Altura e produtividade do capim Urochloa brizantha em função das estações do ano e frequências de corte

A produção de carne bovina depende basicamente da produção de pastagens, assim, o objetivo dessa pesquisa foi avaliar a altura do dossel e as produções de matéria seca de lâminas foliares e colmo do capim Urochloa brizantha cv. Piatã em função das frequências de cortes, estações do ano com e sem irrigação. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4x2x3, sendo quatro idades de corte (21, 28, 35 e 42 dias entre cortes), irrigado e não irrigado, e três estações do ano (outono, inverno e primavera) com seis repetições por tratamento (canteiros experimentais). Os parâmetros avaliados foram: altura de dossel e as produções de massa seca total de lâminas foliares e colmo. Os resultados indicaram que na primavera, as maiores alturas do dossel foram registradas em pastos cortados aos 28 dias com 39,6 cm de altura. As produções de massa seca de lâminas foliares foram maiores no intervalo de corte de 42dias, sendo as maiores produções durante o Outono com 1,364 kg ha-1 com irrigação. A primavera foi à estação que apresentou as melhores produções de massa seca de colmos com 0,141 kg ha-1 de MS aos 42 dias sem irrigação. A irrigação aumenta a altura do dossel durante o inverno. Estas informações podem ser recomendadas na alimentação de animais ruminantes

Daños causados por chinche barriga verde Dichelops melacanthus en maíz transgénico Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)

Transgenic maize expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin produces a crystal (Cry) protein toxic to caterpillars that is non-toxic to stink bugs. The objectives of this study were to identify the number of plants attacked and not by Dichelops melacanthus, to evaluate foliar damage through the number of punctures, to evaluate plant height and weight of grain production by corn plants attacked and not. The research was carried out on a commercial production agricultural farm in an area 700 m2. Data were recorded, tabulated in Excel spreadsheet and statistically analyzed by T Student test with 5 % of significance for comparison of two independent groups. The results indicate that 80.7 % of corn plants were attacked by D. melacanthus presenting punctures in their leaves. The average height of attacked plants was 41.2 ± 2.2 cm and 41.5 ± 3.3 cm for not attacking. A significant reduction in the production of 23 % was verified. The weight of grains of the attacked plant was on average 3.048 ± 319 g and 3.956 ± 269 g in a not-attacked plant, demonstrating that the damage caused by D. melhacantus reduces Bt corn productivity.El maíz transgénico que expresa la toxina de Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) produce un cristal (Cry) de proteína tóxica para las orugas de las hojas y los tallos de maíz Bt, pero es atóxica para chinches. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron identificar la cantidad de plantas de maíz atacadas y no por la chinche barriga verde Dichelops melacanthus, evaluar los daños foliares a través del número de punturas, la altura de plantas y la producción en peso de granos de las plantas de maíz atacadas y no. La investigación se realizó en una granja agrícola de producción comercial en una superficie de 700 m2. Los datos fueron registrados en hoja impresa, tabulada en planilla electrónica Excel y analizados estadísticamente por el test T-Student con una significancia del 5 % para comparación de dos grupos de muestras independientes. Los resultados obtenidos indican que el 80,7 % de las plantas de maíz fueron atacadas por la chinche D. melacanthus presentando punturas foliares. La altura promedio de las plantas atacadas fue de 41,2 ± 2,2 cm y 41,5 ± 3,3 cm de las no atacadas. En relación a la producción se ha verificado una reducción significativa del 23 %. El peso de los granos de maíz por planta atacada tuvo un promedio de 3,048 ± 199 g y 3,956 ± 269 g en planta no atacada, demostrando así que los daños ocasionados por D. melacanthus reducen el rendimiento del maíz Bt

Impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular testing in the United States versus the rest of the world

Objectives: This study sought to quantify and compare the decline in volumes of cardiovascular procedures between the United States and non-US institutions during the early phase of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the care of many non-COVID-19 illnesses. Reductions in diagnostic cardiovascular testing around the world have led to concerns over the implications of reduced testing for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Methods: Data were submitted to the INCAPS-COVID (International Atomic Energy Agency Non-Invasive Cardiology Protocols Study of COVID-19), a multinational registry comprising 909 institutions in 108 countries (including 155 facilities in 40 U.S. states), assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on volumes of diagnostic cardiovascular procedures. Data were obtained for April 2020 and compared with volumes of baseline procedures from March 2019. We compared laboratory characteristics, practices, and procedure volumes between U.S. and non-U.S. facilities and between U.S. geographic regions and identified factors associated with volume reduction in the United States. Results: Reductions in the volumes of procedures in the United States were similar to those in non-U.S. facilities (68% vs. 63%, respectively; p = 0.237), although U.S. facilities reported greater reductions in invasive coronary angiography (69% vs. 53%, respectively; p < 0.001). Significantly more U.S. facilities reported increased use of telehealth and patient screening measures than non-U.S. facilities, such as temperature checks, symptom screenings, and COVID-19 testing. Reductions in volumes of procedures differed between U.S. regions, with larger declines observed in the Northeast (76%) and Midwest (74%) than in the South (62%) and West (44%). Prevalence of COVID-19, staff redeployments, outpatient centers, and urban centers were associated with greater reductions in volume in U.S. facilities in a multivariable analysis. Conclusions: We observed marked reductions in U.S. cardiovascular testing in the early phase of the pandemic and significant variability between U.S. regions. The association between reductions of volumes and COVID-19 prevalence in the United States highlighted the need for proactive efforts to maintain access to cardiovascular testing in areas most affected by outbreaks of COVID-19 infection

Identificação molecular de Helicoverpa armígera (Noctuidae: Heliothinae) no departamento de Amambay, Paraguai

The Helicoverpa armigera (Noctuidae: Heliothinae) is a polyphagous and cosmopolitan pest distributed throughout South America. The objective of this research was to identify by PCR-RFLP molecular analysis, the presence of H. armigera in the Amambay region in Paraguay. Delta traps with sexual pheromone were deployed in the 2016/2017 season soybean crop distributed at the following locations: Pedro Juan Caballero, Zanja Pytã, Capitán Bado, Karapã’ĩ and Bella Vista Norte. Sampling cloth was used for collecting caterpillars. The collected specimens were sorted by external morphological characters, individualized in labeled jars containing pure alcohol. 24 samples were sent to the Arthropods Molecular Ecology Laboratory ESALQ/USP for identification by PCR-RFLP molecular analysis. Ten specimens of H. armigera belonging to Fortuna and Zanja Pytã were identified. Ten other specimens were identified as H. zea belonging to Cerro Cora'i, Captain Bado, Cerro Kuatiá and Karapã’ĩ. The remaining four samples did not amplify by PCR-RFLP. The analysis revealed the occurrence of H. armigera in soybean and maize crops in the northern region of Paraguay.Helicoverpa armigera (Noctuidae: Heliothinae) es una plaga polífaga y cosmopolita que se distribuye por América del Sur. El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar mediante técnica molecular PCR-RFLP la presencia de la H. armígera en la región del Amambay, Paraguay. Se instalaron trampas tipo delta con feromona sexual distribuidas en las localidades de Pedro Juan Caballero, Zanja Pytã, Capitán Bado, Karapã’ĩ y Bella Vista Norte en cultivos de soja zafra 2016/2017. Se utilizó paño de muestreo para colecta de orugas. Los especímenes colectados fueron seleccionados mediante caracteres morfológicos externos, individualizados en frascos, etiquetados con alcohol puro. Para identificación por análisis molecular PCR-RFLP se remitieron 24 muestras al laboratorio de Ecología Molecular de Artrópodos, ESALQ/USP. Se identificaron diez especímenes de H. armígera provenientes de las localidades de Fortuna y Zanja Pytã. Otros diez especímenes se identificaron como H. zea provenientes de Cerro Cora´i, Capitán Bado, Cerro Kuatiá y Karapã’ĩ. Las cuatro muestras restantes no amplificaron por la técnica PCR-RFLP. El análisis reveló la ocurrencia de la H. armígera en cultivos de soja y maíz de la región norte del Paraguay.Helicoverpa armigera (Noctuidae: Heliothinae) é uma praga polifágica e cosmopolita distribuída por toda a América do Sul. O objetivo desta investigação foi identificar a presença de H. armígera na região de Amambay, Paraguai, utilizando a técnica molecular PCR-RFLP. Armadilhas delta com feromônio sexual distribuídas nas cidades de Pedro Juan Caballero, Zanja Pytã, Capitán Bado, Karapã e Bella Vista Norte foram instaladas na colheita da soja 2016/2017. Um pano de amostragem foi usado para coletar lagartas. As amostras coletadas foram selecionadas utilizando caracteres morfológicos externos, individualizados em frascos, rotulados com álcool puro. Para identificação por análise molecular por PCR-RFLP, 24 amostras foram enviadas ao Laboratório de Ecologia Molecular dos Artrópodes, ESALQ / USP. Foram identificados dez espécimes de H. armígera das localidades de Fortuna e Zanja Pytã. Dez outros espécimes foram identificados como H. zea de Cerro Cora'i, Capitán Bado, Cerro Kuatiá e Karapã '. As quatro amostras restantes não foram amplificadas pela técnica de PCR-RFLP. A análise revelou a ocorrência de H. armígera em culturas de soja e milho na região norte do Paraguai

Competitividad de la exportación de la soja en el Paraguay

El objetivo de este trabajo de investigación fue evaluar la competitividad de las exportaciones del grano de la soja en el Paraguay en el periodo de 2005 a 2014. Se utilizó el modelo Constant Market Share para tal fin, con la base de datos de UNContrade; el modelo descompone en tres efectos el crecimiento: crecimiento mundial, destino de exportación y competitividad; se eligieron países de destino para el Paraguay a Argentina, Unión Europea y Uruguay. Resultado demuestra que el aumento de la demanda del país emergente como la de China hace que la demanda aumentara a nivel mundial y en efecto la exportación de los países productores como USA, Brasil, Argentina y Paraguay. De acuerdo el resultado de la CMS para el Paraguay tuvo incidencia variable para su crecimiento, en el primer periodo fue producto del crecimiento mundial y el destino de la exportación, sin embargo, en el segundo periodo fueron el crecimiento mundial y la competitividad.The objective of this research was to analyze the competitiveness of soybean exports in Paraguay in the period 2005 to 2014. The method of analysis used to measure competitiveness was the Constant Market Share model with data from the UN Comtrade database. The model decomposes growth into three effects: global growth, competitiveness and export destination; The target destinations chosen were Argentina, European Union and Uruguay. The results show that an increase in the demand of an emerging country, such as China, leads to an increase in global demand, in turn leading to higher exports from producing countries such as the USA, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Results of the CMS for Paraguay showed variable incidences for its growth: in the first period, it resulted from global growth and the destination of exports, whereas in the second period, it resulted from global growth and competitiveness.O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a competitividade das exportações de grãos de soja no Paraguai no período de 2005 a 2014. O método de analise utilizado foi o modelo ConstantMarketShare (CMS) com o banco de dados UM Comtrade; o modelo DIVIDE o crescimento em três efeitos: crescimento global, destino de exportação e competitividade; Os destinos selecionados para o Paraguai foram: Argentina, União Européia e Uruguai. Os resultados mostram que o aumento da demanda da China, como país emergente, faz com que a demanda aumente a nível mundial e, em vigor, a exportação de países produtores como EUA, Brasil, Argentina e Paraguai. De acordo com o resultado do CMS para o Paraguai, incidências variáveis foram verificadas para seu crescimento: no primeiro período influenciaram o crescimento global e o destino da exportação; no entanto, no segundo período foi o resultado do crescimento global e da competitividad

Impact of COVID-19 on the imaging diagnosis of cardiac disease in Europe

Objectives We aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiac diagnostic testing and practice and to assess its impact in different regions in Europe. Methods The online survey organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency Division of Human Health collected information on changes in cardiac imaging procedural volumes between March 2019 and March/April 2020. Data were collected from 909 centres in 108 countries. Results Centres in Northern and Southern Europe were more likely to cancel all outpatient activities compared with Western and Eastern Europe. There was a greater reduction in total procedure volumes in Europe compared with the rest of the world in March 2020 (45% vs 41%, p=0.003), with a more marked reduction in Southern Europe (58%), but by April 2020 this was similar in Europe and the rest of the world (69% vs 63%, p=0.261). Regional variations were apparent between imaging modalities, but the largest reductions were in Southern Europe for nearly all modalities. In March 2020, location in Southern Europe was the only independent predictor of the reduction in procedure volume. However, in April 2020, lower gross domestic product and higher COVID-19 deaths were the only independent predictors. Conclusion The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on care of patients with cardiac disease, with substantial regional variations in Europe. This has potential long-term implications for patients and plans are required to enable the diagnosis of non-COVID- 19 conditions during the ongoing pandemic.</p

Reduction of cardiac imaging tests during the COVID-19 pandemic: The case of Italy. Findings from the IAEA Non-invasive Cardiology Protocol Survey on COVID-19 (INCAPS COVID)

Background: In early 2020, COVID-19 massively hit Italy, earlier and harder than any other European country. This caused a series of strict containment measures, aimed at blocking the spread of the pandemic. Healthcare delivery was also affected when resources were diverted towards care of COVID-19 patients, including intensive care wards. Aim of the study: The aim is assessing the impact of COVID-19 on cardiac imaging in Italy, compare to the Rest of Europe (RoE) and the World (RoW). Methods: A global survey was conducted in May–June 2020 worldwide, through a questionnaire distributed online. The survey covered three periods: March and April 2020, and March 2019. Data from 52 Italian centres, a subset of the 909 participating centres from 108 countries, were analyzed. Results: In Italy, volumes decreased by 67% in March 2020, compared to March 2019, as opposed to a significantly lower decrease (p &lt; 0.001) in RoE and RoW (41% and 40%, respectively). A further decrease from March 2020 to April 2020 summed up to 76% for the North, 77% for the Centre and 86% for the South. When compared to the RoE and RoW, this further decrease from March 2020 to April 2020 in Italy was significantly less (p = 0.005), most likely reflecting the earlier effects of the containment measures in Italy, taken earlier than anywhere else in the West. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic massively hit Italy and caused a disruption of healthcare services, including cardiac imaging studies. This raises concern about the medium- and long-term consequences for the high number of patients who were denied timely diagnoses and the subsequent lifesaving therapies and procedures

International Impact of COVID-19 on the Diagnosis of Heart Disease

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has adversely affected diagnosis and treatment of noncommunicable diseases. Its effects on delivery of diagnostic care for cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death worldwide, have not been quantified. Objectives: The study sought to assess COVID-19's impact on global cardiovascular diagnostic procedural volumes and safety practices. Methods: The International Atomic Energy Agency conducted a worldwide survey assessing alterations in cardiovascular procedure volumes and safety practices resulting from COVID-19. Noninvasive and invasive cardiac testing volumes were obtained from participating sites for March and April 2020 and compared with those from March 2019. Availability of personal protective equipment and pandemic-related testing practice changes were ascertained. Results: Surveys were submitted from 909 inpatient and outpatient centers performing cardiac diagnostic procedures, in 108 countries. Procedure volumes decreased 42% from March 2019 to March 2020, and 64% from March 2019 to April 2020. Transthoracic echocardiography decreased by 59%, transesophageal echocardiography 76%, and stress tests 78%, which varied between stress modalities. Coronary angiography (invasive or computed tomography) decreased 55% (p &lt; 0.001 for each procedure). In multivariable regression, significantly greater reduction in procedures occurred for centers in countries with lower gross domestic product. Location in a low-income and lower–middle-income country was associated with an additional 22% reduction in cardiac procedures and less availability of personal protective equipment and telehealth. Conclusions: COVID-19 was associated with a significant and abrupt reduction in cardiovascular diagnostic testing across the globe, especially affecting the world's economically challenged. Further study of cardiovascular outcomes and COVID-19–related changes in care delivery is warranted

Impact of COVID-19 on Diagnostic Cardiac Procedural Volume in Oceania: The IAEA Non-Invasive Cardiology Protocol Survey on COVID-19 (INCAPS COVID)

Objectives: The INCAPS COVID Oceania study aimed to assess the impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiac procedure volume provided in the Oceania region. Methods: A retrospective survey was performed comparing procedure volumes within March 2019 (pre-COVID-19) with April 2020 (during first wave of COVID-19 pandemic). Sixty-three (63) health care facilities within Oceania that perform cardiac diagnostic procedures were surveyed, including a mixture of metropolitan and regional, hospital and outpatient, public and private sites, and 846 facilities outside of Oceania. The percentage change in procedure volume was measured between March 2019 and April 2020, compared by test type and by facility. Results: In Oceania, the total cardiac diagnostic procedure volume was reduced by 52.2% from March 2019 to April 2020, compared to a reduction of 75.9% seen in the rest of the world (p&lt;0.001). Within Oceania sites, this reduction varied significantly between procedure types, but not between types of health care facility. All procedure types (other than stress cardiac magnetic resonance [CMR] and positron emission tomography [PET]) saw significant reductions in volume over this time period (p&lt;0.001). In Oceania, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) decreased by 51.6%, transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) by 74.0%, and stress tests by 65% overall, which was more pronounced for stress electrocardiograph (ECG) (81.8%) and stress echocardiography (76.7%) compared to stress single-photon emission computerised tomography (SPECT) (44.3%). Invasive coronary angiography decreased by 36.7% in Oceania. Conclusion: A significant reduction in cardiac diagnostic procedure volume was seen across all facility types in Oceania and was likely a function of recommendations from cardiac societies and directives from government to minimise spread of COVID-19 amongst patients and staff. Longer term evaluation is important to assess for negative patient outcomes which may relate to deferral of usual models of care within cardiology