Health evaluation of street dogs in Guarapuava, Brazil.

Free-roaming dogs are removed from the street by the Municipal Animal Control division/shelter and NGOs to safeguard public health as well as to prevent any suffering dogs may face and to find them homes. However, adoption rates are low and there is a lack of public programs aimed at humane control causing increased numbers of street dogs and overcrowding in shelters, compromising health and welfare. We aimed to evaluate the health of dogs from municipal shelters and independent shelters, and community dogs in the city of Guarapuava through clinical examination and complete blood cell count tests. The main changes found in the clinical examination of 297 dogs were hyperthermia in 4.0%, tachypnea in 20.5%, ocular and oral mucosa hypocorada in 6.4%, and ectoparasite infestation in 42.7%. Changes found in the erythrogram were anemia in 15.1% and polycythemia in 3.4%. In the platelet count, thrombocytopenia was found in 10.1% and thrombocytosis in 10.4%. On the leukogram, leukocytosis was observed in 14.8% and leukopenia in 3%. The results reveal the compromised health of some animals, requiring better diagnostic investigation, since certain clinical and complete blood cell count alterations may be caused by zoonotic agents that can endanger human and animal health.

Diazotrophic bacteria improve Hymenaea courbaril seedlings growth and survival in iron mine tailings.

One of the largest accidents with mine tailings happened in Brazil in 2015, with the rupture of the Fundão dam, and the physical characteristics of these tailings make it difficult to recover degraded areas. Hymenaea courbaril is a tree species native to Brazil that has low nutritional and water requirements, besides its capacity for survival in contaminated environments. In this study we hypothesized that inoculation with diazotrophs would improve the growth and physiology of H. courbaril in tailings, favoring the reforestation process aiming the recovery of the accident site. Every 20 days for 60 days, we investigated the morphophysiology of H. courbaril grown in iron mine tailings or soil, with the addition of nitrate (N-positive control), non-inoculation (negative control) or inoculation with native diazotrophic bacteria previously isolated from the tailings (UNIFENAS100-569; UNIFENAS100-654 and UNIFENAS100-638). We found that H. courbaril has survival capacity under mine tailings, with no growth alteration in the tailings, although there were signs of reduced ability for photoprotective responses. Inoculation with diazotrophic bacteria improved physiological aspects of H. courbaril and strain UNIFENAS100-638 was the most effective in favoring total growth of plants, net photosynthetic rate and root morphology under mine tailings. The survival capacity and growth of H. courbaril indicates the possibility of its use for reforestation in areas degraded by mine tailings. Further studies are necessary in field conditions and with a larger experimental period to more thoroughly understand H. courbaril tolerance.

Assessment of Gonadotropin Concentrations Stimulated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analog by Electrochemiluminescence in Girls with Precocious Puberty and Premature Thelarche.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the cutoff values of gonadotropin response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHas) corresponding to the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis that could differentiate central precocious puberty (CPP) from premature thelarche (PT) and using the electrochemiluminescence assay method. METHODS: A total of 49 girls underwent the stimulation test with an intramuscular injection of 3.75 mg leuprolide acetate. Based on the clinical and laboratory characteristics, they were divided into two groups: CPP (n = 22) and PT (n = 27). Baseline estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were collected before GnRHa administration and LH and FSH at 60 and 120 min, respectively, after GnRHa administration. RESULTS: The girls with CPP presented an increased height Z-score, advanced bone age, and higher baseline LH, FSH, estradiol, and LH/FSH ratio in relation to PT (p < 0.001). Stimulated LH differed significantly between the two groups, and the LH cutoff values were ≥4.29 IU/L (p < 0.001) and ≥3.95 IU/L at 60 and 120 min, respectively (p < 0.001). The LH peak was found at 60 min after stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: The GnRHa test is effective in distinguishing CPP from PT, and a single sampling, at 60 min, with LH concentrations above 4.29 may be the parameter of choice with the advantage of greater convenience and practicality.

Do tailings from the Mariana, MG (Brazil), disaster affect the initial development of millet, maize, and sorghum?

The collapse of the Fundão dam in Mariana, MG, in 2015 resulted in the overflow of more than 50 million m3 of mud containing mine tailings, leaving a path of destruction and immeasurable social and environmental consequences. Tailings' chemical and physical assessments revealed the presence of some elements at levels higher than those allowed by Brazilian guidelines. The tailings also showed high density, which restricts vegetation recovery. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the effects of mud containing mine tailings from the Fundão dam on the germination and initial growth and development of three plant species: millet, maize, and sorghum. These species were cultivated on substrates with five tailings proportions: 0 T (100% sand), 25 T (25% tailings + 75% sand); 50 T (50% tailings + 50% sand); 75 T (75% tailings + 25% sand); and 100 T (100% tailings). In experiment I, the germination and initial growth of seedlings (plants with 1 or none fully expanded leaf) in these substrates were evaluated. In experiment II, growth parameters, photosynthetic efficiency (gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence), metal accumulation, and plant root morphology of the same species were evaluated at the three fully expanded leaves vegetative stage (V3). Overall, the germination of seedlings and the initial growth of the three species analyzed were not affected by the presence of tailings. However, in plants at the V3 stage, morphophysiology variations differed among species, given that their growth, biomass accumulation, and root dynamics were altered. Proportions of tailings in the substrate did not influence the absorption of iron or manganese by the studied plants. At the V3 stage, maize was the most tolerant, with a more robust root system, and showed fewer morphological changes and greater water use efficiency than the other studied species.

Vermicompost improves maize, millet and sorghum growth in iron mine tailings.

The Fundão dam was designed to store iron mine tailings in the region of Mariana, MG, Brazil. When it ruptured, the tailings overflowed. These tailings affected the soil due to the formation of a thick crust as a result of drying (compaction) and hindered the natural revegetation process. In this context, the use of organic fertilizers, including vermicompost, is method of reducing the physical limitations on root growth caused by soil properties and changing soil-metal interactions. For this reason, vermicompost was added to iron mine tailings, and its morphological and physiological effects on maize, millet and sorghum plants were studied. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using 6 dm3 pots. The plants were subjected to three treatments: mine tailings, mine tailings + vermicompost, and a reference soil. From the V3 stage onwards, biweekly growth, leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence evaluations were performed. At the end of the experiment, dry biomass and metal, macro- and micronutrient contents were quantified, and the root morphology was evaluated. The tailings created physical limitations on root growth and had low nutrient content as well as high concentrations of chromium, iron and manganese. The addition of vermicompost favored increases in shoot and root dry biomass, increases in root length, volume, surface area and diameter, and the absorption of macro- and micronutrients, which was reflected in the growth of the studied species. In addition, vermicompost led to greater investment in thick and very thick roots, and in general, the plants showed no symptoms of metal toxicity. Considering the characteristics of the studied tailings, it can be concluded that vermicompost favors the growth of plant species and may be a viable method for beginning the recovery process in areas containing iron mine tailings.

Selenium protects rice plants from water deficit stress.

Selenium (Se) is essential to humans and animals due to its antioxidant properties. Although it is not considered an essential nutrient for higher plants. Many studies show that Se in low concentrations (up to 0.5 mg kg-1) provides beneficial effects to non-hyperaccumulating plants by participating in antioxidant defense systems and enhancing tolerance to abiotic stress. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of Se application rates on rice plants under different soil water conditions. The experiment was conducted on an Oxisol using four Se rates (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg kg-1) and two soil water conditions (irrigated and water deficit). Selenium application via soil up to 0.5 mg kg-1 increased the plant height, chlorophyll index, sulfur and copper accumulation in shoots, carbon dioxide assimilation, superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) activity and decreased the hydrogen peroxide concentration in rice leaves. The accumulation of Se in shoot biomass and Se concentration in seeds increased linearly with the applied rates. Water deficit strongly decreased the plant growth and yield. However, rice plants treated with Se showed higher net photosynthesis, water use efficiency and antioxidant system. This study provides useful information about the roles of Se in protecting rice plants from water deficit stress.

Nonfunctioning adrenal incidentaloma: A novel predictive factor for metabolic syndrome.

CONTEXT: Although metabolic syndrome has been studied in patients with autonomous cortisol secretion, there are limited data for those with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentaloma (NFAI). OBJECTIVE: To assess metabolic syndrome frequency in NFAI patients and controls without adrenal adenoma according to World Health Organization (WHO), National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III), American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology (AACE/ACE) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. DESIGN: Retrospective and transversal study. PATIENTS: Seventy-four NFAI and 90 controls were evaluated. NFAI diagnosis was established according to current guidelines. The control group was selected based on normal adrenal imaging examinations. MEASUREMENTS: Subjects were categorized by metabolic syndrome presence according to WHO, NCEP-ATP III, AACE/ACE and IDF. RESULTS: Age, gender, ethnicity, body mass index, smoking, menopause, statin and fibrate use were comparable between patients and controls. The frequency of prediabetes, dyslipidaemia and hypertension as well as waist circumference were significantly higher in the NFAI patients compared to the controls. The metabolic syndrome frequency in the NFAI group was significantly higher compared to the normal adrenal group: WHO: 69.2% × 31.0% (P < 0.001); NCEP-ATP III: 81.7% × 44.9% (P < 0.001); AACE/ACE: 77.1% × 31.9% (P < 0.001); IDF: 78.6% × 45.5% (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that NFAI was a predictor of metabolic syndrome according to WHO (P = 0.001), NCEP-ATP III (P = 0.005) and AACE/ACE (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome is frequently found in patients with NFAI, and this frequency is higher in NFAI patients than in those with normal adrenal imaging.

Complete assignment of the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of garciniaphenone and keto-enol equilibrium statements for prenylated benzophenones.

This article reports the structural elucidation by IR, UV and MS spectroscopic data along with 1H and 13C NMR chemical shift assignments of two benzophenones isolated from the fruit pericarp of Garcinia brasiliensis Mart. (Clusiaceae): garciniaphenone, (1R,5S,7S)-3-benzoyl-4-hydroxy-6,6-dimethyl-5,7-di(3-methyl-2-butenyl)bicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-ene-2,9-dione, a novel triprenylated benzophenone; and 7-epi-clusianone, a tetraprenylated benzophenone that has already been extracted from another species of the same family. Furthermore, the keto-enol tautomeric equilibrium at solution-state was described for these compounds by 1D and 2D NMR spectral methods and one attempt to rationalize the different ratios between the noted tautomers was based on stereochemical features.

Composition, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the volatile oil from the fruit peel of Garcinia brasiliensis.

The composition of the volatile oil obtained by hydrodistillation from the fruit peel of Garcinia brasiliensis (Mart.) Planch. et Triana was determined by GC/MS. A total of 38 components were identified, including gamma-muurolene (10.3%), spathulenol (8.7%), delta-cadinene (8.3%), torreyol (8.0%), alpha-cadinol (7.0%), cadalene (6.3%), and gamma-cadinene (5.3%). Oxygenated sesquiterpenes (43%) were the main group of compounds. The anti-inflammatory activity of the volatile oil was evaluated through the rat-paw edema model induced by carrageenan. Inhibition of the inflammatory process was noticed 3 h after carrageenan administration. In addition, the volatile oil showed poor antioxidant activity.