Imidacloprid-induced oxidative stress in honey bees and the antioxidant action of caffeine

International audienceAbstractThe use of pesticides on crops contributes to the decline of bee populations, and in this sense, bioactive nutrients have been studied to counteract this effect. We suppose that caffeine might be one of these nutrients. We exposed honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) to 0.7 or 2.0 ng/mL imidacloprid, 5.0 μg/mL caffeine in syrup, or 5.0 μg/mL caffeine in syrup plus 0.7 or 2.0 ng/mL imidacloprid. After 72 h, the oxidative status and the food intake were verified. Imidacloprid increased glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities. Caffeine alone or with 2.0 ng/mL imidacloprid also stimulated the activity of glutathione peroxidase but did not alter the effect of the insecticide on the catalase activity. A significant reduction in the concentration of the thiol group of proteins was observed in the two imidacloprid-fed groups, and the addition of caffeine protected these groups. Imidacloprid increased the malondialdehyde concentration while the addition of caffeine partially decreased this effect. Food intake was higher for bees treated with 2.0 ng/mL imidacloprid. Our results show that imidacloprid increased the food intake resulting in oxidative damage, which was partially reversed by caffeine. From these findings, it is inferred that caffeine treatments can be used to mitigate the sublethal effects of this insecticide on honey bees

Panorama dos atendimentos em caráter de urgência no Brasil: perfil epidemiológico e mortalidade

No âmbito do modelo biomédico, a urgência é conceituada como um estado clínico agudo que, embora não apresente risco iminente à vida, demanda intervenção imediata. Todavia, a Política Nacional de Atendimento às Urgências no Brasil estende essa definição, buscando assegurar um cuidado integral através da integração efetiva da rede de saúde. Apesar de dados acessíveis em fontes como o DATASUS, há uma notável carência de estudos que abordem abrangentemente o panorama dos atendimentos de urgência no país. A compreensão do perfil epidemiológico é crucial para o desenvolvimento de estratégias específicas voltadas aos grupos de risco

SEPSE: UMA VISÃO GERAL DAS CAUSAS, SINTOMAS E TRATAMENTOS ATUAIS - UMA REVISÃO BIBLIOGRÁFICA DE LITERATURA

Introduction: Sepsis is a severe clinical syndrome triggered by a dysregulated systemic inflammatory response of the body to an infection. Its complexity lies in its clinical variability and the need for rapid intervention to improve patient outcomes. Objective: This study aims to review recent advances in the understanding of sepsis, including its pathophysiology, early diagnosis and treatment, highlighting challenges and emerging therapeutic strategies. Methods: A literature review was conducted through a search of electronic databases, selecting relevant studies published in the last 15 years that have contributed to the understanding of sepsis. Results and Discussion: Challenges in the identification and treatment of sepsis include clinical heterogeneity, antimicrobial resistance and variability in response to treatment. Recent advances, such as early biomarkers and adjuvant therapies, offer hope for a more effective approach. Conclusion: Despite persistent challenges, advances in the understanding and management of sepsis provide opportunities to improve patient outcomes. Interdisciplinary collaboration and ongoing research are key to addressing this global challenge and reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with sepsis.Introducción: La sepsis es un síndrome clínico grave desencadenado por la respuesta inflamatoria sistémica desregulada del organismo a una infección. Su complejidad radica en su variabilidad clínica y en la necesidad de una intervención rápida para mejorar la evolución de los pacientes. Objetivo: Este estudio pretende revisar los avances recientes en el conocimiento de la sepsis, incluyendo su fisiopatología, diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento, destacando los retos y las estrategias terapéuticas emergentes. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica mediante una búsqueda en bases de datos electrónicas, seleccionando estudios relevantes publicados en los últimos 15 años que hayan contribuido al conocimiento de la sepsis. Resultados y Discusión: Los retos en la identificación y el tratamiento de la sepsis incluyen la heterogeneidad clínica, la resistencia a los antimicrobianos y la variabilidad en la respuesta al tratamiento. Los avances recientes, como los biomarcadores tempranos y las terapias adyuvantes, ofrecen la esperanza de un enfoque más eficaz. Conclusión: A pesar de los desafíos persistentes, los avances en la comprensión y el tratamiento de la sepsis ofrecen oportunidades para mejorar los resultados de los pacientes. La colaboración interdisciplinaria y la investigación continua son fundamentales para abordar este reto mundial y reducir la morbilidad y mortalidad asociadas a la sepsis. A sepse é uma síndrome clínica grave desencadeada por uma resposta inflamatória sistêmica desregulada do corpo a uma infecção. Sua complexidade reside na variabilidade clínica e na necessidade de intervenção rápida para melhorar os desfechos dos pacientes. Objetivo: Este estudo visa revisar os avanços recentes na compreensão da sepse, incluindo sua fisiopatologia, diagnóstico precoce e tratamento, destacando desafios e estratégias terapêuticas emergentes. Métodos: Uma revisão bibliográfica foi conduzida através de uma busca em bases de dados eletrônicas, selecionando estudos relevantes publicados nos últimos 15 anos que contribuíram para o entendimento da sepse. Resultados e Discussão: Desafios na identificação e tratamento da sepse incluem heterogeneidade clínica, resistência antimicrobiana e variabilidade na resposta ao tratamento. Avanços recentes, como biomarcadores precoces e terapias adjuvantes, oferecem esperança para uma abordagem mais eficaz. Conclusão: Apesar dos desafios persistentes, os avanços na compreensão e manejo da sepse proporcionam oportunidades para melhorar os desfechos dos pacientes. A colaboração interdisciplinar e a pesquisa contínua são fundamentais para enfrentar esse desafio global e reduzir a morbidade e mortalidade associadas à sepse.Introdução: A sepse é uma síndrome clínica grave desencadeada por uma resposta inflamatória sistêmica desregulada do corpo a uma infecção. Sua complexidade reside na variabilidade clínica e na necessidade de intervenção rápida para melhorar os desfechos dos pacientes. Objetivo: Este estudo visa revisar os avanços recentes na compreensão da sepse, incluindo sua fisiopatologia, diagnóstico precoce e tratamento, destacando desafios e estratégias terapêuticas emergentes. Métodos: Uma revisão bibliográfica foi conduzida através de uma busca em bases de dados eletrônicas, selecionando estudos relevantes publicados nos últimos 15 anos que contribuíram para o entendimento da sepse. Resultados e Discussão: Desafios na identificação e tratamento da sepse incluem heterogeneidade clínica, resistência antimicrobiana e variabilidade na resposta ao tratamento. Avanços recentes, como biomarcadores precoces e terapias adjuvantes, oferecem esperança para uma abordagem mais eficaz. Conclusão: Apesar dos desafios persistentes, os avanços na compreensão e manejo da sepse proporcionam oportunidades para melhorar os desfechos dos pacientes. A colaboração interdisciplinar e a pesquisa contínua são fundamentais para enfrentar esse desafio global e reduzir a morbidade e mortalidade associadas à sepse

Rarity of monodominance in hyperdiverse Amazonian forests.

Tropical forests are known for their high diversity. Yet, forest patches do occur in the tropics where a single tree species is dominant. Such "monodominant" forests are known from all of the main tropical regions. For Amazonia, we sampled the occurrence of monodominance in a massive, basin-wide database of forest-inventory plots from the Amazon Tree Diversity Network (ATDN). Utilizing a simple defining metric of at least half of the trees ≥ 10 cm diameter belonging to one species, we found only a few occurrences of monodominance in Amazonia, and the phenomenon was not significantly linked to previously hypothesized life history traits such wood density, seed mass, ectomycorrhizal associations, or Rhizobium nodulation. In our analysis, coppicing (the formation of sprouts at the base of the tree or on roots) was the only trait significantly linked to monodominance. While at specific locales coppicing or ectomycorrhizal associations may confer a considerable advantage to a tree species and lead to its monodominance, very few species have these traits. Mining of the ATDN dataset suggests that monodominance is quite rare in Amazonia, and may be linked primarily to edaphic factors

Repercussões epidemiológicas da Demência no Brasil: um perfil dos últimos 5 anos

Introduction: Dementia is a syndrome characterized by persistent cognitive deficits that affect daily activities, especially in the elderly. Its incidence has increased with population aging. Objective: To investigate the epidemiological repercussions of dementia in Brazil in the last 5 years. Methods: Descriptive observational study based on data from the Hospital Information System (SIH) of SUS and bibliographic databases. The number of hospitalizations and deaths due to dementia between 2018 and 2022 were analyzed. Results: The Southeast region concentrated the highest number of hospitalizations due to dementia (56.22%), due to the high population and elderly density. The most affected age group was 80 years or older (26.65%), reflecting aging and risks associated with dementia. Males showed a slight predominance in hospitalizations (51.57%), possibly due to risk factors. Urgent care prevailed (72.48%) due to the progressive nature of the disease and acute complications. As for deaths, 54.65% occurred in the age group of 80 years or older, related to greater vulnerability at this age. Conclusion: The study revealed significant patterns of the epidemiological repercussions of dementia in Brazil. These conclusions highlight the importance of preventive interventions and multidisciplinary management of dementia, as well as public health policies that address its complex health and social implications.Introdução: A demência é uma síndrome caracterizada por déficits cognitivos persistentes que afetam as atividades diárias, principalmente em idosos. Sua incidência tem aumentado com o envelhecimento populacional. Objetivo: Investigar as repercussões epidemiológicas da demência no Brasil nos últimos 5 anos. Métodos: Estudo observacional descritivo com base em dados do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares (SIH) do SUS e bases de dados bibliográficas. Foram analisados número de internações e óbitos por demência entre 2018 e 2022. Resultados: A região Sudeste concentrou o maior número de internações por demência (56,22%), devido à alta densidade populacional e idosa. A faixa etária mais afetada foi a de 80 anos ou mais (26,65%), refletindo o envelhecimento e riscos associados à demência. O sexo masculino apresentou ligeira predominância nas internações (51,57%), possivelmente devido a fatores de risco. O atendimento de urgência prevaleceu (72,48%) devido à natureza progressiva da doença e complicações agudas. Quanto aos óbitos, 54,65% ocorreram na faixa etária dos 80 anos ou mais, relacionados à maior vulnerabilidade nessa idade. Conclusão: O estudo revelou padrões significativos das repercussões epidemiológicas da demência no Brasil. Essas conclusões destacam a importância de intervenções preventivas e gerenciamento multidisciplinar da demência, além de políticas de saúde pública que abordem suas complexas implicações sociais e de saúde

Unraveling Amazon tree community assembly using Maximum Information Entropy: a quantitative analysis of tropical forest ecology

In a time of rapid global change, the question of what determines patterns in species abundance distribution remains a priority for understanding the complex dynamics of ecosystems. The constrained maximization of information entropy provides a framework for the understanding of such complex systems dynamics by a quantitative analysis of important constraints via predictions using least biased probability distributions. We apply it to over two thousand hectares of Amazonian tree inventories across seven forest types and thirteen functional traits, representing major global axes of plant strategies. Results show that constraints formed by regional relative abundances of genera explain eight times more of local relative abundances than constraints based on directional selection for specific functional traits, although the latter does show clear signals of environmental dependency. These results provide a quantitative insight by inference from large-scale data using cross-disciplinary methods, furthering our understanding of ecological dynamics

Geographic patterns of tree dispersal modes in Amazonia and their ecological correlates

Unidad de excelencia María de Maeztu CEX2019-000940-MAim: To investigate the geographic patterns and ecological correlates in the geographic distribution of the most common tree dispersal modes in Amazonia (endozoochory, synzoochory, anemochory and hydrochory). We examined if the proportional abundance of these dispersal modes could be explained by the availability of dispersal agents (disperser-availability hypothesis) and/or the availability of resources for constructing zoochorous fruits (resource-availability hypothesis). Time period: Tree-inventory plots established between 1934 and 2019. Major taxa studied: Trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 9.55 cm. Location: Amazonia, here defined as the lowland rain forests of the Amazon River basin and the Guiana Shield. Methods: We assigned dispersal modes to a total of 5433 species and morphospecies within 1877 tree-inventory plots across terra-firme, seasonally flooded, and permanently flooded forests. We investigated geographic patterns in the proportional abundance of dispersal modes. We performed an abundance-weighted mean pairwise distance (MPD) test and fit generalized linear models (GLMs) to explain the geographic distribution of dispersal modes. Results: Anemochory was significantly, positively associated with mean annual wind speed, and hydrochory was significantly higher in flooded forests. Dispersal modes did not consistently show significant associations with the availability of resources for constructing zoochorous fruits. A lower dissimilarity in dispersal modes, resulting from a higher dominance of endozoochory, occurred in terra-firme forests (excluding podzols) compared to flooded forests. Main conclusions: The disperser-availability hypothesis was well supported for abiotic dispersal modes (anemochory and hydrochory). The availability of resources for constructing zoochorous fruits seems an unlikely explanation for the distribution of dispersal modes in Amazonia. The association between frugivores and the proportional abundance of zoochory requires further research, as tree recruitment not only depends on dispersal vectors but also on conditions that favour or limit seedling recruitment across forest types

Viral genetic clustering and transmission dynamics of the 2022 mpox outbreak in Portugal

Pathogen genome sequencing during epidemics enhances our ability to identify and understand suspected clusters and investigate their relationships. Here, we combine genomic and epidemiological data of the 2022 mpox outbreak to better understand early viral spread, diversification and transmission dynamics. By sequencing 52% of the confirmed cases in Portugal, we identified the mpox virus sublineages with the highest impact on case numbers and fitted them into a global context, finding evidence that several international sublineages probably emerged or spread early in Portugal. We estimated a 62% infection reporting rate and that 1.3% of the population of men who have sex with men in Portugal were infected. We infer the critical role played by sexual networks and superspreader gatherings, such as sauna attendance, in the dissemination of mpox virus. Overall, our findings highlight genomic epidemiology as a tool for the real-time monitoring and control of mpox epidemics, and can guide future vaccine policy in a highly susceptible population.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Local hydrological conditions influence tree diversity and composition across the Amazon basin

Tree diversity and composition in Amazonia are known to be strongly determined by the water supplied by precipitation. Nevertheless, within the same climatic regime, water availability is modulated by local topography and soil characteristics (hereafter referred to as local hydrological conditions), varying from saturated and poorly drained to well-drained and potentially dry areas. While these conditions may be expected to influence species distribution, the impacts of local hydrological conditions on tree diversity and composition remain poorly understood at the whole Amazon basin scale. Using a dataset of 443 1-ha non-flooded forest plots distributed across the basin, we investigate how local hydrological conditions influence 1) tree alpha diversity, 2) the community-weighted wood density mean (CWM-wd) – a proxy for hydraulic resistance and 3) tree species composition. We find that the effect of local hydrological conditions on tree diversity depends on climate, being more evident in wetter forests, where diversity increases towards locations with well-drained soils. CWM-wd increased towards better drained soils in Southern and Western Amazonia. Tree species composition changed along local soil hydrological gradients in Central-Eastern, Western and Southern Amazonia, and those changes were correlated with changes in the mean wood density of plots. Our results suggest that local hydrological gradients filter species, influencing the diversity and composition of Amazonian forests. Overall, this study shows that the effect of local hydrological conditions is pervasive, extending over wide Amazonian regions, and reinforces the importance of accounting for local topography and hydrology to better understand the likely response and resilience of forests to increased frequency of extreme climate events and rising temperatures