Pesticide Influence on the Desmid Flora of a Reservoir in an Agricultural Region at Campo Verde, Mato Grosso, Brazil

The objective of the research was to investigate the influence of pesticides on the desmid flora. Five series of samples were taken between July 5, 2005, and April 6, 2006, for analysis of pesticide content and algal community structure in the Sao Lourenco River springs on the Pirassununga Ranch, Campo Verde, Mato Grosso. The greatest amounts of pesticides were detected in July, when the abundance of algae was also greatest. Positive correlations were determined between the concentrations of endosulfan (r = 0.94;p = 0.051), cyhalothrin (r = 0.96;p = 0.037) and endrin (r = 0.96;p = 0.037) and the biomass of desmids. Insecticides, such as endosulfan, inhibit the activity of ATPase, contributing considerably to the mortality of the biota, since ATP is of fundamental importance in the energy metabolism of all organisms. This suggests that the pesticides promote algal growth both by removing the small herbivores that feed on the algae and increasing the release of inorganic nutrients from decomposing animals in the water. Algae were least abundance in January, possibly due to the presence of the herbicide atrazine (r = -0.63;p > 0.05).

Challenges of the Global COVID-19 Pandemic and Invasive Fungal Pathogens in SARS-COV-2 Associations: A Dangerous Relationship

Background: COVID-19 is a rapidly transmissible pneumonia-like illness caused by SARS-CoV-2 that out broke in China in 2019 and is currently circulating worldwide. In the current context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, complications are observed in clinical settings for the treatment of severe COVID-19 disease in nosocomial settings, due to cases of fungal co-infections. Objective: To carry out a review on fungal infections associated with respiratory infections caused by COVID-19 (Sars-Cov-2) and their aggravation. Methodology: The purpose of this study is to inform the reader about the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and the main fungal species that are affecting patients undergoing treatment for severe COVID-19, provoking discussion of the importance of the proposed topic, in relation to co-infections by different fungal microorganisms. Result: 80 scientific studies were selected, resulting from patients with COVID-19 and most commonly observed in patients with a history of comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, kidney disease, severe liver disease, oncological diseases, obesity and with severe COVID-19. These data do not represent the total number of records of the disease in the world, but cases reported by researchers in their series, showing the overlapping of fungal co-infection through the compromised immune status due to the use of therapeutic drugs, dysregulation of the microbiota, age of patients and the severity itself of the severe inflammation caused by COVID-19. Conclusion: The immunosuppression caused by the infection of COVID-19 concomitant with its therapy through corticosteroid therapy and comorbidities of the patients made fungal infections more susceptible, and these interfere in the evolution of the case and in the treatment of COVID-19, being relevant to distinguish secondary infections to therapy and the best possible reconstitution of the clinical picture.

Land cover changes and fragmentation in mountain neotropical ecosystems of Oaxaca, Mexico under community forest management

Changes in land cover have a direct impact on forest ecosystem goods and services. In this study, changes in land cover in Sierra de Juarez–Oaxaca ecosystems were estimated using a consistent processing of Landsat images and OBIA methodology. Additionally, landscape analyses using FRAGSTAT were conducted. In 2014, Sierra de Juarez–Oaxaca was covered by approximately 84% of forests, mainly pine-oak and cloud forests. After extensive deforestation until 2001, this trend was reversed and the forest cover surface area in 2014 was slightly higher than in 1979. The comparison of the landscape structure of the forested and agricultural lands suggests an increase in habitat heterogeneity. However, interspersion and juxtaposition indices, showing the patch shape by patch area and perimeter, were similar throughout the study period(1979–2014). Social and economic drivers can explain this situation: namely, community organization, forest enterprises, payment for ecosystem services programs, and changes of agricultural activity. Communities in the Sierra of Oaxaca have reforested degraded lands, created community forest enterprises, and preserved the forest under conservation schemes like those proposed by the Mexican payment for ecosystem services programs. However, their sustainable management faces internal challenges and has become highly dependent on political and institutional decisions beyond their control.

Impact of the metabolic syndrome on the evolution of neurodegenerative diseases

Metabolic syndrome(MetS)might be defined as the simultaneous accumulation of s everal functional changes that frequently occur in adults over 60 years of age(Gomez et al.,2018).The diagnosis of MetS requires the presence of three or more factors such as high body mass,type-2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),dyslipidemia,and arterial hypertension,which increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases as well as neurological complications,as stroke and dementia(Dyken and Lacoste,2018).Usually,these functional changes coincide and result in insensitivity for example hormones as leptin,adiponectin,and insulin(Dyken and Lacoste,2018).

10-Years Land Use Changes Decrease Landscape Integrity in a Brazilian Hydrographic Basin

Changes in land use associated with the suppression of native vegetation can greatly alter the landscape configuration, affecting biodiversity and environmental services availability. This study analyzes how changes in land use affect landscape patterns of vegetation remnant over a 10 year period. We quantified spatial landscape patterns throughout a hydrographic basin for the years 2002, 2008, 2010 and 2012, using nine landscape metrics. An indicator of integrity was used to details the transformation processes occurring in the basin that could be used to monitor the impact of landscape changes and its spatial patterning. Results showed that over this decade, extension of farming activities reduced the cover of native vegetation by 4.4%, with grassy-woody savanna, wooded savanna and forested savanna impacted especially strongly. Suppression of vegetation across this period reduced the size of fragments and their connectivity. The landscape fragmentation indicator indicated that the fragmentation pattern varied spatially, with the upland areas along river headwaters, being most fragmented. Areas of floodplains vegetation, belonged to the Pantanal Wetland, although in better integrity states, are the most threatened by current pressures of land use change. An intense recovery program for headwaters and aquifer recharge areas, as well as riparian forests, is recommended to avoid the future depletion of water production. Besides, we also recommend the maintenance and recovering of the connectivity of the current remaining patches of natural vegetation corridors and elaboration of specific laws that incoporate the consolidated scientific knowladge about wetland ecosystem functioning, like the Pantanal.

Seasonal testicular changes in Dendropsophus minutus Peters, 1872 (Anura, Hylidae)

The reproductive cycle in anurans may be either continuous or discontinuous.These differences may be connected to seasonal climate changes and/or to anthropic activity.Forty adult male individuals of the Dendropsophus minutus species were collected during one year,in the municipality of Chapada dos Guimarães(Mato Grosso,Brazil).The testicles were studied under light and transmission electron microscopy.No variations were observed when the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the thickness of the interstitial tissue were studied.However,changes in spermatogenesis were conspicuous and indicated that the reproductive cycle of D.minutus in Chapada dos Guimarães is discontinuous and seems related to variations in air temperature and rainfall.

Candida albicans isolated from urine:Phenotypic and molecular identification,virulence factors and antifungal susceptibility

Objective: To isolate Candida albicans(C. albicans) from the urine of hospitalized patients and assess the virulence factors and antifungal susceptibility profiles of the isolates.Methods: Yeasts were identified using the chromogenic medium CHROMagar?, the VITEK~?2 system, hypertonic Sabouraud broth, tobacco agar, polymerase chain reaction,and DNA sequencing. The evaluated virulence factors were proteinase production,phospholipase production, and biofilm production on polystyrene. The broth microdilution technique was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration.Results: All yeasts isolated from urine were identified as C. albicans using both classical and molecular methods. Although 91.3% of the isolates showed no phospholipase activity, 56.5% showed strong proteinase activity and 91.7% produced biofilm. All microorganisms were sensitive to fluconazole, voriconazole and amphotericin B, but 56.5% of the yeasts showed resistance to itraconazole.Conclusions: C. albicans isolates from urine have a high capacity for virulence and can be associated with infectious processes. Furthermore, the high percentage of isolates resistant to itraconazole is important because this antifungal agent is commonly used to treat fungal infections in the hospital environment.

A New Approach to Reducing Mortality from Dengue

In 2009, based on a multicenter study conducted in Asia and Latin Americaand subsidized by the Dengue Control (DENCO) Research Program, the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed a new classification for dengue cases. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the applicability of the new classification, relative to its previous version [1]. The evaluation, conducted in Campo Grande county, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, drew on secondary data from referral healthcare centers that assist high-severity dengue patients. A total of 156 medical records of patients with laboratory diagnosis of dengue were investigated. The records covered two epidemic periods: summer of 2006-2007 and summer of 2009-2010. The results showed that 64.6% of cases classified as dengue fever under the 1997 criteria presented manifestations of severity, warranting their reclassification as dengue with warning signs (49) or severe dengue (15) under the 2009 revised criteria. Bleeding, persistent vomiting, and severe, continuous abdominal pain were the most prevalent warning signs, indicative of risk of progression to severe disease. The revised classification was proved less complex than the current version, facilitating the identification of cases and the clinical management of patients.

Neuroprotection induced by NMDA preconditioning as a strategy to understand brain tolerance mechanism

Excitotoxicity refers to toxicity caused by abnormal concentrations of glutamate in the synaptic cleft that may lead to neuronal death. Since its description, the phenomenon of glutamatergic excitotoxicity has been implicated in the physiopathology of a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, from acute brain damage such as traumatic brain injury, ischemia as well as chronic condi- tions like epilepsy, depression and neurodegenerative pathologies such as Huntington＇s, Parkinson＇s and Alzheimer＇s diseases. Exces- sive stimulation of glutamatergic receptors, mainly N-methyl-D-as- partate （NMDA） receptors （NMDAR）, can have numerous adverse effects on the cell viability, including increased nitric oxide release （NO）, activation of proteases, increased production of reactive oxygen （ROS） and nitrogen （RNS） species and massive influx of calcium ions （Ca2＋）, resulting in cell death. Thus, the use of strategies that modulate the excitotoxic cell damage represents a perspective for the treatment of diseases such as Parkinson＇s and Alzheimer＇s diseases, ischemia, traumatic brain injury （TBI） and seizures.

Ruminal degradability of Guinea grass silage inoculated with Streptoccocus bovis isolated from bovine rumen combined or not with com wheat bran

This experiment aimed to evaluate the ruminal degradability in situ of the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of Guinea grass silages. The experimental design was completely randomized with six treatments and six repetitions: Guinea grass silage, Guinea grass silage inoculated with 10% wheat bran, Guinea grass silage inoculated with 106 cfu/g of strains of Streptococcus bovis JB1;Guinea grass silage inoculated with 106 cfu/g of strains of Streptococcus bovis JB1 plus 10% of wheat bran;Guinea grass silage inoculated with 106 cfu/g of strains of Streptococcus bovis HC5;Guinea grass silage inoculated with 106 cfu/g of strains of Streptococcus bovis HC5 plus 10% of wheat bran. The silages inoculated with Streptococcus bovis and with added wheat bran resulted in higher values of ruminal degradability of DM, 32.76% and 32.17%, and of crude protein 38.28% and 37.89%. For the effective and potential degradability of DM, CP, NDF and ADF the highest values occurred for silages in these silages as well, in all passage rates. There is a similarity between the responses of Streptococcus bovis JB1 and the HC5, and the wheat bran enhanced the effectiveness of the microbial additive.

Superoxide Anion Release by Human Blood Phagocytes Can Increase the Microbicidal Activity Induced by a New Microemulsioned System Containing Cotton Oil

The study aimed to develop and characterize a microemulsified system based on cotton oil and verify its effect on superoxide release anion and microbicidal activity by human peripheral blood cells. Microemulsions were formulated using distilled water, degummed cotton oil, Span 80 (SP), Tween 80 (TW), and 1-butanol (BT). The pseudo-ternary diagram delimited ME regions, and the points were pre-selected. The physical-chemical and rheological characterization of the microemulsions was carried out. The ME activity on the interactions between leukocytes and bacteria was analyzed by superoxide release, phagocytosis, and microbicidal activity. The developed formulation was classified as Oil/Water, with an average pH of 5.76, and the viscosity showed resistance to temperature changes. The rheological model of the Power Law classified the microemulsion as a non-Newtonian fluid with pseudoplastic characteristics. The cell viability of cotton oil microemulsion was greater than 90%. There was an increase in the superoxide release by MN phagocytes when treated with cotton oil microemulsion. The cotton oil microemulsion increased phagocytosis and microbicidal activity. The present study suggests that cotton oil is an alternative biomaterial for therapeutic applications, especially in treating infections.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Stryphnodendron barbatiman against Citrobacter freundii

Medicinal plants have been presented as a valuable source of preservation of human health. In special, Stryphnodendron barbatiman has been employed due to its antimicrobial activity. This plant is rich in tannins and has been used in popular medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorder, treatment of lesions, and also as anti-inflammatory microbicide. Citrobacter freundii is a member of the family Enterobacteriaceae and is one of the major causes of opportunistic infections. This microorganism is a bacterium (bacillus) aerobic gram-negative with a length in the range of 1 to 5 mm. C. freundii is commonly found in water, soil, food and occasionally in the gastrointestinal tract of animals and humans. In this paper, we have demonstrated the antibacterial activity of S. barbatiman by observing cellular death by using inhibition halo approach. Atomic force microscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy results suggested that interaction between the main active components of S. barbatiman with cellular wall of C. freundii gives rise to cellular wall damage, and then leads this microorganism to death.

Ecophysiology and multivariate analysis for production of Tachigali vulgaris in Brazil:Influence of rainfall seasonality and fertilization

Studies on fertilization management of species native to the Amazon for energy plantations contribute to the diversity of species use and reduce biological risk due to the excessive use of clones or hybrids of Eucalyptus.This study evaluates the effect of precipitation seasonality and phosphorus and potassium fertilization on gas exchange in a Tachigali vulgaris plantation.Three levels of P(zero,65.2,130.4 kg ha^(-1))and three of K(zero,100.0,200.0 kg ha^(-1))were applied in a 3×3 factorial randomized block design.Gas exchange measurements were conducted in April and November 2018.In low rainfall,high irradiance period,photo synthetic rates were up to four times higher than in the high rainfall period,reaching 20.3μmol m^(-2)s^(-1)in the treatment with 130.4 g kg^(-1)of P and 100.0 g kg^(-1)of K.Factor analysis and principal component analysis reduced the initial eight gas exchange variables to two and three principal components in periods of high and low rainfall,respectively.The multivariate method used in this study readily identified variations in the variables as a function of rainfall,with high reliability in explaining the data set.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for Budd-Chiari syndrome:A comprehensive review

Budd-Chiari syndrome(BCS)is a relatively rare clinical condition with a wide range of symptomatology,caused by the obstruction of the hepatic venous outflow.If left untreated,it has got an high mortality rate.Its management is based on a step-wise approach,depending on the clinical presentation,and includes different treatment from anticoagulation therapy up to Interventional Radiology techniques,such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS).TIPS is today considered a safe and highly effective treatment and should be recommended for BCS patients,including those awaiting orthotopic liver transplantation.In this review the pathophysiology,diagnosis and treatment options of BCS are presented,with a special focus on published data regarding the techniques and outcomes of TIPS for the treatment of BCS.Moreover,unresolved issues and future research will be discussed.

Energetic-protein supplementation in the last 60 days of gestation improves performance of beef cows grazing tropical pastures

Background： Nutrition is one of the most important factors that affect animal performance, and it therefore also impacts on financial results in beef systems. In this way, finding the best strategy for feeding supplements is of paramount importance. Aiming to evaluate the effect of supplement feeding strategies for beef cows in the last third of gestation, two experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, 35 pregnant Nellore cows were assigned to a completely randomized design with four treatments： control, which received no supplement; supplementation for the last 30 d of gestation（30-d; 3.0 kg/d）; supplementation for the last 60 d of gestation（60-d; 1.5 kg/d）; or supplementation for the last 90 d of gestation（90-d; 1.0 kg/d）. All supplemented treatments received the same total amount of supplement throughout the experiment： 90 kg（20% of crude protein）. A second experiment（Experiment 2） was delineated to evaluate the effects of the amounts offered in Experiment 1 on intake and metabolism. Four multiparous pregnant Nellore cows were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design, with periods of15 d each.Results： There was a linear effect of the number of days of supplementation on calving body weight（BW; P 〈 0.05）and a quadratic effect on BW change from parturition to d 31 post-calving（P 〈 0.05）, with cows on the 60-d strategy losing less BW post-calving. No difference was found in offspring birth BW（P 〉 0.10）. A significant linear effect on interval from parturition to conception（P 〈 0.05） was observed, with the highest calving to conception interval being observed in the 90-d strategy. The level of supplementation did not affect forage intake or neutral detergent fiber digestibility（P 〉 0.10）. Nitrogen excreted through urine tended to increase linearly with the level of supplementation（P 〈 0.10）.Conclusion： Providing 1.5 kg of supplement during the last 60 d of gestation improves cow performance after calving, reducing the magnitude of BW lost, and reduces the number of days from calving to re-conception in the following breeding season compared to the usually recommended period of supplementation of 90 d pre-partum.

Timing of Proterozoic magmatism in the Sunsas belt, Bolivian Precambrian Shield, SW Amazonian Craton

We present new U–Pb zircon and monazite ages from the Sunsas belt granitic magmatism in Bolivia, SW Amazonian Craton. The geochronological results revealed four major magmatic events recorded along the Sunsas belt domains. The older igneous event formed a granitic basement coeval to the Rio Apa Terrane(1.95–1.85 Ga) in the southern domain. The second magmatic episode is represented by 1.68 Ga granites associated to the Paraguá Terrane(1.69–1.66 Ga) in the northern domain. The 1.37–1.34 Ga granites related to San Ignacio orogeny represent the third and more pervasive magmatic event, recorded throughout the Sunsas belt. Moreover, magmatic ages of ~1.42 Ga revealed that the granitogenesis associated to the Santa Helena orogeny also affected the Sunsas belt, indicating that it was not restricted to the Jauru Terrane. Lastly, the 1.10–1.04 Ga youngest magmatism was developed during the Sunsas orogeny and represents the final magmatic evolution related to Rodinia assembly. Likewise, the 1.95–1.85 and 1.68 Ga inherited zircon cores obtained in the ~1.3 Ga and 1.0 Ga granite samples suggest strong partial melting of the Paleoproterozoic sources. The 1079 ± 14 Ma and 1018 ± 6 Ma monazite crystallization ages can be correlated to the collisional tectono-thermal event of the Sunsas orogeny, associated to reactions of medium-to high-grade metamorphism. Thus, the Sunsas belt was built by heterogeneous 1.95–1.85 Ga and 1.68 Ga crustal fragments that were reworked at 1.37–1.34 Ga and 1.10–1.04 Ga related to orogenic collages. Furthermore, the 1.01 Ga monazite age suggests that granites previously dated by zircon can bear evidence of a younger thermal history. Therefore, the geochronological evolution of the Sunsas belt may have been more complex than previously thought.

Precambrian Dykes in the Sao Francisco Craton Revisited:Geochemical-isotopic Signatures and Tectonic Significance

Several generations of mafic dyke swarms(2.7 to 0.8Ga),highlighted by aeromagnetic data,petrography,geochemistry,isotope geology and mostly U-Pb baddeleyite ages,crosscut the Archean and

Presentation of a Validated Checklist as a Tool for Assessing, Preventing and Managing Food Waste in Foodservices

More researches are needed to identify the relevant factors influencing the generation of food waste and devise preventive strategies. The objective of this study is to develop a checklist to assess the good management practices that have a positive impact on eliminating or minimizing food waste in food service units. A theoretical list of relevant factors impacting the generation of food waste during meal production is developed, taking into account administrative planning, receipt and storage of foods, and the preparation and distribution of meals by food service units. For each factor, several administrative and/or technical actions are identified. To validate the content, this list is submitted to a ten-member expert panel for a final evaluation. The factor (and its respective actions) is considered relevant if 80% of the expert panel members agree on its relevance. All actions employ a dichotomous response of Yes/No. Affirmative responses are expected because these actions are considered to be good management practices that have a positive impact on eliminating or minimizing food waste. Following the panel approval process, a checklist of 12 factors and 102 actions is detailed. The conceptual structure of the checklist for food waste management presented in this study enables a comprehensive understanding of the factors that impact food waste, providing a theoretical basis for future research into the relative importance of the relevant factors and actions identified in this study.

Creatine supplementation in exercised rats: Effects on the aerobic capacity

This study aimed to analyze the possible metabolic disturbances caused by creatine supplementation on aerobic capacity of rats, inferred by the maximal lactate steady state. Forty male Wistar rats (90 days old) were distributed into two groups for eight weeks: trained group (T): rats that were submitted to a training protocol, and supplemented-trained group (TCr): rats that were submitted to a training protocol and received balanced diet supplemented with 2% creatine. The blood lactate concentrations equivalent to maximal lactate steady state during treadmill running were analyzed at the beginning and also at the end of the experiment. At the end of the experiment were done comparing the test results MLSS between the two groups. At the beginning of the experiment, prior to groups division, the majority of animals obtained MLSS at a speed of26 m/min, blood lactate concentration of 3.79 ± 0.76 mmol/L. At the end of the experiment, most of trained rats in T presented MLSS at the speed of28 m/min, blood lactate concentration of 3.37 ± 0.68 mmol/L. Most TCr had MLSS at the speed of28 m/min, blood lactate concentration of 3.52 ± 0.69 mmol/L. We conclude that creatine supplementation was not the cause of the improvement in the aerobic capacity of rats in the tread-mill exercise.

Economic and Financial Viability in Spanish Thermal Power Station

This article tracked, identified, and demonstrated the economic and financial viability of the renewable energy sector from biomass in a Spanish Thermal Power Plant. The methodology used came from Theoretical postulates （GITMAN, 2004; VAN HORNE, 1993） called, Technical Preparation of capital budgets （Economic and Financial Analysis） called, payback, Net Present Value, and Internal Rate of Return）. The economic and financial viability results demonstrated were in two stages： the first identified that the plant is viable according to the payback. The second traced the economic and financial viability from the thermal energy production hypothesis equivalent to electricity power in the amount of 7,699.08 MWh, which resulted in the following indicators： payback of seven years and three months, NPV of R$ 369,064.98, and the IRR of 12.46%. Therefore, managers would have to make a user raising campaign in the ratio of 24.66%, taking into account of an unused capacity of 25%. These indicators were calculated using the following financial data： initial investment of R $ 3,654,731.86, operational income of R $1,262,264.16, operational inputs of R$ 503,639.59, and capital cost of 10.95% over 20 years. This industrial plant is located in the city of Cuellar in northern Spain, having two employees working eight hours a day; it produces only thermal power, represented in this study by MWh of electric power. This industrial plant produces power by burning forest residues from tree pruning. It was concluded that, given the research question developed in this paper--is the study plant profitable from the economic and financial point of view？--The response was identified by calculating the economic and financial indicators that the plant studied is viable from the proposed of maximizing sales revenues to 7,699.08 MWh.