Impact of tree species replacement on carbon stocks in a Mediterranean mountain area, NE Portugal

Forest species replacement can influence significantly the amount of carbon stored in the several compartments that compose the terrestrial ecosystems (biomass, forest floor and mineral soil). This study intends to evaluate the influence of the replacement of the Quercus pyrenaica species (QP), which represents the climax vegetation of Serra da Nogueira, NE Portugal, by the Pseudotsuga menziesii (PM) and Pinus nigra (PN) plantations (fast-growing species). For this purpose, three plots of 314m2 were established in each stand (9 plots in total) and the height and diameter at the breast height of all trees were measured, in order to characterize the stands and estimate the tree biomass. Herbaceous vegetation and forest floor were collected in areas of 0.49m2 in 15 points under each tree species (5 per plot). At the same points, disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected at depths 0–5, 5–10, 10–15, 15–20 and 20–30 cm. Thirty years after the climax vegetation replacement, carbon gains are observed in forest species biomass and forest floor (1.3 Mg C ha−1 year−1 in PN and 4.0 Mg C ha−1 year−1 in PM) and significant losses were recorded on soil carbon pool (about 2.2 Mg C ha−1 year−1). Total carbon accumulated is significantly higher in PM (331 Mg C ha−1) compared to PN (246 Mg ha−1) and QP (273 Mg C ha−1), which present statistically similar values. Tree biomass and mineral soil constitute the major carbon pools.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

How caretakers of paraplegics deal with the overload of activities on a daily basis

Objective: To investigate how domiciliary caregivers of people with spinal cord injuries deal with the overload of caring on a daily basis. Method: This was a descriptive study with a qualitative approach with formal and informal caregivers of paraplegics who are users of two rehabilitation institutions located in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The data were collected using a semi-structured interview and analyzed through thematic analysis of content. Results:The reports evidenced two categories: "Understanding to take care better of another"; and "Evaluating the overload of care for others". Conclusion: The understanding of the conflicts in the person with spinal cord injury must be the premise for the home caregiver to exercise their activities without further damage and overload that could render them unable to meet their needs

Depressão pós-parto - uma revisão abrangente sobre a etiologia, epidemiologia, fatores predisponentes, diagnóstico e tratamento

A depressão pós-parto (DPP) é uma condição psiquiátrica que afeta mulheres após o parto, caracterizada por sintomas depressivos que podem interferir significativamente na capacidade de cuidar do bebê e funcionar no dia a dia. Sua etiologia é multifatorial, envolvendo uma interação complexa entre fatores biológicos, psicológicos e sociais. Em termos de epidemiologia, a DPP é um problema de saúde pública, afetando aproximadamente 10 a 15% das mulheres após o parto. No entanto, a prevalência pode variar dependendo de fatores culturais, socioeconômicos e de acesso aos cuidados de saúde. Mulheres com história pessoal ou familiar de depressão, assim como aquelas que enfrentam dificuldades financeiras, relacionais ou de suporte social, estão em maior risco. Os fatores predisponentes para a DPP incluem uma combinação de vulnerabilidades individuais e circunstâncias externas. Além dos fatores de risco mencionados, outros aspectos como complicações durante o parto, experiências traumáticas, conflitos conjugais e problemas de autoestima podem desempenhar um papel importante. Reconhecer esses fatores é essencial para identificar mulheres em risco e intervir precocemente. O diagnóstico da DPP é clínico e baseado na avaliação dos sintomas depressivos, que podem incluir tristeza persistente, irritabilidade, alterações de humor, dificuldade de concentração, alterações no sono e no apetite, sentimentos de culpa ou inutilidade e pensamentos suicidas. Quanto ao tratamento, uma abordagem multidisciplinar é recomendada, que pode incluir psicoterapia, suporte social, mudanças no estilo de vida e, em casos mais graves, o uso de medicamentos antidepressivos. A terapia cognitivo-comportamental tem se mostrado eficaz no manejo da DPP, ajudando as mulheres a desenvolver estratégias para lidar com seus pensamentos negativos e comportamentos disfuncionais. Por fim, compreender seus fatores de risco, sintomas e opções de tratamento é fundamental para garantir uma intervenção precoce e eficaz, promovendo o bem-estar materno e o desenvolvimento saudável do bebê

Reducción del tiempo de tratamiento antimicrobiano en unidades de cuidados intensivos en Fortaleza, Brasil

The authors are grateful for the contribution of the physicians, pharmacists and patients of the Walter Cantídio University Hospital who collaborated in the conduction of this study.Objective: To evaluate the application of the Antimicrobial (ATM) treatment time reduction strategy in Intensive Care Units (ICU) in an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP). Method: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study, carried out in two ICU of a university hospital in Fortaleza, Brazil, from January/2017 to January/2019. Adult patients were included, accompanied by a pharmacist, and using ATM, in which the treatment time reduction strategy was applied. The evaluation of the strategy was made through the difference between the predicted time established at the beginning of the treatment and the effective days of use of each ATM. Results: Of the 100 patients included, 51.0 % were male and 64.0 % were elderly. The respiratory system was the most frequently affected by the infections (37.4 %) and the most prevalent classes of ATM were carbapenems (23.0 %) and glycopeptides (20.1 %). There was a decrease from 831 unnecessary days of antimicrobial therapy and from an average of 13.7 to 8.9 days of treatment. The greatest reductions in days were observed for meropenem, with 202 days reduced. The study also allowed the identification of associations between the reduction > 8 days of treatment and the variables length of stay > 22 days and patients in exclusive palliative care, and associations between hospi tal discharge and reductions of up to 7 days of therapy. Conclusions: The data obtained suggest that the presence of an ASP influences the practices of ATM use and its treatment time and emphasize the role of pharmaceutical professionals in these programs.Objetivo: Evaluar la aplicación de la estrategia reducción del tiempo de tratamiento Antimicrobiano (ATM) en Uni dades de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) en un Programa Stewardship de Antimicrobiano (ASP). Método: Este es un estudio descriptivo y transversal, realizado en dos UCI de un hospital universitario de Fortaleza, Brasil, de enero/2017 a enero/2019. Se incluyeron pacientes adultos, acompañados por un farmacéutico y utilizan do ATM, en los que se aplicó la estrategia de reducción del tiempo de tratamiento. La evaluación de la estrategia se realizó a través de la diferencia entre el tiempo previsto establecido al inicio del tratamiento y los días efectivos de uso de cada ATM. Resultados: De los 100 pacientes incluidos, 51,0 % eran del sexo masculino y 64,0 % ancianos. El sistema respira torio fue el más frecuentemente afectado (37,4 %) y las clases de ATM más prevalentes fueron los carbapenémicos (23,0 %) y los glicopéptidos (20,1 %). Hubo una disminución de 831 días innecesarios de terapia antimicrobiana y de un promedio de 13,7 a 8,9 días de tratamiento. Las mayores reducciones en días se observaron para meropenem, con 202 días reducidos. El estudio también permitió identificar asociaciones entre la reducción > 8 días de trata miento y las variables estancia > 22 días y pacientes en cuidados paliativos exclusivos; y asociaciones entre alta hospitalaria y reducciones de hasta 7 días de terapia. Conclusiones: Los datos obtenidos sugieren que la presencia de un ASP influye en las prácticas de uso de ATM y su tiempo de tratamiento y enfatizan el papel de los profesionales farmacéuticos en estos programa

Reducción del tiempo de tratamiento antimicrobiano en unidades de cuidados intensivos en Fortaleza, Brasil

Objective: To evaluate the application of the Antimicrobial (ATM) treatment time reduction strategy in Intensive Care Units (ICU) in an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP). Method: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study, carried out in two ICU of a university hospital in Fortaleza, Brazil, from January/2017 to January/2019. Adult patients were included, accompanied by a pharmacist, and using ATM, in which the treatment time reduction strategy was applied. The evaluation of the strategy was made through the difference between the predicted time established at the beginning of the treatment and the effective days of use of each ATM. Results: Of the 100 patients included, 51.0 % were male and 64.0 % were elderly. The respiratory system was the most frequently affected by the infections (37.4 %) and the most prevalent classes of ATM were carbapenems (23.0 %) and glycopeptides (20.1 %). There was a decrease from 831 unnecessary days of antimicrobial therapy and from an average of 13.7 to 8.9 days of treatment. The greatest reductions in days were observed for meropenem, with 202 days reduced. The study also allowed the identification of associations between the reduction > 8 days of treatment and the variables length of stay > 22 days and patients in exclusive palliative care, and associations between hospital discharge and reductions of up to 7 days of therapy. Conclusions: The data obtained suggest that the presence of an ASP influences the practices of ATM use and its treatment time and emphasize the role of pharmaceutical professionals in these programs.Objetivo: Evaluar la aplicación de la estrategia reducción del tiempo de tratamiento Antimicrobiano (ATM) en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) en un Programa Stewardship de Antimicrobiano (ASP). Método: Este es un estudio descriptivo y transversal, realizado en dos UCI de un hospital universitario de Fortaleza, Brasil, de enero/2017 a enero/2019. Se incluyeron pacientes adultos, acompañados por un farmacéutico y utilizando ATM, en los que se aplicó la estrategia de reducción del tiempo de tratamiento. La evaluación de la estrategia se realizó a través de la diferencia entre el tiempo previsto establecido al inicio del tratamiento y los días efectivos de uso de cada ATM. Resultados: De los 100 pacientes incluidos, 51,0 % eran del sexo masculino y 64,0 % ancianos. El sistema respiratorio fue el más frecuentemente afectado (37,4 %) y las clases de ATM más prevalentes fueron los carbapenémicos (23,0 %) y los glicopéptidos (20,1 %). Hubo una disminución de 831 días innecesarios de terapia antimicrobiana y de un promedio de 13,7 a 8,9 días de tratamiento. Las mayores reducciones en días se observaron para meropenem, con 202 días reducidos. El estudio también permitió identificar asociaciones entre la reducción > 8 días de tratamiento y las variables estancia > 22 días y pacientes en cuidados paliativos exclusivos; y asociaciones entre alta hospitalaria y reducciones de hasta 7 días de terapia. Conclusiones: Los datos obtenidos sugieren que la presencia de un ASP influye en las prácticas de uso de ATM y su tiempo de tratamiento y enfatizan el papel de los profesionales farmacéuticos en estos programas

Riscos e benefícios da terapia de reposição hormonal na menopausa/ Risks and benefits of menopausal hormone replacement therapy

O fim do período reprodutivo da mulher é marcado pela menopausa e uma série de modificações endócrinas que estão atreladas a diversas queixas sintomáticas e patológicas. A fim de tentar conter esses sintomas e doenças, muitas mulheres fazem uso da terapia de reposição hormonal (TRH), que inclui vários tipos de produtos hormonais. Porém, apesar de proporcionar diversos benefícios, a TRH também pode ser arriscada, principalmente se for utilizada sem indicação e da maneira incorreta. Diante disso, a seguinte análise trata-se de uma revisão integrativa de literatura que tem como objetivo avaliar os riscos e os benefícios da terapia de reposição hormonal na menopausa. Como base para o estudo, foram utilizados dezenove artigos originais retirados das bases de dados PUBMED, Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO) e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). Ao analisar formulações de TRH compostas por estrogênio isolado ou uma combinação de estrogênio e progesterona, pesquisadores notaram como benefícios a redução na mortalidade por algumas formas cancerígenas, controle de genes e quimiocinas relacionadas ao envelhecimento e diminuição do risco de desenvolvimento de Alzheimer, além de melhorar diversos outros sintomas tipicamente ligados à menopausa. Já entre os riscos, a TRH favoreceu o aumento do risco de tromboembolismo venoso, acréscimo na incidência de enxaqueca com aura e de doenças cardiovasculares, entre outros. Diante do apresentado, concluiu-se que o uso de TRH deve ter uma recomendação precisa, com supervisão médica constante, a fim de minimizar os riscos

Genetic diversity of the E Protein of Dengue Type 3 Virus

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Dengue is the most important arbovirus disease in tropical and subtropical countries. The viral envelope (E) protein is responsible for cell receptor binding and is the main target of neutralizing antibodies. The aim of this study was to analyze the diversity of the E protein gene of DENV-3. E protein gene sequences of 20 new viruses isolated in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil, and 427 sequences retrieved from GenBank were aligned for diversity and phylogenetic analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Comparison of the E protein gene sequences revealed the presence of 47 variable sites distributed in the protein; most of those amino acids changes are located on the viral surface. The phylogenetic analysis showed the distribution of DENV-3 in four genotypes. Genotypes I, II and III revealed internal groups that we have called lineages and sub-lineages. All amino acids that characterize a group (genotype, lineage, or sub-lineage) are located in the 47 variable sites of the E protein.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results provide information about the most frequent amino acid changes and diversity of the E protein of DENV-3.</p

Evaluation of the commercial kit SIRE Nitratase for detecting resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Brazil

This study was supported by the Minas Gerais State Research Support Foundation (FAPEMIG) protocol number 65/10 and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development [Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)] protocol number 310174/2014-7-CNPQ.Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Faculdade de Medicina. Grupo de Pesquisa em Micobactérias. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Faculdade de Medicina Grupo de Pesquisa em Micobactérias. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Faculdade de Medicina Grupo de Pesquisa em Micobactérias. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Faculdade de Medicina Grupo de Pesquisa em Micobactérias. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Programa Acadêmico de Tuberculose. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Faculdade de Farmácia. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Consultoria e Apoio Técnico. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate a new commercial kit, Kit SIRE Nitratase-PlastLabor, for testing the drug susceptibility of clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates. Methods: The accuracy of the Kit SIRE Nitratase was evaluated by examining the susceptibility (streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol) of 40 M. tuberculosis isolates, using the proportion method with Lowenstein-Jensen medium or the BACTEC MGIT 960 system. Results: The detection accuracy for streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol was 95%, 97.5%, 100%, and 80%, respectively. Conclusions: The exceptional accuracy demonstrated by Kit SIRE Nitratase for isoniazid and rifampicin makes the kit an attractive option for screening M. tuberculosis strain resistance

Trichlorfon for Treatment of Cutaneous Habronemosis - Evaluation of Intravenous Regional Perfusion in the Distal Equine Limbs

Background: Equine cutaneous habronemiasis is common in the distal regions of the limbs. Organophosphates, applied systemically, one previously used treatment, which is highly effective, but currently in disuse, due to the risks of intoxica-tion. Regional perfusion is a potential technique for distal limb wounds, since, in addition to being used in low doses, it prevents systemic circulation of the drug and possible intoxication, and has a lower treatment cost. The current work aimed to perform clinical, laboratory, and venography evaluations of the use of trichlorfon in regional intravenous perfusion, as a possible form of treatment for cutaneous habronemosis in the distal region of equine limbs.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Twelve horses were used, divided into two groups, with the left thoracic limb (LTL) being the test limb, and the right thoracic limb (RTL) the control limb. At moment zero (M0), distal radiography and venography were performed. The tourniquet was then loosened and after five minutes, at moment one (M1), the tourniquet was repositioned for 1.25 mg/kg (G1) and 5.5mg/kg (G2) trichlorfon injections into the left thoracic limb, diluted in 20 mL of Ringer's lactate solution, and 20 mL of Ringer's lactate solution was applied to the right thoracic limb. The tourniquet was maintained for 30 minutes after infusion in both groups. At moment two (M2), four days later, blood tests, radiography, and venography were repeated. Every day between M0 and M2, physical examinations were performed, including measurement of the pastern, fetlock, and coronet band, and a lameness examination. There were no significant alterations in clinical parameters, behavior, and appetite. In the blood cell count, there was an increase in leukocytes on D4 in G2, although remaining within the reference values for the species. The biochemical tests showed no alterations. There were no changes in the circumferences evaluated and 4 horses from G2 presented lameness in the LTL and one in the RTL. In the venograms, one G2 animal was noticed to be hypoperfused in all LTL plexuses. Discussion: The use of trichlorfon in regional perfusion at a dose of 1.25 mg/kg demonstrated safety, with no clinical, laboratory, and lameness changes in any of the animals. At the highest dose (5.5 mg/kg), individual reactions were observed, such as different degrees of lameness, swelling, and heat in foot. Serial venographies document the response to treatment used, it was decided to perform the second venography 4 days after the trichlorfon perfusion and the first initial venography evaluation, following the recommendations for the repetition time of the examination and evaluation of the use of the drug. The evaluation of radiographic images of venography, in a grading system created considering the range of contrast in five regions by the three examiners experienced in podiatry and the analysis of radiographic images of limbs of horses, without having participated in the previous procedures was important for the reliability of the assessment. The areas of hypoperfusion observed in the venography were not related to trichlorfon perfusion. It is essential that the application of trichlorfon be performed correctly, intravenously, to avoid reactions such as necrosis, pain, edema, erythema, lameness, and even more severe inflammatory reactions, such as phlegmon and thrombophlebitis. Although a small number of animals were used in this study, trichlorfon regional perfusion of equine limbs, at a dose of 1.25 mg/kg may be a technique appears to be inert to hoof vascularization

Eficiência simbiótica de estirpes Hup+, Huphr e Hup- de Bradyrhizobium japonicum e Bradyrhizobium elkanii em cultivares de caupi

The effectiveness of Bradyrhizobium strains with characteristics Hup+ (SR and USDA-110), Hup- (29W) and Huphr (SEMIA-587), was evaluated in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.), cultivars IPA-202, BR-3 and VITA-4. Results showed that nodulation in VITA-4 was superior, with a positive interaction when inoculated with strains SEMIA-587 and USDA-110. However, when comparing nodule efficiency, the combination IPA-202 x SEMIA-587 presented the highest nitrogenase activity, with a relative efficiency around 1.0. Nitrogenase activities were similar in plants inoculated with the strains SR and SEMIA-587, and higher, with strains USDA-110 and 29W. These results indicate that strains with Hup+ and Huphr were able to achieve higher enzymatic activities. Leghemoglobin (Lb) content detected in strains SR and USDA-110 was positively correlated to nitrogenase activity. However, correlations between Lb and nitrogenase activity were highly variable in nodules containing strain 29W-Hup-, indicating that imbalances in the nitrogenase system in the absence of hydrogenase may affect the flow of Lb to the bacteroids. Significant differences on the plant N content were found among the strains studied, but not among cultivars. Plant inoculated with Hup+ strains were more efficient to accumulate N, indicating that N-fixing systems retaining H2 may accumulate additional N in the host.A eficiência das estirpes de Bradyrhizobium com características Hup+ (SR e USDA-110), Hup- (29W) e Huphr (SEMIA-587) foi avaliada em caupi (Vigna unguiculata L.), cultivares IPA-202, BR-3 e VITA-4. Os resultados mostraram que VITA-4, em relação à nodulação, revelou-se superior às demais, e apresentou interação efetiva com as estirpes SEMIA-587 e USDA-110. Entretanto, quanto à eficiência nodular, a combinação IPA-202 x SEMIA-587 alcançou maior atividade da nitrogenase (ARA) com efi-ciência relativa próxima a 1,0. A ARA detectada nas estirpes SR e SEMIA-587 foi similar, porém, superior às estirpes USDA-110 e 29W, evidenciando que as estirpes Hup+ e Huphr alcançaram maiores atividades enzimáticas. Os teores de leghemoglobina (Lb) detectados nas estirpes SR e USDA-110 foram positivamente relacionados com as respectivas ARA, contudo, a relação entre teor de Lb e ARA obtido para 29W-Hup- foi variável, sugerindo que, na ausência da hidrogenase, o sistema da nitrogenase fica afetado podendo influir no fluxo de Lb ao bacteróide. A avaliação do teor de N mostrou que não houve diferença entre cultivares, entretanto, foi detectada diferença significativa entre as estirpes. As estirpes Hup+ obtiveram maiores acúmulos de N, evidenciando que os sistemas simbióticos que menos liberam H2, acumulam mais N no hospedeiro