ABSTRACT Aiming to the red mite Oligonychus yothersi control in yerba-mate, the systemic action of an azadirachtin-based product (12 g of azadirachtin.L-1) was evaluated in the laboratory. To assess the activity on oviposition and mortality of the mite (1), three weekly applications of the product in an aqueous solution (30, 48, and 66 mg i.a..L-1) were performed. The applications were carried out in the soil, next to the base of yerba mate seedlings. After seven days of each application, leaves were removed for infestation with 15 adult mite females. To evaluate the activity in the development, survival, and reproduction of the progeny (2), yerba mate seedlings were irrigated with azadirachtin solution of 30 mg i.a..L-1 (recommended concentration). After seven days, leaves were removed and infested with adult females for oviposition and observation of the progeny. Reduction in fecundity (from 23.7 to 44.2%), fertility (27.4 to 48.1%), and an increase in mortality from 14.6 to 47.5% were observed in females fed on azadirachtin-treated plants. Continuous feeding on plants treated with azadirachtin solution significantly reduced oviposition, pre-oviposition period, and longevity of males. In addition, the viability of the egg-adult, and the duration of the egg-adult period increased. The potential of azadirachtin for the control of O. yothersi and its action from the irrigation of yerba mate plants was confirmed.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The most common complication of the bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is aortic valve dysfunction, but it is difficult to predict which patients will develop aortic stenosis (AS) or significant aortic regurgitation (AoR) (moderate/severe). Objectives: The aim of this work was to analyze the progression and the variables associated with the development of AS and significant AoR in adults with BAV. Methods: Consecutive patients with BAV were studied between 2009 and 2017. The progression of their aortic valve dysfunction was analyzed and in the group without baseline dysfunction, significant predictors of AoR and AS were identified through univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Two hundred and forty-three patients (mean age 43±14.9 years, 73.2% men) were included in the study. The majority (n=194, 79.8%) with type I and raphe BAV (n=179, 73.6%). In the baseline echocardiogram, 111 patients presented mild (45.6%); 49, moderate (20.1%); and 10, severe (4.1%) AoR. Baseline AS was less frequent: 20 subjects had moderate (8.2%) and 12, severe (4.9%) AS. Two patients died and 20 valve surgeries (8.2%) were performed in 4.7±1.7 follow-up years. Patients with significant baseline valve dysfunction presented a higher rate of progression requiring valve surgery (p<0.0001). There were 39 new cases (17.2%) of significant AoR or AS at follow-up. Aortic valve prolapse (p<0.001) and male sex (p<0.04) were associated with the development of significant AoR (p<0.001). Baseline calcification score was associated with significant AS (p<0.02). Conclusions: A high proportion of patients with BAV and significant baseline aortic valve dysfunction required short-term surgery. Clinical and morphological characteristics associated with the development of significant aortic valve dysfunction were identified.

RESUMEN Introducción: La complicación más frecuente de la válvula aórtica bicúspide (VAB) es la disfunción valvular aórtica, pero resulta complejo predecir qué pacientes desarrollarán estenosis aórtica (EAO) o insuficiencia aórtica (IAO) significativa (moderada/grave). Objetivos: Este trabajo busca analizar la progresión y las variables asociadas con el desarrollo de EAO e IAO significativa en adultos con VAB. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes consecutivos con VAB (2009-2017), se analizó la progresión de la disfunción valvular aórtica y en el grupo sin disfunción basal se identificaron variables predictoras de IAO y EAO significativas mediante análisis uni- y multivariados. Resultados: Se incluyeron 243 pacientes (43 ± 14,9 años, 73,2% hombres). La mayoría (n = 194, 79,8%) con VAB tipo I y rafe (n = 179; 73,6%). En el ecocardiograma basal, 111 pacientes presentaban IAO leve (45,6%); 49, moderada (20,1%); y 10, grave (4,1%). La EAO basal fue menos frecuente: 20 sujetos tuvieron EAO moderada (8,2%) y 12, EAO grave (4,9%). Hubo 2 muertes y 20 cirugías valvulares (8,2%) en 4,7 ± 1,7 años de seguimiento. Los pacientes con disfunción valvular significativa basal presentaron mayor tasa de progresión y requerimiento de cirugía valvular (p < 0,0001). Hubo 39 nuevos casos (17,2%) de IAO o EAO significativas en el seguimiento. El prolapso valvular aórtico(p < 0,001) y el sexo masculino (p < 0,04) se asociaron al desarrollo de IAO significativa (p < 0,001). El score de calcificación basal se asoció con EAO significativa (p < 0,02). Conclusiones: Los pacientes con VAB y disfunción valvular aórtica significativa basal requirieron cirugía en una elevada proporción a corto plazo. Se identificaron características clínicas y morfológicas asociadas con el desarrollo de disfunción valvular aórtica significativa.

ABSTRACT An experiment was carried out to verify the response to the Ca reduction levels of diets with different vitamin D sources on performance, bone mineral deposition, serum concentrations, digestibility, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of broiler chickens in the period from 1 to 42 days reared in thermoneutral environment. A total of 504 male broilers with one day of age and average weight of 43.27±1.08 g were housed in climatic chambers and distributed in a completely randomized design. The study consisted of a 4 × 2 factorial, with four Ca reduction levels (0, 10, 20, and 30%) and two vitamin D sources (2760 IU of D3 or 25-OH-D3). The performance of animals at 21 and 42 days of age was not affected by Ca reduction by up to 30%, regardless of the vitamin source used. Dietary reduction from 10% decreased serum Ca concentrations. The use of vitamin D3 provided a serum P level greater than the 25-OH-D3. Calcium reduction decreased serum 25-OH-D3 levels. No effect of vitamin source or Ca levels on broiler carcass characteristics was observed at 42 days. The vitamin source did not influence meat quality, while Ca reduction of the diet provided lower losses by thawing and cooking and higher initial pH values. The b* color was reduced in diets with lower Ca levels of the diet. Reducing Ca up to 30% does not affect the performance and carcass characteristics, regardless of the vitamin D source used. The quality of broiler meat is improved with the Ca reduction in the diet, but the vitamin used has no effect on such characteristics. We can conclude, based on the results of performance, blood, and bone, that the performance variables are not adequate to determine the actual requirement of Ca, since as it is a priority to maintain performance, bone mineral mobilization occurs, which may compromise the carcass quality of the birds.

RESUMO O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a resistência natural da madeira de carvoeiro (Sclerolobium paniculatum Vogel) a cupins xilófagos em ensaio de alimentação forçada. Para a avaliação da resistência da madeira foram utilizadas 9 toras, de cuja região periférica do cerne foram retiradas 45 amostras de 2,54 × 2,00 × 0,64 cm (longitudinal × radial × tangencial), sendo 5 de cada planta. Foram utilizadas amostras de madeira de Pinus sp. como padrão de comparação. O experimento foi conduzido em frascos de vidro de 600 mL contendo 200 g de areia e 1 ± 0,05 g de cupins do gênero Nasutitermes. Transcorrido o período de ensaio, observou-se que o dano causado pelos térmitas à madeira foi somente superficial. Pela análise geral dos dados, a madeira da espécie testada foi classificada como altamente resistente ao ataque dos cupins, podendo ser indicada para uso em locais com incidência desses insetos.

ABSTRACT This work aimed to evaluate the natural resistance of the coal wood (Sclerolobium paniculatum Vogel) to xylophagous termites in force-feeding assay. Nine logs were used to evaluate the wood strength, which were removed from the core peripheral region of 45 samples measuring 2.54 × 2.00 × 0.64 cm (longitudinal × radial × tangential), five from each plant. Pinus sp. wood samples were usedas a comparison standard. The experiment was conducted in 600 ml glass bottles containing 200 g of sand and 1 ± 0.05 g of Nasutitermes termites. Passed the test period, it was observed that the termites caused only superficial damage to the wood. The overall data analysis indicates that the tested wood was classified as highly resistant to termite attack and may be suitable for use in locations affected by them.

ABSTRACT The effects of processing of pelleted diets and their storage time on the stability of the enzyme complex SSF (solid-state fermentation) were evaluated. Two diets were formulated with the same nutritional composition, differing only in the Schizochytrium sp. levels (0 g kg-1 and 50 g kg-1). The samples were collected during the following processing steps: mixing, then pelleting, and then oven. To evaluate the storage time, the diet ready after drying was considered as day 1. On this day, two samples were obtained, being one kept in a room with ambient temperature of 25 °C and another stored in freezer at -18 °C. At 15, 30, 45, and 60 days, sub-samples were taken. All samples from the processing step and storage time were sent to the laboratory and the following enzyme activities were measured: α-galactosidase, endoglucanase (carboxy-methyl-cellulase), xylanase, sucrase, amylase, lipase, and trypsin. There were no significant differences between the mixture and post-oven phase, except for the activity of α-galactosidase, lipase, and sucrase. For the storage temperature of 25 °C, no effect was observed for the activities of endoglucanase, sucrase, xylanase, amylase, and trypsin between the first (after oven) and the 60th day of the trial. As for the storage temperature of -18 °C, no difference was observed, except for the activities of endoglucanase and xylanase between the first and last day. Comparing the two types of storage (25 °C and -18 °C), there was difference only for the activity of galactosidase and trypsin at 60 days. The enzymes of the enzyme complex SSF studied remain stable during the processing of pelleted diet at 55 °C, maintaining activity for at least 60 days when stored at temperatures up to 25 °C.

O trabalho objetivou realizar a caracterização anatômica e física de hastes adultas do bambu Dendrocalamus giganteus Munro. Assim, foram coletadas quatro hastes e seccionadas em colmos de 2,10 m de comprimento. Das extremidades dos colmos foram obtidos discos de 5,0 cm de espessura, os quais foram transformados em corpos de prova para a caracterização anatômica e física. Foram mensurados o percentual de fibras, de vasos e de parênquima, o teor de umidade, as massas específicas básica e anidra e a retratibilidade. O bambu estudado possui frequência de vasos de 0 a 4 vasos mm–2, média de 2 vasos mm–2, fibras com comprimento médio de 2,72 mm e o parênquima compõe 50,72% do colmo. O teor de umidade foi quantificado em 60%; a massa específica básica, em 0,66 g cm–3; a anidra, em 0,83 g cm–3; a retratibilidade volumétrica, em 15,40%. Observou-se que as características físicas do bambu foram influenciadas pela disposição e pela proporção dos elementos anatômicos.

The work aimed to carry out the anatomical and physical characterizations of adult bamboo rods of Dendrocalamus giganteus Munro. So, four rods were collected and sectioned in culms of 2.10 m long. From the ends of the culms were obtained 5.0 cm thick disks that were transformed into samples for anatomical and physical characterizations. In this study, were measured the percentage of fibers, vessels, parenchyma, the moisture content, the basic specific gravity and oven dry specific gravity and shrinkage. The studied bamboo has 0 to 4 vessels mm–2, with average of 2 vessels mm–2, with average fiber length of 2.72 mm and 50.72% consists of parenchyma tissue. The moisture content was quantified at 60%, the basic specific gravity in 0.66 g cm–3, the oven dry specific gravity in 0.83 g cm–3 and volumetric shrinkage in 15.40%. It was observed that the bamboo physical characteristics were influenced by the layout and anatomical elements proportion.

Este trabalho foi realizado com intuito de avaliar a resistência mecânica das árvores à quebra e sua relação com as características dendrométricas, a densidade básica e a flexão estática da madeira (Módulo de elasticidade -MOE, Módulo de ruptura - MOR e Trabalho absorvido), com a finalidade de selecionar clones mais tolerantes à ação dos ventos. A resistência mecânica das árvores à quebra foi determinada a partir da simulação do efeito do vento sobre as mesmas, obtendo-se a força necessária para quebra das árvores. Foram avaliados dez clones do híbrido Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis com 30 e 35 meses de idade, nos plantios florestais em baixadas. A força média para quebrar as árvores foi de 79,00 kgf, na altura média de 2,99 m. A densidade média foi de 0,40 g/cm3. O MOE, MOR e Trabalho Absorvido nos ensaios de flexão estática foram iguais a 60965 kgf/cm2, 544 kgf/cm2 e 10 J, respectivamente. O clone CNB017 apresentou os melhores resultados nos teste de resistência das árvores à quebra e nos parâmetros físicos e mecânicos avaliados, sendo o mais indicado para as áreas mais susceptíveis à ação dos ventos.

This work was developed in order to evaluate the mechanical breakage of trees and its relation to the dendrometric characteristics, the wood specific gravity and bending (MOE, MOR and work to maximum load) in order to select clones more tolerant to wind action. The mechanical resistance of the trees to break was determined by the simulation of the effect of wind on them, getting the strength to break the trees. Ten clones of Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis hybrid with 30 and 35 months in forest plantations in the lowlands were evaluated. The average force to break the trees was 79.00 kgf, the average height of 2.99 m. The average wood density was 0.40 g / cm3. MOE, MOR and work to maximum load in static bending tests were equal to 60,965 kgf / cm2, 544 kgf / cm2 and10 J, respectively. The CNB017 showed the best results in the resistance of trees to break test and in the physical and mechanical parameters evaluated, being considered the most suitable clone for the areas subjected to wind breakage of trees.

Foram utilizados 50 suínos machos castrados, com alto potencial genético para deposição de carne magra na carcaça e peso inicial de 60,5 ± 1,58 kg para avaliar diferentes níveis de lisina digestível sobre o desempenho e as características de carcaça. Foi usado o delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos, cinco repetições e dois animais por repetição. Os tratamentos consistiram de cinco níveis de lisina digestível (0,600; 0,700; 0,800; 0,900 e 1,000% de lisina) obtidos variando-se a proporção de milho e farelo de soja nas rações. Os animais permaneceram no experimento até atingirem o peso final de 95,8 ± 2,64 kg. Os níveis de lisina influenciaram de forma quadrática a conversão alimentar e a conversão alimentar em músculo, que melhoraram até o nível de 0,85% de lisina digestível, e o rendimento de carne magra, que aumentou até o nível de 0,840% de lisina digestível. O consumo de lisina diário aumentou de forma linear em razão dos níveis de lisina da ração. Não houve efeito dos tratamentos sobre o ganho de peso, consumo de ração, características de carcaça, rendimento de carcaça, rendimento de gordura e rendimento de pernil. Conclui-se que suínos machos castrados, dos 60 aos 95 kg, exigem 0,850% de lisina digestível, correspondente a um consumo diário estimado de 24,2 g de lisina digestível.

Fifty barrows with high genetic potential for lean gain and 60.5 ± 1.58kg of average initial live weight were used in a study to evaluate different lysine levels on performance and carcass traits. A randomized blocks experimental design, with five treatments, five replicates and two animals per replicate was used. Treatments consisted in five digestible lysine levels (0.600; 0.700; 0.800; 0.900; e 1.000%) obtained with the variation of corn and soybean meal proportion. Animals were kept in the experiment until they reached 95.8 + 2.64kg of final live weight. Lysine levels had a quadratic effect on feed conversion and feed conversion in muscle, which improved to the level of 0.85 % digestible lysine , and lean meat yield , which increased up to 0.840 % digestible lysine.The daily lysine intake increased linearly with the elevation of dietary levels of lysine. There was no effect of treatments on weight gain, feed intake, carcass traits, carcass yield, fat yield, and ham yield. It was concluded that barrows from 60 to 95 kg require 0.850% of total lysine, corresponding to a digestible lysine estimated intake of 24.2 g/day.

The immobilization of laccase on chitosan by cross-linking and application of the immobilized laccase in the bioconversion of phenolic compounds in batch and fixed bed reactors were studied. The process for immobilization of enzyme was optimized using a rotational central composite design. The optimized conditions to generate immobilized laccase with maximal activity were determined to be a glutaraldehyde concentration of 1.0% (v/v), a pH of 6.0, an immobilization time of 5.0 hours and an enzyme concentration of 5.2 g L-1. In packed bed reactors, the activity of the immobilized enzyme is maintained for a longer time in the bioconversion of 2,6-dimethoxyphenol than in the bioconversion of syringaldazine.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of digestible lysine levels in diets with and without supplementation of industrial amino acids on performance and fat deposition in the carcass of broilers in the starter phase. One thousand four hundred and forty chickens with initial weight of 168.1±5.0 g were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design, in a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement, composed of five digestible lysine levels (10.0, 11.0, 12.0, 13.0 and 14.0 g/kg) and two types of diet (diet with different proportions of corn and soybean meal and diet supplemented with industrial amino acids to obtain the digestible lysine levels), with eight replications and 18 birds per replication. There was interaction effect only on weight gain and fat deposition in the birds. The lysine levels reduced feed intake linearly in both diets, but caused a linear increase in lysine intake. The lysine levels quadratically affected weight gain and feed conversion, which improved up to the estimated levels of 13.0 and 12.8 g/kg lysine, respectively, when the corn:soybean meal ratio of the diet changed. In the diets supplemented with amino acids, the lysine levels increased weight gain and improved feed conversion linearly. Regardless of the type of diet, protein deposition increased linearly, whereas fat deposition reduced also linearly, as the lysine levels in the diets were increased. The levels of 13.0 and 14.0 g/kg digestible lysine provide, respectively, the best performance in birds fed a diet in which the proportion of corn and soybean meal varies and a diet supplemented with industrial amino acids, in the period from 8 to 21 days of age.

The objective of this study was to estimate the digestible lysine requirement of Japanese quails in the egg-laying phase. A total of 336 female Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) of average initial age of 207 days were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design, composed of 6 treatments (lysine levels) with 7 replicates and 8 birds per experimental unit, with duration of 84 days. Experimental diets were formulated from a basal diet, with corn and soybean meal, with 2.800 kcal ME/kg and 203.70 g/kg crude protein, showing levels of 9.50; 10.00; 10.50; 11.00; 11.50; and 12.00 g/kg digestible lysine; diets remained isoprotein and isocaloric. The following variables were studied: feed intake (FI); lysine intake (LI); egg production per bird per day (EPBD); egg production per bird housed (EPBH); production of marketable eggs (PME); egg weight (EW); egg mass (EM); utilization efficiency of lysine for egg mass production (UELEM); feed conversion per mass (FCEM); feed conversion per dozen eggs (FCDZ); bird availability (BA); percentages of yolk (Y), albumen (A) and shell (S); specific egg weight (SW); nitrogen ingested (NI); nitrogen excreted (NE); and nitrogen balance (NB). Significant effect was only observed for LI, EW, EM, UELEM, FCEM, Y, A and SW. The digestible lysine level estimated in diets for laying Japanese quails is 11.20 g digestible lysine/kg diet, corresponding to an average daily intake of 272.23 mg lysine.

With the objective of evaluating available phosphorus (aP) levels in diets for barrows selected for lean meat deposition, eighty commercial hybrid pigs with initial weight of 94.05±1.05 kg were used in this experiment. Pigs were allotted in a completely randomized block design, with five treatments (0.092, 0.156, 0.220, 0,284, and 0.348% of aP), eight replicates and two pigs per experimental unit. The average daily weight gain of pigs increased and the feed conversion improved quadratically with increasing aP in the diets up to the estimated levels of 0.21 and 0.20%, respectively. There was no effect of the dietary aP on average daily feed intake. However, aP intake, bone strength and concentration of phosphorus in the bones increased linearly with increasing aP in the diets. The levels of aP did not affect carcass traits; however, the alkaline phosphatase activity was improved and the values of serum inorganic phosphorus increased quadratically up to the estimated levels of 0.26 and 0.27% of aP, respectively. The available phosphorus levels of 0.21, 0.27, and 0.35%, corresponding to daily aP intakes of 6.34, 8.13, and 10.44 g result, respectively, in greatest performance, blood and bone parameters of 95 to 120 kg barrows selected for lean gain.

With the objective to evaluate levels of available phosphorus (aP) in diets with or without ractopamine, 112 gilts with high genetic potential for meat deposition with initial weigh of 94.0±2.28 kg were allotted in a completely randomized block design, in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement (0.109, 0.209, 0.309, and 0.409% aP and 0 or 5 ppm of ractopamine), with eight treatments, seven replicates, and two gilts per experimental unit. There were no interactions between aP levels and ractopamine. The levels of available phosphorus influenced both daily weight gain and daily phosphorus intake, which increased linearly. Feed conversion improved in a quadratic way up to the estimated level of 0.330% aP maximum response. Daily weight gain increased and feed conversion improved by adding ractopamine to the diets. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity decreased linearly by increasing the levels of available phosphorus. Bone strength, ash, calcium, and phosphorus contents in the bones also increased quadratically with maximum responses at 0.320, 0.270, 0.277, and 0.295% aP, respectively. The available phosphorus level of 0.330%, corresponding to a daily intake of 8.67 g of aP is suitable for 94 to 125 kg gilts selected for meat deposition fed diets with or without ractopamine.

With the objective to evaluate the effect of dietary available phosphorus levels (aP) on the performance, blood and bone parameters of castrated male and female pigs, genetically selected for meat deposition, 60 commercial hybrids pigs with initial weight of 15.54±0.68 kg were allotted in a completely randomized block design, with six treatments (0.103, 0.210, 0.317, 0.424, 0.531, and 0.638% aP), five replicates, and two animals per experimental unit. Pigs were fed ad libitum and water was provided until the end of the experimental period (21 days), when animals reached 31.31±2.94 kg. Daily weight gain and daily feed intake increased, while the feed conversion improved quadratically up to 0.534, 0.487, and 0.574% aP maximum responses, respectively. The aP intake and the values of inorganic phosphorus in serum increased linearly with increasing the levels of aP in the diets. Alkaline phosphatase activity increased quadratically up to 0.558% maximum response. Bone breaking strength and calcium, phosphorus, and ash contents in the bones increased linearly with increasing aP concentration in the diets. The available phosphorus requirement of castrated male and female pigs genetically selected for meat deposition from 15 to 30 kg for best results of performance is 0.574%, corresponding to a daily intake of 8.26 g of available phosphorus.

Ninety-six barrows from 63 to 103 days of age were used to evaluate the effects of dietary digestible lysine levels on performance and carcass traits of two genetic lines selected for lean deposition. Pigs with initial body weight of 23.800 ± 1.075 kg were allotted in a completely randomized block design, within a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement (four digestible lysine levels: 0.80, 0.90, 1.00, 1.10%, and two genetic lines), with six replicates and two pigs per experimental unit. There was no interaction between genetic and digestible lysine levels. The digestible lysine levels also did not influence performance or carcass traits of pigs; however, average daily lysine intake increased with increasing digestible lysine level in the experimental diets. Pigs from genetic line B had better carcass traits when compared with those from genetic line A. The level of 0.80% digestible lysine corresponding to a daily intake of 16.60 g digestible lysine meets the nutritional requirement of pigs from both genetic lines evaluated, from 63 to 103 days of age.