How has the sustainability of countries changed after COVID-19? Evidence from the pandemics' first year.

The Covid-19 crisis has caused several social-related issues; the sanitary is, perhaps, the most significant one. Lockdowns and vaccination were implemented to fight the Covid-19 virus. From a sustainability perspective, Covid-19 has been considered a meaningful crisis driver that has affected nations' economies and social and natural capitals. The literature presents clues that effects appear to be different among countries. Recognizing its importance as public policies for sustainability, this study aims to assess how the sustainability of countries has changed after Covid-19, focusing on countries' economic power that reflects their capacity to face the crisis. A sample of 89 countries is considered, and 2019-2020 are set as base years for data gathering, which covers the first year of the Covid-19 crisis. Sustainability is conceptually supported and represented by a 3-D cube. The natural environment is expressed by the ecological footprint (EF) method, the economic capital by the gross domestic product (GDP), and the social capital by the happiness index. Results show that sustainability of economies was negatively affected after first year of Covid-19 crisis, but in different magnitudes, according to nations' economic power. While the sustainability of the wealthiest economies was slightly changed during 2019-2020 but maintained within the named 'useful-order' world (environmentally unsustainable, productive, and happy), the poorest economies pushed about 169 million people into the worst performance, reaching the 'ineffective' world (environmentally unsustainable, unproductive, and unhappy). Numbers highlight the inequalities of sustainability performance among countries, according to their capacity to face the Covid-19 crisis. The shield of the richest evaluated countries comprising 5 % of the world population is more powerful than the shield of the poorest evaluated countries carrying 67 % of the world population. Results claims for efforts to make different policies and provide economic support differently for countries, since although we are all under the same storm, but in different boats.

Integrating or Des-integrating agribusiness systems: Outcomes of emergy evaluation.

The agribusiness contributes significantly to the Brazilian domestic production, and the search for environmentally friendly systems, exploring the maximum possible use of renewable resources and reducing the use of non-renewable ones, affects the agribusiness' productivity and competitivity. An agribusiness producing corn, eggs, pork and milk was evaluated using emergy accounting. The effects of the (des)integration of the production processes on the efficiency and environmental sustainability of the system were assessed using seven scenarios. The first is the existing integrated system and the others are scenarios in which one of the productive subsystems is removed. Efficiency is measured by the global productivity relative to the amount of protein produced. The most environmentally advantageous scenario, in terms of sustainability and productivity, is the one in which pork production is increased and egg production is ceased. This result suggests that increasing integration per se cannot assure gains in environmental sustainability. The integrated management of the residues of the poultry and pig production as organic fertilizer resulted an advantage for the seven scenarios. The scenarios presented should help to evaluate organizational innovations and to identify trade-offs that could influence the environmental performance of agricultural integrated systems.

Radiographic measurements of the hindlimbs in crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous, Linnaeus, 1766).

Life expectancy of crab-eating foxes in captivity is approximately 11 years, which favours the development of diseases including orthopaedic disorders. However, to understand disorders that may affect these animals, it is worth determining a normal range of measurements. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate radiographic measurements of joint angles of the hindlimbs and the ratio of patellar ligament length to patellar length in healthy crab-eating foxes. Fifteen captive crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous), eight males and seven females, aged more than 1 year old, weighing 5.5-7.9 kg were used. Anatomic and mechanical femoral joint angles were assessed in ventrodorsal radiographic views, and mediolateral views were taken to measure patellar ligament length and patellar length, and the tibial plateau angle. The right and left hindlimbs were evaluated. All measurements were conducted in triplicate by the same investigator. No statistically significant differences were observed between sides in the radiographic measurements. The anatomic lateral proximal femoral angle and the anatomic lateral distal femoral angle recorded mean values of 95.43° and 92.75°, respectively. The mechanical lateral proximal femoral angle and the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle recorded mean values of 93.39° and 96.75°, respectively. Inclination angles measured according to the Tomlinson, Hauptman A and Hauptman B methods were 133.80°, 147.32° and 128.63°, respectively. The tibial plateau recorded 18.77°, and the ratio of the patellar ligament length to the patellar length was 1.99. In conclusion, the collected data are important to characterize the normal values of crab-eating fox limbs.

Influence of calibration protocols for a pressure-sensing walkway on kinetic and temporospatial parameters.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence on the kinetic and temporospatial parameters of calibration protocols with point and step techniques for a pressure-sensing walkway. METHODS: Nine Labrador dogs were used. Two protocols of point calibration technique (C1 and C2) and eight protocols of step calibration technique (C3 to C10) were performed. In C1, weight was added to a stool to match the body mass of each dog. In C2, weight was added to the stool to match a 46.1 kg person. The other eight calibration protocols represented combinations of the following factors: 46.1 kg and 96.1 kg persons, barefoot or wearing sneakers, and stepping onto the platform with one or two feet. RESULTS: The calibration protocols did not affect the temporospatial variables or percentages of body weight (%BW) distribution. Significant differences were found in both PVI (peak vertical force) and VI (vertical impulse) between barefoot versus wearing sneakers, 46.1 kg versus 96.1 kg person, and stepping onto the platform with one foot versus two feet. When comparing C1 with other protocols, significant differences were observed in PVF and VI for both forelimbs and hindlimbs. When comparing C2 with other protocols, significant differences were observed in PVF and VI for both forelimbs and hindlimbs in all protocols. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The PVF and VI were influenced by the calibration protocol used, but the %BW distribution and temporospatial parameters were not. Using the same calibration protocol for all dogs within the same group eliminated the variability of the kinetic data caused by the calibration.

Kinematic analysis in healthy and hip-dysplastic German Shepherd dogs.

This study investigated kinematic patterns in clinically normal German Shepherd dogs (GSDs) compared to those with hip dysplasia and with no clinical signs of lameness. Two groups of GSDs, including 10 clinically healthy dogs (G1) and 10 with hip dysplasia (G2), were trotted on a treadmill at a constant speed. Kinematic data were collected by a 3-camera system and analysed by a motion-analysis program. Flexion and extension joint angles and angular velocities were determined for the shoulder, elbow, carpal, hip, stifle, and tarsal joints. Within each group, the differences between the right and left limbs in all kinematic variables were not significant. Minimum angle, angular displacement and minimum angular velocity did not differ between groups. Significant differences were observed in the maximum angular velocity and maximum angle of the hip joint (dysplastic>healthy), and in the maximum angular velocity of the carpal joint (healthy>dysplastic). It was concluded that, when trotting on a treadmill, dysplastic dogs with no signs of lameness may present joint kinematic alterations in the hind as well as the forelimbs.

Goniometric measurements of the forelimb and hindlimb joints in sheep.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate angle-of-motion values for the forelimb and hindlimb in clinically healthy adult Santa Ines sheep by means of a standard goniometer. METHODS: Twenty female Santa Ines sheep, ranging in age between three- to six-years-old, and weighing 32-45 kg (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: 30.4 ± 3.7) were used. A standard transparent plastic goniometer was used to measure passive maximum flexion, maximum extension, and range-of-motion (ROM) of the shoulder, elbow, carpal, hip, stifle, and tarsal joints in the right and left limbs. The goniometric measurements were done with the sheep awake and in a standing position. The measurements were made in triplicate by two independent investigators. RESULTS: In all evaluated joints, there was no significant difference either between the means of the two sides or between measurements performed by the two investigators. The mean ± SD values of the measurements (degrees) were as follows: 20 ± 1 (flexion), 170 ± 2 (extension), and 150 ± 2 (ROM) for the carpal joint; 34 ± 4 (flexion), 145 ± 6 (extension), and 110 ± 4 (ROM) for the elbow joint; 88 ± 2 (flexion), 144 ± 6 (extension), and 56 ± 5 (ROM) for shoulder joint; 35 ± 4 (flexion), 163 ± 3 (extension), and 129 ± 4 (ROM) for tarsal joint; 46 ± 4 (flexion), 146 ± 6 (extension), and 100 ± 4 (ROM) for the stifle joint; 54 ± 3 (flexion), 143 ± 7 (extension), and 89 ± 5 (ROM) for the hip joint. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The data obtained provide useful and objective information on the joints. More studies are necessary using other sheep breeds.

Kinematic analysis of Labrador Retrievers and Rottweilers trotting on a treadmill.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to evaluate kinematic patterns in clinically normal Labrador and Rottweiler dogs trotting on a treadmill at a constant velocity. METHODS: Ten Labrador Retrievers aged from 2.2 to 5.1 years, and 10 Rottweilers aged from two to 5.9 years were used. A three-dimensional capture system was used to perform analysis of joint kinematics. Kinematic data were collected by use of a triple-camera system. The kinematic study was performed first on the right side of the dog, and then on the left side. Data were analysed by use of a motion-analysis program. Flexion and extension joint angles, angular velocity and angular acceleration were determined for the shoulder, elbow, carpal, hip, stifle, and tarsal joints. RESULTS: Within each group, the differences between the right and left limbs in all variables were not significant. Significant differences occurred between Labradors and Rottweilers in the following categories: angular displacement and minimum angular acceleration of the stifle (Rottweiler >Labrador); angular displacement and maximum angular velocity of the tarsus (Rottweiler >Labrador); minimum angular velocity of the shoulder (Labrador >Rottweiler); angular displacement, maximum angular acceleration, maximum angular velocity, and minimum angular velocity of the elbow (Labrador>Rottweiler); and maximum angle and maximum angular velocity of the carpus (Labrador>Rottweiler). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Both breeds had similar kinematic patterns, but there were magnitude differences, especially of the elbow and stifle joints. Therefore, each breed should have a specific database.

Distribution of the members of Anopheles gambiae and pyrethroid knock-down resistance gene (kdr) in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa.

An entomological survey conducted in 2002 in Guinea Bissau aimed i) to study the distribution of the members of Anopheles gambiae Giles complex (Diptera: Culicidae) throughout four ecological areas extended from mangrove to savannah ii) to evaluate the insecticide susceptibility status of these malaria vectors exposed to permethrin 0.75% and DDT4%, and finally iii) to investigate the occurrence and the spread of the Leu-Phe knock down resistance (kdr) gene associated with pyrethroid and DDT resistance within these vector populations. Adult female mosquitoes issued from indoor morning collections were tested using WHO procedures, test kits and impregnated papers to assess their insecticide susceptibility status. Tested specimens were identified by PCR assays and characterized for the kdr gene. Malaria vectors were mainly dominated elsewhere by An. gambiae s.s. (both S and M molecular forms) living in sympatry with low proportion of An. melas in the littoral. An. gambiae s.s. tested populations were fully susceptible both to permethrin 0.75% and to DDT 4% irrespective to their location and ecotypes. The Leu-Phe kdr mutation was detected at low frequency only in two sites respectively urban (Bissau) and Guinea-savannah (Gabu) areas. It occurred only in the S molecular form in Gabu (at the frequency of 0.14) and both in the S and M molecular forms in Bissau at the frequency of 0.06 and 0.02 respectively. These results suggested that the populations of An. gambiae s.s., the most frequent malaria vector in Guinea Bissau, still remain cross-susceptible to pyrethroids and DDT This susceptibility status and the frequency of resistance mechanism such as the kdr mutation must be monitored in the future particularly in the urban and savannah areas with continuous and intensive use of insecticides.

Oxidative stress after acute and sub-chronic malathion intoxication in Wistar rats.

Malathion is an insecticide of the group of organophosphate pesticides (OPs), which shows strong insecticidal effects. However, it possesses mutagenic and carcinogenic properties and shows organ-specific toxicity in relation to the heart, kidney and other vertebrate organs. The exact mechanism of the genotoxic effects of malathion is not yet known. Free radical damage is an important direct or indirect factor in several pathological and toxicological processes, including malathion poisoning. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of oxidative damage in different tissues of Wistar rats, administered intra peritoneally at doses of 25, 50, 100 and 150mgmalathion/kg, after acute and sub-chronic malathion exposure. Oxidative stress evaluation was based on lipid peroxidation by levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein oxidation by levels of carbonyl groups, and also on the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, two antioxidant enzymes that detoxity superoxide radical (O(2)(-)) and hydrogen peroxide, respectively. The results showed that the most sensitive targets of oxidative damage were kidney, lung and diaphragm after acute treatment, and liver, quadriceps and serum after sub-chronic treatment. Also, in general, increased lipid peroxidation measured as TBARS levels seems to be a better biomarker of oxidative stress compared to the contents of protein carbonyls after acute and sub-chronic malathion treatments. The present findings reinforce the concept that oxidative stress and particularly lipoperoxidation, are involved in OPs toxicity.

Structure-related oxidative damage in rat brain after acute and chronic electroshock.

The role of oxidative stress in electroconvulsive therapy-related effects is not well studied. The purpose of this study was to determine oxidative stress parameters in several brain structures after a single electroconvulsive seizure or multiple electroconvulsive seizures. Rats were given either a single electroconvulsive shock or a series of eight electroconvulsive shocks. Brain regions were isolated, and levels of oxidative stress in the brain tissue (cortex, hippocampus, striatum and cerebellum) were measured. We demonstrated a decrease in lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and striatum several times after a single electroconvulsive shock or multiple electroconvulsive shocks. In contrast, lipid peroxidation increases both after a single electroconvulsive shock or multiple electroconvulsive shocks in cortex. In conclusion, we demonstrate an increase in oxidative damage in cortex, in contrast to a reduction of oxidative damage in hippocampus, striatum, and cerebellum.