ABSTRACT Sowing arrangements composed of double-row spacing in corn can favor the interception of solar radiation by the canopy and, consequently, the yield performance of the crop. However, it is possible that the microclimate provided by this spacing, especially at high plant densities, favors the occurrence of leaf diseases. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the effect of 0.45 m and double-row spacing arrangements on the severity of foliar diseases and yield performance of corn grown in the first and second-crop seasons. Two independent experiments were conducted (with and without the fungicide fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin) in the first and second-crop seasons in a randomized block design arranged in a split-plot scheme with four repetitions. The plots consisted of spacing (0.45 m) and double-row (0.30 × 0.60 m), and the subplots, four plant densities (59,200, 74,000, 81,400, and 96,200 plants ha-1). In the plant density factor, in the second-crop season, there is a decrease in the severity of white spot as plant density is increased. Also, for the plant density factor, in the first-crop season, there may be a significant yield increase as the plant density is increased.

RESUMO Arranjos de plantas compostos pelo espaçamento fileira dupla no milho podem favorecer a interceptação da radiação solar pelo dossel e, consequentemente, o desempenho produtivo da lavoura. Entretanto, é possível que o microclima proporcionado por este espaçamento, sobretudo em altas densidades de plantas, favoreça a ocorrência de doenças foliares. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de arranjos compostos pelos espaçamentos de 0,45 m e fileira dupla sobre a severidade de doenças foliares e o desempenho produtivo do milho cultivado em 1a e 2a safra. Foram conduzidos dois experimentos independentes (com e sem o fungicida fluxapiroxade + piraclostrobina) na 1a e 2a safra, em delineamento em blocos ao acaso com parcelas subdivididas, com quatro repetições. As parcelas consistiram nos espaçamentos (0,45 m) e fileira dupla (0,30 × 0,60 m), e as subparcelas, quatro densidades de plantas (59.200, 74.000, 81.400 e 96.200 plantas ha-1). No fator densidade de plantas, na 2a safra, há decréscimo na severidade da mancha branca conforme adensamento de plantas. Ainda, também para o fator densidade, na 1a safra, pode haver incremento significativo na produtividade em função do adensamento de plantas.

In juice and pulp extraction, about 10% of fruit waste is generated, which often ends up in landfills that can cause environmental damage, serve as food for insects and rodents, and cause health problems for humans. In this work, micronized guava waste was used as a filler in vulcanized compounds in natural rubber. Mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile strength, tear resistance, and abrasion resistance were evaluated, as well as thermal properties such as thermogravimetric analysis, in addition to scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, elemental analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. According to the results of the mechanical properties tests, the addition of up to 20 phr of the filler tends to improve the tensile strength of the composites, resulting in an increase in the density of cross-links obtained through the Flory-Rehner method. The thermal behavior analyzed by TGA and FTIR spectra were not affected by the incorporation of fillers.

ABSTRACT The Quadrilátero Ferrífero (Iron Quadrangle [IQ]), in Minas Gerais, Brazil, exhibits high geological and geomorphological diversity, reflected by its high heterogeneity of vegetation. Its rock outcrops, particularly ironstone, harbor endemic-rich plant communities and contribute substantially to the biodiversity of the biomes they are embedded within the Atlantic Rainforest and Cerrado region. The aim of this study was determining the distribution, phenology and state of conservation of one new species for science with occurrence in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero. Random walks were carried out in the areas of potential occurrence of the species and individuals were collected to allow description. The plant species was identified and categorized as being new to science and known only from this location: Agalinis marianae (Orobanchaceae). This new species is morphologically similar to A. itambensis but can be recognized by the smaller pedicels and the shape of the corolla. The distinct geographic distribution of these species is an additional factor that supports this separation. Here, we describe and illustrate A. marianae, and provide notes on its distribution, habitat, phenology, and conservation status. We also present a key to the species of Agalinis from Minas Gerais.

Resumen Introducción: Con la transición demográfica y epidemiológica, se espera que la prevalência de las patologías neurológicas aumente. En particular, Colombia no dispone de indicadores actualizados sobre la frecuencia de dichas enfermedades. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de 10 patologías neurológicas de relevancia (migraña, epilepsia, enfermedad de Alzheimer, ataque cerebrovascular isquémico y hemorrágico, enfermedad de Parkinson, esclerosis múltiple, miastenia gravis, meningitis, síndrome de Guillain-Barré y enfermedad de motoneurona) en pacientes con edad ≥15 años entre 2015-2017. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de corte transversal a partir de fuentes administrativas, con base en los Registro Individuales de Prestación de Servicios (RIPS), consolidados por el Ministerio de Salud. Se analizaron las características sociodemográficas disponibles (sexo, grupo etario, régimen de salud, procedencia, etc.) y se ajustaron las prevalencias obtenidas según las distribuciones de la población mundial y nacional. Resultados: Para el 2017, las prevalencias ajustadas a la distribución etaria mundial, por 100 000 habitantes, fueron: migraña 2170 (IC95 °% 2164-2176); epilepsia 586 (IC95 °% 583-589); enfermedad de Alzheimer 387 (IC95 °% 384-389); ataque cerebrovascular 263 (IC95 % 260-265), específicamente, isquémico 136 (IC95 % 134-137) y hemorrágico 96 (IC95 % 95-98); enfermedad de Parkinson 91 (IC95 % 90-93), esclerosis múltiple 19 (IC95 % 18-19); miastenia gravis 11 (IC95% 11-11); meningitis 10 (IC95 % 9-10); síndrome de Guillain-Barré 9 (IC95 % 8-9); y enfermedad de motoneurona 6 (IC95 °% 5-6). La mediana de variación 2015-2017 fue del 19,38 °%. Conclusión: Las patologías más prevalentes a nivel nacional, en orden de frecuencia, fueron migraña, epilepsia y enfermedad de Alzheimer.

Abstract Introduction: With the demographic and epidemiological transition, the prevalence of neurological pathologies is expected to increase. In particular, Colombia does not have updated indicators regarding the frequency of these diseases. Objective: To determine the prevalence of ten relevant neurological pathologies (migraine, epilepsy, Alzheimer>s disease, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, Parkinson>s disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, meningitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome and motor neuron disease) in patients aged ≥15 years between 2015-2017. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study of administrative sources, based on the Individual Service Provision Registries (RIPS) consolidated by the Ministry of Health. The available socio- demographic characteristics (sex, age group, health regime, origin, etc.) were analyzed, and the obtained prevalences were adjusted according to the distributions of the world and national population. Results: For 2017, the prevalences adjusted to the world age distribution, per 100,000 inhabitants, were: migraine 2170 (95%CI 2164-2176); epilepsy 586 (95%CI 583-589); Alzheimer>s disease 387 (95%CI 384-389); stroke 263 (95%CI 260-265), specifically, ischemic 136 (95%CI 134137) and hemorrhagic (95%CI 95-98); Parkinson's disease 91 (95%CI 90-93), multiple sclerosis 19 (95%CI 1819); myasthenia gravis 11 (95%CI 11-11); meningitis 10 (95%CI 9-10); Guillain-Barre syndrome 9 (95%CI 8-9); and motor neuron disease 6 (95%CI 5-6). The 2015-2017 median variation was 19.38%. Conclusion: The most prevalent pathologies nationwide, in order of frequency, were migraine, epilepsy, and Alzheimer>s disease.

Abstract Beyond their usual geographical designations as “towns”, the inhabitants of the settlements i n the district of Punta Indio (Buenos Aires, Argentina) refer to them using a set of terms that form part of a widespread discursive repertoire. In naming their settlements as “town”, “country” or “city” through certain positive or negative traits, they position themselves in relation to different moral stances involving either praise or condemnation. In said attributions, certain canonical features associated with the aforementioned terms are selectively incorporated and reconstructed in terms of an apparatus in which description, evaluation and hierarchical ordering become simultaneous and inseparable operations. Through this text we will present the fashions in which residents of said settlements mobilize, utter and argue about these categories, with the goal of portraying the ways in which certain designations that may look as geographical at first sight are, in fact/indeed, [commas] used to present, under a comparative key, [commas] certain morphologies, scales and modes of dwelling as sources of experiences and practices more valuable, preferable or desirable than others.

Resumen Más allá de las designaciones geográficas habituales que las califican como “pueblos”, los habitantes de las localidades del partido de Punta Indio (Buenos Aires, Argentina) movilizan, para referirse a ellas, un conjunto de términos que configuran un repertorio discursivo ampliamente extendido. Al designar sus localidades como “pueblo”, “campo” o “ciudad”, las asocian a determinados atributos positiva o negativamente valorados que objetivan un conjunto de posicionamientos morales que oscilan entre el panegírico y la censura. En estas atribuciones, ciertos rasgos canónicos asociados a esos términos son incorporados y reconstruidos selectivamente en términos de un dispositivo en el cual la descripción, la evaluación y la jerarquización devienen operaciones simultáneas e indisolubles. A lo largo del presente texto nos proponemos presentar el modo en que estas categorías son movilizadas, enunciadas y argumentadas por los residentes de las localidades mencionadas, con el propósito de mostrar las maneras en que ciertas designaciones en apariencia geográficas son utilizadas para presentar en clave comparativa y a partir de una serie de consideraciones acerca del significado, las ventajas y las desventajas de la vida en estos espacios ciertas morfologías, escalas y formas del habitar como fuente de experiencias y prácticas más valiosas, preferibles o deseables que otras.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The role of the chloride anion on the deleterious effects of excessive consumption of salt (NaCl) and whether its effects are independent each other of the presence of sodium remains to date, unknown and unclear. Objective: To demonstrate that both a chloride overload and a sodium overload in the diet produce deleterious effects, by different mechanisms, on systolic blood pressure (SBP), renal function and markers of oxidative stress in the kidney. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 8 / group) and fed with different diets for three weeks: C: control (standard diet), and diets: NaCl: hypersodic-hyperchloric; Na: hypersodic without chloride and Cl: hyperchloric without sodium. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and renal function were determined, and the production of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and the activity and expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes were evaluated in renal cortex tissue. Results: SBP increased (*) in the two groups fed with chloride. The fractional excretion of sodium and chloride increased (*) in the NaCl and Na groups. increased (*) in the renal cortex with the three diets. No changes were observed in the activity and expression of SOD and CAT. GPx activity increased (*) in the two groups that received chloride; (* p <0.05 vs C). Conclusion: Both sodium and chloride overload are associated with a higher oxidative state characterized by an increase in lipid peroxidation in the renal cortex. However, compared with Na group, only chloride overload is associated with higher GPx activity and hypertension without any changes in urinary chloride excretion, suggesting a higher renal pro-oxidant state in this experimental group.

RESUMEN Introducción: Se desconoce el papel del anión cloruro en los efectos deletéreos del consumo excesivo de sal (NaCl) y si sus efectos son independientes de la presencia del sodio. Objetivo: Demostrar que tanto una sobrecarga de cloruro como una sobrecarga de sodio en la dieta producen efectos deletéreos, en forma independiente, sobre la presión arterial sistólica (PAS), la función renal y los marcadores de estrés oxidativo en el riñón. Materiales y métodos: Ratas Wistar macho fueron divididas en cuatro grupos (n = 8/grupo) y fueron alimentadas con diferentes dietas durante tres semanas: C: control (dieta estándar), NaCl: hipersódica-hiperclórica, Na: hipersódica sin cloruro, Cl: hiperclórica sin sodio. Se determinaron la presión arterial sistólica (PAS) y la función renal y en la corteza renal, se evaluó la producción de especies reactivas del ácido tiobarbitúrico (en inglés: TBARS) y la actividad y la expresión de las enzimas superóxido dismutasa (SOD), catalasa (CAT) y glutatión peroxidasa (GPx). Resultados: Al cabo de tres semanas, la PAS aumentó (*) en los dos grupos alimentados con cloruro. La excreción fraccional de sodio y de cloruro aumentó (*) en los grupos NaCl y Na. La diuresis y los TBARS en la corteza renal aumentaron (*) con las tres dietas, sin cambios en la actividad y en la expresión de SOD y CAT. La actividad de la GPx aumentó (*) en los dos grupos que recibieron cloruro; (*p < 0,05 vs C). Conclusión: Tanto la sobrecarga de sodio como la de cloruro se asocian a mayor estado oxidativo caracterizado por un incremento en la peroxidación lipídica en la corteza renal. Sin embargo, solo el exceso de cloruro se asocia a mayor actividad de la GPx y de la hipertensión, sin cambios en la excreción urinaria de cloruros, sugiriendo un mayor estado prooxidante renal en comparación con el grupo Na.

Abstract The current study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that the high physical capacity of rowing athletes may not reverse the influence of age on cardiac autonomic control decline estimated by heart rate variability (HRV). Forty-four male subjects divided in four groups: 11 young athletes (YA; 18 ±1 year), 11 young non-athletes (YNA; 20 ±1 year), 11 middle age athletes (MAA; 43 ±6 years) and 11 middle age non-athletes (MNA; 44 ±8 years) participated in the study. Heart rate (HR) was recorded beat-by-beat for 10 minutes in supine (SUP) and 10 min in orthostatic (ORT) positions. HRV was analyzed in the frequency domain to obtain the spectral power in the high (HF) and low frequency (LF) bands, and the changes to ORT (%∆HRV) were calculated (ORT – SUP / SUP). During SUP, HF was lower in MNA and MA compared to YA and YNA, while LF was lower in MNA than YA. For %ΔHRV, %ΔHF was higher in YA than YNA, MA and MNA. The %ΔLF was not different among groups. In conclusion, aging seems to overcome the influence of physical fitness on neural regulation of the heart, as highlighted by the HRV response to active standing.

ABSTRACT Background: Large-scale epidemiological studies of seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 often rely on point-of-care tests that provide immediate results to participants. Yet, little is known on how long rapid tests remain positive after the COVID-19 episode, or how much variability exists across different brands and even among batches of the same test. Methods: In November 2020, we assessed the sensitivity of three tests applied to 133 individuals with a previous positive PCR result between April and October. All subjects provided finger prick blood samples for two batches (A and B) of the Wondfo lateral-flow IgG/IgM test, and dried blood spot samples for the S-UFRJ ELISA test. Results: Overall sensitivity levels were 92.5% (95% CI 86.6-96.3), 63.2% (95% CI 54.4-71.4) and 33.8% (95% CI 25.9-42.5) for the S-UFRJ test, Wondfo A and Wondfo B tests, respectively. There was no evidence of a decline in the positivity of S-UFRJ with time since the diagnosis, but the two Wondfo batches showed sharp reductions to as low as 41.9% and 19.4%, respectively, for subjects with a positive PCR in June or earlier. Positive results for batch B of the rapid test were 35% to 54% lower than for batch A at any given month of diagnosis. Interpretation: Whereas the ELISA test showed high sensitivity and stability of results over the five months of the study, both batches of the rapid test showed substantial declines, with one of the batches consistently showing lower sensitivity levels than the other. ELISA tests based on dried-blood spots are an inexpensive alternative to rapid lateral-flow tests in large-scale epidemiological studies.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To describe the evolution of seropositivity in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, through 10 consecutive surveys conducted between April 2020 and April 2021. METHODS Nine cities covering all regions of the State were studied, 500 households in each city. One resident in each household was randomly selected for testing. In survey rounds 1–8 we used the rapid WONDFO SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test (Wondfo Biotech Co., Guangzhou, China). In rounds 9–10, we used a direct ELISA test that identifies IgG to the viral S protein (S-UFRJ). In terms of social distancing, individuals were asked three questions, from which we generated an exposure score using principal components analysis. RESULTS Antibody prevalence in early April 2020 was 0.07%, increasing to 10.0% in February 2021, and to 18.2% in April 2021. In round 10, self-reported whites showed the lowest seroprevalence (17.3%), while indigenous individuals presented the highest (44.4%). Seropositivity increased by 40% when comparing the most with the least exposed. CONCLUSIONS The proportion of the population already infected by SARS-Cov-2 in the state is still far from any perspective of herd immunity and the infection affects population groups in very different levels.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To describe the evolution of seropositivity in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, through 10 consecutive surveys conducted between April 2020 and April 2021. METHODS Nine cities covering all regions of the State were studied, 500 households in each city. One resident in each household was randomly selected for testing. In survey rounds 1–8 we used the rapid WONDFO SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test (Wondfo Biotech Co., Guangzhou, China). In rounds 9–10, we used a direct ELISA test that identifies IgG to the viral S protein (S-UFRJ). In terms of social distancing, individuals were asked three questions, from which we generated an exposure score using principal components analysis. RESULTS Antibody prevalence in early April 2020 was 0.07%, increasing to 10.0% in February 2021, and to 18.2% in April 2021. In round 10, self-reported whites showed the lowest seroprevalence (17.3%), while indigenous individuals presented the highest (44.4%). Seropositivity increased by 40% when comparing the most with the least exposed. CONCLUSIONS The proportion of the population already infected by SARS-Cov-2 in the state is still far from any perspective of herd immunity and the infection affects population groups in very different levels.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a precisao e acurácia por meio de análise de modelos digitais de moldes digitalizados obtidos com quatro marcas comerciais de alginato em diferentes tempos. Oitenta moldes de um Typodont padrao foram obtidos utilizando 4 tipos de alginato (CCC: Cavex Color Change; IA: Identic Alginate; HY5: Hydrogum 5 e JP: Jeltrate Plus). Os moldes foram escaneados em quatro tempos: mediatamente (T1), 24h (T2), 72h (T3) e 120h (T4) após a moldagem. As medidas foram feitas em très dimensoes: ântero-posterior, transversal e vertical. Diferenças significativas nas mudanças dimensionais foram observadas entre os materiais ao longo do tempo (p <0,05). Variação dimensional ântero-posterior foi observada entre os tempos, principalmente para IA e JP. Para as variáveis transversal e vertical houve diferenga entre os grupos, principalmente em 24h, 72h e 120h. CCC apresentou contração dimensional significativa apenas em T120 (transversal). IA e JP apresentaram maiores distorções dimensionais na vertical. Os materiais de moldagem utilizados nao foram dimensionalmente estáveis quando avaliados após 120 horas de moldagem. No entanto, tais evidencias sugerem que os alginatos com maior tempo de armazenamento, como Cavex Color Change, sao mais precisos do que os alginatos convencionais.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the precision and accuracy of molds made with four commercial brands of alginate scanned at different times using digital model analysis. Eighty molds of a standard Typodont were made using 4 types of alginate (CCC: Cavex Color Change; IA: Identic Alginate; HY5: Hydrogum 5 and JP: Jeltrate Plus). The molds were scanned at four times: immediately (T1), 24h (T2), 72h (T3) and 120h (T4) after molding. Measurements were taken in three dimensions: anteroposterior, transverse and vertical. Significant differences in dimensional changes were noted between the materials over time (p <0.05). Anteroposterior dimensional variation was noted between times, especially for IA and JP. For transverse and vertical variables, a difference was found between the groups, especially at 24 h, 72 h and 120 h. CCC presented significant dimensional shrinkage only at T120 (transverse). IA and JP presented larger dimensional distortions in the vertical measurements. The molding materials used were not dimensionally stable when evaluated after 120 hours of molding. However, such evidence suggests that alginates with longer storage time, such as Cavex Color Change, are more accurate than conventional alginates.

RESUMO: A ocorrência de lesão caseosa no esôfago de tartarugas-verdes (Chelonia mydas) da costa do Brasil tem sido descrita como de caráter obstrutivo e pode causar a morte dos animais. No entanto, sua etiologia permanece pouco esclarecida. Objetivou-se isolar e caracterizar a microbiota aeróbica esofágica das tartarugas-verdes (C. mydas) da costa brasileira e verificar sua possível participação na etiologia das lesões caseosas. Foram utilizados 42 animais, 33 vivos e hígidos e nove mortos naturalmente que apresentavam lesão esofágica confirmada pela necropsia, provenientes de Anchieta e Piúma, Espírito Santo, nos quais foram feitos testes microbiológicos e avaliação morfológica do esôfago. Foram isolados 14 agentes bacterianos diferentes nas amostras de animais saudáveis, com prevalência de Pseudomonas aeruginosa (36,36%), Staphylococcus aureus (33,33%), Aeromonas hydrophila (27,27%) e Vibrio alginolyticus (24,24%). Nos animais mortos, foram isolados apenas três agentes distintos: S. aureus (50,00%), A. hydrophila (25,00%) e V. alginolyticus (25,00%). A avaliação morfológica revelou predominância da lesão em junção gastroesofágica, com distribuição multifocal a coalescente, intensidade discreta e ausência de obstrução. Observou-se ainda ulceração e exsudato caseoso, infiltrado inflamatório, ovos de parasitos e células gigantes do tipo corpo estranho, além de grumos bacterianos e de alterações glandulares, como necrose, adenite e fragmentos de parasitos adultos. Houve correlação positiva dos grumos bacterianos com cultivo microbiológico e negativa dos grumos bacterianos e cultivo microbiológico com parasitos. Assim, nota-se que a microbiota esofágica aeróbica de C. mydas é constituída predominantemente por bactérias Gram-negativas como P. aeruginosa, A. hydrophila e V. alginolyticus, além de diversas enterobatérias e por Gram-positivas, como S. aureus. Esses agentes são oportunistas e podem estar envolvidos na etiologia da esofagite caseosa em associação a outros patógenos como co-fatores agindo em associação, ou mesmo, por via de infecção secundária.

ABSTRACT: Caseous lesions in the esophagus of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from the coast of Brazil have been described as obstructive lesions and can lead to the death of these animals. However, their etiology remains unclear. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize the aerobic bacterial microbiota of the esophagus of green turtles (C. mydas) from the Brazilian coast and to verify its possible participation in the etiology of caseous lesions. For this, 42 animals were used, 33 alive and healthy and 9 naturally dead that had esophageal lesions confirmed by necropsy, from Anchieta and Piúma beaches, Espírito Santo. Microbiological tests and morphological evaluation of the esophagus were performed. We isolated 14 different bacterial agents from healthy animal samples, with the prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa being (36.36%), Staphylococcus aureus (33.33%), Aeromonas hydrophila (27.27%), and Vibrio alginolyticus (24.24%). In dead animals, only three distinct agents were isolated: S. aureus (50.00%), A. hydrophila (25.00%), and V. alginolyticus (25.00%). Morphological evaluation revealed a predominance of the lesions at the gastroesophageal junction, with multifocal-to-coalescent distribution, discrete intensity, and absence of obstruction. Ulcerations and caseous exudates, inflammatory infiltrates, parasitic eggs, and giant foreign body cells were also observed as well as bacterial lumps and glandular alterations, such as necrosis, adenitis, and fragments of adult parasites. There was a positive correlation between bacterial lumps and microbiological culture and a negative correlation between bacterial lumps and microbiological culture with parasites. Thus, it was noted that the esophageal aerobic microbiota of C. mydas was predominantly composed of Gram-negative bacteria such as P. aeruginosa, A. hydrophila, and V. alginolyticus, in addition to several enterobacteria and Gram-positive bacteria, such as S. aureus. These agents are opportunists and may be involved in the etiology of caseous esophagitis in association with other pathogens as co-factors working in association or, even in a secondary way.

Civilian defense devices are physical and chemical artefacts used to incapacitate an aggressor without causing death or injury. As city violence increases, safety feelings became worst and a growing commercial demand for these materials supply faces technologically challenges not only to riot control but also to self-protection. Controversies on the use of these devices have been discussed, especially on their toxicity when synthetic chemical agents are used. Natural metabolites are a less explored alternative to meet this demand. They have the capacity to generate a temporary disabling effect due to their pungency. Those metabolites, which include capsaicinoids, gingerols and piperine, can be used as deterrent agents in civilian defense devices due to their low toxicity to humans. Although they are a viable alternative, there are few studies focused on their quality control, efficiency and toxicity. This review aimed to present relevant aspects about the development and use of natural products as deterrent agents in self-defense devices against aggressors and animals, and as non-lethal weapons for riot control in order to help the scientific development of this type of bioproduct.

ABSTRACT Background: Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a risk factor for cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. Aim: To evaluate the association between high MPV and 90-day mortality after an episode of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Material and Methods: Retrospective cohort of 594 patients with a median age of 73 years (58% women) with a first episode VTE, included in an institutional Thromboembolic Disease registry between 2014 and 2015. MPV values were obtained from the automated blood cell count measured at the moment of VTE diagnosis. Volumes ≥ 11 fL were classified as high. All patients were followed for 90 days to assess survival. Results: The main comorbidities were cancer in 221 patients (37%), sepsis in 172 (29%) and coronary artery disease in 107 (18%). Median MPV was 8 fl (8-9), brain natriuretic peptide 2,000 pg/ml (1,025-3,900) and troponin 40 pg/ml (19.5-75). Overall mortality was 20% (121/594) during the 90 days of follow-up. Thirty three deaths occurred within 7 days and 43 within the first month. The loss of patients from follow-up was 5% (28/594) at 90 days. Mortality among patients with high MP was 36% (23/63). The crude mortality hazard ratio (HR) for high MPV was 2.2 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.4-3.5). When adjusted for sepsis, oncological disease, heart disease, kidney failure and surgery, the mortality HR of high MPV was 2.4 (CI95% 1.5-3.9) in the VTE group, 2.3 (CI95% 1.5-4.4) in the deep venous thrombosis group, and 2.9 (CI95% 1.6 −5.6) in the pulmonary embolism group. Conclusions: High MPV is an independent risk factor for mortality following an episode of VTE.

Antecedentes: El volumen plaquetario medio (VPM) es un factor de riesgo de complicaciones cardiovasculares y enfermedades inflamatorias. Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre VPM alto y la mortalidad a los 90 días después de un episodio de tromboembolismo venoso (ETV). Material y Métodos: Cohorte retrospectiva de 594 pacientes adultos con una edad media de 73 años (58% mujeres) con un primer episodio de ETV incluidos en un registro de enfermedad tromboembólica institucional entre 2014 y 2015. Se obtuvieron valores de VPM desde el hemograma tomado en el momento del diagnóstico de ETV y un volumen ≥ 11 fL fue clasificado como alto. Todos los pacientes fueron seguidos durante 90 días para determinar sobrevida. Resultados: Las comorbilidades fueron cáncer en 221 pacientes (37%), sepsis en 172 (29%) y enfermedad coronaria en 107 (18%). La mediana de VPM fue 8 fl (89), el péptido natriurético cerebral fue de 2.000 pg/ml (1.025-3.900) y la troponina fue de 40 pg/ml (19,5-75). La mortalidad global a 90 días fue 20% (121/594). Treinta y tres muertes ocurrieron dentro de los 7 días y 43 en el primer mes. La pérdida de seguimiento de pacientes fue de 5% (28/594) a los 90 días. La mortalidad en el grupo con VPM alto fue 36% (23/63). La razón de riesgo (HR) cruda de la mortalidad para un VPM alto fue de 2,2 (intervalos de confianza (IC) de 95% 1,4-3,5). Cuando se ajustó por sepsis, enfermedad oncológica, enfermedad cardíaca, insuficiencia renal y cirugía, la HR de muerte para un VPM alto fue de 2,4 (IC95% 1,5-3,9) en el grupo de ETV; 2,3 (IC95% 1,5-4,4) en el grupo de trombosis venosa profunda; y 2,9 (CI95% 1,6 −5,6) en el grupo de embolia pulmonar. Conclusiones: Un VPM alto es un factor de riesgo independiente de mortalidad después de un episodio de ETV.