Search

This research investigated the reaction of chickpea genotypes to Fusarium oxysporum CML 2878, seed health quality, and seed treatment with Carbendazim + Thiram fungicide. The roots of 15-day-old chickpea seedlings were injured, immersed in fungal suspension (4.5 x 107 conidia/mL), and transplanted. Thirty days later, F. oxysporum incidence in the genotypes, pathogenicity, and fresh mass and length of the root and shoot were evaluated. The conducted seed health test followed the incubation methodology on a paper substrate. The seed health and sand emergence tests used a factorial arrangement with two seed treatments (treated with fungicide and untreated) and nine genotypes. Total emergence and the number of normal and abnormal plants were evaluated. All genotypes were susceptible to F. oxysporum CML 2878, thus yellowing and browning the leaves and reducing root development. The primary fungi associated with the seeds of the studied genotypes were Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp., Rhizopus sp., and Penicillium sp. The fungicide was highly efficient in fungal control but reduced emergence, weight, seedling height, and the number of normal seedlings in the genotypes. This study demonstrated that the evaluated genotypes were susceptible to F. oxysporum CML 2878 and Fusarium sp., spread by seeds. Although fungicidal control was efficient for Fusarium, it may interfere with chickpea germination and vigor.

Resumo A doença cerebrovascular extracraniana tem sido intensamente investigada em todo o mundo, sendo tema de suma importância para os cirurgiões vasculares. A presente Diretriz foi elaborada pela Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular (SBACV) em sucessão à Diretriz de 2015. As doenças de etiologia não ateroscleróticas não foram incluídas nesse documento. O objetivo desta Diretriz é congregar as evidências mais robustas nessa área para auxiliar os especialistas no processo decisório do tratamento. Foi utilizada a metodologia AGREE II e o sistema da Sociedade Europeia de Cardiologia para as recomendações e níveis de evidências. As recomendações foram graduadas de I a III, e os níveis de evidência classificados em A, B e C. A presente Diretriz foi dividida em 11 capítulos, que tratam dos vários aspectos da doença cerebrovascular extracraniana: diagnóstico, tratamentos e complicações, de forma atualizada e com as recomendações propostas pela SBACV.

Abstract: Seed treatments with chemical phytosanitary products can compromise mobilization of seed reserves for the seedlings under water deficit conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality, the initial seedling development, and the mobilization of reserves in soybean seeds treated with phytosanitary products under water deficit. The trial was set up in a completely randomized design in a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement: chemical treatments (control, Thiamethoxam, Fludioxonil + Metalaxyl-M, and Fipronil + Pyraclostrobin + Tiophanate-methyl) × osmotic potentials (0, -0.1, -0.2, and -0.3 MPa). We analyzed the following variables: germination; hypocotyl length, root length, and total seedling length; seedling length vigor index; cotyledon dry matter weight; seedling dry matter yield; seed reserve reduction; relative dry matter yield; seed reserve reduction rate; and conversion efficiency of seed reserves into seedling dry matter. Seed quality and seedling development decline under water deficit conditions. The treatment with Fipronil + Pyraclostrobin + Thiophanate-methyl results in lower phytotoxicity. The estimated cotyledon dry matter (CDM) weight is an indicator of phytotoxicity and water deficit. Mobilization of reserves is compromised in seeds treated with insecticides, reducing the capacity of conversion of reserves into dry matter. There is an inversely proportional relationship between the reduction in conversion and the efficiency of conversion of reserves of treated soybean seeds under water deficit.

El presente trabajo de investigación se realizó con el objetivo de elaborar e implementar un plan de mejoras, dirigido a impulsar el desarrollo económico de los emprendedores ubicados en las proximidades del río Tabiazo, Esmeraldas – Ecuador, quienes han manifestado la necesidad de mejorar sus productos e ingresos. La investigación tiene un enfoque mixto de tipo descriptivo, que requiere el trabajo de campo y la revisión bibliográfica para la obtención de información real, y para la puesta en marcha del plan de mejoras. Los resultados obtenidos al término del presente trabajo son de suma importancia puesto que evidencian que los emprendimientos del sector son empíricos, y que los ingresos que perciben podrían incrementar a corto plazo con la puesta en práctica de los conocimientos compartidos. Se llega a la conclusión que para ayudar a las distintas comunidades aisladas del país a mejorar su calidad de vida y los ingresos que perciben, es indispensable que puedan contar con un plan de mejoras dirigido a aprovechar los recursos del sector y a potenciar las actividades y destrezas de los pobladores, respetando sus costumbres y cultura.

Abstract: The thermoinhibition of lettuce seed germination causes important losses for producers, who do not have thermotolerant commercial cultivars. One of the obstacles has been the scarcity of optimizing techniques capable of efficiently discriminating thermotolerant and thermosensitive cultivars. The aim of this work was to evaluate the use of neural networks to discriminate different levels of thermoinhibition in lettuce seeds. Seeds of 18 cultivars were evaluated for thermoinhibition considering the characteristics of the first and last germination count and germination speed index, in seeds subjected to temperatures of 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C. The remaining seeds, which did not germinate, were subjected to the tetrazolium test. Analyses were performed immediately after seed harvesting and repeated after six months of storage. Discriminant analysis was performed and the Kohonen’s Self-Organizing Map (SOM) was created using Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). Neural networks discriminate lettuce cultivars and organizes them in terms of seed thermoinhibition tolerance through Kohonen’s Self-Organizing Map. Discriminant analysis consistently identifies the Everglades and Luiza genotypes as tolerant to thermoinhibition.

Abstract: Precision Agriculture considers soil attributes and production aspects to define management zones. Although there is little information, it is likely that seeds produced in different management zones have different quality after chemical treatment and storage. The aim was to evaluate the physiological quality of sorghum seeds produced in different management zones, after chemical treatment and storage. The management zones were defined from interpolated maps of soil and vegetation attributes with the aid of the Smart Map - SMP plugin, in a Qgis environment. After harvest, the seeds were treated with Thiamethoxam, Imidacloprid + Thiodicarb, Fludioxonil + Metalaxyl-M and a control treatment (water). Then, they were stored for 0, 60 and 120 days. The seeds were evaluated for their quality through the following tests: moisture, germination, dry mass of seedlings, electrical conductivity, and accelerated aging. The design was completely randomized in a 4 × 3 factorial scheme, with the management zones being analyzed independently. Sorghum seed treatments with insecticides cause greater phytotoxicity during storage in both management zones, unlike the fungicide treatment. Sorghum seeds produced in high-management zones have high physiological quality and less deterioration during storage. Sorghum seeds produced in low-management zones treated with insecticides, as the storage time increases, show lower vigor due to deterioration and phytotoxicity.

Removal of lettuce basal leaves is a technique used by the seed industry; however, the effects on seed production and physiological potential are unknown. Genetic dissimilarity is fundamental in the identification of individuals in terms of traits of interest, although it is rarely considered in relation to seeds that are tolerant to thermoinhibition. The aim of this study was to ascertain the relationship between defoliation of lettuce plants and seed yield/physiological quality, as well as the genetic dissimilarity among genotypes with regard to seed thermoinhibition. We used 35 lines of biofortified lettuce, the cultivars Uberlândia 10000, Belíssima, UFU MC BIOFORT1, and Everglades (tolerant to thermoinhibition), and Grand Rapids and Verônica (susceptible to thermoinhibition). The seed yield and physiological quality of the genotypes with and without defoliation were evaluated, artificially aged, and germinated at four temperatures in a factorial arrangement. The genetic dissimilarity was estimated by Tocher graphing and the UPGMA clustering method, based on the Mahalanobis generalized distance (D 2 ii). Four UFU genotypes and Grand Rapids had high seed yields. With removal of basal leaves, there was higher seed yield per plant and there was an effect on their physiological quality. The genotypes exhibited genetic variability for thermoinhibition, with UFU-86#2#1#1 and Everglades showing similar performance.

Western blotting is a standard laboratory method used to detect proteins and assess their expression levels. Unfortunately, poor western blot image display practices and a lack of detailed methods reporting can limit a reader's ability to evaluate or reproduce western blot results. While several groups have studied the prevalence of image manipulation or provided recommendations for improving western blotting, data on the prevalence of common publication practices are scarce. We systematically examined 551 articles published in the top 25% of journals in neurosciences (n = 151) and cell biology (n = 400) that contained western blot images, focusing on practices that may omit important information. Our data show that most published western blots are cropped and blot source data are not made available to readers in the supplement. Publishing blots with visible molecular weight markers is rare, and many blots additionally lack molecular weight labels. Western blot methods sections often lack information on the amount of protein loaded on the gel, blocking steps, and antibody labeling protocol. Important antibody identifiers like company or supplier, catalog number, or RRID were omitted frequently for primary antibodies and regularly for secondary antibodies. We present detailed descriptions and visual examples to help scientists, peer reviewers, and editors to publish more informative western blot figures and methods. Additional resources include a toolbox to help scientists produce more reproducible western blot data, teaching slides in English and Spanish, and an antibody reporting template.

Gherkin seeds usually show irregular physiological quality. Seed production requires fast and reliable tests to evaluate seed quality. Germination test is considered a recognized analysis method; however, seed technology has pursuit the improvement of vigor tests aiming the evaluation of seed’s physiological potential. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate procedures to perform the test of accelerated aging and determine the physiological and sanitary potential of gherkin seeds. Four seed lots of cultivar Liso Calcuta were used in the study. To evaluate the initial physiological quality the water content was determined and germination and emergence tests, as well as indices of germination speed and emergence speed were used. The accelerated aging test was performed as traditionally and with saturated saline solution, with 48, 72 and 96 hours, at temperatures of 41oC and 45oC. After aging, the water content was determined, and seeds’ germination and sanity tests were performed. The experiment was set under a completely random design in factorial 4x3x2 (lots x aging periods x temperatures). The standard accelerated aging test and the test with saturated saline solution at 41oC for 96 hours were efficient to evaluate the vigor of gherkin seeds. Saturated saline solution provides uniform water absorption and deterioration in gherkin seeds, allowing to discriminate seed lots in different vigor levels. The salinity test after accelerated aging with saline solution reduces the incidence of some fungi.

ABSTRACT Salinity influences all germination stages and may adversely affect seedling establishment in the field. The objective of this research was to determine the relationship between the antioxidant activity and the physiological performance of seeds and to verify the efficacy of the imaging analysis of popcorn seedlings after seed exposure to saline stress. A completely randomized design was used that consisted of four replicates in a factorial scheme. This scheme comprised three popcorn hybrids (P618, AP6002, and AP8203) and five saline potential levels (0.0; -0.1; -0.3; -0.6, and -0.9 MPa) that were obtained from KCl solutions of different concentrations. First count germination, germination and seedling vigor classification (strong normal seedlings), and dry mass of seedlings were evaluated to determine the physiological quality of the seed. The images of seedlings were used to evaluate the coleoptile and root lengths, indices of vigor, uniformity, and growth using the Groundeye® software. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT) were also determined. Saline stress compromises the physiological quality and antioxidant activity of seeds and the performance of popcorn seedlings. Computerized image analysis using Groundeye® was efficient in evaluating the popcorn seedlings after being subjected to salt stress. Hybrids AP6002 and AP8203 were more tolerant to salt stress than hybrid P618.

Brazil is a privileged country in relation to their mineral resources, but have problems in diagnosis the situation about the surface water and groundwater, because the quality and the quantity of water. Questions about physico-chemical parameters as high as salinity or low hydraulic conductivity can affect the use of this underground water resource. The study of procedures for diagnostic directly or indirectly in salinity in groundwater can assist the selection of sites for acquisition. In this direction, this study describes a comparative analysis between geochemical analyzes and tests on geophysical study of saline free aquifer, in an attempt to establish correlations between data, whether direct or indirect, in addition to providing an analysis of the limitations of the DC Resistivity geophysical method as indicator tool of degrees of salinity in an indirect way. The geological site consist in clay soils settled on siltstone and argillites of the Corumbataí Formation, of the Basin of Paraná Sedimentary Basin in Brazil. This unit represents an aquiclude regional, the occurrence of level free aquifer in the contact soil/rock characterized by variable salinity and is widely used as a source of supply for rural properties. The physical-chemical parameters measured in samples collected in wells were: total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (CE), in addition to measures of hydraulic conductivity (k). The data of TDS and CE were widely variable, but resulted in a direct correlation. The comparison between the data from electrical resistivity with TDS and electrical resistivity with hydraulic conductivity do not result in satisfactory correlations perchance the complexity geological and a high variable in salinity. Factors that control electrical resistivity in the geological environment.

Early blight (caused by Alternaria tomatophila ) is a major disease of tomato with no resistant cultivars. Thus, it is necessary to identify sources of resistance and productive genotypes for the development of new cultivars. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the productive potential of cherry tomato genotypes grown in the summer / fall, the severity of early blight on leaves and the incidence of disease in fruits. The treatments consisted of Carolina tomato genotypes, Cereja Vermelho, CH 152 and CLN1561A. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with six replications, and the experimental plot had 16 plants. The following characteristics were evaluated: area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), average number of microinjuries on the fruits (MF), average number of fruits per bunch (NFC), average number of bunches per plant (NCP), average number of fruits per plant (NFP), average yield, number of fruits with incidence of early blight per plant (NFI) and the severity of early blight in leaves (%). The cherry tomato genotype CH152 showed tolerance to early blight with a smaller area under the disease progress curve, lower severity and fruits with incidence of A. tomatophila were not observed in this genotype. The CH152 had the highest number of fruits per bunch, greater number of bunches per plant, higher number of fruits per plant and higher productivity. This line has great potential of being integrated into breeding programs.

How likely is an invention to turn into an innovation in the short, medium, and long term? Do patent examiners have the power to influence the direction technology takes in a given sector or industry? This study discusses possible impacts arising from the interpretation of the concept of inventive step on the potential for innovation in the electricity area. It also aims to identify any indications of subjectivity in the concept of “inventive step,” of the examiners’ decision-making power, and the influence of the examiners’ evaluations on the direction of technology in the light of the concepts of conformity of action by agents to institutional rules and room for deviation as proposed by Dequech (2013). A case study is presented, comparing the content of first instance examinations and appeal examinations of patent claims in the area of electricity from 2015 to 2017, showing the levels of divergence in the appraisals of inventive step and recommendations for initial decisions to be reversed.

In reducing the cost of production, one alternative is the use of asexual propagation when obtaining tomato seedlings. Use of the appropriate substrate can also result in better rooting and development of the cuttings. The aim of this experiment therefore, was to evaluate the effect of different substrates and means of propagation in the production of tomato seedlings. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse with cuttings collected from the side shoots of healthy mother plants, sorted into two sizes and hybrid tomato seeds. The seeds and cuttings were grown in two commercial substrates. The experimental design was completely randomised in a 3x2 factorial scheme (propagation x substrate), with four replications, giving a total of 24 lots. There was interaction between the means of propagation and types of substrate for the following characteristics: root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight, length of main root, final length of shoots, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, total fresh weight and total dry weight. Rooting was affected by the substrate, and main root length by the means of propagation. The cuttings of 11 cm in length stood out for making the vegetative propagation of the tomato viable. Using coconut fibre as a substrate promoted better root development = Uma alternativa para diminuir o custo de produção do tomateiro é o uso de propagação assexuada para a obtenção de mudas, além disso, a utilização de um substrato adequado pode promover um melhor enraizamento e desenvolvimento das estacas. Assim, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito de diferentes formas de propagação e substratos na produção de mudas de tomateiro. Realizou-se o experimento em casa de vegetação com estacas coletadas a partir de brotos laterais de plantas matrizes sadias, padronizadas em dois tamanhos e sementes híbridas de tomateiro. As estacas e sementes foram cultivadas em dois substratos comerciais, em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 3x2 (propagação x substratos), quatro repetições, totalizando 24 parcelas. Houve interação entre as formas de propagação e os tipos de substratos para as seguintes características: massa fresca das raízes, massa fresca da parte aérea, comprimento da raiz principal, comprimento final da parte aérea, massa seca da raiz, massa seca da parte aérea, massa fresca total e massa seca total. O enraizamento foi afetado pelo substrato, enquanto o comprimento da raiz principal pelas formas de propagação. As estacas de 11 cm de comprimento se destacaram, tornando a propagação vegetativa do tomateiro viável. A utilização do substrato de fibra de coco promoveu melhor desenvolvimento radicular

This study investigated the water quality in an urban eutrophic reservoir in Northeastern Brazil, considering the influence of seasonality. Monthly, samples were collected in the sub-surface reservoir. The following abiotic variables were analyzed: temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, apparent color, turbidity, conductivity, fluoride, total nitrogen, chlorides, total dissolved solids, total hardness, iron, copper, manganese, aluminum, chlorophyll-a and phaeophytin. Total and thermotolerant coliforms were analyzed according to APHA (2012). Cyanobacteria density was quantified through its biomass. The data were analyzed using one- way ANOVA and Pearson correlation test. Higher values mean phytoplankton biomass (26.3mm3.L–1) occurred in the dry season, especially Planktothrix agardhii and Geiterinema amphibium, which occurred in 100% of samples. High trophic state index was detected throughout the year. Seasonality exerted some influence on both biotic and abiotc variables, leading to changes in water quality of the reservoir.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os padrões eletroforéticos das proteínas resistentes ao calor e a atividade da enzima endo-β-mananase durante a germinação de sementes de alface, em alta temperatura. Sementes de oito cultivares de alface foram submetidas aos testes de germinação, primeira contagem e emergência em duas temperaturas, 20 e 35ºC. Foram calculados o índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG) e o índice de velocidade de emergência (IVE). Avaliou-se, também, a expressão das proteínas resistentes ao calor e da enzima endo-β-mananase, para todos os tratamentos. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 2x8, com duas temperaturas e oito cultivares. A maior germinação é observada a 35ºC na cultivar Everglades, considerada termotolerante. Os padrões de proteínas resistentes ao calor em sementes de alface apresentam bandas específicas na cultivar Everglades, a 35ºC. A atividade da enzima endo-β-mananase é maior na cultivar Everglades, nessa temperatura. Essa cultivar tem potencial para utilização em programas de melhoramento de alface com vistas à tolerância a altas temperaturas durante a germinação.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a qualidade sanitária e fisiológica de quatorze variedades de sementes de milho crioulas em pré e pós-armazenamento em embalagens de polietileno tereftalato (PET). Houve efeito das variedades e das épocas de avaliações sobre a incidência de fungos e germinação. Dentre a micobiota observada, Fusarium moniliforme (88%), Penicillium spp. (6,9%) e Aspergillus spp. (2,1%) tiveram a maior porcentagem de incidência. Após o armazenamento, houve decréscimo de F. moniliforme (69%) e aumento de Penicillium spp. (35%) e Aspergillus spp. (22%). A incidência desses fungos não comprometeu a qualidade fisiológica das sementes, que apresentaram elevadas porcentagens de vigor e germinação.The objective of this study was to evaluate the sanitary and physiological quality of fourteen varieties of creole corn seeds in pre-and post-storage in packaging of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Among the mycobiota observed Fusarium moniliforme (88%), Penicillium spp. (6,9%) and Aspergillus spp. (2,1%) had the highest incidence. After storage there was a slight decrease in the percentage of F. moniliforme (69%) and a increase of Penicillium spp. (35%) and Aspergillus spp. (22%). The incidence of these fungi did not compromise the physiological quality of seeds that showed high percentages of vigor and germination.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar a qualidade física, fisiológica e sanitária de sementes de 17 variedades de milho crioulo antes e após armazenagem em garrafas PET e comparar os resultados aos padrões já estabelecidos para comercialização de cultivares comerciais de milho. Foram realizados os testes de pureza física, retenção de peneiras, massa de 1000 sementes, grau de umidade, germinação, emergência em canteiro, índices de velocidade de germinação e emergência das sementes, além de exame de sementes infestadas. Pelos resultados obtidos, é possível concluir que as sementes de milho crioulo das diferentes variedades apresentam alta porcentagem de pureza física e germinação mesmo após o armazenamento, com valores acima dos padrões mínimos exigidos para comercialização de sementes de milho (98 e 85%, respectivamente). O grau de umidade das sementes das diferentes variedades de milho crioulo antes e após o armazenamento permaneceu abaixo de 13%, destacando-se a aptidão da região norte de Minas Gerais para a produção e conservação de sementes de qualidade. Três variedades apresentaram porcentagem de infestação superior ao padrão máximo recomendado (3%), sendo, portanto, necessário aprimorar o controle de pragas de grãos armazenados. São necessárias melhorias para uniformização de classificação das sementes por peneiras, já que as amostras de três variedades não alcançaram o padrão mínimo de 94% em uma mesma peneira, exigido pela legislação.The objective of this research was to evaluate the physical, physiological and sanitary quality of corn seeds of 17 maize varieties (landraces) before and after storage in PET bottles. The seeds were submitted to the following tests: physical purity, retention on sieves, weight of 1000 seeds, germination, seed moisture content, emergence in flowerbed, infested seed exam and seed health (deep-freezing method). Germination and emergence velocity index were determined. Maize landraces seeds of different varieties presented a great percentage of physical purity and germination, which were over the minimum standards values required for commercialization of corn seeds (98 and 85%, respectively), even after storage. Seed moisture content remained below 13% before and after storage, standing out the potential of Nothern Minas Gerais for production and conservation of high-quality seeds. Three varieties presented infestation higher than the maximum values accepted for corn seeds commercialization (3%), indicating the need of better pests control during storage. Samples of three varieties have not reached satisfy standard values of retention on the same sieve (94%), indicating the need of better standardization on size classification of some seed lots.

OBJETIVO: Verificar se houve melhora da qualidade e quantidade dos ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECRs) publicados na literatura nacional, por meio da aplicação de escores estruturados e validados na literatura. MÉTODOS: Selecionamos, eletronicamente, todas as edições das duas revistas indexadas e de escopo ortopédico da literatura nacional - Acta Ortopédica Brasileira (AOB) e Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia (RBO), no período de 2000-2009, todos os ECRs publicados. Dois pesquisadores independentes identificaram e pontuaram os ECRs de acordo com as escalas de JADAD e do grupo de trauma musculoesquelético da Colaboração Cochrane. Os trabalhos selecionados foram agrupados: 1) pelo período de publicação 2000-2004 e 2004-2009; 2) periódico de publicação (AOB e RBO). RESULTADOS: Vinte e dois trabalhos foram selecionados, sendo10 da AOB e 12 da RBO. Não houve diferença entre o número proporcional (nECR/nTotal de trabalhos publicados) de ensaios clínicos randomizados publicados nos dois periódicos (p = 0,458), assim como para os escores de JADAD (p = 0,722) e da Colaboração Cochrane (p = 0,630). CONCLUSÃO: A qualidade e quantidade relativa de ensaios clínicos randomizados nos periódicos analisados foi semelhante. Há uma tendência de melhora da qualidade; contudo, não há acréscimo da quantidade de ensaios clínicos randomizados nos dois períodos analisados.OBJECTIVE: To assess whether there was an improvement in the quality and quantity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in nationally published journals through an application of standardized and validated scores. METHODS: We selected, electronically, for the period of 2000-2009, all RCTs published at the two indexed, orthopaedics-focused Brazilian journals: Acta Ortopédica Brasileira(AOB) and Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia (RBO). These RCTs were identified and scored by two independent researchers according to the JADAD scale and Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group score. The selected studies were grouped: 1) by publication period (2000-2004 and 2004-2009); 2) journal of publication (AOB and RBO). RESULTS: Twenty-two papers were selected, 10 from AOB and 12 from RBO. No statistically significant differences were found between the proportion (nRCT/nTotal of published papers) of RCTs published in the two journals (p=0.458), as well as for the JADAD score (p=0.722) and Cochrane score (p=0.630). CONCLUSION: The quality and quantity of randomized clinical trials in the period was similar in the journals analyzed. There is a trend of improvement of quality, yet there was no increase in the number of randomized clinical trials in both periods.

CONTEXTO: O uso do pericárdio bovino como remendo na endarterectomia de carótida é uma alternativa à veia safena magna. As vantagens do pericárdio incluem facilidade de obtenção, menor tempo operatório e principalmente menor índice de ruptura. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a resistência tensional do pericárdio bovino tratado com glutaraldeído e compará-la com a da veia safena magna. MÉTODOS: Os remendos de pericárdio bovino (grupo I, n = 20) e de veia safena magna (grupo II, n = 20) foram recortados em dimensões iguais (50 x 5 mm) e preparados de modo habitual a sua utilização. Os grupos foram submetidos a ensaio de tração e comparados em relação a força de ruptura, força máxima e tensão de ruptura utilizando-se o teste t de Student. A correlação da espessura do remendo com a força de ruptura também foi analisada utilizando-se o coeficiente de correlação linear de Pearson. RESULTADOS: Os parâmetros força de ruptura e força máxima foram significativamente maiores no grupo dos remendos de pericárdio bovino: 1,97 versus 1,36 kgf (p = 0,001230) e 2,27 versus 1,51 kgf (p = 0,0001087), respectivamente. A tensão de ruptura média para o material pericárdio bovino também foi maior (193,99±43,05 versus 49,19±22,96 kgf/cm², p = 7,603e-16) do que na veia safena. A correlação entre a espessura e a força de ruptura foi considerada moderada (r = 0,5032993) para o pericárdio bovino e baixa (r = 0,3062166) para o grupo da veia safena. CONCLUSÃO: Os autores concluem que a resistência do pericárdio bovino à ruptura foi considerada adequada neste estudo, e é significativamente maior que a da veia safena magna, retirada da região da coxa. Além disso, a espessura do remendo em ambos os grupos não apresenta boa correlação com sua resistência a ruptura.BACKGROUND: Carotid endarterectomy using bovine pericardium is an acceptable alternative to great saphenous vein patch. Bovine pericardium is easily obtained and provides a shorter operative time and lower rupture rate. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate rupture resistance of glutaraldehyde-treated bovine pericardium patch in comparison with great saphenous vein patch. METHODS: The sample was divided into two groups: bovine pericardium patch (group I, n = 20) and great saphenous vein patch (group II, n = 20). Both bovine pericardium and saphenous vein patches were prepared in the same dimensions (50 mm x 5 mm) and tested using standard procedures. The patches were tested in the longitudinal axis until the point of material failure. The following parameters were addressed: failure force, ultimate force and failure stress. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Student t test and Pearson's linear correlation. RESULTS: Failure force and ultimate force parameters were significantly higher in the bovine pericardium patch group: 1.97 vs. 1.36 kgf (p = 0.001230) and 2.27 vs. 1.51 kgf (p = 0.0001087), respectively. Mean failure stress in the bovine pericardium patch group was also significantly higher than that in the great saphenous vein group (193.99±43.05 vs. 49.19±22.96 kgf/cm², p = 7.603e-16). The correlation between thickness and failure force was considered moderate (r = 0.5032993) for the bovine pericardium group and low (r = 0.3062166) for the great saphenous vein group. CONCLUSION: The failure stress related to the bovine pericardium group was considered appropriate in this study, and was significantly higher than that observed in the great saphenous vein group. In addition, patch thickness in both groups did not show a good correlation with rupture resistance.

Background: Following the publication of a prospective randomized trial (Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Trial 2 - EVAR2) that questioned the benefits of endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in high-surgical-risk patients, we decided to analyze our initial and long-term results with endovascular AAA repair in this patient population. Objective: To evaluate the operative mortality, long-term survival, frequency of secondary operations, outcome of the aneurysm sac, primary and secondary patency rates, and rupture rate after aortic stent-graft placement in high-surgical-risk patients. Methods: From April 2002 to February 2008, 40 high-surgical and anesthetic risk patients with an AAA managed by a bifurcated aortic endograft were entered in a prospective registry. Data concerning diagnosis, operative risk, treatment and follow-up were analyzed in all patients Results: Twenty-four Excluder® and 16 Zenith® stent-grafts were successfully implanted. Thirty patients (75%) were classed ASA III and 10 (25%) were ASA IV. Mean aneurysm diameter was 64 mm. Operative mortality was 2.5%. Two patients required reintervention during the mean follow-up of 28.5 months. Survival rate at 3 years was 95%. There were four endoleaks, one case of endotension, and one endograft limb occlusion. Primary and secondary patency rates at 3 years were 97.5 and 100%, respectively. There were no ruptures. Conclusions: Initial and long-term results with endovascular treatment of AAA in high-surgical-risk patients were satisfactory, and appear to justify such approach for this patient population.Contexto: Após a publicação de um estudo prospectivo e randomizado (Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Trial 2 - EVAR2) que questionou o benefício do tratamento endovascular de aneurismas da aorta abdominal (AAA) em pacientes de alto risco cirúrgico, decidimos avaliar nossos resultados iniciais e tardios neste grupo de pacientes. Objetivo: Avaliar a mortalidade perioperatória, a sobrevivência tardia, a freqüência das reintervenções, o comportamento dos sacos aneurismáticos, as patências primária e secundária e a incidência de rotura após o tratamento endovascular de AAA em pacientes de alto risco cirúrgico. Métodos: Entre abril de 2002 e fevereiro de 2008, 40 pacientes de alto risco anestésico-cirúrgico portadores de AAA foram submetidos ao implante de endopróteses bifurcadas de aorta e incluídos num registro prospectivo. Os dados a respeito do diagnóstico, risco operatório, tratamento e seguimento foram analisados em todos os pacientes. Resultados: 24 endopróteses Excluder® e 16 Zenith® foram implantadas com sucesso. Trinta pacientes (75%) foram classificados como ASA III e 10 (25%) como ASA IV. O diâmetro médio dos AAA era de 64 mm. A mortalidade perioperatória foi de 2,5%. Dois pacientes necessitaram de reintervenção durante o seguimento médio de 28,5 meses. A taxa de sobrevivência aos 3 anos foi de 95%. Houve quatro endoleaks, um caso de endotensão, e uma oclusão de ramo em uma endoprótese. As patências primária e secundária aos 3 anos foram de 97,5 e 100%, respectivamente. Não houve nenhuma rotura. Conclusões: Nossos resultados iniciais e tardios do tratamento endovascular de AAA em pacientes de alto risco são satisfatórios e parecem justificar a indicação deste tratamento neste grupo de pacientes.

Contexto: A arteriografia com contraste (AC) tem sido o exame tradicional de avaliação de pacientes com suspeita de doença oclusiva aorto-ilíaca (DOAI). Recentemente, métodos menos invasivos, como a eco-Doppler, têm sido usados com a mesma finalidade. Objetivo: Comparar prospectivamente a eco-Doppler com a AC e eventual manometria arterial direta (MAD) na avaliação pré-operatória de pacientes com suspeita de DOAI. Métodos: Foram submetidos a eco-Doppler e a AC 125 pacientes internados para tratamento de doença arterial oclusiva dos membros inferiores, avaliando comparativamente 552 segmentos da aorta infrarrenal e das artérias ilíacas comum e externa. As lesões encontradas foram classificadas em cinco categorias: 1) normal e estenose leve (0 a 19%); 2) estenose moderada (20 a 49%); 3) estenose significativa (50 a 79%); 4) estenose crítica (80 a 99%); e 5) oclusão total. A MAD foi usada em 19 segmentos de 15 pacientes para classificar lesões limítrofes entre duas categorias. Foram calculados índices de validade (sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo, valor preditivo negativo e acurácia) para distinguir lesões hemodinamicamente significativas de não-significativas e para distinguir estenoses críticas de oclusões. O padrão-ouro foi AC, complementado pela MAD. Foram também calculados coeficientes de correlação kappa entre arteriografias e eco-Doppler para o conjunto dos segmentos aorto-ilíacos. Resultados: Lesões clinicamente relevantes (estenoses de 50 a 99% e oclusões totais) foram observadas na eco-Doppler em 163 segmentos (29,5%) e na AC em 158 segmentos (28,6%). A eco-Doppler mostrou altos índices de validade para distinguir lesões hemodinamicamente significativas de lesões não-significativas em todos os segmentos (acurácia = 92%; kappa = 0,81) e para diferenciar estenoses críticas de oclusões (acurácia = 86%; kappa = 0,73). Os índices de correlação entre os resultados das eco-Doppler e das AC foram ótimos em todos os segmentos aorto-ilíacos. Conclusão: A eco-Doppler apresenta elevados índices de validade e ótimos coeficientes de correlação com a AC na avaliação de pacientes com suspeita de DOAI.Background: Contrast arteriography (CA) has been the traditional method of evaluation of patients with suspected aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD). Recently, less invasive methods, such as Doppler ultrasonography, have been used for the same purpose. Objective: The present study prospectively compares Doppler ultrasonography with CA and direct arterial manometry (DAM) in the preoperative evaluation of patients with suspected AIOD. Methods: A total of 125 patients admitted for treatment of arterial occlusive disease of the lower extremities underwent Doppler ultrasonography and CA, comparatively evaluating 552 aortic, common iliac e external iliac segments. The lesions found were classified into five categories: 1) normal and mild stenosis (0-19%); 2) moderate stenosis (20-49%); 3) significant stenosis (50-79%); 4) critical stenosis (80-99%); and 5) total occlusion. DAM was used in 19 segments of 15 patients to classify borderline lesions. Validity indexes (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and overall accuracy) were calculated to distinguish hemodynamically significant from non-significant stenosis and to discriminate critical stenosis from total occlusions. The gold standard was CA, supplemented by DAM. Correlation coefficients (kappa statistics) between arteriography and Doppler ultrasonography were also calculated for the whole sample of aortoiliac segments. Results: Clinically relevant lesions (stenoses between 50-99% and total occlusions) were observed on Doppler ultrasonography in 163 segments (29.5%) and on CA in 158 segments (28.6%). Doppler ultrasonography showed high validity indexes to distinguish hemodynamically significant from non-significant lesions (overall accuracy = 92%; kappa = 0.81) and an overall accuracy of 86% (kappa = 0.73) to distinguish critical stenosis from total occlusion. Optimal correlation coefficients between the results of Doppler ultrasonography and CA were observed for all aortoiliac segments. Conclusion: Doppler ultrasonography has high validity indexes and optimal correlation coefficients with CA in the evaluation of patients with suspected AIOD.

Uma alternativa para diminuir o custo de produção do tomateiro é o uso de propagação assexuada para a obtenção de mudas, além disso, a utilização de um substrato adequado pode promover um melhor enraizamento e desenvolvimento das estacas. Assim, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito de diferentes formas de propagação e substratos na produção de mudas de tomateiro. Realizou-se o experimento em casa de vegetação com estacas coletadas a partir de brotos laterais de plantas matrizes sadias, padronizadas em dois tamanhos e sementes híbridas de tomateiro. As estacas e sementes foram cultivadas em dois substratos comerciais, em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 3x2 (propagação x substratos), quatro repetições, totalizando 24 parcelas. Houve interação entre as formas de propagação e os tipos de substratos para as seguintes características: massa fresca das raízes, massa fresca da parte aérea, comprimento da raiz principal, comprimento final da parte aérea, massa seca da raiz, massa seca da parte aérea, massa fresca total e massa seca total. O enraizamento foi afetado pelo substrato, enquanto o comprimento da raiz principal pelas formas de propagação. As estacas de 11 cm de comprimento se destacaram, tornando a propagação vegetativa do tomateiro viável. A utilização do substrato de fibra de coco promoveu melhor desenvolvimento radicular.