Agronomic parameters of sugarcane under planting densities in different cultivation cycles.

Low density sugarcane plantation (LDSP) has been implemented by some sugarcane producers in Brazil, aiming to save seeds and operational costs. The study was carried out in the municipality of Areia, Paraíba, Brazil. Five planting densities were used, varying from 5 to 25 m-2 of buds arranged in randomized blocks, with four replications. Data were measured annually over three cultivation cycles (2017 to 2020), during which the field was fertilized with NPK and the harvests were carried out manually without prior burning. The lower planting density presents higher productivity only in the cane plant (101.03 t ha-1) due to the higher plant height (2.37 m) and the higher number of stalks (11 stalks m-2), suggesting that these variables are due to the greater availability of light, water and photosynthate. However, there is a drastic reduction in sugarcane yield for this lower population in the 2nd ratoon by up to 65.62%, which is correlated with number of stalks per meter. We demonstrate the agronomic viability of LDSP in the population of 10 buds m-2 in relation to conventional planting of sugarcane until the 2nd ratoon. Data are important for future studies to present additional considerations for other production factors, such as the effects of mechanized harvesting and the management of nutrients and water, assessing the sustainability of this large-scale planting system.

WATSU therapy for individuals with Parkinson's disease to improve quality of sleep and quality of life: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: and Purpose: Sleep disorders are one of the most frequent non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aimed to verify whether adding WATSU to land-based therapy leads to additional beneficial therapeutic effects regarding quality of sleep and quality of life (QOL) in individuals with PD. MATERIALS & METHODS: A randomized control trial design was used. Participants completed nine-week interventions. The control group (CG) received land-based therapy, while the intervention group (IG) received the same land-based therapy and additionally WATSU. Sleep quality and QOL were measured at baseline and post-interventions by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Nottingham Health Profile, respectively. RESULTS: Twenty-eight participants completed the study. In contrast to CG, the IG presented with significant improvements in both, quality of sleep and QOL (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: WATSU has the potential to be an attractive adjunct therapy for producing positive health impacts regarding sleep quality, which may translate to an overall improvement in QOL of individuals with PD.

Is soft drink consumption associated with gestational hypertension? Results from the BRISA cohort.

It is still unknown whether excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages may be linked to gestational hypertensive disorders, other than preeclampsia. This study investigated the association between soft drink consumption and hypertension during pregnancy, analyzing the relationship from the perspective of counterfactual causal theory. Data from pregnant women of the BRISA cohort were analyzed (1,380 in São Luis and 1,370 in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil). The explanatory variable was the frequency of soft drink consumption during pregnancy obtained in a prenatal interview. The outcome was gestational hypertension based on medical diagnosis, at the time of delivery. A theoretical model of the association between soft drink consumption and gestational hypertension was constructed using a directed acyclic graph. Marginal structural models (MSM) weighted by the inverse of the probability of soft drink consumption were also employed. Using Poisson regression analysis, high soft drink consumption (≥7 times/week) was associated with gestational hypertension in São Luís (RR=1.48; 95%CI: 1.03-2.10), in Ribeirão Preto (RR=1.51; 95%CI: 1.13-2.01), and in the two cohorts combined (RR=1.45; 95%CI: 1.16-1.82) compared to lower exposure (<7 times/week). In the MSM, the association between high soft drink consumption and gestational hypertension was observed in Ribeirão Preto (RR=1.63; 95%CI: 1.21-2.19) and in the two cohorts combined (RR=1.51; 95%CI: 1.15-1.97), but not in São Luís (RR=1.26; 95%CI: 0.79-2.00). High soft drink consumption seems to be a risk factor for gestational hypertension, suggesting that it should be discouraged during pregnancy.

Is soft drink consumption associated with gestational hypertension? Results from the BRISA cohort

It is still unknown whether excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages may be linked to gestational hypertensive disorders, other than preeclampsia. This study investigated the association between soft drink consumption and hypertension during pregnancy, analyzing the relationship from the perspective of counterfactual causal theory. Data from pregnant women of the BRISA cohort were analyzed (1,380 in São Luis and 1,370 in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil). The explanatory variable was the frequency of soft drink consumption during pregnancy obtained in a prenatal interview. The outcome was gestational hypertension based on medical diagnosis, at the time of delivery. A theoretical model of the association between soft drink consumption and gestational hypertension was constructed using a directed acyclic graph. Marginal structural models (MSM) weighted by the inverse of the probability of soft drink consumption were also employed. Using Poisson regression analysis, high soft drink consumption (≥7 times/week) was associated with gestational hypertension in São Luís (RR=1.48; 95%CI: 1.03-2.10), in Ribeirão Preto (RR=1.51; 95%CI: 1.13-2.01), and in the two cohorts combined (RR=1.45; 95%CI: 1.16-1.82) compared to lower exposure (<7 times/week). In the MSM, the association between high soft drink consumption and gestational hypertension was observed in Ribeirão Preto (RR=1.63; 95%CI: 1.21-2.19) and in the two cohorts combined (RR=1.51; 95%CI: 1.15-1.97), but not in São Luís (RR=1.26; 95%CI: 0.79-2.00). High soft drink consumption seems to be a risk factor for gestational hypertension, suggesting that it should be discouraged during pregnancy.

Parotid salivary mucocele in a companion rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus): a report on the clinical and laboratory characteristics and surgical treatment - case report / [Mucocele salivar parotídea em coelho doméstico (Oryctolagus cuniculus): relato de características clínico-laboratoriais e tratamento cirúrgico - relato de caso]

The present report aimed to describe the main characteristics of the parotid salivary mucocele in an adult male rabbit, which presented with a painless fluctuating mass with fluid content. Owing to the need for repeated fluid drainage, surgical excision was the chosen mode of treatment. Preoperative evaluation included radiography and blood analysis. The patient underwent surgical excision of the affected gland. Inhalation anesthesia was maintained by means of isoflurane and the cardio-respiratory parameters were monitored throughout the surgery. A bipolar electrocautery was used to assist in the incision and polyglactin 910 and nylon were the suture materials used in the wound closure technique. Post-operative medications included analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents and antibiotics. Histopathology of the excised glandular tissue revealed a mixed inflammatory infiltrate, fibroblasts, hemorrhage and hyperemia. The observations in this case suggest that surgical excision of the affected gland is the treatment of choice for the management of mucocele in companion rabbits, which has already been identified for other animals. Periodic acid-reactive Schiff staining confirmed the diagnosis of salivary mucocele. The complementary investigations helped to rule out the differential diagnosis and indicated a favorable prognosis, in view of the fact that the case was successfully resolved without complications or recurrence.(AU)

O presente relato teve como objetivo descrever as principais características da mucocele salivar parotídea em um coelho macho adulto, que apresentou uma massa flutuante indolor e com um conteúdo líquido em seu interior. Devido à necessidade de repetidas punções deste fluido, optou-se pela excisão cirúrgica como forma de tratamento. A avaliação pré-operatória incluiu radiografias e análises sanguíneas. O paciente foi submetido ao tratamento cirúrgico com excisão da glândula afetada. A anestesia inalatória foi mantida com isoflurano e os parâmetros cardio-respiratórios foram monitorados durante a cirurgia. Um eletrocautério bipolar foi utilizado para auxiliar na incisão e os fios poliglactina 910 e nylon foram utilizados na técnica de sutura. As medicações pós-operatórias incluíram agentes analgésicos, anti-inflamatórios e antibióticos. A histopatologia do tecido glandular removido revelou infiltrado inflamatório misto, fibroblastos, hemorragia e hiperemia. As observações neste caso sugerem que a remoção cirúrgica da glândula afetada seja o tratamento de escolha no manejo da mucocele em coelhos de companhia, o que já vem sendo identificado para outros animais. A coloração do ácido periódico reativo de Schiff confirmou o diagnóstico da mucocele salivar. Os exames complementares ajudaram a excluir as doenças que fazem parte do diagnóstico diferencial e indicaram um prognóstico favorável, tendo em vista o fato que este caso foi resolvido com sucesso, sem complicações ou recorrência.(AU)

Implementation of a Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional (BALANCE) Program for improvement on quality of diet and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events: A randomized, multicenter trial

Background Complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with higher ischemic risk, which can be mitigated by long-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). However, concomitant high bleeding risk (HBR) may be present, making it unclear whether short- or long-term DAPT should be prioritized. Objectives This study investigated the effects of ischemic (by PCI complexity) and bleeding (by PRECISE-DAPT [PRE dicting bleeding Complications in patients undergoing stent Implantation and Sub sequent Dual Anti Platelet Therapy] score) risks on clinical outcomes and on the impact of DAPT duration after coronary stenting. Methods Complex PCI was defined as ≥3 stents implanted and/or ≥3 lesions treated, bifurcation stenting and/or stent length >60 mm, and/or chronic total occlusion revascularization. Ischemic and bleeding outcomes in high (≥25) or non-high (<25) PRECISE-DAPT strata were evaluated based on randomly allocated duration of DAPT. Results Among 14,963 patients from 8 randomized trials, 3,118 underwent complex PCI and experienced a higher rate of ischemic, but not bleeding, events. Long-term DAPT in non-HBR patients reduced ischemic events in both complex (absolute risk difference: −3.86%; 95% confidence interval: −7.71 to +0.06) and noncomplex PCI strata (absolute risk difference: −1.14%; 95% confidence interval: −2.26 to −0.02), but not among HBR patients, regardless of complex PCI features. The bleeding risk according to the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction scale was increased by long-term DAPT only in HBR patients, regardless of PCI complexity. Conclusions Patients who underwent complex PCI had a higher risk of ischemic events, but benefitted from long-term DAPT only if HBR features were not present. These data suggested that when concordant, bleeding, more than ischemic risk, should inform decision-making on the duration of DAPT. (AU)

Evaluation of the transfer of soil arsenic to maize crops in suburban areas of San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

The presence of arsenic (As) in agricultural food products is a matter of concern because it can cause adverse health effects at low concentrations. Agricultural-product intake constitutes a principal source for As exposure in humans. In this study, the contribution of the chemical-soil parameters in As accumulation and translocation in the maize crop from a mining area of San Luis Potosi was evaluated. The total arsenic concentration and arsenic speciation were determined by HG-AFS and IC-HG-AFS, respectively. The data analysis was conducted by cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA). The soil pH presented a negative correlation with the accumulated As in each maize plant part, and parameters such as iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) presented a higher correlation with the As translocation in maize. Thus, the metabolic stress in maize may induce organic acid exudation leading a higher As bioavailability. A high As inorganic/organic ratio in edible maize plant tissues suggests a substantial risk of poisoning by this metalloid. Careful attention to the chemical changes in the rhizosphere of the agricultural zones that can affect As transfer through the food chain could reduce the As-intoxication risk of maize consumers.

Evaluation of bone changes in the temporomandibular joint using cone beam CT.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess bone changes and mobility in temporomandibular joints (TMJs) using cone beam CT (CBCT) in a population sample in Recife, PE, Brazil. METHODS: The TMJ images of patients treated by a radiologist at a private dental radiology service over a period of 1 year were retrieved from the computer database and assessed using a computer with a 21-inch monitor and the iCAT Cone Beam 3D Dental Imaging System Workstation program (Imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, PA). The Pearson χ(2) test was used to analyse the differences in percentage of bone changes among the categories of mobility (p ≤ 0.05). The McNemar test was used to compare the presence of bone changes in TMJs on the right and left sides (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: An adjusted logistic regression model was used to assess the effect of age and gender on the occurrence of bone changes (p ≤ 0.05). Bone changes were present in 227 (71%) patients. Age group and gender showed a statistically significant association with presence of bone changes (p ≤ 0.05). There was no significant difference between the right and left sides (p = 0.556) and in condylar mobility (p = 0.925) with regard to the presence of degenerative bone changes. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of degenerative bone alteration in TMJs, which is more frequent in women and mostly located in the condyle. The prevalence of degenerative bone changes increases with age. There is no correlation between condylar mobility and the presence of degenerative bony changes in TMJs.

Gastric epithelioid haemangioendothelioma.

Epithelioid haemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare tumour of vascular origin, characterised by celular proliferation, endotelial, epitelioid or hystiocitoid. It may develop in any organ, but it is more common in lung and liver. Surgery is the recommended treatment; however, in case of a potentially benign situation, an expectant attitude should be adopted. The case reports a 71-year-old female who underwent a laparotomy for a colonic adenocarcinoma. During surgery, a polypoid lesion in the dependency of the gastric wall was found incidentally, which was removed. Histopathology and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis of EHE. Gastric vascular neoplasms represent about 0.9-3.3% of all gastric tumours. Usually have a good prognosis, but due to the borderline biological behaviour of these tumours, it is important to have a detailed clinical evaluation at follow-up of these patients.

Chemical modulation on heterogeneous growth in Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1847) (Pisces; Characiformes).

In the present study, the effect of chemical factors released by conspecifics on growth variability (heterogeneous growth - HetG) in a gregarious fish species (Prochilodus lineatus) was tested. HetG was assessed by the weight variation coefficient in two consecutive 21-day periods. The fish were grouped in tanks (4 fish in each) that received running water with constant draining. The tanks contained either conspecifics (C) or non-conspecifics (N). Four conditions were established in accordance with the tank water supply: a) water with previous contact with conspecifics throughout the experiment (CC); b) water without previous contact with conspecifics throughout the experiment (NN); c) water with previous contact with conspecifics in just the first period, 0 to 21 days (CN); and d) just in the period from 21 to 42 days (NC). At the end of the experiments, the occurrence of chemical modulation on the growth variability in P. lineatus was verified: the fish that received water with previous contact with a conspecific (C) presented exacerbation of HetG. This corroborates the notion that the predominant mechanism in the determination of intraspecific growth variation in the gregarious species is associated to chemical factors released by conspecifics.

Chemical modulation on heterogeneous growth in Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1847) (Pisces; Characiformes)

In the present study, the effect of chemical factors released by conspecifics on growth variability (heterogeneous growth - HetG) in a gregarious fish species (Prochilodus lineatus) was tested. HetG was assessed by the weight variation coefficient in two consecutive 21-day periods. The fish were grouped in tanks (4 fish in each) that received running water with constant draining. The tanks contained either conspecifics (C) or non-conspecifics (N). Four conditions were established in accordance with the tank water supply: a) water with previous contact with conspecifics throughout the experiment (CC); b) water without previous contact with conspecifics throughout the experiment (NN); c) water with previous contact with conspecifics in just the first period, 0 to 21 days (CN); and d) just in the period from 21 to 42 days (NC). At the end of the experiments, the occurrence of chemical modulation on the growth variability in P. lineatus was verified: the fish that received water with previous contact with a conspecific (C) presented exacerbation of HetG. This corroborates the notion that the predominant mechanism in the determination of intraspecific growth variation in the gregarious species is associated to chemical factors released by conspecifics.

No presente trabalho, testou-se o efeito de fatores químicos liberados por coespecíficos sobre o crescimento e sua variabilidade no grupo (crescimento heterogêneo, CHet), numa espécie gregária, o curimbatá, Prochilodus lineatus. O CHet foi avaliado pelo coeficiente de variação do peso dos animais, em dois períodos consecutivos de 21 dias. Os peixes foram agrupados em aquários (4 peixes cada) que receberam água corrente, com vazão constante, de tanques contendo (C) ou não (N) coespecíficos. Quatro condições foram delineadas de acordo com a água que abastecia os aquários: a) água com contato prévio com coespecíficos durante todo o experimento (CC); b) água sem contato prévio com coespecíficos durante todo o experimento (NN); c) água com contato prévio com coespecíficos apenas no primeiro período, 0 a 21 dias (CN); e d) apenas no período de 21 a 42 dias (NC). Ao término dos experimentos, verificou-se que ocorre modulação química sobre a variabilidade de crescimento em P. lineatus: os peixes que receberam água com contato prévio com coespecífico (C) apresentaram exacerbação do CHet. Fato que corrobora a idéia de que o mecanismo predominante da determinação da variação intra-específica do crescimento, em espécies gregárias, está associado à ação de fatores químicos liberados por coespecíficos.

Heterogeneous growth fingerlings of the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus: effects of density and initial size variability.

In this study, the effect of initial heterogeneity of weight and density on heterogeneous growth (HetG) evaluated by the coefficient of the variation of weight in the young Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus of the territorial species was tested. Fish were maintained in a glass aquarium (8 and 2 L of water) with two levels of initial heterogeneity of weight: low and high, under two density conditions: low and high, thus constituting four conditions (six replications for each). Initially, the weights of the animals were taken after 8, 16, 22 and 30 days (end of experiment). The results, evaluated by the non-parametric test of Kruskal- Wallis, demonstrated that in the groups where the animals were stored under high initial HetG, there was a reduction of the same and that in the groups where the animals were stored under high density, there was exacerbation or maintained high values of HetG. High density in association with high initial heterogeneity caused more exacerbation of HetG in such a way that the density appeared to be a determining factor for exacerbation or the maintenance of high values of HetG, whereas the initial heterogeneity of the weight could be a secondary factor.

Heterogeneous growth fingerlings of the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus: effects of density and initial size variability

Neste trabalho, testou-se o efeito da heterogeneidade inicial de peso e da densidade sobre o crescimento heterogêneo (CHet, avaliado pelo coeficiente de variação do peso) em juvenis de tilápia-do-Nilo Oreochromis niloticus, espécie territorial. Os peixes foram mantidos em aquários de vidro (8 e 2 L d’água) com dois níveis de heterogeneidade inicial de peso: baixo e alto, sob duas densidades: baixa e alta, configurando-se quatro condições (6 réplicas cada uma). Os pesos dos animais foram tomados no início, aos 8, 16, 22 e 30 dias (final do experimento). Os resultados, avaliados pelo teste não paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis, demonstraram que nos grupos em que os animais foram estocados com alto CHet inicial houve redução e que nos grupos em que os animais foram estocados em alta densidade houve exacerbação ou manutenção dos altos valores de CHet. A alta densidade quando associada à alta heterogeneidade inicial provocou maior exacerbação do CHet de forma que a densidade parece ser um fator determinante da exacerbação ou da manutenção de altos valores de CHet, enquanto a heterogeneidade inicial de peso pode ser um fator secundário.

[Brazilian pemphigus foliaceus (fogo selvagem)]. / Brasilianischer Pemphigus foliaceus (Fogo selvagem).

Most of the clinical, histological and immunohistological features of fogo selvagem resemble those of idiopathic pemphigus foliaceus (PF). Both diseases are clinically characterized by small flaccid bullae evolving into to scaly and crusted lesions, sometimes with pustules, mainly in seborrheic areas of the skin. Mucosal surfaces are mostly spared. The main histologic feature of endemic pemphigus foliaceus is a subcorneal acantholytic blister. Standard immunofluorescence studies demonstrate intercellular IgG deposits throughout the entire epidermis. These IgG antibodies are mainly of the IgG4-subclass. Almost all patients have circulating IgG-autoantibodies in their serum directed against stratified epithelial desmosomes. The fogo selvagem autoantibodies and the PF antibodies are directed against the 160 kD desmosomal glycoprotein desmoglein 1 which together with plakoglobin (85 kD) forms a complex of adhesion proteins with desmosomes of stratified epithelia. Fogo selvagem occurs in endemic foci in some areas of Brazil and possibly in neighbouring South American countries, very often in children, adolescents and young adults. The etiology of fogo selvagem is still unknown. The frequent association with insect bites has lead to the concept of fogo selvagem being a transmissible disease with acquired immunity in adulthood. However, the infectious agent and possible vectors have not yet been identified.

Clinical, autoimmune and demographic profile in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients from southern Brazil.

With the purpose of determining the association of clinical, autoimmune and demographic features, a group of 90 SLE patients from Southern Brazil were investigated. At diagnosis, 24% of them were under 20 years, 63% were between 20 and 40 years and 13% were older than 40 years. According to the ethnic background, there were 66% Brazilian-white patients, 21% Caucasians and 13% Mullatos/Blacks. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) were present in 98%, anti-ds-DNA in 56% and anti-Sm in 31% of the patients. Anti-ds-DNA were more prevalent in the Caucasians (79%), while anti-Sm were increased in the Mullatos/Blacks (58%, p < 0.02) as compared to the white patients (Brazilian-whites = 22% and Caucasians = 42%). Neurologic involvement had lower prevalence in the group of Mullato/Black patients (8%) than in the Brazilian-whites (32%) and Caucasians (31%). Serositis was present in 51% of the Brazilian-whites, in 21% of the Caucasians and in 41% of the Mullatos/Blacks. On the other hand, the Mullato/ Black group had an increased prevalence of vasculitis (50%) and none of them presented with Raynaud's phenomenon. Younger patients at diagnosis presented higher frequency of renal involvement (p < 0.05), anti-ds-DNA positivity (p < 0.02) and more severe disease (p < 0.07), and in those patients diagnosed after age 40, 33% presented with Raynaud's phenomenon (p < 0.05). Regarding the anti-ds-DNA positivity, 78% of the patients had renal involvement (p < 0.01 RR 2.2) and 66% severe disease (p < 0.05). These results might be important in assessing clinical subsets and may aid individualized management of Brazilian SLE patients. Also, they may corroborate the need for special attention to racial composition in clinical and immunogenetic studies.

[Chronic phase of Chagas disease. Clinical aspects and course of the disease]. / Fase crônica da doença de Chagas. Aspectos clínicos e evolutivos.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and evolutive aspects of chronic chagasic patients. METHODS: Three hundred chronic chagasic patients, 180 females, with age ranging from 19 to 81 years (55.6 +/- 13.1) were retrospectively studied. Patients were divided according to the following clinical types: indeterminated, cardiac (with the subtypes: arrhythmogenic, dilated and mixed), digestive isolated and digestive plus cardiac involvement. The following variables were analysed: prevalence of each clinical forms, symptoms, electrocardiographic pattern and clinical outcome. RESULTS: At the start of the study, 73 (24.3%) patients were in indetermined type, 106 (35.3%) in cardiac arrhythmogenic, 95 (31.6%) in mixed, 7 (2.3%) in dilated, 16 (5.3%) in digestive plus cardiac type and 3 (1%) in the pure digestive type. The most prevalent symptoms were dyspnea on efforts (57%), palpitations (41.33%) and chest pain (33%). The most frequent electrocardiographic pattern was right bundle branch block plus antero-superior fascicular block, in 30% of the patients. The average follow-up time was 7.8 +/- 6.1 years and the outcome was considered good in 20 patients (6.6%), stable in 214 (71.3%) and bad in 66 (23%). At the end of the follow-up, 9 patients have evaluated from the indeterminated to the cardiac and digestive types, and 19 (17.92%), from the arrhythmogenic to mixed cardiac subtype. The follow-up was lost in 79 patients (26.3%), most of them, probably dead. CONCLUSION: With a mean time of 7.8 years, 12.3% of the patients in the indeterminated type evolved to the cardiac and/or digestive type; right brundle branch block with antero-superior fascicular block was the most prevalent electrocardiographic pattern; the outcome was stable or good in the majority of these patients.