ABSTRACT Purpose: This study investigates the protective effect of cilostazol on the development and evolution of diabetic retinopathy in rats. Methods: Sixty male rats were divided into four groups: untreated nondiabetic rats, untreated diabetic rats, cilostazol-treated nondiabetic rats, and cilostazol-treated diabetic rats. The thickness of the internal limiting membrane to the outer limiting membrane, inner plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, and outer nuclear layer were measured. The number of cell nuclei per 50-μm length in retinal sections was counted to quantify the degree of retinal cell loss. Results: The number of nuclei in the ganglion cell layer was significantly higher in untreated nondiabetic rats (p<0.05). The mean number of nuclei in the cilostazol-treated nondiabetic rats was significantly higher than that in the cilostazol-treated diabetic rats (p<0.05). The cilostazol-treated nondiabetic rats had a significantly higher mean nuclei count in the inner nuclear layer and inner plexiform layer as compared with the other groups (p<0.05). The total mean retinal thickness of the cilostazol-treated nondiabetic rats was significantly higher than that of cilostazol-treated diabetic rats and untreated diabetic rats (p<0.05). Conclusion: By decreasing the loss of ganglion cells and reducing the sensorineural atrophy in the internal retinal layers, cilostazol had a protective effect against changes caused by diabetic retinopathy in diabetic rats.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito protetor do cilostazol no desenvolvimento e na evolução da retinopatia diabética em ratos. Métodos: Sessenta ratos machos foram divididos em 4 grupos: ratos não-diabéticos não-tratados, ratos diabéticos não-tratados, ratos não-diabéticos tratados com cilostazol e ratos diabéticos tratados com cilostazol. A espessura da membrana limitante interna à membrana limitante externa, a camada plexiforme interna, a camada nuclear interna e a camada nuclear externa foram medidas. Para quantificar o grau de perda de células da retina, foi contado o número de núcleos de células por 50 μm de comprimento em secções retinianas. Resultados: O número de núcleos no GCL foi significativamente maior em Ratos não-diabéticos não-tratados com cilostazol (p<0,05). O número médio de núcleos em Ratos não-diabéticos tratados com cilostazol foi significativamente maior do que em Ratos diabéticos tratados com cilostazol (p<0,05). A contagem média de núcleos em camada nuclear interna e camada plexiforme interna de ratos não-diabéticos tratados com cilostazol foi significativamente maior do que nos outros grupos (p<0,05). A espessura retiniana média total de Ratos não-diabéticos tratados com cilostazol foi significativamente maior do que em Ratos diabéticos tratados com cilostazol e Ratos diabéticos não-tratados (p<0,05). Conclusão: Os resultados demonstraram que o cilostazol teve um efeito protetor contra as alterações causadas pela retinopatia diabética em ratos diabéticos, diminuindo a perda de células ganglionares e reduzindo a atrofia neurossensorial nas camadas retinianas internas.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito protetor do cilostazol no desenvolvimento e na evolução da retinopatia diabética em ratos. Métodos: Sessenta ratos machos foram divididos em 4 grupos: ratos não-diabéticos não-tratados, ratos diabéticos não-tratados, ratos não-diabéticos tratados com cilostazol e ratos diabéticos tratados com cilostazol. A espessura da membrana limitante interna à membrana limitante externa, a camada plexiforme interna, a camada nuclear interna e a camada nuclear externa foram medidas. Para quantificar o grau de perda de células da retina, foi contado o número de núcleos de células por 50 μm de comprimento em secções retinianas. Resultados: O número de núcleos no GCL foi significativamente maior em Ratos não-diabéticos não-tratados com cilostazol (p<0,05). O número médio de núcleos em Ratos não-diabéticos tratados com cilostazol foi significativamente maior do que em Ratos diabéticos tratados com cilostazol (p<0,05). A contagem média de núcleos em camada nuclear interna e camada plexiforme interna de ratos não-diabéticos tratados com cilostazol foi significativamente maior do que nos outros grupos (p<0,05). A espessura retiniana média total de Ratos não-diabéticos tratados com cilostazol foi significativamente maior do que em Ratos diabéticos tratados com cilostazol e Ratos diabéticos não-tratados (p<0,05). Conclusão: Os resultados demonstraram que o cilostazol teve um efeito protetor contra as alterações causadas pela retinopatia diabética em ratos diabéticos, diminuindo a perda de células ganglionares e reduzindo a atrofia neurossensorial nas camadas retinianas internas.

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study investigates the protective effect of cilostazol on the development and evolution of diabetic retinopathy in rats. Methods: Sixty male rats were divided into four groups: untreated nondiabetic rats, untreated diabetic rats, cilostazol-treated nondiabetic rats, and cilostazol-treated diabetic rats. The thickness of the internal limiting membrane to the outer limiting membrane, inner plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, and outer nuclear layer were measured. The number of cell nuclei per 50-μm length in retinal sections was counted to quantify the degree of retinal cell loss. Results: The number of nuclei in the ganglion cell layer was significantly higher in untreated nondiabetic rats (p<0.05). The mean number of nuclei in the cilostazol-treated nondiabetic rats was significantly higher than that in the cilostazol-treated diabetic rats (p<0.05). The cilostazol-treated nondiabetic rats had a significantly higher mean nuclei count in the inner nuclear layer and inner plexiform layer as compared with the other groups (p<0.05). The total mean retinal thickness of the cilostazol-treated nondiabetic rats was significantly higher than that of cilostazol-treated diabetic rats and untreated diabetic rats (p<0.05). Conclusion: By decreasing the loss of ganglion cells and reducing the sensorineural atrophy in the internal retinal layers, cilostazol had a protective effect against changes caused by diabetic retinopathy in diabetic rats.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A disbiose da microbiota intestinal é encontrada frequentemente em casos de obesidade e doenças metabólicas relacionadas, como a diabetes mellitus tipo 2. A composição da microbiota em diabéticos é semelhante à de obesos, causando um aumento da eficiência de captação de energia no intestino grosso de obesos, manutenção de um estado inflamatório sistêmico e maior resistência à insulina. A cirurgia bariátrica parece acarretar em uma melhora da disbiose intestinal, levando ao aumento de diversidade da microbiota intestinal. OBJETIVOS: Este artigo apresenta uma revisão de literatura sobre a disbiose intestinal associada a obesidade e seu status pós cirurgia bariátrica. MÉTODOS: Uma revisão sistemática de estudos primários foi realizada em bases de dados PubMed, SciELO, BIREME, LILACS, Embase, ScienceDirect e Scopus utilizando o Descritores em Ciência da Saúde (DeCS) com os termos: “obesidade”, “disbiose intestinal”, “cirurgia bariátrica” e “microbiota”. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 28 artigos que tinham como característica principal serem estudos clínicos ou revisões de literatura, dos quais 82%, n=23, correspondem a estudos retrospectivos. O tamanho das amostras dos estudos variou de 9 a 257 participantes e/ou amostras fecais. O perfil epidemiológico mostrou haver maior prevalência de obesidade no sexo feminino, variação de 24,4 a 35,1%, com idade média em torno dos 25 a 40 anos. Houve uma variação com relação ao tipo de cirurgia bariátrica, migrando entre a Bypass em Y-de-Roux, Banda gástrica ajustável e gastrectomia vertical. Dos 28 estudos, 6 deles avaliaram a microbiota intestinal de obesos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica e sua relação com diabetes mellitus tipo 2/metabolismo da glicose/resistência insulínica. CONCLUSÕES: A microbiota intestinal é um importante influenciador na regulação do aparelho digestivo, e que indivíduos obesos com comorbidades (diabetes mellitus, hipercolesterolemia e síndrome metabólica) apresentam alterações importantes, com desequilíbrio do seu estado normal, gerando disbiose e a proliferação de espécies bacterianas que favorecem o aparecimento de novas doenças. Pacientes submetidos a cirurgia bariátrica apresentam melhora do desequilíbrio da microbiota intestinal, bem como uma reversibilidade de suas comorbidades, elevando a expectativa de vida.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is frequently found in cases of obesity and related metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. The composition of the microbiota in diabetics is similar to that of obese people, thereby causing increased energy uptake efficiency in the large intestine of obese people, maintenance of a systemic inflammatory state, and increased insulin resistance. Bariatric surgery seems to entail an improvement in gut dysbiosis, leading to an increased diversity of the gut microbiota. AIMS: This study aimed to present a literature review on obesity-associated gut dysbiosis and its status post-bariatric surgery. METHODS: A systematic review of primary studies was conducted in PubMed, SciELO, BIREME, LILACS, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases using DeCS (Health Science Descriptors) with the terms “obesity,” “intestinal dysbiosis,” “bariatric surgery,” and “microbiota.” RESULTS: We analyzed 28 articles that had clinical studies or literature reviews as their main characteristics, of which 82% (n=23) corresponded to retrospective studies. The sample size of the studies ranged from 9 to 257 participants and/or fecal samples. The epidemiological profile showed a higher prevalence of obesity in females, ranging from 24.4 to 35.1%, with a mean age of around 25–40 years. There was a variation regarding the type of bariatric surgery, migrating between the Roux-en-Y bypass, adjustable gastric banding, and vertical gastrectomy. Of the 28 studies, 6 of them evaluated the gut microbiota of obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery and their relationship with type 2 diabetes mellitus/glucose metabolism/insulin resistance. CONCLUSIONS: The intestinal microbiota is an important influencer in the regulation of the digestive tract, and obese individuals with comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and metabolic syndrome) present important alterations, with an unbalance normal state, generating dysbiosis and the proliferation of bacterial species that favor the appearance of new diseases. Patients who undergo bariatric surgery present an improvement in the intestinal microbiota imbalance as well as reversibility of their comorbidities, increasing their life expectancy.

Resumen En un juego de aproximaciones y evocaciones, Noé Jitrik nos invita en estas páginas a explorar la mutua imbricación de lo político, lo literario y lo psicoanalítico como dimensiones que impregnan su filosofía de la escritura. Esta última, cuya forma manifiesta se transfigura en su insinuación, aloja la afluencia de fuerzas en la lectura y desde ella trama sus modos y gestualidades. Así se manifiestan los sedimentos y restos constitutivos de un pensamiento que desplaza la idea mecánica de mera aplicación de los discursos. A su vez, lo poético entreteje lo palpitante del lenguaje que anuda aspectos de lucha y alteridad en el acto de escribir. En consonancia, se avista un combate contra el silencio como espacio en blanco y contra el silenciamiento generado por lógicas epistémicas hegemónicas. Frente a este panorama, la escritura se trenza de modo que afloran otras dimensiones del fracaso en relación con el intento de capturar el sentido, colmar el silencio o eliminar el olvido. Estas contracaras del acto escritural terminan por delinear un juego entre memoria y olvido, entre presencia y ausencia, entre imposibilidad y negatividad que remite al modo en que silbidos del silencio acechan mientras el trazo florece en su picardía filosófica.

Resumo Num jogo de aproximações e evocações, Noé Jitrik nos convida, nestas páginas, a explorar o entrelaçamento mútuo do político, do literário e do psicanalítico como dimensões que permeiam a sua filosofia da escrita. Este último, cuja forma manifesta se transfigura em sua insinuação, abriga o influxo de forças na leitura e a partir daí traça seus modos e gestos. É assim que se manifestam os sedimentos e os restos constituintes de um pensamento que deslocam a ideia mecânica de mera aplicação dos discursos. Ao mesmo tempo, o poético entrelaça o latejar da linguagem que une aspectos de luta e alteridade no ato de escrever. Em consonância com o que este ato implica, avista-se um combate ao silêncio como espaço em branco e ao silenciamento gerado pelas lógicas epistêmicas hegemônicas. Neste contexto, a escrita é torcida de tal forma que outras dimensões do fracasso emergem em relação à tentativa de captar significados, preencher o silêncio ou eliminar o esquecimento. Essas faces contrárias do ato escritural acabam delineando um jogo entre memória e esquecimento, entre presença e ausência, entre impossibilidade e negatividade, que remete ao modo como espreitam os assobios do silêncio enquanto a linha floresce em sua travessura filosófica.

Abstract In a game of approximations and evocations, Noé Jitrik invites us to explore the mutual interweaving of the political, the literary, and the psychoanalytic as dimensions that permeate his philosophy of writing. The latter, whose manifestation is transformed in its insinuation, houses the multiple forces of the act of reading, and then plots its forms and gestures. In doing so, we observe the sediments and possibilities for a way of thinking that rejects the mere mechanical application of discourses. At the same time, it gives rise to a language that ties together struggle and otherness in the act of writing. Therefore, it presents a form of resistance against silence as a blank space, and against the act of silencing produced by hegemonic epistemologies. In this context, there emerge in the act of writing other dimensions of failure in relation to the attempt to capture meaning, fill gaps or eliminate forgetfulness. These other sides of writing outline a game between memory and forgetting, between presence and absence, and between impossibility and negativity, which point to how the whistles of silence prowl while writing flourishes in its philosophical mischief.

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of feed type, pH, and Cu and Zn concentration on Cu and Zn binding with different feedstuffs after in vitro incubation in water. For this purpose, six feedstuffs (wheat straw, grass hay, corn silage, dried distillers grains with solubles, ground corn, and soybean meal) were incubated in ultrapure water (pH≈6.4) with supplemental Cu concentrations equivalent to 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 mg Cu/kg DM or supplemental Zn concentrations equivalent to 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 mg Zn/kg DM for 48 h. This experiment was repeated; however, following the 48-h incubation in ultrapure water (pH≈6.4), samples were incubated for one additional hour at a fitted pH of 2.3. Following incubation, the indigestible residue was analyzed for the presence of Cu and Zn. Copper and zinc bind to other dietary constituents at a pH similar to that of the rumen, regardless of the type of feedstuffs (concentrate or roughage). However, in a pH condition similar to that of the abomasum, part of these bonds is broken. In these pH conditions, there is greater breakdown of bonds in concentrate feedstuffs than in roughages, regardless of the mineral analyzed. Comparing these minerals, zinc forms weaker bonds than copper.

RESUMO Introdução: Atualmente não há um protocolo imunossupressor específico para os receptores de transplantes renais portadores de hepatite C (HCV). Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da conversão a Everolimo (EVR) na HCV em receptores adultos de transplantes renais. Método: Trata-se de um estudo unicêntrico, prospectivo, randomizado, exploratório, controlado, aberto em receptores de aloenxertos renais com sorologia positiva para HCV. Os participantes foram randomizados para conversão a EVR ou manutenção dos inibidores da calcineurina. Resultados: Trinta pacientes foram randomizados e 28 foram acompanhados por um período de 12 meses (grupo de conversão, Grupo 1 = 15 e grupo controle, Grupo 2 =13). Níveis de RT-PCR HCV descritos em valores logarítmicos foram comparáveis entre os grupos e entre pacientes em um mesmo grupo. A análise estatística não mostrou efeitos de interação entre tempo e grupo (valor p G*M= 0,852), ao longo do tempo em cada grupo (valor p M=0,889) e entre grupos (valor p G=0,286). O Grupo 1 apresentou uma maior incidência de eventos de dislipidemia (p=0,03) e proteinúria (p=0,01); não houve diferença na incidência de anemia (p=0,17), diabetes mellitus de início pós-transplante (p=1,00) ou infecção do trato urinário (p=0,60). A TFGe média foi semelhante nos dois grupos. Conclusão: Nosso estudo não mostrou redução da carga viral após conversão a EVR com manutenção do tratamento antiproliferativo.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Currently, there is no specific immunosuppressive protocol for hepatitis C (HCV)-positive renal transplants recipients. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the conversion effect to everolimus (EVR) on HCV in adult kidney recipients. Method: This is an exploratory single-center, prospective, randomized, open label controlled trial with renal allograft recipients with HCV-positive serology. Participants were randomized for conversion to EVR or maintenance of calcineurin inhibitors. Results: Thirty patients were randomized and 28 were followed-up for 12 months (conversion group, Group 1 =15 and control group, Group 2 =13). RT-PCR HCV levels reported in log values were comparable in both groups and among patients in the same group. The statistical analysis showed no interaction effect between time and group (p value G*M= 0.852), overtime intra-groups (p-value M=0.889) and between group (p-value G=0.286). Group 1 showed a higher incidence of dyslipidemia (p=0.03) and proteinuria events (p=0.01), while no difference was observed in the incidence of anemia (p=0.17), new onset of post-transplant diabetes mellitus (p=1.00) or urinary tract infection (p=0.60). The mean eGFR was similar in both groups. Conclusion: Our study did not show viral load decrease after conversion to EVR with maintenance of antiproliferative therapy.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever os achados na tomografia computadorizada de alta resolução (TCAR) de pacientes com síndrome pulmonar do hantavírus. Materiais e Métodos: Revisamos, retrospectivamente, os achados tomográficos de oito pacientes portadores da síndrome pulmonar do hantavírus, todos do sexo masculino e com idade de 19 a 70 anos (média de 41,7 anos). O diagnóstico foi estabelecido por teste sorológico de ensaio de imunoabsorção enzimática em todos os pacientes. Dois radiologistas de tórax analisaram as imagens e decidiram em consenso. Resultados: Os achados predominantes na TCAR foram opacidades em vidro fosco e espessamento septal inter e intralobular, observados nos oito pacientes; porém, padrão de pavimentação em mosaico foi encontrado em apenas três deles. Derrame pleural e espessamento peribroncovascular foram observados em cinco pacientes. As anormalidades foram bilaterais em todos os pacientes. Conclusão: Opacidades em vidro fosco e espessamento septal inter e intralobular foram os achados predominantes na TCAR nos pacientes com síndrome pulmonar do hantavírus, o que, provavelmente, se correlaciona com achados histopatológicos de edema pulmonar.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings in patients with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed HRCT findings from eight cases of HPS. All patients were men, aged 19-70 (mean, 41.7) years. Diagnoses were established by serological test (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in all patients. Two chest radiologists analyzed the images and reached decisions by consensus. Results: The predominant HRCT findings were ground-glass opacities (GGOs) and smooth inter- and intralobular septal thickening, found in all eight cases; however, the crazy-paving pattern was found in only three cases. Pleural effusion and peribronchovascular thickening were observed in five patients. The abnormalities were bilateral in all patients. Conclusion: The predominant HRCT findings in patients with HPS were GGOs and smooth inter- and intralobular septal thickening, which probably correlate with the histopathologic findings of pulmonary edema.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a eficácia da cor do solo na identificação de áreas com diferentes potenciais produtivos e qualidade de café, em Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo desenvolvido de arenito, no Planalto Ocidental Paulista, no Estado de São Paulo. Coletaram-se 173 amostras em 39 ha, para a determinação de matiz, valor, croma e índice de avermelhamento do solo, com base nos dados da espectroscopia de reflectância difusa (ERD). Avaliaram-se, também, a produtividade e a qualidade do fruto de café, e calculou-se o índice de diagnose foliar (DRIS). A maior correlação espacial observada pelo variograma cruzado ocorreu entre matiz e DRIS, em pontos distantes em até 497 m. A menor correlação espacial foi observada em croma e produção, em pontos distantes em até 207 m. As áreas com o maior potencial de produtividade (20 a 33 sacas por hectare) apresentaram matiz entre 6,99 e 7,06, croma entre 5,00 e 5,08 e valor entre 4,40 e 4,45. As áreas com o menor potencial de produtividade (3 a 7 sacas por hectare) apresentaram matiz entre 7,27 e 7,68, croma entre 5,20 e 5,28 e valor entre 4,51 e 4,67. Nestes locais, o teor de argila foi de 16 g kg-1, os teores de P variaram entre 65 e 75 mg dm-3, e a soma de bases estava entre 56 e 58 mmolc dm-3. O uso da cor determinada por ERD é eficaz para identificar áreas com diferentes potenciais produtivos e qualidade de café, com precisão de 61 a 97%.

Abstract The objective of this work was to verify soil color effectiveness for the identification of areas with different yield potentials and coffee quality, in an Ultisol developed from sandstone, in Planalto Ocidental Paulista, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. One hundred seventy-three samples were collected from 39 ha, for the determination of hue, value, chroma, and the soil redness index, based on data of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Productivity and quality of coffee fruit were also evaluated, and the leaf diagnosis index (DRIS) was calculated. The highest spatial correlation, observed in the cross variogram, occurred between hue and DRIS in points up to 497 m apart. The lowest spatial correlation was observed for chroma and production, in points spaced by up to 207 m. The areas with the highest yield potential (20 to 33 bags per hectare) showed hue between 6.99 and 7.06, croma between 5.00 and 5.08, and value between 4.40 and 4.45. The areas with the lowest productivity potential (3 to 7 bags per hectare) showed hue between 7.27 and 7.68, chroma between 5.20 and 5.28, and value between 4.51 and 4.67. In these places, clay content was of 16 g kg-1, P levels varied between 65 and 75 mg dm-3, and the sum of bases was between 56 and 58 mmolc dm-3. The use of the color determined by DRS is effective to identify areas with different productive potentials and coffee quality, with 61 to 97% accuracy.

Introdução:A dissecção endoscópica da submucosa (ESD) já é procedimento consagrado no tratamento do câncer gástrico e esofagiano em suas fases precoces. As lesões colorre-tais, inicialmente abordadas por mucossectomia, em bloco ou em fragmentos, são o foco atual para a abordagem submucosa, principalmente para os tumores de crescimento lateral superficial a partir de 20 mm de diâmetro. A experiência de centros japoneses, referências em endoscopia terapêutica, demonstram redução no índice de recidiva da doença com esta abordagem e, segundo critérios histopatológicos específicos, podem evitar uma colectomia em alguns casos de neoplasia maligna.1-3Relato de caso:Trata-se de paciente de 50 anos, submetida à dissecção endoscópica da submucosa de lesão de crescimento lateral, com 50 mm, localizada no reto, a 8 cm da margem anal. O procedimento foi realizado sem maiores intercorrências, com apenas dois pontos de afastamento da muscular, sem perfuração grosseira, fechados com clipe. Entretanto, a paciente evoluiu com escape aéreo para peritônio, retroperitônio, mediastino e subcútis, sendo tratada sem intervenção adicional, apenas com manejo clínico.Conclusão:É de fundamental importância conhecer e saber aplicar a técnica da ESD, além de abordar suas complicações, uma vez que, mesmo repleta de benefícios em relação à cirurgia, ela pode apresentar desfechos graves.4,5

Introduction:Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an already established procedure in the treatment of gastric and esophageal cancer in its early stages. Colorectal lesions, initially approached by endoscopic mucosal resection en bloc or in fragments, are the current focus for submucosal approach, especially for superficial lateral spreading tumor of 20 mm-diameter. The experience of Japanese centers, which are reference in therapeutic endoscopy, demonstrates reduction in the rate of disease recurrence with this approach and, according to specific histopathological criteria, may avoid colectomy in some cases of malignant neoplasia.1-3Case report:The patient was 50-year-old female. She underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection of a rectal lateral spreading tumor measuring 50 mm, located 8 cm from the anal margin. The procedure was performed without major complications, with just two points for muscle layer detachment, without gross perforation and closed with metal clips. However, the patient developed air leakage to the peritoneum, retroperitoneum, mediastinum and subcutaneous tissue, being only treated with clinical procedures and without additional intervention.Conclusion:It is vital to know and be able to apply the technique of ESD, in addition to addressing its complications, since despite the numerous benefits compared to surgery, ESD can result in serious outcomes.4,5

The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional requirements of energy and protein and estimate the efficiencies of metabolizable energy utilization for fat and protein deposition, as well as for maintenance (k m) and growth (k g). An experiment of comparative slaughter was carried out with thirty-seven 14-month-old (±1 month) Nellore bulls with 259±24.9 kg. Animals were divided as follows: five to reference, four to maintenance level and twenty-eight bulls feeding ad libitum. Bulls were also grouped in 4 different feedlot periods (42, 84, 126 and 168 days) for slaughter. The diet was composed of corn silage and concentrate, at a 55:45 ratio. After the slaughter, the left half carcasses were totally dissected for determination of body composition. The energy requirements for maintenance were obtained by exponentially relating the heat production and the metabolizable energy intake, while the energy requirements for gain (NEg) were obtained according to empty body weight (EBW) and EBW gain (EBG). The net protein requirements for gain (NPg) were estimated according to EBG and retained energy (RE). The net (NEm) and metabolizable (MEm) energy requirements for maintenance were 76.5 and 113.84 kcal/EBW0.75/day, respectively. The k m was 0.67. The equations for NEg and NPg were: NEg (Mcal/day) = 0.0555 × EBW0.75 × EBG1.095 and NPg (g/day) = 263.37 × EBG - 23.21 × RE. The k g was 0.33. The efficiencies to deposition of energy as protein and fat were 0.18 and 0.71, respectively. The model obtained for the percentage of retained energy as protein (%REp) was %REp = 2.4221 × (RE/EBG)-1.6472. The net and metabolizable energy requirements for maintenance of Nellore bulls were 76.5 and 113.84 kcal/EBW0.75/day. The energy and protein requirements for gain could be obtained by the respective equations: NEg (Mcal/day) = 0.0555 × EBW0.75 × EBG1.095 and NPg (g/day) = 263.37 × EBG - 23.21 × RE.

The objective of this study was to evaluate low and high Brix diets, treated or not with 5 g of calcium oxide per kg of natural matter, and corn silage on intake, digestibility and performance of beef cattle. Forty cattle with initial body weight (BW) of 350 kg were used: five composed the control group, 30 were distributed into random blocks (control) and the other five were distributed in a 5 × 5 incomplete Latin square, with the objective of determining digestibility. The 30 animals evaluated for performance were slaughtered and empty body weight (EPW), carcass dressing and meat cuts were determined. The diet with corn silage (CS) presented the best intake of the other ingredients and the best weight gain, except for neutral detergent fiber intake in g/kg of BW. Only carcass dressing, in relation to BW and EBW, was not affected by the treatments, and the others were greater for animals fed diets with sugar cane silage. Animals fed diets with high brix sugar cane silage and treated high brix sugar cane silage presented lower intake of indigestible neutral detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (g/kg of BW) in relation to diets with low and high brix sugar cane silage, respectively. Animals fed diets with corn silage presented higher digestibility, except for crude protein and non-fibrous carbohydrates. Animals subjected to diets with corn silage presented low excretion of nitrogen compounds and higher microbial crude protein synthesis. Animals fed sugar cane silage present greater intake, performance and digestibility. The use of lime during 15 or 20º Brix sugar cane ensilage does not alter intake, digestibility or performance of beef cattle.

Os aspectos fisiológicos e bioquímicos influenciados pelo silício e que condicionam reações de resistência a pragas no cacaueiro ainda são pouco conhecidos. O objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar os efeitos da aplicação de silício sobre a fotossíntese, sobre o teor foliar de fenóis solúveis totais e a sua influência na preferência de Toxoptera aurantii em genótipos de cacau. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, no delineamento de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições, em arranjo fatorial 3 x 3, constituído por três genótipos (TSH 1188, CCN 51 e Catongo), duas doses de silicato de potássio (3 e 6 mL L-1), aplicadas por via foliar e um controle pulverizado somente com água. Foram realizadas avaliações das trocas gasosas, da fluorescência da clorofila a e do teor de compostos fenólicos foliar, além de um teste de preferência com chance de livre escolha com T. aurantii. Os genótipos TSH 1188 e CCN 51 apresentam maior eficiência fotoquímica e fotossintética, comparados com o Catongo. Independentemente do genótipo, a aplicação de silicato de potássio não alterou o índice de desempenho das plantas (PI ABS e PI TOTAL); no entanto, a dose 3 mL L-1 aumentou a fotossíntese líquida e o teor de fenóis solúveis totais. A dose 6 mL L-1 reduziu a preferência de T. aurantii pelas folhas do genótipo TSH 1188. A aplicação de silicato de potássio é promissora no aumento da resistência do cacaueiro a T. aurantii.

The physiological and biochemical aspects influenced by silicon and that influence reactions of resistance to pests in cocoa are still poorly understood. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of silicon application on photosynthesis, the leaf content of total soluble phenols and preference of Toxoptera aurantii in cocoa genotypes. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in a randomized block design with four replications in a factorial 3 x 3, consisting of three genotypes (TSH 1188, CCN 51 and Catongo), two doses of potassium silicate (3 and 6 mL L-1) applied to the leaves and a control sprayed with water. Evaluations were conducted for gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence and phenolic content in leaf level, besides a preference test with a chance of free choice with T. aurantii. The genotypes TSH 1188 and CCN 51 had higher photochemical efficiency and photosynthesis compared with Catongo. Regardless of genotype, the application of potassium silicate did not affect the performance index of the plants (and PI ABS PI TOTAL), however, the dose 3 mL L-1 increased net photosynthesis and total soluble phenol content. The dose 6 mL L-1 reduced the preference of T. aurantii to the leaves of genotype TSH 1188. The application of potassium silicate is promising to increase the resistance of cacao to T. aurantii.

The objective of this study was to estimate the urinary creatinine excretion by the shrunk body weight (SBW). In experiment I, 32 Nellore bulls with initial body weight of 259±24.9 kg and 14±1 months-old were used. The group was divided in four animals to maintenance and twenty eight animals feeding ad libitum and separated in four groups; each group was slaughtered at different times of feedlot (42, 84, 126 and 168 days). The diet was composed of corn silage and concentrate (55:45). Before the slaughters, the total urinary collection was realized during three days. A database of creatinine excretion was collected from other five studies that had been conducted with Nellore cattle. In all the studies, the total urinary collection was realized during at least three days. At the end of each collection, the animals were weighted. Urinary creatinine excretion (UCE) was related with the shrunk body weight and it can be estimated by the equation: UCE (g/day) = 0.0345 × SBW0.9491.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sugar cane ensilage with different Brix degrees, with or without the addition of 0.5% of calcium oxide (lime) on the chemical composition and fermentation losses of silages. A complete random design in a 9 × 2 factorial arrangement was used. Experimental silos were used, ensilage was done every 15 days with Brix measuring, and they were opened after 30 days of fermentation. As the Brix degree of the ensiled material increased, the contents of dry matter (DM) increased and contents of ash, crude protein (CP) and fibers (neutral and acid detergent fiber corrected for proteins - NDFap and ADFap) reduced. After fermentation, DM content of the silage presented a linear increase with the Brix degree content concentration, positively correlating with content of lime, but the contents of ash, CP, EE and NDFap were linearly reduced with the Brix increase. Content of ADFap suffered linear reduction for the treated silage whereas quadratic behavior was found in the untreated silage. Production of ethanol was presented in a quadratic manner for the silages without lime, and cubically in silages with lime, according to the Brix degree. The treated or untreated silages presented an average pH of 3.98 and 3.50, respectively. Contents of acetic acid and butyric acid were not affected by the lime content and Brix degree. Untreated silages presented reduction of contents of propionic acid as the Brix degree increased. The higher the Brix degree value, the higher the total losses of dry matter in the sugar cane silages with or without treatment. The treatment of the sugar cane with 0.5% calcium oxide on the natural matter basis is effective in reducing the undesired fermentation of the ensilage material.

No sistema de semeadura direta, a dessecação que antecede à semeadura (manejo) é uma das operações mais importantes para maximizar o crescimento inicial das culturas e minimizar a interferência das plantas daninhas no início do ciclo. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes sistemas de manejo que antecede à semeadura da soja, no município de Iguaraçu, Paraná, no ano agrícola de 2004/2005. Foram comparados cinco épocas de manejo (10, 7, 5, 3 e o dias, antes da semeadura), com três tratamentos herbicidas (glyphosate 1080 g, glyphosate + flumioxazin 1080 + 25 g ha-1 e glyphosate + flumioxazin 1080 + 40 g ha-1), em relação à velocidade de dessecação, infestação inicial de plantas daninhas e desenvolvimento e produtividade da soja. A associação de glyphosate com flumioxazin em comparação com a utilização de glyphosate, isoladamente, apresentou como benefícios maior velocidade de dessecação da biomassa presente e efeito residual no controle do primeiro fluxo de infestação da cultura. A aceleração da morte da cobertura vegetal possibilita a semeadura em espaço de tempo menor após a dessecação.

In no-tillage systems, burndown is one of the most important steps to achieve maximum initial crop growth and minimize weed interference during early stages of the crop cycle. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of different burndown systems before no-tillage sowing of soybean. A field experiment was carried out in Iguaraçu, Paraná State, during the 2004/2005 growth season. Under field conditions, five burndown dates (10, 7, 5, 3 and 0 days before sowing) combined with three herbicide treatments (glyphosate 1080 g, glyphosate + flumioxazin 1080 + 25 g ha-1 and glyphosate + flumioxazin 1080 + 40 g ha-1) were compared in regards to desiccation speed, initial weed emergence, development and yield of soybean. Compared to the use of glyphosate alone, this association showed positive aspects such as faster desiccation speed and a soil residual effect over the first cycle of weed emergence after crop sowing. With a faster decrease in soil cover, it is possible to begin soybean sowing shortly after desiccation.