Use of neem vegetable cake (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) increases corn productivity.

The need to transition to more sustainable agriculture that is adaptable to environmental challenges, reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and minimizing environmental impact, represents the new paradigm of the moment. In this scenario, studies with the adoption of bioinputs in corn cultivation emerge as a viable option for the sustainability of agricultural activity. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effect of doses of neem vegetable cake on the yield components of corn crops. An experimental design was used of randomized blocks was used, consisting of four doses of neem vegetable rendering (3 kg ha-1, 6 kg ha-1, 9 kg ha-1 and 12 kg ha-1) and a treatment control without the presence of organic fertilizer. The result indicates the presence of a significant effect of treatments with the application of neem cake on the main components of corn yield, including grain productivity, suggesting that the high carbon content present in the organic product can induce phytochemical effects and biological changes. in the soil, making it more productive. It was found that, when administering the maximum experimental dose, compared to the control group, there was a significant effect (p≤0.01) of 21.3% on grain productivity, jumping from 2,140 kg ha -1, when did not apply organic fertilizer, to 2,596 kg ha-1 with the application of 12 kg of neem cake per hectare. It is noted that the increase in grain productivity was in the proportion of 38 kg ha-1 of corn for each kilo of neem cake applied. To facilitate interpretation and decision-making, an analysis of the economic viability of neem cake for rainfed corn was also determined, also identifying the maximum experimental dose of 12 kg ha-1, as the most economically viable, providing an increase in profit of around R$ 119.92 per hectare, in relation to the control.

A simplified laboratory approach for isolating M. oryzae spores from rice samples infected with multiple pathogens.

A method for separating M. oryzae from rice samples infected with multiple pathogens using basic laboratory equipment is described. We conducted a series of experiments to obtain a single spore of M. oryzae. This method can also be used to isolate spores from other fungal species.

Effect of the dietary supplementation with sunflower oil-enriched bromoform from Asparagopsis taxiformis on lambs' growth, health, and ruminal methane production.

The red seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis has a potent antimethanogenic effect, which has been proven both in vitro and in vivo. Vegetable oil immersions of this seaweed (hereafter Bromoil) help stabilise the bromoform (CHBr3) responsible for its antimethanogenic effect. We evaluate the effects of increasing the levels of CHBr3 in lamb diets on growth performance, methane (CH4) production, animal health and meat quality. Twenty-four Merino Branco ram lambs were fed a ground complete compound feed, supplemented with 50 mL/kg DM of sunflower oil with different CHBr3 content. The treatments were defined by the CHBr3 doses in the oil: 0 mg (control - B0), 15 mg (B15), 30 mg (B30) and 45 mg (B45) of CHBr3 per kg of feed DM. The feed was prepared daily by mixing Bromoil with the compound feed. At the end of the experiment, the lambs were sacrificed, the ruminal content was collected for in vitro fermentation to evaluate CH4 production and organic matter (OM) degradability, and the rumen mucosa was sampled for histological examination. Meat samples were collected for chemical composition and CHBr3 analysis. The half-life of CHBr3 in the air-exposed feed was 3.98 h making it very difficult to establish the practiced level of CHBr3 supplementation. Lambs-fed treatments B30 and B45 decreased DM intake by up to 28%. Average daily gain was also reduced due to CHBr3 supplementation, with B45 showing results 40% lower than B0. DM feed conversion ratio was similar for all treatments. The degradability of OM, the volume of total gas and of gas without CH4 were unaffected by the experimental treatments, evaluated by the in vitro method. However, the volume of CH4 decreased by up to 75% for treatments above 30 mg/kg DM, while the yield of CH4/g OM degraded was reduced by up to 78% with treatments above 30 mg/kg DM. Meat chemical composition was not affected by Bromoil supplementation and no traces of CHBr3 were found in meat samples. During this experiment, the animals presented normal health and behaviour. However, postslaughter examination of the rumen showed distinct lesions on the ventral region of the rumen mucosa of animals supplemented with Bromoil. These lesions were more severe in the animals receiving treatments B30 and B45. This research determined that although concentrations of CHBr3 in the diet above 30 mg/kg DM helped to reduce CH4 emissions, it negatively affected the performance and rumen wall.

Cisplatin and ototoxicity in childhood: the perspective of supporting otoprotective agentes.

Cisplatin is an antineoplastic medicine used in the treatment for various types of cancer. Among its side effects is ototoxicity, which may result in a bilateral and irreversible hearing loss. The ototoxic effect in the pediatric population has a bigger impact as it compromises language acquisition. The discovery of drugs with otoprotective effects and the optimal way to administer them have become significant challenges in minimizing the impact of cisplatin regarding auditory function. The objective was to understand otoprotective drugs and their relevance in the preventive treatment to cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in childhood. An integrative review was conducted by consulting databases including PubMed, Bireme, MedLine, LILACS, SciELO, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The search strategy was performed by crossing descriptors (DeCS and MeSH) and free terms. Studies published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese were selected, with no publication year restrictions. Subsequently, articles were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 736 articles were found in PubMed, 431 in Bireme, 425 in MedLine, 6 in LILACS, 0 in SciELO, and 4 in ClinicalTrials.gov. After document analysis, 12 articles were selected for full analysis. Evidence was found for 8 substances with potential otoprotective effects when used with cisplatin, which tend to minimize the impact of cisplatin regarding auditory function. The substances found were: Amifostine, Dexamethasone, Genistein, Ginkgo Biloba, Lycopene, N-acetylcysteine, Polydatin also Sodium Thiosulfate. In general, these drugs are applied before, during, or after cisplatin infusion, depending on the chosen drug, via intravenous, oral, or transtympanic injections, acting as antioxidant therapy. The biochemical effects of these substances are relevant to their potential otoprotective properties, including the inactivation of oxygen free radicals and electrophilic platinum species. The use of these substances can reduce ototoxicity, decreasing cisplatin-induced hearing loss and improving the confort of life, especially for children.

Preventive effects of early immunosuppressive treatment on the development of interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Hypothesizing that early treatment yields improved prognosis, we aimed to investigate how the timing of immunosuppressive treatment relates to interstitial lung disease (ILD) development and the course of pulmonary function in systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: A cohort was created using data from the EUSTAR database and Nijmegen Systemic Sclerosis cohort, including adult patients who started their first immunosuppressive treatment (ie mycophenolate mofetil, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, tocilizumab or rituximab) after SSc diagnosis, and no signs of ILD on high-resolution CT. ILD-free survival and the course of forced vital capacity % predicted (ppFVC) were assessed for up to 5 years follow-up comparing patients who started early (disease duration ≤ 3 years) vs late with immunosuppression. RESULTS: 1052 patients met the eligibility criteria. The early treatment group (n = 547, 52%) showed a higher prevalence of male sex, diffuse cutaneous subtype (53.1% vs 36.5%), and anti-topoisomerase-I antibody (ATA, 51.1% vs 42.7%). Most patients were treated with methotrexate (60.1%), whereas only a few patients were treated with biologicals (1.7%). The incidence of ILD was 46.6% after mean (SD) 3.6(1.4) years; the hazards ratio for ILD in the early treatment group was 1.13 (95% CI: 0.93-1.38) after adjustment for confounders. PpFVC trajectories were comparable between groups. CONCLUSION: Our findings did not confirm a preventive role of early initiation of immunosuppressive therapy vs late initiation on ILD development. However, our findings should be interpreted with caution, considering the high inflammatory, ATA-positive enriched nature of the cohort, confounding by indication, and very few patients were treated with biologicals.

Reverse left ventricular remodeling after aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Reverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling after aortic valve replacement (AVR), in patients with aortic stenosis, is well-documented as an important prognostic factor. With this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to characterize the response of the unloaded LV after AVR. We searched on MEDLINE/PubMed and Web of Science for studies reporting echocardiographic findings before and at least 1 month after AVR for the treatment of aortic stenosis. In total, 1,836 studies were identified and 1,098 were screened for inclusion. The main factors of interest were structural and dynamic measures of the LV and aortic valve. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis to compute standardized mean differences (SMD) between follow-up and baseline values for each outcome. Twenty-seven studies met the eligibility criteria, yielding 11,751 patients. AVR resulted in reduced mean aortic gradient (SMD: - 38.23 mmHg, 95% CI: - 39.88 to - 36.58 , I 2 = 92 % ), LV mass (SMD: - 37.24 g, 95% CI: - 49.31 to - 25.18 , I 2 = 96 % ), end-diastolic LV diameter (SMD: - 1.78 mm, 95% CI: - 2.80 to - 0.76 , I 2 = 96 % ), end-diastolic LV volume (SMD: - 1.6 ml, 95% CI: - 6.68 to 3.51, I 2 = 91 % ), increased effective aortic valve area (SMD: 1.10 cm2, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.20, I 2 = 98 % ), and LV ejection fraction (SMD: 2.35%, 95% CI: 1.31 to 3.40%, I 2 = 94.1 % ). Our results characterize the extent to which reverse remodeling is expected to occur after AVR. Notably, in our study, reverse remodeling was documented as soon as 1 month after AVR.

Genome-wide association study for milk yield, frame, and udder conformation traits of Gir dairy cattle.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are employed to identify genomic regions and candidate genes associated with several traits. The aim of this study was to perform a GWAS to identify causative variants and genes associated with milk yield, frame, and udder conformation traits in Gir dairy cattle. Body conformation traits were classified as "frame," and "udder" traits for this study. After genotyping imputation and quality control 42,105 polymorphisms were available for analyses and 24,489 cows with pedigree information had phenotypes. First, P-value was calculated based on the variance of the prediction error of the SNP-effects on the first iteration. After that, 2 more iterations were performed to carry out the weighted single-step genome-wide association methodology, performed using genomic moving windows defined based on linkage disequilibrium. The significant SNPs and top 10 windows explaining the highest percentage of additive genetic variance were selected and used for QTL and gene annotation. The variants identified in our work overlapped with QTLs from the animal QTL database on chromosomes 1 to 23, except for chromosome 4. The Gir breed is less studied than the Holstein breed and as such the animal QTL database is biased to Holstein results. Hence it is noteworthy that our GWAS had similarities with previously described QTLs. These previously known QTLs were related to milk yield, body height, rump angle, udder width, and udder depth. In total, 5 genes were annotated. Of these genes, FAM13A and CMSS1 had been previously related to bone and carcass weight in cattle.

Optimization of a new liquid scintillation spectrometer for the measurement of environmental levels of 3H in water samples.

The activity concentration of 3H in water samples collected from places unaffected by nuclear activities or for human consumption can be very low. In these cases, determination procedures must achieve a Minimum Detectable Activity (MDA) low enough to ensure that 3H is accurately determined. In this paper, we present a method that uses a new Liquid Scintillation Spectrometer (LSC in what follows): the Quantulus GCT 6220. Furthermore, a new liquid scintillation cocktail, the ProSafe LT+, has been tested for 3H measurement, showing to be a good option for the determination of low levels of this radionuclide. The MDAs achieved are low enough to enable the measurement of very low levels of 3H in recent environmental water. The results obtained using a Quantulus GCT 6220 and Prosafe LT + are compared to those obtained with a Quantulus 1220 and Prosafe HC + as liquid scintillation cocktail.

High frequency of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli from cattle in the Cerrado and Pantanal biomes of Brazil.

The indiscriminate use of antimicrobials has led to the emergence of resistant bacteria, especially pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli, which are associated with diseases in animals and humans. The aim of the present study was to characterize E. coli isolates in calves with regards to the presence of virulence genes and investigate the resistance of the isolates to different antimicrobials. Between 2021 and 2023, 456 fecal samples were collected from calves in the Pantanal and Cerrado biomes of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. All samples were subjected to microbiological analysis and disc diffusion antibiogram testing. The polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect virulence genes. Bacterial growth was found in 451 of the 456 samples and biochemically identified as Escherichia coli. All 451 isolates (100 %) exhibited some phenotypic resistance to antimicrobials and 67.62 % exhibited multidrug resistance. The frequency of multidrug-resistant isolates in the Cerrado biome was significantly higher than that in the Pantanal biome (p = 0.0001). In the Cerrado, the most common pathotype was Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) (28 %), followed by toxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) (11 %), enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) (8 %) and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) (2 %). In most cases, the concomitant occurrence of pathotypes was more common, the most frequent of which were ETEC + STEC (33 %), ETEC + EHEC (15 %) and ETEC + EPEC (3 %). The STEC pathotype (30 %) was also found more frequently in the Pantanal, followed by EHEC (12 %), ETEC (9 %) and EPEC (6 %). The STEC pathotype had a significantly higher frequency of multidrug resistance (p = 0.0486) compared to the other pathotypes identified. The frequency of resistance was lower in strains from the Pantanal biome compared to those from the Cerrado biome. Although some factors are discussed in this paper, it is necessary to clarify the reasons for this difference and the possible impacts of these findings on both animal and human health in the region.

New materials and complications of prostheses in humans: situation in Spain.

Prostheses or implantable medical devices (IMDs) are parts made of natural or artificial materials intended to replace a body structure and therefore must be well tolerated by living tissues. The types of IMDs currently available and usable are very varied and capable of replacing almost any human organ. A high but imprecise percentage of Spaniards are carriers of one or more IMDs to which they often owe their quality of life or survival. IMDs are constructed with different types of materials that are often combined in the same prosthesis. These materials must combine harmlessness to human tissues with high wear resistance. Their durability depends on many factors both on the host and the type of prosthesis, but the vast majority last for more than 10-15 years or remain in function for the lifetime of the patient. The most frequently implanted IMDs are placed in the heart or great vessels, joints, dental arches or breast and their most frequent complications are classified as non-infectious, particularly loosening or intolerance, and infectious. Complications, when they occur, lead to a significant increase in morbidity, their repair or replacement multiplies the health care cost and, on occasions, can cause the death of the patient. The fight against IMD complications is currently focused on the design of new materials that are more resistant to wear and infection and the use of antimicrobial substances that are released from these materials. Their production requires multidisciplinary technical teams, but also a willingness on the part of industry and health authorities that is not often found in Spain or in most European nations. Scientific production on prostheses and IMD in Spain is estimated to be less than 2% of the world total, and probably below what corresponds to our level of socio-economic development. The future of IMDs involves, among other factors, examining the potential role of Artificial Intelligence in their design, knowledge of tissue regeneration, greater efficiency in preventing infections and taking alternative treatments beyond antimicrobials, such as phage therapy. For these and other reasons, the Ramón Areces Foundation convened a series of experts in different fields related to prostheses and IMDs who answered and discussed a series of questions previously formulated by the Scientific Council. The following lines are the written testimony of these questions and the answers to them.

Temporal trends and spatial clusters of high risk for maternal death due to COVID-19 pre and during COVID-19 vaccination in Brazil: a national population-based ecological study.

OBJECTIVE: This study comprehensively analyzed the temporal and spatial dynamics of COVID-19 cases and deaths within the obstetric population in Brazil, comparing the periods before and during mass COVID-19 vaccination. We explored the trends and geographical patterns of COVID-19 cases and maternal deaths over time. We also examined their correlation with the SARS-CoV-2 variant circulating and the social determinants of health. STUDY DESIGN: This is a nationwide population-based ecological study. METHODS: We obtained data on COVID-19 cases, deaths, socioeconomic status, and vulnerability information for Brazil's 5570 municipalities for both the pre-COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination periods. A Bayesian model was used to mitigate indicator fluctuations. The spatial correlation of maternal cases and fatalities with socioeconomic and vulnerability indicators was assessed using bivariate Moran. RESULTS: From March 2020 to June 2023, a total of 23,823 cases and 1991 maternal fatalities were recorded among pregnant and postpartum women. The temporal trends in maternal incidence and mortality rates fluctuated over the study period, largely influenced by widespread COVID-19 vaccination and the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant. There was a significant reduction in maternal mortality due to COVID-19 following the introduction of vaccination. The geographical distribution of COVID-19 cases and maternal deaths exhibited marked heterogeneity in both periods, with distinct spatial clusters predominantly observed in the North, Northeast, and Central West regions. Municipalities with the highest Human Development Index reported the highest incidence rates, while those with the highest levels of social vulnerability exhibited elevated mortality and fatality rates. CONCLUSION: Despite the circulation of highly transmissible variants of concern, maternal mortality due to COVID-19 was significantly reduced following the mass vaccination. There was a heterogeneous distribution of cases and fatalities in both periods (before and during mass vaccination). Smaller municipalities and those grappling with social vulnerability issues experienced the highest rates of maternal mortality and fatalities.

Sugarcane productivity and economic viability in response to planting density.

Planting with higher density in sugarcane is one of the practices used to overcome low productivity. However, this planting material is equivalent to 25% of the total cost of production, being one of the main expenses for cultivation. In this sense, the present work aims to evaluate the productivity and economic viability of sugarcane as a function of planting density. The experiment was carried out at Usina Monte Alegre in the municipality of Mamanguape, Paraíba, Brazil, from March 2021 to January 2022 with the variety RB92579. Seven planting density were studied: T1: 7 gems m-1, T2: 10 gems m-1, T3: 12 gems m-1, T4: 11 gems m-1, T5: 15 gems m-1, T6: 17 gems m-1, T7: 24 gems m-1, in randomized blocks with four replications. Growth, productivity and economic viability were evaluated. The highest productivity of cane and sugar, 77.69 ton ha-1 and 10.390 ton ha-1, respectively, was with planting density of 17 and 24 gems-1. While the minimum productivity of cane (61.313 ton ha-1) and sugar (7.924 ton ha-1) was recorded at sowing density of 7 and 11 gems-1. However, cultivation density with 7 and 10 gems m-1 were the ones that provided the highest profitability around 50%, followed by density of 12, 15 and 17 gems m-1 with an average of 45% profit and 11 and 24 gems m-1 with the lowest proportion of profit on average 38%. The cultivation with 17 gems m-1 of cane provides in cane-plant, variety RB92579, greater productivity with a profit rate of 45%, being the most suitable.

Band separation and electric field prediction in square Bravais-Moiré photonic crystals.

In this study, we address three key challenges in photonic crystals: modeling of isolated flat bands, electric field prediction, and band separation in dispersion relations. Using twisted square Bravais lattices at specific angles, we create Bravais-Moiré photonic crystals exhibiting unique characteristics. These include band pairing and parallelism in certain Brillouin zones, enabling predictable electric field behavior and identification of isolated, flat band pairs within extensive band gaps. We apply advanced Shape theory-based classification methods for precise band separation, offering significant contributions to photonics research and light manipulation applications.

The physiological quality of Vigna unguiculata L. seeds shows tolerance to salinity.

Salinity reduces feijão-caupi production, and the search for tolerant varieties becomes important within the agricultural context, as, in addition to being used in the field, they can be used in genetic improvement. The objective was to for a identify variety that is tolerant to salinity considering the physiological quality of seeds and seedling growth. A 2 × 4 factorial scheme was used, referring to the varieties Pingo-de-ouro and Coruja, and four electrical conductivities of water (0; 3.3; 6.6 and 9.9 dS m-1). The physiological quality of seeds and the growth of seedlings were analyzed, in addition to the cumulative germination. The Pingo-de-ouro variety showed no germination, length of the shoot and root, dry mass of the shoot and root compromised up to electrical conductivity of 6 dS m-1 in relation to 0.0 dS m-1. On the other hand, the Coruja variety showed reduced germination, increased shoot and root length. The creole variety Pingo-de-ouro proved to be tolerant to salinity.

Transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair for emergency groin hernia: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic groin hernia repair has evolved and gained popularity and laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) procedure provides an opportunity to evaluate the peritoneal cavity and both inguinal areas without the need for additional dissection. There is still a paucity of evidence to support TAPP repair in the emergency setting. In this systematic review, we aim to evaluate the feasibility and safety of TAPP repair for incarcerated and strangulated groin hernias. METHODS: PRISMA guidelines were followed for literature search and established inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Data were extracted and analyzed for the outcomes of interest. RESULTS: Overall, 8 studies were included in the review, comprising 316 patients. Patients characteristics and outcomes were limitedly reported. Only 3 cases of conversion to open approach were reported and 2 recurrences were diagnosed. Postoperative complications are inconsistently reported but mostly refer to minor complications. There were no mortality cases. Visceral resections were performed in 25 cases due to ischemia, mostly extracorporeally. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy is a game changer and TAPP approach is a feasible, safe, and effective technique for the emergent repair of groin hernias. Further studies and prospective randomized data are needed to establish its role in the emergent groin hernia management.

Frequency and characterization of the accessory heads of the biceps brachii: A multicentric cadaveric study.

PURPOSE: The biceps brachii muscle (BBM) is a large and thick muscle on the ventral portion of the upper arm. The scientific literature reports the existence of extra heads. OBJECTIVE: The present work investigated the frequency of occurrence of BBM accessory head(s) in four different Anatomy Laboratories at universities in Northeast Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Once the upper limbs with an anatomical variation of the BBM heads were identified, the accessory head was evaluated for morphometric characterization (the length, width, and thickness). RESULTS: The sample consisted of 249 upper limbs and the outcomes were 26 members with BBM accessory heads (10.44% of the total sample). Among the 26 members studied was found a single accessory head in 22 (84.62%), two accessory heads in 3 (11.54%), and three accessory heads in 1 (3.85%). BBMs with one, two, and three accessory heads were found, with different origins. The average length, width, and thickness of these accessory heads were 169.39mm, 10.25mm, and 3.39mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: The frequency of BBM accessory heads in a population of northeastern Brazil in this cadaveric study was 10.44%.

Suspected intoxication by Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) of dairy cattle in the Azores, Portugal.

CASE HISTORY: An outbreak of suspected Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) intoxication among dairy cattle occurred on the island of Terceira in the Azores (Portugal), in October 2022. The animals affected were non-lactating dairy cows and heifers from five small farms grazing (free or tethered) a Kikuyu-dominant pasture. Of the 29 animals exposed, 17 were affected, and eight (five heifers and three adult cows) died, resulting in a morbidity rate of 58%, a mortality rate of 28% and a case mortality rate of 47%. CLINICAL FINDINGS AND TREATMENT: The clinical signs were non-specific and inconsistent, and included dry faeces, some with dark red blood; apathy and prostration; abdominal dilatation; tachycardia; tachypnoea; pale or jaundiced mucous membranes; sham drinking; sialorrhoea; and moderate to severe dehydration. Symptomatic treatment was provided but was ineffective. Haematology and serum biochemistry revealed an acute inflammatory leukogram, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, decreased gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity, and azotaemia.The most consistent necropsy findings were haemorrhages in the epicardium and endocardium, an enlarged liver with rounded edges, non-perforated abomasal ulcers, and haemorrhagic lesions in the small and large intestines. Histopathology indicated myocarditis, hepatitis, interstitial nephritis, enteritis and colitis.Several fungal species were isolated from grass samples taken from affected pastures including several Fusarium spp., the genus implicated in Kikuyu toxicosis. Immediate removal of the animals from the pasture with Kikuyu was the only measure that prevented new cases and resulted in the recovery of some of the less affected animals. DIAGNOSIS: The epidemiological features of this outbreak and the clinical signs and micro- and macroscopic lesions observed were highly suggestive of Kikuyu grass poisoning. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although the weather conditions varied from other published cases, the grazing conditions (almost exclusive Kikuyu grass) and the post-mortem findings were very similar to those described in the literature, particularly the haemorrhages in the epicardium and endocardium. Kikuyu grass is very invasive and presents many desirable characteristics as cattle feed. Thus, an increase in cases of intoxication may be expected. Practitioners and farmers in areas where Kikuyu grass is abundant should be aware of the potential risks of grazing cattle exclusively on these pastures. They should also be aware of the early and subtle signs of Kikuyu intoxication to allow for timely removal of the animals from pasture.

Phytochemical analysis, toxicity and evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of leaves of Dipteryx alata Vogel.

In this study, our objective was to conduct a comprehensive phytochemical analysis, determine toxicity levels, and assess the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of extracts derived from the leaves of Dipteryx alata Vogel, a native species of the Brazilian cerrado flora. Three distinct extracts were prepared utilizing assisted ultrasound and the Soxhlet apparatus, namely, Ultrasound Crude Extract (UCE), Soxhlet Crude Extract (SCE), and the Soxhlet Ethanol Extract (SEE). The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, phytosterols, and saponins in all extracts. Additionally, alkaloids were specifically identified in the SCE and SEE extracts. In the analysis using LC-DAD, the compounds gallic acid, rutin, quercetin, luteolin and kampefrol were determined in higher concentrations in the SCE, followed by the SEE and UCE, respectively. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of campesterol, stigmasterol and ß-sitosterol in all extracts, with UCE and SCE showing a higher concentration of ß-sitosterol. SCE showed the highest concentration of all identified compounds. In the analysis of antioxidant activity by DPPH• and ABTS•+, SEE showed greater efficiency (IC50 = 2.98 ± 2.92 and 6.57 ± 0.89 µg/mL, respectively). In the toxicity test with Allium cepa, all extracts stimulated root growth at 50 g/mL; UCE and SEE stimulated root growth at 250 g/mL; and SEE inhibited root growth at 750 g/mL. In the Artemia salina toxicity, all extracts were non-toxic. Antibacterial activity was identified in the microorganisms S. aureus and S. mutans; however, the extracts did not show antifungal action against the strain of C. albicans. The extracts of D. alata have therapeutic potential for applicability in dentistry.

Epidemiologia da anafilaxia no Brasil: Registro Brasileiro de Anafilaxia (RBA) da Associação Brasileira de Alergia e Imunologia (ASBAI) / Epidemiology of anaphylaxis in Brazil: The Brazilian Registry of Anaphylaxis (RBA) of the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology (ASBAI)

INTRODUÇÃO: A anafilaxia é uma reação alérgica multissistêmica grave, de início agudo e potencialmente fatal. Poucos são os dados sobre sua epidemiologia no Brasil. O Registro Brasileiro de Anafilaxia da Associação Brasileira de Alergia e Imunologia (RBAASBAI) teve como objetivo ampliar o conhecimento sobre anafilaxia em indivíduos brasileiros. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional transversal com questionário online sobre dados demográficos, desencadeantes suspeitos, manifestações clínicas, atendimento durante a reação, investigação diagnóstica e aconselhamento após a reação de pacientes que experimentaram uma reação anafilática. RESULTADOS: Entre junho/2021 e abril/2023, foram incluídos 237 pacientes (131 femininos): 99 crianças/adolescentes; 127 adultos e 11 idosos. Houve predomínio de meninos entre crianças/adolescentes (55,5%), e de mulheres entre os adultos (64,5%), e mediana de idade de 22 anos (< 1 a 77 anos). As manifestações cutâneas (92,8%) foram as mais frequentes, seguidas pelas respiratórias (70,1%), gastrointestinais (52,3%), neurológicas (36,3%) e cardiovasculares (35,3%). Os principais desencadeantes foram: alimentos (43,0%), medicamentos (26,2%), himenópteros (21,6%) e látex (2,5%); os alimentos entre crianças (leite, ovo, amendoim/castanhas), e os fármacos (anti-inflamatórios e antibióticos) entre os adultos. Quanto ao tratamento, 61,1% recebeu adrenalina (52,7% por profissional e 8,4% via autoinjetor de adrenalina -AIA). Uma adolescente (12 anos) faleceu após picada de abelha. A maioria recebeu plano escrito de emergência (78,1%) e foi ensinada a usar o AIA (70%). CONCLUSÃO: Os alimentos foram os desencadeantes mais comuns entre crianças/adolescentes, e os fármacos entre adultos brasileiros. A adrenalina continua sendo subutilizada, reforçando a necessidade de maior disseminação do tratamento adequado da anafilaxia.

INTRODUCTION: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening, acute, severe multisystem allergic reaction.There is little data on its epidemiology in Brazil. The Brazilian Anaphylaxis Registry of the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology (RBA-ASBAI) was devised to expand knowledge about anaphylaxis in Brazilian individuals. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study using an online questionnaire to collect data on demographics, suspected triggers, clinical manifestations, treatment during the reaction, diagnostic workup, and post-reaction counseling in patients who have experienced an anaphylactic reaction. RESULTS: Between June 2021 and April 2023, 237 patients were included (131 female): 99 children/adolescents (<18yo), 127 adults (18-64yo), and 11 older adults (65-77yo). There was a male predominance in the pediatric group (55.5%), while females were predominant among adults (64.5%). The median age was 22 years (range, <1 to 77). The most frequent clinical manifestations were cutaneous (92.8%), followed by respiratory (70.1%), gastrointestinal (52.3%), neurological (36.3%), and cardiovascular (35.3%). The most common triggers were foods (43.0%), drugs (26.2%), venoms (21.6%), and latex (2.5%). Foods (milk, egg, peanuts/tree nuts) predominated among children, versus drugs (mostly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics) among adults. Regarding treatment, 61.1% received epinephrine (52.7% by a healthcare professional and 8.4% via epinephrine auto-injector [EAI]). One teenager (12yo) died due to a bee sting. Most patients received a written emergency plan (78.1%) and were taught how to use the EAI (70%). CONCLUSION: Foods were the most common triggers of anaphylaxis among Brazilian children and adolescents, while drugs predominated among adults. Epinephrine continues to be underused, highlighting the need for greater awareness of proper treatment of anaphylaxis.

Influence of at-risk family interactions on the course of psychiatric care in adolescence.

Dysparenting, referring to inappropriate parental attitudes, is a vulnerability factor for mental disorders during adolescence and a therapeutic leverage, yet clinicians lack reliable tools to assess it in daily clinical practice. Moreover, the effect of this dysparenting on the amount of psychiatric care remains unclear. The Family and Care study aims to develop the at-risk family interactions and levers (ARFIL) scale, a comprehensive 30-item clinical scale, and to assess in a cross-sectional design, the impact of these at-risk family interactions on the care of adolescents (n = 425) hospitalized in psychiatry and aged 13-19 years old. Factorial analysis shows that the ARFIL scale consists of three main dimensions associated with cohesion/conflicts, love/hostility, and autonomy/control with good psychometric properties. Multivariate regressions show that the ARFIL intensity score predicts the duration of hospital care, regardless of age, gender, medical severity on admission, assessed by the Global Assessment of Functioning scale, the presence of maltreatment and psychiatric diagnoses. Moreover, the ARFIL diversity score (number of items present regardless of their severity) predicts both the number and duration of hospitalizations. At-risk family interactions are a determining dimension of psychiatric adolescent care, and the ARFIL scale could constitute a valuable tool, not only for holistic evaluation and treatment, but also for prevention.