Caracterização fitossanitária do componente arbóreo marginalde um trecho de linha férrea no município de Três Barras, SC / Phytosanitary characterization of the marginal arboreal componentof the railway line in the municipality of Três Barras, SC

As condições fitossanitárias de plantas arbóreas podem ser utilizadas para caracterizar comunidades vegetais, indicando condições de qualidade estrutural do componente vegetal. Assim, ambientes alterados antropicamente podem representar uma ameaça à fitossanidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi averiguar as características fitossanitárias do componente arbóreo em um trecho de 400 metros de extensão ao longo da linha férrea localizada no município de Três Barras, estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Foram registradas 33 espécies arbóreas, 29 gêneros e 19 famílias. Os índices ecológicos avaliados foram a abundância, densidade, riqueza e equabilidade. Foram avaliados 190 indivíduos em relação a qualidade da copa, grau de infestação de cipós e sanidade da árvore. Embora a qualidade da copa e a sanidade sejam majoritariamente boas, houve um relativo alto número de infestação de cipós. Tal ocorrência pode ser devido à condição de borda em que as plantas se encontram. Os bons índices ecológicos aliados ao baixo número de espécies arbóreas exóticas também indicam boas condições ecológicas e de fitossanidade local. Contudo, são necessários mais estudos (p. ex. florísticos e fitossociológicos) na área. A arborização urbana das proximidades aliada à formação de corredores ecológicos que liguem os fragmentos à Floresta Nacional de Três Barras pode ser uma medida de conservação e regeneração a ser explorada.

Phytosanitary conditions of tree plants can be used to characterize plant communities, indicating structural quality conditions of the plant component. Thus, anthropically altered environments may pose a threat to plant health. The objective of this study was to investigate the phytosanitary and ecological condition of the tree component in a stretch of 400 meters along the railway line located in the municipality of Três Barras, Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Thirty-three tree species were recorded, in addition to 54 taxonomically unidentified individuals. The ecological indices evaluated were abundance, density, richness and evenness. 190 individuals were evaluated in terms of crown quality, Abstract degree of liana infestation and tree health. Although canopy quality and health are mostly good, there was a relatively high number of vine infestations. Such an occurrence may be due to the edge condition in which the plants are located. The good ecological indices combined with the low number of exotic tree species also indicate good ecological conditions and local plant health. However, more studies are needed in the area. Urban afforestation, combined with the formation of ecological corridors that connect the fragments to the Três Barras National Forest, can be a conservation and regeneration measure to be explored.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices on four medicinal plants for oral health of oral medicine patients from a dental college in Manila

Background@#Medicinal plants are widely used for healthcare needs, including oral health. In the Philippines, garlic, guava, tsaang-gubat, and hierba buena, although primarily recognized as plants used for the treatment of systemic diseases, are indicated as analgesics for dental pain, treatment of gingival inflammation, and oral health maintenance. Despite studies focusing on the effectiveness of these plants for oral health, there is little to no research on the populace’s knowledge, attitude, and practices on these medicinal plants.@*Objectives@#The study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practices of Oral Medicine patients from a dental college in Manila on four medicinal plants (garlic, guava, tsaang-gubat, and hierba buena) for oral health.@*Methods@#A descriptive study design was used. Oral Medicine patients (694) were invited to participate in the study through daily text messages containing brief research details. The link to the three-part online questionnaire (Google Forms) was sent via text and Facebook messages, and was answerable within 15-20 minutes. @*Results@#Two hundred fourteen (214) Oral Medicine patients participated, with 147 (68.69%) having knowledge on using medicinal plants for oral health which they mostly knew through friends and acquaintances. Most participants had a generally positive attitude toward medicinal plants for oral health and believed they were beneficial (177, 82.71%), safe, effective, and cheaper than conventional medicine (175, 81.78%), and accessible (171, 79.91%). Only 64 (29.91%) personally used medicinal plants to address their oral health conditions. Garlic (144, 97.96%) was the most widely known and used, followed by guava (52, 35.37%), hierba buena (12, 8.16%), and tsaang-gubat (4, 2.72%).@*Conclusion@#Most participants were knowledgeable with a generally positive attitude toward the four medicinal plants for oral health but did not use these to address their oral health problems.

Prediction model of therapeutic effect on children with idiopathic short stature based on vitamin K2,IGFBP-3 and Omentin-1 / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship between vitamin K2,insulin-like growth factor bind-ing protein 3(IGFBP-3),Omentin-1 and the therapeutic effect on children with idiopathic short stature(ISS),and to build a prediction model.Methods A total of 242 ISS children in Jinan Second Maternal and Child Health Hospital from 2019 to 2021 were selected.All of them received recombinant human growth hormone(rhGH)treatment and were divided into effective group and ineffective group according to the therapeutic effect after 12 months of treatment.The general data,vitamin K2,IGFBP-3 and Omentin-1 in the two groups were analyzed.The influencing factors of ISS children's therapeutic effect were analyzed by Logistic regression model and decision tree model.The predictive performance of two models was analyzed by using receiver oper-ating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results There were statistically significant differences in 25-hydroxy vita-min D[25(OH)D],parathyroid hormone(PTH),thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH),vitamin K2,IGFBP-3,Omentin-1,rhGH dosage and weekly outdoor exercise time between the two groups(P＜0.05).Logistic re-gression showed that PTH(OR=7.011,95％CI:2.456-20.014),vitamin K2(OR=0.605,95％CI:.0.465-0.788),IGFBP-3(OR=0.458,95％CI:0.321-0.654),Omentin-1(OR=0.514,95％CI:0.389-0.679)and rhGH dose(OR=0.563,95％CI:0.445-0.712)]were the influential factors for treatment ineffectiveness in ISS children(P＜0.05).The decision tree model showed that vitamin K2,IGFBP-3 and Omentin-1 were the factors influencing the therapeutic effect of ISS,and IGFBP-3 had the most significant impact.ROC curve re-sults showed that the area under the curve of decision tree model and Logistic regression model were 0.922 and 0.908,respectively,with good classification effect.Conclusion The therapeutic effect of ISS children is in-fluenced by factors such as vitamin K2,IGFBP-3,Omentin-1,and so on,and IGFBP-3 has the most significant impact.Logistic regression model and decision tree model could complement each other so as to provide refer-ence for improving the therapeutic effect of ISS children from different aspects.

Cost-utility analysis of edaravone dexborneol for acute ischemic stroke / 药物流行病学杂志

Objective To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of edaravone dexborneol versus edaravone alone combined with conventional therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS).Methods From the perspective of the healthcare systems,a decision tree model was constructed using the data from the randomized double-blind comparative trial of edaravone dexborneol in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke(TASTE trial).Cost-utility analysis was used to evaluate the health benefits of edaravone dexborneol at 1 month and 5 years.The robustness of the results was tested by single factor sensitivity analysis and probability sensitivity analysis.Results For AIS patients,the 1-month incremental cost-utility ratio was 53 212.89 yuan/quality-adjusted life-year(QALY),and the 5-year incremental cost-utility ratio was 49 631.25 yuan/QALY,both of which were smaller than China's per capita GDP in 2022(85 698 yuan).Univariate sensitivity analysis showed that the change of NIHSS score in 2 groups of improved patients,the probability of improvement in 2 groups and the probability of deterioration in edaravone group were the most influential factors on the outcome of incremental cost effectiveness.The results of probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that edaravone dexcborneol was more economical when WTP was 1 times China's per capita GDP in 2022.Conclusion Edaravon dexborneol is a more effective and economical treatment for acute ischemic stroke patients than edaravone alone.

Nested case-control study on the risk factors and interaction analysis of positive screening for infant motor development / 中国儿童保健杂志

【Objective】 To identify the influencing factors of infant motor development, and to explore the potential interactive factors, so as to provide scientific basis for early prediction and targeted prevention of infant motor developmental delay. 【Methods】 Data of infants receiving "0~1 motor development screening" at 21 community health service centers in Tongzhou District, from January 1st, 2020 to August 31st, 2021 were collected through the Beijing Maternal and Child Information System.Using the method of nested case-control study, 416 infants with positive screening results were selected as case group, 416 infants with negative screening result were selected into the control group by 1∶1 case-control matching of screening age.Chi-square test, Logistic regression analysis, and Exhaustive CHAID decision tree model were used to explore the influencing factors of infant motor development, the interaction effect was investigated by using the additive and multiplicative interaction models. 【Results】 Multivariate Logistic analysis showed that birth weight<2 500g (OR=3.28), cesarean section (OR=1.63), outdoor activity≤ 1h/d (OR=3.07), and no supplementation of vitamin D (OR=2.68) were risk factors for positive screening results of infant motor development (P<0.01).The Exhaustive CHAID decision tree showed that low birth weight was the primary risk factor for infant with positive screening results, followed by outdoor activity, vitamin D supplementation and delivery.The interaction analysis showed that there was a multiplicative interaction (OR=13.76, 95% CI:1.20 - 158.08) and an additive interaction (RERI=10.22, 95%CI:5.05 - 15.38) between non supplementation of vitamin D and low birth weight on infant motor development with positive screening results. 【Conclusions】 Attention should be paid to the early motor development of infants with low birth weight and those born by cesarean section, with emphasis on the dosage of vitamin D supplementation and outdoor activity duration.Moreover, the early screening and hierarchical management of infant motor development should also be strengthened.

Prognostic value of a classification and regression tree model in patients with open-globe injuries

Objective@#To evaluate the accuracy of the Classification and Regression Tree (CART) model in prognosticating visual outcomes of patients with open-globe injuries@*Methods@#This was a retrospective, single-center, cohort study of patients with open-globe injuries seen over a two-year period. Purposive sampling of hospital medical records was done to collect data from both in- and out-patient cases. The CART algorithm was utilized to determine the predicted visual outcome for each case, and the accuracy of prognostication was measured by computing for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to check its discriminatory capability.@*Results@#A total of 65 eyes (65 patients) with the following diagnoses based on the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology (BETT) classification were included: penetrating eye injury (n=58), globe rupture (n=2), and intraocular foreign body (n=5). Majority were male patients (81.5%) in the 17-39 year age group (40%). The sensitivity and specificity of CART were 100% (95% CI 93.6 to 100%) and 77.8% (95% CI 40 to 97.2%), respectively, with an overall accuracy of 96.9% (95% CI 89.3 to 99.6%). Area under the curve (AUC) was statistically significant at 0.89 (95% CI 0.79 to 0.95), indicating that the CART model can discriminate vision survival versus no vision.@*Conclusion@#The CART model demonstrated high accuracy in prognosticating visual outcomes after an openglobe injury in the local setting. It may be used as a helpful tool to guide treatment decisions in open-globe injuries.

HIV screening strategies in blood donors: a cost-effectiveness analysis / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To analyze the cost and effectiveness of different HIV screening strategies based on multi-center HIV residual risk study, so as to provide reference for blood centers to adopt appropriate HIV testing strategies. 【Methods】 According to the HIV screening and confirmation of blood donors in three blood centers in Anhui Province, the residual risk of different HIV screening strategies was estimated. A decision tree model was established to analyze the cost-effectiveness differences of three different screening strategies under current domestic policies. 【Results】 The residual risk of anti-HIV-1 +2 ELISA, HIV Ag/Ab1+2 ELISA and ELISA+NAT were 1.17×10-6,0.84×10-6 and 0.59×10-6, respectively. According to decision tree model analysis, HIV Ag/Ab1+2 ELISA had a cost-effectiveness advantage over anti-HIV 1+2 ELISA when there was no NAT, but the advantage of HIV Ag/Ab1+2 ELISA disappeared when there was one NAT. The cost of HIV reagents, the cost of HIV treatment and the cost of false positive discarding were sensitive factors of the model. 【Conclusion】 In this area, one anti-HIV 1+2 ELISA combined with one NAT has a cost-effectiveness advantage. Blood centers need to confirm and evaluate the ELISA reagents used before conducting HIV screening. Under the premise of ensuring sensitivity, reagent cost and reagent false positive rate are the key factors.

Analysis of enterovirus serotype results in Dapeng New District， Shenzhen from 2016 to 2022 / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo provide a basis for human enteroviruses prevention and control by monitoring the enterovirus （EV） and its main virus types. MethodsSamples of hand-foot-and-mouth disease， herpetic angina and fever clinic patients in Dapeng New District of Shenzhen from 2016 to 2022 were tested for EV with real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR）. To identify the isolates of EV， VP1 genes of EV were amplified with nested reverse transcription PCR， and then sequenced.A geneticphylogenetic tree was constructed based on the VP1 gene. ResultsAmong the 1 124 suspected hand-foot-and-mouth disease cases， 740 （65.84%） tested EV positive. Coxsackievirus A6 （CVA6） and Coxsackievirus A16 （CVA16） were the main two serotypes with regular cycle trends. Of the 137 suspected herpetic angina cases， 88 （64.23%） were EV positive， with Coxsackievirus A4 （CVA4） and CVA16 as the dominant serotypes. Among 428 respiratory infection specimens， 71 （16.59%） were EV positive. Coxsackievirus A4 （CVA4） was the predominant serotype which caused herpetic angina and respiratory infection. The epidemic EV isolates CVA6 from Shenzhen had a close genetic relationship with isolates in China’s mainland. ConclusionThe main serotypes EV CVA6 and CVA16 which caused hand-foot-and-mouth disease exhibit cyclical trends . The risk of EV transmitted from abroad is low， but their genetic variation and virulence change should be monitored continuously. In addition， the monitoring of dominant isolates CVA4 which cause herpetic angina and respiratory infection should be strengthened.

Comparison of the effects of Cox regression analysis model and decision tree model in identifying risk factors for the occurrence of hypertension in the elderly / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To explore the risk factors for the occurrence of hypertension in middle-aged and elderly residents in China using the Cox regression analysis model and decision tree model, and compare the differences between the two methods. Methods The 2011-2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study data were used. The study investigated the risk factors for hypertension using both a multivariate Cox regression model and a decision tree model. Results The results showed that the incidence rate of hypertension between 2011-2015 was 22.79%. Both the Cox regression model and decision tree model identified age, education level, body mass index, and diabetes as risk factors for hypertension. The Cox regression model also identified drinking status as a risk factor, while the decision tree model identified gender and marital status as additional risk factors. The area under the curve (AUC) suggested that the Cox regression model and decision tree model had comparable ability to predict hypertension. Conclusions The risk factors for hypertension include gender, age, education level, marital status, alcohol consumption, body mass index, and history of diabetes. The effectiveness of the hypertension prediction model established based on Cox regression model and decision tree model results is not different.

Traits of the host trees, not community diversity, drive epiphytes abundance in tropical seasonal forests / Atributos das árvores hospedeiras, e não a diversidade da comunidade, conduzem a abundância de epífitas em florestas tropicais sazonais

Abstract Epiphytes are considered indicators of forest ecological integrity, but the factors that explain their abundance are still not well understood. We here evaluated tree colonization by epiphytes in old-growth monospecific reforestation stands of Astronium urundeuva (M.Allemão) Engl. (Anacardiaceae) and Eucalyptus saligna Sm. (Myrtaceae), in comparison to a neighbor seasonal tropical forest fragment under similar environmental conditions. In each forest type, we identified and measured all trees (planted and colonizers) from 5-cm stem diameter in five 200 m² plots and quantified all vascular epiphytes per tree. Tree species were categorized by bark roughness, canopy deciduousness and growth rate. The abundance of epiphytes and the frequency of host trees were higher in the A. urundeuva plantation than in the native forest, with the E. saligna stand in an intermediate position. Also, we found that host traits influenced the abundance of epiphytes in their trunks. Host trees had average stem perimeter and height both higher than non-hosts, which indicates that colonization is more likely to occur in older trees. The average abundance of epiphytes per tree was higher in species with rough bark, but no relationship was found with canopy deciduousness or tree growth rate. We evidenced, therefore, that forest plantations, even if monospecific, can provide habitat for epiphytes. However, at community level, colonization success, either in native or restored forest, depends on the relative abundance of species whose bark type favors epiphytes establishment.

Resumo Epífitas são consideradas indicadores de integridade ecológica em florestas, mas os fatores que explicam sua abundância ainda não são bem compreendidos. Neste estudo, avaliamos a colonização por epífitas em antigos talhões monoespecíficos de Astronium urundeuva (M.Allemão) Engl. (Anacardiaceae) e Eucalyptus saligna Sm. (Myrtaceae), em comparação com um fragmento vizinho de floresta estacional semidecidual sob condições ambientais semelhantes. Em cada tipologia florestal, identificamos e medimos todas as árvores (plantadas e que colonizaram os locais) a partir de 5 cm de diâmetro à altura padrão, em cinco parcelas de 200 m². Nelas, também quantificamos todas as epífitas vasculares por árvore. Em busca de uma explicação funcional para as diferenças entre espécies, utilizamos rugosidade da casca, deciduidade da copa e taxa de crescimento como atributos potencialmente relevantes. A abundância das epífitas e a frequência de forófitos foi maior no talhão de A. urundeuva do que na floresta nativa, com o talhão de E. saligna ocupando uma posição intermediária. Encontramos evidências, também, de que os atributos dos forófitos influenciaram a abundância de epífitas em seus troncos. Os forófitos apresentaram maior perímetro médio e altura que as árvores não hospedeiras, o que indica que a colonização é mais provável de ocorrer em árvores mais velhas. A abundância média de epífitas por árvore foi maior em espécies com casca rugosa, mas nem a deciduidade da copa, nem a velocidade de crescimento exerceram efeito neste aspecto. Evidenciamos, portanto que, plantações florestais, ainda que monoespecíficas, podem prover habitat para epífitas. Contudo, em nível de comunidade, o sucesso da colonização, seja em florestas nativas ou restauradas, depende da abundância relativa de espécies cujo tipo de casca favorece o estabelecimento de epífitas.

Effect of seasonality on the leaf phenology and physiology of Byrsonima species (Malpighiaceae)

Introduction: Defined seasonality in savanna species can stimulate physiological responses that maximize photosynthetic metabolism and productivity. However, those physiological responses are also linked to the phenological status of the whole plant, including leaf phenophases. Objective: To study how physiological traits influence phenophase timing among congeneric and co-occurring savanna species. Methods: We evaluated the leaf phenology and physiological traits of populations of Byrsonima intermedia, B. coccolobifolia, and B. verbascifolia. Physiological measurements were performed at the onset of the dry and rainy seasons and again late in the season. Results: B. intermedia and B. coccolobifolia were classified as brevideciduous and B. verbascifolia as evergreen. The maximum quantum yield for B. intermedia and B. coccolobifolia were lowest during the dry season. At the onset of the dry period, the highest chloroplastidic pigment levels were observed, which decreased as the season advanced, total chlorophyll/carotenoid ratios were lowest, and carotenoid contents were highest. We detected low starch content values at the start of the rainy season, coinciding with the resumption of plant growth. Two months into this season, the leaves were at their peak structural and functional maturity, with high water-soluble polysaccharide values and photosynthetic rates, and were storing large amounts of starch. Conclusions: Physiological and leaf phenological strategies of the Byrsonima species were related to drought resistance and acclimatization to the seasonality of savanna water resources. The oscillations of the parameters quantified during the year indicated a strong relationship with water seasonality and with the phenological status of the leaves.

Introducción: La marcada estacionalidad en las especies de sabana puede estimular respuestas fisiológicas que maximicen el metabolismo fotosintético y la productividad. Sin embargo, esas respuestas fisiológicas están vinculadas al estado fenológico de toda la planta, incluidas las fenofases de las hojas. Objetivo: Estudiar cómo los rasgos fisiológicos influyen en el tiempo de la fenofase entre especies de sabana congenéricas y concurrentes. Métodos: Evaluamos la fenología y características fisiológicas de poblaciones de Byrsonima intermedia, B. coccolobifolia y B. verbascifolia. Las mediciones fisiológicas se realizaron al inicio de la estación seca y lluviosa, y de nuevo al final de la estación. Resultados: B. intermedia y B. coccolobifolia se clasificaron como brevicaducifolias y B. verbascifolia como perennifolias. El rendimiento cuántico máximo para B. intermedia y B. coccolobifolia fueron más bajos durante la época seca. Al inicio del período seco, se observaron niveles de pigmentos cloroplastídicos más altos, aunque los niveles de clorofila disminuyeron a medida que avanzaba la estación seca, las proporciones clorofila/carotenoides totales fueron más bajas y los contenidos de carotenoides más altos. Detectamos valores bajos de contenido de almidón al inicio de la época lluviosa, que coincide con la reanudación del crecimiento de la planta. A dos meses de esta época, las hojas estaban en su máxima madurez estructural y funcional, con altos valores de polisacáridos solubles en agua y tasas fotosintéticas, y almacenaban grandes cantidades de almidón. Conclusiones: Las estrategias fisiológicas y fenológicas de las hojas de las especies de Byrsonima estaban relacionadas con la resistencia a la sequía y la aclimatación a la estacionalidad de los recursos hídricos de la sabana. Las oscilaciones de los parámetros cuantificados durante el año indicaron una fuerte relación con la estacionalidad hídrica y con los estados fenológicos de las hojas.

Reserve mobilization and secondary metabolites during seed germination and seedling establishment of the tree Erythrina velutina (Fabaceae) / Movilización de reservas y metabolitos secundarios durante la germinación de semillas y el establecimiento de plántulas del árbol Erythrina velutina (Fabaceae)

Introduction: The lack of knowledge on seed germination and seedling establishment is a main constraint for the restoration of degraded areas, including the tropical dry forest known as Caatinga. Objective: To assess reserve and secondary metabolite mobilization during seed germination and seedling establishment in Erythina velutina. Methods: We scarified, disinfected, imbibed, sown between towel paper, and incubated seeds under controlled conditions. We hydroponically cultivated seedlings in a greenhouse. We harvested cotyledons at seed imbibition, radicle protrusion, hypocotyl emergence, apical hook formation and expansion of cordiform leaves, first trifoliate leaf, and second trifoliate leaf. Results: Seeds contained approximately 20 % starch, 14.5 % storage proteins, 11.6 % neutral lipids, and 5.7 % non-reducing sugars on a dry weight basis. Soluble sugars were mainly consumed from hypocotyl emergence to apical hook formation, while major reserves were mobilized from apical hook formation to expansion of first trifoliate leaf. Enzymatic activity increased from mid to late seedling establishment, causing the mobilization of starch, oils, and proteins. Terpenoid-derivatives, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and alkaloids were detected. Flavonoids and phenolic acids were present at almost all stages and terpenoid-derivatives disappeared at expansion of cordiform leaves. Conclusion: Soluble sugars support early seedling growth, while starch, oils and proteins are simultaneously mobilized from mid to late establishment by amylases, lipases, and acid proteases. The cotyledons contain secondary metabolites, which may act in seedling defense. High content of reserves and presence of secondary metabolites in the cotyledons could enable E. velutina seedlings endure stress, validating their use in the restoration of degraded areas.

Introducción: La falta de conocimiento sobre la germinación de semillas y el establecimiento de plántulas es una de las principales limitaciones para la restauración de áreas degradadas, incluido el bosque seco tropical conocido como Caatinga. Objetivo: Evaluar la movilización de reservas y metabolitos secundarios durante estas etapas de desarrollo en Erythina velutina. Métodos: Las semillas fueron escarificadas, desinfectadas, embebidas, sembradas entre toallas de papel e incubadas bajo condiciones controladas. Cultivamos las plántulas hidropónicamente en un invernadero. Recolectamos los cotiledones en la imbibición de la semilla, la protrusión de la radícula, la emergencia del hipocótilo, la formación del gancho apical y la expansión de las hojas cordiformes, la primera y segunda hoja trifoliada. Resultados: Las semillas contenían 20 % de almidón, 14.5 % de proteínas de almacenamiento, 11.6 % de lípidos neutros y 5.7 % de azúcares no reductores en peso seco. Los azúcares solubles se consumieron desde la emergencia del hipocótilo hasta la formación del gancho apical. Las principales reservas se movilizaron desde la formación del gancho apical hasta la expansión de la primera hoja trifoliada. La actividad enzimática aumentó desde la mitad hasta el final del establecimiento de las plántulas, movilizando almidón, aceites y proteínas. Se detectaron derivados de terpenoides, flavonoides, ácidos fenólicos y alcaloides. Los flavonoides y los ácidos fenólicos estuvieron en casi todas las etapas y los derivados terpenoides desaparecieron en la expansión de las hojas cordiformes. Conclusión: Los azúcares solubles apoyan el crecimiento temprano de las plántulas; el almidón, los aceites y las proteínas se movilizan simultáneamente desde el establecimiento medio hasta el final por amilasas, lipasas y proteasas ácidas. Los cotiledones contienen metabolitos secundarios, que pueden actuar en la defensa de las plántulas. El alto contenido de reservas y los metabolitos secundarios en los cotiledones podría permitir que las plántulas de E. velutina toleren estrés, validando su uso en la restauración de áreas degradadas.

Nuevas localidades en la distribución de Corallus blombergi (Rendahl & Vestergren ,1941) (Reptilia: Squamata, Boidea), para Colombia

El género Corallus contiene serpientes esbeltas y arbóreas, que habitan en bosques tropicales y que presentan una amplia distribución; sin embargo, Corallus blombergi es una especie poco común en Colombia, con un número limitado de reportes. En este estudio se presenta el primer registro de C. blombergi para el departamento del Chocó, a partir de dos hembras, colectadas en zonas de bosque pluvial tropical, en los corregimientos de salero y Pacurita, convirtiéndose en la tercera y cuarta localidad donde se registra la presencia de esta especie. Los nuevos registros, amplían la distribución de la especie a 471,50 km, desde su último registro en Tumaco.

The corallus genus contains slender and arboreal snakes which inhabit tropical forests and have a wide distribution; however, Corallus blombergi is an uncommon specie in Colombia with a limited number of reports. This study presents the first record of C. blombergi for the department of Choco from two females, both collected in tropical rain forest areas, in the townships of Salero and Pacurita. becoming the third and fourth locality where the presence of this species is recorded. The new records extend the distribution of the species to 471.50 km since its last record in Tumaco.

Comparison of the effect of tea tree oil eye gel with standard treatment in patients with anterior blepharitis: An open-label clinical trial

Purpose: Daily cleansing of eyelids is very important to carry out a successful blepharitis treatment. However, there are no therapeutic guidelines for blepharitis. The aim was to compare the symptomatic relief of anterior blepharitis using Blephamed eye gel, a cosmetic product, versus standard treatment. Methods: The study was a prospective, interventional open label clinical trial at a university?based hospital. The test population was subjects aged 18–65 years who presented with mild to moderate anterior blepharitis. Eyelid hygiene was applied twice a day. At each visit, a detailed assessment of symptomatology was carried out. A two?way repeated measure mixed model ANOVA was used to compare two groups by time. Results: In total, 61 patients with mean age of 60.08 ± 16.69 years were enrolled in the study including 30 patients in standard group and 31 patients in Blephamed group. Two groups did not differ in terms of age (P = 0.31) and eye laterality (P = 0.50). The baseline scores of erythema, edema, debris, and symptoms as well as total score were similar between two groups (all P values >0.50). Two groups became different for all these parameters at day 45 (all P values <0.001). Significant interaction was detected between time and intervention groups for all severity parameters of blepharitis as well as total score (all P values <0.001). Conclusion: Eyelid hygiene with Blephamed more significantly decreased symptoms of anterior blepharitis compared to standard treatment.

Preferred practice patterns and review on rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory facial dermatosis commonly found in fair skin tone population. Recent studies have shown the increasing prevalence in the dark skin tone population as well. Ocular involvement is very common and can occur without cutaneous features. Common ocular features are chronic blepharoconjunctivitis with eyelid margin inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction. Corneal complications include corneal vascularization, ulceration, scarring, and rarely, perforation. Diagnosis is largely based on clinical signs, although it is often delayed in the absence of cutaneous changes, particularly in children. The management ranges from local therapy to systemic treatment, depending on the severity of the disease. There is a positive association between demodicosis and rosacea; however, causality is always argued. In this review, we describe the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment of rosacea and ocular rosacea.

Evaluation of angles of the tracheobronchial tree with the 3-dimensional reconstruction method: a morphometric and radiologic study / Evaluación de los ángulos del árbol traqueobronquial con el método de reconstrucción tridimensional: un estudio morfométrico y radiológico

SUMMARY: The objective of the current research is to assess the branching angles of the tracheobronchial tree and the correlation between these angles and the lung volume using the 3-dimensional reconstruction method. Thorax CT (computed tomography) images of 150 individuals, who were over 18 years of age and did not have any pathology on CT, were obtained retrospectively. A 3-dimensional reconstruction of the trachea, bronchi, and lungs was carried out. External and internal angles between the trachea and main bronchi, between the main bronchi and lobar bronchi, and between the lobar bronchi were measured. The volume measurement of the right and left lungs was performed. The individuals included in the study were grouped by sex and age (20-40 years, 41-61 years, and 62-87 years). The left subcarinal angle (LSA), total subcarinal angle (TSA), and left interbronchial angle (LIA) were found to be greater in the 62-87 age group. Both the external angle (LULB-LMBE) and the internal angle (LULB- LMBI) between the left upper lobar bronchus and the left main bronchus were observed to be greater in males. In males, a statistically significant negative moderate correlation was identified between the right lung volume and the right subcarinal angle (RSA). In females, a statistically significant positive moderate correlation was revealed between the external (RULB-IBE) and internal angles (RULB-IBI) between the right upper lobar bronchus and the intermediate bronchus, and the right lung volume. In the literature review we performed, we did not find any studies investigating the correlation between the branching angles of the tracheobronchial tree and the lung volume using the 3-dimensional reconstruction method. Therefore, we are of the opinion that our study will contribute to the literature.

El objetivo de la investigación fue evaluar los ángulos de ramificación del árbol traqueobronquial y la correlación entre estos ángulos y el volumen pulmonar utilizando el método de reconstrucción tridimensional. Se obtuvieron retrospectivamente imágenes de tomografía computarizada de tórax de 150 individuos mayores de 18 años sin patología. Se realizó una reconstrucción tridimensional de la tráquea, los bronquios y los pulmones. Se midieron los ángulos externo e interno entre la tráquea y los bronquios principales, entre los bronquios principales y los bronquios lobares, y entre los bronquios lobares. Se realizó la medición del volumen de los pulmones derecho e izquierdo. Los individuos incluidos en el estudio fueron agrupados por sexo y edad (20-40 años, 41-61 años y 62-87 años). Se encontró que el ángulo subcarinal izquierdo, el ángulo subcarinal total y el ángulo interbronquial izquierdo eran mayores en el grupo de edad de 62 a 87 años. Tanto el ángulo externo (LULB-LMBE) como el ángulo interno (LULB-LMBI) entre el bronquio lobular superior izquierdo y el bronquio principal izquierdo era mayor en los hombres. En los hombres, se identificó una correlación moderada negativa estadísticamente significativa entre el volumen pulmonar derecho y el ángulo subcarinal derecho. En mujeres, se reveló una correlación positiva moderada estadísticamente significativa entre los ángulos externos (RULB-IBE) e internos (RULB-IBI) entre el bronquio lobar superior derecho y el bronquio intermedio, y el volumen pulmonar derecho. En la revisión bibliográfica que realizamos, no encontramos ningún estudio que analizara la correlación entre los ángulos de ramificación del árbol traqueobronquial y el volumen pulmonar utilizando el método de reconstrucción tridimensional. Por lo tanto, consideramos que nuestro estudio contribuirá a la literatura especializada del tema.

Bioprospecting of pods of Moringa oleifera Lam. as novel antibacterial agent- Supplementary Data

In the treatment of bacterial diseases, increasing resistance to traditional chemotherapeutics has drawn the necessity for substitute remedies. In this context, here, we evaluated the bactericidal activity of pods of Moringa oleifera Lam., an ethno medicinal plant, against eight pathogenic bacterial strains, both Gram positive (Bacillus licheniformis, B. mycoides, B. subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. fluorescens and P. putida). Different organic solvent extracts, like ethyl acetate, acetone and alcohol, of pods of M. oleifera were examined for bactericidal activity against test microorganisms. Minimum inhibitory concentration, chromatographic analyses along with infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was carried out for chemical characterization of active ingredient responsible for antibacterial activity. Both the Gram positive and Gram negative organisms showed variable sensitivity to different solvent extracts of M. oleifera pods. Ethyl acetate extracts showed maximum antibacterial activity with MIC value ranging from 1.30 to 4.10 mg/mL. IR analysis provided preliminary information about the amines, amides, aromatics and sulphur containing compounds of the active ingredient. GC-MS and NMR analyses indicated the presence of principal bioactive antibacterial compound 2-(benzoylsulfanyl)-1,3- thiazol,4-yl, benzoate with molecular formula C17H11NO3S2 from ethyl acetate extract of M. oleifera pods. The study concludes that the compound 2-(benzoylsulfanyl)-1,3-thiazol,4-yl, benzoate from ethyl acetate extract of pods of M. oleifera possess the antibacterial activity against the tested strains.

Bioprospecting of pods of Moringa oleifera Lam. as novel antibacterial agent

In the treatment of bacterial diseases, increasing resistance to traditional chemotherapeutics has drawn the necessity for substitute remedies. In this context, here, we evaluated the bactericidal activity of pods of Moringa oleifera Lam., an ethno medicinal plant, against eight pathogenic bacterial strains, both Gram positive (Bacillus licheniformis, B. mycoides, B. subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. fluorescens and P. putida). Different organic solvent extracts, like ethyl acetate, acetone and alcohol, of pods of M. oleifera were examined for bactericidal activity against test microorganisms. Minimum inhibitory concentration, chromatographic analyses along with infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was carried out for chemical characterization of active ingredient responsible for antibacterial activity. Both the Gram positive and Gram negative organisms showed variable sensitivity to different solvent extracts of M. oleifera pods. Ethyl acetate extracts showed maximum antibacterial activity with MIC value ranging from 1.30 to 4.10 mg/mL. IR analysis provided preliminary information about the amines, amides, aromatics and sulphur containing compounds of the active ingredient. GC-MS and NMR analyses indicated the presence of principal bioactive antibacterial compound 2-(benzoylsulfanyl)-1,3- thiazol,4-yl, benzoate with molecular formula C17H11NO3S2 from ethyl acetate extract of M. oleifera pods. The study concludes that the compound 2-(benzoylsulfanyl)-1,3-thiazol,4-yl, benzoate from ethyl acetate extract of pods of M. oleifera possess the antibacterial activity against the tested strains.

A neglected normal anatomical structure in mammal: a study in bats and tree shrews / Una estructura anatómica normal desatendida en mamíferos: un estudio en murciélagos y musarañas arborícolas

SUMMARY: The myodural bridge is a dense connective tissue connecting muscles and ligaments to the spinal dura mater in the atlanto-occipital interspace. Some researchers believe that the myodural bridge may play a vital physiological role. It is possible, for instance, that the prevention of spinal dura mater infoldings might be involved in regulated cerebrospinal fluid circulation. For instance, it is possible to prevent spinal dura mater infoldings, regulating cerebrospinal circulation. Bats are nocturnal and the only mammals that can perform a genuine and sustained flight, whereas tree shrews are arboreal mammals that often climb to a high altitude of about 10,000 feet. Both animals have lifestyles that are different from other previously studied mammals. The study of these two animals will shed further light on the existence of the myodural bridge in mammals. Gross anatomical dissection was used to observe the connections between the deep muscles of the neck and the dura mater at the level of the atlanto-occipital interspace. The existing structures were analyzed using conventional and special histological staining techniques. The suboccipital regions in bats and tree shrews contained the rectus capitis dorsal major (RCDma), rectus capitis dorsal minor (RCDmi), oblique capitis anterior (OCA), and oblique capitis posterior (OCP). Dense connective tissue connects the RCDmi to the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane (PAOM) and the latter to the spinal dura mater. The myodural bridge in these mammals shares a similar structure to the myodural bridge in humans. Histological analyses confirmed that the connective fibers of the myodural bridge were primarily type I collagen fibers. In this study, it is supplemented by the existence of the myodural bridge in mammals. This further demonstrates that myodural bridge widely exists in the normal anatomy of mammals. This provides morphological support for a comparative anatomical study of the physiological function of the myodural bridge.

El puente miodural es un tejido conjuntivo denso que conecta los músculos y los ligamentos a la duramadre espinal en el espacio atlanto-occipital. Algunos investigadores creen que el puente miodural puede desempeñar un papel fisiológico vital. Es posible, por ejemplo, que la prevención de los pliegues de la duramadre espinal pueda estar involucrada en la circulación regulada del líquido cefalorraquídeo. En esta instancia, es posible prevenir los pliegues de la duramadre espinal, regulando la circulación cerebro espinal. Los murciélagos son animales nocturnos y los únicos mamíferos que pueden realizar un vuelo real y sostenido, mientras que las musarañas arborícolas son mamíferos arbóreos que a menudo ascienden a una gran altura de unos 10 000 pies. Ambos animales tienen estilos de vida diferentes a los de otros mamíferos previamente estudiados. El estudio de estos dos animales ofrecerá más información sobre la existencia del puente miodural en los mamíferos. Se realizó una disección anatómica macroscópica para observar las conexiones entre los músculos profundos del cuello y la duramadre a nivel del espacio atlanto-occipital. Las estructuras existentes se analizaron mediante técnicas de tinción histológica convencionales y especiales. Las regiones suboccipitales en murciélagos y musarañas arbóreas presentaban el músculo recto dorsal mayor de la cabeza (RCDma), el recto dorsal menor de la cabeza (RCDmi), el oblicuo anterior de la cabeza (OCA) y el oblicuo posterior de la cabeza (OCP). El tejido conjuntivo denso conecta el RCDmi con la membrana atlanto- occipital posterior (PAOM) y esta última con la duramadre espinal. El puente miodural en estos mamíferos comparte una estructura similar al puente miodural en humanos. Los análisis histológicos confirmaron que las fibras conectivas del puente miodural son principalmente fibras de colágeno tipo I. Esto demuestra además que el puente miodural existe ampliamente en la anatomía normal de los mamíferos. Esta investigación proporciona apoyo morfológico para un estudio anatómico comparativo de la función fisiológica del puente miodural.

Antifertility activity of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz:In vitro and in vivo study on human sperm and male wistar rats

Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz, commonly called as Broken bones tree or Indian trumpet flower, belonging to Fam. Bignoniaceae, is traditionally used as a contraceptive by ethnic people of Tripura, North-East India. Here, we investigated the scientific basis for use of O. indicum as male antifertility agent by folklore healers. In vitro spermicidal activity of aqueous (AEOI) and methanolic (MEOI) extracts of O. indicum stem bark were studied on human sperm. The in vivo activity was experimented on male albino rats. The treated animals were allowed to mate and the pups delivered by female rat partners were counted. Phytochemical estimation of test samples was done using HPLC. The AEOI and MEOI treatments significantly decreased human sperm motility and viability. Test extracts have increased the hypo-osmotic swelling of sperm. Both the extracts were significantly declined the weight of reproductive organ. The MEOI treated rats have shown significant decrease in sperm motility and sperm counts. AEOI and MEOI treatment significantly reduced level of testosterone, but sharply raised dihydrotestosterone and prostaglandin in rats. Results testified the traditional claim for use of O. indicum as a male contraceptive agent, where MEOI have shown reversible action on male reproductive system leading to contraception without harming the libido.