Germinação e crescimento inicial das plântulas de pinhão-manso em condições de salinidade

Soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses that limit seed germination and plant growth, causing yield loss in crop species. The phytotoxic effects of salt stress on seed germination and early growth of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) seedlings were investigated in the present study. Physic nut seeds were subjected to five levels of salinity [0 (control); 25; 50; 75 and 100 mmol L-1 of NaCl], using the solution-paper method, with five replications. The experimental unit consisted in a germitest paper roll with 25 physic nut seeds. Salt treatments were evaluated based on the following tests: first count of germination test (7 days), total germination (12 days) and early growth of physic nut seedlings (12 days). Results showed that the addition of 100 mmol L-1 of NaCl reduced the first count of germination test (45%), total germination (50%), shoot length (42%), root length (59%), shoot dry matter (34%) and root dry matter (44%) of physic nut seedlings compared to the NaCl-free control. The exposure to high salt concentrations severely restricted the seed germination and early growth of physic nut seedlings. These data suggest that physic nut crop is a moderately sensitive species to high salinity levels during the stage of seed germination and early seedling growth.AA salinidade é um dos principais estresses abióticos que limitam a germinação das sementes e o desenvolvimento das culturas em solos agrícolas. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do estresse salino na germinação das sementes e no crescimento inicial das plântulas de pinhão-manso (Jatropha curcas L.). As sementes de pinhão manso foram submetidas a cinco níveis de salinidade [0 (controle), 25, 50, 75 e 100 mmol L-1 de NaCl], com cinco repetições. As unidades experimentais foram constituídas de rolos de papel germitest com 25 sementes de pinhão manso. Os tratamentos foram avaliados com base nos seguintes testes: primeira contagem da germinação (7 dias), germinação (12 dias) e crescimento inicial das plântulas de pinhão manso (12 dias). A adição de 100 mmol L-1 de NaCl reduziu a primeira contagem da germinação (45%), a germinação final (50%), comprimento da parte aérea (42%), comprimento das raízes (59%), matéria seca da parte aérea (34%) e a matéria seca das raízes (44%) de pinhão manso em comparação as plântulas sem exposição ao estresse salino. A exposição das sementes a altos níveis de salinidade reduziu severamente a germinação das sementes e o crescimento inicial das plântulas de pinhão manso. Estes dados sugerem que o pinhão-manso é uma espécie moderadamente sensível à alta concentração de NaCl na solução durante a fase de germinação das sementes e crescimento inicial

EFFECTS OF ALUMINUM ON SEED GERMINATION AND INITIAL GROWTH OF PHYSIC NUT SEEDLINGS

Aluminum (Al3+) toxicity is one of the major factors that limit plant growth and crop yield in acid soils. The phytotoxic effects of aluminum on seed germination and initial growth of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) seedlings were investigated in the present study. Physic nut seeds were subjected to five levels of aluminum [0 (control), 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg L–1], using the solution-paper method, with eight replications. The experimental unit consisted in a germitest paper roll with 25 physic nut seeds.Treatments were evaluated based on the following tests: first count of germination test (7 days), total germination (12 days) and initial growth of physic nut seedlings (12 days). The addition of 80 mg L–1of Al reduced the first count of germination test (79%), total germination (90%), shoot length (20%), shoot dry matter (30%), rootlength (76%) and root dry matter (83%) of physic nut seedlings compared to the Al-free control. The addition of high concentrationsof Al severely restricted the seed germination and initial growth of physic nut seedlings. Phytotoxic effects of Al is more accentuated on the root growth than on shoot growth of physic nut seedlings. The data presented heresuggest that the physic nut is a susceptible species to high concentrations of Al during the phase of seed germination and early growth

EFFECTS OF ALUMINUM ON SEED GERMINATION AND INITIAL GROWTH OF PHYSIC NUT SEEDLINGS

Aluminum (Al3+) toxicity is one of the major factors that limit plant growth and crop yield in acid soils. The phytotoxic effects of aluminum on seed germination and initial growth of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) seedlings were investigated in the present study. Physic nut seeds were subjected to five levels of aluminum [0 (control), 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg L–1], using the solution-paper method, with eight replications. The experimental unit consisted in a germitest paper roll with 25 physic nut seeds.Treatments were evaluated based on the following tests: first count of germination test (7 days), total germination (12 days) and initial growth of physic nut seedlings (12 days). The addition of 80 mg L–1of Al reduced the first count of germination test (79%), total germination (90%), shoot length (20%), shoot dry matter (30%), rootlength (76%) and root dry matter (83%) of physic nut seedlings compared to the Al-free control. The addition of high concentrationsof Al severely restricted the seed germination and initial growth of physic nut seedlings. Phytotoxic effects of Al is more accentuated on the root growth than on shoot growth of physic nut seedlings. The data presented heresuggest that the physic nut is a susceptible species to high concentrations of Al during the phase of seed germination and early growth

Tityus serrulatus envenoming in non-obese diabetic mice: a risk factor for severity

Abstract Background In Brazil, accidents with venomous animals are considered a public health problem. Tityus serrulatus (Ts), popularly known as the yellow scorpion, is most frequently responsible for the severe accidents in the country. Ts envenoming can cause several signs and symptoms classified according to their clinical manifestations as mild, moderate or severe. Furthermore, the victims usually present biochemical alterations, including hyperglycemia. Nevertheless, Ts envenoming and its induced hyperglycemia were never studied or documented in a patient with diabetes mellitus (DM). Therefore, this is the first study to evaluate the glycemia during Ts envenoming using a diabetic animal model (NOD, non-obese diabetic). Methods Female mice (BALB/c or NOD) were challenged with a non-lethal dose of Ts venom. Blood glucose level was measured (tail blood using a glucose meter) over a 24-h period. The total glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were measured 30 days after Ts venom injection. Moreover, the insulin levels were analyzed at the glycemia peak. Results The results demonstrated that the envenomed NOD animals presented a significant increase of glycemia, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and insulin levels compared to the envenomed BALB/c control group, corroborating that DM victims present great risk of developing severe envenoming. Moreover, the envenomed NOD animals presented highest risk of death and sequelae. Conclusions This study demonstrated that the diabetic victims stung by Ts scorpion should be always considered a risk group for scorpion envenoming severity

Epidemiological study on talus fractures

Objective:To analyze the characteristics of patients with talus fractures and the injuries that they present.Methods:Retrospective analysis on patients hospitalized in the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Hospital das Clínicas, School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, between 2006 and 2011, with talus fractures. Patient profile parameters, risk factors, fracture characteristics, treatment data and acute complications were analyzed.Results:Analysis on 23 cases showed that men were more affected than women, with a ratio of 4.8:1. The most frequent trauma mechanism was traffic accidents, followed by falls from a height. The most frequent type of fracture was at the neck of the talus, with 17 cases. Among the 23 cases, seven had peritalar dislocation at the time of presentation, four had exposed fractures and 11 presented other associated fractures. The mean length of time between the trauma and the definitive treatment was six days, while the mean length of hospital stay was 11 days. Three patients presented acute postoperative complications.Conclusion:Talus fractures occurred most commonly in the region of the talar neck and most frequently in young males who suffered high-energy trauma. In almost half of the cases, there were other associated fractures. The length of hospital stay was 11 days

NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans—anteaters, sloths, and armadillos—have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, 10 anteaters, and 6 sloths. Our data set includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the southern United States, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to the austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n = 5,941), and Cyclopes sp. have the fewest (n = 240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n = 11,588), and the fewest data are recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n = 33). With regard to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n = 962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n = 12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other data sets of Neotropical Series that will become available very soon (i.e., Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans data set. Please cite this data paper when using its data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us of how they are using these data

Geoeconomic variations in epidemiology, ventilation management, and outcomes in invasively ventilated intensive care unit patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome: a pooled analysis of four observational studies

Background: Geoeconomic variations in epidemiology, the practice of ventilation, and outcome in invasively ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remain unexplored. In this analysis we aim to address these gaps using individual patient data of four large observational studies. Methods: In this pooled analysis we harmonised individual patient data from the ERICC, LUNG SAFE, PRoVENT, and PRoVENT-iMiC prospective observational studies, which were conducted from June, 2011, to December, 2018, in 534 ICUs in 54 countries. We used the 2016 World Bank classification to define two geoeconomic regions: middle-income countries (MICs) and high-income countries (HICs). ARDS was defined according to the Berlin criteria. Descriptive statistics were used to compare patients in MICs versus HICs. The primary outcome was the use of low tidal volume ventilation (LTVV) for the first 3 days of mechanical ventilation. Secondary outcomes were key ventilation parameters (tidal volume size, positive end-expiratory pressure, fraction of inspired oxygen, peak pressure, plateau pressure, driving pressure, and respiratory rate), patient characteristics, the risk for and actual development of acute respiratory distress syndrome after the first day of ventilation, duration of ventilation, ICU length of stay, and ICU mortality. Findings: Of the 7608 patients included in the original studies, this analysis included 3852 patients without ARDS, of whom 2345 were from MICs and 1507 were from HICs. Patients in MICs were younger, shorter and with a slightly lower body-mass index, more often had diabetes and active cancer, but less often chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure than patients from HICs. Sequential organ failure assessment scores were similar in MICs and HICs. Use of LTVV in MICs and HICs was comparable (42·4% vs 44·2%; absolute difference -1·69 [-9·58 to 6·11] p=0·67; data available in 3174 [82%] of 3852 patients). The median applied positive end expiratory pressure was lower in MICs than in HICs (5 [IQR 5-8] vs 6 [5-8] cm H2O; p=0·0011). ICU mortality was higher in MICs than in HICs (30·5% vs 19·9%; p=0·0004; adjusted effect 16·41% [95% CI 9·52-23·52]; p<0·0001) and was inversely associated with gross domestic product (adjusted odds ratio for a US$10 000 increase per capita 0·80 [95% CI 0·75-0·86]; p<0·0001). Interpretation: Despite similar disease severity and ventilation management, ICU mortality in patients without ARDS is higher in MICs than in HICs, with a strong association with country-level economic status