Method validation and environmental monitoring of triethanolamine ester quaternary ammonium compounds.

In this study water and sediment samples, collected from the River Nene (Northamptonshire) at several sites in the vicinity of the Great Billing sewage treatment plant (STP), were analysed for triethanolamine quaternary compounds (TEAQ, ester quats). A method was developed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) with a electrospray ionisation source (ESI). Ten components were determined using a characterised commercial sample of Tallow TEAQ as a standard. To our knowledge this is the first time environmental concentrations of a wide spectrum of individual homologues of TEAQ have been reliably quantified covering a broad range of environmental matrices (STP influent, STP effluent, surface waters and sediments), due to the challenging nature of the analytical method. The method featured novel solutions for the determination of long and multiple chain length alkyl quats, controlling loss processes, background contamination and chromatographic performance. TEAQ compounds were found to be highly removed in the sewage treatment plant resulting in low effluent concentrations. Low concentrations in both river water and sediment samples were found also. In many cases levels were below the Method Detection Limit (MDL). In river water samples, mean values of TEAQ compounds found were 210-398 ng/L for C16:0/C18:0 TEAQ diester and 126-287 ng/L for C18:0/C18:0 TEAQ diester. River sediment was found to contain mean TEAQ levels of 7.07-12.5, 19.7 to 40.3 and 7.04-35.1 µg/kg dry weight for C16:0/C16:0, C16:0/C18:0, and C18:0/C18:0 TEAQ, respectively. At Great Billing STP monoesters and diesters of TEAQ were shown to be efficiently removed (>97 and 99 %, respectively), although limited samples were taken on this occasion.

Intracolonic Administration of Vancomycin in Intensive Care Unit Patients with Severe Clostridium Difficile Colitis.

BACKGROUND: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea worldwide. The incidence of sepsis has been shown to be increasing due to severe or fulminant colitis. Oral vancomycin is the treatment of choice for CDI, but it is often ineffective in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) due to poor intestinal motility. We present a review of eight cases with severe to fulminant CDI treated with adjunctive intracolonic vancomycin (ICV) administration. METHODS: A retrospective chart review identified patients in sepsis with severe colitis and positive Clostridium difficile toxin A or B. Patients who had failed standard therapy for CDI were given adjunctive ICV through an enteric tube, which was inserted via colonoscopy. To indicate the severity of patients, the patients selected had required vasopressor support. RESULTS: Eight patients (37.5% females) received this adjunctive treatment; the mean age was 73.25. The average Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) 2 score at the time of the procedure was 39. The median length of stay was 5.5 days, with in-hospital mortality of 37.5% and an average time to death of 1.33 days from the day of colonoscopy.  Conclusion: Colonoscopic decompression and administration of vancomycin for fulminant CDI using an enteric tube can have favorable outcomes in severely ill patients whose surgical options carry a high risk of mortality. Further larger randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate its efficacy.

Characterization data and kinetic studies of novel lipophilic analogues from 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and Propanil herbicides.

This work describes the data collection of new lipophilic esters and amides herbicides, analogues to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and Propanil. The data include 1H and 13C NMR spectra and UV-VIS spectroscopic experiments, from the work "Novel lipophilic analogues from 2,4-D and Propanil herbicides: Biological activity and kinetic studies". The UV-VIS and 1H NMR spectra were employed to kinetic degradation design, and could be used to access new herbicides derivatives with better environmental properties.

Novel lipophilic analogues from 2,4-D and Propanil herbicides: Biological activity and kinetic studies.

This work describes the synthesis of new lipophilic amides and esters analogues of classical organochlorides herbicides by incorporation of long-chains from fatty acids and derivatives. The new fatty esters and amides were synthesized in 96-99% and 80-89% yields, respectively. In general, all compounds tested showed superior in vitro activity than commercial herbicides against growth L. sativa and A. cepa, in ranges 86-100% of germinative inhibition. The target compounds showed, significantly more susceptible towards acid hydrolysis than 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The kinetic and NMR studies showed that the incorporation of lipophilic chains resulted in a decrease in half-life time of new herbicides compounds (1.5 h) than 2,4-D (3 h). These findings suggest the synthesis of new lipophilic herbicides as potential alternative to traditional formulations, by incorporation of long fatty alkyl chains in the molecular structure of 2,4-D, resulting in superior in vitro herbicidal activity, best degradation behavior and more hydrophobic derivatives.

Estrutura social e dinâmica da violência: determinantes sociais dos homicídios intencionais nas microrregiões brasileiras / Social structure and dynamics of violence: social determinants of intentional homicides in Brazilian micro-regions / Estructura social y dinámica de la violencia: determinantes sociales de los homicidios dolosos en las microrregiones brasileñas

Resumo Teorias macrossociológicas da violência criminal predizem que a taxa de crimes violentos, sobretudo homicídios intencionais, aumenta em resposta às estruturas e aos processos sociais que fortalecem as motivações violentas ou enfraquecem os controles sociais da violência. Para testar estas hipóteses, utilizamos diversos modelos de regressão bi e multivariada com dados em painel e variáveis construídas com dados demográficos e de mortalidade, de acordo com a relevância teórica, para verificar se o uso de psicoativos, o acesso a armas de fogo, as estruturas sociodemográficas (crescimento e densidade populacional e proporção de homens jovens) e a prevalência da exclusão socioeconômica aumentam a taxa de homicídios intencionais nas microrregiões brasileiras, entre 1996 e 2019. A maior parte dos resultados corrobora as hipóteses de maneira significativa. Porém, o fator mais poderoso foi a taxa de homicídios do ano anterior, revelando uma tendência endógena de retroalimentação da violência no curto e médio prazos, o que pode levar à acumulação dos efeitos dos fatores estruturais dos homicídios intencionais.

Abstract Macrosociological theories of criminal violence predict that the rate of violent crimes, especially intentional homicide, increases in response to social structures and processes that strengthen violent motivations or weaken social controls on violence. To test these hypotheses, we used several bivariate and multivariate regression models with panel data and variables constructed with demographic and mortality data, according to theoretical relevance, to verify whether the use of psychoactive substances, access to firearms, sociodemographic structures (population growth and density and proportion of young men), and the prevalence of socioeconomic exclusion increased the rate of intentional homicides in Brazilian microregions between 1996 and 2019. Most of the results significantly support the hypotheses. But the most powerful factor was the previous year's homicide rate. This reveals an endogenous feedback tendency of violence in the short and medium terms, which can lead to the accumulation of the effects of the structural factors of intentional homicides.

Resumen Las teorías macrosociológicas de la violencia criminal predicen que la tasa de delitos violentos, especialmente la de homicidios dolosos, aumenta en respuesta a estructuras y a procesos sociales que fortalecen las motivaciones violentas o debilitan los controles sociales sobre la violencia. Para probar estas hipótesis, utilizamos varios modelos de regresión bivariados y multivariados con datos de panel y con variables construidas a partir de datos demográficos y de mortalidad, según su relevancia teórica, para verificar si el uso de psicoactivos, el acceso a armas de fuego, las estructuras sociodemográficas (crecimiento y densidad poblacional y proporción de hombres jóvenes) y la prevalencia de la exclusión socioeconómica aumentaron la tasa de homicidios dolosos en las microrregiones brasileñas entre 1996 y 2019. La mayoría de los resultados corroboran significativamente las hipótesis, pero el factor más relevante fue la tasa de homicidios del año anterior. Esto revela una tendencia endógena de retroalimentación de la violencia en el corto y el mediano plazo que puede conducir a la acumulación de los efectos de los factores estructurales de los homicidios dolosos.

Optimization Tifton-85 grass cutting for productivity and nutrient value

The objective of this work was to determine the impact of cutting Tifton-85 grass at 14, 28, 42, 46, 70, and 80 days of regrowth on its production and nutritional characteristics during the rainy season. The study area of 238 m2 was divided into four sub-area, with 6 plots of 2 × 2 m spaced 1 m between plots and 2 m between sub-area. Random block design was used. The statistical analyses were performed following a randomized block design. Results were obtained as means from evaluations conducted in two consecutive years. The neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) increased as the cutting age increased. However, crude protein, NDF nitrogen, ADF nitrogen and leaves/stem relationship decreased as the cutting age increased. The production of digestible dry matter increased linearly as the cutting age increased. Similarly, grass height, green matter and dry matter production (DMP) increased as the cutting age increased. The different cutting age did not influence the nitrogen A, B1 + B2, and B3 fractions of the grass. However, the C fraction increased as the cutting age increased. Longer intervals between cuts increased the grass productivity per cut, but compromised its nutritional composition and leaves/stem relationship. For Tifton -85, the regrowth age of 28 days allows greater production of dry matter and greater accumulated production of crude protein and digestive dry matter in the rainy season or over time.

Respirometria e emissão de metano por ovinos alimentados com capim-elefante cortado com diferentes idades / Respirometry and methane emissions by sheep fed elephantgrass at different cutting ages

Objetivou-se com este trabalho mensurar a respirometria e a emissão de metano entérico por ovinos alimentados com o capim-elefante cortado aos 56, 84 e 112 dias de crescimento. Foram utilizados 18 carneiros adultos sem raça definida, com peso médio de 34,7 ± 6 kg alojados em gaiolas de estudo de metabolismo. A mensuração dos gases foi realizada através de uma câmara respirométrica de fluxo aberto. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, com seis repetições, e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste SNK (P<0,05). Os animais alimentados com o capim colhido após 56 dias de rebrotação consumiram mais oxigênio e produziram mais dióxido de carbono e metano. As produções de calor variaram 87,19 a 143,57 Kcal/kg 0,75/dia. O coeficiente respiratório foi semelhante entre os tratamentos, com valor médio de 0,98. A produção de metano variou entre 11,74 e 22,51 g/dia, havendo redução com o aumento da idade da planta forrageira. Quando expressa em g/kg0,75/dia, a produção deste gás foi superior para animais que receberam o capim-elefante-verde cortado aos 56 dias de idade (1,53 g/kg 0,75/dia). A emissão de metano (g) por quilo de matéria seca (MS) e de fibra insolúvel em detergente neutro (FDN) consumido para o capim colhido mais novo (56 dias) foi superior à do capim colhido no estádio mais avanço de maturação (112 dias). Porém, as emissões de metano em gramas por quilo de MS digestível (27,2 g/kg) e FDN digestível (44,4 g/kg) foram semelhantes para os capins colhidos nas diferentes idades de corte. A emissão diária de metano (g/kg 0,75/dia) foi maior em animais alimentados com a planta forrageira colhida mais nova, enquanto que se expressa em gramas por quilo de MS ou FDN digestível a emissão deste gás não sofreu influência do capim-elefante no momento do corte.

The aim of this work was to determinate the respirometry and enteric methane emission from sheep fed fresh elephant grass cut at 56, 84 and 112 days of regrowth. Eighteen crossbred sheep (34.7 ± 6 kg) individually housed in metabolic crates were used in this experiment. The gases measurements were accomplished with an open circuit respirometric chamber. The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments (grass regowth age) and six repetitions (sheep). The data were subjected to ANOVA and means were compared by SNK test (P<0.05). The animals fed with elephant grass harvested at 56 days of regrowth had higher oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide and methane emissions. Heat production ranged from 87.19 to 143.57 Kcal/kg 0.75/day. The respiratory quotients were similar (P>0.05) among treatments, averaging 0.98. Methane emissions ranged from 11.74 to 22.51 g/day. When expressed in g/kg 0.75/day, methane emissions were higher for sheep fed fresh elephant grass with 56 days of regrowth (1.53 g/kg 0.75/day). Methane emissions expressed in g/kg of dry matter (DM) intake or neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake were higher (P<0.05) for the grass harvested with 56 days of regrowth compared to the grass harvested in more advanced stage of maturity (112 days). However, methane emissions in g/kg of digestible DM (27.2 g/kg) and digestible NDF (44.4 g/kg) were similar among treatments. While daily methane emissions (g/kg 0.75/day) were higher in sheep fed fresh elephant grass harvested with 56 days of regrowth, it was not affected by regrowth age when expressed as g/kg of digestible DM or digestible NDF.

Fidedignidade de atividades para o desenvolvimento da capacidade de jogo nos esportes coletivos / Reliability in activities for the development of playing abilities in team sports

Como os conteúdos de ensino dos jogos esportivos são ensinados aos futuros professores de educação física? Analisando a concordância entre juízes sobre parâmetros do desenvolvimento da capacidade de jogo, pretendeu­-se neste estudo identificar dificuldades no processo de ensino­-aprendizagem. Cinco juízes avaliaram atividades indicando os parâmetros que a mesma objetivava desenvolver. Os resultados de concordância entre os juízes e dos mesmos com o gabarito demonstram maior dificuldade de identificar os parâmetros das capacidades táticas e certa facilidade para a coordenação motora. Aplicar uma proposta que organiza o processo de ensino ao longo dos anos requer conhecimento e dedicação para assegurar mudanças nos resultados...

How are the sports games teaching contents taught to future physical education teachers? Analyzing the judges’s correlation about the development parameters of playing ability, this study aimed to identify difficulties in the teaching­ learning process. Five judges evaluated activities indicating the parameters that it aimed to develop. The judges and the evaluators correlation results show that there’s a certain difficulty in identifying the tactical capabilities parameters, and relative ease in identifying motor coordination. Applying a proposal to organize the teaching process over the years requires knowledge and dedication to ensure changes in the results...

Como los contenidos de enseñanza de los deportes se les enseña a los futuros profesores de educación física? El análisis de la correlación entre los parámetros de los jueces en el desarrollo de la capacidad de jugar, este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar las dificultades en el proceso de enseñanza­ aprendizaje. Cinco jueces evaluaron las actividades que indican los parámetros que se querían desarrollar. Los resultados de acuerdo entre los jueces y lo mismo con sus comentarios muestranuna mayor dificultad en la identificación de los parámetros de la relativa facilidadycapacidad táctica de la coordinación. Aplicar una propuesta para organizarel proceso de enseñanza en los últimos años requiere conocimiento y dedicaciónpara garantizarlos cambios en los resultados...

Utilization of floral resources by bees of the genus Frieseomelitta von Ihering (Hymenoptera: Apidae).

The present study intended to verify which factors (phylogenetic relationship or local ecological conditions) would determine how Frieseomelitta bees use floral resources. The data obtained in the literature on biocenotic studies of Apoidea visiting flowers in Brazil were analyzed, with identification and quantification of floral resources used by Frieseomelitta species in different areas. The phenogram of similarity on use of resources among Frieseomelitta species was compared to the phylogenetic hypothesis proposed for the group. Among the eight Frieseomelitta species registered in 19 studies, F. doederleini (Friese), F. francoi (Moure), F. languida Moure, F. varia (Lepeletier) e Frieseomelitta sp. nov., were collected using resources from 36 plant families. F. doederleini, F. languida e F. varia centralized their activity in Caesalpiniaceae, Malpighiaceae e Anacardiaceae. The similarities and disparities found among areas and Frieseomelitta species reflected the similarities and differences of the vegetation composition in each area. Frieseomelitta bees presented a forage pattern similar to that one presented by other highly social bees, visiting flowers of many plant species, but concentrating their activities in few plant species. Despite the low phylogenetic relationship between F. languida and F. doederleini, they showed a high similarity on the use of floral resource, while F. varia e F. languida, species with high phylogenetic relationship, showed low similarity in the use of resource. Although the data obtained are not conclusive, it indicates that phylogenetic restrictions do not influence the pattern of use of floral resource by Frieseomelitta bees.

Interpretation of liver chemistries in adult donors after living donor liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: The safety of donors is paramount in adult living donor liver transplantation. Our goal is to compare the pattern of recovery of hepatic synthetic function and aminotransferases in healthy adult donors with and without complications. METHODS: We reviewed 47 consecutive patients undergoing right donor hepatectomy at our center. Laboratory data were collected through the first 2 postoperative weeks and results from donors with and without complications were compared. RESULTS: Donor morbidity was 25% and there were no donor deaths. Total bilirubin peaked on postoperative day 3, whereas aminotransferases and international normalized ratio peaked on postoperative day 1. Peak total bilirubin was higher in patients with fluid collections (n = 7) compared with those without fluid collections (n = 40), 4.6 mg/dL and 2.3 mg/dL, respectively, P = 0.02. On postoperative day 3 the peak total bilirubin was greater than 3.0 mg/dL in 86% of donors with fluid collections and 15% of donors without fluid collections, (P = 0.0005) whereas aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase were not significantly different between these 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: After right donor hepatectomy a total bilirubin greater than 3.0 mg/dL on postoperative day 3 should prompt an evaluation for a fluid collection, even if other liver tests are normal or declining.

Utilization of floral resources by bees of the Genus Frieseomelitta von Ihering (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

The present study intended to verify which factors (phylogenetic relationship or local ecological conditions) would determine how Frieseomelitta bees use floral resources. The data obtained in the literature on biocenotic studies of Apoidea visiting flowers in Brazil were analyzed, with identification and quantification of floral resources used by Frieseomelitta species in different areas. The phenogram of similarity on use of resources among Frieseomelitta species was compared to the phylogenetic hypothesis proposed for the group. Among the eight Frieseomelitta species registered in 19 studies, F. doederleini (Friese), F. francoi (Moure), F. languida Moure, F. varia (Lepeletier) e Frieseomelitta sp. nov., were collected using resources from 36 plant families. F. doederleini, F. languida e F. varia centralized their activity in Caesalpiniaceae, Malpighiaceae e Anacardiaceae. The similarities and disparities found among areas and Frieseomelitta species reflected the similarities and differences of the vegetation composition in each area. Frieseomelitta bees presented a forage pattern similar to that one presented by other highly social bees, visiting flowers of many plant species, but concentrating their activities in few plant species. Despite the low phylogenetic relationship between F. languida and F. doederleini, they showed a high similarity on the use of floral resource, while F. varia e F. languida, species with high phylogenetic relationship, showed low similarity in the use of resource. Although the data obtained are not conclusive, it indicates that phylogenetic restrictions do not influence the pattern of use of floral resource by Frieseomelitta bees.

No presente estudo procurou-se investigar fatores que influenciariam o modo de utilização de recursos florais por abelhas Frieseomelitta von Ihering. Os dados obtidos na literatura sobre estudos biocenóticos de Apoidea visitando flores no Brasil foram analisados, com identificação e quantificação dos recursos florais utilizados pelas espécies de Frieseomelitta, em diferentes áreas. O fenograma de similaridade no uso de recursos entre as espécies de Frieseomelitta foi comparado com a hipótese filogenética proposta para o grupo. Das oito espécies de Frieseomelitta registradas em 19 estudos, F. doederleini (Friese); F. francoi (Moure); F. languida Moure, F. varia (Lepeletier) e Frieseomelitta sp. nov.; foram amostradas em 36 famílias botânicas. As similaridades e as disparidades encontradas entre as áreas e entre as espécies de Frieseomelitta refletiram as semelhanças e diferenças da composição da vegetação de cada área. Abelhas Frieseomelitta apresentam padrão de forrageio semelhante ao observado para outros grupos de abelhas eussociais, visitando diversas espécies vegetais, mas concentrando a visita em poucas espécies. F. languida e F. doederleini, embora apresentem parentesco mais distante dentre as espécies do gênero, mostraram maior similaridade no uso dos recursos, enquanto que F. varia e F. languida, espécies mais aparentadas do gênero, não apresentaram similaridades no uso de recursos. Embora as informações disponíveis não sejam, ainda, conclusivas, mostram que as restrições filogenéticas não influenciam específicamente o padrão de utilização dos recursos florais pelas espécies de Frieseomelitta.