ABSTRACT Objectives. To describe the presence and persistence of neurological and neuropsychological sequelae among children with acquired Zika virus infection and assess whether those sequelae were more common in children infected with Zika virus compared to uninfected children. Methods. We conducted a prospective cohort study of children with and without Zika virus infection in León, Nicaragua, using a standard clinical assessment tool and questionnaire to collect data on symptoms at three visits, about 6 months apart, and a battery of standardized instruments to evaluate neurocognitive function, behavior, depression, and anxiety at the last two visits. Results. Sixty-two children were enrolled, with no significant differences in demographics by infection group. Children infected with Zika virus had a range of neurological symptoms, some of which persisted for 6 to 12 months; however, no consistent pattern of symptoms was observed. At baseline a small percentage of children infected with Zika virus had an abnormal finger-to-nose test (13%), cold touch response (13%), and vibration response (15%) versus 0% in the uninfected group. Neurocognitive deficits and behavioral problems were common in both groups, with no significant differences between the groups. Children infected with Zika virus had lower cognitive efficiency scores at the 6-month visit. Anxiety and depression were infrequent in both groups. Conclusions. Larger studies are needed to definitively investigate the relationship between Zika virus infection and neurological symptoms and neurocognitive problems, with adjustment for factors affecting cognition and behavior, including mood and sleep disorders, home learning environment, history of neuroinvasive infections, and detailed family history of neuropsychological problems.

RESUMO Objetivos. Descrever a presença e a persistência de sequelas neurológicas e neuropsicológicas em crianças com infecção pelo vírus zika e avaliar se essas sequelas foram mais comuns em crianças infectadas pelo vírus zika em comparação com crianças não infectadas. Métodos. Realizamos um estudo de coorte prospectivo em crianças com e sem infecção pelo vírus zika em León, Nicarágua, usando uma ferramenta de avaliação clínica padrão e um questionário para coletar dados de sintomas em três consultas, com cerca de 6 meses de intervalo, além de um conjunto de ferramentas padronizadas para avaliar função neurocognitiva, comportamento, depressão e ansiedade nas duas últimas consultas. Resultados. Foram incluídas 62 crianças, sem diferenças significativas nas características demográficas por grupo de infecção. As crianças infectadas pelo vírus zika tinham uma gama de sintomas neurológicos, alguns dos quais persistiram por 6 a 12 meses. Entretanto, não se observou nenhum padrão consistente de sintomas. No início do estudo, uma pequena porcentagem de crianças infectadas com o vírus zika apresentou resultado anormal na prova índex-nariz (13%), resposta ao toque frio (13%) e sensibilidade vibratória (15%), em comparação a 0% no grupo não infectado. Déficits neurocognitivos e problemas comportamentais foram frequentes em ambos os grupos, mas sem diferenças significativas entre eles. As crianças infectadas com o vírus zika tiveram resultados mais baixos de eficiência cognitiva na consulta de 6 meses. Ansiedade e depressão não foram observadas com frequência em ambos os grupos. Conclusões. São necessários estudos mais amplos para investigar a relação exata entre a infecção pelo vírus zika e sintomas neurológicos e problemas neurocognitivos, com ajuste para fatores que afetam a cognição e o comportamento, incluindo distúrbios do humor e do sono, ambiente de aprendizagem em casa, história de infecções neuroinvasivas e história familiar detalhada de problemas neuropsicológicos.

RESUMEN Objetivos. Describir la presencia y persistencia de secuelas neurológicas y neuropsicológicas en pacientes pediátricos que contrajeron la infección por el virus del Zika y evaluar si dichas secuelas fueron más comunes en los infectados con el virus del Zika en comparación con los no infectados. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio de cohorte prospectivo en pacientes pediátricos con y sin infección por el virus del Zika en León (Nicaragua), con una herramienta de evaluación clínica estándar y un cuestionario para recopilar datos sobre los síntomas en tres visitas, con aproximadamente seis meses de diferencia, y un conjunto de instrumentos estandarizados para evaluar la función neurocognitiva, el comportamiento, la depresión y la ansiedad en las últimas dos visitas. Resultados. Participaron 62 niños y niñas sin diferencias significativas en la demografía por grupo de infección. Los participantes infectados con el virus del Zika mostraron una variedad de síntomas neurológicos, algunos de los cuales persistieron entre 6 y 12 meses; no obstante, no se observó un patrón sistemático en los síntomas. Al inicio del estudio, un pequeño porcentaje de participantes infectados con el virus del Zika mostró resultados anormales a las pruebas dedo-nariz (13%), respuesta al tacto (frío) (13%) y respuesta a la vibración (15%), frente a un 0% en el grupo no infectado. Los déficits neurocognitivos y los problemas de comportamiento fueron comunes en ambos grupos, sin diferencias significativas entre los grupos. Los participantes infectados con el virus del Zika mostraron puntuaciones de eficiencia cognitiva más bajas en la visita a los 6 meses. La ansiedad y la depresión fueron poco frecuentes en ambos grupos. Conclusiones. Son necesarios estudios más amplios para investigar definitivamente la relación entre la infección por el virus del Zika y los síntomas neurológicos y los problemas neurocognitivos, haciendo ajustes para los factores relacionados con la cognición y el comportamiento, incluidos los trastornos del estado de ánimo y el sueño, el entorno de aprendizaje en el hogar, los antecedentes de infecciones neuroinvasivas y los antecedentes familiares detallados de problemas neuropsicológicos.

ABSTRACT Species from the genus Mesua, Calophyllaceae, are rich source for phenolic compounds such as coumarin xanthone, and benzophenone derivatives. An investigation on the potential biologically active phenolic compounds 1–5 and crude extracts from the stem bark of Mesua hexapetala (Hook. f.) P.S. Ashton and Mesua beccariana (Baill.) Kosterm. for nitric oxide inhibitory activity on RAW 264.7 macrophage as well as anti-Bacillus activity on selected Bacillus were carried out. Hexapetarin (1), which we reported as a new compound isolated from M. hexapetala showed very good nitric oxide inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 30.79 ± 2.68 µM. This compound also gave very significant activities towards Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Bacillus cereus ATCC 33019, Bacillus megaterium ATCC 14581 and Bacillus pumilus ATCC 14884 in disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentrations assay. Moreover, 1,3,7-trihydroxy-2,4-di (3-methyl-2-butenyl)xanthone (2) isolated from M. hexapetala showed very significant nitric oxide inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 12.41 ± 0.89 µM and does not exhibit anti-Bacillus activity on four types of Bacillus. Meanwhile, compounds 3–5 were inactive in the nitric oxide activity test and anti-Bacillus assay.

ABSTRACT Background. Patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) are often treated with nucleoside/nucleotide antiviral agents and metabolic bone toxicity is a possible concern. Objective. To determine the relationships between fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a phosphaturic hormone, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone biochemical abnormalities in these patients. Material and methods. This is a cross-sectional observational study comparing HBV-infected subjects treated for at least one year with tenofovir (TDF), lamuvidine (LVD), entacavir (ETV), or not treated (CON). Patients with abnormalities in either calcium (Ca), phosphate (PO4), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) or FGF23 were further evaluated with BMD by DXA. Results. No difference in liver enzymes or renal function seen among groups, but hypophosphatemia was seen in all groups with the highest incidence with TDF treatment (14%). FGF 23 levels were found to be elevated in 11.1% of TDF patients, 2.77% amongst controls. No elevations were found in the LVD or ETV groups. Among a subset of subjects (FGF23, PO4, and/or Ca abnormalities) who underwent further evaluation, 67% had insufficient 25-OH vitamin D, and 30% had elevated 24 h urinary Ca or PO4 excretion. No patients with FGF23 abnormalities had urine abnormalities. 40% had low DXA Z-score (<-2) at spine or hip but there was no difference between control and antiviral treatment groups and the mean FRAX score was 2.33% for major osteoporotic fractures and 0.29% for hip fracture. Conclusion. Abnormalities in bone metabolism, particularly involving vitamin D insufficiency, in HBV-treated subjects were observed with a small increased likelihood in TDF treated patients.

Abstract This paper presents the design of broadband two way equal power divider in microstrip medium with defected ground structure suitable for broadband communication systems. Quarter wave broadside coupled lines are used in the place of conventional transformers widely used in the popular Wilkinson power dividers. The proposed power divider structure takes the advantage of top and bottom layers of the microstrip medium to create broadside coupled line configuration using defected ground plane. The floating conductor in the bottom layer plays a critical role in achieving the band select characteristics. Experimental results of two way equal power divider designed using the proposed structure has been verified against the full wave simulations. The isolation between the paths is more than 20dB and the return loss at each port is better than 15dB across the desired band of 3GHz to 8GHz.

Background: Memecylon species are commonly used in Indian ethnomedical practices. The accurate identification is vital to enhance the drug's efficacy and biosafety. In the present study, PCR based techniques like RAPD, ISSR and DNA barcoding regions, such as 5s, psbA-trnH, rpoC1, ndh and atpF-atpH, were used to authenticate and analyze the diversity of five Memecylon species collected from Western Ghats of India. Results: Phylogenetic analysis clearly distinguished Memecylon malabaricum from Memecylon wightii and Memecylon umbellatum from Memecylon edule and clades formed are in accordance with morphological keys. In the RAPD and ISSR analyses, 27 accessions representing five Memecylon species were distinctly separated into three different clades. M. malabaricum and M. wightii grouped together and M. umbellatum, M. edule and Memecylon talbotianum grouped in the same clade with high Jaccard dissimilarity coefficient and bootstrap support between each node, indicating that these grouped species are phylogenetically similar. Conclusion: Data from the present study reveals that chloroplast psbA-trnH region could be used as a potential candidate region for identifying Memecylon species, and ISSR marker system could be used for estimating genetic diversity since it has high percent polymorphism compared to RAPD marker.

ABSTRACT Ureterocalycostomy can be performed in patients in whom desired methods of treating secondary PUJ (Pelvi-Ureteric Junction) obstructions either failed or could not be used. In our study, one child and two adults in whom one redo-ureterocalycostomy and two ureterocalycostomies were performed for severely scarred PUJ. The causes for secondary PUJ obstruction were post-pyelolithotomy in one case, post-pyeloplasty and ureterocalycostomy for PUJ obstruction in the second patient and the third patient had long upper ureteric stricture post-ureteropyeloplasty due to tuberculosis. In all these cases ureterocalycostomy proved to be salvage/final resort for preserving functional renal unit.

Resumo Casos de dengue têm aumentado em grupos etários mais jovens no Brasil. Anticorpos antidengue maternos podem exercer efeito protetor nos primeiros meses de vida, mas seu declínio pode aumentar o risco de dengue grave. Uma coorte de nascimento prospectiva foi estabelecida na cidade do Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil, entre 2011-2012, para determinar a incidência de infecção sorotipo-específica do dengue e cinética dos anticorpos antidengue materno-transferidos nos primeiros anos de vida. Este artigo descreve o desenho, os métodos e resultados preliminares deste estudo de coorte. Trezentas e cinquenta e quatro crianças foram acompanhadas clínico e laboratorialmente por dois anos, com 15% de perdas de seguimento. A taxa global de novas infecções foi de aproximadamente 10% na coorte de crianças no primeiro ano de seguimento. Informações sobre a força de infecção sorotipo-específica do dengue nos primeiros anos de vida, bem como a avaliação da cinética de anticorpos materno-transferidos poderão contribuir para a compreensão da etiopatogenia da doença.

Abstract Dengue cases have increased in younger age groups in Brazil. Maternal anti-dengue antibodies can have a protective effect in the first months of life, but their decline can increase the risk of severe dengue. A prospective birth cohort was established in 2011-2012 in the city of Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil, to determine the incidence of serotype-specific dengue infection and the kinetics of transferred maternal anti-dengue antibodies in the first years of life. This article describes the design, methods and preliminary results of this cohort study. 354 children underwent clinical and laboratory monitoring for two years, with 15% losses to follow-up. The overall rate of new infections was approximately 10% in the first year of follow-up. Information on the force of serotype-specific dengue infection and the evaluation of transferred maternal antibodies can contribute to understanding dengue etiopathogenesis.

Resumen Los casos de dengue han aumentado en los grupos de edad más jóvenes en Brasil. Los anticuerpos antidengue maternos pueden ejercer un efecto protector en los primeros meses de vida, pero su decremento puede aumentar el riesgo de dengue grave. Una cohorte de nacimientos prospectiva se estableció en la ciudad de Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil, entre 2011-2012, para determinar la incidencia de infección serotipo-específica de dengue y la cinética de los anticuerpos antidengue materno-transferidos durante los primeros años de vida. Este artículo describe el diseño, los métodos y resultados preliminares de este estudio de cohorte. 354 niños fueron acompañados clínicamente y en laboratorio durante dos años, con un 15% de pérdidas en el seguimiento. La tasa global de nuevas infecciones fue de aproximadamente un 10% en la cohorte de niños durante el primer año de seguimiento. La información sobre la fuerza de infección serotipo-específica del dengue en los primeros años de vida, así como la evaluación de la cinética de los anticuerpos materno-transferidos, podrá contribuir a la comprensión de la etiopatogenia de la enfermedad.

Resumo Casos de dengue têm aumentado em grupos etários mais jovens no Brasil. Anticorpos antidengue maternos podem exercer efeito protetor nos primeiros meses de vida, mas seu declínio pode aumentar o risco de dengue grave. Uma coorte de nascimento prospectiva foi estabelecida na cidade do Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil, entre 2011-2012, para determinar a incidência de infecção sorotipo-específica do dengue e cinética dos anticorpos antidengue materno-transferidos nos primeiros anos de vida. Este artigo descreve o desenho, os métodos e resultados preliminares deste estudo de coorte. Trezentas e cinquenta e quatro crianças foram acompanhadas clínico e laboratorialmente por dois anos, com 15% de perdas de seguimento. A taxa global de novas infecções foi de aproximadamente 10% na coorte de crianças no primeiro ano de seguimento. Informações sobre a força de infecção sorotipo-específica do dengue nos primeiros anos de vida, bem como a avaliação da cinética de anticorpos materno-transferidos poderão contribuir para a compreensão da etiopatogenia da doença.

Abstract Dengue cases have increased in younger age groups in Brazil. Maternal anti-dengue antibodies can have a protective effect in the first months of life, but their decline can increase the risk of severe dengue. A prospective birth cohort was established in 2011-2012 in the city of Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil, to determine the incidence of serotype-specific dengue infection and the kinetics of transferred maternal anti-dengue antibodies in the first years of life. This article describes the design, methods and preliminary results of this cohort study. 354 children underwent clinical and laboratory monitoring for two years, with 15% losses to follow-up. The overall rate of new infections was approximately 10% in the first year of follow-up. Information on the force of serotype-specific dengue infection and the evaluation of transferred maternal antibodies can contribute to understanding dengue etiopathogenesis.

Resumen Los casos de dengue han aumentado en los grupos de edad más jóvenes en Brasil. Los anticuerpos antidengue maternos pueden ejercer un efecto protector en los primeros meses de vida, pero su decremento puede aumentar el riesgo de dengue grave. Una cohorte de nacimientos prospectiva se estableció en la ciudad de Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil, entre 2011-2012, para determinar la incidencia de infección serotipo-específica de dengue y la cinética de los anticuerpos antidengue materno-transferidos durante los primeros años de vida. Este artículo describe el diseño, los métodos y resultados preliminares de este estudio de cohorte. 354 niños fueron acompañados clínicamente y en laboratorio durante dos años, con un 15% de pérdidas en el seguimiento. La tasa global de nuevas infecciones fue de aproximadamente un 10% en la cohorte de niños durante el primer año de seguimiento. La información sobre la fuerza de infección serotipo-específica del dengue en los primeros años de vida, así como la evaluación de la cinética de los anticuerpos materno-transferidos, podrá contribuir a la comprensión de la etiopatogenia de la enfermedad.

OBJECTIVE: Previous surveys in the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), and Canada have indicated that most of the speech-language pathologists (SLPs) tend to use non-speech oral-motor exercises (NSOMEs) on a regular basis to treat speech disorders. At present, there is considerable debate regarding the clinical effectiveness of NSOMEs. The current study aimed to investigate the pattern and extent of usage of NSOMEs among Indian SLPs. METHOD: An online survey intended to elicit information regarding the use of NSOMEs was sent to 505 members of the Indian Speech and Hearing Association. The questionnaire consisted of three sections. The first section solicited demographic information, the second and third sections solicited information from participants who did and did not prefer to use NSOMEs, respectively. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyse the responses that were clinically relevant RESULTS: A total of 127 participants responded to the survey. Ninety-one percent of the participants who responded to the survey indicated that they used NSOMEs CONCLUSION: The results suggested that the percentage of SLPs preferring to use NSOMEs is similar to the findings of surveys conducted in the USA, the UK, and Canada. The Indian SLPs continue to use NSOMEs based on a multitude of beliefs. It is important for SLPs to incorporate the principles of evidence-based practice while using NSOMEs to provide high quality clinical care

The present study was undertaken to investigate the sedative, analgesic and clinical effects of xylazine, medetomidine and dexmedetomidine with fentanyl as pre-anaesthetics in water buffaloes and to compare the dose-sparing effect of xylazine, medetomidine and dexmedetomidine on thiopental for induction and isoflurane for maintenance of anaesthesia in water buffaloes. Six male water buffaloes randomly received intravenous fentanyl (5.0 pg/kg body weight) and xylazine (0.05 mg/kg body weight), fentanyl (5.0 pg/kg body weight) and medetomidine (2.5 pg/kg body weight), fentanyl (5.0 pg/kg body weight) and dexmedetomidine (5.0 pg/kg body weight) at weekly intervals in groups I1, I2 and I3, respectively. After 15 min, the animals were restrained in right lateral recumbency and anaesthesia was induced by 5% thiopental sodium administered intravenously. The intubated animal was connected to the large animal anaesthesia machine and isoflurane in 100% oxygen (5 L/min) was insufflated for 60 min. The treatments were compared by clinicophysiological, haematobiochemical and haemodynamic parameters. Fentanyl-medetomidine and fentanyl-dexmedetomidine produced more cardiovascular depression during the pre-anaesthetic period but less depression of cardio-respiratory dynamics in the post induction and maintenance period. Quicker recovery was recorded in I2 and I3 groups. A lower dose of thiopental was required in group I3 (4.33 mg/kg ± 0.66 mg/kg) than in groups I2 (4.41 mg/kg ± 0.98 mg/kg) and I1 (4.83 mg/kg ± 0.79 mg/kg). The dose of isoflurane was less in group I3 (45.50 mL ± 5.45 mL) than in group I1 and I2 (48.66 mL ± 5.10 mL and 48.00 mL ± 6.38 mL). Better anaesthesia was recorded with fentanyl-dexmedetomidine-thiopental-isoflurane (group I3) than with fentanyl-medetomidine-thiopental-isoflurane (group I2) and fentanyl-xylazine-thiopental-isoflurane (group Fentanyl-medetomidine and fentanyl-dexmedetomidine were better pre-anaesthetic agents in comparison to fentanyl-xylazine for thiopental and isoflurane anaesthesia. Fentanyl-dexmedetomidine-thiopental-isoflurane and fentanyl-medetomidine-thiopental-isoflurane produced effective surgical anaesthesia and were found to be safe, as cardio-pulmonary functions were well preserved during maintenance anaesthesia with no deleterious effect on vital organ functions in water buffaloes.

A novel, enzymeless electrochemical sensing mechanism for glucose based on potentiometric measurement was proposed using the mediator hexacyanoferrate. In this methodology, EMF of the cell exclusively depends on glucose concentration and independent on reference half-cell electrode potential or mediator concentration or any other interfering factors. Electrochemical as well as mathematical models were proposed. Numerical computations along with boundary conditions were evaluated for the proposed models, to reduce the deviation in the interpolated results. Molar ratio of mediator to glucose was correlated with EMF cell. Numerical simulations, Legendre polynomials and Lagrange coefficients iterations can be executed through computer programs.

Seis hongos patógenos causantes de pudrición post-cosecha en raíces de yuca fueron investigados in vitro para estudiar los efectos funguitóxicos de Allium sativum (L) y Ocimum gratissimum (L) utilizando métodos de extracción acuosa. Los hongos fueron aislados cortando tejido enfermo en la interfase entre las partes sana e infectada de la raíz. Pruebas de patogenicidad mostraron que Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Macrophomina phaseolina, Penicillium oxalicum y Aspergillus niger inducen pudrición en tubérculos sanos de yuca tras 8 días de reinoculación, siendo P. oxalicum el más virulento. Cuatro concentraciones de extracto fueron obtenidas de cada planta mezclando 25, 50, 75 o 100g con 100ml de agua destilada estéril. El efecto funguitóxico de los extractos mostró que A. sativum produjo una inhibición efectiva (25,2-56,9%) del crecimiento micelial de todos los hongos ensayados, mientras que los extractos de O. gratissimum mostraron débil a moderadamente efectiva inhibición (0,9 a 64,5%) del crecimiento micelial de todos los hongos con excepción de B. theobromae y M. phaseolina, que mostraron el menor porcentaje de inhibición con ambos extractos. El efecto más tóxico de los extractos fue observado con 10% A. sativum, con inhibición significativa (P<0,01) sobre todos los hongos estudiados. El ensayo mostró el potencial de extractos crudos de A. sativum y O. gratissimum sobre hongos patógenos que afectan la yuca. Este potencial del extracto crudo de estas plantas provee una alternativa a los campesinos para el control y reducción de la pudrición de la yuca, por ser económicos, no fitotóxicos y fácil de preparar.

Six fungal pathogens causing rot in post-harvest cassava tuberous roots were investigated in vitro for the study of the fungi toxic effects of Allium sativum (L) and Ocimum gratissimum (L.) using aqueous extraction methods. Fungi were isolated by cutting rotted tissue at the interface between healthy and infected portions of the root. Pathogenicity tests revealed that Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Macrophomina phaseolina, Penicillium oxalicum and Aspergillus niger induced rot in healthy cassava tubers after 8 days of re-inoculation, with P. oxalicum as the most virulent. Four different extract concentrations were obtained from each plant part by blending 25, 50, 75 and 100g in 100ml of sterile distilled water (SDW).The fungi toxic effect of the extracts showed that A. sativum had effective inhibition (25.2-86.9%) on mycelial growth of all tested fungi, while extracts of O. gratissimum showed slight to moderately effective inhibition (0.9 to 64.5%) on mycelial growth of all fungi, with the exception of B. theobromae and M. phaseolina, which showed the lowest percentage of inhibition with both plant extracts. The most toxic effect of the extracts was observed with A. sativum at 10%, with significant (P<0.01) inhibition on all fungi tested. The study showed the potential of crude extracts of A. sativum and O. gratissimum on fungal pathogens affecting cassava. This potential of the crude extract of these plants provides an alternative to farmers to reduce and control cassava rot, since they are inexpensive, non-phytotoxic and easy to prepare.

Seis fungos patógenos causantes de apodrecimento pos-colheita em raízes de mandioca foram investigados in vitro para estudar os efeitos fungitóxicos de Allium sativum (L) e Ocimum gratissimum (L) utilizando métodos de extração aquosa. Os fungos foram isolados cortando tecido doente na interfase entre as partes sadias e infetadas da raíz. Provas de patogenicidade mostraram que Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Macrophomina phaseolina, Penicillium oxalicum e Aspergillus niger induzem apodrecimento em tubérculos sadios de mandioca depois de 8 dias de reinoculação, sendo P. oxalicum o mais virulento. Quatro concentrações de extrato foram obtidas de cada planta misturando 25, 50, 75 ou 100g con 100ml de água destilada estéril. O efeito fungitóxico dos extratos mostrou que A. sativum produziu uma inibição efetiva (25,2-56,9%) do crescimento micelial de todos os fungos ensaiados, enquanto que os extratos de O. gratissimum mostraram fraca a moderadamente efetiva inibição (0,9 a 64,5%) do crescimento micelial de todos os fungos com exceção de B. theobromae e M. phaseolina, que mostraram a menor porcentagem de inibição com ambos extratos. O efeito mais tóxico dos extratos foi observado com 10% A. sativum, com inibição significativa (P<0,01) sobre todos os fungos estudados. O ensaio mostrou o potencial de extratos crus de A. sativum e O. gratissimum sobre fungos patógenos que afetam a mandioca. Este potencial do extrato cru destas plantas provê uma alternativa aos camponeses para o controle e redução do apodrecimento da mandioca, por ser econômicos, não fitotóxicos e fácil de preparar.

Spearmint leaves (Mentha spicata L.) contain high levels of antioxidants that are known to protect against both exogenous and endogenous DNA damage. In this study, the protective effects of the hexane fraction (HF), chloroform fraction (CF) and ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) in an ethanol extract from M. spicata were evaluated against 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO) induced chromosome damage and apoptosis in bone marrow cells of Swiss albino mice. Two (EAF; 80 and 160 mg/ kg body weight - bw) or three (HF and CF; 80, 160 and 320 mg/ kg bw) doses of solvent fractions or vehicle control (25% DMSO in water) were administered orally for five consecutive days. Upon the sixth day, 4-NQO was injected intraperitoneally. The animals were killed the following day. Other control groups were comprised of animals treated with either the vehicle control or the various doses of solvent fractions, but with no 4-NQO treatment. 4-NQO induced micro-nucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) in all the test groups. However, pre-treatment of animals with the solvent fractions significantly reduced the 4-NQO-induced MnPCEs as well as the percentage of apoptotic cells. The reduction of both MnPCE and apoptosis was more evident following the pre-treatment of animals with 160 mg/kg bw EAF.

A cepa bacteriana Mesorhizobium loti MP6 isolada de nódulos de raiz de Mimosa pudica induziu o crescimento e o rendimento de Brassica campestris. A cepa MP6 secretou sideróforo do tipo hidroxamato em meio sólido Chrom-Azurol Siderophore (CAS). Em condições normais de crescimento, a cepa foi também capaz de produzir de ácido cianídrico (HCN) e acido indolacético (AIA) e solubilizar fosfato. O encurvamento do pelo da raiz foi observado usando a simples técnica de lâmina e lamínula. Estudos in vitro mostraram um aumento significativo na população de M. loti MP6 na rizosfera devido aos exsudatos de B. campestris. Empregando-se técnica de co-cultura, a cepa mostrou um grande efeito antagônico contra o fungo Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, o patógeno da podridão branca de Brassica campestris. Após incubação prolongada, o crescimento de S. sclerotiorum foi inibido em 75%. Uma eficiente colonização de sementes de mostarda foi confirmada pelo emprego da linhagem M. loti MP6strep+ que contém um marcador de resistência à estreptomicina. As sementes cobertas com M. loti MP6 apresentaram aumento da sua germinação,crescimento vegetativo rápido e melhor rendimento quando comparadas ao controle. Além disso, foi observado um drástico declínio na incidência da podridão branca decorrente da aplicação de M. loti MP6.

The bacterial strain Mesorhizobium loti MP6, isolated from root nodules of Mimosa pudica induced growth and yield of Brassica campestris. The isolate MP6 secreted hydroxamate type siderophore in Chrom-Azurol Siderophore (CAS) agar medium. Production of hydrocyanic acid (HCN), indole acetic acid (IAA) and phosphate solubilizing ability was also recorded under normal growth conditions. Root hair curling was observed through simple glass-slide technique. In vitro study showed a significant increase in population of M. loti MP6 in rhizosphere due to root exudates of B. campestris. In dual culture technique the strain showed a strong antagonistic effect against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a white rot pathogen of Brassica campestris. The growth of S. sclerotiorum was inhibited by 75% after prolonged incubation. Efficient root colonization of mustard seedlings was confirmed by using a streptomycin-resistant marker M. loti MP6strep+. The M. loti MP6 coated seeds proved enhanced seed germination, early vegetative growth and grain yield as compared to control. Also, a drastic decline (99%) in the incidence of white rot was observed due to application of M. loti MP6.

OBJECTIVE: The study compares the effectiveness of two strategies for distributing azithromycin in an area with mild-to-moderate active trachoma in Nepal. METHODS: The two strategies investigated were the use of azithromycin for 1) mass treatment of all children, or 2) targeted treatment of only those children who were found to be clinically active, as well as all members of their household. FINDINGS: Mass treatment of children was slightly more effective in terms of decreasing the prevalence of clinically active trachoma (estimated by clinical examination) and of chlamydial infection (estimated by DNA amplification tests), although neither result was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Both strategies appeared to be effective in reducing the prevalence of clinically active trachoma and infection six months after the treatment. Antibiotic treatment reduced the prevalence of chlamydial infection more than it did the level of clinically active trachoma.

OBJETIVO: En este estudio se compara la eficacia de dos estrategias de distribución de azitromicina en una zona con tracoma activo de carácter leve-moderado en Nepal. MÉTODOS: Las dos estrategias investigadas fueron el uso de azitromicina para 1) el tratamiento masivo de todos los niños, y 2) el tratamiento exclusivo de los niños con signos clínicos de actividad de la enfermedad, así como de todos los miembros de su hogar. RESULTADOS: El tratamiento masivo de los niños fue ligeramente más eficaz en lo que respecta a disminuir la prevalencia del tracoma clínicamente activo (determinado mediante examen clínico) y de la infección clamidiana (determinada mediante pruebas de amplificación del ADN), pero ningún resultado fue estadísticamente significativo. CONCLUSIÓN: Las dos estrategias parecen reducir eficazmente la prevalencia del tracoma clínicamente activo y de la infección seis meses después del tratamiento. La antibioticoterapia redujo la prevalencia de la infección clamidiana en mayor medida que la del tracoma clínicamente activo.

OBJECTIF: L’étude compare l’efficacité de deux stratégies de distribution de l’azithromycine dans une région du Népal où le trachome actif est relativement bénin à modéré. MÉTHODES: Les deux stratégies étudiées consistaient à utiliser l’azithromycine pour 1) le traitement de masse de tous les enfants, ou 2) le traitement ciblé sur les enfants trouvés porteurs d’un trachome cliniquement actif et toutes les personnes vivant dans le même ménage. RÉSULTATS: Le traitement de masse des enfants était légèrement plus efficace pour réduire la prévalence du trachome cliniquement actif (d’après l’examen clinique) et de l’infection à Chlamydia (d’après les tests d’amplification de l’ADN), bien qu’aucun de ces résultats ne soit statistiquement significatif. CONCLUSION: Les deux stratégies semblent efficaces pour réduire la prévalence du trachome cliniquement actif et de l’infection six mois après le traitement. Le traitement antibiotique réduisait davantage la prévalence de l’infection à Chlamydia que celle du trachome cliniquement actif.