Abstract Introduction Head and neck cancer (HNC) and its treatment can cause physical, psychological, and quality of life (QoL) damage, because it can disturb the physiology of eating, breathing, speaking, and compromise self-image. Objective To evaluate the QoL of the pretreatment of patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer according to the anatomical location of the tumor. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed on a sample of 144 patients undergoing pretreatment for cancer from February 2017 to July 2019. The University of Washington QoL Questionnaire (version 4) was used to assess the QoL. The anatomical location data were obtained from medical records. The ANOVA test was used to compare the differences in QoL according to tumor location. Results A total of 144 participants were included, 66 (45.5%) of whom had the primary tumor located in the mouth. The median age of the patients was 62 years, with a higher prevalence of male (75.7%), Black (78.5%), single/divorced/widowed people (59%), and illiterates (32.6%); most of them were smokers (84.7%) and alcohol drinkers (79.2%). The mean QoL score was 830 for mouth cancer, 858 for pharynx cancer, and 891 for laryngeal cancer patients. Conclusion Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the QoL of patients with head and neck cancer was not influenced by tumor location. The most affected domains in the three groups were pain, appearance, chewing, swallowing, and speech (p < 0.05).

ABSTRACT Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1854) was reported in Brazil for the first time in 1986 and has shown marked expansion throughout the Brazilian territory. During a routine activity to control dengue fever conducted by the Division of Entomology of the Municipal Health Department in Rio Branco city, adults and immatures of Culicidae were collected in a peri-urban area. The identified Culicidae forms indicated that they belonged to the species Ae. albopictus. This is the first official record of the presence of Ae. albopictus in the Acre State, confirming its current presence in all Brazilian states.

ABSTRACT: The present study investigated Salmonella spp. in the feces of 200 foals up to one year of age (100 with clinical signs of diarrhea and 100 without clinical signs of diarrhea). Bacteriological culture, serotyping, antimicrobial susceptibility, and real-time PCR (qPCR SYBR® Green or a TaqMan®) for detecting the invA gene (with and without a selective pre-enrichment step in tetrathionate broth) were performed. Bacterial culture revealed 15% (n=30) of positive animals (21 animals with diarrhea and nine without diarrhea). Among the 30 isolates, 13 different serovars were identified: S. Infantis, S. Minnesota, S. I.4,5,12:i:-; S. Anatum, S. Cerro, S. Oranienburg, S. Braenderup, S. Give, S. Newport, S. IIIb 61:c:z35, S. 109:-:1.5, S. I.4.12:d:-, S. I.6.8:-:-. Multidrug resistance was found in 43.33% (n=13) of the isolates, with one isolate obtained from animals without diarrhea and 12 isolates from animals with diarrhea. All qPCR techniques used in the study classified more samples as positive for Salmonella spp. than the bacterial culture of feces. In addition, all qPCR techniques detected more positive animals in the diarrhea group than in the diarrhea-free group. The results confirm the utility of the qPCR method without the pre-enrichment step in tetrathionate as a rapid test for Salmonella spp. in carrier animals. In animals with clinical signs of diarrhea, it can be combined with bacterial culture (antimicrobial susceptibility testing and serotyping). The isolation of Salmonella spp. in nine animals without diarrhea confirms the importance of asymptomatic carrier animals in the epidemiology of the disease. The multidrug resistance observed highlights the importance of rational antimicrobial use in horses and adopting biosecurity protocols that are efficacious in controlling the spread of infections between animals and zoonotic transmission in farms.

RESUMO: O presente estudo investigou a ocorrência de Salmonella spp. em fezes de 200 potros com até um ano de idade (100 com sinais clínicos de diarreia e 100 sem sinais clínicos de diarreia), utilizando as técnicas de cultivo bacteriológico e PCR em tempo real (qPCR) pelos métodos de corante fluorescente (SYBR® Green) e sonda específica (Taqman®) para a detecção do gene invA com e sem etapa de pré-enriquecimento seletivo em caldo de tetrationato. O cultivo bacteriológico revelou 15% (n=30) de animais positivos (21 animais com diarreia e nove animais sem diarreia). Dentre esses 30 isolados, 13 sorovares diferentes foram identificados: S. Infantis, S. Minnesota, S. I.4,5,12:i:-; S. Anatum, S. Cerro, S. Oranienburg, S. Braenderup, S. Give, S. Newport, S. IIIb 61:c:z35, S. 109:-:1.5, S. I.4.12:d:-, S. I.6.8:-:-. Multirresistência foi constatada em 43,33% (n=13) dos isolados, sendo um isolado obtido de animal sem diarreia e 12 isolados de animais com diarreia. Todas as técnicas de qPCR empregadas no estudo apresentaram maior número de amostras classificadas como positivas para Salmonella spp. comparadas ao cultivo bacteriológico de fezes. Adicionalmente, em todas as técnicas de qPCR houve maior número de animais detectados como positivos no grupo de animais com diarreia em relação aos animais sem diarreia. Os resultados confirmaram a utilidade do método qPCR sem a etapa de pré-enriquecimento em tetrationato, como um teste rápido para detecção de Salmonella spp. em animais portadores ou em animais com sinais clínicos de diarreia. O cultivo bacteriológico deve ser associado para a realização do teste de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos e sorotipificação. O isolamento de Salmonella spp. em nove animais sem diarreia, confirma a importância dos animais portadores assintomáticos na epidemiologia da doença. A multirresistência observada evidencia a importância do uso racional de antimicrobianos em equinos e a importância da adoção de protocolos de biossegurança que sejam eficazes para controlar a disseminação de infecções entre animais e a transmissão zoonótica nas fazendas.

Abstract This work is a floristic study of Selaginella in Maranhão. The species survey is based on collections from fieldwork conducted between April 2006 and February 2023 and specimens from Maranhão deposited at the CCAA, HBRA, MG, and SLUI herbaria. Ten species were identified: Selaginella conduplicata, S. convoluta, S. erythropus, S. flagellata, S. gynostachya S. marginata, S. minima, S. radiata, S. simplex, and S. sulcata. We report the first record of S. gynostachya for Maranhão and the Cerrado domain in Brazil. Until now, this species was only known from areas of Amazonia. We provide a map with records, an identification key, and comments about the identification and geographic distribution of Selaginella species in Maranhão state. For the new record, we also provide photos.

Resumo O presente trabalho trata do estudo florístico de Selaginella no Maranhão. O levantamento de espécies foi realizado com base em coletas de campo realizadas entre abril de 2006 e fevereiro de 2023 e em análise de espécimes coletados no Maranhão e depositadas nos herbários CCAA, HBRA, MG e SLUI. Foram identificadas 10 espécies: Selaginella conduplicata, S. convoluta, S. erythropus, S. flagellata, S. gynostachya S. marginata, S. minima, S. radiata, S. simplex e S. sulcata. Relatamos a primeira ocorrência de S. gynostachya para o Maranhão e também para o domínio do Cerrado Brasileiro. Até então essa espécie era registrada somente em áreas amazônicas. Neste artigo apresentamos um mapa com pontos de coleta, uma chave de identificação e comentários sobre a identificação, ecologia e distribuição geográfica para as espécies de Selaginella do Maranhão. Para o novo registro apresentamos também fotos.

Abstract Areas of high concentration of seal carcasses have been observed in localized areas of James Ross Island, Antarctica. Such carcasses show an unusual vegetation development, in a semi-arid area with bare soils under intense winds, high salinity and sandy texture. We investigated carcasses of seals around a lake in James Ross Island, with four different stages of decomposition, with three replicates: Seal (S01), with recently mummified carcasses; S02, with partially degraded carcasses; S03, with broken carcasses with partially degraded exposed bones, and S04, with completely broken, scattered skeletons. The vegetation showed a maximum degree of development in carcasses at stages S02 and S03, with the environment between the skin and the skeleton as the preferred place for vegetation establishment. The chemical alteration was greater with increasing carcass decomposition but reduced with the spreading and final decomposition of the bones, with anomalous values observed only in the vicinity of the carcasses. It is concluded that the presence of carcasses of seals, concentrated in wet places, even in a semi-desert climate, represent important oases of nutrients, with a combination of physical and chemical effects throughout the decomposition process that favor plant establishment and succession.

ABSTRACT Researches on the use of essential oil of Piper aduncum L. (EOPA) as a synergist in stored grain pests are still incipient. This study aimed to determine the toxicity of deltamethrin and EOPA, as well as to study the effect of the binary mixture of EOPA + deltamethrin, on five Sitophilus zeamais Brazilian populations. The toxicity was investigated based on concentration-mortality data from deltamethrin and EOPA in thirteen S. zeamais populations. The standard susceptibility population of ¼ LC20 was used with the deltamethrin combinations to generate lethal concentrations capable of causing 50 and 95 % of mortality (LC50 and LC95). A binary mixture of EOPA x deltamethrin was also tested in five S. zeamais populations to detect the synergistic effect with the deltamethrin. The concentration-mortality curves were generated, and the residual toxicity values after 24 h of exposure ranged 0.003-0.08 µL cm-2 for deltamethrin, 0.04-2.038 µL cm-2 for EOPA and 0.0016-0.014 µL cm-2 for the binary mixture. The S. zeamais populations showed an uneven toxicity in response to the deltamethrin. The Jacarezinho (Paraná state) population showed resistance, with toxicity ratios for LC50 increasing by 3.06 and 4.13 times, when compared to susceptible populations, for EOPA and deltamethrin, respectively. The Barbacena (Minas Gerais state) population was considered as the susceptibility standard in the EOPA toxicity bioassays. The binary mixture suppressed the resistance mechanism of the tested S. zeamais populations due to the synergistic action of the bioinsecticide with the deltamethrin.

RESUMO Estudos sobre o uso de óleo essencial de Piper aduncum L. (OEPA) como sinérgico em pragas de grãos armazenados ainda são incipientes. Objetivou-se determinar a toxicidade de deltametrina e OEPA, bem como estudar o efeito da mistura binária de OEPA + deltametrina, em cinco populações brasileiras de Sitophilus zeamais. A toxicidade foi investigada com base em dados de concentração-mortalidade de deltametrina e OEPA em treze populações de S. zeamais. A população padrão de suscetibilidade de ¼ CL20 foi utilizada com as combinações de deltametrina para gerar concentrações letais capazes de causar mortalidade de 50 e 95 % (CL50 e CL95). Uma mistura binária de OEPA x deltametrina também foi testada em cinco populações de S. zeamais para detectar o efeito sinérgico com a deltametrina. As curvas concentração-mortalidade foram geradas e os valores de toxicidade residual após 24 h de exposição variaram 0,003-0,08 µL cm-2 para deltametrina, 0,04-2,038 µL cm-2 para OEPA e 0,0016-0,014 µL cm-2 para a mistura binária. As populações de S. zeamais apresentaram toxicidade desigual em resposta à deltametrina. A população de Jacarezinho (PR) apresentou resistência, com os índices de toxicidade para CL50 aumentando 3,06 e 4,13 vezes, em comparação às populações suscetíveis para OEPA e deltametrina, respectivamente. A população de Barbacena (MG) foi considerada padrão de suscetibilidade nos bioensaios de toxicidade de OEPA. A mistura binária suprimiu o mecanismo de resistência das populações de S. zeamais testadas devido à ação sinérgica do bioinseticida com a deltametrina.

ABSTRACT Management of nitrogen fertilization and light interception of pastures contributes to forage production in regions with low water availability. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effect of different nitrogen doses and light interception levels on the growth of Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania under different irrigation managements. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, using a factorial scheme (5 x 2 x 2), corresponding to five irrigation depths (40, 60, 80, 100, and 120% of actual evapotranspiration), two canopy light interception levels (90 and 95%), and two nitrogen doses (300 and 600 kg N ha-1 year-1). The highest biomass production occurs under irrigation with 120% of evapotranspiration. However, the best structural characteristics (tillering and number of leaves) occur with 100% of evapotranspiration, regardless of nitrogen dose and light interception level. Interruption of growth with 95% of incident light and fertilization with 600 kg N ha-1 year-1 promoted greater tillering, number of leaves and leaf length, regardless of the irrigation level. Tanzania grass management with an interruption of growth with 95% of incident light, 600 kg N ha-1 year-1, and irrigation with 80% of actual evapotranspiration led to tillering and number of leaves only 11% lower than the values found in the other treatments irrigated with 100% of actual evapotranspiration. Interruption of growth with 95% of incident light and fertilization with 600 kg N ha-1 year-1 improve the performance of Tanzania grass under deficit irrigation.

RESUMO O manejo da adubação nitrogenada e interceptação luminosa das pastagens contribuem para produção de forragem em regiões com baixa disponibilidade de água. Portanto, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de diferentes doses de nitrogênio e níveis de interceptação luminosa no crescimento do capim Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia sob diferentes manejos de irrigação. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, em esquema fatorial (5 x 2 x 2), relativo a cinco lâminas de irrigação (40, 60, 80, 100 e 120% da evapotranspiração real), dois níveis de interceptação de luz pelo dossel (90 e 95%) e duas doses de nitrogênio (300 e 600 kg N ha-1 ano-1). A maior produção de biomassa ocorre com 120% da evapotranspiração. Porém as melhores características estruturais (perfilhamento e número de folhas) ocorrem com 100% da evapotranspiração, independente da dose de nitrogênio e nível de interceptação luminosa. A interrupção do crescimento com 95% de luz incidente e a adubação com 600 kg N ha-1 ano-1 proporcionaram maior perfilhamento, número e comprimento de folhas do capim, independentemente da lâmina de irrigação. O capim Tanzânia com interrupção do crescimento com 95% da luz incidente, 600 kg N ha-1 ano-1 e irrigação com 80% da evapotranspiração obteve perfilhamento e número de folhas apenas 11% inferior aos outros tratamentos irrigados com 100% da evapotranspiração. A interrupção do crescimento com 95% da luz incidente e adubação com 600 kg N ha-1 ano-1 melhoram o desempenho do capim Tanzânia sob irrigação deficitária.

The antifungal potential of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by actinobacterial strains Streptomyces sp. (ACTB-77) and Amycolatopsis sp. (ACTB-290) from the rhizosphere of Caatinga plants against Colletotrichum musae was investigated. VOCs produced by these microorganisms (axenic and co-culture) were investigated using headspace-solid phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Although no exclusive VOC peaks were observed in the co-culture with ACTB-77, the same experiment involving ACTB-290 yielded five new peaks, including two identified alcohols, suggested as bioreductive products of the corresponding ketones by the fungus. Statistical analysis revealed that co-culture ACTB-77/C. musae has a closer similarity to the fungus than to the actinobacteria, while the co culture ACTB-290/C. musae showed closer similarity to the actinobacteria. These confirmed the more pronounced antifungal activity of the ACTB-290 strain, as observed in the fungus growth inhibition experiments. The antifungal activity of ACTB-290 was associated to its sulfur-containing metabolites, while linalool was suggested as responsible for the ACTB-77 activity.

Croton zehntneri Pax et Hoffm. is a plant from Northeastern Brazil, whose main component of its essential oil is estragole. Its thermal instability and low aqueous solubility prevent its technological application. This study aimed to prepare and characterize the Croton zehntneri essential oil (CZEO) complexed with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), and to evaluate antioxidant activity of free and complexed-CZEO in vitro systems by the elimination of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH•), 2,2’-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•+), hydroxyl and nitric oxide, as well as their ability to transfer electrons by the reducing potential. The infrared spectroscopy and thermal techniques demonstrated the formation of the inclusion complex (Est/β-CD) obtained by spray drying method. The free CZEO and its Est/β-CD at 0.9, 1.8, 3.6, 7.2, 14.4 and 28.8 µg mL-1 showed the ability to remove DPPH• (EC50 (half maximal effective concentration) 26.06 and 9.46 µg mL-1, respectively) and ABTS•+ (EC50 22.73 and 4.47 µg mL-1, respectively), nitric oxide inhibition (EC50 17.65 and 2.68 µg mL-1, respectively), hydroxyl radical sequestration (EC50 23.42 and 2.34 µg mL-1, respectively) and reducing potential (EC50 46.48 and 12.47 µg mL-1, respectively). The formation of the inclusion complex significantly increases its antioxidant potential.

ABSTRACT The aim of the work was to analyze the influence of variables such as shading, temperature and humidity in the production and rooting of mini-cuttings of Sequoia sempervirens (D. Dom) Endl. in a clonal mini-garden. The experiment was conducted at the Forest Nursery at the University of Santa Catarina State - CAV/UDESC, Lages - SC. The minicuttings were obtained by vegetative rescue of a single clone (A228). The original S. sempervirens individuals studied are located in the National Forest of São Francisco de Paula -RS (FLONA). Sprouts were collected 90 days after the application of girdling rescue techniques. Subsequently, mini-stumps were obtained, which were submitted to three different treatments: T1 - Mini-stumps without shading protection, T2 - Mini-stumps with single layer of shading and T3 - Mini-stumps with double layer of shading. There was no significant difference for humidity and temperature in relation to the production of mini-cuttings by the mini-stumps, while for shading the treatments T2 and T3 showed greater efficiency. It is possible that the shading treatments on S. sempervirens mini-stumps allows the vegetative tissue to be more juvenile, obtaining excellent results in cutting.

Abstract We record for the first time the Darwin wasp species Photocryptus nigrosignatus (Kriechbaumer, 1901) parasitizing nests of the solitary wasp Sceliphron fistularium (Dahlbom, 1843) in the Amazonas state, Brazil, and provide new distribution records for them and S. asiaticum (Linnaeus, 1758), the other species registered to Brazil. Additionally, we also report the emergence of solitary wasp Pachodynerus nasidens Latreille, 1817 (Vespidae), and parasitoid wasps Leucospis sp. (Leucospidae) and Photocryptus sp. in S. fistularium nests.

Resumen Registramos por primera vez a la avispa de Darwin Photocryptus nigrosignatus (Kriechbaumer, 1901) parasitando nidos de la avispa solitaria Sceliphron fistularium (Dahlbom, 1843) en el estado de Amazonas, Brasil, y proporcionamos nuevos registros de distribución para ellas y S. asiaticum (Linnaeus, 1758), la otra especie registrada en Brasil. Adicionalmente, también reportamos la emergencia de la avispa solitaria Pachodynerus nasidens Latreille, 1817 (Vespidae), y las avispas parasitoides Leucospis sp. (Leucospidae) y Photocryptus sp. en nidos de S. fistularium.

Abstract The behavior and feeding habits of different species of seabirds can influence the enrichment of trace metals in Antarctic soils. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different species of seabirds on the concentrations of potentially toxic metals in Antarctic soils. For this, we collected soil samples in areas influenced by penguins, kelp gulls, and giant petrels. We analyzed the concentration of total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (P) and metals by three different methods of extraction: USEPA 3051A, Mehlich-1, and distilled water. The concentrations of Cr and Hg presented positive correlations with P, TOC, and TN by the USEPA 3051A method, indicating the biotransport of these metals by seabirds. Soils influenced by penguins showed higher levels of P, TOC, TN, Cr, and Hg. Comparing the results from the different extractors, we found that Hg had the highest relative levels in the exchangeable fraction and the soil solution. Therefore, the soils with the influence of penguins present higher levels of biotransported trace metals, but this does not necessarily mean that these birds have a higher biotransport potential, since the concentration of trace metals in these soils may be related to their degree of ornithogenesis.

Abstract Aiming to test the capacity of retention of carotenoids in tissues, Lophiosilurus alexandri juveniles were fed diets containing 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of synthetic astaxanthin for 62 days. The inclusion of astaxanthin did not result in significant differences in growth, weight gain, apparent feed conversion, and feed efficiency of the fish. Blood biochemistry and liver histology did not change with the different treatments. At the level of 100 mg/kg of inclusion, there were the highest levels of carotenoids in the blood, and muscle and the smallest difference between the muscle x integument ratio.

RESUMO: O botulismo é uma doença geralmente fatal, causada pela ingestão de neurotoxinas produzidas pelo Clostridium botulinum. O presente estudo descreve os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e laboratoriais de um surto de botulismo tipo C em aves aquáticas de vida livre habitantes de parque urbano em Quirinópolis, Goiás. De uma população de cerca de 80 aves aquáticas, um total de 30 aves, entre patos (Cairina moschata), marrecos (Anas platyrhynchos) e gansos (Anser cygnoides), morreram no intervalo de 10 dias. Destes, seis aves apresentaram sinais de paralisia flácida de membros pélvicos, pálpebras, pescoço e asas. Para confirmar a suspeita de botulismo, foram analisadas quatro amostras da água do lago, duas amostras da ração consumida pelas aves e amostras de soro, conteúdo intestinal, conteúdo estomacal e fígado de dois marrecos que morreram após apresentarem os sinais clínicos. Pelo bioensaio e neutralização com antitoxina homóloga em camundongos foi possível detectar a presença de toxina botulínica tipo C em uma amostra de água e no conteúdo intestinal de um dos marrecos necropsiados. Adicionalmente, pela reação em cadeia da polimerase identificou-se a presença de C. botulinum tipo C na água do lago. Com base nos sinais clínicos e resultados laboratoriais estabeleceu-se o diagnóstico de botulismo causado pela toxina botulínica tipo C e veiculada provavelmente pela água do lago.

ABSTRACT: Botulism is generally a fatal disease caused by ingestion of neurotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum. The present study describes the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory aspects of a type C botulism outbreak in free-living aquatic birds residing in an urban park in Quirinópolis, Goiás, Brazil. Among a population of approximately 80 waterfowl, a total of 30 birds, including ducks (Cairina moschata), teals (Anas platyrhynchos), and geese (Anser cygnoides), died within 10 days. Of these, six birds showed signs of flaccid paralysis of the pelvic limbs, eyelids, neck, and wings. To confirm the suspicion of botulism, four lake water samples, two samples of the feed consumed by the birds, and samples of serum, intestinal content, stomach content, and liver tissue from two teals that died after presenting clinical signs were analyzed. Using bioassay and neutralization with homologous antitoxin in mice, it was possible to detect the presence of botulinum toxin type C in a water sample and in the intestinal content of one of the necropsied teals. Additionally, the presence of C. botulinum type C was identified in the lake water using polymerase chain reaction. Based on the clinical signs and laboratory results, a diagnosis of botulism caused by botulinum toxin type C was confirmed with probable transmission by lake water.

In this study, we assessed the cytotoxic effect of 1,3-diphenyl-2-allyl-1,3-propanedione (DPAP) on B16F10 and Tm5 melanoma cells and investigated its interaction with DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) using optical tweezers. The compound showed to be effective against B16F10 cells with selectivity index (SI) of 7.92 and interaction to the outer surface of the double helix, probably at the minor groove of DNA. This likely induced a bending deformation of the polymer chain, decreasing persistence length, and indicated that each DPAP molecule occupies a single base pair upon binding to the double helix.