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Abstract This study investigated the association between the IFITM3 rs12252 polymorphism and the severity and mortality of COVID-19 in hospitalized Brazilian patients. A total of 102 COVID-19 patients were included, and the outcomes of interest were defined as death and the need for mechanical ventilation. Genotypes were assessed using Taqman probes. No significant associations were found between the rs12252 polymorphism and COVID-19 outcomes in the original sample, both for death and the need for mechanical ventilation. A meta-analysis, incorporating previous studies that used death as a severity indicator, revealed no association in the allelic and C-recessive models. However, due to the rarity of the T allele and its absence in the sample, further replication studies in larger and more diverse populations are needed to clarify the role of rs12252 in COVID-19 prognosis.

Background: The correct understanding of the epidemiological dynamics of COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2, is essential for formulating public policies of disease containment. Methods: In this study, we constructed a picture of the epidemiological dynamics of COVID-19 in a Brazilian population of almost 17000 patients in 15 months. We specifically studied the fluctuations of COVID-19 cases and deaths due to COVID-19 over time according to host gender, age, viral load, and genetic variants. Results: As the main results, we observed that the numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths due to COVID-19 fluctuated over time and that men were the most affected by deaths, as well as those of 60 or more years old. We also observed that individuals between 30- and 44-years old were the most affected by COVID-19 cases. In addition, the viral loads in the patients’ nasopharynx were higher in the early symptomatic period. We found that early pandemic SARS-CoV-2 lineages were replaced by the variant of concern (VOC) P.1 (Gamma) in the second half of the study period, which led to a significant increase in the number of deaths. Conclusions: The results presented in this study are helpful for future formulations of efficient public policies of COVID-19 containment.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that genetic variations of cannabinoid receptors contribute to the pathophysiology of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Methods: In this genetic association case-control study, cannabinoid receptor polymorphisms CNR1 rs12720071 and CNR2 rs2229579 were tested for association with neurocognitive performance in 69 patients with schizophrenia and 45 healthy controls. Neurocognition was assessed by the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS). Results: We found a consistent association between CNR1 rs12720071 polymorphism and the cognitive performance of patients in several cognitive domains. Patients with C/C polymorphism presented significantly worse performance in motor speed, verbal fluency, attention/processing speed and reasoning/problem solving. Conclusion: Although limited, our data support the hypothesis that CNR1 variations may be associated with the pathogenesis of cognitive deficits of schizophrenia.

Primaquine and chloroquine are used for the treatment of malaria; evidence from the literature suggests that these drugs may induce oxidative stress. In this study we investigated the effects of primaquine and chloroquine on oxidative damage and DNA damage in brain, liver and kidney of rats after 7, 14 and 21 days of administration. Our results demonstrated that primaquine causes DNA damage in brain after 7, 14 and 21 days, and in liver after 7 and 14 days. Moreover, primaquine increases TBARS levels in the kidney and protein carbonyls in the brain after 14 days, and decreases protein carbonyls in the liver after 7 days. Whereas chloroquine causes DNA damage in the kidney after 7 and 14 days, and in the liver after 14 and 21 days, increases TBARS levels in the kidney after 7 days, and decreases TBARS levels in the brain after 21 days. Moreover, decreases protein carbonyls in the liver after 7 and 14 days, and in the brain after 7 and 21 days. However, chloroquine treatment for 14 days increases protein carbonyls in the brain and kidney. In conclusion, these results showed that prolonged treatment with antimalarial may adversely affect the DNA.

Objectives: COVID-19 has been associated with long-term consequences to patient wellness and quality of life. Data on post-COVID-19 conditions are scarce in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate long COVID in a cohort of hospitalized patients in Brazil. Methods: Surviving patients discharged from the hospital between July 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 were assessed between 2 and 12 months after acute onset of COVID-19. The outcomes were the prevalence of persistent symptoms, risk factors associated with long COVID, and quality of life as assessed by the EuroQol 5D-3L questionnaire. Results: Of 439 participants, most (84%) reported at least one long COVID symptom, at a median of 138 days (interquartile range [IQR] 90-201) after disease onset. Fatigue (63.1%), dyspnea (53.7%), arthralgia (56.1%), and depression/anxiety (55.1%) were the most prevalent symptoms. In multivariate analysis, dysgeusia (odds ratio [OR] 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-3.44, P

The mechanised harvesting of sugarcane alters the composition of infesting flora, with the predominance of species of the family Convolvulaceae. The use of herbicide combinations can increase efficiency in controlling these weeds. The aim of this study therefore, was to evaluate the efficiency of sulfentrazone, hexazinone, amicarbazone and their combination at different doses, in the control of species of morning glory (known locally as corda-de-viola), when applied to sugarcane straw. To do this, six experiments were carried out in a greenhouse where each experiment was characterised by the use of one herbicide, alone or in combination. These were defined as follows: sulfentrazone, hexazinone, amicarbazone, sulfentrazone + hexazinone, sulfentrazone + amicarbazone, and hexazinone + amicarbazone. The experimental design used for each experiment was completely randomised, in a 4 x 8 factorial with three replications. The factors analysed were: four species of morning glory (I pomoea nil, Ipomoea hederifolia, Merremia aegyptia and Ipomoea quamoclit) and eight doses of herbicide (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400% of the recommended dose for growing sugarcane). The combinations of sulfentrazone + hexazinone, sulfentrazone + amicarbazone and hexazinone + amicarbazone at lower doses than recommended by the manufacturer, applied under conditions of sugarcane straw, are effective in controlling morning glory = A colheita mecanizada da cana-de-açúcar altera a composição da flora infestante, com predominância de espécies da família Convolvulaceae. O uso de combinações de herbicidas pode aumentar a eficiência no controle destas plantas daninhas. Sendo assim, objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar a eficiência de sulfentrazone, hexazinone, amicarbazone e suas associações em diferentes doses, no controle de espécies de corda-de-viola, em aplicações sobre a palhada de cana-de-açúcar. Para isso, foram conduzidos seis experimentos em casa-de-vegetação onde cada experimento caracterizou-se pelo uso de um herbicida ou suas associações, assim definidos: sulfentrazone, hexazinone, amicarbazone, sulfentrazone + hexazinone, sulfentrazone + amicarbazone e hexazinone + amicarbazone. Em cada experimento foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4x8, com três repetições. Os fatores analisados foram: quatro espécies de corda-de-viola ( Ipomoea nil, Ipomoea hederifolia, Merremia aegyptia e Ipomoea quamoclit) e oito doses dos herbicidas (0; 6,25; 12,5; 25; 50; 100; 200 e 400% da dose recomendada para a cultura da cana-de-açúcar). As associações sulfentrazone + hexazinone, sulfentrazone + amicarbazone e hexazinone + amicarbazone em doses menores do que a recomendada pelo fabricante, aplicadas sob condições de palhada de cana-de-açúcar, são eficientes no controle de corda-de-viola.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the plant population density effect upon yield components and the chemical composition of grains in two sweet corn hybrids in “Winter-Spring” cultivation. The experimental design used was the complete randomized blocks with four replications. The treatments were based on the combination between two sweet corn hybrids (Tropical Plus e RB-6324) and five plant populations (40,000, 55.000, 70,000, 85,000 and 100,000 plants ha-1), in a factorial scheme 2 x 5, evaluated in two “winter-spring” growing seasons (2009 and 2010). The increment in the population of 40,000 to 100,000 plants ha-1 resulted in higher husked commercial corn ear productivity in both hybrids, Tropical Plus and RB-6324. The increase of plant population reduced the length and diameter of corn ears in Tropical Plus and RB-6324. The mass of the corn ears from Tropical Plus also reduced; however, it did not affect the commercial standard and industrial use. In larger plant populations the hybrid RB-6324 produced corn ears with grains that were sweeter and with lower starch content. The hybrid Tropical Plus presented higher mass, length, productivity, sugar content and lower diameter of corn ears when compared to RB-6324.O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito da população de plantas sobre os componentes de produção e a composição química de grãos de dois híbridos de milho doce no cultivo de “Inverno – Primavera”. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos completos casualizados com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos constituíram-se da combinação entre híbridos de milho doce (Tropical Plus e RB-6324) e populações de plantas (40.000, 55.000, 70.000, 85.000 e 100.000 plantas ha-1), no esquema fatorial 2 x 5, avaliados em dois anos agrícolas (2009 e 2010), em cultivo de Inverno-Primavera. O incremento na população de plantas de 40.000 até 100.000 plantas ha-1 resultou em maiores produtividades de espigas comerciais despalhadas dos híbridos Tropical Plus e RB-6324. O aumento na população de plantas reduziu o comprimento e o diâmetro de espigas de Tropical Plus e RB-6324, e a massa de espigas de Tropical Plus, mas não afetou o padrão comercial e de uso industrial das mesmas. Em populações de plantas mais elevadas o híbrido RB-6324 produziu espigas com grãos mais adocicados e com menor conteúdo de amido. O híbrido Tropical Plus apresentou maiores massa, comprimento, produtividade, conteúdo de açúcares totais, e menor diâmetro de espigas do que o RB-6324.

Emilia coccinea (Sims) G. Don (Asteraceae) is a weed species quite frequently in the Brazilian farming, is also considered horticultural plant for having medicinal properties. The study of their germination can contribute to their management in areas where it is unwanted, also can help their production in medicinal gardens. The objective this work was to study, in three trials, the germination of E. coccinea as a function of temperature, light, storage and sowing depth. In the first test, the fruits-seed had been submitted at different temperatures (10, 20, 30, 40 and 20-30°C) and light qualities (white, red, far red and dark), in the second, the newly harvested and stored fruits-seed (3, 6, 9 and 12 months) had been submitted at same light qualities listed above and incubated in camera at 30°C. For the third test the fruits-seed had been seeded in sand+soil under different depths (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 cm). The experimental design in all trials was completely randomized with four replications of 50 seeds, where evaluated the percentage and speed of germination and seedling emergence. The germination of E. coccinea is maximized under the temperature of 30 or 20-30°C, under white light. With nine months of storage the fruits-seeds lost completely the far red and dark light sensibility. The seedling emergence is greater when the seeds are at the substrate surface.

O experimento foi conduzido no Centro Técnico de Irrigação (CTI), Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), tendo como objetivo avaliar os efeitos de diferentes regimes hídricos (irrigado e não irrigado) e fertirrigação, combinados com diferentes doses de adubo para N (15; 30; 45 e 60 g m-1), P (3; 6; 9 e 12 g m-1) e K (15; 30; 45 e 60 g m-1), na fase de crescimento inicial de duas cultivares de café, na região noroeste do Paraná. Foram avaliadas as seguintes variáveis de crescimento da cultura: diâmetro de copa, altura de planta e número de ramos plagiotrópicos totais. Observou-se que a fertirrigação e a irrigação influenciaram no desenvolvimento inicial do cafeeiro, aumentando os valores de todas as variáveis avaliadas. A interação entre regimes hídricos e fertirrigação versus doses de NPK foi significativa para algumas variáveis de crescimento, porém esses resultados não apresentaram tendência comum, que permitisse constatar qual a dose mais indicada para cada regime hídrico na fase de crescimento inicial do cafeeiro.The experiment was conducted at the Technical Center for Irrigation, Maringá State University. The objective was to evaluate the effects of different water regimes (irrigation and no irrigation) and fertilization-irrigation, combined with different manure doses for N (15; 30; 45 and 60 g m-1), P (3; 6; 9 and 12 g m-1) and K (15; 30; 45 and 60 g m-1), during the initial growth phase of two coffee cultivars, in the north-western region of the state of Paraná. The following culture growth variables were evaluated: top diameter, height of plant and number of total plagiotropic branches. Fertilization-irrigation and irrigation affected the initial development of coffee, increasing the values of all evaluated variables. Interaction between water regimes and fertilization-irrigation with NPK doses was significant for certain growth variables, however results didn't present a common trend, that would indicate which dose was adequate for each water regime during the initial growth phase of the coffee shrub.

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Detection before metastasis and efficient treatment of disease significantly improve patient survival and quality of life. However, limitations in diagnosis and postoperative surveillance are associated with low CRC detection and survival rates. Thus, this project aimed to evaluate the molecular profile of patients diagnosed with CRC, as molecular biomarkers constitute a new frontier for diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Methods and Results: 42 patients were included in the study, predominantly male (59.5%), with a median age of 63 years (SD: 10.0; min: 41; max: 83). The majority of primary tumors were located in the rectum (38.1%), in the sigmoid (33.3%) and in the ascending (21.4%) colon. We evaluated the genes KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, EGFR and TP53 using Sanger sequencing. Somatic and germline mutations were found in the KRAS, EGFR and TP53 genes, with the most common somatic alteration being rs121913529 in KRAS. This variant was also strongly associated with alcoholism (p = 0.002). Furthermore, patients with somatic mutations in TP53 had significantly higher mortality compared to those with wild-type alleles (OR: 11.2; 95% CI 1.25–2.45). Conclusions: Our findings support a relationship between alcohol consumption and the rs121913529 mutation, which is classified as pathogenic for colorectal cancer. Thus, further studies investigating the link between alcohol consumption, colorectal carcinogenesis and tumor progression ought to be conducted.

O objetivo do trabalho é debater a trajetória do Partido Republicanos nas disputas a vereador entre 2008 e 2020. O partido que serve como braço político da Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus apresenta em 2022 a sexta maior bancada na Câmara nacional. Para explorar explicações para o crescimento do Republicanos nas últimas eleições municipais, a análise fundamentou-se em teste de hipótese através do índice de correlação de Pearson, da análise de gráficos de dispersão, de índices de proporção e de análises estatísticas com espacialização. Os resultados apontam que o sucesso nas eleições de 2020 e o aumento da sua bancada posteriormente, é fruto não só de uma onda conservadora, mas também, da maior oferta de candidatos, reivindicando para si uma característica municipalista, outrora encontrada em outros partidos como MDB e DEM.

Brazil is one of the countries most affected by COVID-19, with the highest number of deaths recorded. Brazilian Health Institutions have reported four main peaks of positive COVID-19 cases. The last two waves were characterized by the emergence of the VOC Omicron and its sublineages. This study aimed to conduct a retrospective surveillance study illustrating the emergence, dissemination, and diversification of the VOC Omicron in 15 regional health units (RHUs) in MG, the second most populous state in Brazil, by combining epidemiological and genomic data. A total of 5643 confirmed positive COVID-19 samples were genotyped using the panels TaqMan SARS-CoV-2 Mutation and 4Plex SC2/VOC Bio-Manguinhos to define mutations classifying the BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5 sublineages. While sublineages BA.1 and BA.2 were more prevalent during the third wave, BA.4 and BA.5 dominated the fourth wave in the state. Epidemiological and viral genome data suggest that age and vaccination with booster doses were the main factors related to clinical outcomes, reducing the number of deaths, irrespective of the Omicron sublineages. Complete genome sequencing of 253 positive samples confirmed the circulation of the BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5 subvariants, and phylogenomic analysis demonstrated that the VOC Omicron was introduced through multiple international events, followed by transmission within the state of MG. In addition to the four subvariants, other lineages have been identified at low frequency, including BQ.1.1 and XAG. This integrative study reinforces that the evolution of Omicron sublineages was the most significant factor driving the highest peaks of positive COVID-19 cases without an increase in more severe cases, prevented by vaccination boosters.

Resumo Que fatores concorrem para a diferença de desempenho eleitoral entre o primeiro pleito vencedor de um partido e a eleição seguinte? Usamos os achados de Bolleyer e Bytzek (2015), sobre organizações partidárias de 17 democracias parlamentaristas, como hipóteses testadas para o caso de partidos brasileiros criados a partir de 2000. Os resultados da análise de correlação e do teste não paramétrico de Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney foram que o tempo entre a criação do partido e sua primeira vitória no Legislativo não é correlacionado; e que não são significativas as diferenças entre os partidos de diferentes ideologias, que integraram ou não gabinete presidencial, ou que tiveram troca de liderança. Alguns destes achados destoam daqueles obtidos para os outros países. A explicação institucional pode ser a facilidade para a criação de partidos e, até 2016, as coligações em eleições proporcionais aliadas a inexistência de cláusula de desempenho partidário.

Introdução/Objetivo: O uso inadequado de antimicrobianos é apontado como importante contribuinte para a disseminação de resistência microbiana. Para acompanhar e contribuir com a gestão do consumo de antimicrobianos, a Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) propôs a categorização AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) que estabelece os medicamentos de alerta ou watch como aqueles de alto potencial de resistência. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o perfil de consumo de medicamentos classificados como alerta em um hospital público de ensino. Métodos: Foi realizado estudo retrospectivo no período de setembro/2019 a dezembro/2021 em um hospital público de ensino em Belo Horizonte. O consumo dos antimicrobianos da categoria AWaRe “alerta” monitorados nos hospitais brasileiros com leitos de UTI foi estimado a partir da Dose Diária Definida (DDD/1000 pacientes-dia). Dividiu-se o período de análise em três fases: pré-pandemia da COVID-19 (setembro/2019-fevereiro/2020), fase aguda da pandemia (março/2020-junho/2021) e pós-fase aguda da pandemia (julho/2021-dezembro/2021). Os resultados foram apresentados de modo descritivo utilizando-se o software Jamovi 2.3.21. O código de aprovação pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa foi CAAE 54060321.8.0000.5149. Resultados: A ceftriaxona e o meropenem foram os antibacterianos mais utilizados em cada um dos três períodos de análise, tendo, na fase aguda da pandemia o maior DDD médio, 140,7 e 85,0 DDD/1000 pacientes-dia, respectivamente. A média geral de consumo no período agudo da pandemia foi o maior dentre os três períodos (422,2 DDD/1000 pacientes-dia), sendo evidenciado também o aumento no consumo de cefalosporinas (30,1%), glicopetídeos (4,2%), penicilinas (8,7%) e carbapenêmicos (12,7%) em comparação ao período pré-pandemia. No período pós-fase aguda, o consumo diminuiu em relação ao período anterior, exceto para as quinolonas, com aumento 45,0% e 40,5% no consumo de levofloxacino parenteral e ciprofloxacino oral, respectivamente, sendo este o período de maior consumo de quinolonas (37,7 DDD/1000 pacientes-dia). Conclusão: O aumento no consumo de antimicrobianos durante a pandemia, principalmente cefalosporinas e carbapenêmicos, pode impactar no aumento da disseminação de resistência microbiana. Assim, se faz necessária a intensificação de ação de Programas de Gerenciamento de Antimicrobianos (PGA) para melhor avaliação do uso de antimicrobianos a fim, principalmente, de reduzir a resistência microbiana.

A pitaya tem ganhado destaque no mercado de frutos exóticos no Brasil, no entanto, diversos fatores limitam a produtividade, dentre eles, a interferência provocada por plantas daninhas. Nesse contexto a identificação da dinâmica populacional das plantas daninhas é a primeira etapa para adoção do manejo integrado, contribuindo para um controle eficiente e sustentável, e pode ser realizado através de levantamento fitossociológico. Objetivou-se por meio deste trabalho identificar e quantificar a composição florística de plantas daninhas em um pomar de pitaya, no primeiro ano de implantação, no município de Rio Largo, Alagoas. A fitossociologia foi realizada aos 120 dias após o plantio, utilizando um quadrado vazado de 0,50 m de largura, as espécies foram coletadas, identificadas, contabilizadas e acondicionadas em estufa à 65 °C. Foram calculados os seguintes índices: densidade, densidade relativa, frequência, frequência relativa, índice de valor de importância, abundância, abundância relativa, massa seca, massa seca relativa e índice de importância relativa. A comunidade de plantas infestantes apresentou considerável diversidade, com 24 espécies distribuídas em 12 famílias botânicas, sendo Poaceae e Asteraceae com maiores ocorrências. Observou-se que as espécies Cenchrus echinatus, Ageratum conyzoides, Galinsoga parviflora, Eleusine indica e Eclipta alba apresentaram maior classe de abundância, índice de valor de importância relativo, e devem ser as principais espécies para o controle.

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasing and represents one of the world’s major challenges. AMR increase morbimortality, length of hospital stay and costs. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASP) are one of the key strategies to promote the rational use of antimicrobials since AMR is mostly driven by antimicrobial consumption.Objective: To describe the ASP implementation in a teaching hospital from the perspective of Donabedian quality assessment and the Brazilian regulatory requirements.Method: This was a descriptive study with secondary data collection, including document review of the ASP. The study setting was a general public 392-bed hospital. The ASP activities were performed by the hospital infection control committee (HICC), hospital pharmacy (HP) and diagnostic support laboratory (DSL). The description of the three services mainly involved in the ASP was based on a quality assessment model involving the dimensions of “structure”, “process” and “result” proposed by Donabedian. The distribution among dimensions was guided by the checklist of essential elements of the ASP that compose the Brazilian regulatory requirements. The checklist was applied in July, 2022, and the ASP results described from 2016 to 2021.Results: ASP actions have been gradually implemented since 2008 with the implementation of HICC and improved over the years. Regarding structure, the investments in technology were mapped, quantifying 26 computers and three software programs employed to computerize the ASP processes performed in specific physical areas by HICC, HP and DSL. Institutional guidelines used by HICC, HP and DSL guided clinical practices to operationalize ASP. The evaluation metrics improved for 10 indicators and worsened for four indicators. From the 60 items composing the checklist, the hospital met the requirements in 73.3% of the items (n = 44).Conclusion: This study described the implementation of ASP in a teaching hospital, applying the Donabedian perspective. Although the hospital still does not have a classic ASP model, there were investments to improve structure, processes and results, aiming to comply with international guidelines. A high proportion of key elements of ASP in the hospital were followed according to the Brazilian regulatory requirements. Aspects related to antimicrobial consumption and the emergence of microbial resistance deserve further investigations.

Abstract We examined here the diversity and distribution of Vitaceae species in Ceará state, Brazil, as part of the “Flora of Ceará Project: knowing to conserve”, analyzing the morphological characters of specimens collected in the field, those available in the ALCB, BHCB, EAC, CEN, EAFM, HCDAL, HST, HUEFS, HUVA, HVASF, IAN, IPA, K, MBM, MOSS, NY, P, R, UEC, and US herbaria or in the specialized literature. We include here an identification key, occurrence maps, morphological descriptions, and comments concerning their ecology. The main morphological features for species delimiting were leaf type and symmetry, trichome and tendril types, presence or absence of streaks on branches, stipule, flower bud and fruit shape. Eleven species of Vitaceae included within two genera were recorded in Ceará: Cissus albida, C. blanchetiana, C. campestris, C. erosa, C. gongylodes, C. subrhomboidea, C. sulcicaulis, C. tinctoria, C. verticillata, C. xerophila, and Clematicissus simsiana. The species were registered in 45 municipalities, with C. erosa and C. verticillata being widely distributed. Those species inhabit different phytoecological areas in Ceará, although preferentially growing in Stepic Savanna (Caatinga). Six species occur in nine legally protected conservation areas. Ceará state holds 40.74% of the registered species of the family found in northeastern Brazil.

In early 2020, one of the most prevalent symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection was the loss of smell (anosmia), found in 60-70% of all cases. Anosmia used to occur early, concomitantly with other symptoms, and often persisted after recovery for an extended period, sometimes for months. In addition to smell disturbance, COVID-19 has also been associated with loss of taste (ageusia). The latest research suggests that SARS-CoV-2 could spread from the respiratory system to the brain through receptors in sustentacular cells localized to the olfactory epithelium. The virus invades human cells via the obligatory receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2), and a priming protease, TMPRSS2, facilitating viral penetration. There is an abundant expression of both ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in sustentacular cells. In this study, we evaluated 102 COVID-19 hospitalized patients, of which 17.60% presented anosmia and 9.80% ageusia. ACE1, ACE2, and TMPRSS2 gene expression levels in nasopharyngeal tissue were obtained by RT-qPCR and measured using ΔCT analysis. ACE1 Alu287bp association was also evaluated. Logistic regression models were generated to estimate the effects of variables on ageusia and anosmia Association of ACE2 expression levels with ageusia. was observed (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.098-1.775); however, no association was observed between TMPRSS2 and ACE1 expression levels and ageusia. No association was observed among the three genes and anosmia, and the Alu287bp polymorphism was not associated with any of the outcomes. Lastly, we discuss whetherthere is a bridge linking these initial symptoms, including molecular factors, to long-term COVID-19 health consequences such as cognitive dysfunctions.

O artigo tem como objetivo apresentar alguns aspectos da expansão do Ensino Superior brasileiro, como o aumento na oferta de Cursos Superiores de Tecnologia, tomando como referência o Curso de Empreendedorismo. Esta é uma pesquisa documental cuja fonte principal é a Sinopse da Educação Superior no período de 1997 a 2017. Os principais resultados corroboram a hipótese de que a expansão do Ensino Superior priorizou cursos de graduação de curta duração e o estímulo aos ideais empreendedores, sem o caráter científico-filosófico da formação acadêmica. Dessa maneira, promove, concomitantemente, uma nova forma de precarização da educação superior e a conformação diante do desemprego e informalidade.

The introduction of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) in Brazil has been associated with major impacts on the epidemiological and public health scenario. In this study, 291,571 samples were investigated for SARS-CoV-2 variants from August 2021 to March 2022 (the highest peak of positive cases) in four geographical regions of Brazil. To identify the frequency, introduction, and dispersion of SARS-CoV-2 variants in 12 Brazilian capitals, VOCs defining spike mutations were identified in 35,735 samples through genotyping and viral genome sequencing. Omicron VOC was detected in late November 2021 and replaced the Delta VOC in approximately 3.5 weeks. We estimated viral load differences between SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron through the evaluation of the RT-qPCR cycle threshold (Ct) score in 77,262 samples. The analysis demonstrated that the Omicron VOC has a lower viral load in infected patients than the Delta VOC. Analyses of clinical outcomes in 17,586 patients across the country indicated that individuals infected with Omicron were less likely to need ventilatory support. The results of our study reinforce the importance of surveillance programs at the national level and showed the introduction and faster dispersion of Omicron over Delta VOC in Brazil without increasing the numbers of severe cases of COVID-19.

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had quite an impact on dental health care. Concerns about the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission through contaminant fluids and droplet formation during several dental procedures highly impacted dental health care, drastically reducing the number of dental practices worldwide. To monitor SARS-CoV-2 contamination in dental clinics, a longitudinal study was carried out during the return of dental practice at university.MethodsDental health care professionals [(DHCPs); teachers, undergraduate dental students, and dental assistants] and patients were screened for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a dental school clinic environment from 11th January to 12th March 2021 (9 weeks). Serological testing was performed on DHCPs in two-time points. Additionally, samples with low Ct values were sequenced to identify the circulating SARS-CoV-2 variant and possible transmission clusters.ResultsWe found a low number of dental staff (5.8%), patients (0.9%), and environment sites (0.8%) positive for SARS-CoV-2. Most positive cases had asymptomatic to mild symptoms, and two asymptomatic DHCPs presented prolonged infection. In the first week after previous exposure to COVID-19, 16.2% of DHCPs had IgM or IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and 1/3 of them had undetected antibodies in the last weeks. The variant zeta (P.2) could be detected. No cross-infection was observed between participants.ConclusionOur study suggests that dental practice can be safely executed when adequate control measures and biosafety protocols are applied. DHCP and patient testing, patient telemonitoring, proper use of personal protection equipment, and sanitization of surfaces are essential to avoid SARS-CoV-2 cross-infection in dental practice.

Human polymorphisms may contribute to SARS-CoV-2 infection susceptibility and COVID-19 outcomes (asymptomatic presentation, severe COVID-19, death). We aimed to evaluate the association of IFITM3, FURIN, ACE1, and TNF-α genetic variants with both phenotypes using meta-analysis. The bibliographic search was conducted on the PubMed and Scielo databases covering reports published until February 8, 2022. Two independent researchers examined the study quality using the Q-Genie tool. Using the Mantel–Haenszel weighted means method, odds ratios were combined under both fixed- and random-effect models. Twenty-seven studies were included in the systematic review (five with IFITM3, two with Furin, three with TNF-α, and 17 with ACE1) and 22 in the meta-analysis (IFITM3 n = 3, TNF-α, and ACE1 n = 16). Meta-analysis indicated no association of 1) ACE1 rs4646994 and susceptibility, 2) ACE1 rs4646994 and asymptomatic COVID-19, 3) IFITM3 rs12252 and ICU hospitalization, and 4) TNF-α rs1800629 and death. On the other hand, significant results were found for ACE1 rs4646994 association with COVID-19 severity (11 studies, 692 severe cases, and 1,433 nonsevere controls). The ACE1 rs4646994 deletion allele showed increased odds for severe manifestation (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.26–1.66). The homozygous deletion was a risk factor (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.22–1.83), while homozygous insertion presented a protective effect (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.45–0.74). Further reports are needed to verify this effect on populations with different ethnic backgrounds.Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prosperodisplay_record.php?ID=CRD42021268578, identifier CRD42021268578

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented need for epidemiological monitoring using diverse strategies. We conducted a project combining prevalence, seroprevalence, and genomic surveillance approaches to describe the initial pandemic stages in Betim City, Brazil. We collected 3239 subjects in a population-based age-, sex- and neighborhood-stratified, household, prospective; cross-sectional study divided into three surveys 21 days apart sampling the same geographical area. In the first survey, overall prevalence (participants positive in serological or molecular tests) reached 0.46% (90% CI 0.12–0.80%), followed by 2.69% (90% CI 1.88–3.49%) in the second survey and 6.67% (90% CI 5.42–7.92%) in the third. The underreporting reached 11, 19.6, and 20.4 times in each survey. We observed increased odds to test positive in females compared to males (OR 1.88 95% CI 1.25–2.82), while the single best predictor for positivity was ageusia/anosmia (OR 8.12, 95% CI 4.72–13.98). Thirty-five SARS-CoV-2 genomes were sequenced, of which 18 were classified as lineage B.1.1.28, while 17 were B.1.1.33. Multiple independent viral introductions were observed. Integration of multiple epidemiological strategies was able to adequately describe COVID-19 dispersion in the city. Presented results have helped local government authorities to guide pandemic management.

Several studies have monitored the SARS-CoV-2 variants in Brazil throughout the pandemic. Here, we systematically reviewed and conducted a scientometric analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance studies using Brazilian samples. A Pubmed database search on October 2022 returned 492 articles, of which 106 were included. Ninety-six different strains were reported, with variant of concern (VOC) gamma (n = 35,398), VOC delta (n = 15,780), and the variant of interest zeta (n = 1983) being the most common. The top three states with the most samples in the published articles were São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais. Whereas the first year of the pandemic presented primary circulation of B.1.1.28 and B.1.1.33 variants, consecutive replacements were observed between them and VOI zeta, VOC gamma, VOC delta, and VOC omicron. VOI mu, VOI lambda, VOC alpha, and VOC beta were also detected but failed to reach significant circulation. Co-infection, re-infection, and vaccine breakthrough reports were found. Article co-citation differed from the co-authorship structure. Despite the limitations, we expect to give an overview of Brazil’s genomic surveillance studies and contribute to future research execution.

Since its first identification in Brazil, the variant of concern (VOC) Gamma has been associated with increased infection and transmission rates, hospitalizations, and deaths. Minas Gerais (MG), the second-largest populated Brazilian state with more than 20 million inhabitants, observed a peak of cases and deaths in March–April 2021. We conducted a surveillance study in 1240 COVID-19-positive samples from 305 municipalities distributed across MG’s 28 Regional Health Units (RHU) between 1 March to 27 April 2021. The most common variant was the VOC Gamma (71.2%), followed by the variant of interest (VOI) zeta (12.4%) and VOC alpha (9.6%). Although the predominance of Gamma was found in most of the RHUs, clusters of Zeta and Alpha variants were observed. One Alpha-clustered RHU has a history of high human mobility from countries with Alpha predominance. Other less frequent lineages, such as P.4, P.5, and P.7, were also identified. With our genomic characterization approach, we estimated the introduction of Gamma on 7 January 2021, at RHU Belo Horizonte. Differences in mortality between the Zeta, Gamma and Alpha variants were not observed. We reinforce the importance of vaccination programs to prevent severe cases and deaths during transmission peaks.

Identifying the environmental factors that shape intraspecific genetic and phenotypic diversity of species can provide insights into the processes that generate and maintain divergence in highly diverse biomes such as the savannas of the Neotropics. Here, we sampled Qualea grandiflora, the most widely distributed tree species in the Cerrado, a large Neotropical savanna. We analyzed genetic variation with microsatellite markers in 23 populations (418 individuals) and phenotypic variation of 10 metamer traits (internode, petiole and corresponding leaf lamina) in 36 populations (744 individuals). To evaluate the role of geography, soil, climate, and wind speed in shaping the divergence of genetic and phenotypic traits among populations, we used Generalized Dissimilarity Modelling. We also used multiple regressions to further investigate the contributions of those environmental factors on leaf trait diversity. We found high genetic diversity, which was geographically structured. Geographic distance was the main factor shaping genetic divergence in Qualea grandiflora, reflecting isolation by distance. Genetic structure was more related to past climatic changes than to the current climate. We also found high metamer trait variation, which seemed largely influenced by precipitation, soil bulk density and wind speed during the period of metamer development. The high degree of metamer trait variation seems to be due to both, phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation to different environmental conditions, and may explain the success of the species in occupying all the Cerrado biome.

In sugarcane plantations, species of the genus Euphorbia are reported as weeds able to reduce productivity by up to 85%. Planning the correct strategies for controlling these plants requires knowledge of their biology and growth. The aim of this work therefore, was to evaluate the growth of three weed species of the genus Euphorbia occurring in sugarcane plantations. The study was carried out in a greenhouse, using a completely randomised experimental design in a scheme of lots subdivided over time, with five replications. The factors were three species of Euphorbia (E. heterophylla, E. hyssopifolia and E. hirta) and 13 periods of evaluation 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, 77, 84, 91 and 98 days after sowing (DAS). Each evaluation measured plant height (PH), leaf area (LA), number of leaves (NL) and total dry matter (TDM). From the mean values for shoot dry matter (SDM), TDM and LA, the absolute growth rate (AGR) and relative growth rate (RGR), leaf area ratio (LAR), and leaf weight ratio (LWR) were calculated. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and non-linear regression. E. heterophylla displayed greater PH up to 63 DAS, from this point E. hyssopifolia obtained greater height among the species under study. E. heterophylla was noteworthy for having a greater accumulation of LA, TDM and AGR among the studied species, followed by E. hyssopifolia and E. hirta. Maximum growth in the species under evaluation was at 77 DAS. Among the species, E. heterophylla displays greater growth and development. = Nos canaviais, espécies do gênero Euphorbia são relatadas como plantas daninhas capazes de reduzir a produtividade em até 85%. Para traçar estratégias corretas de controle dessas plantas é necessário o conhecimento tanto da sua biologia quanto do seu crescimento. Assim, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o crescimento de três espécies daninhas do gênero Euphorbia ocorrentes nos canaviais. O estudo foi realizado em casa de vegetação, utilizando delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema de parcela subdividida, com cinco repetições. Os fatores foram três espécies de Euphorbia (E. heterophylla, E. hyssopifolia e E. hirta) e 13 períodos de avaliação: 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, 77, 84, 91 e 98 dias após a semeadura (DAS). Em cada avaliação foram mensuradas a altura da planta (AP), a área foliar (AF), o número de folhas (NF) e a matéria seca total (MST). Com valores médios de matéria seca da parte aérea (MSPA), MST e AF foram calculadas as taxas de crescimento absoluto (TCA) e relativo (TCR), a razão de área foliar (RAF) e a razão massa foliar (RMF). Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e à regressão não-linear. E. heterophylla foi maior em AP até os 63 DAS, a partir desse ponto, E. hyssopifolia ultrapassou obtendo maior altura dentre as espécies estudadas. E. heterophylla destacou-se por ter maior acúmulo de AF, MST e TCA dentre as espécies estudadas, seguida da E. hyssopifolia e E. hirta. O ponto máximo de crescimento das espécies avaliadas ocorreu aos 77 DAS. Dentre as espécies estudadas, E. heterophylla apresenta maior crescimento e desenvolvimento.

O objetivo geral é apresentar os resultados de um estudo de caso que analisou a utilização do custeio ABC para a formação de preço de venda na prestação de serviços de um laboratório de análises físico-químicas para estudos ambientais. Para tanto, se fez uma pesquisa descritiva com abordagem qualitativa, mediante estudo de caso, pesquisa participante e documental com base em demonstrativos de resultado, inventários de imobilizados e estudos das demandas e horas técnicas dos serviços prestados. Os resultados apontaram que: a) a prestação de serviços nesse laboratório apresentou gastos indiretos na razão de 86% dos recursos totais; b) os recursos mais representativos referem-se à mão de obra, que correspondeu a 85% dos gastos totais; c) a atividade que apresentou maiores custos foi planejar as amostragens; e d) o serviço que tem custo mais elevado é o Monitoramento de PTS (Partículas Totais em Suspensão). Os preços de vendas praticados pelo laboratório referente aos serviços da Matriz 1 - análises de emissões atmosféricas em dutos e chaminés, são superiores aos calculados com base no custeio ABC, com exceção para o serviço de análise de determinação de CO (Monóxido de Carbono). Os preços de vendas praticados para os serviços da Matriz 2- monitoramento da qualidade do ar em nível do solo, exceto para a avaliação de ruído, ficaram abaixo dos valores sugeridos no estudo. Conclui-se que esse laboratório tem seus maiores gastos relacionados à mão de obra e que o método de custeio ABC é uma ferramenta adequada para o reconhecimento dos custos nesse segmento e contribui para o estabelecimento do preço de venda.

BackgroundThe hyaluronidase enzyme is generally known as a spreading factor in animal venoms. Although its activity has been demonstrated in several organisms, a deeper knowledge about hyaluronidase and the venom spreading process from the bite/sting site until its elimination from the victim's body is still in need. Herein, we further pursued the goal of demonstrating the effects of inhibition of T. serrulatus venom (TsV) hyaluronidase on venom biodistribution.Methods and principal findingsWe used technetium-99m radiolabeled Tityus serrulatus venom (99mTc-TsV) to evaluate the venom distribution kinetics in mice. To understand the hyaluronidase's role in the venom's biodistribution, 99mTc-TsV was immunoneutralized with specific anti-T.serrulatus hyaluronidase serum. Venom biodistribution was monitored by scintigraphic images of treated animals and by measuring radioactivity levels in tissues as heart, liver, lungs, spleen, thyroid, and kidneys. In general, results revealed that hyaluronidase inhibition delays venom components distribution, when compared to the non-neutralized 99mTc-TsV control group. Scintigraphic images showed that the majority of the immunoneutralized venom is retained at the injection site, whereas non-treated venom is quickly biodistributed throughout the animal's body. At the first 30 min, concentration peaks are observed in the heart, liver, lungs, spleen, and thyroid, which gradually decreases over time. On the other hand, immunoneutralized 99mTc-TsV takes 240 min to reach high concentrations in the organs. A higher concentration of immunoneutralized 99mTc-TsV was observed in the kidneys in comparison with the non-treated venom. Further, in situ neutralization of 99mTc-TsV by anti-T.serrulatus hyaluronidase serum at zero, ten, and 30 min post venom injection showed that late inhibition of hyaluronidase can still affect venom biodistribution. In this assay, immunoneutralized 99mTc-TsV was accumulated in the bloodstream until 120 or 240 min after TsV injection, depending on anti-hyaluronidase administration time. Altogether, our data show that immunoneutralization of hyaluronidase prevents venom spreading from the injection site.ConclusionsBy comparing TsV biodistribution in the absence or presence of anti-hyaluronidase serum, the results obtained in the present work show that hyaluronidase has a key role not only in the venom spreading from the inoculation point to the bloodstream, but also in venom biodistribution from the bloodstream to target organs. Our findings demonstrate that hyaluronidase is indeed an important spreading factor of TsV and its inhibition can be used as a novel first-aid strategy in envenoming.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to verify the influence of spraying nozzles on the selectivity of herbicides in eucalyptus seedlings. XR 110.02 and TTI 110.02 spraying nozzles were used for the application of the herbicides: control treatment; oxyfluorfen (150 g ha–1) and saflufenacil (98 g ha–1). The experimental arrangement was a 2 × 3 factorial one (two spraying nozzles × 3 herbicides), using a randomized complete block design with four replications. The application was performed 15 days after transplanting the seedlings. Plant height (PH), stem diameter (SD), number of leaves (NL), total dry matter (DM), leaf area (LA), visual phytotoxicity (P), quantum efficiency of photosystem II - Fv/Fm, electron transport rate (ETR) and SPAD (S) index were evaluated. The XR 110.02 and TTI 110.02 nozzles did not change the selectivity of oxyfluorfen and saflufenacil.

A mudança na colheita da cana-de-açúcar vem causando alterações no seu manejo devido à permanência da palhada sobre o solo, que impõe uma barreira física que pode alterar a qualidade e a quantidade de radiação solar que chega ao solo, modificando a fitossociologia das plantas daninhas. Assim, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a qualidade de luz na germinação de sementes e níveis de palhada, sobre a emergência e desenvolvimento inicial de três espécies daninhas do gênero Euphorbia. Sementes de E. heterophylla, E. hyssopifolia e E. hirta foram submetidas à germinação sob luz branca, vermelha, vermelha extrema e escuro, à temperatura de 20-30 °C, em laboratório, e semeadas sob 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 e 25 t ha-1 de palhada, em casa de vegetação. No primeiro ensaio, foram avaliadas a porcentagem e o índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG) e a massa seca das plântulas, e no segundo, porcentagem de emergência, cobertura do solo, altura e massa seca de plantas. As sementes de todas as espécies germinaram em todas as condições luminosas, entretanto, E. heterophylla apresentou maior geminação e IVG sob luz vermelha, enquanto que E. hirta e E. hyssopifolia apresentaram sob luz branca. Sob palhada, E. heterophylla teve o melhor desempenho, suportando duas vezes mais palhada que E. hyssopifolia e quatro vezes mais que E. hirta, para haver redução de 50% de emergência e desenvolvimento das plantas. A presença da palhada não controla E. heterophylla, por outro lado suprime as espécies E. hyssopifolia e E. hirta. As três espécies estudadas são indiferentes à luz.

Nos canaviais, espécies do gênero Euphorbia são relatadas como plantas daninhas capazes de reduzir a produtividade em até 85%. Para traçar estratégias corretas de controle dessas plantas é necessário o conhecimento tanto da sua biologia quanto do seu crescimento. Assim, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o crescimento de três espécies daninhas do gênero Euphorbia ocorrentes nos canaviais. O estudo foi realizado em casa de vegetação, utilizando delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema de parcela subdividida, com cinco repetições. Os fatores foram três espécies de Euphorbia (E. heterophylla, E. hyssopifolia e E. hirta) e 13 períodos de avaliação: 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, 77, 84, 91 e 98 dias após a semeadura (DAS). Em cada avaliação foram mensuradas a altura da planta (AP), a área foliar (AF), o número de folhas (NF) e a matéria seca total (MST). Com valores médios de matéria seca da parte aérea (MSPA), MST e AF foram calculadas as taxas de crescimento absoluto (TCA) e relativo (TCR), a razão de área foliar (RAF) e a razão massa foliar (RMF). Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e à regressão não-linear. E. heterophylla foi maior em AP até os 63 DAS, a partir desse ponto, E. hyssopifolia ultrapassou obtendo maior altura dentre as espécies estudadas. E. heterophylla destacou-se por ter maior acúmulo de AF, MST e TCA dentre as espécies estudadas, seguida da E. hyssopifolia e E. hirta. O ponto máximo de crescimento das espécies avaliadas ocorreu aos 77 DAS. Dentre as espécies estudadas, E. heterophylla apresenta maior crescimento e desenvolvimento.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen and potassium silicate on the productive and commercial aspects of curly lettuce, Vera cultivar. The experimental design was completely randomized (CRD), with ten treatments and three replications. The treatments, arranged in a factorial design according to the Plan Puebla III matrix (Turrent & Laird, 1975), consisted of the combination of five doses of nitrogen (9; 54; 90; 126 and 171 kg ha-1) and five doses of potassium silicate (1.15; 6.90; 11.50; 16.10 and 21.85 kg ha-1). A control treatment without application of nitrogen and potassium silicate was also inserted. The crop was grown in a greenhouse and the doses were applied as sidedressing using drip micro-irrigation system. Total fresh matter, commercial fresh matter, non-commercial fresh matter, number of leaves and commercial trade index were evaluated. The commercial fresh matter and the number of commercial leaves per plant were affected only by nitrogen fertigation and increased linearly with the increase in the nitrogen dose of N, with the best responses observed at the highest dose of this element (171 kg ha-1). Potassium silicate had effect only in non-commercial fresh matter, not influencing the other characteristics.

The experiment objectified to evaluate the effects of water regimes (irrigation and no irrigation) and fertigation, combined with fertilizer doses for N, P and K, during the initial growth phase of two coffee cultivars, Obatã and IAPAR-59, in the north-western region of the state of Paraná, Brazil. The experimental design was the completely randomized in a split-plot arrangement. The main plots were represented by fertilizer doses, corresponding to 15, 30, 45 and 60 g m-1, for N and K, and to 3, 6, 9 and 12 g m-1, for P, which are equivalent, respectively, to percentages of 50%, 100%, 150% and 200% of the dose recommended for each nutrient. The sub-plots were constituted by lines of plants that received the water regimes. Were evaluated stalk diameter, length of the first plagiotropic branch and its number of inter-knots. The treatments were analyzed separately for each cultivar of coffee. Fertigation and irrigation favored the initial growth of both coffee cultivars. For the IAPAR-59 cultivar, the number of inter-knots was upper only with fertigation. The number of inter-knots increased with irrigation and decreased in no irrigation regime, linearly, for IAPAR-59 and Obatã, respectively, in function of the NPK doses increasing. In fertigation, it was observed reduction of stalk diameter at doses higher than the lowest dose tested, for IAPAR-59, while the largest number of inter-knots was obtained with the highest dose used, for Obatã.

Este experimento foi desenvolvido em um Latossolo, no Núcleo Experimental de Engenharia Agrícola, localizado em Cascavel - PR, com o objetivo de avaliar os atributos físicos e o esforço tratório de semeadora-adubadora em quatro estados de compactação, e sua influência na população inicial das culturas de soja e milho. O delineamento consistiu em esquema "Split Block", com dois fatores, sendo duas culturas (soja e milho) no primeiro fator e quatro estados de compactação no segundo fator, totalizando oito tratamentos. Os tratamentos foram: T0 - sem compactação adicional; T1 - com uma passada; T3 - com três passadas, e T5 - com cinco passadas de rolo compactador. Avaliaram-se a profundidade do sulco, a velocidade média de deslocamento, a força e a potência requerida na barra de tração na operação de semeadura, a densidade e a resistência do solo à penetração e, ainda, a população inicial das culturas. Com os resultados observados, pode-se concluir que a pressão aplicada pelo disco duplo defasado não foi suficiente para manter a mesma profundidade de sulco no maior estado de compactação. A resistência à penetração do solo de 2,50 e 3,00 MPa e a densidade do solo máxima de 1,39 Mg m-3 não interferiram na população inicial de plantas de soja, no entanto, para o milho, ocorreu redução nos tratamentos. À medida que ocorreu variação na profundidade de sulcamento e na velocidade de deslocamento, aumentou a força de tração por linha para as duas culturas estudadas.This experiment was conducted in an Oxisol, in the Experimental Center of Agricultural Engineering, located in Cascavel (PR), Brazil, with the objective of evaluates the physicals attributes and the tractor effort of a planter in four levels of compactation and the influence in the initial population in the cultures of soybean and corn. The experimental outliner scheme was "Split Block", tested with two factors, being two cultures (soy and corn) the first factor and the four levels of compactation the second one, totalizing eight treatments. The four levels of compaction were determined as: T0 - without compaction; T1 - with one pass of the soil compact roll; T3 - with tree, and T5 - with five passes. The parameters evaluated were: the depth of the furrow, average speed, traction force and power force, soil bulk density, soil penetration resistance and the stand of the soybean and corn cultures. The results showed that the applied pressure by the double unbalanced record was not sufficient to maintain the furrow depth in major compactation level.The soil penetration resistance 2.50 and 3.00 MPa and the maximum bulk density 1.39 Mg m-3 did not influence the initial population of the soybean culture, however with the corn culture occurred a reduction in the treatments. When the variation in the depth and the speed of the movement occurred, the strength of traction per line for both cultures studied increased.

A colheita mecanizada da cana-de-açúcar altera a composição da flora infestante, com predominância de espécies da família Convolvulaceae. O uso de combinações de herbicidas pode aumentar a eficiência no controle destas plantas daninhas. Sendo assim, objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar a eficiência de sulfentrazone, hexazinone, amicarbazone e suas associações em diferentes doses, no controle de espécies de corda-de-viola, em aplicações sobre a palhada de cana-de-açúcar. Para isso, foram conduzidos seis experimentos em casa-de-vegetação onde cada experimento caracterizou-se pelo uso de um herbicida ou suas associações, assim definidos: sulfentrazone, hexazinone, amicarbazone, sulfentrazone + hexazinone, sulfentrazone + amicarbazone e hexazinone + amicarbazone. Em cada experimento foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4x8, com três repetições. Os fatores analisados foram: quatro espécies de corda-de-viola (Ipomoea nil, Ipomoea hederifolia, Merremia aegyptia e Ipomoea quamoclit) e oito doses dos herbicidas (0; 6,25; 12,5; 25; 50; 100; 200 e 400% da dose recomendada para a cultura da cana-de-açúcar). As associações sulfentrazone + hexazinone, sulfentrazone + amicarbazone e hexazinone + amicarbazone em doses menores do que a recomendada pelo fabricante, aplicadas sob condições de palhada de cana-de-açúcar, são eficientes no controle de corda-de-viola.

RESUMO A adubação orgânica pode fornecer grande parte dos nutrientes necessários à cultura da alface. No entanto, a taxa de mineralização de nutrientes pode ser limitante à absorção, sendo que outras formas de adubação complementares com fertilizantes solúveis podem ser utilizadas, como a fertirrigação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da fertirrigação por gotejamento, com nitrogênio e potássio, aliada à adubação de plantio, no crescimento da alface Vera, cultivada em ambiente protegido. O experimento foi realizado entre agosto e outubro de 2012 (inverno e primavera; 67 dias). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente aleatorizado, com três repetições. Os tratamentos foram formados pela matriz Plan Puebla III, isto é, da combinação entre cinco doses de nitrogênio (N) (9; 54; 90; 126 e 171 kg ha-1) e cinco doses de potássio (1,15; 6,90; 11,50; 16,10 e 21,85 kg ha-1), além da testemunha, que não recebeu fertirrigação. Concluiu-se que a fertirrigação pode ser utilizada para o crescimento da cultura mesmo com adubação orgânica de plantio. As maiores doses de N e de K2O resultaram no maior número de folhas comerciais por planta. Os aumentos das doses de N e de K2O promoveram incrementos da matéria fresca não comercial da parte aérea, sem prejuízo à qualidade comercial.

RESUMO As espécies que apresentam potencial alelopático são promissoras na agricultura, ante a perspectiva da identificação e manipulação dos seus metabólitos secundários, para aplicações práticas e, assim, sua utilização no controle de plantas daninhas. Por esta razão, este trabalho teve por objetivo verificar o efeito alelopático e identificar os metabólitos secundários de Canavalia ensiformis L. Sementes de Lactuca sativa, Digitaria insularis, Emilia coccinea e Portulaca oleracea foram utilizadas como receptoras. Para avaliar o potencial alelopático, foi preparado o extrato etanólico da parte aérea (folhas mais caules) da espécie doadora. Os efeitos potencialmente alelopáticos foram avaliados por meio de testes de germinação e crescimento inicial de plântulas. Foi realizada, também, por meio da técnica da Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência, a identificação dos metabólitos secundários da parte aérea de C. ensiformis. O extrato etanólico causa inibição da percentagem e do índice de velocidade de germinação de L. sativa. A parte aérea de C. ensiformis contém ácidos fenólicos (ácido clorogênico, ácido ferúlico, ácido cafeico), flavonoides (kaempferol, naringina e rutina) e ácidos carboxílicos (ácido cítrico, ácido malônico e ácido aspártico), podendo ser os responsáveis pela atividade alelopática dessa espécie.

ABSTRACT: Determining actual crop evapotranspiration (ETa) is paramount for irrigation management. The principal measurement methods and physical models generally require crop and weather data that are not readily available. We determined the crop coefficient (Kc) of sweet oranges during the initial development stage and evaluated the performance of the Poulovassilis semi-empirical model coupled with a simple soil water balance for estimating the ETa. The ETa was inferred from the variation in the soil water content over time, measured by time-domain reflectometry. In the Poulovassilis model, the ETa is obtained by multiplying the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) by an adjustment coefficient (ca), which accounts for a reduction in the evapotranspiration caused by soil water depletion. Soil water storage was obtained using the daily and 10-day soil water balances, computed by considering inputs and outputs of water from the system. The empirical parameter, ca, was determined using inverse modeling. The optimal ca value obtained through inverse modeling was 0.05 and 0.03 for the daily and 10-day soil water balances, respectively. The model performed better for the daily soil water balance than the 10-day balance, with performance comparable with the other ETa models. Average Kc during the sweet orange initial crop stage was 0.85.