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ABSTRACT: Sinonasal neoplasms represent approximately 1% of all neoplasms and represent a major challenge for treatment. The treatment of nasal tumors must be local, and radiotherapy can be a good option in these cases. This study evaluated the therapeutic response of canine sinonasal neoplasms to megavoltage radiotherapy, and consequently, its influence on the survival and quality of life of these animals. We included 26 dogs with sinonasal neoplasms through histopathological and cytological examination. Dogs were treated with radiotherapy at total doses of 42-54 Gy (for carcinomas) and 45 Gy (for sarcomas) in 15-18 fractions of 2.8-3.0 Gy. Tumor staging was performed based on skull tomography. The most frequent clinical signs of sinonasal neoplasms were sneezing, nasal noise, and epistaxis. Acute side effects were mild and more frequent. Survival was evaluated based on tumor stage, obtaining a mean overall survival of 329 days (95% confidence interval, 229-428) and a median of 252.5 days. The survival time in animals in stage T3/T4 was significantly shorter than that in those in stage T1/T2 (P < 0.05). Moreover, 86.4% of the treated animals showed clinical improvement. Radiotherapy was well tolerated by dogs and effective in controlling sinonasal neoplasms.

ABSTRACT: Endurance and flat race are entirely different efforts and thus require completely different organism adaptations to achieve the performance. This study aimed to examine the difference in basal lipid metabolism in Arabian horses undergoing different training regimens for endurance and race and possible gender differences. The study enrolled sixty male and female’ Arabian horses; thirty were trained for race, and thirty were trained for 80 km endurance races. The analyses included body condition score, body weight, body mass index, % body fat, and blood collected to determine triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density proteins, high-density proteins, and non-esterified fatty acids. Ultrasonography was used to measure the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer in the longissimus dorsi muscle, as well as the thickness of the rump fat and the cross-section of the gluteus medius muscle. This study showed that lipid profile is more influenced by type of exercise than by gender, being more efficient on endurance horses.

ABSTRACT: Vegetable soybean has high nutritional value and offers functional benefits to human body. However, its use in cooking is still limited, mainly due to the lack of knowledge about its properties. In addition, the availability of cultivars for human consumption is reduced. Therefore, this study was conducted in Botucatu, Brazil, to assess the potential of grain soybean (GS) and dual-purpose soybean (DPS) cultivars for consumption as vegetable soybean (VS). Pods were harvested at R6 stage, and the contents of bioactive compounds (total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, antioxidant activity and proteins) and antinutritional components (nitrates, oxalate, alkaloids and tannins) were evaluated. The cultivars showed the same protein content, not differing statistically from each other, as well as for nitrate and oxalate. The content of phenolic compounds and total antioxidant activity of the SG cultivar differed statistically from the content of the DPS and VS cultivars, respectively. According to the results, the GS cultivar, with pods harvested at R6 stage, showed nutraceutical quality and contents of antinutritional compounds similar to those of the two cultivars proposed for the vegetable soybean.

ABSTRACT: The baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) fruit stands out among the fruits native to the Cerrado for its high agri-food potential, and it consists of a thin peel covering the pulp and a woody endocarp coating the nut. During the extraction process of baru nut or its oil, the peel, pulp, and partially defatted nut are usually discarded or used as animal feed. However, these by-products are rich in proteins, dietary fibers, and bioactive compounds. Food preparations like brownies are attractive and popular despite having a high energy density and a low phytochemical content. Thus, this study developed nutritious brownie formulations using baru food ingredients [BFI: a mixture of partially defatted nut flour (DBF) with baru peel and pulp flour (BPF)]. Three formulations were tested: SBF - standard brownie made with wheat flour; BBF1 - brownie made by replacing wheat flour with BFI1 (50% DBF + 50% BPF); and BBF2 - brownie made by replacing wheat flour with BFI2 (75% DBF + 25% BPF). The chemical composition and functional properties of the brownies were evaluated. The addition of baru by-products in the formulations resulted in products with higher contents of protein, dietary fiber, phenolic compounds, and greater antioxidant capacity than the standard brownie. Therefore, the use of baru food ingredients in food formulations is indicated to design new food products with improved nutritional quality and nutraceutical properties.

ABSTRACT: The growing demand for coconut water has led to the expansion of irrigated green dwarf coconut cultivation; however, the inefficient use of water has contributed to the degradation and waste of water resources, making fundamental studies aiming to optimize the use of water. The objective of this study was to determine the physical productivity and water productivity of green dwarf coconut palms under the climatic conditions of Santa Izabel do Pará, eastern Amazonia, Brazil. The experiment was carried out from 2020 to 2021, in a green dwarf coconut plantation spaced 7.5 m x 7.5 m in a triangle, at Fazenda Reunidas Sococo, with an area of approximately 7 ha. Water productivity (WP) was determined both in terms of fruit production (WPf) and coconut water production (WPca), through the relationship of fruit productivity (fruit biomass and water volume) with accumulated evapotranspiration. The dwarf coconut tree presented a total production of 105 and 186 fruits plant-1 and 37 and 62 L plant-1 of coconut water in the years 2020 and 2021. The largest volumes of water and the highest weights occurred during the wettest season. WPf was of 1.87 fruits m-3 (2020) and 2.94 fruits m-3 (2021) and WPca 0.66 L m-3 (2020) and 0.98 L m-3 (2021).

ABSTRACT: Abiotic stresses, such as heat, drought and salinity, affect the development of wheat crop and hinder its expansion to the central region of Brazil. The identification of genotypes tolerant to these conditions is important for improving yield performance. The present research evaluated the impact of different abiotic stresses on germination and seedling development and selected wheat genotypes tolerant to these stresses, using multi-trait analysis. Heat, drought and salinity stresses were induced in seeds of 23 wheat genotypes. Seed germination, seedling length and dry mass were evaluated. An adaptability and stability model and a multi-trait selection index were applied to the data. Drought and salinity negatively affected the development of seedlings of the 23 evaluated genotypes. However, the VI 14055, ORS Madre Pérola and BRS 404 genotypes conferred the best adaptability and stability results and were selected by the MGIDI, which revealed that great performance can be achieved in regions with potential for abiotic stress, in the early stages of development.

ABSTRACT: Pythiosis is the disease caused by aquatic oomycetes of the genus Pythium. In dogs the typical course of the disease involves the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by transmural thickening of the stomach or intestines. However, infection by Pythium spp. has only rarely been recognized as a cause of esophagitis in dogs. Thus, the present reports a case of esophageal and gastric pythiosis in an eight-month-old female pit bull dog. The dog was attended at the hospital after two months presenting regurgitation and dyspnea. It was reported that the dog lived in an urban area and had no previous sanitary issues. At clinical examination it was noted that the dog presented crackling sounds at pulmonary auscultation. A support therapy accompanied by antibiotics has been employed; however, 22 days after hospitalization the clinical condition worsened, and the dog died. At necropsy, the wall of the distal segment of the esophagus and the cardia and part of the fundus of the stomach were expanded by a focal extensive irregular intramural annular mass. Additionally, there was a transmural esophageal fistula. At histology, the walls of the esophagus and stomach were extensively expanded by multifocal extensive areas of necrosis, associated with a pyogranulomatous infiltrate and abundant granulation tissue containing multiple negative images of hyphae that were highlighted by silver impregnation (Grocott). Furthermore, immunohistochemistry and PCR for P. insidiosum were both positive in samples of paraffin-embedded esophageal tissue.

ABSTRACT: Okra is a vegetable that stands out for its low production cost, high yield, high nutritional and value and socioeconomic importance in income generation, especially in family farming. In this context, the present study evaluated the physiology, production and water use efficiency of okra under irrigation with saline water and exogenous application of hydrogen peroxide. The treatments were distributed in a randomized block design, in a 5 × 3 factorial arrangement, with five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water - ECw (0.3; 1.3; 2.3; 3.3 and 4.3 dS m-1) and three concentrations of hydrogen peroxide - H2O2 (0, 25 and 50 μM), with five replicates, totaling 75 plants. Irrigation with ECw above 0.3 dS m-1 negatively affected stomatal conductance, transpiration, number of fruits, total production and water use efficiency of okra cv. Clemson Americano 80. Hydrogen peroxide at concentration of 22 μM mitigated the effects of salt stress on CO2 assimilation rate, number of fruits, average fruit weight and total production of okra cv. Clemson Americano 80. Water use efficiency is favored by H2O2 application at concentration of 12 μM, especially in plants irrigated with ECw of 0.3 dS m-1.

ABSTRACT: The application of hydrotherapy is growing in the field of animal rehabilitation to improve strength, endurance, fitness, and range of motion, in addition to reducing pain. In the same way, land-based activity is recommended for various conditions, including hypertension, muscle atrophy, and obesity. There is a lack of studies that evaluate the safety of incremental exercise in American Pit Bull Terriers. This study assessed the influence of activity on underwater and dry land treadmills on the physiological parameters of dogs. In this regard, 12 adult, male, healthy, and untrained American Pit Bull Terriers were subjected to an incremental exercise test (IET) on the underwater treadmill (Group I) and the dry land treadmill (Group II). Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and electrocardiographic evaluation, were evaluated before activity (T0), immediately after (T1), 30 min after (T2), and 90 min after the end of exercise (T3), and plasmatic lactate concentrations were measured at T0, T1, and T2 time points. Results obtained were submitted to the Shapiro-Wilk test, ANOVA and Tukey’s test, considering P

The baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) fruit stands out among the fruits native to the Cerrado for its high agri-food potential, and it consists of a thin peel covering the pulp and a woody endocarp coating the nut. During the extraction process of baru nut or its oil, the peel, pulp, and partially defatted nut are usually discarded or used as animal feed. However, these by-products are rich in proteins, dietary fibers, and bioactive compounds. Food preparations like brownies are attractive and popular despite having a high energy density and a low phytochemical content. Thus, this study developed nutritious brownie formulations using baru food ingredients [BFI: a mixture of partially defatted nut flour (DBF) with baru peel and pulp flour (BPF)]. Three formulations were tested: SBF - standard brownie made with wheat flour; BBF1 - brownie made by replacing wheat flour with BFI1 (50% DBF + 50% BPF); and BBF2 - brownie made by replacing wheat flour with BFI2 (75% DBF + 25% BPF). The chemical composition and functional properties of the brownies were evaluated. The addition of baru by-products in the formulations resulted in products with higher contents of protein, dietary fiber, phenolic compounds, and greater antioxidant capacity than the standard brownie. Therefore, the use of baru food ingredients in food formulations is indicated to design new food products with improved nutritional quality and nutraceutical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: The soybean looper (SBL), Chrysodeixis includens (Walker, [1858]) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a soybean and cotton pest in South America countries. Field-evolved resistance of SBL to inhibitors of chitin biosynthesis has been reported in Brazil; however, this mode of action is still widely used against SBL. On this basis, we conducted laboratory bioassays to investigate if adjuvants (Nimbus®, TA 35®, Break-Thru® S 240, and Rizospray Extremo®) added to the teflubenzuron spray increase the mortality of SBL strains (resistant, heterozygous, and susceptible to chitin biosynthesis inhibitors). Using chromatography analysis, we also evaluated the amount of teflubenzuron on soybean leaves when applied alone or in combination with adjuvants. In laboratory bioassays, the biological activity of teflubenzuron increased against the susceptible SBL strain when adjuvants were added. In contrast, no relevant effects of adjuvants added to the teflubenzuron spray against heterozygous and resistant SBL larvae were detected. In leaf bioassays, even leaves from the upper third part of the plants containing a significantly higher amount of teflubenzuron (3.4 mg/kg vs 1.7 and 0.6 mg/kg); the mortality of SBL strains was similar when teflubenzuron was applied alone or in mixture with adjuvants. Our findings indicated that adjuvants added to teflubenzuron spray do not provide a substantial increase in the mortality of SBL strains resistant to chitin biosynthesis inhibitors. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the use of this mode-of-action insecticide against SBL and to give preference to other insecticides or control tactic.

Pythiosis is the disease caused by aquatic oomycetes of the genus Pythium. In dogs the typical course of the disease involves the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by transmural thickening of the stomach or intestines. However, infection by Pythium spp. has only rarely been recognized as a cause of esophagitis in dogs. Thus, the present reports a case of esophageal and gastric pythiosis in an eight-month-old female pit bull dog. The dog was attended at the hospital after two months presenting regurgitation and dyspnea. It was reported that the dog lived in an urban area and had no previous sanitary issues. At clinical examination it was noted that the dog presented crackling sounds at pulmonary auscultation. A support therapy accompanied by antibiotics has been employed; however, 22 days after hospitalization the clinical condition worsened, and the dog died. At necropsy, the wall of the distal segment of the esophagus and the cardia and part of the fundus of the stomach were expanded by a focal extensive irregular intramural annular mass. Additionally, there was a transmural esophageal fistula. At histology, the walls of the esophagus and stomach were extensively expanded by multifocal extensive areas of necrosis, associated with a pyogranulomatous infiltrate and abundant granulation tissue containing multiple negative images of hyphae that were highlighted by silver impregnation (Grocott). Furthermore, immunohistochemistry and PCR for P. insidiosum were both positive in samples of paraffin-embedded esophageal tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: This research evaluated the biomass productivity and nutritional value of the haylage and hay from intercropping between Tamani grass and different legume species. For the productive characteristics of the different intercrops, we adopted a randomized block design, for evaluation of the combination of intercropping and conservation technic we used 5 x 2 factorial scheme (five intercrops and two types of conservation techniques). The treatments were Tamani grass as monoculture, and the intercrops of Tamani grass with crotalaria, soybean, cowpea, or pigeon pea. The conservation techniques were haylage (520 g/kg of DM) and hay (870 g/kg of DM). Plants were sown in alternate rows, with 45 cm of spacing between the rows. The parameters evaluated were grass and legume biomass production, canopy height, and haylage and hay chemical composition, and in vitro dry matter digestibility (ivDMD). There were no differences in the total biomass production between the intercrops and TA grass monoculture. The treatments intercropped with cowpea and soybean had the highest legume participation in the mixture, promoting an increase in crude protein and ivDMD content of haylage and hay. Haylage and hay had the same chemical composition, although haylage had higher ivDMD than hay. We concluded that intercropping Tamani grass with soybeans or cowpea maintained total biomass productivity and improved the nutritional value of haylage and hay.

ABSTRACT: Varronia curassavica is a medicinal species native to Brazil; its anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to α-humulene and β-caryophyllene. This study to investigated the population variability of V. curassavica. Leaves were collected from 40 individuals of a natural population and transferred to glass flasks (2 mL). The volatiles were extracted and analyzed using static headspace gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS). A total of 17 compounds were detected: monoterpenes (1.6% - 68%) and sesquiterpenes (25.7% - 79.0%), including α-humulene and β-caryophyllene. Multivariate analysis was performed to estimate the dissimilarity of individuals separated the compounds into four groups. Group I was characterized by the content of α-pinene, groups II and IV by β-caryophyllene, and group III by β-pinene. The abundance of α-humulene showed small variations; while β-caryophyllene showed larger variations that contributed to the population variability. This is the first report on the chemical composition analysis of volatile compounds in V. curassavica using the HS-GC-MS technique.

ABSTRACT: The goat milk industry has unquestionably grown in recent years due to the high demand for dairy products, which are considered nutritious and hypoallergenic. As a result, security measures are required in the production chain to provide consumers with safe products, although the concept of biosecurity is still incipient in Brazilian goat farming. Therefore, this study aimed to review the main biosecurity measures applied to dairy goat farms and suggest a program that contemplates these measures to promote animal health and welfare, given that biosecurity bolsters environmental sustainability and improves this agricultural sector. Biosecurity programs (BP) are composed of a set of measures and procedures aimed at herd health and applied in all stages of animal husbandry, interacting with different sectors that make up the production system and providing a set of policies and operational norms to protect herds against potentially pathogenic agents. Thus, BP require planning, execution, monitoring, audits, updates, understanding of the procedures, and awareness of those involved in the production chain. In addition, it includes continuing education programs and the development of contingency plans for specific emergencies. The information included in this study provides input to dairy goat farms to implement practices that improve the productivity of this agricultural sector.

ABSTRACT: In recent years there has been a growing interest in the use of organic waste in agriculture. In this way, was aimed with this study to evaluate the biochar from pequi shell (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) on the soil chemical properties and on the production and nutrition of common bean plants. The experiment was carried out in pots with soil (4 dm3 ~ 5,44 kg), in a completely randomized experimental design, 4 x 3 + 2 factorial scheme, with four replications. The treatments were four doses of biochar (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 % v/v), three different particle size (G1,

ABSTRACT: The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda Smith, 1797 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a polyphagous pest that causes losses in several crops. The knowledge of host plants is essential for establishing management and control strategies. The present study reported the first occurrence of S. frugiperda in Brazilian grapevines. It is recommended that further studies should be carried out in the laboratory to understand the biological aspects of the damage to different structures (leaves and grapes). This information will be essential to assess the potential of S. frugiperda damage to vines.

ABSTRACT: Equine-assisted therapy is a method used since ancient times to rehabilitate individuals. The biomechanics provided by horses and the friction between their back and the riders’ saddle generate impulses that are transmitted to riders’ central nervous system; thus, these horses must be healthy enough to enable the desired therapeutic effect. The aim of the current study is to investigate lameness prevalence and intensity in equine-assisted therapy horses in Rio Grande do Sul State. The adopted methodology consisted of the objective evaluation of lameness based on Lameness Locator® wireless inertial sensors, which were placed in the 21 horses assessed in six equestrian centers in Rio Grande do Sul State. Results have shown that 90.1% of the assessed horses presented lameness in the hind (54.2%) and forelimbs (45.8%), as well as that 72% of them with presented mild lameness degree. This outcome has evidenced the need, and significance, of assessing these horses’ locomotor system. To support effective therapy and protect equine welfare, it is essential that veterinarians should regularly monitor these animals in order to treat and prevent disease. Even subtle lameness can influence the generated stimuli; thus, it is an important factor to be taken into consideration when selecting equine-assisted therapy.

ABSTRACT: The objective was to estimate the physiological and productive performance of potato genotypes in two organic cultivation systems. Two trials were conducted, being one in a protected and on in an open-field environment. A randomized complete block design with four replicates and five treatments (genotypes ‘Agata’, ‘Atlantic’, ‘BRS Ana’, ‘BRSIPR Bel’ and ‘BRS Clara’) was used. Physiological, productive characteristics and defects associated with tubers were obtained. The protected environment is the most appropriate to produce organic potatoes under the evaluated conditions. Genotypes ‘BRSIPR Bel’ and ‘BRS Ana’ exhibit a high productive potential in organic conditions.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to determine the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and nitrogen-corrected AME (AMEn) values as well as the metabolizability coefficients of dry matter, protein, and ether extract of corn, pearl millet, and sorghum in different particle sizes for slow-growing broilers. Two experiments were carried out involving 280 chicks of the Label Rouge® Naked Neck broiler line, with 140 chicks allotted to each experiment in a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of a reference diet and a test diet (60% reference diet + 40% feedstuff). The feedstuffs were tested and particle size (expressed as geometric mean diameter [GMD, μm] and geometric standard deviation [GSD], respectively) results were 816 and 1.73 for coarsely ground corn, 794 and 1.75 for finely ground corn, 1.517 and 1.92 for pearl millet grain, 760 and 1.63 for finely ground pearl millet (Experiment 1); and 1,866 and 1.86 for whole grain sorghum, 919 and 1.62 for coarsely ground sorghum, and 878 and 1.72 for finely ground sorghum (Experiment 2). A metabolism trial was conducted by using the total excreta collection method to obtain the AME and AMEn values as well as the metabolizability coefficients of dry matter, protein, and ether extract. The energy metabolization coefficient did not differ (P > 0.05) between the grains in the different tested particle sizes. However, there was an improvement in the metabolizability coefficients of dry matter, nitrogen, and ether extract as the particle size of corn was increased. In conclusion, larger grain particle sizes improve the metabolizability of nutrients and energy for slow-growing broilers. Whole-grain sorghum has limited nutritional utilization for slow-growing birds up to 21 days of age.

ABSTRACT: Diversification of rootstock varieties, with consequent reduction in phytosanitary risks, has great importance to the sustainability of citrus cultivation in the south of Brazil. This study evaluated the performance of 42 rootstocks in the nursery phase to generate ‘Valencia Late’ sweet orange seedlings. Therefore, nucellar seedlings from the rootstocks under study were analyzed in relation to plant height, stem diameter, mortality rate and percentage of bud set after grafting. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications of 20 sample units. Not adapted genotypes had high mortality rates, and the ones of both hybrids LCR x CTSW - 009 and LVK x LCR - 038 were 100% and 90%, respectively. Other 13 genotypes had mortality rates above 30%, and ‘Sunki’ mandarin was the female genitor of ten of them. ‘Swingle’ citrumelo was the rootstock with the highest development (plant height and stem diameter), associated with low mortality rate. In relation to the other rootstocks, the best results were the fast grafting diameter, associated with low mortality rate obtained by hybrids HTR - 053, LRF x (LCR x TR) - 005, CLEO x TRBN - 245, CLEO x TRSW - 287, and citrandarins ‘Indio’, ‘Riverside’ and ‘San Diego’, as well as Trifoliate orange and ‘Rangpur’ lime. In addition to Trifoliate orange, which is widely used in Rio Grande do Sul, these rootstocks have great potential in citriculture in the south of Brazil.

ABSTRACT: Assessing sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) stalk growth helps to adequately manage the phenological stages of the crop. The aim of this study was to describe the height-growth curve of four sugarcane varieties (RB92579, RB93509, RB931530 and SP79-1011), in irrigated plant-cane and ratoon cane plantations, using the Logistic and Gompertz nonlinear models, while considering all deviations from assumptions. The model parameters were estimated based on the least squares method using the Gauss-Newton algorithm. To select the most suitable model, nonlinear measures, adjusted coefficient of determination (R2 adj), residual standard deviation (RSD), and corrected Akaike information criterion (AICc) were used. Based on the best models, stalk height growth rates and crop phenological stages were determined using critical points. All tests were performed in the free software environment for statistical computing and graphics, R. In general, the Logistic and Gompertz models without AR(1) better described the plant-cane and ratoon cane stalk height, respectively. All varieties showed early growth, and the RB92579 variety presented higher rates in both cycles.

ABSTRACT: The extraction of sea salt depends on the occupation of large areas at the estuary banks, many of them inserted in Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs). Thus, the objective was to evaluate the economic viability of Environmental Offsets (EO) as an alternative to the unoccupied PPAs in the saltworks. In order to do so, 27 solar saltworks installed in the region of the Brazilian White Coast were evaluated for the occupation of PPAs - measured using images from satellite, georeferenced, vectored with corresponding PPA bands generated - and estimated to EO (Impact Degree x Sum of the investments necessary to implement the project) and Economic Impact (Net Present Value, with long-term interest rate of 7%) of vacating PPAs. It was considered that EO was feasible whenever the costs resulting from it were lower than the economic impact caused by the vacancy of the PPAs. The PPAs were tthe productive area of the saltworksthat occupied 13.70% of PPAs. For all the evaluated enterprises the value corresponding to EO was lower than the Economic Impact resulting from the vacancy of the PPAs. Thus, EO is an economically viable and more attractive alternative to the eviction of PPAs by the saltworks industry and may also provide environmental gains due to the financing of conservation units in the areas of influence of the enterprises. However, there is a need to improve the methodology used to estimate the EO, since a maximum limit is set, the environmental impacts caused by the projects are underestimated.