ABSTRACT Biochar derived from coffee waste has been reported as a promising material for heavy metal sorption. However, if the intended use is environmental remediation, knowing the extent to which desorption may occur is critical. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of spent coffee ground (SCG) and coffee parchment (CP) biochars pyrolyzed at 700 °C under laboratory conditions, in the sorption of Cd and Pb from aqueous solutions, in a pH range from 2 to 10, and their retention after an induced desorption process with a 2.9 pH acetic acid solution. Both biochars were alkaline, and the initial pH of the solution had a large effect on the sorption capacity of SCG but a small effect on the sorption capacity of CP. The Pb sorption capacity was higher for CP (18.6 mg·g–1) than for SCG (11.4 mg·g–1), while both biochars had low Cd retention capacities (1.18 mg·g–1). Coffee parchment also showed the highest Pb retention (30% to 87%), while for Cd there was no difference between CP and SCG biochars. Our results showed that metal precipitation was the main mechanism for metal immobilization and CP biochar proved to be more reliable than SCG, mainly for Pb, due to its higher sorption capacity and lower metal release by desorption than SCG. These characteristics are particularly important for the use of biochar in environmental remediation. Besides that, the biochar production represents an eco-friendly destination for these feedstocks, contributing to the circular economy.

Resumen Introducción: Los homicidios son causas importantes de mortalidad en el mundo, especialmente en Brasil, que representa aproximadamente dos tercios de las muertes por causas externas y el tercer lugar entre las causas de muerte en el país. Materiales Y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo sobre la ocurrencia de causas de muertes violentas ocurridas en diferentes regiones de Municipio de São Paulo de 2000 a 2014 según el Sistema de Información de Mortalidad de la Secretaría de Salud Municipal. Se calculó el coeficiente estandarizado (CP) para la ocurrencia de homicidios y las tasas de riesgo según la población y el sexo masculino. Resultados: De 11.981 casos, el CP mostró que las regiones sur y este mostraron un aumento en la ocurrencia de homicidios entre los años 2000 y 2005 en comparación con los años 2010 y 2014. Considerando la suma del CP en los 15 años, Es posible observar la mayor ocurrencia de homicidios en las regiones sur y oriente de la ciudad de São Paulo, sin embargo, con una reducción entre los años 2010 y 2014. En cuanto a la tasa de riesgo relativo de homicidio, la región norte tuvo tasas más altas entre 2000 y 2005. Al considerar el género masculino, la región oeste mostró un aumento en la tasa de riesgo entre 2000 y 2005. Para los años 2010 la tasa de riesgo se mantuvo elevada para las regiones: norte (1,14) y este (1,15), mientras que para los hombres la tasa de riesgo (0,91) se mantuvo alta para la región sur. En 2014, la tasa de riesgo más alta (1,18) se trasladó a la región occidental, mientras que para los hombres la tasa de riesgo más alta se dirigió a la región central (0,92). Conclusiones: Se mantuvieron altas tasas de ocurrencia de homicidios para las regiones sur y oriente de la ciudad de São Paulo durante los últimos 15 años. La tasa de riesgo difiere entre las regiones de la ciudad de São Paulo, destacando la región norte entre los años 2000, 2005 y 2010 y la región occidental en 2014. El género masculino influye en las tasas de riesgo entre regiones, especialmente la región occidental entre 2000 y 2005, la región sur en 2010 y la región central en 2014, mostrando su influencia en la ocurrencia de homicidios.

Abstract Introduction : Homicides are important causes of mortality in the world, especially in Brazil, which represents approximately two thirds of deaths from external causes and the third place among the causes of death in the country. Methods: Retrospective study on the occurrence of causes of violent deaths occurring in different regions of the city of São Paulo from 2000 to 2014 according to the Mortality Information System of the Municipal Health Secretariat. The standardized coefficient (CP) for the occurrence of homicides and risk rates according to population and male gender were calculated. Results: The PC showed that the south and east regions had increased homicide occurrence between 2000 and 2005 when compared to the years 2010 and 2014. Considering the sum of the PC over the 15 years can be observed the highest occurrence of homicide. in the southern and eastern regions of São Paulo, however, with a reduction in occurrence between 2010 and 2014. Regarding the relative risk rate for homicide, the northern region presented higher rates between 2000 and 2005. When considering gender male population, the western region showed an increase in the risk rate between 2000 and 2005. For 2010, the risk rate remained higher for the northern (1.14) and eastern (1.15) regions, while for the male gender. For men, the risk rate (0.91) remained high for the southern region. In 2014 the highest risk rate (1.18) moved to the western region while for males the highest risk rate was directed to the central region (0.92). Conclusions: High homicide rates have remained in the southern and eastern regions of the city of São Paulo over the past 15 years. The risk rate differs between the regions of the city of São Paulo, highlighting the northern region between 2000, 2005 and 2010 and the western region in 2014. The male gender influences the risk rates between the regions, especially the western region between 2000 and 2005, the southern region in 2010 and the central region in 2014, showing their influence on homicide.

RESUMO Tumores malignos do fígado são a quarta maior causa de morte por câncer, sendo que o carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) corresponde a 85-90% desses casos. A maioria dos doentes apresenta-se, ao diagnóstico, sem possibilidade de tratamento curativo, restando apenas as opções paliativas (quimioembolização e sorafenibe). Há poucos estudos nacionais acerca do sorafenibe. OBJETIVO Avaliar fatores preditivos de sobrevida em pacientes com CHC que tiveram indicação de tratamento com sorafenibe na Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo (ISCMSP) e avaliação da conformidade da indicação da medicação em relação às recomendações do BCLC. MÉTODOS Foram analisados retrospectivamente os dados de 88 pacientes que tiveram indicação de tratamento com sorafenibe no período de 2010 a 2017 na ISCMSP. Análises univariada e multivariada foram realizadas na busca de preditores de sobrevida global nos pacientes que receberam a medicação. RESULTADOS Idade média de 61,2 anos, sendo 70,5% homens. A maioria (69,3%) foi classificada como Child Pugh A e BCLC C (94,3%). A cirrose esteve presente em 84,6% e a hipertensão portal em 55,7% desses. O vírus da hepatite C foi a etiologia mais comum (40,9%) do CHC. Sessenta e nove (78,4%) pacientes receberam a medicação, sendo o tempo médio de duração do tratamento 9,7 meses e a sobrevida global média, 16,8 meses. Diferenças significativas foram observadas na análise multivariada: Ecog PS (p=0,024), CP (p=0,013), tempo de uso de medicação (p<0,001), suspensão por piora clínica (p=0,031) e trombose portal (p=0,010). CONCLUSÃO Ausência de trombose portal, Child Pugh A, Ecog PS 0, tempo maior de uso de medicação e ausência de suspensão por piora clínica foram fatores preditores de melhor sobrevida global e a indicação da medicação esteve em conformidade com as orientações do BCLC em 94% dos pacientes.

SUMMARY Malignant liver tumors are the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 75-85% of these. Most patients are diagnosed at incurable stages. Palliative care is the appropriate treatment course in these circumstances (chemoembolization and sorafenib). There are few national studies on sorafenib. The objective is to evaluate survival predictors of HCC patients treated with sorafenib and evaluate the compliance of its indication in relation to BCLC recommendations. METHODS A total of 88 patients with an indication of sorafenib from 2010 to 2017 at the ISCMSP were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed in the search for predictors of survival. RESULTS The mean age was 61.2 years, 70.5% were men, most were classified as Child-Pugh A (69.3%), and BCLC C (94.3%). Cirrhosis was present in 84.6% and portal hypertension in 55.7%. Hepatitis C virus was the most common etiology (40.9%). Sixty-nine (78.4%) patients received the medication, with the average duration of treatment being 9.7 months. The mean overall survival was 16.8 months. Significant differences were observed in the multivariate analysis: ECOG PS (p = 0.024): Child-Pugh (p = 0.013), time of medication use (p <0.001), clinical worsening (p = 0.031) and portal thrombosis (p = 0.010). CONCLUSION Absence of portal thrombosis, Child-Pugh A, longer time of medication use, ECOG PS 0, and absence of suspension due to clinical worsening were predictors of better overall survival in the study. The drug’s indication complies with BCLC guidelines in 94% of patients.

ABSTRACT: We evaluated the inclusion of information on genetic relationship into the analysis of crude protein requirement in diets for pigs of Brazilian Piau breed, using Bayesian inference. The animals were assigned to treatments in a completely randomized design in factorial scheme 4 × 2 (crude protein levels × sex) with 12 repetitions per treatment. The evaluations were carried out in the initial, growing and finishing phases, and after slaughter. The traits evaluated were feed conversion (FC), backfat thickness (BF), daily weight gain (DWG), daily feed intake (DFI) and some carcass cuts. Three models were considered to evaluate the inclusion of information on genetic relationship into the analysis: Model I, a simple linear model; Model II, the same effects of Model I with addition of the independent random effect of animal; and Model III, the same effects of Model II, but including the genetic relationship between the animals. Model III presented the best fit and was considered for later inferences. Crude protein (CP) levels did not significantly influence any of the evaluated traits. The effect of sex was significant only for the growing phase, while its interaction with protein levels presented an opposite result for all evaluated traits. Additionally, CP levels of 10.2 %, 9.6 % and 9.0 % can be used in diets for pigs of Brazilian Piau breed in the initial, growing and finishing phases, respectively.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a interferência da manipulação das informações vestibulares na oscilação postural e atividade muscular de jovens e idosos. Métodos: Foi analisado o efeito de três intensidades (0,3; 0,6 e 1mA) de estimulação vestibular galvânica (GVS) no padrão de ativação muscular e deslocamento do centro de pressão (CP) de 12 idosos (GI) e 12 adultos jovens (GC), durante a manutenção do equilíbrio em uma superfície estável sem visão. Resultados: O GC mostrou correlação positiva entre o deslocamento de CP e a ativação muscular com a intensidade da GVS. Por outro lado, o GI não foi capaz de modular a magnitude da resposta postural com a intensidade da GVS. Durante o maior valor de GVS (1mA), houve um aumento da ativação muscular de agonista e antagonista caracterizando um padrão de coativação que aumentou a rigidez e diminuiu a amplitude de oscilação. Conclusão: Os indivíduos do GI selecionaram uma estratégia motora atípica para compensar os efeitos da GVS. Essa estratégia incomum refletiu deficit no sistema vestibular dos idosos e pode interferir negativamente na capacidade de reorganização das informações sensoriais.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of vestibular manipulation on the postural sway and muscle activation of younger and older adults. Methods: The study analyzed the effects of three intensity levels of galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) (0.3; 0.6 and 1m) on the pattern of muscle activity and center of pressure (CP) displacements of 12 older adults (EG) and 12 young adults (CG) while maintaining their balance on a stable surface, with no vision. Results: The EG showed a positive correlation between CP displacement and muscle activity and GVS intensity. On the other hand, the magnitude of postural response in the EG was not modulated in accordance with GVS intensities. Additionally, during the highest GVS intensity level (1 mA) greater muscle activity was used to increase stiffness, decrease the amplitude of oscillation and ensure stability. This unusual response characterizes a pattern of co-activation and is perhaps a safety mechanism to ensure stability. Conclusion: The EG individuals were not able to select the appropriate motor strategy to efficiently compensate the effects of GVS. This unusual strategy reflects deficits in the vestibular system of older adults, a fact which negatively interferes with their ability to reevaluate sensory information.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of periodontal treatment on the salivary cytokine levels and clinical parameters of individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) with gingivitis. A non-randomized, clinical trial was conducted in individuals diagnosed with spastic CP. Thirty-eight individuals were enrolled in the study and were categorized according to gingival index scores between 0-1 or 2-3, assigned to groups G2 or G1, respectively. Periodontal treatment comprised oral hygiene instructions, conventional mechanical treatment and 0.12% chlorhexidine applied as an adjunct. Clinical parameters and saliva samples were collected at baseline and at the 15-day follow-up visit. Bleeding on probing and periodontal screening and recording were determined. Non-stimulated saliva samples were obtained, and the salivary flow rate, the osmolality and the levels of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α and IL-12p70 were evaluated by a cytometric bead array. The Wilcoxon test, the Mann-Whitney test, Spearman correlation analysis, Poisson regression analysis and an adjusted analysis were performed (α = 0.05). The groups differed significantly in periodontal clinical parameters at baseline and at follow-up. Salivary flow rate and osmolality were similar in both groups at both timepoints. However, TNF-α and IL-1β levels were higher in G1 than in G2 at baseline. Mechanical treatment resulted in improved clinical parameters for both groups. Furthermore, mechanical treatment resulted in a significant reduction in salivary IL-1β and IL-8 levels for both groups after treatment. Periodontal treatment performed in individuals with CP and gingivitis reduces the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8.

RESUMO O presente trabalho consistiu em comparar a eficiência de adsorção de eteramina em caulinita natural (CN) e caulinita modificada com peróxido (CP). Com o intuito de otimizar o processo e avaliar a influência existente entre os parâmetros foi empregado a Metodologia de Superfície de Resposta com os sistemas adequados ao modelo quadrático associado ao delineamento composto central. Os resultados revelaram que a adsorção foi mais eficiente na concentração de eteramina de 400 mg L-1, pH 10 e massa de adsorvente de 0,1 g para KN e concentração de eteramina de 400 mg L-1, pH 10 e massa de adsorvente de 0,2 g para KP. A partir dos resultados obtidos foi possível observar que o tratamento com peróxido não resultou um aumento significativo da eficiência de adsorção quando comparado a caulinita natural. Com a análise da cinética de 24 horas, conduzida nas condições otimizadas, foi possível observar que os sistemas atingiram o equilíbrio em aproximadamente 30 minutos. Os dados da cinética e da isoterma foram avaliados por diferentes modelos e ajustaram se melhor ao modelo de pseudosegunda ordem e ao modelo de isoterma de Sips. A partir da Eads foi possível observar que o processo de remoção de eteramina na caulinita intercalada se dá por meio de adsorção química. Com base nesses resultados e no teste de reuso foi possível observar que a caulinita pode ser utilizada como uma alternativa viável para o tratamento de efluentes de mineração, com destaque para a caulinita natural, uma vez que o tratamento não resultou numa melhoria na eficiência de adsorção.

ABSTRACT The work consisted of comparing the adsorption of etheramine, reagent used in the flotation of iron ore, on natural kaolinite (CN) and kaolinite modified with peroxide (CP). The Response Surface methodology was applied in order to optimize the process and assess the influence among the parameters. The adsorption was more efficient in the concentration of etheramine of 400 mg L-1, pH 10 and adsorbent mass of 0.1 g for CN, while for CP the optimum adsorbent mass was 0.2 g. The treatment did not result in a significant improvement of adsorption efficiency. By means of the kinetics of 24 h it was possible to observe that equilibrium was achieved in approximately 30 min. The kinetic data had a better adjust to the kinetic model of pseudo-second order. The isotherm data were better adjusted to the Sips model and Eads values indicate that the process involves a chemisorption. The adsorption in kaolinite may be a feasible alternative for the treatment of mining effluents, with the natural kaolinite standing outs the treatment did not result in any significant improvement.

Resumo Introdução: Em pacientes recebendo Cuidados Paliativos (CP), a necessidade de cuidados e a intensidade dos sintomas aumentam gradativamente, associadas à progressão da doença principal. Objetivo: Descrever o desenvolvimento do aplicativo móvel “Cuidados Paliativos”, multiplataforma, de apoio ao profissional de saúde que atua em CP. Método: Uma equipe multidisciplinar procedeu com revisão teórica, levantamento dos requisitos de software, análise do cotidiano dos profissionais em CP e desenvolvimento do aplicativo. Resultado: Aplicativo móvel, que permite ao profissional se apropriar de conceitos básicos de CP e de estratégias para comunicação de más notícias e monitorar os principais sintomas e a funcionalidade do paciente. Em junho de 2017, o aplicativo tinha nota 4,8/5,0 no Google Play e mais de 2.400 downloads. Conclusão: O aplicativo obteve expressivo número de downloads logo após sua publicação, êxito que pode evidenciar o alcance atual do tema e impulsiona a expansão do “Cuidados Paliativos” visando incorporar novas funcionalidades.

Abstract Introduction: In patients receiving Palliative Care (PC), the need for care and the symptoms intensity gradually increase, as the main disease progresses. Objective: Describe the development of the multiplatform mobile app “Palliative Care”, to support the health professional who works in PC. Method: A multidisciplinary team proceeded with theoretical revision, survey of software requirements, analysis of PC professionals’ daily life and app development. Result: A mobile app, which allows professionals acess to basic PC concepts and strategies for communicating bad news and monitoring patients functionality and symptoms. In June 2017, the app had 4.8 / 5.0 rating on Google Play and more than 2,400 downloads. Conclusion: The app obtained a significant number of downloads soon after its publication, a success that can highlight the theme’ scope currently and boost the expansion of “Palliative Care” to incorporate new functionalities.

Abstract Objectives A single-blinded, randomized, parallel clinical trial evaluated the use of 37% carbamide peroxide (CP) on bleaching effectiveness and tooth sensitivity reported by patients undergoing in-office tooth bleaching, in comparison with the results of using 35% hydrogen peroxide. Material and Methods Forty patients were allocated to receive two sessions of in-office tooth bleaching using either 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) or 37% CP. Each patient’s sensitivity level was evaluated during and up to 24 h after bleaching. The effectiveness of the bleaching procedures was evaluated with a spectrophotometer one week after each session and 30 days after the last session. The impact of tooth bleaching on the patients’ perceptions regarding smile changes, in addition to the bleaching procedures and their results, were also recorded. Absolute and relative sensitivity risks were calculated. Data on sensitivity level were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney or T-test, and data from the color evaluation were subjected to 2-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results The use of CP reduced the risk and level of tooth sensitivity to values close to zero, whereas the difference between the bleaching agents disappeared after 24 h. An increased bleaching effect was observed for HP, mainly due to an improved reduction of redness and yellowness. Participants perceived improved tooth bleaching for HP and reduced sensitivity for CP, but no differences regarding the comfort of the techniques were noted. Conclusions In our study, 37% CP resulted in reduced tooth sensitivity but decreased the tooth bleaching effectiveness. However, both bleaching agents resulted in high levels of patient satisfaction.

Abstract Purpose: To analyze the effects of water intake on heart rate variability (HRV) during and after exercise. Methods: Thirty-one young males performed three different procedures: I) a maximal exercise test to determine the load for the protocols; II) the control protocol (CP); III) the experimental protocol (EP). The protocols comprised 10 minutes at rest, 90 minutes of treadmill exercise (60% of VO2 peak), and 60 minutes of recovery. No rehydration beverage consumption was allowed during the CP. During the EP, the participants were given water every 15 minutes, being that the amount of water to be ingested by each volunteer was divided over the time of exercise and recovery. For the analysis of HRV data, time and frequency domain indices were investigated in the following moments (M): M1 (5 minutes final of rest), M2 (25-30 minutes of exercise), M3 (55-60 minutes of exercise), M4 (85-90 minutes of exercise), M5 (5-10 minutes of recovery), M6 (15-20 minutes of recovery), M7 (25-30 minutes of recovery), M8 (40-45 minutes of recovery), and M9 (55-60 minutes of recovery). Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups that were examined during the exercise. HRV values for the CP and EP at the end of the exercise period were as follows SDNN (5.95±1.89 vs 6.89±2.11); RMSSD (3.29±0.78 vs 3.39±0.95); HF [nu] (24.06±14.26 vs 19.10±11.94); LF [nu] (75.93±14.26 vs 80.89±11.94); HF [ms2] (0.90±1.16 vs 0.94±0.89); LF [ms2] (4.65±5.94 vs 5.35±5.09); and LF/HF ratio (4.64±3.15 vs 6.95±5.57). HRV values for the CP and the EP at the end of the recovery period were as follows: SDNN (39.63±19.63 vs 49.95±17.79); RMSSD (21.63±15.55 vs 36.43±22.73); HF [ms2] (285.51±392.27 vs 699.29±699.66); LF [nu] (74.55±13.25 vs 61.19±19.27); and HF [nu] (25.44±13.25 vs 38.8±19.27). Conclusion: The hydration with water was not enough to significantly influence the linear HRV indices during exercise; however, it promoted faster recovery of these variables after exercise.

RESUMO Objetivou-se com este estudo, determinar a composição química, a energia metabolizável aparente (EMA), energia metabolizável aparente corrigida para o nitrogênio (EMAn) e a metabolizabilidade da matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE) e fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) do farelo da semente de maracujá (FSM) para codornas. Foram utilizadas 100 codornas de corte (Coturnix coturnix japonica) com 21 dias de idade, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos, cinco repetições e quatro aves por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos constituíram de diferentes níveis de FSM (4,0; 8,0; 12,0; 16,0%) em substituição a ração referência. Valores metabolizáveis foram determinados por ajuste de equações lineares. O FSM pode ser caracterizado como um alimento alternativo para codornas de corte e seus principais compostos são a energia bruta (5.569 kcal kg-1), PB (11,34%), EE (18,84%) e FDN (50,22%), na matéria natural. Foram ajustadas as equações EMA = 2.976 + 5,877 x (r2 = 0,94) e EMAn = 2.939 + 4,864 x (r2 = 0,95), assim, a EMA e EMAn foram estimadas em 2.976 e 2.939 kcal kg-1, respectivamente. Adicionalmente, foram ajustadas equações para PB, EE, FDN e MS resultando em valores metabolizáveis de 6,35, 17,9, 12,48 e 45,66%, respectivamente. Conclui-se que os principais componentes do farelo da semente de maracujá são a energia bruta, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo e fibra em detergente neutro, e a EMA e EMAn para codornas de corte é de 2.976 e 2.939 kcal kg-1, respectivamente.

SUMMARY The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition, apparent metabolizable energy (AME), apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) and the metabolizability of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of passion fruit seed meal (PFM) for quails. One hundred meat quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica), with 21 days old, allotted in a completely randomized design, with four treatments, five replicates and four animals per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of different levels PFM (4.0, 8.0, 12.0 and 16.0%) that replaced the basal diet (w/w). Metabolizable values were determined by fitting linear equations the PFM can be characterized as an alternative feedstuff for meat quails and the main chemical compounds are gross energy (5,569 kcal kg-1), CP (11.34%), EE (18.84%) and NDF (50.22%), as fed basis. Linear equations were fitted as follow: AME = 2,976 x + 5.877 (r2 = 0.94) and AMEn = 2,939 x + 4.864 (r2 = 0.95), thus AME and AMEn were estimated at 2,976 and 2,939 kcal kg-1, respectively. Additionaly, equations were adjusted for CP, EE, NFD and DM, respectively resulting in a metabolization of 6.35, 17.9, 12.48 and 45.66%. It is concluded that main components of the passion fruit seed meal are gross energy, crude protein, ether extract and neutral detergent fiber and its AME and AMEn for meat quails are 2,976 and 2,939 kcal kg-1, respectively.

Replacing regular urea (RU) by slow-release urea (SRU) at two levels of non-protein nitrogen (NPN) in concentrate, offered with low-quality roughage, was evaluated in beef steers on dry matter intake (DMI), ruminal fermentation parameters, plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), total tract apparent digestibility of diets and in situ degradability of nitrogen sources. Eight ruminally cannulated steers were allocated into two 4x4 Latin squares, totalizing four treatments: 40 NPN/0 SRU: 40% of concentrate crude protein (CP) as NPN, resulting from 0% of SRU and 100% of RU; 40 NPN/50 SRU: 40% of concentrate CP as NPN, resulting from 50% of SRU and 50% of RU; 40 NPN/100 SRU: 40% of concentrate CP as NPN, resulting from 100% of SRU and 0% of RU; 80 NPN/100 SRU: 80% of concentrate CP as NPN, resulting from 100% of SRU and 0% of RU. Results showed that partial substitution of regular urea by slow-release urea did not alter dry matter intake, pattern of ruminal fermentation or plasma urea nitrogen concentrations and increased the total tract apparent digestibility of crude protein in steers diets. The increase in non-protein nitrogen content in crude protein of the concentrate could compromise feed intake and the efficiency of nutrient utilization in the steers fed complete diets based on low quality forage.

The identification of mycobacteria is essential because tuberculosis (TB) and mycobacteriosis are clinically indistinguishable and require different therapeutic regimens. The traditional phenotypic method is time consuming and may last up to 60 days. Indeed, rapid, affordable, specific and easy-to-perform identification methods are needed. We have previously described a polymerase chain reaction-based method called a mycobacteria mobility shift assay (MMSA) that was designed for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species identification. The aim of this study was to assess the MMSA for the identification of MTC and NTM clinical isolates and to compare its performance with that of the PRA-hsp65 method. A total of 204 clinical isolates (102 NTM and 102 MTC) were identified by the MMSA and PRA-hsp65. For isolates for which these methods gave discordant results, definitive species identification was obtained by sequencing fragments of the 16S rRNA and hsp65 genes. Both methods correctly identified all MTC isolates. Among the NTM isolates, the MMSA alone assigned 94 (92.2%) to a complex or species, whereas the PRA-hsp65 method assigned 100% to a species. A 91.5% agreement was observed for the 94 NTM isolates identified by both methods. The MMSA provided correct identification for 96.8% of the NTM isolates compared with 94.7% for PRA-hsp65. The MMSA is a suitable auxiliary method for routine use for the rapid identification of mycobacteria.

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the reduction of crude protein (CP) in diets supplemented with synthetic amino acids for piglets of 15 to 30 kg. In the performance assay (Exp I), 60 piglets with initial weight of 15.34±0.87 kg and final weight of 30.08±1.59 kg were distributed in a randomized block design with six replicates, five treatments and two animals per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of five diets in which the CP was reduced by 1.5 percentage points, resulting in low-protein diets (19.24, 17.74, 16.24, 14.74 and 13.24%), meeting the requirements of amino acids with inclusion of L-lysine, DL-methionine, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, L-valine and L-isoleucine. The average daily gain and feed conversion according to the Linear Response Plateau model (LRP) were estimated at 14.23 and 14.79% of CP, respectively. As the CP levels were reduced, there was an increase in the essential:non-essential amino acids ratio. The plasma urea concentration decreased linearly, indicating that there was a better use for amino acids with the CP reduction. In the nitrogen balance (Exp II), 30 crossbred barrow piglets with average weight of 21.69±4.46 kg were housed in metabolic cages, distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and six replicates, and the experimental unit consisted of a piglet. The biological protein value in the diets remained above the ideal (70%), in which the level of 13.24% CP corresponded to the highest value. There was no difference in levels of urea in blood and urine. Reduction of protein levels is efficient in decreasing the pollution effect in the excreta, with lower nitrogen excretion in feces and urine.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o consumo voluntário e o desempenho de novilhas leiteiras em pastos de Urochloa decumbens diferidos com dois períodos de diferimento. O delineamento experimental adotado foi inteiramente casualizados com dois tratamentos e sete repetições, que consistiram em dois períodos de diferimento: T1= 95 e T2= 140 dias. Foram utilizadas 14 novilhas Holandês/Zebu com peso corporal (PC) médio de 300 kg. O consumo de matéria seca da forragem representou 2,5 e 1,2% do PC para os tratamentos 95 e 140 dias, respectivamente. Para o tratamento T2 os animais tiveram um consumo de apenas 139,5 g de PB, consequência do baixo teor deste nutriente, 3,4% de PB, na forragem disponível. Verificou-se um consumo de FDN 1,7 e 1,0% do PC para os tratamentos T1 e T2, respectivamente. O ganho de peso médio diário foi de 785,8 g dia-1 para o tratamento T1, enquanto no T2 houve perda de peso, em média -31,1 g dia-1. Na prática, o diferimento de pastos de Urochloa decumbens por 95 dias que permitam uma estrutura com índice de acamamento de 1,5 proporciona maior consumo e desempenho de novilhas leiteiras. Na prática, o diferimento de pastos de Urochloa decumbens que permitam uma estrutura com índice de acamamento de 1,5 proporciona maior consumo e desempenho de novilhas leiteiras.

Voluntary intake and performance of dairy heifers grazing on Urochloa decumbens pastures with two deferral periods are evaluated. The totally randomized experimental design consisted of two treatments and seven replications, with two deferral periods: T1 = 95 and T2 = 140 days. Fourteen Holstein-Zebu heifers, average body weight (BW) 300 kg, were used. Intake of forage dry matter was 2.5% and 1.2 BW respectively for treatments 95 and 140 days. In treatment T2 the animals had an intake of only 139.5 g of CP, due to low nutrient content, or rather, 3.4% of CP in the forage available. There was an intake of NDF of 1.7% and 1.0 of BW for T1 and T2, respectively. The average daily weight gain was 785.8 g day-1 for T1 and average weight loss of -31.1 g day-1 for T2. Deferral of pastures Urochloa decumbens for 95 days to allow a 1.5 lodging index provides greater consumption and performance of dairy heifers. Deferral of Urochloa decumbens pastures to allow a 1.5 lodging index provides greater intake and performance of dairy heifers.