RESUMO: Os objetivos deste estudo foram analisar a interferência do tamanho amostral no teste de não aditividade de Tukey e encontrar o tamanho de amostra para otimizar o teste para a produtividade de grãos em soja. Seis experimentos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso foram conduzidos com 20 ou 30 cultivares de soja em três repetições de cada tratamento. A produtividade de grãos foi definida por planta, totalizando 9.000 plantas amostradas. A seguir, foram simulados cenários amostrais de até 100 plantas, estimando a estatística F para um grau de liberdade do erro em cada cenário. Após, foi definido o tamanho amostral ótimo via modelos de potência e pontos de máxima curvatura. Os resultados mostram que o número de plantas amostradas por unidade experimental influencia as estimativas do teste de não aditividade de Tukey. Além disso, a amostragem de 14 a 19 plantas por unidade experimental possibilita manter a acurácia do teste.

ABSTRACT: This study analyzed the interference of sample size on Tukey’s test for non-additivity and found the sample size to optimize the test for soybean grain yield. Six experiments were conducted in a completely randomized block design with either 20 or 30 cultivars and three repetitions of each treatment. Grain yield was determined per plant, totaling 9,000 sampled plants. Next, sample scenarios up to 100 plants were simulated, estimating F statistic for a degree of freedom of the error in each scenario. After that, the optimal sample size was defined via power models and maximum curvature point. Results showed the number of sampled plants per experimental unit influences the estimates of Tukey’s test for non-additivity. Also, the sampling of 14 to 19 plants per experimental unit allows for maintaining the accuracy of the test.

ABSTRACT Climatic factors can decisively influence the growth and productivity of agricultural crops. For unconventional vegetables, such as the Amazon chicory, the influence of sunlight on growing cycle is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of shading levels on the productive performance of Amazon chicory. The authors used a randomized block design, with four treatments and five replicates. The treatments were black polypropylene screens, 30, 50 and 70% shading, and cultivation at full sunlight. Vegetative development and production traits were evaluated. Correlation and principal components analysis (PCA) were performed with the aid of the computer program R. No significant difference between the shading levels for the evaluated traits was noticed. Nevertheless, the cultivation at full sunlight allowed an increase in production, compared to the 70% shading screen. A strong positive correlation between productivity, leaf fresh mass and amount of water in the shoot area was verified, with a coefficient equal to 1. Only the leaf area characteristic was poorly correlated with other traits (angle >90º). Therefore, we suggest growing the Amazon chicory both at full sunlight and under 70% shading.

RESUMO Fatores climáticos podem influenciar de modo decisivo no crescimento e produtividade de culturas agrícolas. Para hortaliças não convencionais, como a chicória da Amazônia, é desconhecido a influência da luz solar em seu ciclo de cultivo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência de níveis de sombreamento no desempenho produtivo de chicória da Amazônia. Para isso, adotou-se o delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos foram telas de polipropileno preta, com 30, 50 e 70% de sombreamento e cultivo a pleno sol. Avaliou-se características de desenvolvimento vegetativo e de produção. Realizou-se a análise de correlação e de componentes principais (PCA), no programa computacional R. Não houve diferença significativa entre os níveis de sombreamento para as características avaliadas. Apesar disso, o cultivo a pleno sol possibilitou incremento na produção, em comparação à tela de 70% de sombreamento. Houve forte correlação positiva entre a produtividade, massa fresca das folhas e quantidade de água da parte aérea, com coeficiente igual a 1. Apenas as características de área foliar foram pouco correlacionadas com as demais (ângulo >90º). Logo, pode ser indicado que a chicória da Amazônia seja cultivada tanto a pleno sol como em 70% de sombreamento.

Abstract Aims: analyze kinematics, anthropometrics, and maturation during a training season in 12 y and underage-group swimmers, quantifying changes and estimating their contributions to the 200-m maximal front crawl time trial test (T200) (time trial/fixed distance), as an event representative of the swimming performance. Methods: Nineteen age-group swimmers (11 girls and 8 boys; age 10.0 ± 1.3 y and 10.6 ± 1.0 y) performed a T200 four times during the training season. Changes in kinematic and anthropometric variables throughout the season were calculated. We applied generalized estimating equations to compare the variables over the four experimental tests. Multiple linear regressions were applied to identify the most influential variables and the relative contribution of anthropometrics and kinematics to swimming performance of T200 at baseline (pre-season) and after (using delta values) each macrocycle. Results: Large improvements (d = 1.76) were observed in the T200's performance (from 85.5 ± 38.2 at pre-season to 175.2 ± 50.1 FINA points at the end season). A gender effect was not identified. Stroke rate, stroke length, and stroke index explained, respectively 59, 23, and 17% of the T200 performance changes along the season (R2 = 0.81; F = 26.9; p < 0.001; Durbin-Watson: 1.5). Anthropometric was not related to performance changes, with kinematic being the most determinant factor. Conclusion: Kinematical approaches must be carefully considered by coaches when planning 12 y and underage-group swimmers training programs.

Resumen Antecedentes: La creatina suministra energía y el ácido guanidinoacético (GAA) es su precursor y actúa como sustrato energético, reduciendo la degradación proteica y evitando el desvío de aminoácidos para gluconeogénesis. Objetivo: Evaluar el GAA en la dieta de pre-iniciación (1 a 7 dias) sobre el desempeño, la digestibilidad y los parámetros sanguíneos de pollos entre 1 y 21 dias de edad. Métodos: Se utilizaron 252 pollitos de engorde machos de un día de edad, distribuidos en un diseño completamente al azar, con siete repeticiones y 12 aves por unidad experimental. Los tratamientos consistieron en: ración basal y ración basal adicionada con 0,10 y 0,20% de GAA. Resultados: En el período de 1 a 7 días se observó una tendencia de mejora de la conversión alimenticia (FC) en las aves que recibieron 0,20% de GAA (p<0,10). De 7 a 14 días hubo mejoría en FC y tendencia de mejora en ganancia de peso de los animales que recibieron 0,20% de GAA. Los animales que recibieron 0,20% de GAA presentaron mayor concentración sanguínea de creatina quinasa. La creatinina y la glucosa sanguínea a los seis días no difirieron entre los tratamientos. El coeficiente de metabolización de la proteína bruta aumentó en el período de 3 a 7 días en los animales que recibieron 0,20% de GAA. Para el período de 17 a 21 días no hubo diferencia entre los tratamientos. Para peso y longitud del intestino no se presentaron diferencias significativas. Conclusión: El GAA a un nivel de 0,20% en la dieta pre- inicial podria mejorar la ganancia de peso, y la conversión alimenticia en el período de 1 a 14 días de edad en pollos de engorde.

Resumo Antecedentes: A creatina é uma substância que fornece energia e o ácido guanidinoacético (GAA) é seu precursor atuando como substrato energético, menor degradação proteica evitando o desvio de aminoácidos para gliconeogênese. Objetivo: Avaliar o GAA em dietas pré-iniciais sobre o desempenho, a digestibilidade e parâmetros sanguíneos. Métodos: Foram utilizados 252 pintos de corte machos de um a 21 dias de idade distribuído sem delineamento inteiramente casualizado, sete repetições e 12 aves por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram: ração basal e rações com 0,10 e 0,20% de GAA. Resultados: No período de 1 a 7 dias foi observada tendência de melhora da conversão alimentar (FC) (p<0,10) quando as aves receberam 0,20% de GAA. No período de 7 a 14 dias houve melhora na FC e tendência de melhora do ganho de peso dos animais que receberam 0,20% de GAA. Animais que receberam 0,20% de GAA apresentaram concentração sanguínea da enzima creatina quinase maior. A creatinina sanguínea aos seis dias e glicose sanguínea não diferiram entre os tratamentos. O coeficiente de metabolização da proteína bruta foi aumentado no período de 3 a 7 dias para animais que receberam 0,20% de GAA, para o período de 17 a 21 dias não houve diferença entre os tratamentos. Peso e comprimento do intestino não apresentaram diferenças significativas. Conclusão: O GAA em nível de 0,20% na dieta pré-inicial melhoram o ganho de peso, e a conversão alimentar no período de 1 a 14 dias de idade em frangos.

Abstract Background: Creatine and its precursor, guanidinoacetic acid (GAA), decrease protein degradation, avoiding amino acid offset to gluconeogenesis. Objective: To evaluate the inclusion of GAA in the pre-initial diet (1 to 7 days) on performance, digestibility, and blood parameters of broilers from one to 21 days of age. Methods: 252 male broiler chickens aged one day were distributed in a completely randomized design with seven replicates and 12 animals per experimental unit. Treatments consisted of a basal diet, and the basal added with 0.10 and 0.20% GAA. Results: From days 1 to 7, a tendency on improved feed conversion (FC) was observed for broilers receiving 0.20% GAA (p<0.10). Between 7 and 14 days, FC improved, as well as a tendency was observed on improved weight gain in animals fed 0.20% GAA. Animals that received 0.20% GAA showed higher blood concentrations of creatine kinase. Blood creatine and blood glucose did not differ between treatments at day six. The assimilation coefficient of crude protein increased during days 3 to 7 for animals receiving 0.20% GAA. On the period between 17 and 21 days, no difference was observed between treatments. Intestinal weight and length did not show significant differences. Conclusion: Dietary inclusion of 0.20% GAA during the pre-initial stage could improve weight gain and feed conversion of broilers between 1 and 14 days of age.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a public health problem; therefore, we aimed to report HBV genotypes in Ceará, Brazil. METHODS: A total of 103 HBsAg-positive samples were subjected to HBV genotyping and subgenotyping. RESULTS: The following genetic compositions of samples were found: F-54% (F2-83.33%), A-40% (A1-65%), D-6%, C2-1%, E-1%, and G-1%. CONCLUSIONS: Some genotypes are only prevalent in certain parts of the world; however, the State of Ceará is a hub for migration and has one of the most important liver transplantation centers in Brazil, which can explain the prevalence of the F genotype.

A series of functionalized 1,1,1-trihalo-4-methoxy-3-alken-2-ones [CX3C(O)CR1=CROMe, where X = F or Cl; R = n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl, n-undecyl, n-tridecyl, (CH2)2CH=C(Me)2, (CH2)2Ph, (CH2)2-(4-HOC6H4), (CH2)2-(4-MeOC6H4), (CH2)2CO2Me, (CH2)3CO2Me, CH(SMe)CH3, CH2(2-MeOC6H4), and R1 = H, and R = H and R1 = n-decyl] were synthesized from respective alkyl methyl ketones or aldehyde via acetal acylation using trifluoroacetic anhydride and trichloroacetyl chloride. 1,1,1-Trihalo-4-methoxy-3-alken-2-ones with acid-compatible substituents were easily hydrolyzed to respective trihalomethyl-1,3-diketones. The 1,1,1-trihalo-4-methoxy-3-alken-2-ones and/or respective trihalomethyl-1,3-diketones were reacted regiospecifically with hydroxylamine hydrochloride, leading to isoxazole derivatives, and with hydrazines, leading to respective 1H-pyrazole derivatives. The structures of all compounds were assigned based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometric data. This method represents an efficient pathway for the regioselective trihaloacetylation of asymmetrically substituted alkyl methyl ketones and highly self-condensing aldehydes. Moreover, this approach allows the introduction of biologically recognizable moieties, such as those from levulinic acid, sulcatone (prenyl), benzylacetone, anisylacetone, and raspberry ketone, as synthetic molecular targets.

Abstract The purpose of this double-blind, randomized, crossover in situ study is to compare remineralization of preformed enamel lesions by casein phosphopeptide-stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and fluoride dentifrice products. During each of four 10-day experimental legs, 10 participants wore intraoral removable palatal acrylic appliances with four human enamel slabs with preformed lesions. A 0.03-mL treatment paste was dripped extraorally onto the enamel blocks once a day for 3 min. The four randomly allocated treatments were as follows: CO- Control: silica dentifrice without fluoride; MP: MI Paste; MPP: MI Paste Plus and FD: Fluoride dentifrice - 1100 ppm F as NaF). Knoop surface hardness (SH) test was performed in three stages (T0 – sound enamel, T1 - after preformed lesion, and T2 - after treatment) and the cross-sectional hardness (CSH) test was performed after treatment using a 50-gram Knoop load for 15 s. Knoop hardness number (KHN) was similar between treatments. %SHr was significantly higher in the MP, FD, and MPP when compared to CO group (Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests, p < 0.05). Harder enamel was found in MP (75 μm) and FD groups at 75 to 175 μm. Treatment with DF, MP, and MPP promoted an increase of 20.27%, 19.24%, and 14.71%, respectively, in Integral Hardness Change (ΔIHC) when compared to CO (p<0.05). Remineralizing agents (MP, MPP, and DF) were able to inhibit demineralization of human enamel subjected to high cariogenic challenge in situ. DF had the greatest preventive potential against the progression of carious lesions.

The aims of this study were to: a) investigate the importance of environmental and/or spatial factors on the composition of the invertebrate community, and b) examine the alpha (α) and beta (β) diversities of the invertebrate community associated to the leaf breakdown process at three different spatial scales (stream reach, stream order and sub-basin). The abiotic variables and colonization of invertebrate community in two detritus (Eucalyptus cloeziana and Inga laurina) were evaluated in 14 sampling sites. For both detritus types, the communities were influenced by environmental matrix. High invertebrate α diversity was related to an increase in water flow velocity (outflow) and orthophosphate levels. High canopy openness and, consequently, high temperatures, showed negative effects on invertebrate α diversity. The α diversity in high-quality litter (E. cloeziana) was mainly influenced by stream order, while β diversity was mainly influenced by sub-basins. However, in low-quality litter (I. laurina), α diversity was mainly influenced by sub-basins, and the β diversity by sampling sites. These findings indicated that changes in detritus quality of the riparian vegetation resulted in significant changes of invertebrate α and β diversity in these communities.

El presente estudio tuvo por objetivos a) investigar la importancia de los factores ambientales o espaciales en la comunidad de invertebrados, y b) examinar las diversidades alfa (α) y beta (β) de la comunidad de invertebrados asociada al proceso de descomposición de hojas, en tres escalas espaciales (segmento de arroyo, orden del arroyo y sub-cuenca). Se evaluaron variables abióticas y la colonización de la comunidad de invertebrados en dos tipos de detritos (Eucalyptus cloeziana y Inga laurina) en 14 sitios de muestreo. En ambos detritos, las comunidades fueron influenciadas por la matriz ambiental. La mayor diversidad α de invertebrados se relacionó con un aumento en la velocidad del flujo de agua (flujo de salida) y con los niveles de ortofosfato. Mayores aperturas de dosel y, en consecuencia, altas temperaturas mostraron efectos negativos sobre la diversidad α de invertebrados. La diversidad α en detritos de mayor calidad química (E. cloeziana) fue influenciada principalmente por el orden del arroyo, mientras que la diversidad beta resultó mayormente influenciada por la sub-cuenca. Sin embargo, en detritos de menor calidad (I. laurina), la diversidad α fue más influenciada por la sub-cuenca, mientras que la diversidad beta, por los sitios de muestreo. Estos hallazgos indicaron que cambios en la calidad de detrito proveniente de la vegetación ribereña resulta en una significativa modificación de la diversidad α y β de invertebrados.

RESUMO OBJETIVO O diabetes é importante causa de mortalidade cardiovascular. Nos últimos anos, a mortalidade diminuiu substancialmente, mais em diabéticos do que em não diabéticos, em grande parte devido ao controle de outros fatores de risco cardiovasculares. Nosso estudo tem como objetivo analisar o controle de dislipidemia em duas coortes de diabéticos. MÉTODOS Foram estudados pacientes de duas coortes distintas, sendo 173 pacientes do BHS (Brasília Heart Study) e 222 pacientes do BDS (Brazilian Diabetes Study). Os dados sobre controle de dislipidemia foram estudados nas duas populações diferentes. Todos os pacientes eram diabéticos. RESULTADOS Há diferenças significativas em relação às comorbidades entre os grupos de LDL-C no BDS. A média de hemoglobina glicada é de 8,2 no grupo com LDL-C > 100, comparado com 7,7 e 7,5 nos grupos 70-100 e < 70, respectivamente (p = 0,024). Há maior porcentagem de pacientes hipertensos com LDL entre 70-100 (63,9%), quando comparado aos grupos < 70 e > 100 (54,3% e 54,9%, respectivamente; p = 0,005). A pressão diastólica é mais elevada no grupo com LDL > 100, com média de 87 mmHg, comparado com 82,6 mmHg e 81,9 mmHg nos grupos 70-100 e < 70, respectivamente (p = 0,019). O grupo com LDL > 100 tem maior porcentagem de tabagistas (8,7%) quando comparado aos grupos com LDL entre 70-100 e < 70 (5,6% e 4,3%, respectivamente; p = 0,015). Há, também, diferença na incidência prévia de coronariopatia. No grupo com LDL < 70, 28,3% dos pacientes já apresentaram infarto prévio, comparados com 11,1% e 10,6% nos grupos 70-100 e > 100, respectivamente (p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO Os dados do nosso estudo mostram que o controle de dislipidemia em diabéticos é inadequado, e há uma tendência de associação direta entre descontrole glicêmico e descontrole de dislipidemia, além de associação com outros fatores de risco cardiovascular, como hipertensão diastólica e tabagismo. Esse pior controle pode estar relacionado ao platô no descenso da curva de mortalidade, e o investimento nesse quesito pode melhorar a saúde cardiovascular dos diabéticos.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Diabetes is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular mortality. Over the last years, mortality has decreased significantly, more in individuals with diabetes than in healthy ones. That is mostly due to the control of other cardiovascular risk factors. The objective of our study was to analyze the dyslipidemia control in two diabetes cohorts. METHODS Patients from two distinct cohorts were studied, 173 patients from the BHS (Brasília Heart Study) and 222 patients from the BDS (Brazilian Diabetes Study). The data on dyslipidemia control were studied in both different populations. All patients had diabetes. RESULTS There are significant differences concerning comorbidities between the LDL-C and BDS groups. The average glycated hemoglobin is of 8.2 in the LDL-C > 100 group in comparison with 7.7 and 7.5 in the 70-100 and < 70 groups, respectively (p = 0.024). There is a higher percentage of hypertensive patients with LDL between 70-100 (63.9%), when comparing the < 70 and > 100 groups (54.3% and 54.9%, respectively; p = 0.005). Diastolic pressure is higher in the group with LDL > 100, with an average of 87 mmHg, in comparison with 82.6 mmHg and 81.9 mmHg in the 70-100 and < 70 groups, respectively (p = 0.019). The group with LDL > 100 has the greatest percentage of smokers (8.7%) in comparison with the groups with LDL between 70-100 and < 70 (5.6% and 4.3%, respectively; p = 0.015). There is also a difference in the previous incidence of coronaropathy. In the group with LDL < 70, 28.3% of patients had already experienced a previous infarction, compared with 11.1% and 10.6% in the 70-100 and > 100 groups, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The data in our study have shown that the dyslipidemia control in diabetic patients is inadequate and there is a tendency of direct association between lack of blood glucose control and lack of dyslipidemia control, in addition to the association with other cardiovascular risk factors, such as diastolic hypertension and smoking. This worsened control might be related to the plateau in the descending curve of mortality, and investments in this regard can improve the cardiovascular health in diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND Scedosporium apiospermum is a ubiquitous, emerging and multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen with still rather unknown virulence mechanisms. OBJECTIVES/METHODS The cellular basis of the in vitro interaction between fungi and host cells/tissues is the determinant factor for the development of a successful in vivo infection. Herein, we evaluated the interaction of S. apiospermum conidia with lung epithelial (A549), lung fibroblast (MRC-5) and RAW 264.7 macrophages by light and scanning/transmission electron microscopy. FINDINGS After 4 h of fungi-host cell contact, the percentage of infected mammalian cells and the number of fungi per infected cell was measured by light microscopy, and the following association indexes were calculated for A549, MRC-5 and macrophage cells: 73.2 ± 25.9, 69.7 ± 22.5 and 59.7 ± 11.1, respectively. Both conidia and germinated conidia were regularly observed interacting with the evaluated cells, with a higher prevalence of non-germinated conidia. Interestingly, nests of germinated conidia were evidenced at the surface of lung cells by scanning electron microscopy. Some germination projections and hyphae were seen penetrating/evading the mammalian cells. Furthermore, internalised conidia were seen within vacuoles as visualised by transmission electron microscopy. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The present study contributes to a better understanding of S. apiospermum pathogenesis by demonstrating the first steps of the infection process of this opportunistic fungus.

Abstract Dental applications based on the unique characteristics of amorphous calcium phosphate stabilized by casein phosphopeptides (CPP-ACP) have been proposed, as well as the improvement of its properties. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the ability of topically applied CPP-ACP from a commercial product to remineralize subsurface lesions when applied for extended periods of time (3 h and 8 h). Material and Methods: Artificially induced carious lesions were produced in 50 bovine enamel blocks previously selected by surface hardness. After treatments with gel without F and CPP-ACP applied for 1 minute (Placebo); 2% NaF neutral gel applied for 1 minute (Fluoride 1 min); CPP-ACP applied for 3 min (ACP 3 min); and CPP-ACP applied for 3 h (ACP 3 h) and for 8 h (ACP 8 h), the enamel blocks were submitted to the remineralization pH-cycling. Surface hardness and synchrotron micro-tomography were used to determine the percentage of surface hardness recovery (%SHR) and to calculate mineral concentration (gHAp.cm−3), respectively. The data were submitted to ANOVA followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test (p<0.05). Results: Fluoride gel presented higher %SHR followed by ACP 3 min (p<0.001). No difference (p = 0.148) was found for Placebo, ACP 3 h and ACP 8 h groups for %SHR. Fluoride gel showed greater mineral concentration (p<0.001) when compared with the other groups. ACP 3 min demonstrated a significant difference (p<0.001) from ACP 3 h and ACP 8 h. The ACP 3 h and 8 h presented a subsurface lesion with development of laminations in all blocks. Conclusion: In this in vitro study the use of CPP-ACP for extended periods of time did not produce an additive effect in the remineralization process.

RESUMO Objetivos: Verificar o tipo de leite consumido por crianças menores de um ano de idade e identificar variáveis associadas ao consumo de leite não materno (LNM) - fórmula infantil ou leite de vaca (LV). Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado durante a Campanha Nacional de Vacinação contra Poliomielite 2012. Os acompanhantes de 935 crianças menores de um ano responderam a um questionário estruturado sobre a alimentação da criança nas últimas 24 horas. As estimativas são apresentadas por pontos e intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Adotou-se a estatística F para verificar diferenças na proporção de consumo dos tipos de leite segundo a faixa etária das crianças (<6 meses e 6-11 meses) e a associação entre o consumo de leite não materno e as variáveis estudadas. Resultados: O consumo de leite materno e fórmula infantil foi maior entre as crianças menores de 6 meses - sendo 82,8% (IC95% 78,5-86,3) e 70,4% (IC95% 61,4-78,0), respectivamente -, enquanto o de leite de vaca foi maior entre as crianças de 6 a 11 meses - 74,2% (IC95% 66,5-80,6) -, com diferenças nas proporções de consumo (p<0,0001). As variáveis associadas ao maior consumo de leite de vaca foram: menor escolaridade materna (p<0,0001), o fato de a mãe não trabalhar fora (p=0,0015), a criança consultar na rede pública de saúde (p<0,0001) e participar do Programa Leite das Crianças - PLC (p<0,0001). Conclusões: As crianças receberam leite de vaca precocemente (antes do primeiro ano de vida), em especial aquelas pertencentes às famílias de menor nível socioeconômico e inseridas em programa social específico para recebimento de leite.

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the type of milk consumed by children under one year of age and identify variables associated with non-maternal milk consumption (formula or cow milk). Methods: Cross-sectional study developed during the 2012 National Vaccination Campaign against Poliomyelitis. The companions of 935 children under one year of age answered a structured questionnaire on the child’s diet in the last 24 hours. The estimates are presented by points, with 95%CI. F-statistics were used to check for differences in the proportion of the types of milk consumption according to the children’s age range (<6 months and 6-11 months) and the association between non-maternal milk consumption and the study variables. Results: The consumption of maternal milk and child formula was higher for children under six months of age - corresponding to 82.8% (95%CI 78.5-86.3) and 70.4% (95%CI 61.4-78.0), respectively -, whereas the consumption of cow milk was higher among children between 6 and 11 months of age - 74.2% (95%CI 66.5-80.6) -, with differences in the consumption proportions (p<0.0001). The variables associated with higher cow milk consumption were lower maternal education (p<0.0001), the fact that the mother does not have a paid occupation (p=0.0015), child doctor’s appointment in the public health network (p<0.0001) and participation in the Child’s Milk Program (p<0.0001). Conclusions: The infants received cow’s milk early (before the first year of life), especially children from families with lower socioeconomic levels and children who took part in a specific social program for milk distribuition.

Abstract Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is distributed worldwide, with geographical variations regarding prevalence of the different genotypes. The aim of this study was to determine the HBV genotypes and subgenotypes circulating in Southeast Brazil and compare the genetic sequences found with HBV sequences previously described in the world. Sequences from 166 chronic HBV carriers were analyzed using the fragment constituted by 1306 base pairs comprising surface and polymerase regions of the HBV genome. The sequences obtained were submitted to phylogenetic analysis. HBV subgenotypes A1, A2, D1-D4, F2a, and F4 were found. HBV genotype D was the most frequent, found in 99 patients (58.4%). Within this group, subgenotype D3 was the most prevalent, in 73 patients (42.9%). HBV genotype A was identified in 58 (36%) patients, subgenotype A1, in 48 (29.8%) subjects. Genotype F was identified in 9 (5.4%). According to the phylogenetic analysis, the sequences found were grouped with sequences from Europe, Asia and Middle East (subgenotypes D1, D2, D3) and sequences from Latin America and Africa (subgenotype A1). HBV D3 grouped in different clusters inside D3 clade, several of them with sequences isolated in Italy. We also identified eight families whose relatives were infected with the same HBV subgenotype, most with high similarity between sequences. In conclusion, the distribution of the HBV sequences obtained interweaved with sequences from other continents, corresponding to regions from where many immigrants came to this region, in accordance to the hypothesis that the HBV detected over there were brought during the colonization times.

Abstract The method used to dry plant tissue samples may modify its nutrient content, and results in incorrect diagnostic of crop nutritional status. The hypothesis was that microwave drying method does not affect the nutrient content of leaves neither the interpretation of the results, as compared to oven-drying procedure. In this study we evaluated the effect of microwave drying of eucalyptus (Corymbia Citriodora (Hook.)) and rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) leaves on dry matter and macronutrient content, as compared to oven drying. The study was performed in a laboratory at the Department of Soils and Fertilizers of Universidade Estadual Paulista “Julio de Mesquita Filho”, UNESP, Jaboticabal-SP-Brazil. The experiments were: one using leaf samples of eucalyptus and other using leaf samples of rubber trees. The experimental design was completely randomized and treatments were drying in conventional oven and in microwave oven, with 10 repetitions. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and treatments means were compared with F test and Tukey test (p≤0.05). The dry matter and the macronutrient content of each sample were determined. There were no differences between the drying methods on leaf nutrient content, except for N content of rubber trees. Similar dry matter content was obtained for rubber trees and eucalyptus samples. Microwave drying is useful as an alternative method to dry plant tissues samples aiming to its chemical analysis.

Resumen El método usado para secar muestras de tejido vegetal puede modificar su contenido de nutrientes, lo cual resulta en un diagnóstico incorrecto del estado nutricional del cultivo. La hipótesis fue que un método de secado con microondas no afecta el contenido de nutrientes en las hojas, ni la interpretación de los resultados, comparado con secado con calor. En este estudio evaluamos el efecto del secado en microondas sobre la materia seca y el contenido de macronutrientes de hojas de eucalipto (Corymbia Citriodora (Hook.)) y caucho (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.), comparado con el secado en horno. El estudio se realizó en el laboratorio del Departamento de Suelos y Fertilizantes de la Universidad Estadual Paulista “Julio de Mesquita Filho”, UNESP, Jaboticabal-SP-Brasil. Los experimentos se establecieron: uno con muestras de hojas de eucalipto y otro con hojas de árboles de caucho. El diseño experimental fue completamente al azar, los tratamientos fueron dos secado en horno convencional, y en horno microondas, con 10 repeticiones. Los datos se analizaron con ANDEVA y las medias de tratamiento se compararon con la prueba de F y la de Tukey (p≤0.05). La materia seca y el contenido de macronutrientes de cada muestra fueron evaluados. No hubo diferencias entre los métodos de secado sobre el contenido de nutrientes foliares, excepto el contenido de N en las muestras de árboles de caucho. La materia seca en las muestras de caucho y eucalipto fue similar. El secado por microondas es útil como un método alternativo para muestras de tejidos vegetales y con el objetivo de análisis químicos.

Abstract Doubts remain about the adequate iron (Fe) concentration in nutrient solutions used for optimal plant growth, especially in gramineae like sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Fe concentrations on growth, green color index and dry matter (DM) production in sugar cane cultivated in a nutrient solution. The hypothesis was that the nutrient solution must contain higher Fe concentration, which is used by the plant for optimum development. The study was conducted in a greenhouse with the variety IAC SP 93 3046, cultivated in pots (7.5 L) with aerated nutrient solution. The experimental design was completely randomized with five replicates and four treatments (0; 184; 368 and 551.4 μmol L-1 of Fe-EDDHA). For data analysis we used ANOVA with an F test (p≤0.05). Variables evaluated were plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, green color index, DM production, total Fe accumulation and we also performed visual diagnosis. Both leaves and roots had greater Fe accumulation of 0.28 g and 2 g per pot, respectively, on the Fe-EDDHA concentration of 184 μmol L-1. Green color index and nutrient accumulation were greater with increased FeEDDHA concentrations. The concentration of 184 μmol L-1 met the needs of the plant, providing a 12.2 mm diameter, 25 cm height, 750 cm2 leaf area and 4.10 g of DM per pot, 2.18 g of roots per pot and 6.28 g of whole plant per pot. The use of Fe-EDDHA chelate increased both the element’s buildup in plants and green color index; and 184 μmol L-1 Fe was the adequate concentration to supply the plant’s needs, promoting satisfying DM production.

Resumen Hay dudas acerca de la concentración adecuada de hierro (Fe) en soluciones nutritivas para el crecimiento óptimo de las plantas, sobre todo en gramíneas como la caña de azúcar (Saccharum officinarum L.). Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos de las concentraciones de Fe sobre el crecimiento, índice de color verde y la producción de materia seca (MS) en la caña de azúcar cultivada en una solución nutritiva. La hipótesis fue que la solución nutritiva debe tener una concentración más alta de Fe, el cual es usado por la planta para su desarrollo óptimo. El estudio se realizó en un invernadero con la variedad IAC SP 93 3046, cultivada en maceras (7.5 L) con una solución nutritiva aireada. El diseño experimental fue completamente al azar con cinco réplicas y cuatro tratamientos (0; 184; 368 y 551.4 μmol L-1 de Fe-EDDHA). Para el análisis de los datos se usó ANDEVA con una prueba F (p≤0.05). Las variables evaluadas fueron la altura de la planta, diámetro del tallo, área foliar, índice de color verde, producción de MS, acumulación total de Fe y también se realizó un diagnóstico visual. Tanto hojas como raíces presentaron mayor acumulación de Fe de 0.28 g y 2 g por maceta, respectivamente, en la concentración de Fe-EDDHA de 184 μmol L-1. El índice de color verde y la acumulación de nutrientes fueron mayores a mayores concentraciones de Fe-EDDHA. La concentración de 184 μmol L-1 cubrió las necesidades de la planta, al dar un diámetro de 12.2 mm, altura de 25 cm, 750 cm2 de área foliar y 4.10 g de MS por maceta, 2.18 g de raíces por maceta y 6.28 g de planta entera por maceta. El uso del quelato Fe-EDDHA aumentó la acumulación del elemento en las plantas y el índice de color verde; y 184 μmol L-1 Fe fue la concentración adecuada para satisfacer las necesidades de la planta, promoviendo la producción satisfactoria de MS.