Isolation of Root Endophytic Bacteria in Elephant Grass (\u3cem\u3ePennisetum purpureum\u3c/em\u3e Schum.) Cultivars

Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) is one of the most productive warm-season grasses. Farmers utilize elephant grass in different forms, such as cut-and-carry operations, grazing, conserved forage (silage, hay), and as an energy source (Lira et al. 2010). Nitrogen (N) is an essential element for plant growth and development and it is usually a limiting factor for forage production in the tropics (Boddey et al. 2004). Biological N fixation (BNF) may occur in warm-season grasses by their association with diazotrophic bacteria. These bacteria colonize different niches in the host plant. Endophytic bacteria form colonies inside the plant tissue whereas epiphytic bacteria colonize plant external surfaces (Compant et al. 2010). Both types of bacteria may benefit host plants (Badri et al. 2009). This study evaluated endophytic diazotrophic bacteria density associated to the roots of different elephant grass cultivars (cvs. ‘Elefante B’, ‘Venezuela’, and ‘Pioneiro’) using two N-free growth media, at different evaluation periods

Low levels of maximal aerobic power impair the profile of mood state in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy

Objetivo: Investigar a correlação entre aptidão cardiorrespiratória e variáveis de estado de humor em indivíduos com epilepsia do lobo temporal (ELT). Método: Indivíduos com ELT (n = 20) e controles saudáveis (C, n = 20) foram avaliados. Administraram-se questionários para avaliar o estado de humor (POMS) e nível de atividade física habitual (BAECKE). Avaliou-se a aptidão cardiorrespiratória por teste incremental máximo. Resultados: Pessoas com ELT apresentaram menor aptidão cardiorrespiratória; elevados níveis de transtornos do humor; e menor nível de vigor, quando comparadas ao grupo C. Observou-se correlação negativa significativa entre os níveis de tensão-ansiedade e a potência aeróbica máxima. Conclusão: O baixo nível de aptidão cardiorrespiratória pode modificar o estado de saúde de indivíduos com ELT e pode ser considerado fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de transtornos de humor.Objective: To investigate the correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness and mood state in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Method: Individuals with TLE (n = 20) and healthy control subjects (C, n = 20) were evaluated. Self-rating questionnaires were used to assess mood (POMS) and habitual physical activity (BAECKE). Cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated by a maximal incremental test. Results: People with TLE presented lower cardiorespiratory fitness; higher levels of mood disorders; and lower levels of vigor when compared to control health subjects. A significant negative correlation was observed between the levels of tension-anxiety and maximal aerobic power. Conclusion: Low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness may modify the health status of individuals with TLE and it may be considered a risk factor for the development of mood disorders.Centro Nacional de Física de Partículas, Astropartículas y Nuclear (CPAN)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Repeatability of productive and qualitative variables of forage and cattle excreta on signal grass pasture

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a repetibilidade e o número de avaliações necessárias para se obter coeficiente de determinação superior a 90% em variáveis produtivas e qualitativas de forragem e de excreta bovina, em pastagem de capim-braquiária (Urochloa decumbens). As variáveis avaliadas foram: produção fecal, composição mineral das fezes e da forragem ao redor, biometria das fezes, massa e rejeição de forragem ao redor das fezes, volume urinário e composição mineral da urina. Utilizou-se lotação intermitente fixa, com três dias de ocupação e 32 ou 67 de descanso, nas épocas chuvosa e seca, respectivamente. As análises de repetibilidade foram obtidas pelo programa Genes, com o método dos componentes principais baseado na matriz de covariância. Os coeficientes de repetibilidade (r) foram elevados, e os R² iguais ou superiores a 90%, exceto quanto à massa de forragem (20–40 cm), diferença de altura da forragem com fezes entre o pré e pós-pastejo e teor de N na urina, no tratamento com 3,2 unidades animais por hectare (r90%, seriam necessárias 11, 9 e 9 avaliações para as variáveis forragem, fezes e urina, respectivamente.The objective of this work was to determine the repeatability and the number of the required evaluations to obtain determination coefficient greater than 90% in the productive and qualitative variables of forage and cattle excreta on a signal grass (Urochloa decumbens) pasture. The utilized variables were: fecal production, feces mineral composition, herbage mineral composition around dung pads, feces biometry, herbage mass and herbage rejection around dung pads, urinary volume, and urine chemical composition. A fixed rotational stocking was used, with three days of occupation and 32 or 67 days of resting period, during the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. Repeatability analyzes were obtained with the software Genes, using the principal component method based on the covariance. The repeatability coefficients (r) had high estimates, and the R2 were equal to or greater than 90%, except for herbage mass at 20–40 cm, for the difference between pre- and post-grazing herbage height of herbage grown on dung pad, and for nitrogen concentration in the urine for the treatment with 3,2 animal units per hectare (r<0.50). For R2 above 90%, the number of evaluations required would be 11, 9, and 9, for the variables forage, feces, and urine, respectively

Growth and dry matter production in sugarcane varieties grown under full irrigation

A análise de crescimento é considerada o método padrão para medir a produtividade biológica em espécies vegetais. Neste contexto objetivou-se avaliar, em onze variedades de cana-de-açúcar (SP79-1011, RB813804, RB863129, RB872552, RB943365, RB72454, RB763710, SP78-4764, SP81-3250, RB867515, RB92579) cultivadas sob irrigação plena, o crescimento e a produção de matéria seca no ciclo de cana planta. O experimento foi instalado em condições de campo no município de Carpina, PE. Utilizou-se o delineamento estatístico de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. A análise de crescimento correspondeu à quantificação dos números de perfilhos e à, na mensuração da altura e diâmetro dos colmos, avaliados mensalmente em onze períodos de cultivo, os quais se estenderam dos 60 aos 360 dias após o plantio (DAP). A produção de matéria seca foi quantificada a partir dos 120 DAP, com intervalos de amostragem a cada dois meses. Observou-se que as variedades RB92579 e SP81-3250 apresentaram o maior perfilhamento e produção de matéria seca e as variedades RB813804 e RB72454 às maiores médias de altura, enquanto as variedades RB867515 e RB72454 obtiveram os maiores diâmetros do colmo.Growth analysis is considered as a standard method for measuring the biological productivity of plant species. The objective of this research was to evaluate the growth and dry matter production of eleven sugarcane varieties (SP79-1011, RB813804, RB863129, RB872552, RB943365, RB72454, RB763710, SP78-4764, SP81-3250, RB867515, RB92579), grown under full irrigation, in the planted cane cycle. The experiment was conducted in field conditions in the municipality of Carpina, PE. A randomized block design with four replications was used. The varieties' growth analysis was represented by the quantification of the tillers numbers, stalk height and diameter, measured monthly, in eleven periods of cultivation that extended from 60 to 360 days after planting (DAP). The dry matter production was measured from 120 DAP, with sampling intervals of every two months. It was observed that, at 360 DAP, the RB92579 and SP81-3250 varieties showed the highest tillering and dry matter production. The RB813804 and RB72454 varieties had the highest average for height, while the RB72454 and RB867515 varieties presented the largest stalk diameters

Randomized prospective study comparing transverse and extracortical fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

OBJECTIVE: This study had the objective of prospectively comparing transverse fixation (Cross-PinTM) with extracortical fixation (EZLocTM) for the femur, in surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, from a clinical, biomechanical and functional point of view. METHODS: Between April 2007 and November 2009, 50 patients with acute or chronic anterior cruciate ligament injuries underwent arthroscopic reconstruction using the homologous flexor tendons (gracilis and semitendinosus). Randomization of the femoral fixation method was done by means of a draw at the time of the procedure. Patients were excluded if they presented multiple ligament lesions, fractures, previous surgery, autoimmune disease and impairment of the contralateral knee. The Lysholm scale, SF36 quality-of-life questionnaire and KT1000TM arthrometer were used. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 18.1 months, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding the Lysholm scale and KT1000TM measurements. However, the SF36 questionnaire showed a statistical difference such that transverse fixation was superior regarding pain and vitality. CONCLUSION: Both techniques were shown to be efficient for transfemoral fixation, but with almost no statistically significant difference between them. We believe that new studies will be necessary for better understanding of these differences.OBJETIVO: Comparar prospectivamente as fixações transversas (Cross-PinTM) com as extracorticais (EZLocTM) no fêmur nas reconstruções cirúrgicas do ligamento cruzado anterior sob o ponto de vista clínico, biomecânico e funcional. MÉTODOS: Entre abril de 2007 e novembro de 2009, 50 pacientes com lesões do ligamento cruzado anterior, agudas e crônicas, foram submetidos à reconstrução por abordagem artroscópica utilizando os tendões flexores homólogos (grácil e semitendíneo). A randomização do método de fixação femoral ocorreu por meio de sorteio no momento da cirurgia. Excluímos os pacientes portadores de lesões ligamentares múltiplas, fraturas, cirurgias prévias, doenças autoimunes e comprometimento do membro contralateral. Foram utilizadas as escalas de Lysholm, o questionário qualidade de vida SF-36 e o artrômetro KT-1000TM. RESULTADOS: Após 18,1 meses, em média, não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os grupos quanto utilizadas as escalas de Lysholm e as medidas do KT-1000TM. Quanto aos resultados do SF-36, observamos diferença significante com superioridade da fixação transversa considerando a dor e a vitalidade. CONCLUSÃO: As duas técnicas mostraram ser eficientes na fixação transfemoral com tendões flexores, porém quase sem nenhuma diferença estatística significante. Entendemos que novos estudos serão necessários para melhor entendimento dessas diferenças.Hospital IFORUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento de Ortopedia e Traumatologia Grupo do JoelhoFaculdade de Medicina do ABC Grupo de Traumatologia EsportivaUNIFESP, Depto. de Ortopedia e Traumatologia Grupo do JoelhoSciEL

Evaluation of Microbial Biomass in Agroforestry Systems Using Forage Cactus and \u3ci\u3eLeucaena leucocephala\u3c/i\u3e and \u3ci\u3eGliricidia sepium\u3c/i\u3e

Vegetation type can affect soil microbiology in agroforestry systems. Plants release different organic exudates in the rhizosphere, affecting microbial growth. This study evaluated the effect of forage cactus intercropped with different tree legumes on soil microbial biomass. The research was performed in a tropical semiarid Regosol at Caruaru Experimental Station, Agronomic Institute of Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil. Treatments included: i) Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud and forage cactus IPA-Sertânia (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck); and ii) Leucaena leucocephala [Lam.] de Wit.) and forage cactus IPA-Sertânia. Treatments were allocated in a randomized complete block design in a split-split-plot scheme, with four replications. Main plots consisted of agroforestry system, split-plot was the distance from tree rows, and split-split-plot soil depths. Organic fertilization with cattle manure was applied aiming a rate of 200 kg N ha-1. Tree legumes were planted in double rows spaced 9 x 1 x 0.5 m and cactus planted between double rows spaced by 1 x 0.25 m. Plot size measured 960 m2. Soil collection occurred in the rainy period (April 2019). Samples were collected at depths of 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm at 0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 m away from legume rows. Response variables included soil basal respiration (SBR), microbial biomass C (C-mic), and metabolic quotient (qCO2). Data were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS. Means were compared by Tukey test at 5% significance. No significant difference was observed for SBR, MBC, and qCO2, with average values of 9.36, 202.98, and 0.05, and standard error 1.16, 10.90 and 0.01, respectively, in the different distances away from tree legumes. Introduction of arboreal legumes did not cause changes in microbial biomass. Microbial activity was similar in soils under forage cactus intercropped with Leucaena or Gliricidia

Animal production in tropical pastures of Latin America

Animal production in Latin America based on tropical pastures contributes significantly to the Agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Edapho-climatic conditions and the land tenure system are among the determining factors of different types of animal production in various countries. Based on climatic characteristics, it is possible to divide Latin American tropical livestock production systems into those of dry areas, savannahs and humid areas. Dual-purpose animals account for the bulk of total livestock in tropical Latin America, with management in native pastures predominating. Measures to increase animal production in the region should include the use of more productive forage varieties adapted to different areas, appropriate pasture and herd management procedures and animal and plant genetic improvement, among others. Two of the main obstacles to greater livestock production are the degraded state of many pastures and the need to control the emission of greenhouse gases. In order to meet the increased demand for food, especially those of animal origin, efforts to increase production should prioritize the recovery of degraded pastures, greater use of integrated systems incorporating legumes and proper management practices, aimed at reducing the emission of greenhouse gase

CONSIDERAÇÕES SOBRE A PRODUÇÃO LEITEIRA NO SEMI-ÁRIDO PERNAMBUCANO

A comparison of milk production cost for different production systems indicate that Brazilpresents one of the lower costs, compared with the main milk producing regions of the world,mostly due to being pasture-based. Pernambuco state main milk producing area is Agreste,with yields similar to those of the most productive regions of Brazil. The production systemsof this region are based on native and cultivated pastures and forage cactus. Cultivated pastures in the area are mostly on various stages of degradation, and research has indicated their closurefor the rain season, and phosphorus and nitrogen fertilization. Forage cactus use allows reductionin concentrated feed use, allowing yields of up to 12 kg milk by cow by day, when cows are fedforage cactus, urea and a fiber source. This paper proposes a milk exploration system based onforage cactus and pastures for Pernambuco state ‘Agreste’ and ‘Sertão’ region.A comparação dos sistemas de produção de leite de vaca nas principais regiões produtorasmundiais indica que o Brasil apresenta um dos menores custos, principalmente por ser baseadoem pastagens. A principal região produtora de leite em Pernambuco é o Agreste, comprodutividade similar a dos estados mais produtivos do Brasil. Os sistemas de produção destazona fitogeográfica têm nas pastagens nativas e cultivadas e na palma forrageira as principaisfontes de alimentação. A maioria das pastagens cultivadas apresenta variados estádios dedegradação, sendo indicado pela experimentação vedá-las durante a estação chuvosa e adubarcom fósforo e nitrogênio. A utilização da palma forrageira permite a diminuição do uso deconcentrados, permitindo produtividades de até 12 kg de leite por vaca por dia quandoalimentadas com palma, uréia e uma fonte de fibra. Neste trabalho é proposto um sistema deexploração de leite calcado na utilização da palma e das pastagens para as regiões Agreste eSertão de Pernambucano

\u3cem\u3eIn Situ\u3c/em\u3e Digestibility of \u3cem\u3eGliricidia sepium\u3c/em\u3e Combined with \u3cem\u3eBrachiaria decumbens\u3c/em\u3e in a Silvopastoral System

Silvopastoral system (SPS) are characterized by a combination of trees, pasture and herbivores animals, in the same physical area, in order to obtain diversified products. A promising legume tree that has been studied and used in SPS in tropical areas is gliricidia [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud]. Advantages of gliricidia use in SPS include N inputs via biological fixation, improvement of soil properties, nutrient cycling and also a source of feed to grazing animals (Cubillos-Hinojosa et al., 2011). Gliricidia has high crude protein concentration in its leaves, which complements the usual N-poor diet of ruminants grazing warm-season grasses. The introduction of gliricidia in SPS faces a problem due to the low initial acceptability by cattle, being necessary an adaptation period in order to cattle reach satisfactory intake levels (Carvalho Filho et al., 1997). In general, the quality of the forages can be predicted by accessing their nutritive value, represented by the chemical composition and digestibility of the forage constituents (Van Soest, 1994). The digestibility of dry matter in forages consumed in a SPS can be influenced by the forage species used, by grass/legume combinations, and by the proportion that each forage species takes in the diet of the ruminants. This study evaluated in situ digestibility of gliricidia in increasing levels of inclusion in the diet composed by sabi grass (Brachiaria decumbens, Stapf) in a silvopastoral system

Relationship between Field Measurements in Three \u3cem\u3eBrachiaria\u3c/em\u3e Species with Leaf Area Index and Light Interception by Indirect Methods

Brachiaria species play a strategic role in ruminant production systems in Brazil, covering an estimated pasture area of approximately 90 million hectares (Karia et al., 2006), however, these pastures are subject to different degrees of degradation due to inadequate management. In pasture management, field measurements such as canopy height, for example, are used by managers as a tool to establish parameters for the optimal point to cut the forage and for the post-grazing residue, in order to maximize production by harvesting at maximum of herbage mass accumulation, and to avoid problems associated to overgrazing, by setting ideal post-grazing height for forage regrowth. The use of the variables light interception (LI) and leaf area index (LAI) has been recommended as a tool for pasture management, based on the theory that, when the canopy reaches a light interception of 95%, the forage is near its maximum growth rate, which is called critical LAI (Brougham, 1956). The residual LAI refers to the leaf area of the post-grazed stubble. Residual LAI is used to establish the minimum leaf area necessary to ensure an efficient pasture regrowth (Lemos et al., 2014). Light interception and the LAI are difficult to measure at the farm level, due to the high cost of the equipment and technical feasibility of the process. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between LI and LAI measured by two different equipment, with canopy height and soil cover in three species of Brachiaria