Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant public health concern in resource-constrained sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Efforts to combat this burden are hampered by the region's wide variation in reported prevalence. This review aimed to systematically synthesize up-to-date data on PPD in SSA. The review was structured per the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. Included in the review were studies that reported the prevalence of PPD in SSA. A search was undertaken of PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, and PsycINFO. A random-effect model was fitted to estimate the pooled burden of postpartum depressive symptoms in SSA. We conducted subgroup analyses to estimate the distribution of postpartum depressive symptoms based on important study characteristics: sample size, the timing of diagnosis, design, study setting/region, instrument, and income/ economy. The prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms ranged from 3.8% to 69.9%, with a pooled estimate of 22.1% (CI 18.5-26.2; I² = 98.2; Tau = 0.848; p<0.001). There was a significant variation in postpartum depressive symptoms with sample size (p<0.001). The highest prevalence (25.6% CI 21.5-30.1) was obtained within 12 weeks postpartum. The prevalence estimate was highest (23.3%; CI 20.1-26.8) with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). South Africa (30.6%; CI 23.6-38.7) and Zimbabwe (29.3%; CI 22.2-37.5) reported the highest prevalence rates, while Tanzania (13.5%; CI 10.1-17.9) reported the lowest prevalence estimates. Upper-middle SSA countries presented the highest prevalence rates (30.6%; CI 23.6-38.7). The prevalence was highest within the period 2010-2015. PPD constitutes a significant health burden in SSA and is fast becoming an epidemic in southern Africa. SIGNIFICANCE: • Given that PPD is a recurring mental health challenge among women in sub-Saharan Africa, there is an urgent need for strategic policy provisions to ameliorate its burden. • An increase in prevalence of PPD from 2005-2010 to 2015-2021 is indicative of the need for national governments to intensify efforts targeted at achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 5 in the region. • In SSA, the prevalence of PPD is highest (approximately 30%) in Southern Africa, precisely South Africa and Zimbabwe, where it is fast becoming an epidemic; hence strategies are needed to curtail its growing trend. • There is a need to characterise and stratify the risk factors of PPD in sub-Saharan to guide policy development of predictive algorithms and implementation strategies.

ABSTRACT The symbiosis of common beans with nitrogen-fixing bacteria provides an efficient approach to sustainable and economical food production. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the application of cost-effective nitrogen management strategies in organic common bean cultivation, including the application of poultry manure and organic liquid fertilizer, seed and co-inoculation with diazotrophic bacteria (Azospirillum brasilense and/or Rhizobium tropici), and supplementary Rhizobium tropici inoculation. The study spanned three years in a well-established organic cultivation field (2018) and an initial organic cultivation area (2019 and 2020) in Brazil. It was arranged in a randomized blocks design in a 2 × 5 (2018) and 2 × 6 (2019 and 2020) factorial scheme, with four replicates. The most profitable strategy involves seed inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense and additional inoculation with Rhizobium tropici at stage V4-5 (fifth trifoliate leaf fully expanded), while the most costly strategy was the application of poultry manure at the V3 stage (first trifoliate leaf fully expanded). Thus, the use of diazotrophic bacteria for seed inoculation and co-inoculation (Azospirillum brasilense and/or Rhizobium tropici) ensured financial returns and system profitability in common bean cultivation.

RESUMO A simbiose do feijão comum com bactérias fixadoras de nitrogênio proporciona uma abordagem eficiente para a produção de alimentos sustentável e econômica. Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a aplicação de estratégias custo-efetivas de manejo de nitrogênio no cultivo orgânico do feijão comum, incluindo a aplicação de esterco de aves e fertilizante orgânico líquido, inoculação de sementes e coinoculação com bactérias diazotróficas (Azospirillum brasilense e/ou Rhizobium tropici), e inoculação suplementar com Rhizobium tropici. O estudo durou três anos em um campo de cultivo orgânico bem estabelecido (2018) e uma área inicial de cultivo orgânico (2019 e 2020) no Brasil. O delineamento foi em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 2 × 5 (2018) e 2 × 6 (2019 e 2020), com quatro repetições. A estratégia mais lucrativa envolve a inoculação de sementes com Azospirillum brasilense e inoculação adicional com Rhizobium tropici no estádio V4-5 (quinta folha trifoliada totalmente expandida), enquanto a estratégia mais cara foi a aplicação de esterco de aves no estádio V3 (primeira folha trifoliada totalmente expandida). Assim, o uso de bactérias diazotróficas para inoculação e coinoculação de sementes (Azospirillum brasilense e/ou Rhizobium tropici) garantiu retorno financeiro e rentabilidade do sistema no cultivo do feijão comum.

Resumo A melhoria da germinação de plantas é fundamental para garantia de mudas de melhor qualidade. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar se o condicionamento de sementes com qualidade de luz (light quality - LIQ) e extrato aquoso de tubérculos de Cyperus rotundus (AEC) modula a germinação e o crescimento inicial de plântulas de Moringa oleifera. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4x4, sendo quatro condições de LIQ (luz branca, azul, vermelha e vermelho distante) e quatro concentrações de AEC (0, 25, 50 e 100%). O condicionamento de sementes com luz vermelha reduziu o tempo médio de emergência, enquanto que as luzes azul, vermelha e vermelho extremo associadas a 50% de extrato aquoso de C. rotundus aumentaram o comprimento inicial da parte aérea e o acúmulo de pigmentos fotossintéticos. Condicionamento de sementes com luz azul induziu a formação de plântulas com menor comprimento final da parte aérea, no entanto, a aplicação de 100% de extrato aquoso de C. rotundus reverteu o menor crescimento. A luz branca associada às concentrações de 50 e 100% de fitormônios promoveu maior taxa de crescimento relativo da parte aérea de plântulas. Nossa pesquisa mostra que o condicionamento de sementes com radiação espectral de luz e extrato aquoso de tubérculos de Cyperus rotundus modula a germinação e o crescimento inicial de plântulas de Moringa oleifera. Mais trabalhos precisam ser feitos para determinar os compostos do AEC responsáveis que que atuam como fitormônios e são responsáveis pelo crescimento inicial.

Abstract Improving plant germination is essential to guarantee better quality seedlings. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate whether the seed priming with light quality (LIQ) and the aqueous extract of Cyperus rotundus (AEC) tuber could modulate the germination and initial growth of Moringa oleifera L. seedlings. The experimental design was a completely randomized in the 4x4 factorial scheme, composed of four LIQ conditions (white, blue, red, and distant red light) and four AEC concentrations (0, 25, 50 and 100%). Seed priming with red light reduced the average emergence time, while blue, red, and extreme red lights associated with 50% of aqueous extract of C. rotundus increased shoot initial length and photosynthetic pigment accumulation. Seed priming with blue light resulted in seedlings with a shorter final shoot length. However, application of 100% of aqueous extract of C. rotundus reversed this. The white light in combination with concentrations of 50 and 100% of AEC promoted a higher relative shoot growth rate of seedlings. The research revealed that seed priming with light quality and aqueous extracts of C. rotundus tubers modulates the germination and initial growth of M. oleifera seedlings. More work needs to be done to determine the responsible compounds in AEC that is responsible for priming growth as phytohormones.

Resumo Os microRNAs (miRNAs) são reconhecidos como biomarcadores do diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2), úteis para a compreensão do metabolismo da doença, e possuem grande potencial como alvos terapêuticos. O aumento da expressão de BDNF e IGF1 está altamente envolvido nos benefícios as vias de insulina e glicose, porém, são regulados negativamente em condições de resistência à insulina, enquanto seu aumento de expressão está correlacionado com a melhora do metabolismo da glicose e da insulina. Estudos sugerem a regulação desses genes por microRNA em vários contextos diferentes, proporcionando uma nova abordagem de investigação para compreender o metabolismo do DM2 e revelar potenciais alvos terapêuticos. No presente estudo, investigamos em diferentes modelos animais (humanos, ratos e camundongos) miRNAs que têm como alvo BDNF e IGF1 em tecido muscular esquelético com condições fisiológicas de DM2. As análises foram realizadas utilizando ferramentas de bioinformática e bancos de dados para predição de miRNA, homologia molecular, validação experimental de interações, expressão na condição fisiológica estudada e interação em rede. Os resultados mostraram três candidatos a miRNAs para IGF1 (miR-29a, miR-29b e miR-29c) e um para BDNF (miR-206). As avaliações experimentais e a busca pela expressão no músculo esquelético de indivíduos com DM2 confirmaram a interação prevista entre miRNA-mRNA para miR-29b e miR-206 através de modelos humanos, ratos e camundongos. Essa interação foi reafirmada em múltiplas análises de rede. Em conclusão, nossos resultados mostram a relação de regulação entre miR-29b e miR-206 com os genes investigados, em diversos tecidos, sugerindo um padrão de inibição. Contudo, esses dados mostram um grande número de possíveis processos fisiológicos de interação para perspectivas biotecnológicas.

Abstract microRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized as diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) biomarkers useful for disease metabolism comprehension and have great potential as therapeutics targets. BDNF and IGF1 increased expression are highly involved in the benefits of insulin and glucose paths, however, they are down-regulated in insulin resistance conditions, while their expression increase is correlated to the improvement of glucose and insulin metabolism. Studies suggest the microRNA regulation of these genes in several different contexts, providing a novel investigation approach for comprehending T2DM metabolism and revealing potential therapeutic targets. In the present study, we investigate in different animal models (human, rat, and mouse) miRNAs that target BDNF and IGF1 in skeletal muscle tissue with T2DM physiological conditions. Bioinformatics tools and databases were used to miRNA prediction, molecular homology, experimental validation of interactions, expression in the studied physiological condition, and network interaction. The findings showed three miRNAs candidates for IGF1(miR-29a, miR-29b, and miR-29c) and one for BDNF (miR-206). The experimental evaluations and the search for the expression in skeletal muscle from T2DM subjects confirmed the predicted interaction between miRNA-mRNA for miR-29b and miR-206 through human, rat, and mouse models. This interaction was reaffirmed in multiple network analyses. In conclusion, our results show the regulation relationship between miR-29b and miR-206 with the investigated genes, in several tissues, suggesting an inhibition pattern. Nevertheless, these data show a large number of possible interaction physiological processes, for future biotechnological prospects.

Resumo A etologia dos insetos é um fator importante quando se deseja relizar manejo de pragas. Através deste conhecimento, é possível manipular atividades comportamentais, repelir, ou atrair os insetos de acordo com as necessidades e interesses. O gorgulho do milho Sitophilus zeamais (Mots., 1855) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), uma das principais pragas de grãos armazenados tem sido alvo de estudos de alterações comportamentais através de substâncias naturais devido à sua resistência a diferentes classes de insecticidas. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de concentrações subletais de extrato de neem e do óleo de copaíba sobre o comportamento de movimentação de S. zeamais. As características comportamentais consideradas foram: a atividade de caminhamento, a frequência do contato dos insetos com a massa de grãos tratada, e o tempo gasto para realização destes comportamentos. A atividade de caminhamento do S. zeamais aumentou quando os insetos foram expostos ao extrato de Neem e ao óleo de copaíba. Em geral, o extrato de Neem e o óleo de Copaíba induziram mais contato com a massa de grãos do que o controle, sugerindo um efeito atrativo sobre o inseto, contudo este efeito foi mais significativo para o óleo de Neem. O comportamento do inseto foi alterado, apresentando um caminhamento específico devido aos estímulos do óleo de copaíba e do extrato de Neem. Estes resultados indicam que o óleo de copaíba e o extrato de Neem podem ser alternativas potenciais para o controle do S. zeamais em produtos armazenados, uma vez que alterações no comportamento desta praga podem reduzir os danos qualitativos e quantitativos nos grãos. Assim, o desenvolvimento de produtos baseados no óleo de copaíba e no extrato de Neem pode ser útil para o manejo de pragas de armazenamento.

Abstract Insects' ethology is an important factor when it is desired to carry out pest management. This knowledge makes it possible to manipulate behavioral activities, repel, or attract insects according to needs and interests. The maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Mots., 1855) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), one of the main stored grain pests, has been the target of studies of behavioral changes studies through natural substances due to its resistance to different insecticidal classes. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of sublethal concentrations of neem extract and copaiba oil on the locomotor behavior of S. zeamais. The behavioral characteristic considered were walking activity, the frequency of contact of insects with the treated grain mass, and the time spent for this behavior. The walking activity of the S. zeamais increased with exposure to Neem extract and Copaiba oil. In general, the Neem extract and Copaiba oil-induced more contact with grain mass than the control, suggesting an attractive effect on the insect, however more significant for the Neem oil. The insect's behavior was altered, presenting a specific path due to Copaiba oil and Neem extract stimuli. These results indicate that Copaiba oil and Neem extract can be a potential alternative for controlling S. zeamais on stored products since changes in this pests' behavior can reduce qualitative and quantitative grain damage. Thus, the development of products based on Copaiba oil and Neem extract may be helpful for storage pest management.

Resumo Em uma escala global o Sorghum bicolor (L.) é uma das culturas mais importantes, ocupando o quinto lugar entre todos os cereais. É cultivada na África, Ásia, Oceania e Américas, onde serve como fonte de alimento e ração para humanos e animais, respectivamente. No entanto, a produção é limitada por vários fatores, incluindo pragas e doenças. Entre as pragas que atacam o sorgo, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), comumente chamado de pulgão verde dos cereais, é a praga mais destrutiva do sorgo. O dano de S. graminum ao sorgo é agravado pelo déficit hídrico que favorece sua ocorrência. Informações limitadas sobre a distribuição espacial da praga e seus inimigos naturais impedem o desenvolvimento de estratégias de manejo ecologicamente corretas. Portanto, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi determinar a distribuição espaço-temporal de S. graminum e seu inimigo natural Coccinella septempunctata (L.) durante a fase vegetativa e reprodutiva da cultura por meio de análise geoestatística. A distribuição espaço-temporal de S. graminum foi influenciada pelo estágio de desenvolvimento do sorgo, paisagem circundante e presença de seu principal predador C. septempunctata. Além disso, a abundância de C. septempunctata foi influenciada pela densidade de S. graminum. Os resultados deste estudo são necessários para o desenvolvimento de estratégias sustentáveis de manejo de pragas contra S. graminum.

Abstract At the global level, Sorghum bicolor (L.), is one of the most important crops, which ranks fifth among all cereals. It is cultivated in Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas, where it serves as a source of food and feed for humans and animals, respectively. However, production is constrained by several factors including pests and diseases. Among the pests that are known to attack Sorghum, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), commonly called the green cereal aphid, is the most destructive pest of sorghum. S. graminum damage to sorghum is worsen by water deficit which favors its occurrence. Limited information on the spatial distribution of the pest and its natural enemies impedes the development of ecologically friendly management strategies. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine the spatiotemporal distribution of S. graminum and its natural enemy Coccinella septempunctata (L.) during the vegetative and reproductive stage of the crop using geostatistical analysis. The spatiotemporal distribution of S. graminum was influenced by Sorghum development stage, surrounding landscape, and presence of its main predator C. septempunctata. Moreover, the abundance of C. septempunctata was influenced by the density of S. graminum. The findings from this study are required for developing sustainable pest management strategies against S. graminum.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of oropharyngeal colostrum immunotherapy (OCI) on the mortality of preterm newborns (PTNB) with very low birth weight (VLBW). Method Non-randomized clinical trial, carried out with 138 mother-child pairs attended at a public maternity hospital. The treatment group used raw colostrum, dripping 4 drops (0.2 ml) into the oropharyngeal mucosa, totaling 8 administrations in 24 h, up to the 7th complete day of life (OCI). The control group was composed of newborns admitted to the same maternity hospital before the implementation of the OCI. Analyzes were performed: descriptive, bivariate, multiple logistic regression, and survival analysis, with a significance level of 5% and 95% CI. Results The treatment group had an RR of death of 0.26 (95% CI = 0.07-0.67; p= 0.00), adjusted for maternal age, marital status, gestational hypertension, type of delivery, number of prenatal visits, and birth weight. Number Needed to Treat (NNT) demonstrated that for every 5 individuals treated with OCI, one death was prevented NNT = 4.9 (95% CI = 1.84-5.20); however, for PTNB with VLBW who remained hospitalized for 50, 100 and 150 days, the NNT reduces to 4, 4 and 3, respectively. Conclusion The OCI proved to be a beneficial intervention, since it reduced the risk of mortality in PTNB with VLBW when compared to the control group.

Investigating specialized plant metabolites, traditionally referred to as ‘secondary metabolites’ present in leaf extracts of cashew trees (Anacardium occidentale) resistant and susceptible to anthracnose disease was carried out using metabolomics combined with chemometric tools. We used clones of dwarf-cashew with the following variations of characteristics: resistant and healthy (CCP 76, BRS 226, BRS 189), susceptible and healthy (BRS 265), and another clone also susceptible but affected by the disease (BRS 265). The UPLC-QTOF-MSE (ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry) analysis of the leaves of Anacardium clones allowed us to annotate a total of 39 metabolites. The multiple orthogonal partial discriminant analysis of the least-squares (OPLS-DA) allowed twelve metabolites to be potential biomarkers of differentiation among the clones studied. Namely, the triene-(17:3)-anacardic acid found on CCP 76 and BRS 189 clones, respectively, is the main candidate for biomarker of resistance. While catechin, B-type procyanidin isomers, and procyanidin dimer monogallate identified in BRS 265 are significant potential biomarkers of susceptibility.

Objectives: To examine drug overdose records in Brazil from 2000 to 2020, analyzing trends over time in overdoses and overall sociodemographic characteristics of the deceased. Methods: Using data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System (Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade), we identified records from 2000-2020 in which the underlying cause-of-death was one of the following codes: X40-X45 (accidental poisoning), X60-X65 (intentional poisoning), or Y10-Y15 (undetermined intentionality poisoning). The Brazilian dataset included 21,410 deaths. We used joinpoint regression analysis to assess changes in trends over time. Results: People who died of drug overdoses in Brazil between 2000 and 2020 had a mean age of 38.91 years; 38.45% were women, and 44.01% were identified as White. Of the overdose deaths, 44.70% were classified as intentional and 32.12% were classified as unintentional. Among the identified drugs, stimulants were the most common class. However, most records did not report which drug was responsible for death. Conclusion: Sociodemographic trends in overdose deaths in Brazil must guide country-specific policies. Nevertheless, data collection protocols must be improved, particularly regarding the drug used in overdoses.

ABSTRACT Technologies once applied exclusively in conventional systems have maximized gains in hydroponic systems; however, they still need information for proper use. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate the effect of foliar application of thiamine and niacin on growth and gas exchange activities in two lettuce cultivars in an ebb and flow hydroponic system. The completely randomized design (CRD) was used with four treatments and eight replications. The treatments were as follows: T1 - control, T2 - thiamine at a concentration of 200 mg L-1, T3 - niacin at 200 mg L-1, and T4 - thiamine and niacin combined at 100 mg L-1 of each vitamin. Each experimental plot consisted of a lettuce plant. The combined application of thiamine and niacin stood out, increasing the activity of gas exchange of lettuce plants and increasing by about 30% the fresh mass, concerning the control, for both cultivars, followed by the isolated application of niacin. For thiamine, the application alone did not result in significant changes. The vitamins affect the morphophysiology of lettuce, where the use of niacin has the potential for use in hydroponic production systems. Its combined use with thiamine increases this potential, with a synergistic effect between the compounds being verified.

RESUMO Tecnologias outrora aplicadas exclusivamente em sistemas convencionais, têm maximizado os ganhos em sistemas hidropônicos, porém, necessitando ainda de informações para uma adequada utilização. Assim, o estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da aplicação foliar de tiamina e niacina sobre o crescimento e atividades de troca gasosa em duas cultivares de alface em sistema hidropônico de fluxo e refluxo. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado (DIC), com quatro tratamentos e oito repetições. Os tratamentos foram: T1 - controle; T2 - tiamina em concentração de 200 mg L-1; T3 - niacina em concentração de 200 mg L-1; T4 - tiamina e niacina combinadas, em concentração de 100 mg L-1 de cada vitamina. Cada parcela experimental foi constituída por um vaso, contendo uma muda de alface. A aplicação conjunta de tiamina e niacina elevou as trocas gasosas das plantas de alface, aumentando em cerca de 30% a massa fresca, em relação ao controle, para ambas as cultivares, seguida pela aplicação isolada de niacina. Para a tiamina, a aplicação de forma isolada não resultou em alterações significativas. As vitaminas afetam a morfofisiologia da alface, onde o uso da niacina tem potencial para uso em sistemas de produção hidropônicos, sendo esse potencial aumentado pelo seu uso conjunto com a tiamina, verificando-se um efeito sinérgico entre os compostos.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 continues to be a major issue in resource-limited settings, particularly owing to the limited supply of vaccines caused by inequitable distribution OBJECTIVE: To monitor diagnostic gene targets to identify potential test failures caused by mutations, which is important for public health METHODS: Here we analysed the genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2 from the second wave in Zimbabwe. A total of 377 samples were sequenced at Quadram Institute Bioscience. After quality control, 192 sequences passed and were analysed RESULTS: The Beta variant was dominant during this period, contributing 77.6% (149) of the genomes sequenced and having a total of 2994 mutations in diagnostic polymerase chain reaction target genes. Many single nucleotide polymorphism mutations resulted in amino acid substitution that had the potential to impact viral fitness by increasing the rate of transmission or evading the immune response to previous infection or vaccination CONCLUSION: There were nine lineages circulating in Zimbabwe during the second wave. The B.1.351 was dominant, accounting for >75%. There were over 3 000 mutations on the diagnostic genes and lineage B.1.351, contributing almost two-thirds of the mutations. The S-gene had the most mutations and the E-gene was the least mutated

Eugenia punicifolia (Kunth) DC, known as “pedra ume-caá” or “pitanguinha do cerrado”, is popularly used to treat infectious diseases like inflammation, and diabetes. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate an analytical method by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) for the seasonal quantification of gallic acid (GA) and ellagic acid (EA), and to co-validate the method for quantification from the ethanol extract and fractions of the E. punicifolia leaves. Chromatographic separations were performed with a mobile phase gradient of acetonitrile/methanol/water acidified with 0.2% formic acid, a flow of 0.8 mL min 1, detection at 254 nm, and a C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm). Method validation parameters were determined following Brazilian legislation. The HPLC-DAD analytical method developed for the quantification of GA and EA was validated and demonstrated to be selective, linear, precise, accurate, robust, and without matrix effect. Accordingly, it is helpful for the analysis of these tannins in crude ethanol extracts and fractions from E. punicifoila leaves. Thus, our results may be of great help for quality control assessment and standardization of raw materials containing Eugenia punicifolia.

ABSTRACT Cowpea crops have high socioeconomic importance in the Northeast region of Brazil. These crops generate employment and income; in addition, it is an excellent source of protein, minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber, and contributes to the food security of thousands of people. Biofortification of cowpea with iron, zinc, and proteins can contribute to prevent the higher hunger. The objective of this work was to assess iron, zinc, and protein contents in cowpea grains of different cultivars and the effect of grain size and color on the contents of these nutrients. Twenty-four cultivars with variation in size and color of the seed coat were evaluated. Iron contents ranged from 7.12 to 8.60 mg 100 g-1, with an overall mean of 7.75 mg 100 g-1. Zinc contents ranged from 4.46 to 4.93 mg 100 g-1, with an overall mean of 4.71 mg 100 g-1. Protein contents ranged from 31.50 to 36.24 g 100 g-1, with an overall mean of 33.57 g 100 g-1. Grain size ranged from 13.55 to 37.88 g, with an overall mean of 21.50 g. The cultivars Caldeirão, BRS-Guariba, and Pingo-de-Ouro-1-2 have higher iron contents; BRS-Aracê and BRS-Imponente have higher zinc contents; BR-14-Mulato, BRS-Guariba, BRS-Aracê, and BRS-Inhuma, have higher protein contents; and BR-3-Tracuateua and BRS-Imponente have larger grain sizes. The size and color of the seed coat do not influence the iron, zinc and protein contents of the evaluated cowpea cultivars.

RESUMO O feijão-caupi é uma cultura de grande importância socioeconômica na região Nordeste do Brasil. Além de ser um gerador de emprego e renda, é uma excelente fonte de proteínas, minerais, vitaminas e fibras alimentares, contribuindo para a segurança alimentar de milhares de pessoas. A biofortificação do grão de feijão-caupi com ferro, zinco e proteínas pode contribuir na prevenção da fome oculta. Este trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar os teores de ferro, zinco e proteínas nos grãos de cultivares de feijão-caupi e verificar a influência da cor e tamanho do grão nos teores desses nutrientes. Foram avaliadas 24 cultivares com variação no tamanho e cor do grão. O teor de ferro variou de 7,12 a 8,60 mg 100g-1 e média geral de 7,75 mg 100g-1. O teor de zinco apresentou variação de 4,46 a 4,93 mg 100 g-1 e média geral de 4,71 mg 100 g-1. O teor de proteínas variou de 31,50 a 36,24 g 100g-1, com média geral de 33,57 107 g 100g-1. O tamanho do grão variou de 13,55 a 37,88 g e apresentou média geral de 21,50 g. As cultivares Caldeirão, BRS Guariba e Pingo de Ouro 1-2 apresentam maior teor de ferro; BRS Aracê e BRS Imponente, maior teor de zinco; BR 14-Mulato, BRS Guariba, BRS Aracê e BRS-Inhuma, maior teor de proteínas; e BR 3-Tracuateua e BRS Imponente, maior tamanho de grão. O tamanho e a cor do tegumento grão não influenciam nos teores de ferro, zinco e proteínas das cultivares de feijão-caupi avaliadas.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and in situ degradability of elephant grass silage dry matter with increasing levels of sugarcane bagasse. A completely randomized design was adopted with five treatments: 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% inclusion of sugarcane bagasse on an as-fed matter basis, with five replications, totalling 25 experimental units. The increasing proportion of sugarcane bagasse analysed was favourable only in increasing the concentration of dry matter and fibre of silages and in maintaining a considerable crude protein content. In the in situ degradation assay, the addition of sugarcane bagasse in silage decreased the ruminal degradability of dry matter, and as the passage rates increased, the effective degradability decreased. In the in vitro gas production assay, the total production of gases was decreased with the inclusion of sugarcane bagasse, as did the degradability of organic matter and neutral detergent fibre. The recommendation for the inclusion of sugarcane bagasse should be analysed according to the desired objective, emphasizing that values higher than 5% can greatly compromise the final nutritive value of elephant grass silage.