Abstract This is the first national report of a fatal wound caused by a compressed air weapon projectile. Objective: To raise awareness of the risks posed by this type of weaponry and the need for its regulation. Case report: During a gathering of adolescents in a rural area, one of them fired a compressed air rifle he owned from a distance of 25 meters. One of the projectiles struck one of the young individuals, penetrating the thorax and causing hemopneumothorax, followed by cardiopulmonary arrest, irreversible brain damage, and death 35 days later. During the autopsy, a 5.5 mm diameter, 0.84-gram lead projectile was recovered, adhered to the left ventricle. Discussion: International literature reports cases and series where this type of weapon caused serious injuries and deaths, including penetrating chest trauma. There is a mistaken underestimation of the risks posed by so-called “less-lethal weapons,” especially compressed air guns. While this issue is a global concern, in Uruguay and other countries, these weapons are considered sporting or recreational and are freely sold. Conclusions: 1) Emergency and forensic physicians must consider the potential for compressed air weapon projectiles to damage vital organs. 2) It is essential to debunk the misconception that this type of weapon is harmless to humans. 3) Public authorities should regulate the sale, possession, and use of these weapons and implement awareness campaigns as part of primary prevention.

Resumo Este é o primeiro relato nacional de uma ferida fatal provocada por projétil de uma arma de ar comprimido. Objetivo: Alertar sobre os riscos que esse tipo de armamento representa e a necessidade de sua regulamentação. Relato de caso: Durante uma reunião de adolescentes em uma área rural, um deles disparou um rifle de ar comprimido de sua propriedade a uma distância de 25 metros. Um dos projéteis atingiu um dos jovens, penetrando no tórax, causando hemopneumotórax, seguido de parada cardiorrespiratória, lesão cerebral irreversível e morte 35 dias depois. Na autópsia, foi recuperado um projétil de chumbo de 5,5 mm de diâmetro e 0,84 gramas aderido ao ventrículo esquerdo. Discussão: A literatura internacional relata casos e séries em que este tipo de armamento causou lesões graves e mortes, incluindo traumas penetrantes no tórax. Existe uma percepção equivocada de baixo risco associada às chamadas “armas menos letais”, especialmente as de ar comprimido. Embora mundialmente se alerte sobre esta situação, no Uruguai e em outros países, essas armas são tratadas como esportivas ou recreativas, e sua comercialização é totalmente livre. Conclusões: 1) Médicos de emergência e legistas devem considerar a possibilidade de que projéteis de armas de ar comprimido comprometam órgãos vitais. 2) É necessário desconstruir a crença de que esse tipo de armamento é inofensivo para as pessoas. 3) Seria benéfico, para a prevenção primária, que as autoridades públicas regulamentassem a venda, posse e uso deste tipo de armamento, além de implementar campanhas de conscientização.

Resumen Se presenta la primera comunicación nacional de una herida mortal provocada por un proyectil de arma de aire comprimido. Objetivo: Alertar sobre los riesgos que supone esta clase de armamento y la necesidad de su regulación. Reporte del caso: En el contexto de una reunión de adolescentes en una zona rural, uno de ellos disparó un rifle de aire comprimido de su propiedad desde una distancia de 25 metros. Uno de los proyectiles que alcanzó a uno de los jóvenes, penetró en tórax, causó hemoneumotórax, seguido de paro cardiorrespiratorio, con agravio encefálico irreversible y muerte 35 días después. En la autopsia se recuperó un proyectil de plomo de 5,5 mm de diámetro y 0,84 gramos de peso adherido al ventrículo izquierdo. Discusión: La bibliografía internacional reporta casos y series en que este tipo de armamento causó lesiones de entidad y muerte, incluidos traumatismos penetrantes de tórax. Existe una errónea baja percepción del riesgo de las llamadas “armas menos letales”, en especial las de aire comprimido. Aunque a nivel mundial se alerta sobre esta situación, en Uruguay y otros países son tratadas como deportivas o recreativas y su comercialización es totalmente libre. Conclusiones: 1) Los médicos de emergencia y forenses debemos tener en cuenta la posibilidad de que los proyectiles de armas de aire comprimido comprometan órganos vitales. 2) Es necesario derribar la falsa creencia de que este tipo de armamento es inofensivo para las personas. 3) Sería beneficioso para la prevención primaria que las autoridades públicas regularan la venta, porte y uso de este tipo de armamento, así como la implementación de campañas de concientización.

Abstract The aim of this text is to present an educational proposal that challenges the way adolescents in school think, and, consequently, how they relate to uncertainty, change, and otherness. To this end, the text starts from the formulation of a "method" -a key term in this work- based on the philosophies of the Frankfurt School and Edgar Morin, which can address the multidimensionality and multireferentiality of reality: dialectical and complex thinking. It is believed that only such a way of thinking, one that turns the individual into a strategist, will produce citizens capable of taking responsibility for their democracies. The connection between education and politics is clarified, with the first positioned as the foundation and engine of the latter. The educational proposal for forming complex citizens is then described, which is based on the recovery of a profound culture capable of deepening adolescents’ thinking and distancing them from simplistic and totalizing discourses. Finally, it is concluded that the only way to avoid new barbarities, such as Auschwitz -both as an extermination camp and, more importantly, as a metaphor for the place knowledge can lead without an educated thought to guide it- is to promote an education for complexity, understanding, and freedom.

Resumen El presente texto tiene por objetivo plantear una propuesta educativa que complejice la manera de pensar de los adolescentes escolarizados y, por lo tanto, su manera de convivir con la incertidumbre, el devenir y la otredad. Con miras a ello, se parte de la formulación de un “método” -palabra clave en este trabajo- basado en las filosofías de la Escuela de Frankfurt y Edgar Morin, que sea capaz de hacerse cargo de la multidimensionalidad y multirreferencialidad de la realidad: el pensar dialéctico y complejo. Se considera que solo un pensar de estas características, un pensar que convierte al sujeto en estratega, construirá ciudadanos capaces de hacerse cargo de sus democracias. Se procura esclarecer la conexión entre educación y política para poner la primera como base y motor de la segunda. A continuación, se describe la propuesta educativa para formar ciudadanos complejos, la cual se basa en la recuperación de una cultura profunda capaz de complejizar el pensar de los adolescentes y alejarlos de discursos simplistas y totalizadores. Finalmente, se concluye que la única manera de evitar nuevas barbaries como la de Auschwitz -como campo de exterminio, pero, sobre todo, como metáfora del lugar al que se puede llevar el conocimiento sin un pensamiento educado que lo guíe- es promover una educación para la complejidad, la comprensión y la libertad.

Resumo Introdução A nefrite lúpica (NL) afeta até 50% dos pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) e pode levar à falência renal e necessidade de transplante renal (TR). Os resultados em comparação à TR por outras causas são controversos, e visamos avaliar evolução clínica, complicações e sobrevida de pacientes com NL submetidos a TR. Metodologia Coorte retrospectiva de 99 TR por NL de 1977 a 2023 em um único centro, divididos em dois grupos conforme o período de imunossupressão: G1 (antes de 2009) e G2 (a partir de 2009). As características clínicas, demográficas e evolução clínica foram comparadas. Resultados Pacientes eram na maioria brancos (65,9%), sexo feminino (86,9%), no primeiro TR (83,8%). A idade mediana foi 20,0 (11,5–25,0) anos no diagnóstico de LES e 30,0 (23,0–40,0) anos no TR. Biópsia do enxerto renal foi indicada para 46% dos pacientes, com rejeição em 23% e recorrência de NL em 5%. Avaliando os dois períodos distintos de imunossupressão padrão, não houve diferença na mediana de taxa de filtração glomerular e de proteinúria em 1 ano e em 5 anos, nem da sobrevida em 5 anos. Em todo o acompanhamento, 37,4% dos pacientes perderam o enxerto e 13% morreram com enxerto funcionante. Nenhuma perda foi atribuída à recorrência de NL. Conclusão TR é um tratamento bem-sucedido na NL, com taxas de sobrevida do enxerto semelhantes às de transplantes por outras causas. A recorrência de NL não esteve associada à perda do enxerto renal. (NL 50 (LES . (TR) controversos 9 197 202 centro G antes 2009 2009. clínicas comparadas 65,9%, 659 65,9% , 65 (65,9%) 86,9%, 869 86,9% 86 (86,9%) 83,8%. 838 83,8% 83 8 (83,8%) 200 20 0 20, 11,5–25,0 115250 11 25 (11,5–25,0 300 30 30, 23,0–40,0 230400 23 40 (23,0–40,0 46 5% padrão acompanhamento 374 37 4 37,4 13 funcionante bemsucedido bem sucedido (TR 19 65,9 6 (65,9% 86,9 (86,9% 83,8 (83,8% 2 11,5–25, 11525 (11,5–25, 3 23,0–40, 23040 (23,0–40, 37, 65, (65,9 86, (86,9 83, (83,8 11,5–25 1152 (11,5–25 23,0–40 2304 (23,0–40 (65, (86, (83, 11,5–2 115 (11,5–2 23,0–4 230 (23,0–4 (65 (86 (83 11,5– (11,5– 23,0– (23,0– (6 (8 11,5 (11,5 23,0 (23,0 ( 11, (11, 23, (23, (11 (23 (1 (2

Abstract Introduction Lupus nephritis (LN) affects up to 50% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and may lead to kidney failure and require kidney transplantation (KT). Results compared to KT from other causes are controversial, and we aimed to assess the clinical course, complications, and survival of LN patients undergoing KT. Methodology Retrospective cohort of 99 KT due to LN from 1977 to 2023 at a single center, divided into two groups according to the immunosuppression period: G1 (before 2009) and G2 (from 2009 onwards). Clinical and demographic characteristics, as well as clinical evolution, were compared. Results Patients were predominantly white (65.9%), female (86.9%), in their first KT (83.8%). The median age was 20.0 (11.5–25.0) years at SLE diagnosis, and 30.0 (23.0–40.0) years at KT. Renal graft biopsy was indicated in 46% of patients, with rejection observed in 23%, and LN recurrence in 5%. When assessing the two distinct periods of standard immunosuppression, there was no difference in median glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria at 1 and 5 years, nor in 5-year survival. Throughout follow-up, 37.4% of patients lost their graft, and 13% died with a functioning graft. No graft loss was attributed to LN recurrence. Conclusion KT is a successful treatment for LN, with graft survival rates similar to those of transplants from other causes. LN recurrence was not associated with renal graft loss. (LN 50 (SLE . (KT) controversial course complications 9 197 202 center period G before 200 onwards. onwards onwards) characteristics evolution 65.9%, 659 65.9% , 65 (65.9%) 86.9%, 869 86.9% 86 (86.9%) 83.8%. 838 83.8% 83 8 (83.8%) 20 0 20. 11.5–25.0 115250 11 25 (11.5–25.0 diagnosis 300 30 30. 23.0–40.0 230400 23 40 (23.0–40.0 46 23% 5% 5year year followup, followup follow up, follow-up 374 37 4 37.4 13 (KT 19 65.9 6 (65.9% 86.9 (86.9% 83.8 (83.8% 2 11.5–25. 11525 (11.5–25. 3 23.0–40. 23040 (23.0–40. 37. 65. (65.9 86. (86.9 83. (83.8 11.5–25 1152 (11.5–25 23.0–40 2304 (23.0–40 (65. (86. (83. 11.5–2 115 (11.5–2 23.0–4 230 (23.0–4 (65 (86 (83 11.5– (11.5– 23.0– (23.0– (6 (8 11.5 (11.5 23.0 (23.0 ( 11. (11. 23. (23. (11 (23 (1 (2

This article explored the role of institutional culture in instilling social justice in the workplace, sometimes referred to as organisational justice. The concern is whether institutional culture plays any role in social justice at higher education institutions. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the role institutional culture can play in enhancing organisational justice, due to workplace injustices that persist at institutions of higher learning. In the past decade, research has focused on discrimination, gender issues and corruption in the workplace. However, there has been little focus on changing the organisational culture of an organisation where managers need employees to achieve their objectives, sometimes to the detriment of social justice. Employee job performance and satisfaction are considered key variables that can influence organisational performance, and this pressure may lead to work injustice and affect teaching and learning. In the process of describing the role institutional culture can play towards enhancing organisational justice, we used the views of academics, students and support staff and analysed institutional policies from several universities that are part of the space and spatiality project in Sub-Saharan Africa by means of a qualitative enquiry. This article established that the culture of an institution plays a pivotal role in entrenching or affecting justice at institutions of higher education. The findings revealed that there is, generally, non-non-compliance with institutional policies which affects teaching and learning, thereby contributing to workplace injustice which negatively affects various stakeholders in institutions of higher learning. The article recommends that an institutional-wide policy monitoring and evaluation system be developed and implemented and that the culture of the institution be aligned with the policies in place.

RESUMO O período gestacional é caracterizado por alterações fisiológicas que acarretam desfechos que evoluem negativamente. A pandemia de covid-19 teve altas taxas de óbito em mulheres no mundo. Este estudo objetivou analisar as repercussões da pandemia de covid-19 no perfil epidemiológico da Mortalidade Materna. Trata-se de um estudo transversal comparativo entre os períodos anterior (2018-2019) e inicial da pandemia de covid-19 (2020-2021). Os dados foram coletados da base da Secretaria de Estado de Saúde do Mato Grosso do Sul e analisados no R-Studio. Foram analisadas 118 mortes maternas. 51 ocorreram entre 2018-2019 e 67 entre 2020-2021. A razão de Mortalidade Materna passou de 57,97 para 80,25. Anos Potenciais de Vida Perdidos aumentaram de 1774,41 para 2237,34. Puérperas tiveram elevadas taxas de mortalidade. A doença respiratória teve razão de prevalência de 2,18 (IC=1,34-3,52) para o período de 2020-2021, quando comparado com 2018-2019. Os resultados evidenciam a vulnerabilidade das mulheres no ciclo gravídico puerperal às doenças com alto contágio e com virulência elevada, como a covid-19. A ampliação de acesso ocasiona prevenção de óbitos evitáveis, que desencadeiam repercussões sociais e econômicas negativas para toda a população.

ABSTRACT The gestational period is characterized by physiological changes that lead to outcomes that evolve negatively. The COVID-19 pandemic had high death rates in women worldwide. This study aimed to analyze the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiological profile of maternal mortality. This is a cross-sectional study comparing the previous (2018-2019) and initial periods of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021). Data were collected from the base of the Mato Grosso do Sul State Health Secretariat and analyzed in R-Studio. 118 maternal deaths were analyzed. 51 occurred between 2018-2019 and 67 between 2020-2021. The Maternal Mortality ratio increased from. 57.97 to 80.25. Potential Years of Life Lost increased from 1774.41 to 2237.34. Postpartum women had high mortality rates. Respiratory disease had a prevalence ratio of 2.18 (CI=1.34-3.52) for the 2020-2021 period, when compared to 2018-2019. The results show the vulnerability of women in the puerperal pregnancy cycle to diseases with high contagion and high virulence, such as COVID-19. The expansion of access leads to the prevention of avoidable deaths, which trigger negative social and economic repercussions for the entire population.

RESUMO O Retorno ao Trabalho (RT) envolve diversos atores sociais na construção de estratégias baseadas em objetivos comuns que facilitam a reintegração e manutenção dos trabalhadores no trabalho. Este processo deve considerar os aspectos biopsicossociais dos trabalhadores, bem como as condições do local de trabalho. Buscou-se identificar os desafios do RT na perspectiva dos trabalhadores após afastamento por agravos do trabalho. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa. Foram entrevistados oito trabalhadores vítimas de doenças ou acidentes ocupacionais atendidos por um Centro de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador. Os discursos foram analisados considerando abordagens teórico-metodológicas do RT, da Psicodinâmica do Trabalho e da Análise do Discurso. Os resultados mostraram que o RT continua a ser uma experiência difícil e os trabalhadores não recebem apoio eficaz dos diferentes atores sociais; há despreparo e incipiência dos serviços na gestão dos casos, surgindo e intensificando sentimentos negativos ao longo do processo de RT. Acredita-se que os Centros de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador devem liderar o processo de RT com o envolvimento dos atores sociais e centrar-se nas necessidades dos trabalhadores vítimas de agravos do trabalho.

RESUMEN La Reincorporación al Trabajo (RT) involucra a varios actores sociales para construir estrategias colectivas e integradas basadas en objetivos compartidos que faciliten la reintegración y retención de los empleados en el trabajo. Este proceso debe considerar los aspectos biopsicosociales de los trabajadores y las condiciones del lugar de trabajo. Esta investigación cualitativa tuvo como objetivo identificar los desafíos de RT desde la perspectiva de los trabajadores después de una licencia por enfermedad relacionada con el trabajo. Entrevistamos a ocho trabajadores que fueron víctimas de enfermedades o accidentes ocupacionales y que fueron atendidos por un Servicio Público de Salud Ocupacional brasileño. Analizamos las declaraciones considerando enfoques teóricos y metodológicos de la RT, Psicodinámica del Trabajo y Análisis del Discurso. Los resultados mostraron que la RT persiste como una experiencia problemática y los trabajadores no reciben el apoyo adecuado de las partes interesadas. Los servicios están sin preparación y son incipientes en la gestión de casos, emergiendo y escalando sentimientos negativos a lo largo del proceso de la RT. Creemos que los Servicios Públicos de Salud Ocupacional deben liderar el proceso de la RT con la participación de las partes interesadas y centrarse en las necesidades de los trabajadores afectados por enfermedades.

ABSTRACT Return to Work (RTW) involves several social stakeholders to build collective and integrated strategies based on shared objectives that facilitate employees’ reintegration and retention at work. This process must consider the biopsychosocial aspects of workers and workplace conditions. This qualitative research aimed to identify RTW challenges from workers’ perspectives after work-related sick leave. We interviewed eight workers who were victims of occupational diseases or accidents and were treated by a Brazilian Public Occupational Health Service. We analyzed the statements considering theoretical and methodological approaches of RTW, Psychodynamics of Work, and Discourse Analysis. The results showed that RTW persists as a problematic experience and workers do not receive adequate support from stakeholders. Services are unprepared and incipient in case management, emerging and escalating negative feelings throughout the RTW process. We believe that Public Occupational Health Services should lead the RTW process with the involvement of stakeholders and focus on disease-affected workers’ needs.

BACKGROUND: In resource-limited emergency settings, blood testing is crucial for diagnostics but can lead to financial strain and diagnostic challenges if used indiscriminately. This quality improvement project (QIP) aimed to identify commonly requested blood tests in an emergency department (ED), assess their appropriateness, and establish evidence-based guidelines for judicious use. This project was conducted during the family medicine rotation of interns at a tertiary hospital in a semi-urban area. METHODS: The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) method was employed. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected. An educational intervention, featuring informative visual aids was implemented to help guide the medical practitioners in the unit on appropriate blood test ordering RESULTS: The intervention led to a significant 48.7% reduction in total daily blood tests ordered, with a notable decrease in full-panel requests and an increase in individual test ordering. CONCLUSION: Educational interventions, aimed at guiding blood test requests, can significantly reduce unnecessary testing. Long-term data collection is necessary to confirm sustained changes in practice. CONTRIBUTION: Our findings indicate that clear, evidence-based guidelines for the judicious use of blood tests can positively impact test ordering, particularly in resource-limited settings, and suggest opportunities for further long-term studies.

Diesel particulate matter (DPM) is the particulate component of diesel exhaust, which includes diesel soot and aerosols. When released into the atmosphere, DPM can take the form of individual particles or chain aggregates, with most in the invisible sub-micrometer range of 100 nanometres. The main particulate fraction of diesel exhaust consists of fine particles and because of their small size, inhaled particles may easily penetrate deep into the lungs. The rough surfaces of these particles make it easy for them to bind with other toxins in the environment, thus increasing the hazards of particle inhalation. DPM is a significant health hazard in underground mining operations, where the use of diesel-powered equipment in confined spaces can lead to high levels of exposure among people working in these environments. Classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), DPM has been linked to severe health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as an increased risk of lung cancer. Effective management of DPM is essential not only for protecting people's health but also for ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining operational efficiency, and safeguarding the long-term viability of mining companies.

Amidst the bustling activity of various congregations and denominations, the junior and senior catechism curriculum often proceeds without deliberate design. As a result, insufficient attention is given to the structure and potential shortcomings of programmes aimed at fostering faith formation among young individuals. This oversight can lead to young people disengaging from the church - a phenomenon often referred to as 'dropout' [uitval]. This issue presents a significant challenge and source of frustration for many denominations, particularly those within the Reformed family of churches. In the context of this study, 'dropout' describes the cessation of participation in congregational activities typically following the completion of the catechisation process. Empirical research conducted to explore this issue, underscores the crucial role of well-designed educational resources in supporting faith formation to address or gain a deeper understanding of young people and addressing premature church disengagement. Using questionnaires, pastors, catechists, and adolescents shared their perspectives, unanimously emphasising the importance of effective study materials in nurturing faith and shaping disciples. INTRADISCIPLINARY/INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS: This article seeks to highlight the significance of a carefully designed and developed educational resource or syllabus in promoting faith formation among young people.

Selecting ground motion prediction models (GMPM) is crucial in assessing seismic hazard levels in a specific region. This study investigates the influence of ground motion model (GMM) selection on seismic hazard assessment in Johannesburg, South Africa. Most seismic events affecting Johannesburg are related to mining activities and water ingress into the underground mine voids. The most seismically active regions in South Africa include areas around Klerksdorp, Welkom, and Carletonville. These regions experience a significant number of earthquakes, with mining activities being a major factor contributing to seismic events. Ten ground motion prediction equations were selected from regions of similar tectonics setting and were assessed to see if they correspond to the available local data. Six of these were also compared to the ground motions produced by the earthquake of 14 August 2014, which occurred in the Orkney area, one of the mining areas in South Africa. Sensitivity analyses were also carried out to assess the influence of ground motion prediction equations (GMPE) on the seismic hazard of Johannesburg. The results indicate that the choice of GMPM significantly affects the estimation of seismic hazard levels in Johannesburg. Different GMM can lead to varying ground shaking intensity predictions, impacting risk assessments and engineering design considerations. The findings highlight the importance of carefully selecting appropriate GMM tailored to Johannesburg's specific geological and tectonic characteristics. Understanding how different models perform in this region is essential for accurate seismic risk mitigation strategies.

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the different therapeutic strategies prescribed in orofunctional rehabilitation of the tongue musculature. Research strategies Regional Portal of the Virtual Health Library for Latin America and the Caribbean, Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scientific Electronic Library Online, SciVerse Scopus and Cochrane databases were consulted, with the descriptors "exercise therapy” OR “physiology” OR “musculoskeletal physiological phenomena” OR “digestive system and oral physiological phenomena” AND “speech therapy” OR “myofunctional therapy” OR “speech language pathology” AND “tongue”. Studies indexed until October 5, 2023, were included. Selection criteria Studies with an interventionist design with exercises for tongue musculature were included. Data analysis Three reviewers selected, extracted and tabulated the information from the studies. The PEDro scale was used to measure the studies’ methodological quality. Results 1.036 studies were found, and 18 were included in this review. The samples varied between 16 and 148 subjects, aged between 4 and 95 years. Only seven studies clearly described the exercises execution, and the number of sets, repetitions, and contraction duration. Fourteen studies clearly defined the exercises’ objectives. The average score of the PEDro Scale analysis was 6.9, and 56.25% of the studies scored ≥7. Conclusion There is a lack of a clear description of the exercises’ goals and their clinical indications, which can lead to confusion and inadequate prescription. Future studies will need to provide a clear description of the outcomes, in order that we can define, according to the exercises and training program specificity, what the effects of different training methodological parameters in this musculature are.

RESUMO A variação das características de precipitação sob o fenômeno El-Niño-Oscilação Sul (ENSO), como parte dos impactos da variabilidade climática, aumenta os potenciais riscos de declínio da produtividade nas áreas de cultivo de arroz ao redor do mundo. O impacto dos eventos ENSO em áreas de cultivo de arroz no Delta do Mekong (MD) foi examinado. O estudo explorou como o ENSO afeta os padrões de precipitação e, subsequentemente, influencia a produtividade do arroz na região. A análise de dados de precipitação de 12 estações entre 1985 e 2022 revela mudanças significativas no tempo da estação chuvosa devido aos eventos ENSO. Eventos La-Niña levam a um início médio de 22 dias antes da estação chuvosa, enquanto eventos fortes de El-Niño causam atrasos de até 24 dias. Essas mudanças impactam diretamente a produtividade do arroz, com La-Niña associado a ligeiros aumentos de produtividade e El-Niño com reduções substanciais. O estudo destaca a vulnerabilidade das áreas de cultivo de arroz no MD à variabilidade climática causada pelo ENSO, enfatizando a necessidade de estratégias proativas de adaptação para assegurar a segurança alimentar.

ABSTRACT The variation of rainfall features under the El-Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, as part of the impacts of climate variability, enhances the potential risk of rice yield decline for rice cultivation regions around the world. The impact of ENSO events on rice cultivation regions in the Mekong Delta (MD) is examined. The study explores how ENSO affects rainfall patterns and subsequently influences rice yield in the region. Analysis of rainfall data from 12 stations between 1985 and 2022 reveals significant shifts in wet season timing due to ENSO events. La-Niña events lead to an average 22-days earlier onset of the wet season, while strong El-Niño events cause delays of up to 24 days. These changes directly impact rice yield, with La-Niña being associated with slight yield increases and El-Niño with substantial yield reductions. The study highlights the vulnerability of rice cultivation regions in the MD to ENSO-driven climate variability, emphasizing the need for proactive adaptation strategies to ensure food security.

Milk is a worldwide consumed product, and therefore, quality control is essential. The addition of salicylic acid (SA) represents a common type of adulteration, used to reduce the growth of microorganisms and extend shelf life. However, excessive ingestion of SA can cause gastrointestinal issues and even lead to death. This study describes the development of a simple analytical method for the determination of salicylic acid in milk based on the colorimetric reaction between the analyte and FeIII ions. The quantification was performed by digital image treatment. Different linear ranges were obtained for each type of milk analyzed: 100 to 1500 mg L-1 for raw milk, 300 to 2000 mg L-1 for skimmed milk, 500 to 2000 mg L-1 for powdered milk, 100 to 2000 mg L-1 for whole milk, and 100 to 1500 mg L-1 for lactose-free milk. The accuracy of the method was obtained by comparison with a reference method, and the recovery percentage provided values between 71 and 120%. An RSD (relative standard deviation) of 0.7% was obtained. The parameters evaluation resulted in a simple and miniaturized analytical method without a sample preparation step for the determination of SA in milk, serving as a tool for identifying adulteration practices.

Abstract The lamb meat tenderness acceptance threshold has been little studied and has never been evaluated for the Brazilian population. So, this study aimed to find the maximum acceptable shear force for Brazilian lamb meat consumers. Three muscles were previously tested and chosen Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL), psoas major and semimembranosus muscles received different treatments in the post-slaughter period (Hot deboning followed by cooling on ice, Standard carcass cooling and Ageing), aiming to create samples with varying levels of tenderness, which were evaluated by acceptance tests and descriptive analysis of tenderness by a trained team. Sarcomere length, myofibril fragmentation index, proximate composition, weight loss and pH analyses were performed to observe the biochemical phenomena in each treatment's meats. Variations caused in samples by treatments were more significant than differences inherent to the different muscles. Pearson and Multiple Factor correlation analyses indicated positive correlations between sarcomere length, myofibril fragmentation index and the scores assigned in sensory tests by 140 panelists and a trained team. Both groups noted that the differences between the meats in terms of tenderness and the sarcomere length also influenced the perception of juiciness observed by the groups. The maximum shear force indicated as acceptable for lamb meat was 44.1 N. The results obtained are important to guide the lamb meat producer for certain practices in the post-slaughter moments, avoiding actions that lead to sarcomere shortening and encouraging the production of aged meats.

Malaria, caused by Plasmodium spp., remains a major public health problem. Cerebral malaria is its deadliest form, with a 15-25% mortality rate, despite artemisinin-based treatments. In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) strictly defines cerebral malaria as the presence of coma, 1 h after a seizure or the correction of hypoglycemia, in patients with P. falciparum parasitemia. Consequently, 25% of survivors experience neurocognitive and behavioral sequelae, particularly in children. However, more recently, neurocognitive and behavioral impairments were also reported in severe non-cerebral malaria, non-severe malaria, and even during asymptomatic Plasmodium infection. Such impairments have been observed in school-aged children, the elderly, and in animal models without classic cerebral malaria pathology. Additionally, mild vasogenic edema has been detected in neuroimaging of patients with severe non-cerebral and non-severe P. falciparum malaria. Therefore, given that approximately 98% of malaria cases in the world are non-severe, neurocognitive and behavioral sequelae may account for a significant proportion of global malaria morbidity. Taken together, these observations suggest that systemic inflammation from malaria, even without traditional cerebral malaria signs, can disrupt brain function and lead to long-term sequelae. We propose that the current definition of cerebral malaria may not fully capture the observed evidence and a new conceptualization is necessary to encompass these findings.