Resumo A atividade microbiana se mostra bastante sensível a mudanças da cobertura, tornando-se um importante indicador de qualidade do solo. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as alterações nas atividades microbiológicas do solo sob as diferentes coberturas vegetais no cerrado do Tocantins. O trabalho foi desenvolvido em áreas de Eucalyptus sp., pastagem, agricultura e cerrado sensu stricto na fazenda experimental da Universidade Federal do Tocantins. As amostras de solo foram coletadas em trincheiras de 70 x 70 cm nas profundidades 0-10 e 10-20 cm, com seis repetições. As variáveis avaliadas foram: concentração e estoque de carbono na biomassa microbiana, respiração basal do solo, quociente metabólico e quociente microbiano. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do teste de normalidade, análise de variância e comparação das médias pelo teste Tukey a 5% de significância. A área com Eucalyptus sp. com 11 anos apresentou uma atividade microbiológica do solo estável, apresentando estoques de carbono na biomassa microbiana superiores em 57,32 % aos da vegetação de mata nativa, 84,29 % ao da pastagem e 290,91 % ao da agricultura. As atividades microbiológicas do solo são afetadas pela variação da cobertura vegetal do solo, sendo eficiente como indicador de qualidade do solo.

Abstract The microbial activity is very sensitive to changes in soil cover, making it an important indicator of soil quality. The study aimed to assess changes in soil microbiological activities under different vegetation coverings in the Cerrado biome of Tocantins state. The work was developed in areas of Eucalyptus sp., Pasture, agriculture and Cerrado sensu stricto in the experimental farm of the Federal University of Tocantins. The soil samples were collected in trenches of 70 x 70 cm at depths 0-10 and 10-20 cm, with six replications. The variables evaluated were: concentration and stock in the microbial biomass carbon, basal soil respiration, metabolic quotient and microbial quotient. The statistical analysis was performed using the normality test, analysis of variance and comparison of means by the Tukey test at 5% significance. The area with Eucalyptus sp. at 11 years of age, he had a stable soil microbiological activity, showing stocks in microbial biomass carbon 57.32% higher than that native forest vegetation, 84.29% that pasture and 290.91% that agriculture. The soil microbiological activities are affected by the variation of the soil vegetation cover, being efficient as an indicator of soil quality.

Abstract Soil organic matter has great importance in chemical, physical and biological processes in soil-plant system. This study aimed to evaluate changes in carbon humic fractions of soil organic matter under different vegetation coverings in Cerrado in Tocantins, Brazil. The work was developed in Eucalyptus sp., Pasture, Agriculture and Cerrado sensu stricto areas. Soil samples were collected in dry period, October, 2018, in trenches 70 x 70 cm at depths 0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40 and 40-50 cm, with six replications. The vegetation cover in Eucalyptus sp. area showed higher levels of total carbon in soil humic fraction. Respectively fulvic acid, humic acid and humin in Eucalyptus sp. area had stocks of 22.09; 2.71 and 20.01% higher than native forest, 32.04; 2.57 and 35.59% higher than pasture and 10.59; 19.19 and 7.61% higher than the agriculture area. Among the different areas evaluated, the soil of Eucalyptus sp. has great potential to increase carbon storage in soil humic fractions.

RESUMO O Plano Global de Eliminação da Filariose Linfática, lançado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde em 2000, propõe o uso de testes de detecção de antígeno circulante filarial como ferramenta diagnóstica para avaliação e monitoramento das ações de controle da parasitose. Entretanto, esses testes, apesar de apresentarem alta sensibilidade, não conseguem detectar com eficiência a infecção em seu estágio inicial, quando ainda não existe a presença de helmintos adultos. Considerando essa limitação, a pesquisa de anticorpos antifilariais tem sido apontada como uma alternativa, uma vez que os anticorpos produzidos contra as larvas infectantes do parasito são detectados antes da presença de antígeno circulante filarial. O objetivo deste estudo foi definir o ponto de corte e avaliar a acurácia do kit Filaria Detect™ IgG4 produzido com o antígeno recombinante Wb123 para diagnóstico da filariose linfática no Brasil. Para isso, foi realizado um estudo de avaliação de teste diagnóstico, no qual foram utilizadas 256 amostras de soro: 79 (30,9%) obtidas de indivíduos microfilarêmicos e 177 (60,1%), de indivíduos amicrofilarêmicos e que testaram negativo para os testes imunológicos Bm14 CELISA e Og4C3 ELISA. A definição do ponto de corte ideal, bem como da acurácia do kit Filaria Detect™ IgG4, foi obtida através da construção de curvas ROC, sendo a densidade óptica de 0,239 aquela na qual o teste obteve melhor desempenho, com sensibilidade de 81,0% e especificidade de 96,6%. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que o kit Filaria Detect™ IgG4 é uma ferramenta promissora para investigação e monitoramento de áreas submetidas ao tratamento em massa para filariose linfática.

ABSTRACT The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, launched by the World Health Organization in the year 2000, proposes the use of circulating filarial antigen tests as a diagnostic tool to assess and monitor initiatives to control filarial infection. However, despite a high sensitivity, these tests are not efficient to detect infection at early stages, before worms have reached the adult stage. Considering this limitation, anti-filarial antibody testing has been suggested as an alternative, given that the antibodies produced against the larvae are detectable before the presence of circulating filarial antigen. The objective of the present study was to determine the diagnostic cut-off and the accuracy of the Filaria Detect™ IgG4 kit employing recombinant Wb123 antigen for diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis in Brazil. For that, we performed a diagnostic evaluation study in which 256 serum samples were analyzed: 79 (30.9%) obtained from microfilaremic individuals and 177 (60.1%) from amicrofilaremic individuals who tested negative with the Bm14 CELISA and Og4C3 ELISA immunologic tests. The ideal cutoff as well as the Filaria Detect™ IgG4 kit accuracy were determined based on ROC curve analyses, with an optical density of 0.239 identified as the cutoff with the best performance, with 81.0% sensitivity and 96.6% specificity. The results show that the Filaria Detect™ IgG4 kit is a promising tool for investigation and monitoring of areas undergoing mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis.

RESUMEN En el programa mundial de eliminación de la filariasis linfática, puesto en marcha por la Organización Mundial de la Salud en el año 2000, se propone el uso de pruebas de detección del antígeno filárico circulante como instrumento de diagnóstico para la evaluación y el seguimiento de las medidas de control de la parasitosis. Sin embargo, esas pruebas, a pesar de tener un alto grado de sensibilidad, no permiten detectar con eficiencia la infección en su fase inicial, cuando todavía no existen helmintos adultos. En vista de esa limitación, se ha señalado como una opción el estudio de anticuerpos antifiláricos, puesto que los anticuerpos producidos contra las larvas infectantes del parásito se detectan antes de la existencia de antígeno filárico circulante. El objetivo de este estudio fue definir el punto de corte y evaluar la exactitud del estuche Detect™ para pruebas de anticuerpos antifiláricos IgG4, fabricado con el antígeno recombinante Wb123, para el diagnóstico de la filariasis linfática en Brasil. Para ello, se realizó un estudio de evaluación de la prueba diagnóstica, en el cual se utilizaron 256 muestras de suero, a saber, 79 (30,9%) obtenidas de personas microfilarémicas y 177 (60,1%) de personas amicrofilarémicas, que arrojaron resultados seronegativos en las pruebas inmunológicas CELISA Bm14 y ELISA Og4C3. La definición del punto de corte ideal y de la exactitud del estuche Detect™ se obtuvo con la construcción de curvas de la característica operativa del receptor (ROC); una densidad óptica de 0,239 marcó el mejor nivel de desempeño de la prueba, con una sensibilidad de 81,0% y una especificidad de 96,6%. Los resultados obtenidos demostraron que el estuche Detect™ es un instrumento prometedor para la investigación y el seguimiento de las regiones donde se realiza un tratamiento masivo de la filariasis linfática.

RESUMO Este estudo avaliou a influência do modo e do tempo de evaporação do solvente na resistência à tração (RT), resistência à flexão (RF) e módulo de elasticidade (MR) de dois sistemas adesivos: Scotchbond Multipurpose (SBMP) e Clearfil SE (CSEB). Para isso, amostras retangulares (2x1x7 mm) foram preparadas com 10 μL de primer e os solventes foram evaporados com aerossol a (23±1) ºC, (40±1) ºC e controle negativo (sem aerossol). Para cada temperatura, foram avaliados os tempos de 5, 20, 30 e 60 segundos. Os resultados estatísticos mostraram que a evaporação a (40±1) ºC resultou em melhor MR para os dois adesivos testados e todos os tempos de evaporação avaliados. No entanto, não houve diferenças significativas entre os tempos e modos de evaporação na RT. Os resultados deste estudo indicam que a evaporação a uma temperatura de (40±1) °C poderia melhorar o módulo de elasticidade de ambos os adesivos testados, independentemente do tempo de evaporação.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the influence of the mode and time of solvent evaporation on the tensile strength (TS), flexural strength (FS) and elastic modulus (EM) of two adhesive systems: Scotchbond Multipurpose (SBMP) and Clearfil SE (CSEB). For this purpose, rectangular samples (2x1x7 mm) were prepared with 10 μL of primer and the solvents were evaporated with air spray at (23±1) ºC, (40±1) ºC and negative control (without spray). For each temperature, the times of 5, 20, 30, and 60 seconds were investigated. The statistical results showed that evaporation at 40±1ºC resulted in better EM for the two adhesives tested and all the evaporation times evaluated. However, there were no significant differences between the times and modes of evaporation for TS. The results of this study indicate that evaporation at a temperature of (40±1) °C could improve the elastic modulus of both adhesives tested, regardless of the evaporating time.

Resumo Introdução Com o intuito de se evitar as tensões geradas durante a contração de polimerização das resinas compostas, foram desenvolvidas as resinas compostas de baixa contração de polimerização. Objetivo Avaliar a resistência à microtração em cavidades classe I restauradas com tratamento ácido do ângulo cavo superficial e resina composta indicada para dentes posteriores. Material e método Foram selecionados 48 molares hígidos que foram divididos em 6 grupos (n=8), sendo que 3 desses tiveram o esmalte cavo superficial condicionado com ácido fosfórico a 35%. Os dentes foram restaurados com o sistema adesivo Clearfil SE Bond e as resinas compostas Filtek Z350 XT, Empress Direct e Charisma Diamond, fotoativadas por 40 segundos. Após 24 horas, os dentes foram levados para máquina de corte, na qual foram realizados cortes no sentido vestíbulo-lingual e no sentido mésio-distal obtendo – se palitos de 0,9×0,9 mm que foram levadas para a máquina de ensaio universal para a realização do teste de microtração. Para análise estatística foi realizado análise de variância e teste de Tuckey (p < 0,05). Resultado Não houve diferença estatística significante entre os grupos avaliados. Conclusão O condicionamento ácido do ângulo cavo superficial não influenciou no desempenho das restaurações provavelmente devido ao sistema adesivo utilizado.

Abstract Introduction To prevent the shrinkage stresses produced during polymerization, composite resins of low polymerization shrinkage were developed. Objective To evaluate the microtensile bond strength in class I cavities restored by acid-etching the cavosurface angle and with composite resins indicated for posterior teeth. Material and method 48 healthy molars were selected and divided into six groups (n = 8), considering that the cavosurface enamel of three groups was etched with 35% phosphoric acid. The teeth were restored with the Clearfil SE Bond adhesive system and Filtek Z350 XT, Empress Direct, and Charisma Diamond composite resins, which were light-cured for 40 seconds. After 24 hours, the teeth were taken to a cutting machine, which produced sections in the buccolingual and mesiodistal directions. This resulted in toothpicks of 0.9×0.9 mm that were taken to the universal testing machine for the microtensile bond strength test. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). Result There was no statistically significant difference between the groups evaluated. Conclusion Acid-etching the cavosurface angle did not affect the performance of restorations, probably due to the adhesive system used.

RESUMO O aporte de resíduos vegetais no solo proporcionado pelos sistemas conservacionistas de manejo aumenta a quantidade de substrato, altera a fertilidade e aumenta a atividade biológica do solo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influencia dos sistemas de manejo nos atributos químicos e na atividade microbiana do solo sob cultivo de mandioca. Com delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 x 3 x 2, foram avaliados dois sistemas de cultivo mínimo (somente roçado; roçado e incorporado), três tipos de cobertura (pousio; Crotalaria juncea L.; Canavalia ensiformis L.) e duas profundidades (0-0,10 e 0,10-0,20 m), com quatro repetições. Foram avaliados a produção de massa seca das coberturas, os atributos químicos e a atividade microbiana do solo. Não houve diferenças entre sistemas de cultivo mínimo e a C. juncea apresentou a maior produção de massa seca. Os teores de potássio e cálcio foram superiores nas áreas com resíduos de pousio e C. juncea na camada de 0-0,10 m; no entanto, estes nutrientes diferem na camada do solo abaixo 0,10-0,20 m. Não houve diferenças entre a respiração basal de microorganismo do solo em ambas as profundidades e coberturas, mas o carbono da biomassa microbiana foi superior na camada mais superficial, onde há mais substrato disponível para os microorganismos do solo.

ABSTRACT Conservationist systems of crop management increases the amount of substrate, alters fertility and increases soil biological activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of soil management systems on the chemical attributes and microbial activity of soil under cassava crop. The experiment was set as completely randomized design in a factorial scheme of 2 x 3 x 2, being two systems of cultivation (minimum with only mown; minimum with mown and incorporation), three types of soil coverage (fallow; Crotalaria juncea L.; Canavalia ensiformis L.) and two soil depths (0-0.10 and 0.10-0.20 m), with four repetitions. The production of dry mass from cover crops, the soil chemical attributes and the soil microbial activity were evaluated. There were no differences between management systems, and the C. juncea cover crop presented superior dry mass production among the soil coverages. The concentrations of soil Ca and K were greater in the fallow coverage and C. juncea areas in the 0-0.10 m soil layer; however, these nutrients differ in the soil layer below (0.10-0.20 m). There were no differences for the basal respiration of soil microorganisms in both soil depths or among soil coverage, but the carbon from microbial biomass was superior in the most superficial soil layer where more substrate is available to soil microorganisms.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o conhecimento e conduta dos Cirurgiões-Dentistas (CD) da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) sobre o Tratamento Restaurador Atraumático (ART). Material e método A amostra foi censitária e todos os CD da ESF da zona urbana da cidade de Teresina – PI foram visitados em seus locais de trabalho e convidados a participar do estudo. Questionários autoaplicáveis foram utilizados como técnica de coleta de dados. Para as análises estatísticas aplicou-se o teste qui-quadrado com nível de significância de 5% e o teste de associação linear. Resultado Participaram do estudo 183 profissionais, a maioria do sexo feminino (71,0%), na faixa etária de 20 a 39 anos (49,2%), com vinte ou mais anos de formados (45,9%), que tem apenas o serviço público como vínculo empregatício (70,5%), e especialização em área clínica (44,3%). A maioria acredita no ART (82,7%) e a realiza (95,8%), apenas no serviço público (58,9%). O conhecimento individual dos profissionais sobre ART foi mensurado e a maioria apresenta informações corretas sobre o tratamento. Houve associação significativa do autorrelato de conhecimento de ART com a faixa etária, o tempo de formado e a titulação dos participantes. A avaliação do nível de conhecimento teve associação significativa com a faixa etária e tempo de formado. Conclusão A maioria dos Cirurgiões-Dentistas da Estratégia Saúde da Família de Teresina, Piauí, Brasil possui um bom conhecimento e conduta positiva em relação ao ART, mas necessita de aprimoramento com relação à técnica e sua correta indicação.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the knowledge and conduct of dentists of the Public Health System (Family Health Strategy – FHS) regarding Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART). Material and method A census survey was conducted and all FHS dentists from the urban area of the city of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil were visited in their workplaces and invited to participate in this study. Data collection was carried out between July and October, 2014 through self-administered questionnaires. For statistical analysis the chi-square test with a significance level of 5% and the linear association test were applied. Result One hundred and eighty-three professionals participated in the study (with a response rate of 89.7%), mostly women (71.0%), aged twenty to thirty-nine years (49.2%), with twenty or more years’ experience since graduation (45.9%), working only in the public service (70.5%), and with expertise in the clinical area (44.3%). Most of them believe in ART (82.7%) and 95.8% of them apply it (of those, 58.9% apply it only in public service). The professionals’ individual knowledge of ART was measured and most of them have correct information regarding the treatment. The knowledge level evaluation was significantly associated with age and time since graduation (p<0.05). Conclusion Most of the dentistsworking in the public health system of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil have a good knowledge of and show positive behavior towardentists ART, but improvement is needed regarding the technique and its correct indication.

Conventional stainless steels are used in cyclic oxidation, but the high amount of Cr and mainly Ni increase the price of these alloys. The objective of the present study was to assess the cyclic oxidation resistance of FeSiCrNi and FeMnSiCrNiCe alloys in comparison to AISI 304 and AISI 310 stainless steels by evaluating the oxidation kinetics and using characterization techniques to determine the oxides formed. The alloys were melted in induction furnaces and cast in sand molds. Cyclic oxidation tests were carried out in an automated oven in cycles of one hour for heating and maintenance at high temperature (850, 950 or 1050 °C) and 10 minutes for cooling. To characterize the oxidized layers, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis were performed. The oxidation kinetics were determined. The results showed that the studied alloys presented better results than AISI 304 at 850 °C, but at 1050 °C, AISI 310 presented the best results. At 950 °C, the FeSiCrNi alloy presented layer detachment and FeMnSiCrNiCe presented a higher rate of mass variation than AISI 310, both without oxide detachment. For both alloys, formation of chromium and manganese oxides with parabolic rate of mass gain occurred.

Este artigo propõe a construção de um instrumento eletrônico denominado luxímetro digital, aliando a simplicidade e o baixo custo, o que o torna mais simples e barato do que aqueles que se encontram no mercado. A sua construção tende a facilitar a difusão e o acesso a este tipo de instrumento de medidas entre professores do ensino médio e instituições de ensino, sendo ideal para constituir um laboratório de ciências.

This paper proposes the construction of an electronic instrument called digital luximeter, combining simplicity and low cost, making it simpler and cheaper than those on the market. Its construction tends to facilitate dissemination and access to this type of measuring instrument between high school teachers and educational institutions, making it ideal to be a science lab.

O artigo analisa a relação entre a organização do trabalho familiar no extrativismo e a participação em programas de políticas públicas no estado de Sergipe. Com abordagem predominantemente qualitativa, a pesquisa foi realizada com mulheres autodesignadas catadoras de mangaba e marisqueiras, reconhecidas como pertinentes ao segmento dos denominados povos e comunidades tradicionais e afiliadas ao Programa Bolsa Família (PBF), ao Seguro Desemprego do Pescador Artesanal (SDPA) e ao Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos (PAA). A metodologia constou de observações e entrevistas com diferentes atores envolvidos na atividade extrativista e nos programas de políticas públicas. As principais conclusões mostram que os programas de políticas públicas influenciam: i) na reorganização do cotidiano do trabalho no extrativismo, principalmente no tocante à diminuição do envolvimento de crianças e jovens na atividade e quanto à intensidade das jornadas; ii) no reforço aos papéis tradicionais de homens e mulheres, no caso do PBF, e na diluição de fronteiras entre esses mesmos papéis no PAA; iii) na diminuição do volume de trabalho no caso do SDPA e no aumento no PAA; e iv) nos diferentes sentidos que são atribuídos ao trabalho.

This paper assesses the relationship between the family labor organization in the extractive activity and the involvement in public policy programs in Sergipe State. The research was predominantly carried out through a qualitative approach with women self-appointed as mangaba gatherers and "marisqueiras". This is a relevant segment to the "traditional people and communities" affiliated to the closed season insurance of artisanal fishermen (SDPA), the family grant program (PBF), and the Brazilian food acquisition program (PAA). The research approach included observations and interviews with different social actors involved in the extractive activity and public policy programs. The main findings show that public policies programs: i) influence the reorganization of everyday work in the extractive activity, especially concerning the reduction of the participation of young people and children in the activity and the intensity of working hours; ii) strengthen the traditional roles of men and women in the PBF and dilute the frontiers between these roles through the PAA program; iii) decreases the workload through the SDPA program and increases it in the PAA; and iv) affect the different significances attributed to labor.

The haematological changes and release of soluble mediators, particularly C-reactive protein (CRP) and nitric oxide (NO), during uncomplicated malaria have not been well studied, especially in Brazilian areas in which the disease is endemic. Therefore, the present study examined these factors in acute (day 0) and convalescent phase (day 15) patients infected with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria in the Brazilian Amazon. Haematologic parameters were measured using automated cell counting, CRP levels were measured with ELISA and NO plasma levels were measured by the Griess reaction. Our data indicate that individuals with uncomplicated P. vivax and P. falciparum infection presented similar inflammatory profiles with respect to white blood cells, with high band cell production and a considerable degree of thrombocytopaenia during the acute phase of infection. Higher CRP levels were detected in acute P. vivax infection than in acute P. falciparum infection, while higher NO was detected in patients with acute and convalescent P. falciparum infections. Although changes in these mediators cannot predict malaria infection, the haematological aspects associated with malaria infection, especially the roles of platelets and band cells, need to be investigated further.

This work presents the observed changes in Wistar rats under long treatment (thirteen weeks) with different oral doses of the ethanolic extract (EE) from Jatropha gossypiifolia L., Euphorbiaceae. The most significant toxic signs indicated a reduction of the activity in the central nervous system and digestive disturbances. The histopathological analysis shows hepatotoxity and pulmonary damages. The lethality was 46.6% among males under the higher experimental dose (405 mg/kg) and 13.3% both in females under the higher dose and among the animals treated with 135 mg/kg of the product. These data show the significant oral chronic toxicity of EE of J. gossypiifolia in rats.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the inflammatory response of dog's periapical tissues to 17% trisodium EDTA salt (pH 8.0) and 1% citric acid (pH 2.0). Saline was used as a control. Six adult dogs were used as the biological model of the study. The experimental units comprised 56 roots of mandibular molars (first and second) and premolars (first, second and third). After coronal opening, pulpectomy and root canal instrumentation were performed using the above-mentioned irrigating solutions. After 24 and 48 hours, the animals were euthanized and the teeth and their supporting tissues were removed and histologically processed. The sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and analyzed histopathologically with a light microscope at x100 magnification. The histological analysis focused on the occurrence of acute inflammatory response. The presence of swelling, vasodilatation and inflammatory cells were evaluated and the degree of inflammation was determined for each case. Data were analyzed by Fisher's exact test using the SPSS software with a confidence interval of 95% (p<0.05). 17% EDTA and 1% citric acid caused inflammatory responses in dog's periapical tissues with no significant differences to each other or to saline (control) at either the 24-hour (p=0.482) or 48-hour (p=0.377) periods. It may be concluded that the inflammatory response was of mild intensity for the tested substances.

Kava é um fitoterápico ansiolítico usado no tratamento da insônia e da ansiedade. Alguns casos de hepatotoxicidade induzida pela kava foram relatados na literatura, levando à proibição do seu uso em muitos países. Clinicamente, o espectro dessas alterações variou de elevações transitórias das enzimas hepáticas, até à falência hepática fulminante e morte. Em alguns casos, realizou-se transplante hepático. Este artigo revisa a literatura atual sobre a hepatite tóxica provavelmente relacionada à kava, discute os possíveis mecanismos responsáveis pela hepatotoxicidade potencialmente grave e descreve alguns aspectos que devem ser considerados quando eventos adversos hepáticos pareçam ser relacionados à administração dessa substância. Conclui-se que a possível toxicidade hepática pela kava ainda deve ser investigada e que algumas medidas antes e durante o seu uso são importantes, dada a possibilidade de disfunção hepática grave.

Kava is an anxiolytic herbal medicine used in the treatment of sleep and anxiety disorders. Some cases of kava-induced hepatotoxicity have been reported in the literature leading to its banishment in most countries worldwide. Clinically, the spectrum ranged from transient elevations of liver enzyme levels to fulminant liver failure and death. Liver transplantation was performed in a few cases. This paper provides a review of the currently available literature on kava-related toxic hepatitis which may result from its use, discusses the possible mechanisms for the potentially severe hepatotoxicity and describes some features which must be considered when adverse liver effects seem to be associated to kava administration. In conclusion, the incidence of kava toxicity on the liver remains to be investigated; however, some concerns before or during kava use are important, due to the possibility of severe liver dysfunction.