Selection Index in the Study of Adaptability and Stability in Maize

This paper proposes an alternative method for evaluating the stability and adaptability of maize hybrids using a genotype-ideotype distance index (GIDI) for selection. Data from seven variables were used, obtained through evaluation of 25 maize hybrids at six sites in southern Brazil. The GIDI was estimated by means of the generalized Mahalanobis distance for each plot of the test. We then proceeded to GGE biplot analysis in order to compare the predictive accuracy of the GGE models and the grouping of environments and to select the best five hybrids. The G × E interaction was significant for both variables assessed. The GGE model with two principal components obtained a predictive accuracy (PRECORR) of 0.8913 for the GIDI and 0.8709 for yield (t ha(−1)). Two groups of environments were obtained upon analyzing the GIDI, whereas all the environments remained in the same group upon analyzing yield. Coincidence occurred in only two hybrids considering evaluation of the two features. The GIDI assessment provided for selection of hybrids that combine adaptability and stability in most of the variables assessed, making its use more highly recommended than analyzing each variable separately. Not all the higher-yielding hybrids were the best in the other variables assessed

Impacts of enhanced weathering on biomass production for negative emission technologies and soil hydrology

Limiting global mean temperature changes to well below 2 °C likely requires a rapid and large-scale deployment of negative emission technologies (NETs). Assessments so far have shown a high potential of biomass-based terrestrial NETs, but only a few assessments have included effects of the commonly found nutrient-deficient soils on biomass production. Here, we investigate the deployment of enhanced weathering (EW) to supply nutrients to areas of afforestation-reforestation and naturally growing forests (AR) and bioenergy grasses (BG) that are deficient in phosphorus (P), besides the impacts on soil hydrology. Using stoichiometric ratios and biomass estimates from two established vegetation models, we calculated the nutrient demand of AR and BG. Insufficient geogenic P supply limits C storage in biomass. For a mean P demand by AR and a lowgeogenic-P-supply scenario, AR would sequester 119 Gt C in biomass; for a high-geogenic-P-supply and low-AR-Pdemand scenario, 187 Gt C would be sequestered in biomass; and for a low geogenic P supply and high AR P demand, only 92 GtC would be accumulated by biomass. An average amount of ∼ 150 Gt basalt powder applied for EW would be needed to close global P gaps and completely sequester projected amounts of 190 Gt C during the years 2006-2099 for the mean AR P demand scenario (2-362 Gt basalt powder for the low-AR-P-demand and for the high-AR-P-demand scenarios would be necessary, respectively). The average potential of carbon sequestration by EW until 2099 is ∼ 12 GtC (∼ 0:2-∼ 27 Gt C) for the specified scenarios (excluding additional carbon sequestration via alkalinity production). For BG, 8 kg basaltm2 a1 might, on average, replenish the exported potassium (K) and P by harvest. Using pedotransfer functions, we show that the impacts of basalt powder application on soil hydraulic conductivity and plant-Available water, to close predicted P gaps, would depend on basalt and soil texture, but in general the impacts are marginal. We show that EW could potentially close the projected P gaps of an AR scenario and nutrients exported by BG harvest, which would decrease or replace the use of industrial fertilizers. Besides that, EW ameliorates the soil's capacity to retain nutrients and soil pH and replenish soil nutrient pools. Lastly, EW application could improve plant-Available-water capacity depending on deployed amounts of rock powder - adding a new dimension to the coupling of land-based biomass NETs with EW. © 2020 Royal Society of Chemistry. All rights reserved

Bacillus coagulans como alternativa aos antibióticos sobre o desempenho e controle da Salmonella Enteritidis em frangos de corte

The use of antimicrobial growth promoters in broiler feed has been beneficial for improving performance and preventing diseases. However, the indiscriminate use of these products in the feed can result in the development of resistant bacteria, the accumulation of residues in the products, and an imbalance in the microflora of birds. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate alternatives, such as beneficial microorganisms that improve microbial growth without affecting animal health and product quality. This research aimed to evaluate the supplementation with the probiotic Bacillus coagulans on the performance, carcass characteristics, and health of broilers from seven to 42 days. In total, 720 broilers were used, distributed in a randomized block design with six treatments and eight replicates. The evaluated treatments were as follows: Control ration (RC); PROB1 (Probiotic 400 g/t); PROB2 (Probiotic 400 g/t until 21 days and 200 g/t from 22 to 42 days); RC + antibiotic; RC + Salmonella inoculation; PROB1 + Salmonella inoculation. The treatments did neither influence feed intake, carcass yield, and cuts nor the incidence of injuries to the chest, hock, and footpad. Weight gain and feed conversion were better in birds that received antibiotic or probiotic diets. There was an incidence of Salmonella in the e challenges excreta at 42 days only in the treatment with challenge without adding probiotics. We conclude that the probiotic Bacillus coagulans can be used as an alternative to antibiotics in the diet of broilers as it facilitates similar performance and is efficient in the control of Salmonella Enteritidis.A utilização de promotores de crescimento antimicrobianos na alimentação de frangos de corte tem sido benéfica para melhoria do desempenho e para prevenção de doenças. Porém, o uso indiscriminado destes produtos nas rações pode resultar em desenvolvimento de bactérias resistentes, acúmulo de resíduos nos produtos e desequilíbrio da microflora das aves. Portanto, torna-se necessário avaliar alternativas como microrganismos benéficos que melhorem o crescimento microbiano, sem afetar a saúde do animal e a qualidade dos seus produtos. Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar a suplementação do probiótico Bacillus coagulans sobre o desempenho, características de carcaça e saúde de frangos de corte de 7 a 42 dias. Utilizou-se 720 frangos de corte distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados, com seis tratamentos e oito repetições. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: Controle; PROB1 (Probiótico 400 g/t); PROB2 (Probiótico 400 g/ton até os 21 dias e 200 g/t dos 22 aos 42 dias); Controle + antibiótico; Controle + inoculação de Salmonella; PROB1 + inoculação de Salmonella. Os tratamentos não influenciaram o consumo de ração, rendimento de carcaça e cortes e a incidência de lesões no peito, jarrete e coxim plantar. O ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar foram melhores nas aves que receberam rações com antibiótico ou probiótico. Houve incidência de Salmonella nas excretas aos 42 dias somente no tratamento com desafio sem adição de probiótico. Conclui-se que o probiótico Bacillus coagulans pode ser usado como alternativa ao antibiótico na ração de frangos de corte, pois proporciona desempenho semelhante e é eficiente no controle da Salmonella Enteritidis

O jogo para repensar conceitos de equilíbrio químico na percepção dos pibidianos – limites e possibilidades

Esse trabalho relata a experiência de um jogo didático sobre equilíbrio químico desenvolvido pelo PIBID da Universidade Federal do ABC, subgrupo de química, e aplicado para as turmas de 3º ano do Ensino Médio de escolas públicas participantes do programa. Com a atividade proposta, foram levantadas as percepções de cinco pibidianos quanto aos limites e possibilidades que a aplicação do jogo trouxe para a compreensão do conteúdo proposto. Por meio das respostas, notou-se que com o jogo foi possível retomar o conteúdo aprendido, visto que os alunos se sentiam mais motivados a realizar os exercícios propostos devido a dinâmica do jogo e possibilitou a compreensão de conceitos. Os resultados apontam também para limitações, já que pode haver a ruptura do equilíbrio lúdico-educativo, com alguns alunos centralizando suas atenções na memorização. Com o trabalho desenvolvido, os pibidianos puderam verificar a importância da mediação no processo e a necessidade da constante otimização na utilização dessa ferramenta didática

Drug use in college students: a 13-year trend

OBJECTIVE: To analyze drug use trends among college students in 1996, 2001 and 2009. METHODS: A cross-sectional epidemiological study with a multistage stratified cluster sample with 9,974 college students was conducted in the city of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on drug use assessed in lifetime, the preceding 12 months and the preceding 30 days. The Bonferroni correction was used for multiple comparisons of drug use rates between surveys. RESULTS: There were changes in the lifetime use of tobacco and some other drugs (hallucinogens [6.1% to 8.8%], amphetamines [4.6% to 8.7%], and tranquilizers [5.7% to 8.2%]) from 1996 to 2009. Differences in the use of other drugs over the 12 months preceding the survey were also seen: reduced use of inhalants [9.0% to 4.8%] and increased use of amphetamines [2.4% to 4.8%]. There was a reduction in alcohol [72.9% to 62.1%], tobacco [21.3% to 17.2%] and marijuana [15.0% to 11.5%] use and an increase in amphetamine use [1.9% to 3.3%] in the preceeding 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: Over the 13-year study period, there was an increase in lifetime use of tobacco, hallucinogens, amphetamines, and tranquilizers. There was an increase in amphetamine use and a reduction in alcohol use during the preceding 12 months. There was an increase in amphetamine use during the preceding 30 days.OBJETIVO: Analizar la tendencia del uso de drogas entre universitarios en 1996, 2001 y 2009. MÉTODOS: estudio epidemiológico transversal con 9.974 universitarios del municipio de Sao Paulo, Sureste de Brasil, cuya muestra fue seleccionada por estratificación y conglomerados. Se adoptó instrumento de investigación de auto llenado, anónimo, que caracterizó el uso de drogas por tres medidas: uso en la vida, en los últimos 12 meses y en los últimos 30 días. Para comparar las frecuencias de uso de drogas entre las investigaciones, se utilizó la metodología de comparaciones múltiples con corrección de Bonferroni. RESULTADOS: Hubo reducción de la frecuencia de estudiantes que relataron consumo de drogas entre 1996 y 2009. Hubo disminución del uso de inhalantes y aumento en el uso de anfetamínicos en todas las medidas evaluadas [4,6% para 8,7% en la vida, de 2,4% para 4,5% en los últimos 12 meses y de 1,9% a 3,3% en los últimos 30 días]. Los alumnos de las Ciencias Humanas relataron uso de drogas con mayor frecuencia [48,6% en la vida, 29,0% en los últimos 12 meses y 20,9% en los últimos 30 días]. CONCLUSIONES: Entre los 13 años de estudio, hubo aumento de uso en la vida de cigarro, alucinógenos, anfetaminas y tranquilizantes; así como aumento en el uso de anfetaminas en los últimos 12 meses y disminución en el uso de alcohol. Con relación a los últimos 30 días, hubo aumento en el uso de anfetaminas.OBJETIVO: Analisar a tendência do uso de drogas entre universitários entre 1996, 2001 e 2009. MÉTODOS: Estudo epidemiológico transversal com 9.974 universitários do município de São Paulo, SP, cuja amostra foi selecionada por estratificação e conglomerados. Adotou-se instrumento de pesquisa de autopreenchimento, anônimo, que caracterizou o uso de drogas por três medidas: uso na vida, nos últimos 12 meses e nos últimos 30 dias. Para comparação de frequências de uso de drogas entre as pesquisas, utilizou-se a metodologia de comparações múltiplas com correção de Bonferroni. RESULTADOS: Houve redução da frequência de estudantes que relataram consumo de drogas entre 1996 e 2009. Houve diminuição do uso de inalantes e aumento do uso de anfetamínicos em todas as medidas avaliadas [4,6% para 8,7% na vida, de 2,4% para 4,5% nos últimos 12 meses e de 1,9% a 3,3% nos últimos 30 dias]. Os alunos das Ciências Humanas relataram uso de drogas com maior frequência [48,6% na vida, 29,0% nos últimos 12 meses e 20,9% nos últimos 30 dias]. CONCLUSÕES: Entre os 13 anos de estudo, houve aumento de uso na vida de tabaco, alucinógenos, anfetaminas e tranquilizantes; além do aumento do uso de anfetaminas nos últimos 12 meses e diminuição do uso de álcool. Em relação aos últimos 30 dias, houve aumento do uso de anfetaminas

Sunflower meal and supplementation of enzyme complex in diets for growing and finishing pigs

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a inclusão de farelo de girassol e a suplementação de complexo enzimático sobre os parâmetros de desempenho e características de carcaça de suínos, dos 30 aos 100 kg de peso vivo. Foram utilizados 96 suínos com peso vivo médio de 32,19±3,27 kg, distribuídos em um delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4 x 2 (quatro níveis de farelo de girassol-FG: 0, 8, 16 e 24% com ou sem inclusão do complexo enzimático-CE), com seis repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. As variáveis analisadas foram o consumo de ração (kg), o ganho de peso (kg), a conversão alimentar (kg/ kg), a espessura de toucinho (mm), a musculosidade (kg), o peso da carcaça quente (%), a porcentagem de carne magra na carcaça (%), a quantidade de carne magra na carcaça (kg). Não houve nenhuma interação entre os fatores para nenhuma das variáveis estudadas. A conversão alimentar dos animais dos 30 aos 70 kg de peso foi diminuída pela inclusão do CE, porém não afetou os parâmetros de carcaça. Níveis crescentes de FG na ração apresentaram efeito quadrático sobre o ganho de peso dos animais e sobre a espessura de toucinho, com valores máximos dessas variáveis em 7,26% e 8,16% de inclusão do FG, respectivamente. Aiming to evaluate the performance of pigs from 30 to 100 kg of live a total of 96 pigs with average live weight of 32.19±3.27 kg were distributed in randomized blocks design in a 4 × 2 (four levels of SM: 0, 8, 16 and 24%; with or without inclusion of EC)  factorial arrangement with six replicates and two animals per experimental unit. The parameters analyzed were feed intake (kg), weight gain (kg), feed conversion (kg/kg), backfat thickness (mm), carcass muscularity (kg), hot carcass weight (%), percentage of lean meat in the carcass (%), and quantity of lean meat in the carcass (kg). There was no interaction between EC and SM levels in the diet. The addition of EC in the diet affected the performance of the animals, but not carcass characteristics. Feed conversion of animals from 30 to 70 kg weight was improved by the inclusion of EC. The increasing levels of SM in the diet presented quadratic effect on weight gain and on backfat thickness, with inclusion points of SM that promoted maximum values of these parameters of 7.26% and 8.16%, respectively.

Increased toll-like receptors and p53 levels regulate apoptosis and angiogenesis in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: mechanism of action of P-MAPA biological response modifier

Background: The new modalities for treating patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) for whom BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) has failed or is contraindicated are recently increasing due to the development of new drugs. Although agents like mitomycin C and BCG are routinely used, there is a need for more potent and/or less-toxic agents. In this scenario, a new perspective is represented by P-MAPA (Protein Aggregate Magnesium-Ammonium Phospholinoleate-Palmitoleate Anhydride), developed by Farmabrasilis (non-profit research network). This study detailed and characterized the mechanisms of action of P-MAPA based on activation of mediators of Toll-like Receptors (TLRs) 2 and 4 signaling pathways and p53 in regulating angiogenesis and apoptosis in an animal model of NMIBC, as well as, compared these mechanisms with BCG treatment. Results: Our results demonstrated the activation of the immune system by BCG (MyD88-dependent pathway) resulted in increased inflammatory cytokines. However, P-MAPA intravesical immunotherapy led to distinct activation of TLRs 2 and 4-mediated innate immune system, resulting in increased interferons signaling pathway (TRIF-dependent pathway), which was more effective in the NMIBC treatment. Interferon signaling pathway activation induced by P-MAPA led to increase of iNOS protein levels, resulting in apoptosis and histopathological recovery. Additionally, P-MAPA immunotherapy increased wild-type p53 protein levels. The increased wild-type p53 protein levels were fundamental to NO-induced apoptosis and the up-regulation of BAX. Furthermore, interferon signaling pathway induction and increased p53 protein levels by P-MAPA led to important antitumor effects, not only suppressing abnormal cell proliferation, but also by preventing continuous expansion of tumor mass through suppression of angiogenesis, which was characterized by decreased VEGF and increased endostatin protein levels. Conclusions: Thus, P-MAPA immunotherapy could be considered an important therapeutic strategy for NMIBC, as well as, opens a new perspective for treatment of patients that are refractory or resistant to BCG intravesical therapy16CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQFUNDAÇÃO ARAUCÁRIA DE APOIO AO DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO DO ESTADO DO PARANÁ - FAFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP490519/2011-3; 475211/2013-8; 402280/2013-0225/2014; 656/20142011/05726-4; 2012/20706-2; 2012/13585-4; 2014/20465-

Avaliação da toxicidade de estirpes de Bacillus thuringiensis para Aedes aegypti Linneus, (Díptera: Culicidae)

This work was aimed at to select and to identify strain of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) obtained of samples of soil in the state of Tocantins that presented toxicity for the mosquito Aedes aegypti. It was obtained isolated of Bt of the samples of obtained soils and with larger number of colonies in soils with high clay tenor and organic matter. The poisonous activity among the isolated ones obtained it varied by 14.7 to 98% of mortality to larvas of 2º stadium of A. aegypti, with prominence for the isolated TO-392. They were accomplished analyzes for SDS-PAGE where there was the presence of a peptides of approximately 80 kDa, wasn´t visualized us too much isolated, the ancestry A-392 had 98% of mortality about larvas of A. aegypt was tested i, in the period of 48 hours, using a concentration of 1 and 2 % ıof the bacterial .broth. It is verified that B. Thuringiensis isolated of the state of Tocantins presents promising results for they can be used in the production of a bioinseticide against the larvas of this mosquito.Este trabalho objetivou-se selecionar e identificar estirpes de Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) obtidos de amostras de solo do estado de Tocantins que apresentaram toxicidade para o mosquito Aedes aegypti. Obteve-se isolados de Bt das amostras de solos obtidos e com maior número de colônias em solos com alto teor de argila e matéria orgânica. A atividade tóxica entre os isolados obtidos variou de 14,7 a 98% de mortalidade para larvas de 2o estádio de A. aegypti, com destaque para o isolado A-392. Foram realizadas analise de SDS-PAGE onde houve a presença de um peptídeos de aproximadamente 80 kDa, não sendo visualizado nos demais isolados, o a estirpe A-392 teve 98% de mortalidade das larvas de A. aegypti testadas, no período de 48 horas, utilizando uma concetração de 20 mL/mL do caldo bacteriano. Verifica-se que B. Thuringiensis isoladas do estado do Tocantins apresenta resultados promissores para serem utilizadas na fabricação de um bioinseticidas contra as larvas deste mosquito

Prescribed use of methylphenidate hydrochloride and its correlates among Brazilian college students

Background: The prevalence of prescribed use of methylphenidate (MPH) and its correlates are not well-known in Brazil. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of prescribed use of MPH and its correlates in a sample of Brazilian college students. Methods: Twelve-thousand seven hundred and eleven college students filled out a drug use questionnaire. They were divided into two groups based on the lifetime use of MPH: MPH users (MPHU) and MPH non-users (MPHNU). Quasi-binomial regression models were carried out in order to evaluate the correlation among MPHU and other variables. Results: A lifetime use of MPH was reported from 0.9% of college students (MPHU). Being from the Midwest (PR = 4.8, p < 0.01) and South (PR = 5.2, p < 0.05), living in students housing (PR = 5.8, p < 0.001), prescribed use of amphetamines (PR = 8.9, p < 0.001) and benzodiazepines (< 3 weeks: PR = 4.4, p < 0.001; >= 3 weeks: PR = 6.7, p < 0.001), and harmful use of alcohol (PR = 4.0, p < 0.05) were correlated with MPHU. Discussion: The association of alcohol and drug use with prescribed use of MPH among college students suggests the importance of screening drinking patterns and use of other drugs among students with ADHD symptoms. Cesar ELR, et al. / Rev Psiq Clin. 2012; 39(6):183-

Uso prescrito de cloridrato de metilfenidato e correlatos entre estudantes universitários brasileiros

CONTEXTO: A prevalência do uso prescrito de metilfenidato (MPH) e correlatos ainda é pouco conhecida no Brasil. OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência do uso prescrito de MPH e correlatos em uma amostra populacional de universitários brasileiros. MÉTODOS: Doze mil setecentos e onze universitários foram solicitados a responder a um questionário sobre o uso de drogas. Em relação ao uso na vida de MPH, os universitários foram divididos em dois grupos: usuários de MPH (MPHU) e não usuários de MPH (MPHNU). Um modelo de regressão quasibinomial foi usado para avaliar a correlação desse uso com as demais variáveis. RESULTADOS: 0,9% dos universitários relataram ter feito uso de MPH na vida (MPHU). Ser da região Centro-Oeste (RP = 4,8; p < 0,01) e Sul (RP = 5,2; p < 0,05), morar em repúblicas (RP = 5,8; p < 0,001), já ter feito uso prescrito de anfetaminas (RP = 8,9; p < 0,001) e benzodiazepínicos (< 3 semanas: RP = 4,4; p < 0,001; &#8805; 3 semanas: RP = 6,7; p < 0,001) e fazer uso recente e de risco de álcool (RP = 4,0; p < 0,05) foram variáveis associadas ao MPHU. CONCLUSÃO: A associação do uso de álcool e de outras drogas com o uso prescrito de MPH entre universitários sugere a importância da triagem do padrão do uso de álcool e de outras drogas entre estudantes com sintomas de transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH).BACKGROUND: The prevalence of prescribed use of methylphenidate (MPH) and its correlates are not well-known in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of prescribed use of MPH and its correlates in a sample of Brazilian college students. METHODS: Twelve-thousand seven hundred and eleven college students filled out a drug use questionnaire. They were divided into two groups based on the lifetime use of MPH: MPH users (MPHU) and MPH non-users (MPHNU). Quasi-binomial regression models were carried out in order to evaluate the correlation among MPHU and other variables. RESULTS: A lifetime use of MPH was reported from 0.9% of college students (MPHU). Being from the Midwest (PR = 4.8, p < 0.01) and South (PR = 5.2, p < 0.05), living in students housing (PR = 5.8, p < 0.001), prescribed use of amphetamines (PR = 8.9, p < 0.001) and benzodiazepines (< 3 weeks: PR = 4.4, p < 0.001; &#8805; 3 weeks: PR = 6.7, p < 0.001), and harmful use of alcohol (PR = 4.0, p < 0.05) were correlated with MPHU. DISCUSSION: The association of alcohol and drug use with prescribed use of MPH among college students suggests the importance of screening drinking patterns and use of other drugs among students with ADHD symptoms