Populational Fluctuation and Distribution of Epitrix spp.Foudras(Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae)in the Organic Tobacco Management in Santa Cruz do Sul,RS,Brazil

Among the chrysomelids, some species are considered agricultural pests, such as some representatives of Epitrix spp. Popularly known as tobacco flea, these beetles cause damage to tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) by feeding on the leaf surface, causing injuries, reducing productivity and the final quality of the product to be marketed. However, studies of the biology and interactions of these individuals with the environment become essential in order to develop effective and sustainable control measures. The objective of this study was to analyze the distribution and population fluctuation of Epitrix spp., as well as to evaluate the possible influence of temperature, rainfall and adjacent vegetation on the population dynamics of this beetle in organic tobacco growing in the municipality of Santa Cruz of the South, RS. The collections were carried out weekly during the 2011/2012 harvest, using Malaise and Pit-fall traps, distributed in four points along three lines. A total of 1584 individuals belonging to the genus Epitrix were collected, and their greatest abundance was observed in late January and early February 2012 due to climatic factors, such as rainfall and temperature, favorable to the development of specimens and the tobacco leaf harvesting reduced the availability of food and conditioned a greater movement of these individuals in the crop. The results presented here are of great importance for deciding the best methodology for controlling the smoke flea, as well as knowing the influence of abiotic factors on the behavior of these organisms in the field.

Assessment of Water Quality in High-Pressure Peruvian Anthropic Sectors of Lake Titicaca Using a Calibrated Index

The world’s lakes are in the process of degradation, with loss of water quality as a result of anthropic influences. This research aimed to evaluate water quality in high-pressure Peruvian anthropic sectors of Lake Titicaca using a calibrated index. The study considered ten important bays with influence from urban sectors. In each bay, surface waters were monitored for six years, considering physical, chemical and microbiological parameters. Water quality was assessed using the NSF Water Quality Index (NSF-WQI) and the one calibrated for Lake Titicaca (WQIT). Comparing the efficiency of these two indices, the WQIT showed a variation from moderately polluted bays to bad quality bays, such as Desaguadero and Yunguyo. These two bays were classified as hypereutrophic, therefore, the uses attributable to this condition are only irrigation and energy production. Applying the NSF-WQI, the results were not able to identify this significative difference, as all bays were classified as moderate quality waters. This result indicates that the WQIT calibration was adequate, as it allows inferring and estimating the water quality of Lake Titicaca with greater precision. According to Peru’s water quality standard for category 4, established for the conservation of the country’s lakes, the parameters that exceeded the standard values were PO4-P (0.035 mg∙L−1) and BOD5 (5 mg∙L−1) in all bays, and TC (1000 MPN mL−1) in Yunguyo bay. These high values indicate eutrophication processes, one of the main problems in the study area. The WQIT calibrated for Lake Titicaca can be used as an efficient tool to assess water quality in high Andean lentic waterbodies in South America.

Response of Epilithic Diatom Communities to Downstream Nutrient Increases in Castelhano Stream,Venancio Aires City,RS,Brazil

The Castelhano Stream Hydrographic Basin, located in the city of Venancio Aires, RS, Brazil, shows an area of 675.3 km2, highlighting the Castelhano Stream as their main water course. The stream is the main responsiblity for the local water supply;however, there are no published studies in the literature regarding their water quality. In this context, the present research aimed to assess the water quality of Castelhano Stream in terms of organic pollution and eutrophication, applying the Biological Water Quality Index (BWQI), which uses epilithic diatoms communities as bioindicators. Biological samples were collected at three sampling stations along the stream in the months of September, November and December 2012. The results showed 81 identified species, distributed in 30 genera. The water pollution levels detected ranged from “strong” (66.7%) and “very strong” (33.3%), with differences in species composition between sampling stations. The sampling station S1 in the upper reaches was characterized by the presence of indicative species of acidophilus and lentic environments with large amounts of organic matter. The sampling stations S2 and S3, in the intermediate and lower reaches, respectively, showed a substitution of species in the community, with the presence of highly tolerant taxa to organic pollution and eutrophication. The high pollution levels detected along the basin are related to the nutrients and high organic load originating from livestock, domestic and industrial waste, as well as excess fertilizers and agricultural inputs used in farming. The results demonstrate the necessity to implement mitigation measures to contain the processes of organic pollution and eutrophication detected due to the dangers offered to public health and the environment.

Internet of things:Conceptual network structure,main challenges and future directions

Internet of Things(IoT)is a key technology trend that supports our digitalized society in applications such as smart countries and smart cities.In this study,we investigate the existing strategic themes,thematic evolution structure,key challenges,and potential research opportunities associated with the IoT.For this study,we conduct a Bibliometric Performance and Network Analysis(BPNA),supplemented by an exhaustive Systematic Literature Review(SLR).Specifically,in BPNA,the software SciMAT is used to analyze 14,385 documents and 30,381 keywords in the Web of Science(WoS)database,which was released between 2002 and 2019.The results reveal that 31 clusters are classified according to their importance and development,and the conceptual structures of key clusters are presented,along with their performance analysis and the relationship with other subthemes.The thematic evolution structure describes the important cluster(s)over time.For the SLR,23 documents are analyzed.The SLR reveals key challenges and limitations associated with the IoT.We expect the results will form the basis of future research and guide decision-making in the IoT and other supporting industries.

Extreme liver resections with preservation of segment 4 only

To evaluate safety and outcomes of a new technique for extreme hepatic resections with preservation of segment 4 only. METHODSThe new method of extreme liver resection consists of a two-stage hepatectomy. The first stage involves a right hepatectomy with middle hepatic vein preservation and induction of left lobe congestion; the second stage involves a left lobectomy. Thus, the remnant liver is represented by the segment 4 only (with or without segment 1, ± S1). Five patients underwent the new two-stage hepatectomy (congestion group). Data from volumetric assessment made before the second stage was compared with that of 10 matched patients (comparison group) that underwent a single-stage right hepatectomy with middle hepatic vein preservation. RESULTSThe two stages of the procedure were successfully carried out on all 5 patients. For the congestion group, the overall volume of the left hemiliver had increased 103% (mean increase from 438 mL to 890 mL) at 4 wk after the first stage of the procedure. Hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (i.e., segment 4 ± S1) was higher than that of segments 2 and 3 (144% vs 54%, respectively, P < 0.05). The median remnant liver volume-to-body weight ratio was 0.3 (range, 0.28-0.40) before the first stage and 0.8 (range, 0.45-0.97) before the second stage. For the comparison group, the rate of hypertrophy of the left liver after right hepatectomy with middle hepatic vein preservation was 116% ± 34%. Hypertrophy rates of segments 2 and 3 (123% ± 47%) and of segment 4 (108% ± 60%, P > 0.05) were proportional. The mean preoperative volume of segments 2 and 3 was 256 ± 64 cc and increased to 572 ± 257 cc after right hepatectomy. Mean preoperative volume of segment 4 increased from 211 ± 75 cc to 439 ± 180 cc after surgery. CONCLUSIONThe proposed method for extreme hepatectomy with preservation of segment 4 only represents a technique that could allow complete resection of multiple bilateral liver metastases.

Effect of Diet,Photoperiod and Host Density on Parasitism of Anisopteromalus calandrae on the Tobacco Beetle and Biological Parameters of the Parasitoid

Lasioderma serricorne is known to be pest of tobacco, besides of attacking other products in storage. Anisopteromalus calandrae is an ectoparasitoid of coleopteran larvae also parasitizing the tobacco beetle. This study was aimed to evaluate the parasitism of A. calandrae on different densities of L. serricorne larvae grown in different diets and photoperiods, and to record the longevity and reproductive potential of A. calandrae. Individuals of L. serricorne were raised in three diets: wheat flour (F);wheat flour and brewer’s yeast (FY) and wheat flour and dried tobacco (FT). Different amounts of host larvae (10, 20, 50 and 100) for each diet were exposed to a couple of parasitoids. The same larval densities from diet F were exposed for 24 h to a couple of adult parasitoids maintained in three photoperiods (0:24, 12:12 and 24:0 - scotophase: photophase). The highest values of apparent parasitism were in the density of 50 larvae in the FY diet (96.34%) and 100 F (92.91%). There was no significant difference in the parameters in each photoperiod in all larval densities. However, the treatment in which hosts and parasitoids always remained in scotophase, was the one that had a significantly higher sex ratio. Females had longer longevity than males surviving for up to 25 days. On the fourth day of larvae exposure occurred, the maximum number of offspring generated. It is inferred that A. calandrae has potential to be used as a control agent for coleopterans that attack stored products.

The Scenario of Lean Product Development in Brazilian Auto-industry

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of lean product development （LPD） in the Brazilian automotive sector. A mailed-questionnaire survey was used to examine 23 questions about LPD principles and practices. The target population for the study was Brazil＇s largest product development and design companies. The study identified that although the automobile sector is seen as a reference in the adoption of lean practices, there is still potential for improvement by establishing partnership relations with suppliers, and with those on the other points of the chain by identifying what provides value to clients. Set-based concurrent engineering is also a practice that needs to be better developed, as well as the value stream mapping tool to identify waste and activities that add value to the product development process. There has been no previous study of this nature in Brazil that characterizes the sector and highlights its importance in relation to the global scene, providing incentives to international investors. The value of the work is in the results that allow diagnosing the lean development practices that are most used in the automotive sector. Moreover, the survey questions can be applied in other economic sectors and at companies of other sizes. The study contributed to providing a systematic view of the product development process from the perspective of people, processes, and technology, and assists companies and academics manage change.

Plant Composition of Skuas Nests at Hennequin Point, King George Island, Antarctica

We investigate the plant composition in the Skuas nest at Hennequin Point, located in the Admiralty Bay Area, King George Island, Antarctica. Sample of 61 activity nests were analyzed. 21 plant and lichenized fungi species were found in the nest composition, being the mosses Sanioniauncinata (Hedw.) Loeske and Polytrichastrumalpinum (Hedw) G. S. Smith the most frequent species found in the Skuas nests. Usneaantarctica Du Rietz was the most frequent lichen and the grass Deschampsiaantarctica Desv was the most frequent flowering plant found in the nests. These results contribute for the environmental menagement of the Admiralty Bay area research activities.

Big data in healthcare:Conceptual network structure,key challenges and opportunities

Big data is a concept that deals with large or complex data sets by using data analysis tools(e.g.,data mining,machine learning)to analyze information extracted from several sources systematically.Big data has attracted wide attention from academia,for example,in supporting patients and health professionals by improving the accuracy of decision-making,diagnosis and disease prediction.This research aimed to perform a Bibliometric Performance and Network Analysis(BPNA)supported by a Scoping Review(SR)to depict the strategic themes,thematic evolution structure,main challenges and opportunities related to the concept of big data applied in the healthcare sector.With this goal in mind,4857 documents from the Web of Science covering the period between 2009 to June 2020 were analyzed with the support of SciMAT software.The bibliometric performance showed the number of publications and citations over time,scientific productivity and the geographic distribution of publications and research fields.The strategic diagram yielded 20 clusters and their relative importance in terms of centrality and density.The thematic evolution structure presented the most important themes and how it changes over time.Lastly,we presented the main challenges and future opportunities of big data in healthcare.

Approach to Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Type Arrhythmia in a Cardiology Service:A Case Report

Atrial fibrillation is a cardiac arrhythmia of high prevalence in the population, especially in the elderly. Its main electrical characteristics are the interval between two successive irregular R waves, absence of P waves and presence of f waves between QRS complexes. The most common symptoms of atrial fibrillation are irregular palpitations associated with dyspnea, dizziness, feeling tired, fatigue and general malaise, but not all patients have any symptoms. The present report presents the history of an elderly patient who arrived at the hospital’s emergency department with irregular heart rhythm and palpitations. The patient’s symptoms, associated with the electrocardiogram results, indicated paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Electrical cardioversion was performed, and after, cardiac ablation via the femoral vein at the hospital’s cardiology service. There were no complications during the procedure. As a routine imaging exam after ablation, control esophagogastroduodenoscopy was requested to verify that there was no formation of atrio-esophageal fistula developed by the invasive ablation procedure and electrocardiogram, which showed normal sinus rhythm. The patient remained in the cardiac intensive care unit for observation for 24 hours. After the electrical cardioversion and catheter ablation procedures, the patient improved his clinical picture of atrial fibrillation and was discharged after 24 hours of hospitalization. He received treatment to perform at home, to reduce acid reflux into the esophagus and to prevent thrombosis. He did not present pulmonary thromboembolism after hospital discharge. It is believed, therefore, that this form of treatment and management of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is effective for the solution of the proposed problem and can also serve as a reference for other professionals within the cardiology service.

Opportunistic Infections in Late Kidney Transplantation with Death Outcome: Case Report

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Pneumocystis jirovecii fungus are the main opportunistic microorganisms that affect transplanted individuals. Immunosuppressive drugs administered to prevent organ rejection leave the immune system vulnerable to these infections. The present report is about a kidney transplanted patient using immunosuppressants who was diagnosed with cytomegalovirus and pneumocystosis requiring admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Female patient, 57 years old, a kidney transplanted three years ago, with comorbidities, such as systemic arterial hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. She was admitted to the hospital in January 2020 with a history of diarrhea, cough, malaise and weight loss of seven kg in a month. She made continuous use of the immunosuppressants tacrolimus® and mycophenolate sodium (MFS). After five days of hospitalization, she was transferred to the ICU due to refractory diarrhea, worsening renal function and respiratory pattern, requiring mechanical ventilation. Chest tomography showed changes that led to the diagnostic hypothesis of CMV pneumonia or Pneumocystis jirovecii. Treatment with Ganciclovir® and Bactrim® was started. The bronchial lavage polymerase chain reaction test confirmed the infectious condition for CMV and Pneumocystis jirovecii. Despite the drug therapy instituted, there was no improvement in the infectious condition. The patient started to present a general and progressive worsening of the clinical picture with loss of renal graft function, respiratory failure, metabolic acidosis, hemodynamic instability and severe distributive shock, evolving to death. In the present report, it was observed that after late kidney transplantation the fragility of the immune system caused by the use of immunosuppressants contributed to the development of a severe infection with CMV and Pneumocystis jirovecii. Adjusting the doses of immunosuppressants to individual needs can be an important measure for maintaining the proper immune system and consequently avoiding late opportunistic infections and death outcomes.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Intensive Care Unit Patients:Integrative Review

Intensive care units’ acquired muscle weakness is present in approximately 50% of the patients. Although active muscle training can attenuate weakness, a large proportion of critical patients cannot participate in any active mobilization. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation may be an alternative strategy to reverse muscle weakness. The objective of the study was to review the scientific publications on the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and its parameters and the main results in patients hospitalized in intensive care units. This is an integrative review surveying studies in online databases. The studies were selected from the following descriptors: neuromuscular electrical stimulation AND parameters AND intensive care units AND muscle weakness. The inclusion criteria included articles that addressed the topic of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and the parameters used in patients admitted to intensive care units, aged 18 years or older. Exclusion criteria were studies involving animals, case reports, letters to the editor and book chapters. The search comprised articles in the Portuguese, English and Spanish languages from January 2013 to March 2019. Of the 185 articles identified, nine met the eligibility criteria. The studies were evaluated assessing the level of evidence, and the relevant information was presented in the table and discussed. The parameters of the neuromuscular electrical stimulation employed in the studies showed positive results for the maintenance of strength and muscle mass. There was evidence of benefits in the local and systemic microcirculation, potentially mobilizing endothelial stem cells, to prevent atrophy, to reduce mechanical ventilation time and stay in intensive care unit;and when incorporated into the usual physiotherapy care, proved to be more effective than usual care. Its use is safe and viable in critically ill patients.

Advanced Stage Stuck Gland Adenocarcinoma:Case Report

Parotid gland adenocarcinoma is commonly a tumor of low malignancy and low incidence worldwide. The reported case shows the rapid progression of this tumor in an elderly patient and infrequent effects, such as a presentation of facial edema not commonly described in the medical literature. Patient was admitted to hospital in November 2019 with secretion and partial hearing loss in the right ear and infiltrative and stone lesion with initial skin ulceration in the right cervical region. After 42 days, he returned and was admitted to the intensive care unit with significant swelling of the face, hardened and hyperemic neck, difficulty in speech and inability to open the eye. He presented changes in the mobility of the speech and hearing organs, reduced laryngeal mobility, vocal changes, speech with altered articulation and severe oropharyngeal dysphagia with risk of bronchoaspiration. The patient was diagnosed in September 2019 with a parotid tumor (salivary gland adenocarcinoma T4). The medical team requested computed tomography, computed tomography angiography of the chest and cervical vessels and computed tomography of the neck, in addition to evaluation by the head and neck surgery service and general surgery. After analyzing the results, the medical team suggested a hypothesis of tumor invasion that could result in obstruction of local lymphatic drainage, something unusual in the evolution of this type of tumor. In addition, it was not possible to adhere to radiotherapy treatment due to the extent of the lesion and there was also no confirmation of metastases. The reported case shows us that parotid gland adenocarcinoma, when diagnosed in an advanced stage, can limit the approach to treatment. It was chosen in agreement with the family to proceed with palliative care without invasive measures. Palliative care may be the best option for cases like this, bringing some comfort to the patient and his family.