bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical MEN-1 Among a Large Cohort of Patients With Acromegaly
Authors: Nachtigall Lisa B , Guarda Francisco J , Lines Kate E , Ghajar Alireza , Dichtel Laura , Mumbach Giselle , Zhao Wenxiu , Zhang Xun , Tritos Nicholas A , Swearingen Brooke , Miller Karen K , Thakker Rajesh V
Published: April 2020

Context

Clinical multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) is diagnosed by the presence of at least 2 MEN-1–associated tumors. Many patients with acromegaly and clinical MEN-1 yield negative testing for MEN1 mutations. While cases of acromegaly and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) with negative genetic testing have been reported, its prevalence among patients with acromegaly is undetermined, and the clinical presentation has not been well characterized.

Objectives

The main goals of this study are: (1) To determine the prevalence of clinical MEN-1 with PHP in patients with acromegaly and characterize their clinical features; and (2) to evaluate the genetic basis for the coexistence of acromegaly and PHP.

Design

Retrospective record review and genetic analysis.

Setting

Clinical Research Centers.

Participants

414 patients with acromegaly.

Interventions

Clinical evaluation and DNA sequencing for MEN1, CDKN1A, CDKN1B, CDKN2B, CDKN2C, and AIP genes.

Main outcome measurements

Clinical and genetic analysis.

Results

Among patients with acromegaly, clinical MEN-1, as defined by the presence of at least one other MEN-1-associated tumor, was present in 6.6%. PHP occurred in 6.1%; more than half had parathyroid hyperplasia. DNA sequencing was unrevealing for genetic mutations, except for 1 case of a CDC73 mutation. Acromegaly was diagnosed at an older age with a higher prevalence of malignancies (specifically breast and thyroid) in patients with coexisting PHP than those with isolated acromegaly.

Conclusions

A distinct phenotype is described in patients with clinical MEN-1 and negative genetic testing for mutations previously associated with this syndrome. Further studies are needed to identify other genes that may explain the association between PHP and acromegaly.
Causal Association of Haptoglobin With Obesity in Mexican Children: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Vázquez-Moreno Miguel , Locia-Morales Daniel , Perez-Herrera Aleyda , Gomez-Diaz Rita A , Gonzalez-Dzib Roxana , Valdez-González Adriana L , Flores-Alfaro Eugenia , Corona-Salazar Perla , Suarez-Sanchez Fernando , Gomez-Zamudio Jaime , Valladares-Salgado Adan , Wacher-Rodarte Niels , Cruz Miguel , Meyre David
Published: April 2020

Context

Little is known about the association between haptoglobin level and cardiometabolic traits. A previous genome-wide association study identified rs2000999 in the HP gene as the stronger genetic contributor to serum haptoglobin level in European populations.

Objective and Design

We investigated the association of HP rs2000999 with serum haptoglobin and childhood and adult obesity in up to 540/697 and 592/691 Mexican cases and controls, respectively. Anthropometric and biochemical data were collected. Serum haptoglobin was measured by an immunoturbidimetry assay. HP rs2000999 was genotyped using the TaqMan technology. Mendelian randomization analysis was performed using the Wald and inverse variance weighting methods.

Results

Haptoglobin level was positively associated with childhood and adult obesity. HP rs2000999 G allele was positively associated with haptoglobin level in children and adults. HP rs2000999 G allele was positively associated with childhood but not adult obesity. The association between HP rs2000999 and childhood obesity was removed after adjusting for haptoglobin level. In a Mendelian randomization analysis, haptoglobin level genetically predicted by HP rs2000999 showed a significant causal effect on childhood obesity by the Wald and inverse variance weighting methods.

Conclusion

Our data provide evidence for the first time for a causal positive association between serum haptoglobin level and childhood obesity in the Mexican population. Our study contributes to the genetic elucidation of childhood obesity and proposes haptoglobin as an important biomarker and treatment target for obesity.
Human Bone Marrow Adipose Tissue is a Metabolically Active and Insulin-Sensitive Distinct Fat Depot
Authors: Pham Tam T , Ivaska Kaisa K , Hannukainen Jarna C , Virtanen Kirsi A , Lidell Martin E , Enerbäck Sven , Mäkelä Keijo , Parkkola Riitta , Piirola Sauli , Oikonen Vesa , Nuutila Pirjo , Kiviranta Riku
Published: April 2020

Context

Bone marrow (BM) in adult long bones is rich in adipose tissue, but the functions of BM adipocytes are largely unknown. We set out to elucidate the metabolic and molecular characteristics of BM adipose tissue (BMAT) in humans.

Objective

Our aim was to determine if BMAT is an insulin-sensitive tissue, and whether the insulin sensitivity is altered in obesity or type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Design

This was a cross-sectional and longitudinal study.

Setting

The study was conducted in a clinical research center.

Patients or Other Participants

Bone marrow adipose tissue glucose uptake (GU) was assessed in 23 morbidly obese subjects (9 with T2DM) and 9 healthy controls with normal body weight. In addition, GU was assessed in another 11 controls during cold exposure. Bone marrow adipose tissue samples for molecular analyses were collected from non-DM patients undergoing knee arthroplasty.

Intervention(s)

Obese subjects were assessed before and 6 months after bariatric surgery and controls at 1 time point.

Main Outcome Measure

We used positron emission tomography imaging with 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose tracer to characterize GU in femoral and vertebral BMAT. Bone marrow adipose tissue molecular profile was assessed using quantitative RT-PCR.

Results

Insulin enhances GU in human BMAT. Femoral BMAT insulin sensitivity was impaired in obese patients with T2DM compared to controls, but it improved after bariatric surgery. Furthermore, gene expression analysis revealed that BMAT was distinct from brown and white adipose tissue.

Conclusions

Bone marrow adipose tissue is a metabolically active, insulin-sensitive and molecularly distinct fat depot that may play a role in whole body energy metabolism.
Autoimmune Hypercalcemia Due to Autoantibodies Against the Calcium-sensing Receptor
Authors: Miñambres Inka , Corcoy Rosa , Weetman Anthony P , Kemp E Helen
Published: April 2020

Context

Autoimmune hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (AHH) is an acquired disorder caused by the presence of blocking autoantibodies against the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). Few cases of this condition have been described to date in the literature.

Objective

The objectives of this study were to describe 2 patients in whom the presence of AHH was suspected and to assess the patients for the presence of CaSR antibodies.

Methods

CaSR antibodies were detected and characterised by immunoprecipitation assays, CaSR peptide ELISAs, and functional assays based on the calcium-stimulated accumulation of inositol-1-phosphate in a mammalian cell line expressing the CaSR.

Results

Both patients presented with an acquired form of hypocalciuric hypercalcemia. Mutational analyses of CASR, GNA11, and AP2S1 for familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia were negative. According to the presence of Hashimoto’s disease in 1 patient and latent autoimmune diabetes of adulthood and thyroid autoimmunity in the other, AHH was suspected. Immunoprecipitation assays detected CaSR antibodies in both patients. Analysis of the antibody binding sites revealed 2 main epitopes at amino acids 41–69 and 114–126. Preincubation with purified CaSR antibodies against epitope 114–126 resulted in a significant decrease in inositol-1-phophate accumulation upon calcium-stimulation of mammalian cells expressing the CaSR, suggesting that the antibodies had receptor-blocking activity.

Conclusions

AHH is to be suspected in patients with an acquired biochemical pattern of PTH-dependant hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, especially in those with other concomitant autoimmune diseases. Diagnosis by means of detecting CaSR antibodies may help to better characterise this probably under-reported condition.
Animal Models to Understand the Etiology and Pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Stener-Victorin Elisabet , Padmanabhan Vasantha , Walters Kirsty A , Campbell Rebecca E , Benrick Anna , Giacobini Paolo , Dumesic Daniel A , Abbott David H
Published: April 2020

More than 1 out of 10 women worldwide are diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the leading cause of female reproductive and metabolic dysfunction. Despite its high prevalence, PCOS and its accompanying morbidities are likely underdiagnosed, averaging > 2 years and 3 physicians before women are diagnosed. Although it has been intensively researched, the underlying cause(s) of PCOS have yet to be defined. In order to understand PCOS pathophysiology, its developmental origins, and how to predict and prevent PCOS onset, there is an urgent need for safe and effective markers and treatments. In this review, we detail which animal models are more suitable for contributing to our understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of PCOS. We summarize and highlight advantages and limitations of hormonal or genetic manipulation of animal models, as well as of naturally occurring PCOS-like females.
Antisense targeting of decoy exons can reduce intron retention and increase protein expression in human erythroblasts
Authors: Parra Marilyn , Zhang Weiguo , Vu Jonathan , DeWitt Mark , Conboy John G.
Published: April 2020

The decoy exon model has been proposed to regulate a subset of intron retention (IR) events involving predominantly larger introns (>1 kb). Splicing reporter studies have shown that decoy splice sites are essential for activity, suggesting that decoys act by engaging intron-terminal splice sites and competing with cross-intron interactions required for intron excision. The decoy model predicts that antisense oligonucleotides may be able to block decoy splice sites in endogenous pre-mRNA, thereby reducing IR and increasing productive gene expression. Indeed, we now demonstrate that targeting a decoy 5′ splice site in the O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) gene reduced IR from ∼80% to ∼20% in primary human erythroblasts, accompanied by increases in spliced OGT RNA and OGT protein expression. The remaining OGT IR was refractory to antisense treatment and might be mediated by independent mechanism(s). In contrast, other retained introns were strongly dependent on decoy function, since antisense targeting of decoy 5′ splice sites greatly reduced (SNRNP70) or nearly eliminated (SF3B1) IR in two widely expressed splicing factors, and also greatly reduced IR in transcripts encoding the erythroid-specific structural protein, α-spectrin (SPTA1). These results show that modulating decoy exon function can dramatically alter IR and suggest that dynamic regulation of decoy exons could be a mechanism to fine-tune gene expression post-transcriptionally in many cell types.
Exploring the beliefs and experiences of older Irish adults and family carers during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: A qualitative study protocol
Authors: Robinson Katie , O'Neill Aoife , Conneely Mairead , Morrissey AnnMarie , Leahy Siobhan , Meskell Pauline , Pettigrew Judi , Galvin Rose
Published: April 2020

Background: In December 2019 a novel human coronavirus (COVID-19) was identified in Wuhan, China (Wu et al, 2020). The virus subsequently spread to most countries worldwide and the World Health Organisation characterised the outbreak a pandemic on March 11th 2020 (WHO, 2020a). Older age is associated with an increased risk of mortality in patients with COVID-19 (Chen et al., 2020). In March 2020, the Irish Government introduced 'cocooning' as a measure for those over 70 years of age to minimise interactions with others by not leaving their homes (Dept. of Health, 2020). The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique threats to the health and well-being of older adults. This study aims to explore the longitudinal experiences and beliefs of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings will be important for tailoring supports, interventions and public health information for this population.

Methods: A longitudinal exploratory qualitative study will be conducted using repeated semi-structured telephone interviews with a convenient sample of older adults recruited from participants of an older adult and family carer stakeholder panel for health services research established by the Ageing Research Centre (ARC) at the University of Limerick and through known older adult contacts of ARC academic members. Interviews will be audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using a reflexive approach to thematic analysis. Participants will have the opportunity to review and discuss preliminary analysis of the interview data and to co-write / design dissemination materials.

Ethics and Dissemination: Ethical approval has been granted by the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences University of Limerick, Research Ethics Committee (2020_03_51_EHS (ER)). Findings will be disseminated through open access journal publications and distribution of lay summaries, a press release and an infographic to organisations of and for older people in Ireland, broadcast and print media.
Research ethics in COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Setiabudy Rianto
Published: April 2020

[No abstract available]
Optical properties of a double-cavity system coupled to a waveguide in photonic crystals
Authors: Wang Li , Zhou Jianhong , Dong Lianhe
Published: April 2020

The optical properties of a pair of directly interacting cavities, side-coupled to a waveguide, are investigated analytically by the coupled-mode theory. Due to the indirect coupling via waveguide, the resonance split can be controlled through the involved direct coupling coefficients and the indirect coupling phase shift. As a result, a variety of complete transmissions, two different types of one-peak reflectivity profiles, and two-peak reflectivity profiles can be obtained. All the predictions of the resonator-waveguide coupling systems obtained theoretically are validated numerically by the finite-difference time-domain method in photonic crystals.
Plasmonic color filter based on a hetero-metal-insulator-metal
grating
Authors: Jiang Chuhao , Liang Shuhai , Wan Lei , Du Kang , Zhang Wending , Li Zhaohui , Jin Chua Soo , Mei Ting
Published: April 2020

Plasmonic color filters are expected to be candidates for application
to complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor arrays
with reduced pixel size, owing to the subwavelength mode volume of
plasmons. Designs of metallic gratings based on the guided-mode
resonance effect suffer from the sideband transmission issue due to
high-order diffraction. Here, we propose a plasmonic color filter
structure based on a hetero-metal-insulator-metal grating. The guided
mode, in resonance with the second-order diffraction, is highly
attenuated by the forbidden band, such that the sideband transmission
can be suppressed. As calculated by using the transfer matrix method
and the finite-difference time-domain method, the Al-ZnO-Ag
waveguide-based structure presents a color filter characteristic with
the peak transmittance greater than 70% and the peak wavelength
tunable in the visible light band. It may find application in
displays, image sensors, and biomedical imaging technologies.
A packaged, fiber-coupled waveguide-enhanced Raman spectroscopic sensor
Authors: Kita Derek M. , Michon Jérôme , Hu Juejun
Published: April 2020

Waveguide-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (WERS) is a promising technique for sensitive and selective detection of chemicals in a compact chip-scale platform. Coupling light on and off the sensor chip with fibers however presents challenges because of the fluorescence and Raman background generated by the pump light in the fibers; as a result all WERS demonstrations to date have used free-space coupling via lenses. We report a packaged, fiber-bonded WERS chip that filters the background on-chip through collection of the backscattered Raman light. The packaged sensor is integrated in a ruggedized flow cell for reliable measurement over arbitrary time periods. We also derive the figures of merit for WERS sensing with the backscattered Raman signal and compare waveguide geometries with respect to their filtering performance and signal to noise ratio.
Great enhancement of image details with high fidelity in a scintillator imager using an optical coding method
Authors: Xia Huijuan , Wu Yanqing , Zhang Lei , Sun Yuanhe , Wang Zhongyang , Tai Renzhong
Published: April 2020

High-resolution lens-coupled indirect X-ray scintillator imagers are required by many imaging applications. However, the severe weakening of image details prevents its further performance improvement. Through our research, this image degradation is attributed to the broadband loss of the high-spatial-frequency information caused by the high refractive index. A technique known as high-spatial-frequency spectrum enhanced reconstruction is thus proposed to retrieve this information. A two-dimensional high-density array is covered on the scintillator’s exit surface and operates as an encoder based on which high-frequency information can be shifted to the low-frequency region to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. The experimental results show that the middle-high-frequency signal intensities can be increased by an order of magnitude or more, up to

∼
50

times. Therefore, the image details can be effectively enhanced to break through the performance bottleneck of such widely used X-ray imagers for synchrotron radiation facilities or tabletop X-ray tubes.
Strengthening village apparatus capacity in village development in Air Periukan Village, Seluma District, Bengkulu Province, Indonesia
Authors: Darmi Titi , Ekowati Sri
Published: April 2020

This article describes the Village Companion (PD) contribution for the management of the Village Fund in order to achieve village development goals. The study was conducted in Air Periukan Village, Seluma District, Bengkulu Province, Indonesia. This study is very interesting to study because Desa Air Periukan has a very good development of rural development compared to other villages. The position of the village 4 years ago in the village category was very lagging behind. However, in 2018 Air Periukan village is in the category of Developing Villages and is able to manage village potential to the full. The data sources in this study are secondary data and primary data. The research informants were 5 village apparatus, 2 village facilitators and 5 community members who accidentally met at the time of the study. The results showed that the existence of village facilitators contributed to the management of village funds. Village Facilitators are able to empower the community so that the Village Apparatus is able to carry out development planning in accordance with community needs sourced from the Village Fund.
Accumulation of sodium and heavy metals in soil cultivated with Corymbia citriodora after the application of swine wastewater
Authors: Bernardes Rafaella Ferreira Batista , Lana Regina Maria Quintão , Oliveira Laura Rayane Rodrigues , Freitas Renato Aurélio Severino de Menezes , Camargo Reginaldo de , Pires Danyela Cristina Marques
Published: April 2020

The confinement of pigs stands out as a great generator of swine wastewater (SW). The final destination of waste generated is currently a concern of society, since if handled improperly, it can cause serious impacts to the environment. One of the alternatives is the use of SW as a source of nutrients, which are made available to the plants, after the mineralization of organic matter. The objective of this work was to compare soil chemical attributes under two planting arrangements, in single and double lines of Corymbia citriodora. Two experiments were carried out at the Bonsucesso farm, in Uberlândia-MG, the first with C. citriodora in simple lines, with five plants per plot, spacing two meters between plants and 15 meters between rows. The second experiment was with C. citriodora in double lines, with two meters between plants in the line, three meters between lines in the plot and 15 meters between the double lines of C. citriodora. The statistical design was in randomized blocks. The treatments used were five doses of SW (0; 200; 400; 600 and 800 m³ ha-1) with five replicates. The application of SW rates was divided in the dry season, in the months of June, July and August. The chemical characteristics of the soil were evaluated in the 0-20 cm depth layer. Planting on double lines of C. citriodora provided higher soil nutrient contents. The application of swine wastewater raised the levels of potassium and heavy metals such as copper and zinc. The dose of 200 m3 ha-1 provided adequate levels for most nutrients present in the soil.
Impact of water deficit in the relationship among alfalfa traits
Authors: Santos Iara Gonçalves dos , Teodoro Paulo Eduardo , Cruz Cosme Damião , Ferreira Reinaldo de Paula
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship among traits related to yield and nutritive value of alfalfa genotypes grown under deficit and full irrigation conditions. Seventy-seven alfalfa genotypes were evaluated in two different cuts, the first one with full irrigation, and the second, with water deficit. A randomized block design with three replications was used. The evaluated traits were vigor, plant height, dry matter biomass, stem-to-leaf ratio, dry matter percentage, leaf and stem protein contents, in vitro dry matter digestibility, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and lignin. Significant interaction between genotypes and environments was reported for vigor, plant height, and lignin. The correlation between traits and path analysis of dry matter biomass was performed for each cut, aiming to identify auxiliary traits for indirect selection. Water availability did not alter the phenotypic and genotypic correlations, only their magnitudes. Regardless of the environment, plant height is one of the most promising traits for the selection of alfalfa genotypes with higher dry matter biomass since it showed a high direct effect in the same sense of its phenotypic correlations. However, the coefficient of determination obtained by the model applied to full irrigation was higher than that of the water-deficit environment, indicating the importance of variables not included in this study in the determination of alfalfa dry matter biomass under dry conditions.
Emergence and physiological behavior of provenances of pinhão manso in function of level of aluminum
Authors: Mota Leandro Henrique de Sousa , Scalon Silvana de Paula Quintão , Dresch Daiane Mugnol , Silva Cesar José da
Published: April 2020

The aluminum in high levels in the soil affects the emergence, growth, and development of various species. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the emergence and physiological behavior of four provenances of Jatropha curcas subjected to different levels of aluminum. The experiment was performed in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design, with four levels of aluminum in the soil (8.2, 16.5, 24.0 mmolc·dm-3 and control) and four provenances of J. curcas seeds (P1 = Dourados-MS, P2 = Montes Claros-MG, P3 = Alta Floresta-MT, and P4 = Petrolina-PE); the effects of aluminum toxicity were investigated in 25, 50, 75, and 100 days after emergence. The levels of aluminum in the soil were collected from the initial soil correction, which featured an aluminum level of 24.0 mmolc dm-3. The seedling emergence was not affected by treatment with aluminum; however, the height and leaf area of P1, P2, and P3 were reduced with increasing levels of aluminum. The emergence and vigor of J. curcas seeds were not influenced by the differences in the origins of the seeds or by the aluminum levels evaluated. Gas exchanges were affected negatively by aluminum and the responses of the chlorophyll a fluorescence indicate harmful effect in the photosynthetic apparatus. The seeds of origin P4 (Petrolina-PE) has increased tolerance to stress conditions.
Association between quality of life and perceived stress in patients with vitiligo: case control study
Authors: Lacerda Kenia Alves Pereira , Silva Luiz Almeida , Mendonca Guilherme Silva , Guimarães Rafael Alves , Guilo Lídia Andreu
Published: April 2020

To evaluate the association between quality of life (QL), perceived stress in patients with vitiligo and compare the perception of stress with noncarriers. The first study was cross-secctional, and the second case-control with 51 patients in outpatient treatment and 51 users of a blood center, matched by sex and age. Questionnaires used were Dermatology Life Quality Index and Perceived Stress Scale. Results: The mean score of quality of life in patients was 4.7 ± 5.8, showing a slight impairment in QL. There was association between QL and black skin color (p <0.001), involvement of standard exposed vitiligo (p < 0.001) and perceived stress (p = 0.033). The perceived stress rated among the groups showed an average of 20.7 ± 6.0 and 17.8 ± 7.0 for cases and controls, respectively. Vitiligo patients had higher perceived stress compared to the control group (p = 0.022). The results showed a high perceived stress in patients with vitiligo, suggesting that the disease increases the level of stress. The overall score of the quality of life was relatively low indicating mild impairment of disease on quality of life.
From permanence to quality of life: sexual orientation and identity of gender of students in a higher education institution in the brazilian northeast
Authors: Santos Sara Gabriela Jones dos , Dornelas Rodrigo , Silva Kelly da , Lima Ricardo Barbosa , Kameo Simone Yuriko
Published: April 2020

To get to know the quality of life of LGBT students at the Federal University of Sergipe. An analytical, comparative, exploratory, cross - sectional, quantitative, non - probabilistic study with a population composed of undergraduate students from a Health Sciences Campus of the Federal University of Sergipe. Students in the nursing; pharmacy; physiotherapy; speech; language and hearing sciences; medicine; nutrition; dentistry and occupational therapy courses were part of the research. Among the inclusion criteria are: LGBT people, over 18 years of age, students with regular enrollment and who accepted to participate in the study by signing the Free and Informed Consent Term. Participants provided sociodemographic and quality of life information through the WHOQOL-BREF instrument. The WHOQOL-BREF examines four domains related to quality of life (physical, psychological, personal relationships and the environment. The responses followed the Likert scale (from 1 to 5, and the higher the score, the better the quality of life). 65 students with a mean age of 21.7 years old (± 3.4) participated in the study, of which, 22 (33.8%) were female and 43 (66.2%) were male. The means of responses and standard deviation in the physical, psychological, social and environmental domains were, respectively, 2.6 ± 0.6; 2.8 ± 0.7; 2.7 ± 0.7; 2.8 ± 0.6. This study aims to provide support for public policies aimed at the LGBT population, reaching the various spheres of our society, ensuring not only access, but also the permanence of this population group in different spaces, especially in the University, in a dignified, safe and healthy way.
Different diets with and without inclusion of antimicrobial additives alter the toxicity of swine manure to springtails and earthworms
Authors: Serafini Suélen , Cubas da Silva Kaine Cristine , Gonçalves Soares Junior , Maccari Ana Paula , Segat Julia Corá , Schafer da Silva Aleksandro , Paiano Diovani , Baretta Dilmar
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study was to measure the impact on part of soil fauna of application of non-stabilized (fresh) manure from post-weaning pigs fed diets formulated with or without dual-purpose wheat, and with or without the use of antimicrobial growth-promoting additives (100 mg kg-1 doxycycline + 50 mg kg-1 colistin + 250 mg kg-1 Zn oxide). Two species of edaphic organisms were evaluated, the springtails Folsomia candida and the earthworms Eisenia andrei, using ecotoxicological avoidance behavior tests. The treatments were swine manure from: RR: Reference Ration; WR: Wheat Reference; RA: Reference Ration + Antimicrobial Additives; WA: Wheat Reference + Antimicrobial Additives). The doses of waste used for treatments were as follows: 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 65 and 100 m³ ha-1 for the springtails and 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 65 m³ ha-1 for the earthworms, applied in the Oxisol. The experimental design was completely randomized with five replicates. The use of non-stabilized swine manure did not affect the avoidance behavior of F. candida at any dose, regardless of the use of antimicrobial or wheat additives. For E. andrei, there was avoidance behavior at all treatments and doses used. These avoidance behaviors were related to the sensitivity of each species of soil organism. The avoidance behavior for earthworms was related to the doses of non-stabilized swine manure in soil and not to the various diets and/or the use of growth-promoting additives.
Potential of methane and carbon dioxide in vitro production by Urochloa hybrid subjected to periods of coexistence with weeds
Authors: Meurer Edenilson , Brito Sara Carvalho de , Marchi Sidnei Roberto de , Pinheiro Guilherme Henrique Rodrigues , Martins Dagoberto
Published: April 2020

The increased world population has raised the demand for animal proteins, forcing livestock to become productive, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. This study aimed to assess the effect of weed coexistence on productivity, nutritional quality, and potential production of greenhouse gases (GHG) by Convert HD364 grass (Urochloa hibrida cv. Mulato II) under pasture renovation conditions. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with four replications and treatments consisting of eight coexistence periods: 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, and 120 days after seedling emergence. Phytosociological assessments were performed in the weed community at the end of each coexistence period. The Convert HD364 grass was assessed for the morphological and chemical-bromatological parameters and for the GHG emission potential. Productivity, nutritional quality, and energy value of the Convert HD364 grass decreased proportionally with the increased period of weed coexistence. The non-coexistence with weeds results in a better in vitro digestibility of organic matter and, consequently, decreases the potential of GHG emission by the dry matter of the Convert HD364 grass.
Performance of ginger crop under different irrigation depths
Authors: Meneghelli Caroline Merlo , Krause Marcelo Rodrigo , Schmidt Juniomar , Colombo João Nacir , Vieira Gustavo Haddad Souza
Published: April 2020

In order to achieve good yields and profitability from ginger crops, the water supply must be adequate. However, there are few studies available which have evaluated the adequate water supply to this vegetable. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different irrigation depths on the development and productivity of ginger plants. The research was conducted at the "Sítio Schmidt" farm located in the municipality of Santa Maria de Jetibá, in the central mountainous region of Espírito Santo State, Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block design with four replications, each experimental unit consisting of three rows at a spacing of 0.90 m and 0.10 m between plants of two meters extension, totaling 20 experimental units. The treatments consisted of application of five irrigation depths equivalent to: 50%, 75%, 100%, 125% and 150% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc). We evaluated the number of sprouts; average mass of export quality rhizome; the production of export, small and total rhizomes (t ha-1); and water use efficiency. The total water depth applied in the range 1100–1200 mm per cycle favors the development of ginger plants, providing the highest yields of total and export rhizomes, the greatest average mass of export quality rhizome and lowest production of small rhizomes.
Agricultural wastes as alternative substrates in the production of conilon coffee seedlings
Authors: Guisolfi Louise Pinto , Lo Monaco Paola Alfonsa Vieira , Krause Marcelo Rodrigo , Meneghelli Caroline Merlo , Almeida Karoline Matiello , Meneghelli Lorena Aparecida Merlo , Vieira Gustavo Haddad Souza
Published: April 2020

Research related to the use of agricultural residues as alternatives to commercial substrates has become fundamental for reducing the production costs of coffee seedlings. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of residues of pepper (Piper nigrum) powder, coffee (Coffea) husk, coconut (Cocos nucifera) fiber and pine (Pinus) bark as alternative substrates in the development of coffee (Coffea canephora) seedlings in tubes. The experiment was carried out at the Demuner Seedling Nursery, in the municipality of São Roque do Canaã, Espírito Santo, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, with six treatments: T0- Bioplant® commercial substrate (control); and from T1 to T5, increasing proportions (%) of pepper powder and decreasing coconut fiber and pine bark (0/20/50, 10/15/45, 20/10/40, 30/5/35 and 40/0/30) and fixed proportions of coffee husk (30%). At 120 days after staking, we evaluated the plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, shoot dry mass and root dry mass. Any of the substrates containing different proportions of agricultural residues can be used as an alternative to the commercial substrate in the production of Conilon coffee seedlings since most of the growth variables evaluated did not differ from the control. Due to the high availability of pepper powder in the region, we recommended the substrate with 40% pepper powder, 30% coffee husk and 30% pine bark.
Pest potencial of Sitophilus zeamais on Brazil nut under storage conditions
Authors: Pires Evaldo Martins , Nogueira Roberta Martins , Zandonadi Rodrigo Sinaid , Koch Robert Lee , Soares Marcus Alvarenga , Farder-Gomes Cliver Fernandes
Published: April 2020

The Brazil nut, fruit of Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K., a native plant of the Amazon region and may be considered one of the main extractivist products of countries like Bolivia, Colombia, Guyana, Venezuela, Peru and Brazil. In Brazil this plant can be found in the states of Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Mato Grosso, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima and Tocantins. Species of the Coleoptera and Lepidoptera, have been classified as pest potentials of Brazil nut under storage conditions. Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is one of the main insect pests attacking grain stores worldwide. This specie may be observed attacking grains in the field and in storage facilities (cross-infestation), presenting a wide variety of hosts. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential of adults of this species feed on Brazil nuts, and also to identify the type of injury as well as the life span of this coleopteran exposed to the meat of the Brazil nut. No feeding injury was observed on the surface of Brazil nuts and the life span of the insects was similar in treatments both with and without this food source in all populations evaluated. Due to the fact that S. zeamais adults do not injure, or feed on the Brazil nut, this beetle is not able to colonize this product and therefore may be considered a non-pest insect for stored Bertholletia excelsa almonds stored.
Serious acute respiratory syndrome: a case series in a municipality region of central Brazil
Authors: De Paula Cácia Régia , de Morais Eliane Lemes , Barros Patrícia de Sá , Maia Ludmila Grego , Pelazza Bruno Bordin , Mendonca Guilherme Silva , Moreli Marcos Lazaro
Published: April 2020

The influenza B virus is more stable than influenza A, with less antigenic drift and consequent immunologic stability, and does not undergo the process of antigenic shift, its participation in epidemics is minimal, being of lesser academic interest. The aim of this work was to describe the occurrence of a series of SARS cases in a municipality in the Central region of Brazil. This is a case series study with a descriptive and quantitative approach of Serious Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in institutionalized individuals and a health professional from a long-term institution in the municipality where the study was conducted. The variables studied were: age, comorbidities, vaccination status, date of symptoms onset, symptoms, occurrence of death, information regarding provided care (hospital care, exams, and medications). The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Goiás (UFG), under opinion number 2.167.287. Case 1 was diagnosed with influenza B, treated with antibiotic therapy, with no antiviral drugs administered, and culminated in death. Cases 2 and 3 were confirmed as influenza B, being treated with antiviral drugs and discharged due to full recovery. Case 4 was confirmed as influenza B virus by epidemiological link, treated with antiviral drugs and discharged due to full recovery. An early diagnosis, adequate clinical management, transmissible disease research based on the 11 health promotion steps and actions can promote the reduction of morbimortality by influenza type B.
Herbicide weed control – induced differential tolerance and productivity in cowpea plants
Authors: Souza Fernando Ramos de , Barbosa Ernandes Silva , Martins Lucas César , Borella Junior , Machado Aroldo Ferreira Lopes
Published: April 2020

The use of herbicides is a represents an efficient way to control the infesting plant population, since it is associated with low operational cost, and it does not demand large amounts of labour. An obstacle to growing cowpea (Vigna unguiculate) is the absence of herbicides registered for this crop. The objective of this work was to evaluate the tolerance of cowpea to herbicides. The experiment was carried out in a randomised block with treatment controls with and without weeding, Bentazon (720 g ha-1), Fluazifop-p-butyl (250 g ha-1), Fomesafen and a tank mix between Fluazifop-p-butyl + Fomesafen (250 + 187.5 g ha-1) with treatment replicates. The herbicides were applied on vegetative (V3 – stage) cowpea plants using a CO2-pressurised backpack sprayer with four spray tips TT 110.02 operating at a pressure of 2.5 bar and applying 240 litres of syrup per hectare. The cultivar BRS Guariba, with five planting lines per plot, was tested with the three central lines of the useful area, scoring 0.5 m of the ends. The species Oxalis latifolia was difficult to control. The Fluazifop-p-butyl + Fomesafen mixture presented better control of weeds. The herbicides caused phytotoxicity to cowpea and reduced leaf area and dry mass. The productivity of the crop was affected due to the low control of weeds. It was concluded that the cowpea presented differential tolerance to the herbicides tested doses.
Spatial-temporal of fire foci in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Gois Givanildo de , Freitas Welington Kiffer de , Oliveira Júnior José Francisco de
Published: April 2020

This study evaluated the space-time variability of fire foci via environmental satellites for the State of Rio de Janeiro (SRJ) based on statistical procedures. The fire foci in the period of 2000 to 2015 were obtained from the BDQueimadas fire database. Descriptive, exploratory, and multivariate statistical analyses were performed in the software environment R i386 version 3.2.5. The north region had 6760 foci (21.11%), the south-central region had 3020 foci (9.43%), the Middle Paraíba had 6,352 foci (19.84%), the Metropolitan areas had 6671 foci (20.83%), and the Green Coast region had 292 foci (0.91%). The cluster analysis identified three homogeneous groups of fire foci (G1, G2, and G3) but did not include the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes (NA). The G1 group (6.21 ± 0.01 foci, 57.61%) included areas throughout the state and covered the coastal region and lowlands towards the north. The G2 group (6.21 ± 0.01 foci, 34.81%) included the northern, south-central, and coastal shallows regions. The G3 group (6.21 ± 0.01 foci, 9.78%) included the mountain ranges of the state. Environmental characteristics and socioeconomic are crucial in the dynamics of fire foci in Rio de Janeiro.
Development of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner, 1805) and Spodoptera frugiperda (SMITH, 1797) in winter forages
Authors: Fernandes Fabrício Oliveira , Abreu Jéssica Ávila de , Christ Lucas Martins , Rosa Ana Paula Schneid Afonso da , Mendes Simone Martins
Published: April 2020

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner, 1805) and Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797) are polyphagous pests of great agricultural importance in subtropical and temperate climate regions. The usual management of production areas in the southern region of Brazil occurs after the harvesting of summer crops, and the areas are sown with pasture. Thus, forages recommended for grazing are azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and cornichão (Lotus corniculatus L.) due to their nutritional benefits, good palatability, regrowth, and hardiness. Considering the high degree of polyphagia of H. armigera and S. frugiperda, and the impact of maintaining continuous feeding areas (green bridges) in the management of these species, this work aimed to evaluate the development of H. armigera and S. frugiperda fed leaves of azevém and cornichão under laboratory conditions. The insects were collected in the city of Capão do Leão/RS in corn and soybean plantations. For each forage species, 130 newly hatched caterpillars were each placed in autoclaved glass tubes, with one-third of the tube length containing forage. The tubes were capped with waterproof cotton and placed in a climate-controlled room at 25 ± 1°C, 70 ± 10% relative humidity, and a 12-h photophase. The food was replenished daily until the caterpillars entered the pupae stage. The pupae were sexed and weighed, and the newly emerged adults were placed in pairs in PVC cages, lined with white A4 sulfite paper. The papers used as a laying substrate were removed and changed daily, and eggs were counted. The number of instars was determined by the linearized Dyar rule model. The complete randomization design was employed for the variables biological cycle length and viability of egg, caterpillar, pre-pupa, pupa, adult, and pre-oviposition phases and weight of caterpillars on the 14th day and pupae after 24 h. Based on the results obtained, a fertility life table was prepared. H. armigera did not complete the cycle, with only three instars and a duration of 22.1 and 24.6 days in azevém and cornichão, respectively. When evaluated in S. frugiperda caterpillars, development in forage species was observed, with five and six instars and duration of 51.7 and 45.1 days in azevém and cornichão, respectively. The azevém was distinguished by interference in the development cycle of the species, reducing the effect of the green bridge. In addition, surviving insects were susceptible to the effects of the agroecosystem due to the low-quality food source.
Controlled water stress in agricultural crops in brazilian cerrado
Authors: Santos Igor Silva , Mantovani Everardo Chartuni , Venancio Luan Peroni , Da Cunha Fernando França , Aleman Catariny Cabral
Published: April 2020

Considering the scenarios with reduction of water availability, the need to increase water use efficiency and crop yield, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of reducing the evapotranspiration of the main irrigated crops on productivity. Data from the years 2005 to 2016 for carrot, garlic, potato, sugarcane, bean, maize, soybean, wheat, coffee and cotton crops grown in the Brazilian states of Bahia, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Goiás, Distrito Federal and Mato Grosso were collected. The crops were irrigated by central-pivot irrigation and drip irrigation systems, and irrigation management was performed using IRRIGER® software. With the information on potential crop evapotranspiration (ETpc) and crop evapotranspiration (ETc), it was possible to obtain a reduction of ETpc (%) for all crops. For all scenarios, these data were confronted with crop productivity and regression models were fitted. It was concluded that the maximum reductions of ETpc (%) without affecting productivity are 5% for garlic and potato, 12% for maize, 13% for bean, 15% for wheat, 20% for soybean and cotton, 25% for sugarcane and 30% for coffee.
Nitrogen fertilization associated with cold storage and its impacts on the maintenance of peach quality
Authors: Barreto Caroline Farias , Navroski Renan , Ferreira Letícia Vanni , Benati Jorge Atílio , Malgarim Marcelo Barbosa , Antunes Luis Eduardo Correa
Published: April 2020

Nitrogen, which is considered the most important nutrient for peach trees, may interfere in both quantitative production characteristics and quality of fruits. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of the combination of doses of N fertilization and different periods of cold storage on physico-chemical and phytochemical characteristics of peaches in post-harvest. The experiment had a randomized complete block design in a 4x3 factorial scheme, i. e., four doses of fertilization (0, 60, 120 and 180 Kg N ha-1) and three periods of storage (on the harvest day, on both the 15th and the 30th storage days at 1±1ºC, each followed by a day of simulated commercialization at 20±1ºC). The following aspects were evaluated in fruits yielded by peach trees of the genotype Cascata 1067: fruit color, soluble solid content, titratable acidity, pulp firmness, mass loss, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Different periods of cold storage and doses of N fertilization were found to affect epidermis luminosity, pulp firmness and titratable acidity of fruits. Peaches may be stored at low temperatures for 15+1 days. After that, loss of fruit firmness increases. N fertilization affects neither the soluble solid content nor the epidermis color of peaches, but both parameters are influenced by storage. Values of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity decrease when there is N increment in the soil and when longer storage is carried out. Results suggest that peach composition may be affected by cultural practices, such as N fertilization, in harvest and after storage.
Cytogenetic characterization of Ameivula ocellifera (Spix, 1825) (Squamata, Teiidae) from the brazilian northeast
Authors: Silva Marcelo João da , Cipriano Flávia Manoela Galvão , Vieira Ana Paula de Araújo , Cândido Maria Rita dos Santos , Pinheiro Tamaris Gimenez , Silva Edson Lourenço da
Published: April 2020

Ameivula is as a new genus of Teiidae family that emerged after extensive revision of species that comprised the former complex of species called Cnemidophorus group. Its species has a wide distribution from the northeast of Brazil to northern Argentina. Cytogenetic studies in the Teiidae family have shown that karyotypical data are important tools in phylogenetic and systematic studies within this group allowing to determine the position of species in the family. Thus, this study aimed to describe the karyotype of Ameivula ocellifera (Spix, 1825) from Picos, Piauí state in the Brazilian Northeast. Specimens were collected from August 2014 to October 2015 using interception traps and pitfalls, mounted randomly along the Caatinga area. The animals were collected and transported to Federal Institute of Piauí, campus Picos, where was carried out all laboratory procedures. Individuals analyzed showed a diploid number of 2n = 50 for both sexes, with karyotype composed by 30 macrochromosomes and 20 microchromosomes of telocentric and subtelocentric types. There were no heteromorphic sex chromosomes in the studied specimens. C-band technique evidenced the heterochromatic blocks in pericentromeric and telomeric regions of chromosomes. The nucleolar organizing regions appeared as a simple unit located at the terminal portion of the long arm of chromosomal pair number 5. The chromosomal characteristics of A. ocellifera analyzed do not show divergences regarding individuals from other regions. However, the nucleolar organizing regions seems to be a good chromosomal marker that permits to distinguish the species already studied.