Soil hydraulic properties in different soil texture classes

Soil texture influences significantly soil hydraulic properties, which due to soil he-terogeneity normally present large spatial variability. The variability of soil reten-tion θ(h), and hydraulic conductivity K(h) curves, in 11 of the 12 texture classes of the diagram of Gomes e Silva (1962) was studied. For each textural class, average, maximum, minimum, and the standard deviation values for the Mualem van Ge-nuchten parameters are presented based on 558 θ(h) and 245 K(h) curves deter-mined in undisturbed soil samples which are included in the PROPSOLO database of Estação Agronómica Nacional. An av-erage function describing θ(h) and K(h) in each textural class is also presente

Biological activities and physicochemical characterization of alkaline lignins obtained from branches and leaves of Buchenavia viridiflora with potential pharmaceutical and biomedical applications

Funding Information: The study was funded by Foundation for the State of Pernambuco (Process - FACE-04.03/19 ), AP Researcher Research Grant - FACEPE (Process BFP-0038-0 ) and National Council for Scientific and Technological Development grant - CNPq (Process 306865/2020-3 ). This research was also funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) through the GHTM ( UID/04413/2020 ). Thanks to MR4, who provided us with the Plasmodium falciparum strains that we used in the assays. We also thank the Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance of the Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology (Federal University of Alagoas- UFAL) for the analysis of NMR. In addition to these, we would also like to thank Mil Madeiras Preciosas, a subsidiary of the Swiss group Precious Woods ( http://preciouswoods.com.br/ ) for providing samples of branches and leaves of Buchenavia viridiflora. Publisher Copyright: © 2022In this work, we investigated in vitro different biological activities of alkaline lignins extracted from the species Buchenavia viridiflora, a tree from the Amazon rainforest used as a wood product. The chemical composition results for the twig and leaves were, respectively (%): cellulose (30.88 and 24. 28), hemicellulose (21.62 and 23.03), lignin (29.93 and 25.46), extractives (13.06 and 20.52), and ash (4.51 and 6.72). The yield was higher for the lignin of the branches (67.9 %) when compared to the leaves (60.2 %). Lignins are of the GSH type, low molecular weight and thermally stable. They promoted moderate to low antioxidant activity, highlighting the lignin of the branches, which presented an IC50 of 884.56 μg/mL for the DPPH assay and an IC50 of 14.08 μg/mL for ABTS. In the cytotoxicity assays, they showed low toxicity against macrophage cells (IC50 28.47 and 22.58 μg/mL). In addition, they were not cytotoxic against splenocytes and erythrocytes at concentrations ranging from 100 to 6.25 μg/mL. These were able to promote splenocyte proliferation and induce the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. And inhibit the growth of tumor cells with IC50 ranging from 12.63 to values >100 μg/mL and microbial at a concentration of 512 μg/mL. Finally, they showed antiparasitic activity by inhibiting the growth of chloroquine-sensitive and resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains. These findings reinforce that the lignins in this study are promising for potential pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.publishersversionpublishe

The synergistic effect of an imidazolium salt and benzotriazole on the protection of bronze surfaces with chitosan-based coatings

Abstract The class of imidazolium salts contains effective anticorrosion additives for metal substrates. This study evaluated the potential of 1-carboxymethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide (HO 2 CC 1 MImNTf 2 ) for application in cultural heritage, exploring it as anticorrosion additive in chitosan-based coatings for the protection of copper-based alloys. Under accelerated corrosion conditions with HCl vapor, the chitosan coating with HO 2 CC 1 MImNTf 2 was less effective than the one with benzotriazole. The coating with a combination of HO 2 CC 1 MImNTf 2 and benzotriazole resulted in the optimal protective efficacy of the bronze surface, and it also maintained high transparency without changing the bronze appearance

CD45+, CD68+ and E-cadherin+ Expressions in Skin Dogs Naturally Infected by Leishmania infantum

Background: In canine leishmaniasis (CanL), infection occurs through phlebotomine vectors that inoculate the protozoan Leishmania infantum into the skin that infected macrophages and activated dendritic cells (CD). Dogs with CanL present variable clinical manifestations, being common the presence of cutaneous lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of CD45+, CD68+ and E-cadherin+  associating the skin sentinels cells and to compare the clinical-dermatological manifestations in the skin of dogs naturally infected by L. infantum.Materials, Methods & Results: Dogs infected (n = 22) by L. infantum were divided into asymptomatic group (AD, n = 9), and symptomatic group (SD, n = 13), according criteria based on the presence or absence of skin changes. Dogs non-infected (CD, n = 5) were included as control group. Samples of skin biopsies collected from scapular region were processed by routine histology and labeled by immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies against CD45+, CD68+ and E-cadherin+, and were described as none, mild, moderate and intense. SD presented keratoconjunctivitis, onychogryphose, lichenification, depigmentation, alopecia, hypotrichosis, erythematous dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, ulcerative dermatitis and crusted dermatitis, and the frequency these alterations was expressed as percentage. The results of hematological and biochemical parameters were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Dunn’s test and expressed as mean ± standard deviation, with values P < 0.05. Leukocytosis (not significant), red blood cells, hematocrit and hemoglobin (P < 0.05), total protein serum (P < 0.05), globulins (P < 0.05), albumin and A/G ratio (P < 0.01) were altered in SD in relation to CD. Cutaneous cellular infiltration, composed by macrophages, plasma cells, lymphocytes and neutrophils, was observed in CD. There was an increase of expression of the markers in SD when compared to the other groups, as moderate CD68+ expression and L. infantum, and intense CD45+ and E-cadherin+ expressions.Discussion: Cutaneous involvement is very important in CanL, as it corresponds to where is the first interaction between the parasite and the immune system. Dermatological clinical signs, leukocytosis, anemia, globulins levels have been reported for dogs naturally infected by L. infantum. Inflammatory infiltrate was distributed at superficial and deep dermis, which was composed by mononuclear cells as macrophages, plasma cells, lymphocytes and neutrophils. To characterize the immune sentinels cells in the skin it was evaluated CD45+, CD68+ and E-cadherin+ expressions. In syntomatic dogs, our results revelead an increase of expression of these markers. CD45+ is one of the most abundant molecules expressed on the white blood cell surface in various mammals, while CD68+ is a myelomonocytic marker that seems to be retained during monocyte differentiation. In the skin, increased numbers of CD68+ are related to dendritic epidermal cells, which can be expressed as CD45+/CD1a-/HLA-DR+. DCs of the skin, particularly epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs), form networks anchored to neighboring keratinocytes via E-cadherin. Thus, CD45+, CD68+ and E-cadherin+ expressions may be related to activation of skin sentinels cells in dogs naturally infected by L. infantum. Our results indicated that CanL modify the CD45+, CD68+ and E-cadherin+ expressions, which characterize the immune sentinels cells activation that promove the recruitment the cellular infiltrate, which was composed by macrophages, plasma cells, lymphocytes and neutrophils. Thus, these informations may contribute to the follow-up of CanL progression in skin

Solos e Água: fontes (esgotáveis) de vida e de desenvolvimento.

Após ‘2015 - Ano Internacional dos Solos’, os objectivos da Agenda 2030 para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável mantêm bem presente o vínculo entre os recursos solo e água e alguns desses grandes desafios para os próximos 15 anos. Erradicar a fome, assegurar a disponibilidade e a gestão sustentável da água para todos, combater as alterações climáticas, combater a desertificação, restaurar a terra e os solos degradados e lutar pela neutralidade de degradação da terra, são alguns dos objectivos fortemente dependentes de uma gestão mais eficiente do solo e da água em cada território, desde o nível local até ao nível global. Com a realização conjunta do VII Congresso Ibérico das Ciências do Solo e do VI Congresso Nacional de Rega e Drenagem (VII CICS 2016 / VI CNRD), iniciativa que se concretizou pela primeira vez, pretendeu-se promover abordagens integradas de investigação, gestão e administração dos solos e da água tendo em vista a sustentabilidade dos agrossistemas e dos ecossistemas que com eles interagem, bem como a valorização geral do território. Perante a incerteza das alterações climáticas, a promoção de um uso eficiente e sustentável dos solos e da água é, cada vez mais, uma necessidade estratégica para aumentar a produtividade do uso da terra e minimizar os impactos ambientais associados à agricultura e a outras actividades humanas. No contexto ibérico de influência mediterrânea em que se realizam os presentes congressos procurou-se, também, dar especial atenção aos agrossistemas de regadio. A presente publicação reúne o conjunto das 95 comunicações apresentadas no VII CICS 2016 / VI CNRD: 5 expressamente sobre a água (A1 Reservas e distribuição dos recursos hídricos, A2 Valorização e qualidade da água), 54 directamente relacionadas com o solo (S1 Génese e classificação de solos e planeamento do uso da terra, S2 Química, mineralogia e biologia do solo, S3 Fertilidade do solo e nutrição das plantas, S4 Sistemas de uso da terra e gestão sustentável do solo, S5 Solo e mudanças globais) e 36 sobre temas comuns ao solo e à água (S&A1 Física do solo e gestão da água, S&A2 Inovação e tecnologias do solo e da água, S&A3 Degradação do solo e contaminação dos recursos hídricos). O VII CICS 2016 / VI CNRD só foi possível com a boa colaboração de diversos elementos das seguintes entidades: Escola Superior Agrária do Instituto Politécnico de Beja (IPBeja), Centro Operativo e de Tecnologia de Regadio (COTR), Sociedade Portuguesa da Ciência do Solo (SPCS), Sociedad Española de la Ciencia del Suelo (SECS), Associação Portuguesa de Recursos Hídricos (APRH), FENAREG (Federação Nacional de Regantes de Portugal), Direção Geral de Agricultura e Desenvolvimento Rural (DGADR), Direção Regional de Agricultura e Pescas do Alentejo, Sociedade de Ciências Agrárias de Portugal (SCAP), Universidade de Évora (UÉvora)

Conhecimento, Responsabilidade, Visão e Futuro: bases programáticas da Lista F para o 3.º mandato do Conselho Geral da Universidade de Évora 2016-20

O presente documento inclui o programa de acção e os elementos de campanha da Lista F, candidata ao 3.º mandato do Conselho Geral da Universidade de Évora (2016-20)

Eight years of experience

Copyright © 2017 Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.INTRODUCTION: Aortic stenosis is the most prevalent type of valvular disease in Europe. Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is the standard therapy, while transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an alternative in patients at unacceptably high surgical risk. Assessment by a heart team is recommended by the guidelines but there is little published evidence on this subject. The purpose of this paper is to describe the experience of a multidisciplinary TAVI program that began in 2008. METHODS: The heart team prospectively assessed 473 patients using a standardized approach. A total of 214 patients were selected for TAVI and 80 for SAVR. Demographic, clinical and procedural characteristics and long-term success rates were compared between the groups. RESULTS: TAVI patients were older than the SAVR group (median 83 vs. 81 years), and had higher surgical risk scores (median EuroSCORE II 5.3 vs. 3.6% and Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 5.1 vs. 3.1%), as did the patients under medical treatment only. These scores were unable to assess multiple comorbidities. Patients' outcomes were different between the three groups (mortality with SAVR 25% vs. TAVI 37.6% vs. conservative therapy 57.6%, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The heart team program was able to select candidates appropriately for TAVI, SAVR and conservative treatment, taking into account the risk of both invasive treatments. The use of a prospective standardized heart team approach is recommended, but requires continuous monitoring to ensure effectiveness in a timely manner.publishersversionpublishe

APLICAÇÃO DE BORO VIA FOLIAR NA CULTURA DO CRAMBE CULTIVADO EM LATOSSOLO ARENOSO

Crambe is a winter crucible, with high oil content that serves as source of raw material for biodiesel production. It attracts the attention of the producers for having short cycle, which varies from 90 to 100 days. The experiment was carried out to verify crop development, submitted to the application of boron leaf application, as there is no information about the use of micronutrients. It was carried out in the municipality of Umuarama - PR, in a field whose soil is the typical dystrophic Red Latosol, arranged in a randomized complete block design with five replications. The treatments were the boron rates (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 g ha-1), applied by leaf. Dry mass production, mass of 1,000 grains, yield and oil content were evaluated. Under the conditions that the experiment was conducted, it was verified that crambe respond positively to boron, between the rates of 96 and 135 g ha-1O crambe é uma crucífera de inverno, com alto teor de óleo que serve como fonte de matéria prima para a produção de biodiesel. Vem chamando a atenção dos produtores por ter ciclo curto, que varia de 90 a 100 dias. Foi executado o experimento visando verificar o desenvolvimento da cultura, submetida à aplicação de boro via foliar, pois não há informações acerca do uso de micronutrientes. Foi realizado no município de Umuarama – PR, em campo cujo solo é o Latossolo Vermelho distrófico típico, disposto em delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados com cinco repetições. Os tratamentos foram as doses de boro (0, 40, 80, 120 e 160 g ha-1), aplicadas via foliar. Foram avaliadas a produção de massa seca, massa de 1.000 grãos, produtividade e teor de óleo. Nas condições que o experimento foi conduzido verificou-se que o crambe responde positivamente ao boro, entre as doses de 96 e 135 g ha-

a randomized comparative effectiveness trial

Funding Information: The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This work was sponsored by CUF and Pingo Doce, as part of the Menos Sal Portugal project, and with support from the Centro de Medicina Laboratorial Germano de Sousa. The sponsors did not play a role in the study design or the interpretation of the results. The study was also promoted by the CINTESIS@RISE (UIDB/4255/2020 and UIDP/4255/2020), NOVA Medical School of Universidade NOVA de Lisboa and supported by national funds through FCT Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P., within the scope of the project “RISE-LA/P/0053/2020”. Publisher Copyright: Copyright © 2023 Moreira-Rosário, Ismael, Barreiros-Mota, Morais, Rodrigues, Castela, Mendes, Soares, da Costa, Oliveira, Henriques, Pinto, Pita, de Oliveira, Maciel, Serafim, Araújo, Rocha, Pestana, Silvestre, Marques, Faria, Polonia and Calhau.Introduction: Empowerment lifestyle programs are needed to reduce the risk of hypertension. Our study compared the effectiveness of two empowerment-based approaches toward blood pressure (BP) reduction: salt reduction-specific program vs. healthy lifestyle general program. Methods: Three hundred and eleven adults (median age of 44 years, IQR 34–54 years) were randomly assigned to a salt reduction (n = 147) or a healthy lifestyle program (n = 164). The outcome measures were urinary sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) excretion, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, weight, and waist circumference. Results: There were no significant differences in primary and secondary outcomes between the two program groups. When comparing each program to baseline, the program focused on salt reduction was effective in lowering BP following a 12-week intervention with a mean change of −2.5 mm Hg in SBP (95% CI, −4.1 to −0.8) and − 2.7 mm Hg in DBP (95% CI, −3.8 to −1.5) in the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. In the complete-case (CC) analysis, the mean change was −2.1 mm Hg in SBP (95% CI, −3.7 to −0.5) and − 2.3 mm Hg in DBP (95% CI, −3.4 to −1.1). This effect increases in subjects with high-normal BP or hypertension [SBP − 7.9 mm Hg (95% CI, −12.5 to −3.3); DBP − 7.3 mm Hg (95% CI, −10.2 to −4.4)]. The healthy lifestyle group also exhibited BP improvements after 12 weeks; however, the changes were less pronounced compared to the salt reduction group and were observed only for DBP [mean change of −1.5 mm Hg (95% CI, −2.6 to −0.4) in ITT analysis and − 1.4 mm Hg (95% CI, −2.4 to −0.3) in CC analysis, relative to baseline]. Overall, improvements in Na+/K+ ratio, weight, and Mediterranean diet adherence resulted in clinically significant SBP decreases. Importantly, BP reduction is attributed to improved dietary quality, rather than being solely linked to changes in the Na+/K+ ratio. Conclusion: Salt-focused programs are effective public health tools mainly in managing individuals at high risk of hypertension. Nevertheless, in general, empowerment-based approaches are important strategies for lowering BP, by promoting health literacy that culminates in adherence to the Mediterranean diet and weight reduction.publishersversionpublishe

Estudo comparativo entre protocolos de ressecção e tratamento quimioterápico no câncer colorretal / Comparative study between resection protocols and chemotherapy treatment in colorectal cancer

Objetivo: Abordar o manejo do câncer colorretal, discutindo  não só as indicações  dos principais procedimentos terapêuticos do CCR, mas também quando combiná-las.  Metodologia: Uma revisão integrativa desenvolvida a partir da seleção de ensaios clínicos publicados entre os anos de 2016 e 2021, disponíveis na base de dados do Pubmed. Os descritores utilizados foram: Cancer, colorectal OR Cancers, colorectal OR Carcinoma, colorectal OR Carcinomas, colorectal AND Chemotherapy AND Resection. Resultados:  Ainda que  alguns estudos demonstraram que a quimioterapia com FOLFIRIX foi favorável para a ressecção do câncer colorretal, outros atestam seu efeito negativo na ressecção de tumores  locais e metástases. O uso de probióticos está associado a uma redução significativa das complicações da quimioterapia. A quimioterapia hipertérmica intraperitoneal adjuvante (HIPEC) associada a quimioterapia sistêmica   demonstrou não superioridade em relação a apenas a quimioterapia.  A infusão intra-hepática não contribuiu para a melhora da sobrevida global. A fluorescência foi observada em todos pacientes submetidos à técnica de cirurgia guiada.  Conclusão: Ainda existem divergências com relação ao uso da terapia adjuvante, diferente da neoadjuvante que apresentou eficácia na maioria dos casos. Sugere-se a realização de novos estudos para sanar as divergências e observar a longo prazo os resultados, principalmente, das novas terapias.