Conforto ambiental de bezerros bubalinos (Bubalus bubalis Linnaeus, 1758) em sistemas silvipastoris na Amazônia Oriental

Foi analisado o efeito de dois sistemas silvipastoris nos índices de conforto ambiental e alterações nos parâmetros fisiológicos de bezerros bubalinos criados na Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, Belém-PA (clima Afi), no Período 1 (abril a setembro/2007) e Período 2 (outubro/2007 a março/2008). Foram inseridos onze bezerros no Sistema Silvipastoril 1 (SSP1), que apresentava sombreamento útil nas pastagens de 18 a 21%, e oito no Sistema Silvipastoril 2 (SSP2), sem sombreamento, com lago para banho. Foram mensuradas as variáveis fisiológicas: temperatura retal (TR), frequência respiratória (FR), temperatura da pele (TP), e calculados o Índice de Temperatura e Umidade (ITU) e Índice de Conforto de Benezra (ICB), nos dois períodos experimentais, comparados pelo Teste Tukey (P < 0,05). O ITU apresentou diferença estatística entre horários (P < 0,05) e período do ano (P < 0,05), e oscilou de 73,5 ± 1,3 até 82,2 ± 0,8. A TR apresentou diferença estatística entre horários e períodos do ano (P < 0,05), com amplitude de 38,3 ± 0,26 a 39,3 ± 0,38 °C. A FR apresentou diferença significativa entre horários (P < 0,05), com amplitude de 32,2 ± 9,2 a 56,5 ± 19,0 mov min-1, consideradas acima dos níveis normais, enquanto a TP foi diferente estatisticamente entre períodos e horários (P < 0,05) e variou de 23,6 ± 8,3 a 31,7 ± 5,4 °C. Nos Períodos 1 e 2 e nos dois SSP's, os ICBs estiveram acima do valor ideal, variando de 2,46 ± 0,33 a 3,31 ± 0,62 (SSP1) e 2,42 ± 0,30 a 3,45 ± 0,66 (SSP2).

Risk factors, biochemical markers, and genetic polymorphisms in early coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk factors, lipid and apolipoprotein profile, hemostasis variables, and polymorphisms of the apolipoprotein AI-CIII gene in early coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Case-control study with 112 patients in each group controlled by sex and age. After clinical evaluation and nutritional instruction, blood samples were collected for biochemical assays and genetic study. RESULTS: Familial history of early CAD (64 vs 39%), arterial hypertension (69 vs 36%), diabetes mellitus (25 vs 3%), and previous smoking (71 vs 46%) were more prevalent in the case group (p<0.001). Hypertension and diabetes were independent risk factors. Early CAD was characterized by higher serum levels of total cholesterol (235 ± 6 vs 209 ± 4 mg/dL), of LDL-c (154 ± 5 vs 135 ± 4 mg/dL), triglycerides (205 ± 12 vs 143 ± 9 mg/dL), and apolipoprotein B (129 ± 3 vs 105 ± 3 mg/dL), and lower serum levels of HDL-c (40 ± 1 vs 46 ± 1 mg/dL) and apolipoprotein AI (134 ± 2 vs 146 ± 2mg/dL) [p<0.01], in addition to an elevation in fibrinogen and D-dimer (p<0.02). The simultaneous presence of the rare alleles of the APO AI-CIII genes in early CAD are associated with hypertriglyceridemia (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Of the classical risk factors, hypertension and diabetes mellitus were independently associated with early CAD. In addition to an unfavorable lipid profile, an increase in the thrombotic risk was identified in this population. An additive effect of the APO AI-CIII genes was observed in triglyceride levels.

Cellular cholesterol efflux mediated by HDL isolated from subjects with low HDL levels and coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify whether HDL particles isolated from patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and low HDL-C had diminished ability to promote cholesterol efflux from cultured cells compared with HDL isolated from subjects without CAD and with normal HDL-C. METHODS: Smooth muscle cells isolated from human aortas cultured and radiolabeled with ³H-cholesterol were loaded with cholesterol and incubated with increasing concentrations of HDL isolated from 13 CAD patients with low HDL-C (CAD group) or from 5 controls without CAD (C group). Efflux of cellular cholesterol was measured by cellular depletion of radiolabeled cholesterol and by the appearance of ³H-cholesterol into experimental medium expressed as a percentage of total labeled cholesterol. RESULTS: Cholesterol efflux increased with the amount of HDL present in the medium, and no difference was found between groups at various HDL protein concentrations: efflux was 28 ± 6.3% (C) and 25.5 ± 8.9% (CAD) with 25 mg/mL; 34 ± 4.3% (C) and 31.9 ± 6.6% (CD) with 50 mg/mL and 39.5 ± 3.5% (C) and 37.1 ± 4.4% (CAD) with 100 mg/mL, HDL. CONCLUSION: Because the HDL fraction of CAD patients with low HDL-C have normal ability to extract cholesterol from cells of the vessel wall, it is suggested that low HDL-C atherogenicity should be ascribed to diminished concentrations of HDL particles rather than to the qualitative properties of the HDL fraction.

Resultado clínico e econômico de um programa de reabilitação cardiopulmonar e metabólica

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o resultado clínico e econômico de um Programa de Reabilitação Cardiopulmonar e Metabólica (PRCM) criado por um plano de saúde. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi constituída por 96 clientes, divididos em dois grupos de 48 indivíduos (grupo tratamento - GT, indivíduos que participavam do programa de RCPM; e grupo controle - GC, indivíduos que não participavam do programa), de ambos os sexos, idade entre 54 e 79 anos. O tempo de treinamento do GT foi de 22 (±3) meses. Para avaliação do resultado clínico antes e após a PRCM, foram determinadas as tolerâncias ao esforço físico, perfil lipoprotéico plasmático (CT, LDL-C, HDL-C, CT/HDL-C e triglicérides); pressão arterial sistêmica (PAS) de repouso e composição corporal (índice de massa corporal - IMC e relação cintura/quadril - RC/Q). RESULTADOS: O GT apresentou, respectivamente na avaliação pré e pós-PRCM: CT (mg/dl) 242,5 (±48,32) e 189,47(±39,83); LDL-C (mg/dl) 162(±37,72) e 116,3(±33,28); HDL-C (mg/dl) 46,5(±8,59) e 57,8(±10,36); Tg (mg/dl) 165,15(±90,24) e 113,29(±54,92); CT/HDL-C 5,42 (±1,10) e 3,35 (±0,81); VO2 pico (ml/kg/min) 26,92±7 e 32,64±5,92; IMC 29,35 (±3,93) e 28,12 (±3,55) para mulheres e 29,17 (±5,14) e 27,88 (±4,83) para homens; RC/Q 0,93(±0,05) e 0,94(±0,04) para mulheres e 0,93(±0,07) e 0,92(±0,06) para homens; PAS (mmHg) 151(±13,89) e 132(±9,56); PAD (mmHg) 83(±8,07) e 77(±5,92); despesas mensais GC (R$) 8.840,05 (±5.656,58) e 8.978,32 (±5.500,78); despesas mensais GT (R$) 2.016,98 (±2.861,69) e 1.470,73 (±1.333,25). CONCLUSÃO: No grupo submetido ao programa de PRCM foram observadas modificações clínicas favoráveis em relação a perfil lipoprotéico plasmático, PAS e tolerância ao esforço físico, sem relação com modificação de medicamentos.

Síndrome metabólica em ambulatório cardiológico

FUNDAMENTO: No Brasil, a prevalência de síndrome metabólica (SM) é pouco conhecida em várias regiões. OBJETIVO: Analisar a prevalência da SM, seus componentes e a concordância entre dois critérios diagnósticos numa população com idade > 13 anos. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, realizado de junho a outubro de 2007, em 719 pacientes, em ambulatórios cardiológicos de São Luís, MA. Mediu-se a pressão arterial (PA), peso, altura, circunferência abdominal e perfil lipídico. Avaliaram-se os fatores de risco para a SM segundo o critério da International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Razões de prevalência e intervalos de confiança de 95% foram estimados pela regressão de Poisson. RESULTADOS: A prevalência da SM foi maior em ambos os sexos pelo conceito da IDF (62,3% em homens e 64,6% em mulheres), em relação ao do National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Prevention (NCEP ATPIII) (48,9% em homens e 59% em mulheres). Os componentes da SM mais prevalentes foram: hipertensão arterial sistêmica HAS (87,2% e 86%); hipertrigliceridemia (84,4% e 82,5%); circunferência abdominal alterada (77,8% e 100%); HDL-c baixo (58,1% e 49,9%); e glicemia alterada (59,9% e 51,9%), pelos conceitos NCEP ATPIII e IDF, respectivamente. Após análise ajustada, idade > 60 anos e índice de massa corporal (IMC) > 30 foram associados a um maior risco de SM (p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência da SM foi bem maior que a população geral; a (HAS) foi o componente mais prevalente. Houve boa concordância entre os dois critérios, sendo ótima no sexo feminino e regular no masculino.

Sex-Specific Equations to Estimate Maximum Oxygen Uptake in Cycle Ergometry

AbstractBackground:Aerobic fitness, assessed by measuring VO2max in maximum cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) or by estimating VO2max through the use of equations in exercise testing, is a predictor of mortality. However, the error resulting from this estimate in a given individual can be high, affecting clinical decisions.Objective:To determine the error of estimate of VO2max in cycle ergometry in a population attending clinical exercise testing laboratories, and to propose sex-specific equations to minimize that error.Methods:This study assessed 1715 adults (18 to 91 years, 68% men) undertaking maximum CPX in a lower limbs cycle ergometer (LLCE) with ramp protocol. The percentage error (E%) between measured VO2max and that estimated from the modified ACSM equation (Lang et al. MSSE, 1992) was calculated. Then, estimation equations were developed: 1) for all the population tested (C-GENERAL); and 2) separately by sex (C-MEN and C-WOMEN).Results:Measured VO2max was higher in men than in WOMEN: -29.4 ± 10.5 and 24.2 ± 9.2 mL.(kg.min)-1 (p < 0.01). The equations for estimating VO2max [in mL.(kg.min)-1] were: C-GENERAL = [final workload (W)/body weight (kg)] x 10.483 + 7; C-MEN = [final workload (W)/body weight (kg)] x 10.791 + 7; and C-WOMEN = [final workload (W)/body weight (kg)] x 9.820 + 7. The E% for MEN was: -3.4 ± 13.4% (modified ACSM); 1.2 ± 13.2% (C-GENERAL); and -0.9 ± 13.4% (C-MEN) (p < 0.01). For WOMEN: -14.7 ± 17.4% (modified ACSM); -6.3 ± 16.5% (C-GENERAL); and -1.7 ± 16.2% (C-WOMEN) (p < 0.01).Conclusion:The error of estimate of VO2max by use of sex-specific equations was reduced, but not eliminated, in exercise tests on LLCE.

A determinação dos números de indivíduos mínimos necessários na experimentação genética

The main object of the present paper consists in giving formulas and methods which enable us to determine the minimum number of repetitions or of individuals necessary to garantee some extent the success of an experiment. The theoretical basis of all processes consists essentially in the following. Knowing the frequency of the desired p and of the non desired ovents q we may calculate the frequency of all possi- ble combinations, to be expected in n repetitions, by expanding the binomium (p-+q)n. Determining which of these combinations we want to avoid we calculate their total frequency, selecting the value of the exponent n of the binomium in such a way that this total frequency is equal or smaller than the accepted limit of precision n/pª{ 1/n1 (q/p)n + 1/(n-1)| (q/p)n-1 + 1/ 2!(n-2)| (q/p)n-2 + 1/3(n-3) (q/p)n-3... < Plim - -(1b) There does not exist an absolute limit of precision since its value depends not only upon psychological factors in our judgement, but is at the same sime a function of the number of repetitions For this reasen y have proposed (1,56) two relative values, one equal to 1-5n as the lowest value of probability and the other equal to 1-10n as the highest value of improbability, leaving between them what may be called the "region of doubt However these formulas cannot be applied in our case since this number n is just the unknown quantity. Thus we have to use, instead of the more exact values of these two formulas, the conventional limits of P.lim equal to 0,05 (Precision 5%), equal to 0,01 (Precision 1%, and to 0,001 (Precision P, 1%). The binominal formula as explained above (cf. formula 1, pg. 85), however is of rather limited applicability owing to the excessive calculus necessary, and we have thus to procure approximations as substitutes. We may use, without loss of precision, the following approximations: a) The normal or Gaussean distribution when the expected frequency p has any value between 0,1 and 0,9, and when n is at least superior to ten. b) The Poisson distribution when the expected frequecy p is smaller than 0,1. Tables V to VII show for some special cases that these approximations are very satisfactory. The praticai solution of the following problems, stated in the introduction can now be given: A) What is the minimum number of repititions necessary in order to avoid that any one of a treatments, varieties etc. may be accidentally always the best, on the best and second best, or the first, second, and third best or finally one of the n beat treatments, varieties etc. Using the first term of the binomium, we have the following equation for n: n = log Riim / log (m:) = log Riim / log.m - log a --------------(5) B) What is the minimun number of individuals necessary in 01der that a ceratin type, expected with the frequency p, may appaer at least in one, two, three or a=m+1 individuals. 1) For p between 0,1 and 0,9 and using the Gaussean approximation we have: on - ó. p (1-p) n - a -1.m b= δ. 1-p /p e c = m/p } -------------------(7) n = b + b² + 4 c/ 2 n´ = 1/p n cor = n + n' ---------- (8) We have to use the correction n' when p has a value between 0,25 and 0,75. The greek letters delta represents in the present esse the unilateral limits of the Gaussean distribution for the three conventional limits of precision : 1,64; 2,33; and 3,09 respectively. h we are only interested in having at least one individual, and m becomes equal to zero, the formula reduces to : c= m/p o para a = 1 a = { b + b²}² = b² = δ2 1- p /p }-----------------(9) n = 1/p n (cor) = n + n´ 2) If p is smaller than 0,1 we may use table 1 in order to find the mean m of a Poisson distribution and determine. n = m: p C) Which is the minimun number of individuals necessary for distinguishing two frequencies p1 and p2? 1) When pl and p2 are values between 0,1 and 0,9 we have: n = { δ p1 ( 1-pi) + p2) / p2 (1 - p2) n= 1/p1-p2 }------------ (13) n (cor) We have again to use the unilateral limits of the Gaussean distribution. The correction n' should be used if at least one of the valors pl or p2 has a value between 0,25 and 0,75. A more complicated formula may be used in cases where whe want to increase the precision : n (p1 - p2) δ { p1 (1- p2 ) / n= m δ = δ p1 ( 1 - p1) + p2 ( 1 - p2) c= m / p1 - p2 n = { b2 + 4 4 c }2 }--------- (14) n = 1/ p1 - p2 2) When both pl and p2 are smaller than 0,1 we determine the quocient (pl-r-p2) and procure the corresponding number m2 of a Poisson distribution in table 2. The value n is found by the equation : n = mg /p2 ------------- (15) D) What is the minimun number necessary for distinguishing three or more frequencies, p2 p1 p3. If the frequecies pl p2 p3 are values between 0,1 e 0,9 we have to solve the individual equations and sue the higest value of n thus determined : n 1.2 = {δ p1 (1 - p1) / p1 - p2 }² = Fiim n 1.2 = { δ p1 ( 1 - p1) + p1 ( 1 - p1) }² } -- (16) Delta represents now the bilateral limits of the : Gaussean distrioution : 1,96-2,58-3,29. 2) No table was prepared for the relatively rare cases of a comparison of threes or more frequencies below 0,1 and in such cases extremely high numbers would be required. E) A process is given which serves to solve two problemr of informatory nature : a) if a special type appears in n individuals with a frequency p(obs), what may be the corresponding ideal value of p(esp), or; b) if we study samples of n in diviuals and expect a certain type with a frequency p(esp) what may be the extreme limits of p(obs) in individual farmlies ? I.) If we are dealing with values between 0,1 and 0,9 we may use table 3. To solve the first question we select the respective horizontal line for p(obs) and determine which column corresponds to our value of n and find the respective value of p(esp) by interpolating between columns. In order to solve the second problem we start with the respective column for p(esp) and find the horizontal line for the given value of n either diretly or by approximation and by interpolation. 2) For frequencies smaller than 0,1 we have to use table 4 and transform the fractions p(esp) and p(obs) in numbers of Poisson series by multiplication with n. Tn order to solve the first broblem, we verify in which line the lower Poisson limit is equal to m(obs) and transform the corresponding value of m into frequecy p(esp) by dividing through n. The observed frequency may thus be a chance deviate of any value between 0,0... and the values given by dividing the value of m in the table by n. In the second case we transform first the expectation p(esp) into a value of m and procure in the horizontal line, corresponding to m(esp) the extreme values om m which than must be transformed, by dividing through n into values of p(obs). F) Partial and progressive tests may be recomended in all cases where there is lack of material or where the loss of time is less importent than the cost of large scale experiments since in many cases the minimun number necessary to garantee the results within the limits of precision is rather large. One should not forget that the minimun number really represents at the same time a maximun number, necessary only if one takes into consideration essentially the disfavorable variations, but smaller numbers may frequently already satisfactory results. For instance, by definition, we know that a frequecy of p means that we expect one individual in every total o(f1-p). If there were no chance variations, this number (1- p) will be suficient. and if there were favorable variations a smaller number still may yield one individual of the desired type. r.nus trusting to luck, one may start the experiment with numbers, smaller than the minimun calculated according to the formulas given above, and increase the total untill the desired result is obtained and this may well b ebefore the "minimum number" is reached. Some concrete examples of this partial or progressive procedure are given from our genetical experiments with maize.

Atividades de transaminase glutamico-oxaloacético e transcarbamilase de ornitina em folhas de feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) afetadas pela deficiência de potássio

Folhas de feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) normais e deficientes em potássio dos cultivares Rosinha Precoce e Goiano Precoce foram analisadas para determinação das atividades de transaminase glutâmico-oxaloacético (E.C. 2.6.1.1) e transcarbamilase de ornitina (E.C. 2.1.3.3). Em plantas deficientes em potássio houve aumento na atividade das duas enximas estudadas e nos dois cultivares. Esses resultados explicariam o acúmulo de citrulina e arginina em plantas deficientes em potássio devido a maior atividade da transcarbamilase de ornitina, que possivelmente seria um mecanismo de reduzir a toxidez por amônia.

Life history, biomass and production of Coronatella rectangula (Branchiopoda, Anomopoda, Chydoridae) from Minas Gerais

Species of Chydoridae provide the main diversity of the Cladocera. These organisms have been the subject of many studies; some dealing with their role in energy flow in aquatic ecosystems, since they inhabit the littoral region of water bodies which undergo the first impacts from anthropic activities. The aim of this study is to increase knowledge about the life cycle of Coronatella rectangula (Sars, 1861), a species found in several water bodies in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The life cycle was determined by the culture of parthenogenetic females under controlled conditions in the laboratory. Experimental cultures were maintained in growth chambers at a constant temperature of 23.6(±0.5)ºC, through a 12 h light/12 h dark photoperiod. The organisms were fed on a suspension of Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (Chlorophyceae) (10(5) cells.mL-1), and 0.02 mL of a mixed suspension of yeast and fish ration added per organism in equal proportions (1:1). Fifty parthenogenetic females with eggs were isolated and maintained until they produced neonates. Thirty of these neonates that had less than 24 hours were put in polypropylene bottles of 50 mL and kept in a germination chamber. These organisms were observed daily to obtain the parameters of the life cycle. Biomass and secondary production were also calculated. The embryonic development time of the specimens of C. rectangula was 1.68(±0.13) days and the time to reach primipara, was 2.48(±0.45) days. The mean fecundity of C. rectangula was two eggs/female/brood and the total number of eggs produced by the female during its life cycle was 27.8 eggs. During the whole life cycle, specimens of C. rectangula had a maximum of 14 seedlings, with two instars in the juvenile stage. Total biomass for C. rectangula was 36.66 µgDW.m-3(9.83 for the juvenile stage and 26.82 µgDW.m-3 for adults), and secondary production was 12.10 µgDW.m-3.day-1(8.34 µgDW.m-3.day-1 for egg production and 3.76 µgDW.m-3.day-1 for the juvenile stage).

La queratotaxia cercariana en la diferenciacion de sexos de schistosoma mansoni

El número de papilas argirófilas superficiales y su modelo de disposición en el tegumento de las cercarias (quetotaxia) de Schistosoma mansoni nos permitió diferenciar los sexos a nivel del mencionado estadío larvario, mediante los siguientes critérios: - Mayor homogeneidad en las cercarias machos, en cuanto al número total de papilas ventrales y dorsales a nivel de cuerpo y cola cercarianos (C.V. = 4,1%), que en las cercarias hembras (C. V. = 18,3%) (P < 0,001). - Presencia en el 80% de las cercarias machos de cuatro papilas en los cuadrantes "C" ó "D" )inferior-izquierdo e inferior-derecho, respectivamente) ventrales, mientras que dicho caracter sólo está presente en el 40% de las cercarias hembras (P < 0,001). - Diferencia estadísticamente significativa (P < 0,001) entre el número total promedio de papilas corporales centrales de las cercarias hembras (X = 11,9 ± 0,2) y el de las cercarias machos (X = 11,1 ± 0,3). - Diferencia estadísticamente significativa (P < 0,05) para la mayor distancia promedio entre las papilas AIL y AIIL, de cada cercaria, en relación con el sexo (femenino = 25,5 µm ± 0,33; masculino = 27,3 µm ± 0,26).

The Polytene Chromosomes of Cnesia dissimilis (Edwards) and Three Species of Gigantodax Enderlein (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Lanin National Park (Argentina)

Cytological studies were made on larvae of Gigantodax marginalis, G. chilensis, G. fulvescens and Cnesia dissimilis from four creeks in Lanin National Park, Neuquen province, Argentina. Chromosome maps and idiograms of these species are presented. The following inversions were observed: G. marginalis: IL-1 (X-linked inversion), IL-2 (Y-linked inversion), IIS-1.2, IIL-1, IIIL-4,5; G. chilensis: IL-4 (X-linked inversion), IIS-1.2, IIIL-4,5; G. fulvescens:IL-1 (X-linked inversion), IL-3 (Y-linked inversion), IIS-1.2, IIL-1, IIIL-4,5; C. dissimilis: IL-1, IL-5, IIIL-1. Karyological information was used to construct a cladogram and Cnesia sp. Was found to show close resemblance to the three Gigantodax spp.

Biological effects of extracts obtained from Stryphnodendron adstringens on Herpetomonas samuelpessoai

We report the effect of Stryphnodendron adstringens on the trypanosomatid Herpetomonas samuelpessoai. The parasites were grown at 28ºC in a chemically defined medium containing crude extract and fractions at concentrations from 100 to 5000 µg/ml obtained from S. adstringens. Concentrations of 500, 1000, 2500, and 5000 µg/ml both crude extract and semi-purified fraction progressively inhibited the protozoans' growth. At a concentration of 100 µg/ml, crude extract or a semi-purified (F3) fraction did not affect the growth of the protozoans. The F3-9 - F3-12 sub-fractions, at a concentration of 1000 µg/ml, also showed increased inhibitory activity on H. samuelpessoai. The IC50 of the crude extract and the F3 fraction were 538 and 634 µg/ml, respectively. Ultrastructural and enzymatic alterations in the trypanosomatids were also evaluated. H. samuelpessoai cultivated in the presence of IC50 crude extract showed considerable ultrastructural alterations, such as marked mitochondrial swelling with a large number of cristae and evident Golgi complex vesiculation, as observed by transmission electron microscopy. Cells exposed to 538 µg/ml of crude extract at 28ºC for 72 h, showed decreased activity of the enzyme succinate cytochrome c reductase, a typical mitochondrion marker, as compared to untreated cells

Serial QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube assay and tuberculin skin test to diagnose latent tuberculosis in household Mexican contacts: conversion and reversion rates and associated factors using conventional and borderline zone definitions

A cohort of 123 adult contacts was followed for 18‐24 months (86 completed the follow-up) to compare conversion and reversion rates based on two serial measures of QuantiFERON (QFT) and tuberculin skin test (TST) (PPD from TUBERSOL, Aventis Pasteur, Canada) for diagnosing latent tuberculosis (TB) in household contacts of TB patients using conventional (C) and borderline zone (BZ) definitions. Questionnaires were used to obtain information regarding TB exposure, TB risk factors and socio-demographic data. QFT (IU/mL) conversion was defined as <0.35 to ≥0.35 (C) or <0.35 to >0.70 (BZ) and reversion was defined as ≥0.35 to <0.35 (C) or ≥0.35 to <0.20 (BZ); TST (mm) conversion was defined as <5 to ≥5 (C) or <5 to >10 (BZ) and reversion was defined as ≥5 to <5 (C). The QFT conversion and reversion rates were 10.5% and 7% with C and 8.1% and 4.7% with the BZ definitions, respectively. The TST rates were higher compared with QFT, especially with the C definitions (conversion 23.3%, reversion 9.3%). The QFT conversion and reversion rates were higher for TST ≥5; for TST, both rates were lower for QFT <0.35. No risk factors were associated with the probability of converting or reverting. The inconsistency and apparent randomness of serial testing is confusing and adds to the limitations of these tests and definitions to follow-up close TB contacts.

Fecundidade e longevidade de Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877 (Hemiptera, Aphididae) em diferentes temperaturas e cultivares comerciais de crisântemo (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev)

Fecundity and longevity of Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877 (Hemiptera, Aphididae) at different temperatures and commercial chrysanthemum cultivars (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev). The aphid A. gossypii is one of the main pests in a number of crops both under field and protected conditions. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the fecundity and longevity of A. gossypii under different temperatures and commercial chrysanthemum cultivars (Yellow Snowdon, White Reagan and Dark Splendid Reagan) with different trichomes densities (11.3; 16.6 and 21.6 trichome/mm² of the leaf, respectively) The trials were carried out in climatic chambers, at four temperatures (15, 20, 25 and 30 ±1 °C), 70 ± 10% RH and photophase 10h. The reproductive period significantly decreased with increase of temperature in the three cultivars. In Yellow Snowdon cultivar average duration of the reproductive period was 14.3 days at 25 °C. The maximum fecundity was obtained at the temperature of 25 ºC with 3,1; 2,8 and 3,6 nymphs/female/day in the Yellow Snowdon, White Reagan and Dark S. Reagan cultivars, respectively. The total fecundity was reduced by extreme temperatures (15 and 30 °C), and was obtained at 25 °C with 35,9 nymphs/female. Females maintained in Yellow Snowdon cultivar significantly showed superiority (30,7 nymphs/female) in total fecundity in relation to White Reagan (22,1 nymphs/female) and Dark S. Reagan (22,9 nymphs/female). The Yellow Snowdon cultivar (with a lower trichome density) had a significant influence in daily and total capacity of nymphs production, showing a higher fecundity of A. gossypii females. The aphid's longevity was affected by cultivars and temperature, and this longevity decreased whit increase of temperature. The results showed that there was an interaction between the temperature and host plant on reproductive parameters of A. gossypii.

Aplicação de calcário com diferentes graus de reatividade: alterações químicas no solo cultivado com milho

Com a correção da acidez, nutrientes importantes para o cultivo do milho tornam-se mais disponíveis à planta, promovendo o aumento de produtividade. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar as alterações químicas ocorrentes em dois solos e na produção de matéria seca de milho pela aplicação de corretivos com diferentes graus de reatividade. Foi realizado um primeiro experimento em casa de vegetação, aplicando-se doses de três calcários comerciais, sendo um com reatividade média, denominado A (RE = 85,7 %; PRNT = 88,3 %), outro com reatividade baixa denominado B (RE = 83,7 %; PRNT = 76,2 %), e outro, denominado C (RE = 99,1 %; PRNT = 105,3 %) altamente reativo, em quatro cultivos sucessivos de milho. Os solos utilizados foram Neossolo Quartzarênico e Latossolo Vermelho. Os tratamentos foram dispostos inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro repetições, constando de três doses de calcário, calculadas para elevar a saturação por bases para 40, 60 e 80 %, além da testemunha. Paralelamente, um experimento de incubação foi realizado para verificar o efeito residual dos corretivos ao longo do tempo. A calagem aumentou os valores de pH, Ca2+ e Mg2+ e reduziu os teores de Al3+ trocável. O melhor crescimento do milho foi observado no Latossolo Vermelho. Neste solo, os calcários A e B foram mais eficientes na elevação do pH durante os quatro cultivos, enquanto o produto C teve menor eficiência na redução do Al3+ nos últimos ciclos, devido à sua maior reatividade. Os calcários A e C tiveram comportamentos semelhantes nos dois solos estudados. Houve queda na produção de matéria seca aérea com os cultivos sucessivos de milho. No experimento de incubação, os teores de Ca trocável foram maiores que os residuais.