Crotalaria ochroleuca (Fabaceae) is rich in bioactive compounds used for nematode control. Transformed root culture allows the production of a large amount of hairy root biomass, conditioned by auxin biosynthesis-related genes integrated via the process of Agrobacterium rhizogenes infection, which is known to cause a hairy root phenotype. We transformed A. rhizogenes to increase the biomass of hairy roots and optimized the process of production of bioactive compounds. The transformed nature of hairy roots was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction, which confers kanamycin resistance. The transformed roots were cultured in full-strength in liquid media to realize the growth of hairy roots and the production of bioactive compounds. The transformed roots were grown in a culture medium supplemented with elicitors to produce total phenols, and flavonoids. Chromatographic analysis of transformed roots revealed the presence of flavonoids apigenin-6,8-C-diglucoside and luteolin-6-C-glucoside. The results were obtained by conducting physiological and biochemical studies with the Flavonoids and studying the pathways that led to the production of large amounts of bioactive compounds from the hairy roots of C. ochroleuca. It was observed that the extraction of the compounds significantly affected nematodes and insect larvae, resulting in significantly high levels of economic damage to crops.

Abstract This study evaluated of the effects of açai oil during the close-up dry period of Holstein cows on colostrum quality, as well as on the immune and antioxidant responses of their calves. Sixteen multiparous cows were assigned randomly to two treatments: 1) CONTROL (n = 8) - 4.48% of soybean oil/concentrate; 2) AÇAI (n =8) - 4.48% of açai oil/concentrate. Cows fed with açai oil had greater (P≤0.04) colostrum concentrations of immunoglobulins (Ig) G (1st and 2nd milking), IgG heavy chains, IgA (only at 1st milking), alpha-lactalbumin (1st milking), total protein, and antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (only at 1st milking). Cows fed with açai oil had greater serum concentrations of globulin (only on the day of calving) and total protein (only on the day of calving) (P = 0.03). Calves born of cows fed with açai oil had greater serum concentrations of total protein (only 24 and 48 h after calving) and serum concentration of IgG heavy chain (only 24 h after calving) and globulin (only 24 and 48 h after calving) (P = 0.01). These data suggest that the addition of açai oil in the cow feed during the close-up dry period boosted immunity in their calves by altering the composition of colostrum.

Resumo Introdução: Citomegalovírus (CMV) é um dos agentes infecciosos mais comuns em pacientes com transplante de órgãos sólidos, com morbidade e mortalidade significativas. Objetivo: Este estudo visou estabelecer um limite para o início do tratamento preemptivo. Além disso, comparou o desempenho da antigenemia com os resultados da qPCR in house. Desenho do estudo: Este foi um estudo de coorte prospectivo realizado em 2017 em um centro único de transplante renal no Brasil. A validação clínica foi realizada comparando resultados de qPCR in house, com o padrão de atendimento na época (Antigenemia para CMV Pp65). A análise da curva ROC foi realizada para determinar o limite ideal para o início da terapia preemptiva baseado nos resultados do teste qPCR in house. Resultados: 232 amostras de 30 pacientes foram testadas com antigenemia e qPCR, das quais 163 (70,26%) foram concordantes (Coeficiente Kappa: 0,435, p<0,001; Correlação Spearman: 0,663). PCR permitiu diagnósticos precoces. O número médio de dias para o primeiro resultado positivo foi 50 (intervalo, 24-105) para antigenemia e 42 (intervalo, 24-74) para qPCR (p<0,001). A análise da curva ROC revelou que em um limite de 3.430 UI/mL (Log 3,54), qPCR teve sensibilidade de 97,06% e especificidade de 74,24% (AUC 0,92617 ± 0,0185, p<0,001), na previsão de 10 células/10(5) leucócitos por antigenemia e na decisão do médico de tratar. Conclusões: Antigenemia para CMV Pp65 e qPCR para CMV mostraram uma concordância aceitável e uma correlação moderada neste estudo. qPCR in house revelou-se um método preciso para determinar DNAemia do CMV em pacientes transplantados renais, obtendo resultados positivos semanas antes da antigenemia.

Abstract Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the most common agents of infection in solid organ transplant patients, with significant morbidity and mortality. Objective: This study aimed to establish a threshold for initiation of preemptive treatment. In addition, the study compared the performance of antigenemia with qPCR results. Study design: This was a prospective cohort study conducted in 2017 in a single kidney transplant center in Brazil. Clinical validation was performed by comparing in-house qPCR results, against standard of care at that time (Pp65 CMV Antigenemia). ROC curve analysis was performed to determine the ideal threshold for initiation of preemptive therapy based on the qPCR test results. Results: Two hundred and thirty two samples from 30 patients were tested with both antigenemia and qPCR, from which 163 (70.26%) were concordant (Kappa coefficient: 0.435, p<0.001; Spearman correlation: 0.663). PCR allowed for early diagnoses. The median number of days for the first positive result was 50 (range, 24-105) for antigenemia and 42 (range, 24-74) for qPCR (p<0.001). ROC curve analysis revealed that at a threshold of 3,430 IU/mL (Log 3.54), qPCR had a sensitivity of 97.06% and a specificity of 74.24% (AUC 0.92617 ± 0.0185, p<0.001), in the prediction of 10 cells/105 leukocytes by antigenemia and physician's decision to treat. Conclusions: CMV Pp65 antigenemia and CMV qPCR showed fair agreement and a moderate correlation in this study. The in-house qPCR was revealed to be an accurate method to determine CMV DNAemia in kidney transplant patients, resulting in positive results weeks before antigenemia.

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 We measured the effects of açai oil in the diets of prepartum cows to evaluate health, milk production and quality. Sixteen Holstein cows were divided into two groups: SOY used as control, and AÇAI, test group. Occurred inclusion of 4% soybean or açai oils was provided in the concentrate starting at 20 days prepartum [d -20 to d 0 (partum-day)]. The AÇAI diet increased (P=0.01) milk production (d 10 and 20) and reduced somatic cell count (d 20). In milk, no effects were detected (P≥0.10) for concentration of fat, lactose or protein as well as in terms of serum concentration of calcium, albumin or triglycerides. AÇAI diet tended to increase (P=0.09) serum concentrations of total protein, glutathione transferase (d 4), and total antioxidant capacity (d 4 and 10) and increased (P≤0.05) globulin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (d 4). Further, AÇAI diet reduced the serum concentration of creatine kinase (P≤0.05) (d 0, 4 and 10), reactive oxygen species (d 0 and 4) and lipoperoxidation (d 0) and tended to reduce aspartate transaminase activity (P=0.07; d 0 and 4). Açai oil in the diets in prepartum cows improved their health as well as milk production and quality.

RESUMO A irrigação é um fator limitante para o desenvolvimento das culturas, e todas as fontes de água contem sais, podendo acumular-se no solo e na planta, comprometendo seu desenvolvimento. Dentre algumas alternativas para atenuar os efeitos negativos dos sais nos vegetais está a utilização de vermicomposto, sendo este um adubo orgânico condicionador do solo e fonte de nutrientes para as plantas. Dessa forma, o estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o crescimento e o índice de clorofila do noni à salinidade da água de irrigação em substrato sem e com proporções de vermicomposto. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições utilizando o esquema fatorial 4 × 3, correspondente a quatro níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação (0,5; 1,5; 3,0; 4,5 dS m-1), em substratos sem húmus e com 33,33 e 66,66% de húmus com o solo. Três meses após a germinação foram avaliados: altura de planta; diâmetro caulinar; número de folhas; índices de clorofila (a, b e total) das folhas; e matéria fresca e seca da parte aérea e radicular das plantas. O aumento da salinidade na água de irrigação influência negativamente no crescimento em altura, diâmetro caulinar, produção de biomassa e índices de clorofila a e total, mas com menor intensidade nos substratos com húmus, que melhora a fertilidade do substrato e favorece o crescimento das plantas de noni, independentemente da salinidade da água de irrigação; no entanto, seu efeito benéfico diminui com o aumento da condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação.

ABSTRACT Irrigation is a limiting factor for the development of crops, and all water sources contain salts, which can accumulate in the soil and in the plant, compromising its development. The use of vermicompost is one of the alternatives to mitigate the negative effects of salts on plants. This organic compost is a soil conditioner and a nutrient source for plants. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the growth and chorophyll of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) in response to the salinity of irrigation water in substrates with and without vermicompost. A completely randomized design in a 4 × 3 factorial scheme was used, corresponding to four levels of electrical conductivity of the irrigation water (0.5, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 dS m-1), in three soil substrates (without humus, with 33.33 and 66.66% of humus). Three months after germination, the following variables were evaluated: plant height; stem diameter; number of leaves; chlorophyll index (a, b and total) in the leaves; and fresh and dry matter of shoots and roots. The increase of salinity in irrigation water negatively influences growth in height, stem diameter, biomass production and chlorophyll a and total indexes, but with lower intensity in substrates with humus, that improves the fertility of the substrate and favors the growth of noni plants, regardless of the salinity of the irrigation water; however, its beneficial effect decreases with the intensification of electrical conductivity of irrigation water.

A adoção de práticas conservacionistas alteram as propriedades físicas, químicas e biológicas do solo, influenciando a composição da comunidade microbiana. O trabalho objetivou obter informação sobre a qualidade, diversidade e atividade biológica do solo, quando submetido a dois tipos de manejo do solo (plantio direto escarificado (PDE) e não escarificado (PDNE) e três tipos de manejo de cobertura (Sucessão: soja-trigo, Rotação I: soja-nabo+trigo/soja-aveia+ervilhaca/ e Rotação II: soja-aveia+ervilhaca+nabo/milho-crotalária juncea-trigo/soja). Foram analisadas a biomassa microbiana, atividade enzimática, taxa de respiração basal e diversidade genética do solo, nos períodos do verão (fevereiro/2016) e inverno (setembro/2016). O carbono e nitrogênio da biomassa microbiana foram superiores nos tratamentos sob PDNE. Todas as enzimas apresentaram incremento na atividade no período do verão. Para a respiração basal dos microrganismos, a menor taxa de CO2 acumulada foi no período do verão em solo sob PDNE. Detectou-se variabilidade genética através da técnica de Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), reunindo os tratamentos em quatro grupos. Pode-se concluir que o sistema PDNE associado à rotação de culturas contribui para aumentar a biomassa microbiana e atividade enzimática no solo. Além disso, a técnica de RAPD associada a outros bioindicadores tornam-se importantes ferramentas para o monitoramento da qualidade do solo.

The adoption of conservation practices affect the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil, altering the composition of the microbial community. The objective of this research was to obtain information about the soil quality, diversity and biological activity, of the soil when submitted to two types of soil management (scarified (PDE) and no-scarified tillage (PDNE)) and three types of cover management (Succession: soybean-wheat, Rotation I: Soybean-turnip+wheat/soybean-oats+vetch and Rotation II: soybean-oats+vetch+turnip/corn-crotalaria juncea-wheat/soybeans). The microbial biomass, enzymatic activity, basal respiration rate and soil genetic diversity were analyzed during the summer (february/2016) and winter (september/2016) periods. The carbon and nitrogen of the microbial biomass were higher in treatments under PDNE. All enzymes showed an increase in the activity during the summer period. For the basal respiration of the microorganisms, the smallest accumulated CO2 rate was in the summer period under PDNE. The RAPD technique proved to be efficient in the detection of genetic variability, combining treatments in four groups. We concluded that PDNE associated with crop rotation contributes to increase the levels of microbial biomass and soil enzymatic activity. In addition, the RAPD technique associated with other bioindicators become important tools for the monitoring and evaluation of soil quality.

Morinda citrifolia (noni) is found in the Atlantic and Amazonian Forest in Brazil and with recognized uses in folk medicine. However, few studies exist in its chemical characterization. The present work aims to investigate the efficiency of the sonication for extracting bioactive compounds from fruits and leaves of noni, using an experimental design of 23, whose variables were time, temperature and mass of the plant. Parallel extractions were performed using two extraction solvents (hexane and ethanol) and the same experimental design. The compounds were identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The independent variable was the mass yield and all the variables studied in the sonication process were significant (p < 0.05%) for the process. Ethanol was more effective than hexane and the leaves produced higher yield and diversity of compounds than fruits. Vitamin E (tocopherol), octanoic acid, hydroxymethylfurfural, phytol and squalene were the main compounds identified.

Abstract: The aims of this study were to investigate whether treatments with zinc edetate (Zn) and diphenyl diselenide ((PhSe)2) enhance performance, immune responses, protein metabolism, and oxidant/antioxidant status in calf serum and muscle. Animals were divided into four groups (n=6 each): control (without supplementation), and groups supplemented on days 50 and 70 of life with (PhSe)2, Zn, and a combination of (PhSe)2 and Zn. Animals treated with (PhSe)2 gained more weight by experimental day 220 than did the control group, but there was no difference by the end of the experiment (day 300). The absolute number of leukocytes and lymphocytes increased in groups Zn and (PhSe)2+Zn on day 20 of experiment, but decreased on day 40 in groups (PhSe)2, and (PhSe)2+Zn. The number of monocytes decreased in all groups compared with control. One of the principal findings was that (PhSe)2+Zn together had beneficial effects on protein metabolism, represented by increases total protein and globulin levels, compared with the control group. The combination of (PhSe)2 and Zn led to low levels of TBARS and ROS in serum and muscle, and stimulated antioxidant enzyme activities. Thus, supplementation with (PhSe)2+Zn may be a compelling approach to augmenting the calf antioxidant system during weaning.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Tem sido proposto que algumas pessoas com dor musculoesquelética podem desenvolver um sentimento de injustiça. A percepção da injustiça pode ter um impacto significativo em uma série de desfechos relacionados à dor, sintomas depressivos maiores, incapacidades e absenteísmo. O objetivo deste estudo consistiu em uma adaptação transcultural do instrumento original em inglês do Injustice Experience Questionnaire para uma versão final a ser utilizada no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Todo o processo consistiu em tradução, retrotradução e revisão pelo comitê de especialista. O pré-teste foi aplicado a 90 participantes (41 participantes com dor crônica musculoesquelética). Para a análise psicométrica, a versão traduzida foi aplicada a 120 participantes com dor crônica musculoesquelética. A consistência interna foi verificada pelo coeficiente alfa de Cronbach e a validade do construto foi analisada por meio de análise exploratória fatorial. RESULTADOS: Após a conclusão do pré-teste, não houve dificuldades em entender cada item do questionário traduzido por mais de 20% da amostra. O cálculo alfa de Cronbach para os 12 itens do Injustice Experience Questionnaire/Port-BR foi de 0,86 [IC (95%) = 0,83 a 0,90; p<0,001]. CONCLUSÃO: A versão em português do questionário mostrou-se facilmente compreensível com boa validação semântica. No entanto, estudos adicionais devem abordar outras características psicométricas desse instrumento.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It has been proposed that some individuals with musculoskeletal pain may perceive themselves as victims of injustice. Perception of injustice can have a significant impact on several pain-related outcomes, major depressive symptoms, disabilities, and absenteeism. The objective of this study consisted of a transcultural adaptation of the original instrument in English, Injustice Experience Questionnaire into a final version to be used in Brazil. METHODS: The whole translation process consisted of translation, back-translation and the review by a committee of experts. The pre-test was applied to 90 participants (41 participants with chronic musculoskeletal pain). For the psychometric analysis, the translated version was applied to 120 participants with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The internal consistency was verified by the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and the construct validity was analyzed using factorial exploratory analysis. RESULTS: After the conclusion of the pre-test, there were no difficulties in understanding the translated questionnaire by more than 20% of the sample. The Cronbach alpha calculation for the 12 items of the Injustice Experience Questionnaire/Port-BR was 0.86 [CI (95%) = 0.83 to 0.90; p<0.001]. CONCLUSION: The questionnaire’s Portuguese version proved to be easily understandable showing good semantic validation. Nevertheless, further studies should address other psychometric characteristics of this instrument.

Resumen Objetivo. Debido a la mayor resistencia parásita, hay una necesidad de explorar insecticidas alternativos, incluidos los productos naturales, tales como aceites esenciales. En este sentido, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar, para el primer equipo, el efecto insecticida y repelente de Cinnamomum zeylanicum (formas libres y nanoemulsión) in vitro e in vivo. Materiales y métodos. Para ello, el efecto insecticida de la forma libre se ensayó a 1.0, 5.0 y 10%, mientras que la forma nanoemulsión se ensayó a 0.5, 1.0 y 5.0% frente a las moscas domésticas adultas, Musca domestica. Para la validación de la prueba, las moscas fueron rociados con el diluyente (agua y triton 10%) y con nanoemulsión en blanco (sin aceite esencial de C. zeylanicum). También, fueron realizados pruebas in vivo usando vacas naturalmente infestadas con Haemotobia irritans. Resultados. Los resultados demostraron que el aceite de canela (10%) y la nanoemulsión (5%) fueron 100% eficaz contra M. domestica después de 90 minutos de exposición. El efecto repelente se ensayó in vivo usando 5% de aceite de canela en vacas Holstein, naturalmente infestados por Haemotobia irritans. Se contaron las moscas a las 0, 1, 2, 3, 9 y 24 h después del tratamiento el aceite de canela. Se verificó disminución significativa (p<0.05) en el número de moscas vivas de vacas canela pulverizada en todo momento. Conclusiones. En base a estos resultados, C. zeylanicum mostró un efecto insecticida (in vitro) contra las moscas domésticas y efecto repelente (in vivo) contra la mosca de los cuernos.

Abstract Objective. Due to the increased parasitic resistance, there is a need to explore alternative insecticides, including natural products, such essential oils. In this sense, the aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the insecticidal and repellent effect of Cinnamomun zeylanicum (free and nanoemulsion forms) in vitro and in vivo. Materials and methods. For that, the insecticidal effect of the free form was tested at 1.0, 5.0 and 10%, while the nanoemulsion form was tested at 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0% against adult house flies, Musca domestica. For validation of the test, the flies were sprayed with the diluent (water and triton 10%) and with blank nanoemulsion (without C. zeylanicum essential oil). Moreover, in vivo test was performed using cows naturally infested with Haemotobia irritans. Results. The results demonstrated that cinnamon oil (10%) and the nanoemulsion (5%) were 100% effective against M. domestica after 90 minutes of exposure. The repellent effect was tested in vivo using 5% of cinnamon oil on Holstein cows naturally infested by Haemotobia irritans. The flies were counted at 0, 1, 2, 3, 9 and 24 h after cinnamon oil treatment. It was verified significant decrease (p<0.05) in the number of flies on cows sprayed with cinnamon in all times. Conclusions. Based on these results, C. zeylanicum showed insecticidal effect (in vitro) against domestic flies and repellent effect (in vivo) against the horn fly.

Resumo A Mucograft(r) é uma matriz reabsorvível, de origem suína, composta de colágenos do tipo I e III, utilizada para aumento de tecido mole em regeneração óssea guiada. Este estudo in vitro teve como objetivo avaliar o comportamento biológico da Mucograft(r), em fibroblastos gengivais humanos, bem como a indução da síntese de matriz extracelular. Seis matrizes reabsorvíveis de Mucograft(r) (MCG) foram cortadas em retângulos e quadrados medindo 3 x 2 mm e 5 x 5 mm e alocadas em placas de 96 e 24 poços, respectivamente. O grupo controle (CTRL) consistiu no plaqueamento celular em poliestireno, sem MCG. Após um, dois, três e sete dias, a proliferação e a viabilidade celular foram avaliadas utilizando o corante vital azul de Trypan e o teste MTT, respectivamente. Além disso, a expressão de colágeno tipo III (COL 3A1) e vimentina (VIM) foi avaliada após 10 e 14 dias, por meio de Western-blotting. Após análise estatística (Anova e pós teste de Bonferroni), pode-se observar que os fibroblastos gengivais humanos, cultivados sobre MCG, apresentaram proliferação e viabilidade semelhantes em comparação às células que foram cultivadas apenas no poliestireno (CTRL). Após 14 dias, notou-se uma diminuição significativa da expressão de COL 3A1 (p<0,05) quando as células foram cultivadas sobre a MCG. A expressão da VIM não mostrou diferença significativa em nenhum dos períodos estudados (p>0,05). No presente estudo in vitro pode-se concluir que apesar de não ter sido observado aumento da síntese de matriz extracelular, a Mucograft(r) apresentou compatibilidade celular, sendo uma opção de biomaterial em casos que o arcabouço é necessário.

Mucograft(r) is a resorbing porcine matrix composed of type I and type III collagen, used for soft tissue augmentation in guided tissue bony regeneration procedures. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the biological behavior of Mucograft(r) in human gingival fibroblasts, as well as the ability of the matrix to induce production of extracellular matrix. Six resorbing Mucograft(r) matrices (MCG) were cut into 3 x 2 mm rectangles and 5 x 5 mm squares and were placed in 96- and 24-well plates, respectively. The control group (CTRL) consisted of cells plated on polystyrene without the MCG. After one, two, three and seven days, cell proliferation and viability were assessed using the Trypan exclusion method and MTT test, respectively. Type III collagen (COL 3A1) and vimentin (VIM) expression were also evaluated at 10 and 14 days, using Western blotting. Statistical analysis, using ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni test, revealed that human gingival fibroblasts from MCG showed similar results (p>0.05) for proliferation and viability as the cells cultured on CTRL. After 14 days, a significant decrease in COL 3A1 expression (p<0.05) was observed when cultured with the MCG. VIM expression showed no significant difference at any time period (p>0.05). Although no increase in extracellular matrix secretion was observed in this in vitro study, Mucograft(r) presented cellular compatibility, being an option for a scaffold whenever it is required.

AbstractEssential oils extracted from Schinus molle L. and Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, Anacardiaceae, leaves and fruit hydrodistillation, as well as, their chemical composition and extraction kinetic were evaluated. For this proposal, 6 h extraction and aliquots collected at sequencing different times (0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 h) were carried out allowing calculating accumulated content (% w/w) and verifying essential oil chemical profile. β-caryophyllene (35.2%), α-pinene (28.1%) and germacrene D (15.5%) represent S. terebinthifolius dried leaves essential oil major components, as well as, α-pinene (44.9%), germacrene D (17.6%) and β-pinene (15.1%) in the fruit. Cubenol (27.1%), caryophyllene oxide (15.3%) and spathulenol (12.4%) represent S. molle dried leaves essential oil major components, and β-pinene (36.3%) α-pinene (20.3%), germacrene D (12.1%) and spathulenol in the fruit. Essential oil extraction kinetics showed a hyperbolic distribution; monoterpene content presented exponential decay in time function and sesquiterpene showed exponential growth. Faster monoterpene extraction than the sesquiterpene extraction was observed, however, both presented increasing exponential distribution.

Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud. shows relatively little growth variation due to climatic differences throughout the year and between years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate various cutting strategies for the management of Gliricidia for forage production in dry and rainy periods of the year. A randomized-block factorial experimental design (12 x 2) was used for the study. The factorial setup consisted of 12 pruning management treatments (cuttings at 45, 60, 75 and 90 days with 30, 60 and 90 cm residual heights) and two periods (dry and rainy season) with four replicates. There were significant interactions between the management regime and the season for plant height, stem diameter, stem diameter and the weight of both fresh and dry forage. The treatment with a cutting frequency of 90 days and a residual height of 90 cm resulted in the highest final average height and the largest stem diameter in the dry period, with reductions of 7.65 and 1.5%, respectively, during the period of water scarcity. The 90 days x 90 cm treatment resulted in the highest production of fresh and dry forage biomass. Application of different cutting strategies to the Gliricidia plants influenced the diameters of the stems and buds, plant height and accumulation of forage biomass during the rainy and dry seasons. The highest cutting frequency (90 days) and lower intensity cutting (90 cm) provided greater stem diameter, number of shoots and plant height, and the higher forage yield of Gliricidia.

La Gliricidia sepium tiene menos variación de crecimiento debido a las diferencias climáticas durante y entre años. El estudio evaluó el efecto de estrategias de corte de Gliricidia sepium en su producción en los períodos secos y lluviosos. Se evaluaron doce tratamientos de manejo de poda (cortes a los 45, 60, 75 y 90 días, con 30, 60 y 90 cm alturas residuales) y dos períodos (temporada seca y lluviosa) con cuatro repeticiones. El diseño estadístico fue de bloques al azar en una configuración factorial (12 x 2). Hubo interacciones significativas entre el régimen de manejo y la estación del año (lluviosa o seca) en la altura de la planta, diámetro del tallo, diámetro de los brotes y masa de forraje del tallo, tanto seca como verde. El tratamiento con una frecuencia de corte de 90 días y una altura residual de 90 cm dio lugar a la mayor altura promedio final y al mayor diámetro del tallo en el período seco, con reducciones de 7,65 y 1,5% en el período de la escasez de agua, respectivamente. El tratamiento de 90 días x 90 cm dio lugar a la mayor producción de forraje en masa verde y seca. Las diferentes estrategias de corte de Gliricidia influyen en el diámetro del tallo y brotes, altura de la planta y la acumulación de la masa de forraje durante la estación lluviosa y seca. La mayor frecuencia de corte (90 días) y el punto de corte menor intensidad (90 cm) proporcionan mayor diámetro del tallo, número de brotes y la altura, y el más alto rendimiento de forraje de Gliricidia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pathogenesis of bloodstream infection by Staphylococcus epidermidis, using the molecular epidemiology, in high-risk neonates. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of a cohort of neonates with bloodstream infection using central venous catheters for more than 24 h. "National Healthcare Safety Network" surveillance was conducted. Genotyping was performed by DNA fingerprinting and mecA genes and icaAD were detected by multiplex-PCR. RESULTS: From April 2006 to April 2008, the incidence of bloodstream infection and central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infection was 15.1 and 13.0/1000 catheter days, respectively, with S. epidermidis accounting for 42.9% of episodes. Molecular analysis was used to document the similarity among six isolates of bloodstream infection by S. epidermidis from cases with positive blood and central venous catheter tip cultures. Fifty percent of neonates had bloodstream infection not identified as definite or probable central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection. Only one case was considered as definite central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection and was extraluminally acquired; the remaining were considered probable central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections, with one probable extraluminally and another probable intraluminally acquired bloodstream infection. Additionally, among mecA+ and icaAD+ samples, one clone (A) was predominant (80%). A polyclonal profile was found among sensitive samples that were not carriers of the icaAD gene. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of infections caused by S. epidermidis in neonates had an unknown origin, although 33.3% appeared to have been acquired intraluminally and extraluminally. We observed a polyclonal profile between sensitive samples and a prevalent clone (A) between resistant samples.