Abstract Objective Few studies have addressed the use of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) in the treatment of patients with multiple pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD). So, we evaluated the functional outcomes and level of satisfaction with SNS in selected patients with one or multiples PFD. Methods A prospective database was used to collect information on eligible patients treated for PFD with SNS, and severity of symptoms was assessed with scores and satisfaction rates by visual analogue scale (VAS) at baseline and by the end of follow-up. Results We recruited 70 patients, 98.6% of whom responded positively during the evaluation period (Global Response Assessment ≥ 50% for at least one type of PFD), resulting in the implantation of a permanent SNS device. Additionally, 49 of the patients (71%) had a single PFD (fecal incontinence [FI] = 38; constipation/obstructed defecation syndrome [C/ODS] = 11), while 20 (29%) had more than one PFD (double incontinence/n = 12; double incontinence + C/ODS/n = 8). All scores improved significantly between baseline (pre-SNS) and the end of follow-up (post-SNS), as did VAS in all groups (single and multiple PFD). The pre-SNS scores were higher in patients with a single PFD, including FI (Cleveland clinic Florida incontinence score [CCF-FI]) and C/ODS (Cleveland clinic constipation score [C-CCF] and the Renzi ODS score). The pre-SNS impact of VAS scores was similar in all groups (single and multiple PFD), but the VAS (post-SNS) was significantly lower (better response) for FI alone compared with multiple PFD. Conclusion The SNS technique is an effective and safe option for patients with one or more PFD refractory to conservative measures. Response was positive for at least two PFD, based on reduced correspondent scores and satisfaction rate.

Abstract: COVID-19 rapidly spread across the world in an unprecedented outbreak with a massive number of infected and fatalities. The pandemic was heavily discussed and searched on the internet, which generated big amounts of data related to it. This led to the possibility of attempting to forecast coronavirus indicators using the internet data. For this study, Google Trends statistics for 124 selected search terms related to pandemic were used in an attempt to find which keywords had the best Spearman correlations with a lag, as well as a forecasting model. It was found that keywords related to coronavirus testing among some others, such as “I have contracted covid”, had high correlations (≥0.7) with few weeks of lag (≤4 weeks). Besides that, the ARIMAX model using those keywords had promising results in predicting the increase or decrease of epidemiological indicators, although it was not able to predict their exact values. Thus, we found that Google Trends data may be useful for predicting outbreaks of coronavirus a few weeks before they happen, and may be used as an auxiliary tool in monitoring and forecasting the disease in Brazil.

ABSTRACT Grazing intensity is a preponderant factor for the success of integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS). Management of grazing intensity impacts soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics, soil reacidification process, and amount and quality of residues added to the ICLS. Consequently, the soil mineral nitrogen (N) forms may present different behavior throughout the pasture cycle, because they are directed linked to SOM and soil acidity dynamics. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of grazing intensities and liming in the temporal variation of acidity and mineral N forms in soil surface (0.00-0.20 m) and subsurface (0.20-0.40 m), throughout the pasture cycle of an ICLS under an Oxisol in the Brazilian subtropics. The study was performed 11 years after the beginning of the field experiment, characterized by the cattle grazing in a winter pasture of oat + ryegrass during the winter and soybean cropping during the summer. The experimental design is randomized block with three replicates, where the grazing intensities are in the plots and liming is the subplots. The grazing intensities were defined as grazing sward height management, being 0.10, 0.20-0.30, and 0.40 m defined as intensive (IG), moderate (MG) and light grazing (LG), respectively. We evaluated the soil ammonium (N-NH4+), nitrate (N-NO3-), mineral N and pH at 45, 70, 156 and 192 days after pasture sowing (DAPS). Our results showed that grazing intensities only affected the soil pH at the end of pasture cycle, with MG presenting higher pH than IG and LG, regardless of liming. A decrease of soil N mineral stocks was observed throughout the pasture cycle in all managements, due to the decrease of soil N-NO3- stocks in the surface and subsurface layers and of N-NH4+ only in the surface layer. The influence of grazing intensities was only observed for N mineral forms in limed areas before the beginning of grazing. At 45 DAPS, MG and LG presented the highest and the lowest N-NH4+, respectively. At 70 DAPS, the behavior was inverse, and LG presented the highest N-NO3- stock and the MG and IG the lowest N-NO3- stocks. With such results, it is possible to conclude that there is an influence of grazing intensity and liming in the temporal variation of soil pH and mineral N forms in ICLS and this may be utilized for improvements in N fertilizer management, mainly before the starting of winter grazing.

ABSTRACT Studies on lability of soil phosphorus (P) under integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS) are still scarce, especially for deep soil layers (more than 0.20 m depth) and different managements in the crop and livestock phase. Distinct management in these phases may lead to a different distribution of soil P pools according to its lability (labile, moderately labile, less labile and residual) and, consequently, the P availability for plant nutrition. This study aimed to determine the soil P pools, by P fractionation and its distribution in lability classes. In a long-term ICLS experiment of grain and sheep production established in 2003, in Southern Brazil, we sampled in 2017 the 0.00-0.05, 0.05-0.10, 0.10-0.20, 0.20-0.26, 0.26-0.30 and 0.30-0.40 m layers of a Red Dystrophic Acrisol ( Argissolo Vermelho distrófico ) under two cropping systems in the summer (soybean/corn rotation and soybean/soybean succession), two grazing intensities (moderate and low) and two methods (continuous and rotational) in winter. Fractionation of P consisted of sequential extractions with anionic exchange resin, NaHCO 3 0.5 mol L -1 , NaOH 0.1 mol L -1 , HCl 1 mol L -1 , and NaOH 0.5 mol L -1 . The fractions were grouped in four different pools: labile, moderated labile, less labile and residual P. The soybean/soybean succession increased the labile pool of soil P in the 0.00-0.10 m layer compared to the soybean/corn rotation, regardless of the management of the livestock phase. Meanwhile, the management of the livestock phase also influenced soil P lability, regardless of the management of the crop phase. Low grazing intensity increased the levels of labile soil P in the 0.00-0.05 m layer, in comparison with the moderate grazing intensity and regardless of the grazing method. Grazing methods did not impact the soil P lability or content. The greater soil P availability in the soybean/soybean succession can be attributed to the higher quality (low carbon/nitrogen ratio) of the residue, while in the low grazing intensity to the higher forage dry matter production. Such management benefits nutrient cycling and consequently the P availability to the plants, being important to decrease production costs with the reduction and/or greater use efficiency of phosphate fertilizers.

Resumo Espécies invasoras têm ocasionado a perda de biodiversidade no mundo todo por ocuparem o lugar de nativas. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a regeneração natural ao longo do tempo em um fragmento florestal invadido por Ligustrum lucidum W.T. Aiton e Ligustrum sinense Lour. no sul do Brasil, a fim de quantificar essa invasão. Para isso, foram alocadas cinco transecções em um fragmento de Floresta Ombrófila Mista em Lages (SC), sendo cada transecção dividida em parcelas com diferentes setores de distâncias da borda e em subparcelas para avaliação do componente regenerativo. Em 2012, os regenerantes de espécies arbóreas que se encontravam nas subparcelas foram identificados, plaqueteados e divididos nas seguintes classes: classe 1 _ plantas com altura entre 10 cm e 1 m; classe 2 _ plantas com altura entre 1 e 3 m; classe 3 _ plantas com altura maior que 3 m e diâmetro medido à altura do peito (DAP) menor que 5 cm. Em 2014, esses indivíduos foram reavaliados, contabilizando os indivíduos mortos e recrutas e enquadrando os sobreviventes e recrutas nas atuais classes. Foram calculadas as taxas de mortalidade, recrutamento, mudanças de classe e mudança líquida. Os dados foram analisados por meio de uma análise de componentes principais (ACP) e tabela de contingência. Conclui-se que as espécies superaram a fase inicial do processo de invasão, demonstrando elevado incremento populacional na área estudada. Ainda, ficou evidenciado o particionamento espacial entre as espécies nativas e as exóticas, o que sugere a existência de competição interespecífica, cuja consequência pode ser a extinção local de representantes do grupo autóctone.

Abstract The replacement of native species by invasive species has caused a worldwide loss of biodiversity. This study aimed to evaluate the natural regeneration over time in a forest fragment invaded by Ligustrum lucidum W.T. Aiton and Ligustrum sinense Lour. in southern Brazil, in order to quantify this invasion. To do so, five transects were allocated in a fragment of Araucaria Forest in Lages, Santa Catarina state, with each transect divided into plots in different categories of distance from the edge and into sub-plots for the evaluation of the regenerative component. In 2012, the regenerating tree species identified in the sub-plots were tagged and classified according to height classes: Class 1, plants with height between 10 cm and 1 m; class 2, plants with height between 1 and 3 m; and Class 3, plants with a height greater than 3 m and DBH (diameter measured at breast height) less than 5 cm. In 2014, these individuals were re-evaluated, counting the dead and recruited individuals and classifying the survivors and recruits into the existing height classes. Rates of mortality, recruitment, net change, and height class changes were calculated. The data were analyzed by a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and contingency table. It was concluded that the species overcame the early stage of the invasion process, demonstrating great population growth in the study area. Also, a spatial partitioning between native and exotic species was observed, suggesting the existence of interspecific competition, the result of which may be the local extinction of species from the autochthonous group.

RESUMO A umidade do solo pode alterar o transporte e a permanência de herbicidas pré-emergentes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência da disponibilidade de água no solo na lixiviação da mistura comercial dos herbicidas imazapyr+imazapic, bem como o efeito carryover deste herbicida no milho semeado em sucessão à soja. O experimento foi desenvolvido em colunas de lixiviação em delineamento de blocos ao acaso com 4 repetições. Foi utilizado esquema fatorial 3x3x2, sendo o fator A as lâminas de irrigação (130%, 100% e 70% da capacidade de campo (CC)), o fator B as doses da mistura comercial dos herbicidas imazapyr + imazapic (0,00+0,00; 52,5+17,5 e 105+35 g ha-1) e o fator C a profundidade (0-0,3 m e 0,3-0,6 m). A semeadura da soja foi realizada no topo das colunas e imediatamente após foi realizada a aplicação da mistura dos herbicidas. Após 120 dias as colunas foram abertas, gerando duas canaletas, onde em uma foi semeado o milho (Zea mays) e na outra melancia (Citrullus lanatus) como bioindicadora do resíduo dos herbicidas. Foram avaliados os parâmetros fluorescência da clorofila a aos 15 e 30 dias após germinação (DAG) e acúmulo de matéria seca de parte aérea aos 30 DAG. Houve maior retenção do herbicida imazapyr+imazapic na profundidade de 0-0.3m na condição de 70% CC e lixiviação para a profundidade de 0,3-0,6 m na condição de 130% CC, com redução no acúmulo de massa das plantas de melancia. O herbicida tem potencial carryover para a cultura do milho em solos mantidos a 70% CC.

ABSTRACT Soil moisture can alter the transport and permanence of pre-emergent herbicides. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of water availability in the soil on the leaching of a commercial mixture of the herbicides imazapyr + imazapic, as well as the carryover effect of this herbicide in corn planted in succession to soybean. The experiment was carried out in leaching columns in a randomized block design with 4 replications. A 3x3x2 factorial scheme was used, with factor A being the irrigation (130%, 100% and 70% of field capacity (CC)), factor B the doses of the commercial mixture of the herbicides imazapyr + imazapic (0.00+ 0.00; 52.5 + 17.5 and 105 + 35 g ha-1) and factor C at soil depth (0-0.3 m and 0.3-0.6 m). Soybean sowing was performed at the top of the columns and immediately after herbicide mixture was applied. After 120 days the columns were opened, generating two sections, where corn (Zea mays) and the other watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) were sown as a bioindicator of herbicide residue. The fluorescence parameters of chlorophyll a at 15 and 30 days after germination (DAG) and shoot dry matter accumulation at 30 DAG were evaluated. There was greater retention of the herbicide imazapyr + imazapic at a depth of 0-0.3m at 70% CC condition and leaching at a depth of 0.3-0.6m at 130% CC condition, with a reduction in the mass accumulation of watermelon plants. The herbicide has a carryover potential for corn cultivation in soils maintained at 70% CC.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes sistemas de manejo sobre o grau de dispersão de argila e sua relação com os atributos químicos do solo e o índice de qualidade participativo (IQP) do sistema plantio direto, em áreas de microbacias do Oeste do Paraná. Os sistemas de manejo avaliados foram: sistema plantio direto; plantio direto com sucessão de culturas; plantio direto com revolvimento do solo; e sistema convencional. Além disso, os sistemas de manejo foram avaliados quanto ao seu IQP. Amostras de solo foram coletadas a 0,0-0,20 m de profundidade do solo, em 40 áreas agrícolas e em 6 matas nativas tidas como referências. Foram avaliados grau de dispersão de argila, carbono orgânico total, pH (em CaCl2), potássio trocável (K+), fósforo disponível (P), cálcio e magnésio trocáveis (Ca2++Mg2+), e acidez potencial (H+Al3+). Ajustou-se um modelo de regressão linear múltipla pelo método dos mínimos quadrados. Realizou-se a comparação de médias do grau de dispersão de argila, por microbacia, a 5% de probabilidade. Os sistemas de manejo foram comparados pelo teste de Scott-Knott. Os atributos químicos do solo apresentaram maior influência sobre a dispersão da argila do que os diferentes sistemas de manejo avaliados. O sistema plantio direto integral apresentou o maior teor de carbono orgânico, que foi semelhante ao das áreas nativas. O sistema convencional e o plantio direto com revolvimento do solo apresentaram menor IQP e maiores taxas de dispersão de argila do que as áreas sob sistema plantio direto integral. O IQP permite diferenciar os sistemas de manejo convencional e plantio direto.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different farm systems on clay dispersion and its relationship with soil chemical properties and the no-tillage system participatory quality index (IQP), in watershed areas in the west of the state of Paraná, Brazil. The farm systems evaluated were: no-tillage; no-tillage with crop succession; no-tillage with soil disturbance; and conventional system. In addition, the farm systems were evaluated for their IQP. Soil samples were collected at 0.0-0.20-m soil depth, in 40 agricultural areas and in 6 native forests considered as references. The degree of clay dispersion, total organic carbon, pH (CaCl2), exchangeable potassium (K+), available phosphorus (P), exchangeable calcium and magnesium (Ca2++Mg2+), and potential acidity (H+Al3+) were determined. A linear multiple regression model was fitted by the method of least squares. The averages of clay dispersion degree per watershed were compared at 5% probability. The farm systems were compared by Scott-Knott’s test. Soil chemical properties showed a higher influence on clay dispersion than the different farm systems assessed. The no-tillage system alone showed the highest content of organic carbon, which was similar to those of the native areas. The conventional system and the no-tillage system with soil disturbance showed a lower IQP and a higher degree of clay dispersion than the areas with the no-tillage system alone. The IQP allows distinguishing the conventional system from the no-tillage system.

RESUMO O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a contaminação biológica ao longo do tempo em uma comunidade arbórea em estágio sucessional avançado/tardio da Floresta Ombrófila Mista Montana, adjacente a um plantio de Pinus taeda L. em Lages - SC. Para isso, foram alocadas 25 parcelas de 20 x 20 m, distribuídas em cinco transeções de cinco parcelas cada, alocadas perpendiculares à borda de contato com o plantio de pinus. Em cada parcela foram mensurados (DAP ≥ 5 cm, medido a 1,30 m do solo), coletados e identificados todos os indivíduos arbóreos vivos. Quatro anos após o primeiro inventário, os mesmos indivíduos foram novamente inventariados, quantificando-se os indivíduos mortos, sobreviventes e adicionando os recrutas. Para os dois períodos foram calculados os descritores fitossociológicos, quantificados os indicadores de invasão para a comunidade como um todo e grupos ecológicos e calculadas as taxas demográficas. No primeiro ano foram amostradas 73 espécies e no segundo 74 espécies, dentro das quais, duas foram exóticas: Pinus taeda e Ligustrum lucidum W.T. Aiton. Ambas tiveram baixos valores dos indicadores de invasão para a comunidade nos dois anos, no entanto, com aumento da participação de Pinus taeda entre as espécies pioneiras ao longo do tempo. Os resultados das taxas demográficas sugerem que, para os diferentes grupos ecológicos, o processo de invasão encontra-se em fases distintas. Conclui-se que o grupo das espécies pioneiras foi o componente mais afetado pela invasão biológica, o que reforça a necessidade de análise, considerando os diferentes grupos ecológicos.

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to evaluate the biological contamination over time in a tree community of Montane Araucaria forest, in advanced successional stage, adjacent to a Pinus taeda L. plantation, in Lages, SC state. For this sake, a total of, 20 x 20m, 25 plots, distributed in five transects with five plots each, were allocated perpendicular to the edge in contact with the pinus plantation. In each plot, all living trees were measured (cbh ≥ 5 cm, measured at 1.30 m above soil level), collected and identified. Four years after the first inventory, the same individuals were re-inventoried, the dead individuals and survivor quantified and recruits added. For the two evaluated years, phytosociological descriptors were calculated, indicators of biological invasion quantified for all community as well as for ecological groups and the demographic rates determined. A total of 73 and 74 species were sampled in the first and second years, among of them two exotic species: Pinus taeda and Ligustrum lucidum W.T. Aiton. Both species showed low values of the invasion indicators, but with an increment in the participation of Pinus taeda among pioneer species over time. Results of demographic rates suggest that, for different ecological groups, the invasion process is in distinct stages. We conclude that the pioneer species was the most affected component by biological invasion, which reinforces the need for analysis considering the different ecological groups.

ABSTRACT We aimed to investigate the taxonomic and functional variations of tree component of Araucaria Forest (AF) areas located along an altitudinal gradient (700, 900 and 1,600 m asl), in the southern region of Brazil. The functional traits determined were leaf area, specific leaf area, wood density, maximum potential height and dispersal syndromes and deciduousness. The data were analyzed through a functional and taxonomic dissimilarity dendrograms, community-weighted mean trait values, parametric and nonparametric tests, and Principal Component Analysis. The largest floristic-structural similarity was observed between the lower altitude areas (700 and 900 m asl), whose Bray-Curtis distance was 0.63. The area at 700 m asl was characterized by a predominance of deciduous and semi-deciduous species, with a high number of self- and wind-dispersed species, whereas the area at 1,600 m asl exhibited a predominance of animal-dispersed and evergreen species. It was also observed that there were significant variations for leaf traits, basic wood density and maximum potential height. Over all altitudinal gradient, the ordinations indicated that there was no evidence of functional differentiation among dispersal and deciduousness groups. In conclusion, the evaluated Araucaria Forest areas presented high floristic-functional variation of the tree component along the altitudinal gradient.

The Earth's atmosphere has a large number of small solid and liquid particles which differ in size, shape and composition. One of the most obvious characteristics of the phenomena of air pollution is linked to the occurrence of atmospheric aerosol. The research was conducted in a protected nature reserve, Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN) Social Service of Commerce (SESC) Pantanal , at 111 m of altitude (16º39' S, 56º47' W) and is referred to here as SESC - Advanced Research Center of Wetland , located about 160 km from Cuiabá - MT. The sampling device consists of samplers fine and coarse particles, separating the fine fraction of the aerosol (dp <2.5 µm) from the coarse fraction (2.5 <dp <10 µm). In August 2012, concentrations of fine particles were up to nine times higher (up to 18 µg m-3) than that recorded in the rainy months of 2012 and 2013 (amounts around 2 µg m-3). The concentrations of coarse particles were up to three times higher in the dry season, compared to the rainy season.

O objetivo desse estudo foi caracterizar a composição florística e a estrutura do componente arbóreo em fragmento de Floresta Ombrófila Mista Alto-Montana e avaliar a influência do efeito de borda sobre a organização, estrutura, riqueza e diversidade de espécies. Foram alocadas 50 parcelas permanentes de 10 x 20 m, divididas em cinco transeções distanciadas, no mínimo, 100 m entre si, em um fragmento florestal, no município de Bom Jardim da Serra - SC. As árvores com circunferência ≥ 15,7 cm na altura do peito (CAP) foram mensuradas (CAP e altura total), identificadas e classificadas quanto às guildas de regeneração (pioneiras, climácicas exigentes em luz e climácicas tolerantes à sombra). Os dados foram analisados por meio dos índices de valor de importância (IVI), NMDS (Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling), modelo aditivo generalizado e regressões lineares simples. Foram observados 1.457 indivíduos arbóreos, distribuídos em 29 famílias, 43 gêneros e 55 espécies. A espécie com maior valor de importância foi Dicksonia sellowiana Hook. Não foi observada influência do efeito de borda sobre a organização, a estrutura (diâmetro médio, altura média e densidade) da comunidade e participação relativa das guildas de regeneração. No entanto, ficaram evidenciados maiores valores de diversidade, riqueza e equabilidade nas áreas de borda. Desta forma, concluí-se que parte das variações dos valores relativos à diversidade de espécies arbóreas na Floresta Ombrófila Mista Ato-Montana foi determinada pela distância da borda.

The objectives of this study were to characterize the floristic and structure of the tree component in Upper Montane Araucaria Forest fragment and to evaluate the influence of the edge effects on tree species organization, structure, richness and diversity. For this, a total of 50, 10 x 20 m, permanent plots divided in five transects spaced, at least, 100 m from each other, were established in the a forest fragment, located in the municipality of Bom Jardim da Serra, SC. The trees with circumference at breast height (CBH) ≥ 15,7 cm were measured (CBH and total height), identified and classified according to the regeneration guilds. The data were analyzed through the index of importance values (IVI), a NMDS analysis (Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling), a generalized additive model and simple linear regressions. A total of 1,457 individuals, distributed in 29 families, 43 genera and 55 species were surveyed. The most relative important species was Dicksonia sellowiana Hook. There was no influence of edge effect on tree community organization, structure (average diameter, average height and density) and guilds participation. However, values of diversity, richness and evenness were higher at edge areas. We conclude that part of the variation in values related to tree species diversity in the Upper Montane Araucaria Forest was determined by edge distance.

Contexto A hepatite crônica pelo vírus C tem grande impacto na saúde mundial. A terapia atual do genótipo 1 inclui os inibidores de protease (IP) boceprevir e telaprevir, associados à terapia padrão - alfapeginterferona + ribavirina (PR). No Brasil ainda não há estudos publicados sobre os resultados dessa nova terapia, sendo de interesse uma avaliação do que foi realizado até o momento. Objetivos Avaliar a resposta virológica ao tratamento triplo, bem como o perfil de segurança e tolerabilidade. Métodos O estudo consta de série de casos dos pacientes em uso de terapia tripla para o tratamento da hepatite C em um polo de tratamento da Secretaria Estadual da Saúde do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Dentre os 121 pacientes que estão em uso de terapia tripla (PR e IP) foram apresentados os dados referentes aos primeiros que finalizaram o tratamento e realizaram avaliação da resposta virológica sustentada na semana 24 pós-tratamento. Resultados Foram incluídos 24 pacientes monoinfectados por hepatite C crônica genótipo 1. Dezenove (79%) pacientes eram previamente experimentados. Treze (54,2%) pacientes apresentavam cirrose. Dezenove (79,2%) pacientes completaram o tratamento planejado. Ao final do tratamento, 14 (58,3%) dos 24 pacientes apresentaram carga viral indetectável. Resposta virológica sustentada ocorreu em 12 (50%) dos 24 pacientes, sendo 07 (58,3%) no grupo telaprevir e 05 (41,7%) no grupo boceprevir. Dos 24 pacientes submetidos à terapia tripla, 58% (n=14) apresentaram anemia. Conclusões Embora o presente estudo tenha avaliado um pequeno número de casos, possivelmente reflete a população submetida à terapia tripla na vida real, despida das restrições dos estudos de registro.

Background Chronic hepatitis C has great impact on world’s health. Current therapy for genotype 1 hepatitis C virus includes protease inhibitors boceprevir and telaprevir, associated to standard therapy - peginterferon alfa + ribavirin. There are no published data in Brazil on the results of this new therapy, and it is interesting an evaluation of what was accomplished up to this moment. Objectives To evaluate virologic response to triple therapy, as well as the safety profile and tolerability. Method This study is a clinical series of patients receiving triple therapy for C hepatitis in a single center of a Public Health System of South Brasil. Out of the 121 patients that initiated the triple therapy, the first patients that finished the treatment and evaluated the sustained virological response (24 weeks after the end of treatment) were included. Results Twenty four genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C monoinfected patients were included. Nineteen (79.2%) patients had been previously treated. Thirteen (54.2%) patients were cirrhotic. Nineteen (79.2%) patients completed the planned therapy. By the end of the treatment, 14 (58.3%) out of 24 patients had undetectable viral load. Sustained virologic response occurred in 12 (50.0%) out of 24 patients, 07 (58.3%) in telaprevir group and 05 (41.7%) in boceprevir group. Out of 24 patients under triple therapy, 58% (n=14) presented anemia. Conclusions In conclusion, despite the small number of patients treated with triple therapy evaluated in the current study, it possibly reflects the population under this therapy in real-life.

Este estudo objetivou avaliar a invasão por espécies arbóreas exóticas em dois fragmentos (F1 e F2) de Floresta Ombrófila Mista (FOM) em Lages, SC. Foram alocadas 25 parcelas por fragmento, distribuídas em cinco transeções de 20 x 100 m, perpendiculares às bordas e com distância de 100 m entre si, onde foram avaliados os indivíduos dos estratos adulto (DAP - diâmetro à altura do peito > 5 cm) e regenerante (DAP < 5 cm e altura >10 cm). Esses foram identificados e mensurados (circunferência e altura). Foi calculado, para as espécies de cada estrato e de cada fragmento, o Índice de Invasão Biológica (IIB). A relação entre o IIB e a distância da borda foi verificada por meio de regressões lineares simples. O agrupamento de espécies exóticas e nativas foi determinado por meio de correlações de Spearman e de dendrogramas. Foram amostrados 3.701 indivíduos distribuídos em 105 espécies, sendo cinco espécies invasoras. No F1 houve valores de IIB relativamente baixos (0,05 e 0,54), com Pinus taeda L., obtendo-se a maior participação na invasão, e esse esteve agrupado com espécies nativas pioneiras. Os IIB´s no F2 foram altos (0,61 e 1,96), principalmente pela elevada participação de Ligustrum lucidum W.T. Aiton., que ficou agrupado a espécies típicas da FOM. Não foi observada relação entre a distância da borda e a intensidade da invasão biológica. Os resultados indicaram que os fragmentos apresentaram diferentes padrões de invasão biológica, determinados pela natureza da matriz de entorno e pelas características ecológicas das espécies invasoras.

This study evaluated the invasion by exotic tree species in two Mixed Ombrophilous Forest (FOM) fragments (F1 and F2) in Lages, SC. A total of 25 plots were allocated in each fragment, distributed in five transects, 20x100 m, perpendicular to the edges and, at least, 100 m apart from each other, where the adult (dbh - diameter at breast height > 5 cm) and the regenerative (dbh < 5 cm and height > 10 cm) component individuals were evaluated. These were identified and measured (circumference and height). For each component and fragment, the biological invasion index (BII) was determined. The relation between BII and the distance from the edge was evaluated by simple linear regressions. The grouping among exotic and native species was analyzed through Spearman correlation and clusters. A total of 3,701 individuals distributed in 105 species were sampled, being five invasive species. In F1 a relative low value of BII (0.05 and 0.54) occurred, with Pinus taeda L. as the most expressive species in the invasion, and it was grouped with native pioneers species. The BII's in F2 were elevated (0.61 and 1.96), mainly due to the expressive participation of Ligustrum lucidum W.T. Aiton., grouped with typical species of FOM. No relation between the distance from the edges and the intensity of the invasion were observed. The results demonstrated that the fragments showed different biological invasion patterns that were determined by the nature of surrounding matrix and the ecological characteristics of the invasive species.

Hemoplasmas de bovinos são bactérias encontradas na superfície de hemácias, ou livre no plasma de bovinos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência de Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos' ('C. M. haemobos') em bovinos das raças Holandesa e Jersey da região de Londrina, norte do Paraná, sul do Brasil. Para investigar a ocorrência e caracterizar a identidade molecular do 'C. M haemobos' uma PCR baseada no fragmento do gene 16S rRNA foi realizada. A PCR identificou como positivas 264/433 (61%) amostras de sangue testadas. O alinhamento deste fragmento de 500 pb com seqüências disponíveis no GenBank mostrou 100% de identidade 'C. M. haemobos'. Pela bibliografia consultada, esta é a primeira confirmação molecular do hemoplasma 'C. M. haemobos' em bovinos no Brasil. Além disso, foi observada uma alta prevalência deste hemoplasma em bovinos de leite, que pode ter um impacto importante na pecuária bovina.

Bovine hemoplasmas are bacteria found on the erythrocyte surface or free in the plasma of cattle. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the occurrence of 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos' ('C. M. haemobos') in Holstein and Jersey cattle raised in Londrina and surroundings, northern region of the State of Parana, Southern Brazil. PCR testing directed to 16S rRNA gene fragment was performed to investigate the occurrence and characterize the molecular identity of 'C. M. haemobos'. A total of 264/433 (60.97%) blood samples were positive by PCR. Further alignment of 500-bp amplicons to available sequences at the GenBank database showed high identity (100%) to 'C. M. haemobos'. To the author's knowledge, this is the first molecular confirmation of the hemoplasma 'C. M. haemobos' in cattle from Brazil. Moreover, 'C. M. haemobos' was observed in high occurrence in dairy cattle, and may have significant impact in livestock production.

Para a realização de uma análise confiável, a etapa mais sensível e que merece extremo cuidado é a amostragem do tecido vegetal e do solo. A amostra mais adequada é aquela que representa o melhor possível a área de estudo, exigindo um mínimo de plantas amostradas para atender a esse objetivo e com o menor número possível de amostras simples coletadas. Assim, o presente trabalho procurou dimensionar o número de plantas a serem amostradas para a diagnose do estado nutricional, bem como o número de amostras simples necessárias para formar a amostra composta, para fins de avaliação da fertilidade do solo cultivado com caramboleiras. O estudo foi realizado em um pomar comercial de caramboleiras, no município de Vista Alegre do Alto (SP), empregando-se amostragem aleatória, coletando-se a sexta folha a partir do ápice do ramo da caramboleira, na altura mediana da frutífera, no florescimento da cultura, em 40 plantas. Foram coletadas, também, 30 amostras simples de solo, em zigue-zague, nas linhas da cultura, com o auxílio de um trado tipo holandês, nas camadas de 0 a 0,2 m e 0,2 a 0,4 m. Considerando-se aceitável um erro amostral de 10%, 21 plantas de carambola seriam suficientes para as determinações químicas foliares de macronutrientes. Já para os micronutrientes, seriam necessárias, no mínimo, 52 plantas amostradas. O aumento do número de amostras simples reduziu o erro porcentual na estimativa da média desejada, permitindo a recomendação de 14 e 17 amostras simples nas camadas de 0 a 0,2 m e 0,2 a 0,4 m (erro = 20%), respectivamente.

For a reliable nutritional analysis, the most sensitive stage is the plant and soil samplings. The most proper sampling is the one that best represents the area under study, requiring a minimum of sampled plants and the least possible number of simple samples collected. This work aimed to assess the number of plants to be sampled for the diagnosis of nutritional status, as well as the number of simple samples for making up of the compost sample for evaluating the soil fertility in starfruit orchard. This study was performed in a commercial starfruit orchard, in Vista Alegre do Alto, State of São Paulo. Random sampling was taken, collecting the sixth leaf from the apex of the branch of 40 starfruit trees, at the medium canopy height during blooming season. In the same way, 30 simple soil samples were collected, in a zigzag pattern following the planting lines, using a Dutch-type auger, at depths of 0 to 0.2 m and 0.2 to 0.4 m. Assuming a sample error of 10%, 21 starfruit trees would be sufficient for determining the chemical leaf macronutrients. For micronutrients, a minimum of 52 sampled plants would be necessary. Increasing the number of soil samples resulted in reduced percentage of error within the desired average estimate, thus allowing for a recommendation of 14 to 17 simple samples at depths of 0 to 0.2 m and 0.2 to 0.4 m (error = 20%), respectively.