Resumo O Paquistão é um país agrícola, onde a pesca desempenha um papel muito importante para o desenvolvimento econômico. Diferentes doenças são prevalentes em peixes do Paquistão, mas as informações relacionadas aos agentes causadores não são bem conhecidas. Tendo em vista a importância dos patógenos bacterianos como agentes causadores de múltiplas doenças em peixes, o presente estudo foi conduzido para identificação, caracterização e análise de genes de virulência de isolados de Aeromonas spp. de peixes doentes. Foram coletadas 50 amostras de peixes com múltiplas indicações clínicas em diferentes fazendas do distrito de Kasur, Punjab, Paquistão. Para isolar Aeromonas spp., as amostras foram enriquecidas e inoculadas em meio de isolamento. Os isolados foram identificados e caracterizados por diferentes testes bioquímicos, kit Analytical Profile Index (API) 20E, e ensaios de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Todos os isolados foram selecionados para três genes de virulência putativos, incluindo aerolisina (aer), hemolisina (hyl) e enterotoxina citotônica termolábil (alt). Sete isolados de Aeromonas hydrophila foram recuperados e identificados com base no API 20E. Esses isolados foram posteriormente confirmados como A. hydrophila de acordo com ensaios de PCR. Três isolados indicaram a presença de genes de virulência (alt e hyl), enquanto o gene aerolisina (aer) não esteve presente em nenhum dos isolados de A. hydrophila. O presente estudo confirmou A. hydrophila como o agente causador da síndrome ulcerativa epizoótica e septicemia móvel por Aeromonas em fazendas de peixes, no distrito de Kasur, Punjab, Paquistão. Além disso, a detecção de dois genes de virulência (alt e hyl) em isolados de A. hydrophila é uma ameaça para os consumidores de peixes da área de estudo.

Abstract Pakistan is an agricultural country and fisheries play a very important role in the economic development of the country. Different diseases are prevalent in Pakistani fish but information related to the causative agents is not well-known. Keeping in view the significance of bacterial pathogens as the causative agents of multiple fish diseases, the present study was conducted for identification, characterization and analysis of virulence genes of Aeromonas spp. isolated from diseased fishes. A total of fifty fish samples having multiple clinical indications were collected from different fish farms of district Kasur, Punjab Pakistan. For isolation of Aeromonas spp. samples were enriched and inoculated on Aeromonas isolation medium. Isolates were identified and characterized by different biochemical tests, Analytical Profile Index (API) 20E kit and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays. All isolates were screened for three putative virulence genes including aerolysin (aer), haemolysin (hyl) and heat labile cytotonic enterotoxin (alt). Seven isolates of Aeromonas (A.) hydrophila were retrieved and identified based on API 20E. These isolates were further confirmed as A. hydrophila on the basis of PCR assays. Three isolates were detected positive for the presence of virulence genes (alt and hyl). Whereas aerolysin (aer) gene was not present in any of A. hydrophila isolates. The present study confirmed A. hydrophila as the causative agent of epizootic ulcerative syndrome and motile Aeromonas septicemia in fish farms of district Kasur, Punjab Pakistan. Moreover, detection of two virulence genes (alt and hyl) in A. hydrophila isolates is a threat for fish consumers of study area.

Manganese (Mn) mining produces a large amount of Mn-rich solid waste contributing to soil and groundwater pollution. Adding Mn-rich waste to soils could reduce mining pollution by allowing specialised plants to take up this mineral for growth, that is, phytoremediation. However, Mn interacts with other soil major and trace minerals. The interaction with phosphorus (P), a key element for plant nutrition and growth, has received less attention. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of P sources (i.e. rock phosphate and monopotassium [KH2PO4]) and application rates on the P and Mn relationships in clay and sandy soils mixed with Mn-rich waste. Soils differing in texture were incubated for 60 days at room temperature (±20 °C), and changes in available P Mn and soil pH were determined at 0, 30 and 60 days. The addition of Mn-rich solid waste significantly decreased available soil P in both soils with the greatest reduction of 62% and 52% from the sandy soil subjected to KH2PO4 and rock phosphate, respectively. In the clayey soil, the reduction was higher for the rock phosphate source implying more P was released from the rock phosphate in Mn-rich soils. This explanation was supported by the significant positive correlation between P and Mn for both soils when P is added in the form of rock phosphate. Our results suggest that Mn-rich waste is better in clay soils subjected to rock phosphate addition. Further research is needed to control Mn solid waste pollution levels in soils using specific crops with known phytoremediation properties. SIGNIFICANCE: South African mining and smelting processes produce a lot of Mn-rich waste as a by-product that harms the environment if not appropriately managed. The efficient use of Mn-rich solid waste in agricultural soils is poorly studied; hence, this study focused on the role of soil type and Mn-rich waste addition on phosphorus release and availability.

This study aims to examine the potential improvement of uniform corrosion resistance and critical pitting potential of AISI 316L stainless steel (SS) in a simulated marine environment containing 3.5 wt. % NaCl by applying layer of gelatin containing HfO2 nanoparticles using spin coating. Also, to examine the statistical significance of using different weight fractions of HfO2 in the applied layer on the corrosion protection performance. The corrosion performance was assessed from potentiodynamic polarization. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to check the presence of HfO2 in gelatin matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) were used to examine the surface morphology and elemental composition of corrosion products. The results showed that the applied nanocomposite coatings enhanced both uniform and localized corrosion resistance of the underlying AISI 316L SS, also Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test approved that the weight fractions of dispersed HfO2 nanoparticles have a statistical significant effect on the corrosion performance. Nanocomposites coating having 2 wt.% of HfO2 showed the best performance as compared to other examined coatings.

Resumo Introdução: Em geral, a invasão da glândula tireoide não é uma característica do carcinoma laríngeo avançado, não é necessário fazer tireoidectomia em todos os casos de laringectomia total. Objetivos: Avaliar a frequência da invasão da glândula tireoide em pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular avançado de laringe submetidos à laringectomia total e tireoidectomia e determinar se as características clínicas e histopatológicas do carcinoma de laringe podem predizer o envolvimento glandular. Método: Série de casos com revisão retrospectiva de prontuários, de março de 2009 a janeiro de 2018, foi feita no Princess Norah Oncology Center, King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, em Jeddah, na Arábia Saudita. Uma coorte inicial de 56 pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de laringe foi considerada. Nove casos foram excluídos. Todos os pacientes apresentavam estágio avançado de câncer de laringe (clinicamente T3 – T4) e foram submetidos à laringectomia total em associação à tireoidectomia. A tireoidectomia total foi feita em todas as lesões bilaterais ou se havia suspeita de envolvimento do lobo contralateral. Hemitireoidectomia foi feita em todas as lesões lateralizadas. A análise histopatológica retrospectiva das amostras da tireoide foi feita posteriormente. A frequência da invasão da glândula tireoide foi calculada e a análise das características demográficas, clínicas e patológicas associadas à invasão da glândula tireoide foi feita. Resultados: Foram submetidos 47 pacientes à laringectomia total (40 tratados com laringectomia primária e sete tratados com laringectomia de resgate após falha da radioterapia ou quimiorradioterapia). A hemitireoidectomia foi feita em 42 pacientes e a tireoidectomia total em cinco. A frequência geral de invasão da glândula tireoide foi de 89,36%. O envolvimento glandular foi observado em um carcinoma espinocelular transglótico avançado e em um subglótico. Apesar da invasão da cartilagem tireoidiana em 25,5% dos casos detectados na imagem radiológica pré-operatória, apenas um caso demonstrou invasão microscópica da glândula tireoide. Conclusões: A tireoidectomia pode ser necessária apenas durante a laringectomia total para casos selecionados de tumores transglóticos avançados e tumores com extensão subglótica maior que 10 mm.

Abstract Introduction: Invasion of the thyroid gland is not a general feature of advanced laryngeal carcinoma. There is no need for performing thyroidectomy in all total laryngectomy cases. Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of the thyroid gland invasion in patients with advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma submitted to total laryngectomy and thyroidectomy and to determine whether clinical and pathological characteristics of laryngeal carcinoma can predict glandular involvement. Methods: A retrospective case series with chart review, from March 2009 to January 2018, was undertaken in the the Princess Norah Oncology Center, King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Jeddah/KSA. An inception cohort of 56 patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma was considered. Nine cases were excluded. All patients had advanced stage cancer of the larynx (clinically T3–T4) and underwent total laryngectomy in association with thyroidectomy. Total thyroidectomy was performed in all bilateral lesions or if there was suspicion of contralateral lobe involvement. Hemithyroidectomy was performed in all lateralized lesions. Retrospective histopathologic analysis of thyroid specimens was subsequently performed. The frequency of thyroid gland invasion was calculated and analysis of demographic, clinical and pathological characteristics associated with thyroid gland invasion was performed. Results: In all, 47 patients underwent total laryngectomy (40 treated with primary laryngectomy and seven treated with salvage laryngectomy following radiation failure or chemoradiation failure). Hemithyroidectomy was performed in 42 patients and the total thyroidectomy was performed in five patients. The overall frequency of invasion of the thyroid gland was 4.3%. Glandular involvement was seen in one advanced transglottic squamous cell carcinoma and one subglottic. In spite of thyroid cartilage invasion in 25.5% of cases detected in the preoperative radiological imaging, only one case demonstrated microscopic thyroid gland invasion. Conclusions: Thyroidectomy may only be required during total laryngectomy for selected cases of advanced transglottic tumors and tumors with subglottic extension more than 10 mm.

ABSTRACT Ten coumarin class of compounds, including new fused coumarinolignoids namely, mucronin-C ( 1 ) were isolated from the methanol extract from whole plant of Daphne mucronata Royle. The structures of mucronin-C ( 1 ) and its configurations were determined by chemical and spectroscopic methods including 1DNMR, 2D-NMR and HR-FAB-MS. The isolated compounds 1 - 10 were evaluated for in-vitro biological activities. The anti-inflammatory (lipoxygenase) activities of compound 1, 4, 8, 9 and 10 (IC50 = 21.7, 23.7, 25.1, 27.3 and 26.0 μg/mL, respectively) were higher compared with standard Quercetin (IC50 = 22.5 μg/mL). The antioxidant property of coumarin as evaluated by DPPH scavenging bioassay was significantly greater in compounds 1-5, 9 and 10 (IC50 = 0.7, 0.8, 1.9, 2.3, 2.8, 0.5 and 2.1 μg/mL respectively) as standard Trolox (IC50 = 0.3 μg/mL). The density functional descriptors in the progress of quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) are significant to analyze the reactive sites and antioxidant ability of compounds. We have explored the reactive sites and radical scavenging activity of studied coumarin derivatives by shedding light on electron affinity, ionization potential, molecular electrostatic potential, frontier molecular orbitals and molecular descriptors analysis. First-principles calculations about one-electron transfer mechanism revealed that smaller ionization potential value of Compounds 1-5, 9 and 10 are leading to superior antioxidant activity, which is in good agreement with the experimental data.

Resumo O Poppiana dentata (Randall, 1840) está amplamente distribuído nos habitats fluviais de Trinidad. Existem, porém, poucas informações sobre a biologia dessa espécie. Este estudo fornece a primeira análise de referência que descreve aspectos do crescimento do P. dentata. Caranguejos jovens foram obtidos a partir de fêmeas em desova na região noroeste de Trinidad. A largura da carapaça (LC), o comprimento da carapaça (CC), a incidência de muda, o período de intermuda e aspectos qualitativos foram registrados para caranguejos (N = 23) ao longo de mais de nove meses. A LC, o CC e o período de intermuda foram utilizados para obter o aumento porcentual, a taxa específica de crescimento (TEC), e o tamanho na maturidade estrutural para os dois sexos. Curvas de crescimento e equações logísticas foram também geradas para cada sexo. Os caranguejos que nasceram (com largura de carapaça < 5 mm) apresentaram um endurecimento rápido depois de sua primeira muda, o que indica uma rápida rotação dos ciclos de muda. A TEC e o aumento da porcentual da LC foram também os mais altos para esta muda inicial (P < 0,05). Não houve variação da LC, CC, do período de intermuda, aumento do tamanho e da TEC entre os sexos (P > 0,05), e as equações logísticas foram expressas como: LC = 32,81 (1+exp (1,481 ̵ 0,031t))-1 para machos, e LC = 34,07 (1+exp (1,516 ̵ 0,027t))-1 para fêmeas. Porém, as análises de quebra indicaram tamanhos diferentes para maturidade estrutural (LC para macho: 28,40; para fêmea: 16,84 mm). Esses padrões refletem um período de vida mais curto para esta espécie em comparação com o que tem sido registrado para outras famílias de Trichodactylidae. Isso pode ter implicações para as populações de P. dentata que residem em habitats modificados antropogenicamente; destaca-se, assim, a necessidade de estratégias de conservação para assegurar a preservação das populações selvagens nativas.

Abstract Poppiana dentata (Randall, 1840) is widely distributed throughout riverine habitats in Trinidad. However, there is a scarcity of information on the biology of this species. This study provides the first baseline examination that describes growth aspects for P. dentata. Juvenile crabs were obtained from berried females collected in northwest Trinidad. Carapace width (CW), length (CL), moult incident, intermoult period and qualitative aspects were recorded for crabs (N = 23) over 9 months. CW, CL and intermoult period were used to derive percentage size increment, specific growth rate (SGR) and size at structural maturity for both sexes. Growth curves and logistic equations were also generated for each sex. Hatched crabs (< 5 mm CW) underwent rapid hardening after their first moult, indicating a fast turnover of moult cycles. SGR and CW percent increment were also the highest for this initial moult (P < 0.05). CW, CL, intermoult period, size increment and SGR did not differ between sexes (P > 0.05), with logistic equations expressed as CW = 32.81 (1+exp (1.481 ̵ 0.031t))-1 for males and CW = 34.07 (1+exp (1.516 ̵ 0.027t))-1 for females. Yet, breakpoint analyses indicated dissimilar sizes for structural maturity (male: 28.40 mm CW; female: 16.84 mm CW). These patterns reflect a shorter life span for this species in comparison to what has been reported for other trichodactylid relatives. This can have implications for P. dentata populations residing in anthropogenically disturbed habitats; thus, highlighting the need for conservation strategies to ensure preservation of native wild stock.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estudar o impacto do retardo na admissão à unidade de terapia intensiva em mais do que 4 horas nos desfechos de pacientes críticos. Métodos: Este foi um estudo observacional retrospectivo, no qual pacientes adultos admitidos diretamente do pronto-socorro para a unidade de terapia intensiva foram divididos em dois grupos: Tempo Adequado, se admitidos dentro de 4 horas, e Admissão Retardada, nos casos em que a admissão demorou mais do que 4 horas para ocorrer. Compararam-se, entre os grupos, o tempo de permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva e a taxa de mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva e no hospital. Foi realizado pareamento por escore de propensão para correção de desequilíbrios. Utilizou-se uma análise de regressão logística para explorar retardo da admissão como fator independente de risco para mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva. Resultados: Durante o período do estudo, 1.887 pacientes foram admitidos diretamente do pronto-socorro para a unidade de terapia intensiva, sendo que 42% dessas admissões foram retardadas. Os pacientes com retardo tiveram permanências na unidade de terapia intensiva significantemente mais longas e maior mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva e no hospital. Esses resultados persistiram após pareamento dos grupos por escore de propensão. O retardo da admissão foi fator independente de risco para mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva (RC = 2,6; IC95% 1,9 - 3,5; p < 0,001). A associação de retardo e mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva surgiu após período de retardo de 2 horas e foi mais alta após período de retardo de 4 horas. Conclusão: O retardo da admissão do pronto-socorro para a unidade de terapia intensiva é fator de risco independente para mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva, sendo a associação mais forte após retardo de 4 horas.

Abstract Objective: To study the impact of delayed admission by more than 4 hours on the outcomes of critically ill patients. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study in which adult patients admitted directly from the emergency department to the intensive care unit were divided into two groups: Timely Admission if they were admitted within 4 hours and Delayed Admission if admission was delayed for more than 4 hours. Intensive care unit length of stay and hospital/intensive care unit mortality were compared between the groups. Propensity score matching was performed to correct for imbalances. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore delayed admission as an independent risk factor for intensive care unit mortality. Results: During the study period, 1,887 patients were admitted directly from the emergency department to the intensive care unit, with 42% being delayed admissions. Delayed patients had significantly longer intensive care unit lengths of stay and higher intensive care unit and hospital mortality. These results were persistent after propensity score matching of the groups. Delayed admission was an independent risk factor for intensive care unit mortality (OR = 2.6; 95%CI 1.9 - 3.5; p < 0.001). The association of delay and intensive care unit mortality emerged after a delay of 2 hours and was highest after a delay of 4 hours. Conclusion: Delayed admission to the intensive care unit from the emergency department is an independent risk factor for intensive care unit mortality, with the strongest association being after a delay of 4 hours.

Abstract The sheet metals are prone to large plastic deformation during forming processes. The study purpose is to investigate 1050A aluminum sheets thermomechanical behavior with ductile damage. A modified Swift model coupled to isotropic ductile damage and thermal effects was used. The forming parameters are introduced using Swift model coefficients and Erichsen index. An inverse identification procedure is applied to non-homogeneous Erichsen test results. Bulge test is then used to validate the identified parameters. Erichsen test (Punch force vs displacement) results were obtained by experimental testing and simulation to build the objective function. Aluminum 1050A plasticity flow parameters and ductile damage variables were identified using a part of Erichsen test results. The remaining part of Erichsen test and bulge test results were used for validation. The numerical approach allowed the detection of failure zones with respect to thermal gradient induced by heat exchange. Within the isothermal condition, equivalent stresses and strains for 1050A Aluminum were obtained by simulations and experimental data.

Injuries to the lateral ankle ligaments are quite common, with a reported incidence of up to 22% of all sports injuries, and 85% of all ankle sprains. Most of these are effectively managed using nonoperative measures in the acute setting. Approximately 20% of patients will, however, develop chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). Although the anatomy and biomechanics are well documented, more recently, the concepts of the lateral talofibular calcaneal ligament (LTFCL) and microinstability have been described. For those who develop CLAI, a full assessment is mandatory to not only search for correctable risk factors (malalignment), but also to differentiate between functional and mechanical instability. Associated injuries need to be excluded, such as osteochondral lesions of the talus. Rotational ankle instability is a new concept that needs to be considered. Patients who present with CLAI are initially managed conservatively in the form of functional rehabilitation. This management is especially effective in patients with functional instability. Surgery is generally indicated after failed conservative management in patients with objective mechanical instability. The elite athlete is a relative indication to performing surgery early. The choice of surgical procedure is made on an individualised basis, although open anatomical procedures remain the gold standard. Non-anatomical procedures are no longer recommended. Newer minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques show promise in experienced hands but there is only limited evidence to support its use at present. The use of a suture tape as an augment is reserved for specific indications and should not be used routinely.Level of evidence: Level 5

RESUMO Introdução: A hepcidina está associada à patogênese da anemia por insuficiência renal crônica, considerada um estado inflamatório crônico e também infecção por HCV. A IL-6 estimula a liberação de hepcidina a partir do fígado, suprime a captação intestinal de ferro e libera ferro das reservas internas. Método: Para detectar a associação entre o polimorfismo do gene IL-6 e os marcadores de anemia, 80 pacientes em hemodiálise (HD) [40 pacientes em HD, negativos para HCV; e 40 em HD, positivos para HCV] foram avaliados por exames químicos de rotina e hemograma completo, além da avaliação da hepcidina sérica, parâmetros do ferro [ferro sérico e ferritina sérica] e marcadores de hepatite C. O polimorfismo da IL-6 -174G/C foi determinado por MS-PCR, enquanto os polimorfismos de IL-6 -597G/A e -572 G/C foram detectados por PCR-SSP. Resultados: A hepcidina não esteve significativamente elevada em pacientes com HCV em comparação com pacientes em hemodiálise negativos para HCV. Uma diferença estatisticamente significativa foi detectada entre os pacientes em HD HCV negativos comparados aos positivos nas frequências de IL-6 -174 G/C e -597 G/A (P≤ 0,01 e P≤ 0,001, respectivamente). Por outro lado, foi relatada uma diferença não significativa entre pacientes em HD HCV negativos e positivos nas frequências de IL-6 -572 G/C. Conclusões: Nosso estudo indicou que os polimorfismos de IL-6 -174 G/C e -597 G/A podem desempenhar um papel na suscetibilidade ao HCV em pacientes em HD. Ainda necessitamos de estudos prospectivos adicionais em uma população maior para confirmar nossos achados.

ABSTRACT Backgrounds: Hepcidin is related to the pathogenesis of chronic renal failure anemia, which is considered a chronic inflammatory state as well as HCV infection. IL-6 stimulates the release of hepcidin from the liver, suppresses intestinal iron uptake, and releases iron from internal stores. Method: To detect the association between IL-6 gene polymorphism and anemia markers, 80 hemodialysis (HD) patients [40 negative HCV HD patients and 40 positive HCV HD patients] were studied by routine chemistry and complete blood count, in addition to the assessment of serum hepcidin, iron parameters [serum iron and serum ferritin], and hepatitis C markers. IL-6 polymorphism -174G/C was determined by MS-PCR, while IL-6 polymorphisms -597G/A and -572 G/C were detected by PCR-SSP. Results: Hepcidin was non-significantly elevated in HCV-positive compared with HCV-negative hemodialysis patients. A statistically significant difference was detected between the negative and positive HCV HD patients in frequencies of IL-6 -174 G/C and -597 G/A (P≤ 0.01 and P≤ 0.001, respectively). On the other hand, a non-significant difference was reported between negative and positive HCV HD patients in the frequencies of IL-6 -572 G/C. Conclusions: Our study indicated that IL-6 -174 G/C and -597 G/A polymorphisms may play a role in HCV susceptibility in HD patients. Additional prospective studies on a larger population are needed to confirm our findings.

Abstract Temperature is one of the main factors that influences cardiovascular functioning in ectotherms. Hence this study sought to investigate heart rate responses of a freshwater crab species, Poppiana dentata, to different temperature exposures since the species generally reside in habitats of fluctuating physicochemistry. Heart rates were non-invasively determined in juvenile crabs for three temperature regimes, each over an 8-day session; A: temperature exposures of 26 °C (2 days) to 30 °C (3 days) to 26 °C (3 days), B: 26 °C (2 days) to 32 °C (3 days) to 26 °C (3 days) and C: a control at constant 26 °C. Heart rate variations were significant among the regimes (P < 0.05), with the median heart rate being highest for regime B (74 beats per minute or bpm) during the temperature insult (32 °C), relative to regime A (70 bpm) and the control (64 bpm). Notably, a suppression and inversion of the diurnal cardiac patterns occurred for regimes’ A and B crabs respectively, with rates from the highest temperature insult not shifting back to pre-insult levels during recovery (26 °C). It is plausible that P. dentata may have compensatory cardiovascular mechanisms that account for these differential heart rate responses, possibly conveying adaptive strategies in its dynamic habitat conditions.

Resumo A temperatura é um dos principais fatores que influenciam o funcionamento cardiovascular dos animais ectotérmicos. Sendo assim, este estudo buscou investigar as respostas de frequência cardíaca de uma espécie de caranguejo de água doce, o Poppiana dentata, após exposição a temperaturas diferentes, visto que esta espécie geralmente reside em habitats de composição físico-química variável. As frequências cardíacas foram determinadas de maneira não invasiva em caranguejos jovens submetidos a três regimes de temperatura, cada um ao longo de uma sessão de oito dias de duração; A: exposição a 26oC (dois dias) para 30 °C (três dias) para 26 °C (dois dias), B: 26 °C (dois dias) para 32 °C (três dias) para 26 °C (três dias) e C: um controle a temperatura constante de 26 °C. As variações de frequência cardíaca foram significativas entre os regimes (P < 0,05), sendo que a frequência cardíaca mediana foi mais alta para o regime B (74 batimentos por minuto ou bpm) durante o insulto térmico (32 °C), em relação ao regime A (70 bpm) e ao controle (64 bpm). Observou-se particularmente uma supressão e uma inversão dos padrões cardíacos diurnos nos caranguejos dos regimes A e B, respectivamente, sem que as frequências do insulto térmico mais alto voltassem aos níveis anteriores ao insulto térmico durante a recuperação (26 °C). É possível que o P. dentata possua mecanismos cardiovasculares compensatórios responsáveis por essas respostas de frequências cardíacas variadas, o que pode indicar estratégias de adaptação às suas condições de habitat dinâmicas.

Abstract Despite the enhancement in the flexural capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) members externally strengthened with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, debonding of the FRP from the concrete substrate at its ends is a major concern. This premature failure mostly occurs at a low fraction of the FRP rupture strain, thus compromises the effectiveness of FRP-strengthening. This paper presents a review on plate-end (PE) debonding as a critical failure mode in FRP-strengthened beams. The available models for predicting this mode of failure are also presented and assessed against experimental database established from previous studies. The precautions recommended by the relevant design codes to prevent PE debonding are also discussed and assessed. Based on the assessment, several conclusions are emphasized, including the inaccuracy in predictions of PE debonding given by most available models when compared with the experimental database and the inconsistency among these models. The assessment also revealed that the precautions recommended by most of the design codes are not adequate to prevent PE debonding.

The lockdown and physical distancing strategies imposed to combat COVID-19 have caused seismic shifts at all levels of society. Hospitals have been particularly affected. Healthcare workers (HCW's) wore PPE during all patient interactions and visitors were prohibited. Life for a patient became lonelier and for those with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) measures were even more severe. HCW's must treat patients following a biopsychosocial approach and promote communication between patients and loved ones. We implemented a low cost Video Call Visit system at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town. In this article we discuss the elements of a successful implementation and potential pitfalls in the context of a pandemic, notably cross-infection and privacy. Rapid but responsible innovation using 21st century tools was required to address the many challenges of the pandemic, including improving the lived experience for patients and families. These should be intended to last after the pandemic has passed.

Abstract Asparagus africanus Lam., Asparagaceae, is used traditionally as medicinal plant for treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders and for birth related applications. This study aimed to evaluate anti-implantation potential, screening for bioactive phytochemicals and to determine its toxicity. Thirty healthy rats were distributed into five groups (n = 6). Pregnant rats were orally administered vehicle and aqueous extract A. africanus at three different doses thrice daily for seven days. Misoprostol 300 µg/kg bw was used as positive control. All rats were laparotomized 24 h after the last dose and number of live fetuses, implantations and resorption sites were enumerated, and ovaries were harvested for histopathology. The phytochemical analysis was carried out using LC/MS. Acute toxicity was investigated, the animals were randomly grouped into five groups (n = 3); control, four different doses of aqueous extract A. africanus at a single dose treatment and rats were observed for 14 days. Prenatal study demonstrated that 300 mg/kg bw of extract and misoprostol were significantly increased the percentage of anti-implantation as compared to untreated rats. Histopathology of ovaries showed a dose dependent toxicity. LC/MS revealed the presence of steroidal saponins; asparasaponin II, sarsasapogenin, spirostans, and stigmasterol. The mean weight gain of rats treated with 2000 mg/kg bw of aqueous extract was significantly reduced (p = 0.032) compared to control group. In conclusion, the aqueous extract A. africanus has anti-implantation effect in female rats and is safe up to 2000 mg/kg bw. In addition, it contains some potential steroidal saponins, which could be used to explain its anti-implantation activity, however this finding needs further pharmacological studies to confirm the antifertility activities.

Unsaturated soil hydraulic conductivity is a main parameter in agricultural and environmental studies, necessary for predicting and managing water and solute transport in soils. This parameter is difficult to measure in agricultural fields; thus, a simple and practical estimation method would be preferable, and quantitative methods (analytical and numerical) to predict the field parameters should be developed. Field experiments were conducted to collect water quality data to model the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of a sandy loam soil. A mini disk infiltrometer (MDI) was used to measure soil infiltration rate. Input variables included electrical conductivity and the sodium adsorption ratio of irrigation water. Suction rate (pressure head), soil bulk density, and soil moisture content acted as inputs, with unsaturated soil hydraulic conductivity as output. The performance of Gaussian process regression (GPR) was analysed, with multiple linear regression (LR) and multi-layer perceptron (MLP) models used for comparison. Three performance criteria were compared: correlation coefficient (r), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). The simulations employed the Waikato environment for knowledge analysis (WEKA) open source tool. The results indicate that the GPR with Pearson VII function-based universal kernel (PUK kernel), cache size 250007, Omega 1.0 and Sigma 1.0 performs better than other kernels when evaluating test split data, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9646. The RMSEs for GPR (PUK kernel), MLP, and LR were 1.16 × 10−04, 1.87 × 10−04, and 2.22 × 10−04 cm·s−¹, respectively. Predictive data mining algorithms (DMA) enable an estimate of unknown values based on patterns in a database. Therefore, the present methodology can be put to use in predictive tools to manage water and solute transport in soils, as the GPR model provides much greater accuracy than the LR and MLP models in predicting the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of a sandy loam soil.