Seven decades of Atlantic rainforest conversion to slash-and-burn agriculture: Effects on soil's physical properties.

Slash-and-burn agriculture is a millennia-old no-till farming technique that is still widely practiced in developing tropical countries. This practice is currently employed in Brazil by subsistence family farms, Indigenous groups, and maroons, in a primitive manner, using only cutting, fire, and fallow as soil preparation techniques for food production. In recent years, this practice has been drastically reduced. However, the fallow periods have become even shorter. Therefore, there is a need to understand how the recurrence of fire with the reduction of fallow time affects the soil. This study aims to evaluate the cumulative effects of fire recurrence in slash-and-burn agriculture for seven decades on the physical properties of the soil and the minimum fallow times for post-burn resilience. Using a chronosequence approach, different fallow periods: a) native forest (control); b) recently burned (30 days after fire); c) 2-year fallow; d) 5-year fallow; e) 7-year fallow; f) 12-year fallow were considered. In each area, six disturbed and six undisturbed samples were randomly collected at 0-5 cm and 5-10 cm depths each to estimate: soil bulk density, soil total porosity, penetration resistance, aggregate stability, mean weight diameter, and soil water retention capacity. The results show that the seven decades of slash-and-burn agriculture affected the topsoil (0-5 cm deep) more prominently. Curiously, soil bulk density and total porosity were not affected at any time between the areas. The fire increased penetration resistance immediately after burning in the 0-5 cm layer by 162.5%, showing resilience after five years of fallow. Soil aggregate stability showed a delayed effect, with a significant increase in two years after the fire by 64.2%, remaining high after 12 years of fallow, indicating the influence of other mechanisms and reactions in the soil after the fire. The mean weight diameter did not change at any time while soil water retention increased immediately after burning by 25.2% with resilience after a two-year fallow. Most physical properties were not directly affected by fire heating but by post-fire environmental conditions and the interaction of various mechanisms during the fallow period. In general, most physical parameters showed good resilience over an average of five years of fallow, with cumulative effects only for aggregate stability.

Performance of Hop Cultivars Grown with Artificial Lighting under Subtropical Conditions.

The objective of this study was to determine the duration of the main phenological stages, plant growth development, yield, and cone quality of hop cultivars grown under artificial light (17 h per day) during vegetative development (early season) in a subtropical climate region. The study was conducted in Palotina, Paraná, Brazil (24° S), during the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons. The plants were cultivated in a 5.5 m high trellis system with artificial light supplementation during vegetative development. The hop cultivars Hallertau Mittelfrüher, Mapuche, Northern Brewer, Spalter, and Yakima Gold were used in the treatments. The duration of the phenological stages, vegetative growth (plant height, fresh mass of the plants, number of lateral branches per plant), components of productive yield (number of cones per side branch, number of cones per plant, fresh mass, length, and width of the cone, production of fresh cones per plant, and yield), and chemical components of the cones (alpha- and beta-acid contents, and essential oil concentrations) were recorded. The duration of the phenological stages was visually evaluated, and plant growth was analyzed using non-linear log-logistic regression. The remaining data were subjected to analysis of variance and the means were compared using Tukey's test. The data were also subjected to multivariate analysis using the principal components test, correlation analysis, and hierarchical grouping. The cultivar Mapuche was considered an early hop in both seasons, and the cultivars Spalter and Yakima Gold were considered early cultivars in the second season. In both seasons, the productive yield components were positively correlated with the precocity of the cultivars, in which Mapuche in the 2021 season and Mapuche, Spalter, and Yakima Gold in the 2022 season had the highest mean of the number of cones per side branch and per plant, production per plant, and productivity. The cultivar Yakima Gold had a positive correlation with the chemical quality of cones, alpha and beta acid contents, and essential oil concentrations, for both seasons.

Prunus lusitanica L. Fruits as a Novel Source of Bioactive Compounds with Antioxidant Potential: Exploring the Unknown.

Prunus lusitanica L., also known as Portuguese laurel or locally known as 'azereiro', is a rare species with ornamental and ecological value. Only two studies regarding the bioactivity and chemical composition of its leaves were reported to date. Thus, the present study aims to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the phenolic profile, through HPLC-PAD-ESI-MS/MS (high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry), as well as the radical scavenging capacity, through ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl), and the reducing power (FRAP, ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays, of P. lusitanica fruits during a 4-year study. In total, 28 compounds were identified and quantified in the fruits, including 21 hydroxycinnamic acids (60.3%); 2 flavan-3-ols (27.9%), 2 anthocyanins (10.5%), 2 flavonols (1.0%), and 1 secoiridoid (0.3%). High antioxidant capacity was observed, with ABTS values ranging from 7.88 to 10.69 mmol TE (Trolox equivalents)/100 g fw (fresh weight), DPPH values from 5.18 to 8.17 mmol TE/100 g fw, and FRAP values from 8.76 to 11.76 mmol TE/100 g fw. According to these results, it can be concluded that these are rich sources of phenolic compounds with very promising antioxidant capacity and, therefore, with potential applications in the food and/or phytopharmaceutical sectors.

Valorization of Brewer's Spent Grain Using Biological Treatments and its Application in Feeds for European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax).

Brewer's spent grain (BSG) is the main brewery industry by-product, with potential applications in the feed and food industries due to its carbohydrate composition. In addition, the lignocellulosic nature of BSG makes it an adequate substrate for carbohydrases production. In this work, solid-state fermentation (SSF) of BSG was performed with Aspergillus ibericus, a non-mycotoxin producer fungus with a high capacity to hydrolyze the lignocellulosic matrix of the agro-industrial by-products. SSF was performed at different scales to produce a crude extract rich in cellulase and xylanase. The potential of the crude extract was tested in two different applications: -(1) - the enzymatic hydrolysis of the fermented BSG and (2) - as a supplement in aquafeeds. SSF of BSG increased the protein content from 25% to 29% (w/w), while the fiber content was reduced to 43%, and cellulose and hemicellulose contents were markedly reduced to around 15%. The scale-up of SSF from 10 g of dry BSG in flasks to 50 g or 400 g in tray-type bioreactors increased 55% and 25% production of cellulase and xylanase, up to 323 and 1073 U g-1 BSG, respectively. The optimum temperature and pH of maximal activities were found to be 55°C and pH 4.4 for xylanase and 50°C and pH 3.9 for cellulase, cellulase being more thermostable than xylanase when exposed at temperatures from 45°C to 60°C. A Box-Behnken factorial design was applied to optimize the hydrolysis of the fermented BSG by crude extract. The crude extract load was a significant factor in sugars release, highlighting the role of hydrolytic enzymes, while the load of fermented BSG, and addition of a commercial ß-glucosidase were responsible for the highest phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity release. The lyophilized crude extract (12,400 and 1050 U g-1 lyophilized extract of xylanase and cellulase, respectively) was also tested as an enzyme supplement in aquafeed for European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles. The dietary supplementation with the crude extract significantly improved feed and protein utilization. The processing of BSG using biological treatments, such as SSF with A. ibericus, led to the production of a nutritionally enriched BSG and a crude extract with highly efficient carbohydrases capable of hydrolyzing lignocellulosic substrates, such as BSG, and with the potential to be used as feed enzymes with remarkable results in improving feed utilization of an important aquaculture fish species.

Solid-state fermented brewer's spent grain enzymatic extract increases in vitro and in vivo feed digestibility in European seabass.

Brewer's spent grain (BSG) is the largest by-product originated from the brewery industry with a high potential for producing carbohydrases by solid-state fermentation. This work aimed to test the efficacy of a carbohydrases-rich extract produced from solid-state fermentation of BSG, to enhance the digestibility of a plant-based diet for European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). First, BSG was fermented with A. ibericus to obtain an aqueous lyophilized extract (SSF-BSG extract) and incorporated in a plant-based diet at increasing levels (0-control; 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4%). Another diet incorporating a commercial carbohydrases-complex (0.04%; Natugrain; BASF) was formulated. Then, all diets were tested in in vitro and in vivo digestibility assays. In vitro assays, simulating stomach and intestine digestion in European seabass, assessed dietary phosphorus, phytate phosphorus, carbohydrates, and protein hydrolysis, as well as interactive effects between fish enzymes and dietary SSF-BSG extract. After, an in vivo assay was carried out with European seabass juveniles fed selected diets (0-control; 0.1%, and 0.4%). In vitro digestibility assays showed that pentoses release increased 45% with 0.4% SSF-BSG extract and 25% with Natugrain supplemented diets, while amino acids release was not affected. A negative interaction between endogenous fish enzymes and SSF-BSG extract was observed in both diets. The in vivo digestibility assay corroborated in vitro data. Accordingly, the dietary supplementation with 0.4% SSF-BSG increased the digestibility of dry matter, starch, cellulose, glucans, and energy and did not affect protein digestibility. The present work showed the high potential of BSG to produce an added-value functional supplement with high carbohydrases activity and its potential contribution to the circular economy by improving the nutritional value of low-cost and sustainable ingredients that can be included in aquafeeds.

Efficiency of sanitary management of litter in Eimeria spp. control in poultry housing of Western Paraná, Brazil.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the control of coccidiosis in the litter of commercial poultry housing in the Western region of Paraná, Brazil, which adopts sanitary management to control Salmonellosis. Three litter treatments were selected, proposed by an integrating company in the region: fermentation associated with liming (FL); liming (L) and fermentation (F). Stool samples were collected from 18 poultry housing, in a completely randomized experimental design, testing different collection areas in the sheds, from the 5th day of the birds' housing, repeated weekly until the 40th day, during five successive flocks. The incidence of coccidiosis was determined by oocysts count in feces (OoPG), testing the interactions between treatment, age of birds and the number of flocks housed. Samples were selected to identify, through the Multiplex PCR, species of the genus Eimeria. circulating in the shed. The results showed that in litter where fermentation was adopted, the efficiency to control the sporulation of Eimeria spp. was significantly (p <0.05) higher than in the other treatments. The use of the Multiplex PCR technique requires improvements in the preparation of samples for the extraction of genetic material.

Systematic review of soil ecosystem services in tropical regions.

Soil ecosystem service (SES) approaches evidence the importance of soil for human well-being, contribute to improving dialogue between science and decision-making and encourage the translation of scientific results into public policies. Herein, through systematic review, we assess the state of the art of SES approaches in tropical regions. Through this review, 41 publications were identified; while most of these studies considered SES, a lack of a consistent framework to define SES was apparent. Most studies measured soil natural capital and processes, while only three studies undertook monetary valuation. Although the number of publications increased (from 1 to 41), between 2001 and 2019, the total number of publications for tropical regions is still small. Countries with the largest number of publications were Brazil (n = 8), Colombia (n = 6) and Mexico (n = 4). This observation emphasizes an important knowledge gap pertaining to SES approaches and their link to tropical regions. With global momentum behind SES approaches, there is an opportunity to integrate SES approaches into policy and practice in tropical regions. The use of SES evaluation tools in tropical regions could transform how land use decisions are informed, mitigating soil degradation and protecting the ecosystems that soil underpins.

Efficiency of sanitary management of litter in Eimeria spp. control in poultry housing of Western Paraná, Brazil / Eficiência dos manejos sanitários de cama no controle de Eimeria spp. em aviários no Oeste do Paraná, Brasil

Abstract The objective of this research was to evaluate the control of coccidiosis in the litter of commercial poultry housing in the Western region of Paraná, Brazil, which adopts sanitary management to control Salmonellosis. Three litter treatments were selected, proposed by an integrating company in the region: fermentation associated with liming (FL); liming (L) and fermentation (F). Stool samples were collected from 18 poultry housing, in a completely randomized experimental design, testing different collection areas in the sheds, from the 5th day of the birds' housing, repeated weekly until the 40th day, during five successive flocks. The incidence of coccidiosis was determined by oocysts count in feces (OoPG), testing the interactions between treatment, age of birds and the number of flocks housed. Samples were selected to identify, through the Multiplex PCR, species of the genus Eimeria. circulating in the shed. The results showed that in litter where fermentation was adopted, the efficiency to control the sporulation of Eimeria spp. was significantly (p <0.05) higher than in the other treatments. The use of the Multiplex PCR technique requires improvements in the preparation of samples for the extraction of genetic material.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência dos manejos sanitários aplicados à cama de aviários comerciais para o controle da salmonelose nas criações de frango de corte, na região Oeste do Paraná, e verificar seu efeito no controle da coccidiose. Foram selecionados três tratamentos de cama: a fermentação associada à calagem (FL); calagem (L) e fermentação (F). As amostras de fezes foram coletadas de 18 aviários, com um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, testando-se diferentes áreas de coleta. As coletas foram realizadas a partir do 5° dia do alojamento e se repetiram semanalmente até o 40° dia, durante cinco lotes sucessivos. A incidência da parasitose foi determinada pela contagem de oocistos por grama de fezes (OoPG), testando as interações entre tratamento, idade das aves e número de lotes alojados. Amostras de fezes foram selecionadas para identificar os oocistos esperulados das espécies do gênero Eimeria circulantes no galpão, por meio do Multiplex PCR. Observou-se que a fermentação foi significativamente (p<0,05) mais eficiente, comparando-se o mesmo lote ao longo de todos os observados. A utilização da técnica de PCR Multiplex, precisa ser padronizada para amostras de campo.

A lógica fantasmática do e-government e o discurso da inovação em Cabo Verde / La lógica fantasmática del e-government y el discurso de la innovación en Cabo Verde / The phantasmatic logic of e-government and the discourse of innovation in Cape Verde

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo consiste em aprofundar as reflexões sobre o e-government (e-gov) a partir de uma análise do campo discursivo da inovação no setor público em Cabo Verde, sob a ótica da Teoria do Discurso (TD) de Ernesto Laclau e Chantal Mouffe. Para tanto, por meio de estudo de caso instrumental e usando o método da retrodução proposto por Jason Glynos e David Howarth e a análise do discurso (de matriz francesa) dos sujeitos que constituíram o e-gov, buscamos desvelar a lógica fantasmática da articulação discursiva dessa prática social. Os resultados mostram, por um lado, que, embora, o e-gov seja uma entidade incompleta, vulnerável e contingente, a identidade dos agentes envolvidos em sua articulação discursiva depende de sua capacidade de reiterar os discursos de "aposta na sociedade da informação", "e-government como opção estratégica para o desenvolvimento" e "reforma do Estado e modernização administrativa" ao longo do tempo. Por outro lado, o e-gov se revelou um sistema discursivo impregnado de demandas relacionadas a um tecnicismo ocasional e à crença implícita dos agentes do setor público cabo-verdiano de que o uso das tecnologias de informação e comunicação (TIC) pelas instituições públicas gera avanços estruturadores na modernização administrativa e na transformação social.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio consiste en profundizar las reflexiones sobre el e-gobierno (e-gov) a partir de un análisis del campo discursivo de la innovación en el sector público en Cabo Verde bajo la óptica de la Teoría del Discurso de Ernesto Laclau y Chantal Mouffe. Para ello, por medio de un estudio de caso instrumental y usando el método de retroducción propuesto por Glynos y Howarth y el análisis del discurso (de matriz francesa) de los sujetos que constituyeron el e-gov, buscamos desvelar la lógica fantasmática de la articulación discursiva de esa práctica social. Los resultados muestran, por un lado, que aunque el e-gov sea una entidad incompleta, vulnerable y contingente, la identidad de los agentes involucrados en su articulación discursiva depende de su capacidad de reiterar los discursos de 'apuesta en la sociedad de la información', 'e-government como opción estratégica para el desarrollo' y 'reforma del Estado y modernización administrativa' a lo largo del tiempo. Por otro lado, el e-gov se reveló como un sistema discursivo impregnado de demandas relacionadas a un tecnicismo ocasional ya la creencia implícita de los agentes del sector público caboverdiano de que el uso de las TIC por parte de las instituciones públicas genera avances estructuradores en la modernización administrativa y en la transformación social.

Abstract This study aims to deepen the reflections on E-government (E-gov) from an analysis of the discursive field of innovation in the public sector in Cape Verde from the point of view of Laclau and Mouffe's Discourse Theory. An instrumental case study was conducted using the reproduction method proposed by Glynos and Howarth and discourse analysis (French matrix). The aim was to unveil the phantasmatic logic of the discursive articulation of this social practice of the subjects that constituted the E-gov. The results show that although E-gov is an incomplete, vulnerable, and contingent entity, the identity of the agents involved in its discursive articulation depends on its capacity to reiterate the discourses of 'the information society,' 'E-government as a strategic option for development,' and 'state reform and administrative modernization' over time. However, E-gov has revealed itself as a discursive system impregnated with demands related to an occasional technicality and to the implicit belief of agents of the Cape Verdean public sector that the use of ICT by public institutions generates structuring advances in administrative modernization and social transformation.

Anticancer and antibacterial potential of Rhus punjabensis and CuO nanoparticles.

The present study reports ecofriendly synthesis of CuO nanoparticles (NPs) using an extract of Rhus punjabensis as a reducing agent. NPs structural and composition analysis are evaluated by X-rays diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared, Energy dispersive spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, and Thermal analysis. The NPs have pure single phase monoclinic geometry with spherical structure and high stability toward heat and with average particle size of about 36.6 and 31.27 nm calculated by XRD and SEM, respectively. NPs are tested for antibacterial, protein kinase (PK) inhibition, SRB cytotoxic, and NF-κB activities. Antibacterial activity is observed against B. subtilis and E. coli. Significant PK and SRB cytotoxic activity is observed with some NF-κB inhibition. NPs IC50 values against HL-60 and PC-3 prostate cancer cells are 1.82 ± 1.22 and 19.25 ± 1.55 µg/mL. The results encourage further studies for antibacterial and anticancer drug development of NPs using animal models.

Evaluation of the autonomic nervous system by analysis of heart rate variability in the preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: Premature infants may present with damage to the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which may be related to poorer neurological development. Among the techniques used to evaluate the ANS, heart rate variability (HRV) emerged as a simple, non-invasive, and easy to apply tool. The aim of the present study was to analyze and compare HRV in preterm infants at different times of hospitalization in order to verify the possible environmental relationships or clinical evolution with HRV. METHODS: A longitudinal, prospective, and descriptive study with non-probabilistic sampling composed of 25 collections of preterm infants of HRV at two moments: moment I (within 15 days of birth) and moment II (after 45 days post-birth). The Polar V800 heart rate monitor was used with the Polar H10 cardiac transducer to collect HRV, which was collected in the supine position for 15 min. The HRV data were analyzed by the linear method in frequency domain and time domain and by the nonlinear method using Kubios HRV analysis software, version 3.0.2. RESULTS: There was an increase in HRV values at moment II, these being statistically significant in the SD1, ApEn, and SampEn. Data related to increased sympathetic nervous system activity, parasympathetic nervous system activity, and increased index complexity. CONCLUSIONS: The data demonstrate an increase in HRV values in premature infants at moment II, demonstrating a possible development in the maturation of the ANS during hospitalization. TRIAL REGISTRATION: RBR-3x7gz8 retrospectively registered.

Arginine and manganese supplementation on the immune competence of broilers immune stimulated with vaccine against Salmonella Enteritidis.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the combined effects of manganese-amino acid complex and arginine supplementation on the immune competence of broilers. On the day of hatch 640 male Cobb 500 broiler chicks assigned to two study groups (immune stimulate and non-stimulated). A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used with two manganese sources (MnSO4 or manganese-amino acid complex - MnAA) and two digestible Arg:Lys ratios (1.12 or 1.20). The treatments are: IM (80 ppm MnSO4); MnAA (40 ppm MnSO4 + 40 ppm MnAA); IM+Arg: 80 ppm MnSO4+ L-Arg (Arg:DigLys 1.20); MnAA+Arg: 40 ppm MnSO4 + 40 ppm MnAA + L-Arg (Arg:Lys 1.20). For treatments 1 and 2, the digestible Arg:Lys ratio was 1.12, considered normal for corn-soybean meal-based diets. Birds in the immune stimulated group received a dose of Salmonella Enteritidis vaccine. For growth performance and lymphoid organ development, no significant results were observed. Non-stimulated birds fed diets with Arg supplementation had higher percentage of mucosal T helper, T helper and T cytotoxic, compared to the normal Arg:Lys ratio (1.12). In the immune stimulated birds, broilers fed exclusive IM diet had a higher amount of T helper, T cytotoxic, activated T cytotoxic, and APC cells compared to broilers fed MnAA. The inorganic Mn diets, resulted in higher humoral antibody level (increased IgM levels) only when associated with supplementation of L-Arg. However, the use of an associated Mn source, could support high levels of IgM in commercial levels of Arg. No differences were observed to macrophage phagocytic activity analyses.

The prevalence of second canals in the mesiobuccal root of maxillary molars: A cone beam computed tomography study.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of MB2 canals in permanent maxillary molars utilising CBCT; in patients attending a university hospital. A total of 200 patient scans, (100 female and 100 male patients), were enrolled in the study. In total, 800 teeth were analysed, and teeth with additional canals in their MB roots (MB2) were identified. First maxillary molar teeth exhibited the highest prevalence of MB2 canals, 92% and 87%, for teeth 16 and 26, respectively. Second maxillary molar teeth showed a lower prevalence of MB2 canals, 69% and 65%, for the 17 and 27, respectively. There were no associations of significance between the prevalence of MB2 canals and patient age or gender. Root morphology and anatomy of permanent maxillary first and second molar teeth was found to be highly variable. The prevalence of additional canals in the MB roots is a frequent finding which has previously been underreported.

Hammondia sp. oocysts shed by a Brazilian fox (Lycalopex vetulus) differ from Hammondia heydorni and Hammondia triffittae.

A Brazilian fox (Lycalopex vetulus) was rescued from a highway, and 16 days after maintained in captivity, the fox shed oocysts with sizes compatible with Hammondia sp. and Neospora caninum. DNA extracted from oocysts were initially tested in two PCRs targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) of the rDNA of Hammondia heydorni and the Nc-5 gene of N. caninum. A 270-bp product was visualized in the PCR for H. heydorni. No amplification was observed for N. caninum PCR. Since ITS-1-based PCR is not sufficient to differentiate Hammondia species derived from canids, oocyst DNA was examined using multilocus sequence analysis of five genetic fragments [intron 1 of the alpha tubulin gene (intron 1), internal transcribed spaces 1 and 2 (ITS-1 and ITS-2) of the rDNA, 28S rRNA gene (D2/D3 domain), and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70)]. The Hammondia sp. oocyst from the Brazilian fox, referred here as H-FOXBR isolate, is closely related to H. heydorni and Hammondia triffittae, but differs from these parasites in three genetic markers (alpha tubulin gene, ITS-2, and 28S rRNA). As reported by other research groups, Hammondia spp. excreted by canids are genetically diverse and may encompass additional species besides H. heydorni and H. triffittae. In this study, we confirmed that H-FOXBR has significant genetic differences in comparison to H. heydorni and H. triffittae and may represent a separate species. Further studies are needed to identify the life cycle of this parasite and to characterize the parasite stages in the intermediate and definitive hosts.

Immediate Implant Placement and Provisionalization Following Tumor-Resective Surgery in the Midfacial Region: A Case Series.

Surgical and prosthodontic restoration of the midfacial region following tumor resection has always posed a considerable challenge, as this area serves crucial functional and esthetic roles. Being diagnosed and subsequently treated for facial tumors can have an immense psychosocial impact on a patient, as the resulting defects are often disfiguring, and lead to an inability to masticate, swallow, and speak clearly. Provision of an immediate facial and dental prosthesis at the time of surgery can limit these side effects and help reduce mental duress on these patients and their families, as well as aid in the process of rehabilitation. Rapid prototyping (RP) and 3D printing, as this paper shows, assists presurgical planning of the tumor resection, as well as the manufacture of maxillofacial and dental prostheses. Often these defects are extensive, so prosthesis retention is aided by zygomatic implants placed at the time of surgical resection. When placed at this time, and prior to radiation therapy, these craniofacial implants have improved survival rates. Thus, this treatment modality can improve postoperative recovery considerably, while at the same time allowing for cleaning and monitoring of the resected site for tumor recurrence.

Structure-Activity Relationship of Niclosamide Derivatives.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Cancer is a leading cause of death. Hence, this study aimed at the optimization of niclosamide derivatives for the development of new potential anticancer agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Niclosamide derivatives were synthesized and tested against a panel of human cancer cells: MDA and MCF7 breast cancer cells, PC3 and DU-145 prostate cancer cells, Hela cervical cancer cells, and HL-60 acute promyelocytic leukemia cells. They were also tested in nuclear factor-ĸappa B (NFĸB), V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS), and mitochondria transmembrane potential (MTP) assays. RESULTS: N-(3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzamide exhibited the most significant cytotoxicity against HL-60 cells, while 5-chloro-N-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxybenzamide was the most active in the NFĸB assay and 5-chloro-N-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-2-hydroxybenzamide in the MTP assay. 5-chloro-N-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl)-2-hydroxybenzamide and 5-chloro-2-hydroxy-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzamide inhibited both HL-60 cell proliferation and NFĸB. CONCLUSION: In-depth study of the most promising compounds is highly encouraged to further develop into potential anticancer agents those derivatives found to be significantly active.

Celulite em codornas japonesas alimentadas com extrato de orégano nas dietas e inoculadas com Escherichia coli / Cellulitis in Japanese quails fed oregano extract in the diet and inoculated with Escherichia coli

Com o objetivo de avaliar a utilização do extrato de orégano nas dietas de codornas japonesas (Coturnix coturnix japonica) e desafiadas com cepas de Escherichia coli, sobre as características de desempenho, a incidência de celulite aviária e titulação de anticorpos específicos contra antígenos de E. coli, foram utilizadas 360 codornas japonesas, com 90 dias de idade, distribuídas em gaiolas de arame galvanizado em galpão convencional. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 5x2 (extrato de orégano x desafiado ou não com E. oli), totalizando dez tratamentos com seis repetições de seis aves por gaiola. Os níveis do extrato de orégano (EO) avaliados foram: 0,00; 0,025; 0,050; 0,100 e 0,150%. Foram avaliadas características de desempenho produtivo, lesões macroscópicas da celulite após períodos pós-inoculação das cepas e amostras de soro foram colhidas para verificar a titulação de anticorpos nas aves. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo Teste T. Foi observado efeito de E. coli sobre todas as características produtivas, independentemente dos níveis de EO avaliados, onde grupos desafiados apresentaram piores resultados de desempenho. As lesões macroscópicas, características da celulite, observadas somente nas aves desafiadas com E. coli foram classificadas como grau leve e sem presença de hemorragias. Para a titulação de anticorpos específicos, houve maior quantificação para aves desafiadas com as cepas de E. coli em relação às não desafiadas. Pode-se concluir que o extrato de orégano suplementado nas rações não se mostrou eficaz frente ao desafio com E. coli em codornas na fase de postura e as aves desafiadas com E. coli apresentaram maiores respostas imunes humoral e celular, em relação às não desafiadas, caracterizadas pelo aumento na titulação de anticorpos e pela lesão macroscópica peitoral, independentemente dos níveis de extrato de orégano avaliados.(AU)

The aim was to evaluate the use of oregano extract in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) diet, challenged with Escherichia coli strains, on performance, incidence of avian cellulitis and of antibody specific antigens against E. coli. Three hundred sixty Japanese quails with 90 days of age were distributed into galvanized wire cages in a conventional shed. The experimental design was completely randomized in factorial 5x2 design (oregano extract x challenged or not with E. coli), totaling ten treatments with six replicates of six birds per cage. Oregano extract levels were 0.00, 0.025, 0.050, 0.100 and 0.150%. Performance productive characteristics were evaluated, macroscopic lesions of cellulitis were measured after post-inoculation of the strains, and serum samples were collected for antibodies during experiment. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and averages compared by T test. Effect of E. coli was observed on all productive characteristics, regardless of the EO level evaluated, where challenged groups showed worse performance results. The macroscopic lesions, characteristic of cellulitis, observed only in birds of groups challenged with E. coli, were classified as mild and without bleeding. For specific antibodies, there was a higher number of birds challenged with E. coli strains in relation to unchallenged birds. It can be concluded that oregano extract supplemented in the diet was not effective against the challenge with E. coli in laying quails, and challenged birds with E. coli showed higher humoral and cellular immune response, compared with unchallenged birds, characterized by increased antibody titer and pectoral macroscopic lesion, regardless of the oregano extract levels evaluated.(AU)

Customized reconstruction of an extensive mandibular defect: A clinical report.

Myoepithelial carcinomas are rare malignant tumors arising from salivary glands. They most commonly involve the parotid and minor salivary glands but may also occur in the submandibular glands. These tumors can become extensive, causing bony expansion and destruction. A 31-year-old man with a large swelling on the left side of the face is presented. Histologic examination of an incisional biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of a myoepithelial carcinoma arising from the left submandibular salivary gland. After tumor resection, the patient's mandible was reconstructed with a customized mandibular framework produced by means of 3-dimensional (3D) laser sintering. This approach significantly reduced cost, advanced surgical procedures, and operating room time, which is of great benefit in a developing country like South Africa.

Nasal reconstruction of a patient with complete congenital arhinia: A clinical report.

Complete congenital arhinia is a rare embryonic disorder of unknown etiology. This is a clinical report of the prosthetic nasal rehabilitations done in the early childhood and adolescent stages of a patient with complete congenital arhinia. Additive manufacturing techniques for creating presurgical planning models to assist in the creation of new nasal passages are also described. These rare disorders can be successfully rehabilitated if patients are sufficiently motivated and there is meticulous planning and collaboration from a multidisciplinary team.

Reconstruction of an Extensive Midfacial Defect Using Additive Manufacturing Techniques.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors are extremely rare tumors arising in peripheral nerves. Only 17 cases involving the trigeminal nerve have ever been reported. These tumors have a very poor prognosis and very high rates of recurrence and metastases. Their recommended treatment involves complete tumor resection followed by radiation. This can be problematic in the head and neck region. We present a clinical case involving a 33-year-old female patient presenting with a slow-growing, exophytic mass of the anterior maxilla. Incisional biopsy and subsequent histological examination revealed a diagnosis of a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Surgical resection involved a complete maxillectomy, rhinectomy, and resection of the upper lip and aspects of the left and right cheeks. Reconstruction of the subsequent defect incorporated the placement of four zygomatic oncology implants to aid in retention of a facial prosthesis. These implants, however, were subsequently lost; and an anatomical model of the hard tissues was manufactured via 3D printing. This model was used to design and manufacture a titanium frame (customized implant) for the patient. The frame was then fixated and secured intraoperatively with 21 cortical screws. A maxillary denture and silicone facial prosthesis were also made to fit onto this frame. This is the first known case where additive manufacturing, via the use of rapid prototyping and 3D printing, was employed to manufacture a facial prosthesis.