Abstract Objectives: Fungal infections (FI) pose a public health concern and significantly increase mortality rates, especially within Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). Thus, this study aimed to investigate epidemiological indicators, risk factors, and lethality predictors associated with FI in a NICU. Methods: This study included 1,510 neonates admitted to the NICU of a reference hospital in Brazil between 2015 and 2022. Demographic data, such as sex, birth weight, gestational age, and use of invasive devices were analyzed. Results: Thirty neonates developed invasive FI, totaling 33 episodes and an incidence of 1.2 per 1,000 patient days. Candida albicans was the most frequent species (52.9 %), the bloodstream was the most affected site (78.9 %), and 72.7 % of infections occurred between 2015 and 2018. The lethality rate associated with FI was 33.3 %, and 90 % of deaths occurred within 30 days of diagnosis of infection. Weight < 750 g, prolonged hospital stay, use of parenteral nutrition, and broad-spectrum antimicrobials were independent risk factors for infection occurrence, especially glycopeptides and 4th generation cephalosporins, having a considerable role in the increase in fungal infections. Weight < 750 g was considered a significant predictor of lethality, and C. albicans had the highest lethality rate (40 %). Conclusion: These findings highlight the elevated lethality rate associated with these infections, reinforcing the importance of developing strategies to control FI within NICU.

Abstract This work presents the first results obtained from developing an experimental program that aims to generate a local frame of reference for the fatty acid profiles of the main resources available in the lower basin of the Colorado river (Buenos Aires district). In this case, the purpose was to identify the fatty acid composition of fish resources and evaluate the main transformations they underwent during cooking. Replicas of archaeological vessels were made, marine fish of different species (sea catfish, whitemouth croaker, narrownose smooth-hound, conger eel, and whiting) were boiled, and the fatty acids of the raw and cooked meat, the cooking liquid, and those of the contents on the internal walls of the vessels were measured. The results obtained showed that fatty acids could be detected in all samples. However, if those identified in the raw meat of each species are compared with those detected after boiling, it is observed that the cooking event generated the loss and/or degradation of some fatty acids, mainly unsaturated ones. Fatty acids (e.g., stearic, palmitic, and oleic acid) present in most food resources (e.g., herbivores and vegetables) were preserved in the vessels. However, fatty acids detected in the vessels such as the polyunsaturated belonging to the C20 group of sea catfish and whitemouth croaker, the eicosenoic acid of sea catfish, and the monounsaturated of the C22 group identified for the conger eel could be considered diagnostic fatty acids of marine fish.

Resumen En este trabajo se presentan los primeros resultados obtenidos del desarrollo de un programa experimental que tiene como objetivo generar un marco de referencia local de los perfiles de ácidos grasos de los principales recursos disponibles en el curso inferior del río Colorado (Pcia. de Buenos Aires). En este caso, el propósito fue conocer la composición de ácidos grasos de recursos ictícolas y evaluar las principales transformaciones que estos sufren durante la cocción. Para ello, se confeccionaron réplicas de vasijas arqueológicas, se hirvieron peces marinos de distintas especies (bagre de mar, corvina rubia, gatuzo, congrio y pescadilla) y se analizaron los ácidos grasos de la carne cruda y cocida, del líquido de cocción y de los contenidos en las paredes internas de las vasijas. Los resultados obtenidos evidenciaron que en todas las muestras de peces se pudieron detectar ácidos grasos. Sin embargo, si se comparan los identificados en la carne cruda de cada especie con los detectados con posterioridad al hervido, se observa que el evento de cocción generó la pérdida y/o degradación de algunos de ellos, principalmente de los ácidos insaturados. En las vasijas se preservaron los ácidos grasos (e.g., ácido esteárico, palmítico y oleico) que comúnmente están presentes en la mayoría de los recursos alimenticios (e.g., herbívoros, vegetales). No obstante, los ácidos grasos detectados en las vasijas como los poliinsaturados pertenecientes al grupo C20 de bagre de mar y corvina rubia, el ácido eicosenoico de bagre de mar y el monoinsaturado del grupo C22 identificado para el congrio podrían ser considerados ácidos grasos diagnósticos de peces marinos.

In this work, the molecular properties of the (E)-3-(4-nitrobenzylidene)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,3-dihydro-1-(phenylsulfonyl)-quinolin-4(1H)-one were studied, both in a solid and isolated state. The effect of changing the substituent groups –OCH3 and –Cl in the phenyl portion was verified, where the structural and electronic properties were compared. The density functional theory was employed using the hybrid exchange-correlation functional with long-range correction M06-2X, combined with the polarized and diffuse basis set 6-311++G(d,p), in the gas phase. The electronic structure was also analyzed by frontier molecular orbitals and molecular electrostatic potential maps, where information about its chemical reactivity was obtained. Also, the supramolecular arrangement was analyzed by Hirshfeld surface (HS), 2D fingerprint plots, and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM). The natural bond orbitals (NBO) calculations were carried out to analyze the stability and hyperconjugation energy. Finally, molecular docking was carried out to investigate the affinities of the quinoline-chalcone with a bacterial protein (Agrobacterium pathogens) and an ecdysone receptor-potential pesticidal activity. The results encourage further in vitro and in vivo analyses of the two kinds of organisms investigated.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to assess the effect of increasing levels of babassu cake on the ingestive behaviour of dairy heifers in confinement. Twenty-four heifers with an average initial weight of 190.8 ± 40.8 kg were fed diets containing babassu cake (0, 100, 200, 300 mg kg-1 (dry matter basis) as a substitute for sugar cane, in a completely randomised design with four treatments and six replications. Observations were made every five minutes for 24 hours, assessing rumination, feeding, idle time, sleeping and other activities, in addition to the frequency with which the heifers searched for water, urinated and defecated. The time spent on feeding and rumination decreased by 0.1138% and 0.3106%, respectively, for every 10 g kg-1 substitute, while idle time increased by 0.3368% for every 10 g kg-1 substitute. The time spent sleeping and on other activities was not affected. Longer feeding times were seen whenever feed was offered, with more rumination activity at night. There was no effect on the specific activities (urination, defecation or drinking); however, urination and drinking were affected by the period, and was more frequent during the day. There was a linear increase in intake, and in feed and rumination efficiency for dry matter and neutral detergent fibre, with a reduction in total chewing time. Substituting babassu cake for sugar cane affects both the ingestive behaviour of dairy heifers and the rumination process as it does not stimulate chewing.

RESUMO: Este estudo avaliou o efeito do extrato de tanino de Acacia mearnsii na temperatura intravaginal, na produção e na composição do leite de vacas Holandesas mantidas em ambiente subtropical. O período de estudo foi de 29 dias e foram selecionadas 20 vacas multíparas Holandesas com produção média de leite de 50 ± 6 kg/dia e 147 ± 83 dias em leite. As vacas foram separadas em dois tratamentos: Controle (n = 10) não recebeu suplementação alimentar. Tanino (n = 10) recebeu Tanino Condensado (Tanac S.A., Montenegro, RS, Brasil) na dose de 0,19% de matéria seca (40 g/vaca/dia). Os animais foram monitorados quanto à produção e composição do leite, bem como à temperatura intravaginal. O índice de temperatura e umidade ambiental (ITU) foi monitorado. O ITU médio foi de 72,39 ± 0,69. A temperatura intravaginal média foi de 39,17 ± 0,14 °C no tratamento Tanino e 39,03 ± 0,14 °C no tratamento Controle (P > 0,05). Os animais do tratamento Tanino exibiram temperatura intravaginal de 39,2°C no ITU 69,38, e o tratamento Controle exibiu a mesma temperatura no ITU 70,16 (característica operacional do receptor (ROC); P < 0,01). A produção de leite foi maior no tratamento Tanino do que no tratamento Controle (51,38 ± 0,90kg/dia e 49,94 ± 1,05kg/dia, respectivamente; P < 0,01). O teor de proteína no leite foi maior no tratamento Tanino do que no tratamento Controle (3,20 ± 0,01% e 3,04 ± 0,01%; respectivamente; P < 0,01). Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que o extrato de tanino de Acacia mearnsii pode atenuar o estresse térmico e seus efeitos negativos na produtividade animal.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effect of tannin extract from Acacia mearnsii on intravaginal temperature, production and milk composition of Holstein cows in a subtropical environment. The study period was 29 days and 20 multiparous Holstein cows were selected with an average milk production of 50 ± 6 kg/day and 147 ± 83 days in milk. The cows were separated into two treatments: Control (n = 10) did not receive dietary supplementation. Tannin (n = 10) received Condensed Tannin (Tanac S.A., Montenegro, RS, Brazil) at a dose of 0.19% dry matter (40 g/cow/day). Animals were monitored for milk production and composition as well as intravaginal temperature. The environmental temperature and humidity index (THI) were monitored. The mean THI was 72.39 ± 0.69. The mean intravaginal temperature was 39.17 ± 0.14 °C in the Tannin treatment and 39.03 ± 0.14°C in the Control treatment (P > 0.05). The animals in the Tannin treatment exhibited an intravaginal temperature of 39.2 °C at THI 69.38, and the Control treatment exhibited the same temperature at THI 70.16 (receiver operating characteristic (ROC); P < 0.01). Milk production was higher in the Tannin treatment than in the Control treatment (51.38 ± 0.90 kg/day and 49.94 ± 1.05 kg/day, respectively; P < 0.01). The protein content in milk was higher in the Tannin treatment than in the Control treatment (3.20 ± 0.01% and 3.04 ± 0.01%; respectively; P < 0.01). The results of this study suggested that tannin extract from Acacia mearnsii can attenuate heat stress and its negative effects on animal production.

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to characterize the bioactive compounds present in sugarcane syrup, analyze the color, to evaluate the antioxidant activity as well as the stability of the bioactive compounds during a 60-day storage under freezing conditions. The experiment was conducted with five sugarcane varieties grown in Canguçu-RS. The content of carotenoids, total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, vitamin C and chlorophylls was determined, and also the antioxidant activity and color were also evaluated. The content of carotenoids (1.82-6.67µg.g), total phenolic compounds (191.06-226.54 mg EAG.L-1), flavonoids (70.73-189.57mg EQ.g-1), vitamin C (0.10-0.35 mg ascorbic acid .100g-1), total chlorophylls (36.13-37.67 g.kg-1), and percentage of antioxidant activity (50.92-68.76%) varied by cultivar. The content of chlorophyll b was higher than the content of chlorophyll a in all cultivars. The color analysis showed that the samples had a strong tendency to green and yellow color. The content of carotenoids increased during 60 days of storage, while the content of phenolic compounds and chlorophylls decreased. The percentage of antioxidant activity decreased after 30 days of storage. It can be concluded that the sugarcane grown in Canguçu-RS had a high content of bioactive compounds, adequate color and high antioxidant activity when compared to the literature.

Resumo: A imposição do déficit hídrico na cultura da mangueira, combinada com a maturação dos ramos, permite acumular reservas essenciais à floração. Entretanto,estresses abióticos simultâneos, como temperaturas elevadas e baixa umidade, prejudicam processos fisiológicos cruciais. Alternativas têm sido buscadas para mitigartais efeitos adversos em plantas expostas a condições desfavoráveis. Nesse contexto, avaliou-se odesempenho fisiológico de mangueiras ‘Kent’ no semiárido brasileiro, tratadas comtriacontanol.O experimento foi realizado em duas safras consecutivas (2018 e 2019), emdelineamento de blocos casualisados, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições, sendoavaliadas quatro plantas por parcela. Os tratamentos consistiram em concentrações detriacontanol: 00,00 Controle), 3,75; 7,50; 11,25 e 15,0 ppb. O produto que contém o ingredienteativo triacontanol foi o Revigor® a uma concentração de 0,05 g L-1 (50 ppm). A aplicação de triacontanol afeta os pigmentos fotossintéticos, aumenta os teores de carboidratos solúveistotais nas folhas e nos ramos, influencia positivamente o número de panículas e leva aganhos de produtividade, em mangueiras ‘Kent’ irrigadas, cultivadas nas condições do semiárido pernambucano,havendo oscilações entre os fatores e entre as safras. Houve aumento naprodutividade de 64,91% (concentração estimada - 10,51 ppb), na safra de 2019.

Abstract: Abstract: The imposition of water deficit in mango cultivation, combined with branch maturation, favors the accumulation of essential reserves for flowering. However, simultaneous abiotic stresses such as high temperatures and low humidity, disrupt crucial physiological processes. Alternatives have been sought to mitigate these adverse effects in plants exposed to unfavorable conditions. In this scenario, this study evaluated the physiological performance of ‘Kent’ mango trees in the Brazilian semiarid region treated with triacontanol. The experiment was conducted over two consecutive crop years (2018 and 2019), using a randomized block design with five treatments and four replications, by evaluating four plants per plot. The treatments consisted of five concentrations of triacontanol: 0.00 (Control), 3.75, 7.50, 11.25, and 15.0 ppb. The product containing the active ingredient triacontanol was Revigor® at a concentration of 0.05 g L-1 (50 ppm). The application of Triacontanol affects photosynthetic pigments, increases the level of total soluble carbohydrates in leaves and branches, positively influences the number of panicles and leads to productivity increases in irrigated ‘Kent’ mango trees grown in the semiarid conditions of Pernambuco, with oscillations between factors and between harvests. There was an increase in productivity of 64.91% (estimated concentration - 10.51 ppb) in the 2019 harvest.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pregestational obesity, especially visceral obesity, is associated with the development of complications for the fetus, the mother and the neonate. The analysis of the placenta is a key to understanding the development of these complications. Objective: To evaluate the influence of visceral pre-gestational obesity on the placental and fetal development in rats. Material and Methods: Female Wistar rats received subcutaneous injections of monosodium glutamate (4 mg/ g of body weight) during the neonatal period to induce obesity or NaCl 0.9 % (Controls). At 90 days of age, obesity was confirmed and at 120 days of life they were mated overnight with healthy males of the same substrain. Gestational day 0 was defined when sperms were found in vaginal smear. The day 20 of gestation, euthanasia was practiced for obtaining of placentas and fetuses. Placental biochemical, and structural variables and indicators of growth and fetal development were determined. Results: In the placentas of obese rats, reserve cells of glycogen, triglycerides content and the area of the trophoblast were increased. The area of maternal blood was decreased. The obese group also showed an increased placental index. Fetuses of obese mothers had smaller tail length, cranial diameters and ossification sites numbers. Conclusions: Pregestational obesity exerted a harmful effect on placental development, provoking fetal growth restriction. This may be due to a decrease in the maternal-fetal interchange of nutrients and oxygen because of ectopic accumulation of lipids in the labyrinthine zone.

RESUMEN Introducción: La obesidad pregestacional, en especial la visceral, se asocia con el desarrollo de complicaciones para el feto, la madre y el neonato. El análisis de la placenta es clave para entender el desarrollo de estas complicaciones. Objetivo: Evaluar la influencia de la obesidad visceral pregestacional sobre el desarrollo placentario y fetal en ratas. Material y Métodos: Ratas Wistar hembras recibieron glutamato monosódico (4 mg/g de peso corporal) para inducir obesidad o NaCl 0,9 % (Controles) subcutáneamente en período neonatal. A los 90 días de vida se confirmó la obesidad, a los 120 fueron apareadas durante la noche con machos sanos de la misma cepa. Se consideró el día 0 de gestación, la mañana en que se confirma la cópula por la presencia de espermatozoides en el lavado vaginal. El día 20 de gestación se practicó eutanasia para obtención de placentas y fetos. Se determinaron variables placentarias bioquímicas y estructurales macroscópicas y microscópicas e indicadores de crecimiento y desarrollo fetales. Resultados: En las ratas obesas, las placentas presentaron incremento de células de reserva de glucógeno, de TAG, del área del trofoblasto y disminución del área de sangre materna. También mostraron aumento del índice placentario. Los fetos de las obesas presentaron menor peso corporal, longitud de la cola, diámetros craneanos y puntos de osificación. Conclusiones: La obesidad pregestacional ejerció un efecto perjudicial sobre el desarrollo placentario, provocando restricción del crecimiento fetal. Lo anterior pudiera deberse a disminución del intercambio materno-fetal de nutrientes y oxígeno por acumulación ectópica de lípidos en la zona del laberinto.

The assessment of chlorine, fluorine, and sulfur concentrations in depth profile of drill cuttings was performed using ion chromatography after sample preparation by pyrohydrolysis. The parameters for pyrohydrolysis were optimized using a Box-Behnken design, and the established conditions were 300 mg of sample, 300 mg of V2O5, temperature of 1000 °C, reaction time of 25 min, and absorbing solution of 50 mmol L-1 NH3 + 150 mmol L-1 H2O2. The accuracy was evaluated by the analysis of certified reference materials and recovery tests, and the results showed a good agreement between determined and certified values and recoveries (89-108%). The precision (relative standard deviation (RSD) < 10%), and the limits of detection (0.5-2.5 mg kg 1) were suitable for drill cuttings analysis. The concentration of chlorine, fluorine, and sulfur in drill cuttings at different depths was at mg g-1 range, and its variation is related to the mineral composition of the samples.

RESUMO O pirarucu, Arapaima gigas é um peixe de grande importância econômica e social na Amazônia, onde é comumente produzido em viveiros. A produção de peixes em tanques-rede tem crescido no Brasil, e este sistema poderia ser uma alternativa para a produção do pirarucu, reduzindo custos e melhorando os parâmetros produtivos. Nós avaliamos a contribuição do alimento natural na produção em sistema semi-intensivo (viveiros) e intensivo (tanques-rede) e seus efeitos sobre os aspectos produtivos e econômicos do pirarucu na fase de recria. Quatro viveiros (300 m2) e quatro tanques-rede (4,0 m3) foram estocados, respectivamente, com 120 (0,4 peixes m-2) e 160 (40 peixes m-3) juvenis de pirarucu (28,03 ± 6,34 g e 11,75 ± 0,80 cm). O estudo foi conduzido por 105 dias e os peixes foram alimentados com ração comercial extrusada. Crescimento e ingestão de plâncton pelos peixes foram avaliados quinzenalmente. Sobrevivência, comprimento padrão, ganho de peso e peso final foram maiores nos peixes cultivados em viveiros. A conversão alimentar nos viveiros (0,96 ± 0,06) foi menor que nos tanques-rede (1,20 ± 0,11). Mesmo sendo ofertada ração, os pirarucus consumiram alimento natural nos dois sistemas de produção. A abundância relativa de zooplâncton e insetos nos estômagos foi diretamente proporcional ao ganho de peso nos viveiros, e inversamente proporcional nos tanques-rede. Um índice de eficiência econômica mais alto e custo médio de produção mais baixo foram calculados para os viveiros escavados. Nossos resultados indicam que o custo-benefício do cultivo de A. gigas durante a fase de recria é melhor em viveiros.

ABSTRACT Pirarucu, Arapaima gigas is a fish species of great social and economic importance in the Amazon region, where they are often farmed in earthen ponds. Intensive cage aquaculture has been growing in Brazil, which could be an alternative means to farm pirarucu, reducing costs and increasing productivity. We evaluated the contribution of natural food organisms in semi-intensive (ponds) and intensive (cages) production systems, and their effect on pirarucu growth and economic performance during the first phase of grow-out. Four ponds (300 m2) and four cages (4.0 m³) were stocked, respectively, with 120 (0.4 fish m-²) and 160 (40 fish m-³) juvenile pirarucu (28.03 ± 6.34 g, 11.75 ± 0.80 cm). The study was conducted for 105 days and fish were fed with commercial feed. Fish growth and plankton intake were evaluated every two weeks. Survival rate, standard length, weight gain and final weight were higher in fish reared in earthen ponds than in cages. Feed conversion of fish kept in ponds was lower (0.96 ± 0.06) than in cages (1.20 ± 0.11). The consumption of natural food organisms was observed, despite artificial feed being fed in both systems. The relative abundance of zooplankton and insects in stomachs was directly proportional to fish weight gain in ponds, and inversely proportional in cages. Higher economic efficiency rate and lower average production cost were calculated for earthen ponds. Our results indicate that the cost-benefit of the first phase grow-out of A. gigas is better in earthen ponds.

ABSTRACT: Enhanced efficiency potassium fertilizers can be a management tool that is crucial to crop sustainability in maize (Zea mays L.). However, there is a need for studies aimed at validating the use of these fertilizers in different production environments. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of maize under sources and rates of K through conventional and enhanced efficiency fertilizers in soil with high available K content. The experiment was carried out for two years in an Oxisol (605 g kg–1 of clay) with high K content (6.7 mmolc dm–3). Three sources were used, one conventional (KCl), one obtained by additives sprayed on the fertilizer surface (KCl-C), and one obtained by compacting KCl powder and adding additives (KCl-CC), associated with three K2O rates as top-dressing (50, 100, 150 kg ha–1) and a control without K2O. In all treatments, 48 kg ha–1 of K2O was applied in the sowing furrow. In the first year, maize yield increased linearly for both the KCl and KCl-C sources. The maximum yield (7,967 kg ha–1) for the KCl-CC was obtained at 88 kg ha–1. In the second year, the maximum yields for the KCl (7,553 kg ha–1) and KCl-C (8,166 kg ha–1) were obtained with 20 and 67 kg ha–1 K2O, respectively, while for the KCl-CC maize yield did not change. Enhanced efficiency K sources promote increases in maize yield ranging from 4.3 % to 7.1 %. Top-dressing K fertilization in high-fertility soils is a viable alternative for producers focused on increasing maize yield, mainly when enhanced efficiency sources are used.

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the quantity and positioning of feldspathic ceramic specimens inside the furnace on their flexural strength and translucency. The tested hypotheses were that the arrangement of specimens in the furnance would not influence 1) the translucency or 2) the biaxial strength of the porcelain. Methods Ninety porcelain specimens were made (1.2 mm thickness and 13.5 mm diameter) and assigned into two main groups (n=15): G1 group - 15 firing cycles containing only one specimen each, always at the center of the refractory; and G5 group - 15 firing cycles containing five specimen each, where one specimen was at the center of the refractory and four specimens positioned equidistantly on the periphery. The translucency test was performed using a spectrophotometer, followed by the flexural strength test, according to ISO 6872:2015. T-student test was performed for both the mechanical and optical obtained data. Results The flexural strength of the porcelain was not affected by the positioning (center x periphery) of the specimens inside the furnace (p =0.08), but the translucency was affected (periphery > center; p =0.009). Regarding to the number of feldspathic ceramic specimens, the biaxial flexural strength was affected (p =0.025), as well as the translucency (p <0.05). Conclusion A higher quantity of feldspathic ceramic specimens for each firing cycle decreased its biaxial flexural strength and translucency. Also, specimens positioned at the center of the refractory became less translucent than those positioned at the periphery.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar se existe relação entre polimorfismos dos genes IL10 e IL17 e controle da asma grave e reversibilidade com broncodilatador em crianças e adolescentes com asma grave. Métodos: Estudo transversal, aninhado em um estudo prospectivo de coorte com pacientes com asma grave. Foram avaliados dois desfechos: controle da asma e reversibilidade com broncodilatador. Extraímos DNA do sangue periférico e genotipamos três polimorfismos de nucleotídeo único: rs3819024 e rs2275913 no gene IL17A e rs3024498 no gene IL10. Para as análises de associação, realizamos regressão logística em três modelos genéticos (alélico, aditivo e dominante). Resultados: O alelo C do polimorfismo rs3024498 do gene IL10 apresentou relação com asma que permaneceu descontrolada mesmo com tratamento regular (p = 0,02). No entanto, o alelo G do polimorfismo rs3819024 do gene IL17A apresentou relação com ausência de resposta ao estímulo com b2-agonista. O polimorfismo rs2275913 do gene IL17A não apresentou relação com controle da asma ou reversibilidade com broncodilatador. Conclusões: Em pacientes pediátricos com asma grave, o polimorfismo do gene IL10 parece estar relacionado com ausência de controle clínico, ao passo que o polimorfismo do gene IL17A parece estar relacionado com pior resposta ao broncodilatador. O conhecimento a respeito do envolvimento desses polimorfismos abre perspectivas futuras para estudos farmacogenéticos e para a implantação de manejo terapêutico individualizado da asma grave em pacientes pediátricos.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine whether polymorphisms of the IL10 and IL17 genes are associated with severe asthma control and bronchodilator reversibility in children and adolescents with severe asthma. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, nested within a prospective cohort study of patients with severe asthma. Two outcomes were evaluated: asthma control and bronchodilator reversibility. We extracted DNA from peripheral blood and genotyped three single nucleotide polymorphisms: rs3819024 and rs2275913 in the IL17A gene; and rs3024498 in the IL10 gene. For the association analyses, we performed logistic regression in three genetic models (allelic, additive, and dominant). Results: The rs3024498 C allele in the IL10 gene was associated with failure to achieve asthma control despite regular treatment (p = 0.02). However, the G allele of the IL17A rs3819024 polymorphism was associated with failure to respond to stimulation with a b2 agonist. The rs2275913 polymorphism of the IL17A gene showed no relationship with asthma control or bronchodilator reversibility. Conclusions: In pediatric patients with severe asthma, the IL10 polymorphism appears to be associated with failure to achieve clinical control, whereas the IL17A polymorphism appears to be associated with a worse bronchodilator response. Knowledge of the involvement of these polymorphisms opens future directions for pharmacogenetic studies and for the implementation of individualized therapeutic management of severe asthma in pediatric patients.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of palm oil on the ruminal environment and nutrient digestibility of sheep diets. Twenty rumen-cannulated sheep were kept in individual stalls equipped with feeding and drinking troughs The animals were fed five diets based on Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Roxo) silage and supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100 g kg-1 of palm oil (based on total DM). The Elephant grass was harvested at 90 days of regrowth and the concentrate was based on ground corn grain, soybean meal and mineral mix (20 g kg-1 DM), offered to the sheep at a ratio of 1.5 g kg-1d-1 of body weight (restricted intake) to maintain a forage-to-concentrate ratio of 1:1, based on DM. There were no differences (P = 0.324) in ruminal disappearance and degradability parameters with up to 75 g of oil per kg of DM. Organic matter showed a linear reduction in apparent digestibility, while ether extract increased linearly. Palm oil affected the digestibility and nutritional parameters in ruminant diets.

Abstract Lignocellulosic biomass residues can generate interesting materials for the chemical and food industries. Physical activation processes were developed by cold pressing and slow pyrolysis, as well as physical chemical activation with zinc chloride (ZnCl2), to produce bio-based products, including bio-oil (30%) and biochar (31%), with good yields. Charcoal and biooil provided good results, respectively, with regard to adsorption capacity (357 m2 g-1 of surface area BET) and the possibility of extracting chemical compounds (phenols with 45.81% and aldehydes with 32.76%). Moreover, the key economic performance indicators of the process were analyzed, and the results indicate that the proposed process is economically feasible and attractive with $422,416.10 profits. Finally, after dialoguing with the babassu nut breakers and understanding their needs, the feasibility of economically developing the contacted families through technology transfer for extracting the oil, cake, biochar, and bio-oil from babassu coconuts was studied, demonstrating the possibility of income generation based on the profitability achieved in this study.