Comprehensive portrait of stroke fellowship training in Brazil: a national survey study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The field of vascular neurology has undergone significant advances over the last decade, and care has become more complex. However, vascular neurology training programs remain underdeveloped in many countries, despite stroke impact on health care. There are efforts towards building a nationally regulated curricula in some countries. Still, comprehensive planning and implementation of these programs may be needed on a global scale, especially in countries where stroke treatment is not fully implemented. We aim to comprehensively analyze vascular neurology trainees' profiles in Brazil to describe training program contents from trainees and program directors' perspectives. METHODS: We performed an observational, cross-sectional, web-based survey study to describe trainee and program-specific characteristics at vascular neurology fellowship training programs in Brazil. The study was conducted from June to September 2023 using a secure web-based survey sent to active fellows and program directors from all known vascular neurology fellowship programs in the country. All respondents were required to provide informed consent. RESULTS: We obtained a 100% response rate of a total of 12 programs distributed in 7 federal states. Notably, 57% of the 28 surveyed fellows were women, 60% were aged 25-30, and 70% self-identified as White. All fellows had prior neurology training, and 60% engaged in the program just following residency. Exposure to various training experiences was favorable, except for simulation-based learning and telestroke training. Program directors perceived exposure to be sufficient for most components but similarly found deficiencies in telestroke and simulation-based learning. Scientific productivity was low, with about two-thirds of fellows having no publications or abstracts. Most fellows (92.6%) reported performing non-fellowship medical activities to supplement their incomes. DISCUSSION: In conclusion, the number of vascular neurology training programs and trainees in Brazil is currently insufficient and exhibits an uneven geographic distribution. Despite this, the clinical training provided is extensive, and there is generally some funding available for fellows. These insights highlight the need for strategic improvements in Brazil's stroke education and could inform similar developments in other nations.

Peritumor Mucosa in Advanced Laryngeal Carcinoma Exhibits an Aberrant Proangiogenic Signature Distinctive from the Expression Pattern in Adjacent Tumor Tissue.

The field cancerization theory is an important paradigm in head and neck carcinoma as its oncological repercussions affect treatment outcomes in diverse ways. The aim of this study is to assess the possible interconnection between peritumor mucosa and the process of tumor neoangiogenesis. Sixty patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma were enrolled in this study. The majority of patients express a canonical HIF-upregulated proangiogenic signature with almost complete predominancy of HIF-1α overexpression and normal expression levels of the HIF-2α isoform. Remarkably, more than 60% of the whole cohort also exhibited an HIF-upregulated proangiogenic signature in the peritumoral benign mucosa. Additionally, the latter subgroup had a distinctly shifted phenotype towards HIF-2α upregulation compared to the one in tumor tissue, i.e., a tendency towards an HIF switch is observed in contrast to the dominated by HIF-1α tumor phenotype. ETS-1 displays stable and identical significant overexpression in both the proangiogenic phenotypes present in tumor and peritumoral mucosa. In the current study, we report for the first time the existence of an abnormal proangiogenic expression profile present in the peritumoral mucosa in advanced laryngeal carcinoma when compared to paired distant laryngeal mucosa. Moreover, we describe a specific phenotype of this proangiogenic signature that is significantly different from the one present in tumor tissue as we delineate both phenotypes, quantitively and qualitatively. This finding is cancer heterogeneity, per se, which extends beyond the "classical" borders of the malignancy, and it is proof of a strong interconnection between field cancerization and one of the classical hallmarks of cancer-the process of tumor neoangiogenesis.

Fecal Bacteria Contamination of Floodwaters and a Coastal Waterway From Tidally-Driven Stormwater Network Inundation.

Inundation of coastal stormwater networks by tides is widespread due to sea-level rise (SLR). The water quality risks posed by tidal water rising up through stormwater infrastructure (pipes and catch basins), out onto roadways, and back out to receiving water bodies is poorly understood but may be substantial given that stormwater networks are a known source of fecal contamination. In this study, we (a) documented temporal variation in concentrations of Enterococcus spp. (ENT), the fecal indicator bacteria standard for marine waters, in a coastal waterway over a 2-month period and more intensively during two perigean spring tide periods, (b) measured ENT concentrations in roadway floodwaters during tidal floods, and (c) explained variation in ENT concentrations as a function of tidal inundation, antecedent rainfall, and stormwater infrastructure using a pipe network inundation model and robust linear mixed effect models. We find that ENT concentrations in the receiving waterway vary as a function of tidal stage and antecedent rainfall, but also site-specific characteristics of the stormwater network that drains to the waterway. Tidal variables significantly explain measured ENT variance in the waterway, however, runoff drove higher ENT concentrations in the receiving waterway. Samples of floodwaters on roadways during both perigean spring tide events were limited, but all samples exceeded the threshold for safe public use of recreational waters. These results indicate that inundation of stormwater networks by tides could pose public health hazards in receiving water bodies and on roadways, which will likely be exacerbated in the future due to continued SLR.

Acute murine-betacoronavirus infection impairs testicular steroidogenesis and the quality of sperm production.

Although several testicular alterations promoted by coronavirus infection have been demonstrated, the extent, causes, and players of testicular pathogenesis are not totally understood. The present study aimed to investigate the short-term effects on male fertility of intranasally administered murine hepatitis virus strain 3 (MHV-3), a member of the genus Betacoronavirus, which causes a severe systemic acute infection. This mouse model might be used as a in vivo prototype for investigating the impact of betacoronavirus on the endocrine and exocrine testicular functions with the advantage to be performed in a biosafety level 2 condition. Herein, we performed virological, histopathological, and molecular studies regarding the testicular spermatogenesis and the spermatic quality analyses in an MHV-3-infected C57BL/6 mice. The main outcomes showed that MHV-3 infects mouse testis and induces a testicular inflammatory state, impairing the steroidogenic pathway. The infection led to several alterations in the testicular parenchyma, such as: seminiferous epithelium sloughing, retention of residual bodies, germ cell apoptosis, alterations in intercellular junction proteins, and worse spermatogenic parameters. Moreover, the levels of plasmatic testosterone as well as the quality of sperm production reduced. Therefore, the present data suggest that the viral/inflammatory impairment of the steroidogenic pathway and the consequent imbalance of androgen levels is critical in testicular pathology, disturbing the SC barrier function and the germ cell differentiation. Our study is important for comprehending the effects of beta coronavirus infections on testis function in order to develop treatments that could prevent virus-mediated male infertility.

Predicting the future of our oceans-Evaluating genomic forecasting approaches in marine species.

Climate change is restructuring biodiversity on multiple scales and there is a pressing need to understand the downstream ecological and genomic consequences of this change. Recent advancements in the field of eco-evolutionary genomics have sought to include evolutionary processes in forecasting species' responses to climate change (e.g., genomic offset), but to date, much of this work has focused on terrestrial species. Coastal and offshore species, and the fisheries they support, may be even more vulnerable to climate change than their terrestrial counterparts, warranting a critical appraisal of these approaches in marine systems. First, we synthesize knowledge about the genomic basis of adaptation in marine species, and then we discuss the few examples where genomic forecasting has been applied in marine systems. Next, we identify the key challenges in validating genomic offset estimates in marine species, and we advocate for the inclusion of historical sampling data and hindcasting in the validation phase. Lastly, we describe a workflow to guide marine managers in incorporating these predictions into the decision-making process.

Mechanical and Optical Characterization of Single-shade Resin Composites Used in Posterior Teeth.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the optical and mechanical performance of two single-shade resin-based composites (RBCs) compared to those of a conventional RBC for restoring posterior teeth. METHODS: Two single-shade RBCs, Omnichroma (Tukoyama) and Vittra Unique APS (FGM), and a conventional RBC, Filtek Z350XT shade A2 (3M Oral Care), were evaluated in this study. The optical shade-matching performance was measured using a spectrophotometer. The light emitted by VALO Grand (Ultradent) and transmitted through the 2.0-mm RBC specimens was evaluated using beam profiling. Knoop hardness (KH, N/mm2), degree of conversion (DC, %) at the top and bottom, flexural strength (FS, MPa), elastic modulus (E, GPa), postgel shrinkage (Shr, %), and shrinkage stress (MPa) were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the filler. Data for FS, E, and Shr were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and KH and DC by repeated one-way ANOVA measurement followed by Tukey test (α=0.05). The modified von Mises stress values, light transmission, and SEM images were analyzed qualitatively. RESULTS: All single-shade RBCs exhibited higher chromatic adaptation than the Filtek Z350XT (p<0.001). Omnichroma exhibited less color difference than Vittra Unique APS, irrespective of the shade. The light transmitted through Omnichroma and Vittra Unique APS increased during polymerization. KH and DC values were significantly reduced from the top to the bottom of the specimens for all RBCs (p<0.001); however, the ratio values were always higher than 80%. In general, all RBCs demonstrated similar mechanical properties. All RBCs exhibited a similar FS (p=0.083) and Shr value (p=0.144). Filtek Z350XT exhibited significantly higher E (p<0.001) than both single-shade RBCs. All RBCs exhibited similar shrinkage stress during restoration and similar residual stress during occlusal loading. CONCLUSIONS: Single-shade Omnichroma and Vittra Unique APS increased light transmission during light-activation, demonstrating better chromatic adaptation than conventional Filtek Z350XT. In general, Omnichroma and Vittra Unique APS exhibited similar mechanical properties and shrinkage stress distributions as Filtek Z350XT during light-activation and occlusal loading.

Analysis of Calcium and Phosphate Ion Extraction From Dental Enamel by Bleaching Gels Using Ion Chromatography, Micro-CT, and SEM.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the volume and depth of enamel loss promoted by 37.5% and 7.5% hydrogen peroxide (HP) gels, and quantify the loss of calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) ions by using ion chromatography (IC) analysis after bleaching. METHODS: Sixty bovine enamel specimens were randomly divided into three groups: Control - no bleaching gel; HP37.5%, application of HP 37.5% for 45 minutes for 14 days; and HP7.5%, application of HP 7.5% for 3 applications of 8 minutes. The surface analysis (n=5) was performed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and dispersive energy system (EDS) to calcium and phosphorus dosage. The micro-CT was used for the enamel loss analysis (n=5). IC was used to analyze extracted Ca and P (n=10). Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and two-way repeated measures ANOVA, followed by Tukey and Dunnett's tests (α=0.05). RESULTS: Significantly higher volume and depth of enamel loss were found for bleached groups compared with the control group. HP7.5% had significantly higher enamel change than HP37.5%. SEM showed higher enamel porosity for HP37.5% and HP7.5% compared to control. The IC demonstrated a significant increase of Ca incorporated into the gel, however, only HP7.5% had a higher P presence than the control group. The HP7.5% showed higher Ca and P ion exchange than HP37.5% (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: HP37.5% and HP7.5%, caused enamel mineral changes compared with the control group. The IC method was demonstrated to be an effective methodology for detecting enamel mineral loss by the bleaching gel.

Queens of hearts: Exploring the lived experiences of mothers caring for infants with complex congenital heart disease in Sri Lanka.

This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of eight Sri Lankan mothers of infants with complex congenital heart disease (CCHD) using semi-structured interviews. Four themes were generated as: illness perception, communication with medical staff, challenges faced, and coping mechanisms. These provided insight into the multi-faceted nature of mothers' experiences, importance of medical-caregiver communications and their need for psychosocial services. The findings enhance the limited knowledge of South-Asian primary CCHD caregiver experiences and will help in improving psychosocial support services in Sri Lanka.

Population dynamics of Achatina fulica in a peri-urban area adjacent to the Fiocruz Atlantic Forest Biological Station (EFMA), in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with report on Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection.

Achatina fulica is a species native to East Africa, considered one of the 100 worst invasive alien species in the world. The present study investigated the population of the snail, A. fulica, in a peri-urban area adjacent to the Fiocruz Atlantic Forest Biological Station (EFMA), in Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, focusing on population dynamics and the nematodes associated with this species. To this end, specimens were collected during four climatic seasons of the years 2021 and 2022 in three fixed 20 m × 10 m plots. The abundance of A. fulica in these areas was evaluated in relation to a set of environmental variables (temperature, relative humidity air, and soil pH and calcium). The abundance of snails infected by nematodes was also evaluated in relation to the season and body size of the specimens. The molluscs were found by active search, and standardized (15 minutes/three collections). Nematode larvae were extracted from the specimens by artificial digestion and identified by their external morphology and the sequencing of molecular markers. A total of 280 specimens of A. fulica were collected, with the highest abundances being recorded in the autumn and summer, although no significant relationship was found between the number of specimens collected and the environmental variables. Overall, 192 snails were infected by nematodes: Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Cruzia tentaculata and free-living nematodes, including Caenorhabditis briggsae. These findings demonstrate the epidemiological importance of the study area and the need to implement educational measures in the community, with the aim of controlling the local A. fulica population, thereby minimizing the risk of parasitic infection in the local human population.

Indomethacin-omeprazole as therapeutic hybrids? Salt and co-amorphous systems enhancing physicochemical and pharmacological properties.

Multidrug therapeutic hybrids constitute a promising proposal to overcome problems associated with traditional formulations containing physical mixtures of drugs, potentially improving pharmacological and pharmaceutical performance. Indomethacin (IND) is a non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) that acts by inhibiting normal processes of homeostasis, causing a series of side effects, such as gastrointestinal symptoms. Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole (OME), have been used to treat such gastrointestinal tract symptoms. In this work, two new multidrug therapeutic hybrids were prepared (an IND:OME salt and an IND:OME co-amorphous system) by ball mill grinding crystalline IND and OME under different conditions, i.e., liquid assisted grinding (LAG) with ethanol and dry grinding, respectively. The crystalline salt returned to a neutral state co-amorphous system when submitted to ball mill grinding in the absence of solvent (dry grinding), but the reverse process (LAG of the IND:OME co-amorphous system) showed partial decomposition of OME. The IND:OME co-amorphous system showed a higher physical stability than the neat IND and OME amorphous materials (with an amorphous stability longer than 100 days, compared to 4 and 16 h for the neat amorphous drugs, respectively, when stored at dry conditions at room temperature). Furthermore, OME presented a higher chemical stability in solution when dissolved from a salt form than from the pure crystalline form. The dissolution studies showed a dissolution enhancement for IND in both salt (1.8-fold after 8 h of dissolution) and co-amorphous (2.5-fold after 8 h of dissolution) forms. Anti-inflammatory activity using a mice paw oedema model showed an increase of the pharmacological response to IND at a lower dose (∼5mg/kg) for both IND:OME salt (2.8-fold) and IND:OME co-amorphous system (3.2-fold) after 6 h, when compared to the positive control group (IND, administered at 10 mg/kg). Additionally, the anti-inflammatory activity of both salt and co-amorphous form was faster than for the crystalline IND. Finally, an indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration assay in mice resulted in a higher mucosal protection at the same dose (40 mg/kg) for both IND:OME salt and IND:OME co-amorphous system when compared with crystalline OME.

Large polarons in two-dimensional fullerene networks: the crucial role of anisotropy in charge transport.

The recent synthesis of a two-dimensional quasi-hexagonal-phase monolayer network of C60 molecules, known as qHPC60, holds significant promise for future semiconductor applications. However, the mechanism behind charge transport in these networks remains unknown. In this study, we developed a Holstein-Peierls Hamiltonian model to investigate charge transport in qHPC60, incorporating both local and non-local electron-phonon couplings. Our computational approach involved identifying suitable semi-empirical parameters to realize the formation of stable polarons in this material. The results unveiled the formation of stable large polarons as the primary carriers in the charge transport throughout qHPC60. To explore polaron transport properties, we conducted dynamic simulations within the picosecond time scale while subjecting the system to an external electric field. Our analysis emphasized the substantial influence of anisotropy on shaping mobile polarons, with an anisotropy coefficient of at least 50%. The polarons exhibited velocities within the acoustic regime ranging from 0.5-1.5 nm ps-1. While these velocities are comparable to those observed in high-end organic molecular crystals, they are considerably lower than those in graphene and conducting polymers. With qHPC60 possessing a semiconducting band gap of approximately 1.6 eV, our findings shed light on its potential application in flat electronics, overcoming the null-gap predicament of graphene.

Invertebrate dispersal by waterbird species in neotropical wetlands / A dispersão de invertebrados por aves aquáticas na região neotropical

Abstract Endozoochory by waterbirds is particularly relevant to the dispersal of non-flying aquatic invertebrates. This ecological function exercised by birds has been demonstrated in different biogeographical regions, but there are no studies for the neotropical region. In this work, we identified propagules of invertebrates in faeces of 14 syntopic South American waterbird species representing six families, and hatched additional invertebrates from cultured faeces. We tested whether propagule abundance, species richness and composition varied among bird species, and between the cold and warm seasons. We found 164 invertebrate propagules in faecal samples from seven different waterbirds species, including eggs of the Temnocephalida and Notonectidae, statoblasts of bryozoans (Plumatella sp.) and ephippia of Cladocera. Ciliates (including Paramecium sp. and Litostomatea), nematodes and rotifers (Adineta sp. and Nottomatidae) hatched from cultured samples. Potential for endozoochory was confirmed for 12 of 14 waterbird species. Our statistical models suggest that richness and abundance of propagules are associated with bird species and not affected by seasonality. Dispersal by endozoochory is potentially important to a broad variety of invertebrates, being promoted by waterbirds with different ecological and morphological traits, which are likely to drive the dispersal of invertebrates in neotropical wetlands.

Resumo A endozoocoria promovida por aves aquáticas é particularmente relevante para a dispersão de invertebrados aquáticos não-voadores. Essa função ecológica exercida pelas aves tem sido demonstrada para diferentes regiões biogeográficas, porém, não existem estudos para a região neotropical. Neste trabalho nós identificamos propágulos de invertebrados encontrados em fezes de 14 espécies sintópicas de aves aquáticas da América do Sul, representando seis famílias de aves, e também invertebrados emergidos de amostras fecais cultivadas em laboratório. Testamos se a abundância, riqueza de espécies e composição de propágulos de invertebrados variavam entre as espécies de aves e entre estações. Nós encontramos 164 propágulos de invertebrados em amostras fecais de sete espécies de aves, incluindo ovos de Temnocephalida e Notonectidae, estatoblastos de briozoários (Plumatella sp.) e efípios de Cladocera. Ciliados (incluindo Paramecium sp. e Litostomatea), nematóides e rotíferos (Adineta sp. e Nottomatidae) eclodiram de amostras cultivadas. O potencial para endozoocoria foi confirmado para 12 das 14 espécies de aves aquáticas investigadas. Nossos modelos estatísticos sugerem que a riqueza e abundância de propágulos estão associadas às espécies de aves e não são afetadas pela sazonalidade. A dispersão por endozoocoria é importante para uma ampla variedade de invertebrados, sendo promovida por aves aquáticas com diferentes características ecológicas e morfológicas as quais provavelmente regulam a dispersão de invertebrados entre áreas úmidas neotropicais.

Invertebrate dispersal by waterbird species in neotropical wetlands

Abstract Endozoochory by waterbirds is particularly relevant to the dispersal of non-flying aquatic invertebrates. This ecological function exercised by birds has been demonstrated in different biogeographical regions, but there are no studies for the neotropical region. In this work, we identified propagules of invertebrates in faeces of 14 syntopic South American waterbird species representing six families, and hatched additional invertebrates from cultured faeces. We tested whether propagule abundance, species richness and composition varied among bird species, and between the cold and warm seasons. We found 164 invertebrate propagules in faecal samples from seven different waterbirds species, including eggs of the Temnocephalida and Notonectidae, statoblasts of bryozoans (Plumatella sp.) and ephippia of Cladocera. Ciliates (including Paramecium sp. and Litostomatea), nematodes and rotifers (Adineta sp. and Nottomatidae) hatched from cultured samples. Potential for endozoochory was confirmed for 12 of 14 waterbird species. Our statistical models suggest that richness and abundance of propagules are associated with bird species and not affected by seasonality. Dispersal by endozoochory is potentially important to a broad variety of invertebrates, being promoted by waterbirds with different ecological and morphological traits, which are likely to drive the dispersal of invertebrates in neotropical wetlands.

Resumo A endozoocoria promovida por aves aquáticas é particularmente relevante para a dispersão de invertebrados aquáticos não-voadores. Essa função ecológica exercida pelas aves tem sido demonstrada para diferentes regiões biogeográficas, porém, não existem estudos para a região neotropical. Neste trabalho nós identificamos propágulos de invertebrados encontrados em fezes de 14 espécies sintópicas de aves aquáticas da América do Sul, representando seis famílias de aves, e também invertebrados emergidos de amostras fecais cultivadas em laboratório. Testamos se a abundância, riqueza de espécies e composição de propágulos de invertebrados variavam entre as espécies de aves e entre estações. Nós encontramos 164 propágulos de invertebrados em amostras fecais de sete espécies de aves, incluindo ovos de Temnocephalida e Notonectidae, estatoblastos de briozoários (Plumatella sp.) e efípios de Cladocera. Ciliados (incluindo Paramecium sp. e Litostomatea), nematóides e rotíferos (Adineta sp. e Nottomatidae) eclodiram de amostras cultivadas. O potencial para endozoocoria foi confirmado para 12 das 14 espécies de aves aquáticas investigadas. Nossos modelos estatísticos sugerem que a riqueza e abundância de propágulos estão associadas às espécies de aves e não são afetadas pela sazonalidade. A dispersão por endozoocoria é importante para uma ampla variedade de invertebrados, sendo promovida por aves aquáticas com diferentes características ecológicas e morfológicas as quais provavelmente regulam a dispersão de invertebrados entre áreas úmidas neotropicais.

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.

Estimation of genetic parameters for weight and length gains in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum).

The goal of this study was to determine the genetic parameters for growth traits in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) fish of similar age and weight. The data set included monthly measurements of body weight and length from120 fish for a year (1,440 measurements). The study found that weight gain had a heritability estimate of 0.01, while length gain had a heritability estimate of 0.27. There was a high positive correlation (0.84) between weight and length gains. The genetic variance and heritability of body weight decreased with age. This study suggests that breeding programs should select for body weight and weight gain to promote genetic gain in tambaqui. Selecting younger animals can also help reduce costs while still achieving genetic gains.

Selectivity of herbicides used in corn on Crotalaria ochroleuca G. Don.

In the cropping systems that integrate the corn crop, the insertion of Crotalaria ochroleuca G. Don is predominantly intercropped. In this context, there is a need to observe herbicides that present selectivity for this sunn hemp species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the selectivity of pre and post-emergent herbicides on C. ochroleuca. Two field experiments were conducted in randomized blocks with four replications, involving the pre-emergence and post-emergence application of different herbicide treatments. For the pre-emergent ones, amicarbazone, atrazine and flumioxazin provided phytotoxicity higher than 90% and, consequently, low plant biomass. On the other hand, acetochlor and s-metolachlor did not cause phytotoxicity and did not affect the dry mass of crotalaria. In post-emergence, atrazine + mesotrione showed phytotoxicity >95%, followed by nicosulfuron and 2.4-D with phytotoxicity between 50-60%, whereas tembotrione did not cause injury to the plants. Thus, it was found that among the pre-emergent, acetochlor and s-metolachlor were selective, and for the emerging powders, only tembotrione was the most selective for all parameters analyzed.

Biogeography and environmental preferences of Butia yatay (Mart.) Becc.

During the Quaternary, Chaco Phytogeographic Domain (Chaco) flora in subtropical South America experienced temperature and humidity fluctuations, primarily driven by wind dynamics, leading to significant shifts in species distribution. The palm Butia yatay is endemic to the Chaco and thrives in areas characterized by a warm-rainy climate and mostly restricted to sandy soils. To investigate the current geographic distribution of suitable habitat for B. yatay while assessing the significance of soil variables, we employed two distinct algorithms in species distribution modeling (SDM). We also determined whether the distribution of B. yatay has changed since the Pleistocene and whether these changes align with previously proposed Pleistocene refugia. In the present SDMs, we considered two separate sets of predictors, one set with bioclimatic variables only and the other set with bioclimatic topographic and soil variables. Additionally, we reconstructed the historical geographic distribution of suitable habitats using bioclimatic data. Our results suggested that the primary determinants of B. yatay's current distribution include precipitation and temperature of the driest month and soil cation exchange capacity. Incorporating soil variables affected the estimated size and range of suitable areas. Projections into the past indicated similar suitable habitat distributions during interglacial periods compared with the present. During the Last Glacial Maximum, climatically suitable habitat may have shifted northward, partially overlapping with previously suggested Pleistocene refugia located between the Paraná and Uruguay Rivers. These findings indicate the main factors driving the distribution and ecology of B. yatay and enhance understanding of subtropical flora shifts during the Quaternary. The approach also may prove valuable for other studies within the Chaco.

An unusual case of small intestinal obstruction secondary to a large primary enterolith.

Enterolithiasis is an uncommon entity in humans but frequently seen in equine mammals. A primary enterolith is a mineral concretion formed within the gastrointestinal tract due to the alteration in the anatomical integrity due to variety of conditions resulting in intestinal stasis. We report a patient with small intestinal obstruction due to a primary enterolith. A 65-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with central colicky abdominal pain, absolute constipation followed by vomiting. An enterolith located in distal ileum causing small intestinal obstruction was established with the aid of abdominal X-ray radiograph and computed tomography. Exploratory laparotomy was performed to extract the enterolith and to resect a strictured proximal jejunal segment which was suspected to be the original site of enterolith formation. Chemical analysis of the enterolith supports the speculation of a proximally formed primary enterolith eventually migrating to the site of impaction in the terminal ileum.

Unveiling the angiogenic effects of cannabinoids: Enhancers or inhibitors?

Cannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. Cannabinoids, such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), have potential therapeutic benefits in various medical conditions. Some can activate the cannabinoid receptors type-1 and -2 (CB1 and CB2), that are part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), alongside the endocannabinoids and their metabolic enzymes. The ECS regulates physiological and cognitive processes and is a potential therapeutic target for a wide range of health conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases. Synthetic cannabinoids, are associated with serious health risks, including addiction, psychosis, and death. Nonetheless, some of these molecules are also being explored for pharmacological applications. Angiogenesis is the process of forming new blood vessels from existing ones, crucial for growth, repair, and tissue maintenance. Dysregulation of this process is associated with several diseases, including cancer, diabetic retinopathy and reproductive pathologies, such as preeclampsia. Recent data suggests that cannabinoids may affect angiogenesis. Here, we reviewed their impact on pro-angiogenic factors, extracellular matrix enzymes and inhibitors, immune-inflammatory responses, angiogenic pathways and functional assays, focusing on the main compounds for each cannabinoid class: THC and CBD for phytocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) for endocannabinoids and WIN-55, JWH-133, XLR-11, LYR-7 and LYR-8, for the synthetic cannabinoids. Despite conflicting reports about the actions of phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids on angiogenesis, the ability to modulate the angiogenic process is undoubtedly confirmed. This may open a new therapeutical route for angiogenesis-related pathologies. In addition, synthetic cannabinoids present anti-angiogenic actions in several cell models, hinting their potential as anti-angiogenic drugs.