; 1,55 e 1,70% de lisina digestível e relações mínimas entre metionina + cistina, treonina, triptofano, isoleucina e arginina com a lisina (66, 77, 23, 64 e 85%, respectivamente), com base em valores digestíveis. Os peixes foram mantidos em aquários de 130 litros, dotados de abastecimento de água, temperatura controlada e aeração individual, e alimentados à vontade em seis refeições diárias durante 30 dias. Avaliaram-se os parâmetros de desempenho, a composição corporal, a deposição de proteína e gordura corporais e a eficiência de retenção de nitrogênio dos peixes. A elevação do teor de lisina digestível na ração não influenciou a taxa de sobrevivência e o teor de gordura corporal dos peixes, mas melhorou de forma linear todos os demais parâmetros avaliados, com exceção da eficiência de utilização de lisina e a umidade corporal, que pioraram de forma quadrática e linear, respectivamente. O nível de 1,80% de lisina total (0,600% Mcal de ED) e o de 1,70% de lisina digestível (0,567% Mcal de ED) proporcionam os melhores resultados de desempenho e características de carcaça de alevinos de tilápia-do-nilo quando se utiliza o conceito de proteína ideal na formulação das rações experimentais.

The effects of the digestible lysine level were assessed in feeds for Nile tilapia fingerlings (Oreochromis niloticus), based on the ideal protein concept. Four hundred and thirty two reverted fingerlings were used, average weight 1.12 ± 0.02 g, in a randomized complete design, consisting of 6 feeds, six replications and twelve fish per experimental unit. The diets consisted of a basal diet with 29.12% crude protein and 3,000 kcal/kg digestible energy, supplemented with synthetic amino acids, resulting in six diets with 0.95; 1.10; 1.25; 1.40; 1.55 and 1.70% digestible lysine and minimum ratios between methionine plus cystine, threonine, thryptophan, isoleucine, arginine with the lysine (66, 77, 23, 64 and 85%, respectively), based on digestible values. The fish were maintained in 130 liter aquaria equipped with individual water and controlled temperature and aeration. The fish were fed to apparent satiation, six times a day, for 30 days. Growth performance, body composition, body protein and fat deposition and nitrogen retention efficiency of the fish were evaluated. The increase in the dietary digestible lysine did not affect the survival rate and body fat level of the fishes. However, there was linear improvement in all the other parameters assessed, except lysine use efficiency and the body humidity, that showed quadratic and lineardecline, respectively. The levels of 1.80 (0.600% Mcal of DE) total lysine and 1.70% (0.567% Mcal of DE) digestible lysine, respectively, result in the best performance and carcass characteristics of Nile tilapia fingerlings, when the ideal protein concept is used to formulate the experimental diets.

Avaliaram-se níveis de lisina digestível em rações para alevinos de tilápia-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus), linhagem tailandesa, com base no conceito de proteína ideal. Utilizaram-se 432 alevinos com peso inicial de 0,98 ± 0,03 g, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com 6 tratamentos, 6 repetições e 12 peixes por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos constaram de seis rações isoenergéticas (3.000 kcal de ED/kg de ração) e isoproteicas (39,14% de PB) contendo 1,50; 1,66; 1,82; 1,98; 2,14 ou 2,30% de lisina digestível. Foram avaliados o consumo de ração, o consumo de lisina digestível, o ganho de peso, a taxa de crescimento específico, a taxa de sobrevivência, a conversão alimentar, as taxas de deposição diária de proteína e gordura corporais, a composição química corporal (teores de umidade, proteína e gordura corporais) e a eficiência de retenção de nitrogênio. O consumo de lisina digestível, a conversão alimentar, a porcentagem de proteína corporal e a deposição de proteína corporal melhoraram de forma linear de acordo com o nível de lisina digestível. O modelo Linear Response Plateau foi o de melhor ajuste para consumo de ração, ganho de peso, taxa de crescimento específico e eficiência de retenção de nitrogênio e estimou em 2,06; 2,17; 2,14 e 2,12%, respectivamente, os níveis de lisina digestível para melhorar cada um desses parâmetros. A exigência de lisina digestível e total em rações para alevinos de tilápia-do-nilo é, respectivamente, de 2,17% (0,723%/Mcal de energia digestível) e de 2,32% (0,773%/Mcal de energia digestível) para atender às principais características de desempenho e de carcaça utilizando-se o conceito de proteína ideal na formulação das rações.

The effect of digestible lysine levels was evaluated in diets for Nile tilapia fingerlings (Oreochromis niloticus), Thailand lineage, based on the ideal protein concept. Four hundred and thirty two Nile tilapia fingerlings with an initial body weight of 0.98 ± 0.03 g were allotted in a randomized complete design, with six treatments, six replications per treatment and twelve fish per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of six isoenergetic (3.000 kcal of DE/kg feed) and isoproteic (39.14% CP) diets with different levels of digestible lysine (1.50, 1.66, 1.82, 1.98, 2.14 and 2.30%). Feed intake, digestible lysine intake, average weight gain, specific growth rate, survival rate, feed conversion, daily protein deposition rate, daily fat deposition rate, chemical body composition (moisture, protein and fat content) and nitrogen retention efficiency were evaluated. The different levels of lysine improved linearly the parameters of digestible lysine intake, feed conversion, body protein content and body protein deposition. The Linear Response Plateau model best fitted the parameters of feed consumption, average weight gain, specific growth rate and nitrogen retention efficiency, estimating at 2.06%, 2.17, 2.14 and 2.12% respectively, the level of digestible lysine to maximize each of the parameters. The digestible and total digestible lysine requirement for Nile tilapia fingerlings was 2.17% (0.723%/Mcal of DE) and 2.32% (0.773%/Mcal of DE), respectively, to meet the main performance parameters and carcass traits, when the ideal protein concept was used in diet formulation.

Objetivando-se determinar a exigência de fósforo em dietas para alevinos de tilápia-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus), foram utilizados 432 alevinos com peso inicial de 0,60 ± 0,02 g, mantidos em 36 aquários de 150 L. Foi utilizado delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com seis tratamentos (0,55; 0,73; 0,94; 1,14; 1,37 e 1,59% de fósforo total), seis repetições e 12 peixes por unidade experimental. Os peixes foram alimentados com rações contendo 32% de PB e 3.000 kcal ED/kg, durante 40 dias. Verificou-se efeito quadrático dos níveis de fósforo na dieta sobre a conversão alimentar e a taxa de eficiência protéica, sendo estimados os melhores resultados com 1,10% de fósforo total. Houve efeito linear dos níveis de fósforo na dieta sobre a taxa de eficiência de retenção de P e a taxa de eficiência de P. Para as demais variáveis, não houve efeito dos níveis de fósforo da dieta. A exigência de P em dietas para alevinos de tilápia-do-nilo é de 1,10%.

Four hundred and thirty-two Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings averaging initial weight of 0.60 ± 0.02 g were allotted to thirty-six 150 L-aquaria to determine total phosphorus requirement. The experiment was analyzed as a completely randomized design, with six treatments (0.55, 0.73, 0.94, 1.14, 1.37, and 1.59% of total phosphorus), six replicates and 12 fishes per experimental unit. The fishes were fed diets with 32% of CP and 3,000 kcal of DE/kg, during 40 days. Quadratic effect was observed for feed/gain ratio and protein efficiency rate and the best results were estimated with 1.10% of total phosphorus, for both variables. Linear effect of the dietary phosphorus levels on P retention efficiency rate and P efficiency rate was noticed. No treatment effect on the other variables was observed. The dietary total phosphorus requirement for Nile tilapia corresponds to 1.10%.

Objetivo: estudar a atividade proliferativa do epitélio mamário normal adjacente a fibroadenoma em mulheres na fase lútea do ciclo menstrual, tratadas com tamoxifeno. Pacientes e Métodos: estudou-se por técnica imuno-histoquímica, com o uso do anticorpo monoclonal MIB-1, a atividade proliferativa no epitélio mamário adjacente a fibroadenoma. O estudo foi randomizado e duplo-cego. As 44 mulheres com fibroadenoma foram divididas em 3 grupos: A (n = 16; placebo), B (n = 15; tamoxifeno, 10 mg) e C (n = 13; tamoxifeno, 20 mg). O tamoxifeno foi utilizado por 22 dias, a partir do 2º dia do ciclo menstrual, e a biópsia realizada no 23º dia. Resultados: a porcentagem média de núcleos corados por 1000 células no grupo A foi 9,2, no grupo B, 4,5, e no grupo C, 3,2. O teste de Fisher revelou que o tamoxifeno reduziu de forma significante a imunoexpressão do MIB-1 nas doses de 10 e 20 mg em comparação com o grupo placebo (p<0,0001) e não houve variação significante da atividade proliferativa nas doses de 10 e 20 mg de tamoxifeno (p = 0,21). Conclusão: conclui-se que o tamoxifeno reduziu de forma significante a atividade proliferativa do epitélio mamário, nas doses de 10 e 20 mg/dia.

Purpose: to study the monoclonal antibody MIB-1 in the normal breast epithelium adjacent to a fibroadenoma in women in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle treated with tamoxifen. Patients and methods: the proliferative activity of the mammary epithelium adjacent to the fibroadenoma was studied by immunohistochemistry based on immunoexpression of the monoclonal antibody MIB-1. The study was randomized and double blind and was conducted on 44 women with fibroadenomas, divided into 3 groups: A (n = 16; placebo), B (n = 15; tamoxifen, 10 mg), and C (n = 13; tamoxifen, 20 mg). Tamoxifen was administered for 22 days starting on the 2nd day of the menstrual cycle and a biopsy was taken on the 23rd day. Results: the mean percentage of stained nuclei per 1000 cells was 9.2 in group A, 4.5 in group B, and 3.2 in group C. Fisher's test revealed that tamoxifen significantly reduced the immunoexpression of MIB-1 at the doses of 10 and 20 mg compared to the placebo group (p<0.0001), with no significant differences between doses in terms of proliferative activity (p = 0.21). Conclusion: we conclude that tamoxifen significantly reduced the proliferative activity of the mammary epithelium at the doses of 10 and 20 mg/day.

A polimastia é uma ocorrência comum nos ambulatórios de Mastologia e a possibilidade de malignização deve ser considerada, assim como em qualquer tecido mamário. Neste trabalho é relatado o caso de uma paciente de 48 anos que foi submetida à exérese da mama axilar acessória esquerda por motivos estéticos, tendo sido encontrado, no exame histopatológico, um carcinoma ductal invasor, associado a um componente intraductal extenso, com margens livres. A paciente foi submetida à excisão ampla com esvaziamento axilar à esquerda e radioterapia. Neste trabalho são discutidos aspectos referentes à freqüência da ocorrência de câncer em mama acessória, às dificuldades diagnósticas, ao prognóstico e às estratégias terapêuticas.

Polymastia is a usual problem in Mastology clinics and the possibility of cancer must be taken into consideration, as much as in any other mammary tissue. In the present study the case of a 48-year-old patient, submitted to the excision of the left axillary breast for cosmetic purposes is reported. The histological examination showed an invasive ductal carcinoma with an extensive in situ component. The patient was submitted to a wide excision plus axillary lymphadenectomy and radiation therapy. The frequency, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cancer in supernumerary breasts is also reviewed.

É apresentado um caso de tumor filodes bilateral benigno diagnosticado durante a gravidez, que apresentou crescimento rápido, atingindo grandes dimensões. O tratamento foi mastectomia bilateral total na 20ª semana de gestação. Houve boa evolução pós-operatória e o parto ocorreu na 40ª semana, com recém-nascido vivo do sexo masculino. São discutidos os achados clínicos e anatomopatológicos e a evolução de gravidez.

A rare case of bilateral benign phyllode tumor of the breast with fast growth during pregnancy and reaching great dimensions is presented. The patient was submitted to bilateral mastectomy on the 20th week of pregnancy. She had a good postoperative evolution and vaginal delivery occurred on the 40th week, when a healthy boy was born. The clinical and surgical features, the pathologic findings and the evolution of pregnancy are discussed.