ABSTRACT Sweet potato is among the most important food crops in the world. Due to its high genetic diversity, this species has cultivars that can respond in different ways depending on mineral fertilization. Among the nutrients, phosphorus is related to physiological and biochemical processes that can influence the final quality of the product. This study aimed to assess the influence of P doses on the quality and bioactive compounds of sweet potato cultivars - Paraná, BRS Amélia, and BRS Cuia. The pH, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), SS/TA ratio, soluble sugars, and the bioactive compounds - flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids - were evaluated. The P doses influenced sweet potato cultivars. The dose of 120 kg ha-1 promoted increments in the parameters pH, SS, TA, and SS/TA ratio for the cultivar BRS Cuia. The same dose promoted an increase in total soluble sugars for the cultivar BRS Amélia. P dose of 240 kg ha-1 promoted higher levels of flavonoids and anthocyanins in the cultivar Paraná, and there was an increase in carotenoid content at the dose of 60 kg ha-1.

RESUMO A batata-doce está entre as culturas alimentícias mais importantes do mundo. Por apresentar alta diversidade genética, essa espécie possui cultivares que podem responder de maneiras diferentes em função da adubação mineral. Dentre os nutrientes, o fósforo está relacionado com processos fisiológicos e bioquímicos que podem influenciar na qualidade final do produto. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência de doses de P na qualidade e compostos bioativos de cultivares de batata-doce - Paraná, BRS Amélia e BRS Cuia. Foram avaliados o pH, sólidos solúveis (SS), acidez titulável (AT), relação SS/AT, açúcares solúveis e os compostos bioativos - flavonoides, antocianinas e carotenoides. As doses de P influenciaram as cultivares de batata-doce. A dose de 120 kg ha-1 promoveu incrementos nos parâmetros pH, SS, AT e relação SS/AT para a cultivar BRS Cuia. A mesma dose promoveu incrementos nos açúcares solúveis totais para a cultivar BRS Amélia. A dose de 240 kg ha-1 promoveu maiores teores de flavonoides e antocianinas na cultivar Paraná, e houve aumento no teor de carotenoides na dose de 60 kg ha-1.

ABSTRACT Salinity is one of the abiotic stresses that affect gas exchange and growth of pomegranate. In this context, the application of nitrogen fertilizer through the leaves can minimize these effects. Thus, the objective of present study was to evaluate the effect of foliar nitrogen fertilization on pomegranate seedlings irrigated with brackish water. The design used was randomized blocks, in an incomplete factorial scheme (Central Composite Design) with five electrical conductivities of irrigation water - ECw (0.50, 1.15, 2.75, 4.35, and 5.00 dS m-1) and five doses of foliar nitrogen fertilization - FNF (0, 0.33, 1.15, 1.97, and 2.30 g L-1), with four replicates and two plants per experimental plot. Plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, and gas exchange (stomatal conductance, net photosynthesis, intercellular CO2 concentration, transpiration rate, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, instantaneous water use efficiency, and intrinsic water use efficiency) were evaluated at 60 days after the beginning of irrigation with saline water. Salinity of irrigation water negatively affects the gas exchange of pomegranate seedlings. Foliar nitrogen fertilization up to 1.31 g L-1 improves plant height and number of leaves in pomegranate seedlings under salt stress. Foliar nitrogen fertilization up to 1.59 g L-1 increases the net photosynthesis of pomegranate seedlings.

RESUMO A salinidade é um dos estresses abióticos que afeta as trocas gasosas e o crescimento de romãzeira. Neste sentido, à aplicação de adubo nitrogenado via foliar poderá minimizar estes efeitos. Com isso, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito da aplicação foliar com nitrogênio em mudas de romã irrigadas com águas salobra. O delineamento utilizado foi de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial incompleto (Composto Central de Box), sendo cinco condutividade elétrica da água - CEa (0,50; 1,15; 2,75; 4,35 e 5,00 dS m-1) e cinco doses de adubação nitrogenada via foliar - ANF (0; 0,33; 1,15; 1,97 e 2,30 g L-1), com quatro repetições. A salinidade da água de irrigação afeta negativamente as trocas gasosas de mudas de romãzeira. A adubação nitrogenada foliar até 1,31 g L-1 melhora o crescimento em altura e no número de folhas em mudas de romãzeira sob estresse salino. Adubação nitrogenada foliar até a dose de 1,59 g L-1 aumenta a fotossíntese das mudas de romãzeira.

ABSTRACT Scorpion envenoming is considered a public health problem in Brazil. A recent study described a variation in the clinical outcome of envenoming by Tityus obscurus in two populations separated by 850 km in the northeastern Amazon region. Our aim was to evaluate whether such clinical and toxinological variations are associated with underlying differences in genetic diversity between these two T. obscurus populations. We obtained DNA from five individuals of each population, in the municipalities of Belém and Santarém, located east and west of the state of Pará, Brazil, respectively. Gene regions encoding mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and ribosomal 16S RNA (16S) were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inferences (BA) for both molecular data (COI and 16S). The sampled T. obscurus populations corresponded to two distinct mtDNA lineages (genetic distance COI K2 P = 0.08 to 0.13; 16S K2 P = 0.10 to 0.11) with no shared mutations between groups and well supported by ML and BA inferences. Based on the divergence values found between eastern and western populations (COI, 0.07 to 0.12; 16S, 0.10), our study confirms the genetic heterogeneity of T. obscurus populations within the state of Pará, which correlates with observed venom and clinical differences, and reinforces the need for mapping the distribution of haplotypes throughout the geographic range of T. obscurus, to aid in future epidemiological, toxinological, and evolutionary studies.

RESUMO O envenenamento por escorpiões é considerado um problema de saúde pública no Brasil. Um estudo recente descreve a variação do quadro clínico de envenenamento por Tityus obscurus em duas populações separadas por uma distância de 850 km no nordeste da Amazônia. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se tais variações clínicas e toxicológicas estão associadas a diferenças subjacentes na diversidade genética entre essas duas populações de T. obscurus. Obtivemos DNA de cinco indivíduos de cada população nos municípios de Belém e Santarém, localizados a leste e oeste do estado do Pará, Brasil, respectivamente. Regiões gênicas que codificam marcadores de DNA mitocondrial (mtDNA) citocromo oxidase subunidade I (COI) e RNA ribossômico 16S (16S) foram amplificadas e sequenciadas. As análises filogenéticas foram realizadas por máxima verossimilhança (ML) e inferência Bayesiana (BA) para ambos os dados moleculares (COI e 16S). As populações de T. obscurus amostradas corresponderam a duas linhagens distintas de mtDNA (distância genética COI K2 P = 0,08 a 0,13; 16S K2 P = 0,10 a 0,11) sem mutações compartilhadas entre os grupos, e bem corroboradas por inferências ML e BA. Com base nos valores de divergência encontrados entre as populações oriental e ocidental (COI, 0,07 a 0,12; 16S, 0,10), nosso estudo confirma a heterogeneidade genética das populações de T. obscurus no estado do Pará. Os resultados são congruentes com as diferenças observadas no quadro clínico dos acidentes e toxicidade do veneno, e reforçam a necessidade de mapear a distribuição de haplótipos em toda a distribuição geográfica de T. obscurus, para auxiliar em futuros estudos epidemiológicos, toxinológicos e evolutivos.

Abstract Protein from grass and legume pastures has high ruminal degradability. Supplementation with protein sources of lower rumen degradability increases the flow of amino acids to the small intestine, complementing those produced in the rumen. This study evaluated the effect of corn gluten meal (CGM) supplementation in milk production and composition of sheep in early lactation and on metabolic parameters used to characterize their metabolism. Ewes were individually housed, fed with grass cut daily and subjected to three isoenergetic treatments with three crude protein (CP) levels (17, 21 and 25%), supplied by cassava and CGM. Milking was started after 21 days of lactation. Intake was measured and the weight and body condition of the ewes were recorded. Blood samples were collected at the 10th, 25th and 39th days of lactation to determine hormonal and metabolic parameters. The use of CGM increased the intake of grass and the level of 21% CP increased milk production and its components. The mobilization of body reserves was significant in the first three weeks of lactation. Insulin and urea-N proved to be important indicators of the metabolic process in early lactation.

Resumo A proteína das pastagens com gramíneas e leguminosas tem alta degradabilidade ruminal. A suplementação com fontes proteicas de menor degradabilidade ruminal aumenta o fluxo de aminoácidos para o intestino delgado, complementando os produzidos no rúmen. Este estudo avaliou o efeito da suplementação com glúten de milho (CGM) na produção e composição do leite de ovelhas no início da lactação e nos parâmetros metabólicos que caracterizam o seu metabolismo. As ovelhas foram alojadas individualmente e alimentadas com erva cortada diariamente, sendo sujeitas a três tratamentos isoenergéticos com três níveis de proteína na MS (17, 21 e 25%), fornecidos por mandioca e CGM. A ordenha foi iniciada após os 21 dias de lactação. Foi medida a ingestão e registados o peso e a condição corporal das ovelhas. Amostras de sangue foram recolhidas aos 10º, 25º e 39º dias de lactação para determinação de parâmetros hormonais e metabólicos. A utilização de CGM aumentou a ingestão de erva e o nível de 21% de PB incrementou a produção de leite e dos seus componentes. A mobilização das reservas corporais foi significativa nas primeiras três semanas de lactação. A insulina e a ureia-N revelaram-se importantes indicadores do processo metabólico em ovelhas no início da lactação.

In this study, we demonstrated that Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), a generalist herbivore, induces volatile organic compounds (VOC) in Croton floribundus Spreng., a pioneer species widely used in Brazilian urban area. We performed experiments to evaluate the quality and quantity of VOC emission at different times (two, six and 24 hours and within four and nine days) of infestation by T. urticae. Results show that C. floribundus emitted 23 volatiles after infestation, including monoterpene, sesquiterpene and green leaf volatiles. Significant differences were only detected between infested and non-infested plants after 24 hours of treatment, in particular methyl salicylate. In contrast, 3-hexen-1ol, linaool, geranyl acetone and caryophyllene seem to be inhibited by hourly infestation. The α-farnesene, methyl salicylate, 3-carene, 3-hexen-1ol benzoate and nerolidol were the main compounds induced after four infestation-days. This study highlights that VOCs blends in C. floribundus is depended on the feeding time-course of T. urticae and suggests that the VOC-mediated ecological interaction may be less efficient in a pioneer species.

Neste estudo foi demonstrado que o Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), um herbívoro generalista, promove a emissão de compostos orgânicos voláteis (COV) em Croton floribundus (L.) Spreng., uma espécie pioneira amplamente utilizada na área urbana brasileira. Avaliou-se a qualidade e quantidade de emissão de COV em diferentes momentos (2, 6 e 24 horas e no intervalo de 4 e 9 dias) de infestação por T. urticae. Os resultados mostram que C. floribundus emitiu 23 voláteis após infestação, incluindo monoterpenos, sesquiterpenos e voláteis de folhas verdes. Diferenças significativas entre plantas infestadas e não infestadas foram detectadas após 24 horas de tratamento, em particular foram observadas alterações nos níveis de metil salicitato. Em contraste, o 3-hexen-1ol, linaool, geranil acetona e cariofileno parecem ter sido inibidos pela infestação horária. O α-farneseno, metil salicilato, 3-careno, benzoato de 3-hexen-1ol e nerolidol foram os principais compostos induzidos após quatro dias de infestação. Este estudo demonstra que o buquet de COVs emitido por C. floribundus depende do tempo de infestação da T. urticae e sugere que a interação ecológica mediada por COVs pode ser menos eficiente em espécie pioneira.

Abstract Bacteria responsible for causing infections are common in hospital environments, water, soil, and food products. The infection risk is intensified by the absence of public sanitation, poor quality of life, and food scarcity. These external factors promote the dissemination of pathogens by direct contamination or biofilm formation. In this work, we identified bacterial isolates obtained from intensive care units in the southern region of Tocantins, Brazil. We compared matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) techniques and 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) molecular analysis; we also performed phenotypic characterization. Fifty-six isolates characterized using morphotinctorial tests were classified as gram-positive (80.4%; n = 45) and gram-negative (19.6%; n = 11) and were resistant to several antibiotic classes; notably, we identified the blaOXA-23 resistance gene in the ILH10 isolate. Microbial identification using MALDI-TOF MS resulted in the identification of Sphingomonas paucimobilis and Bacillus circulans. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed four isolates belonging to the genera Bacillus and Acinetobacter. The similarity was superior to 99% for Acinetobacter schindleri in the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST), grouped in the clade superior to 90%. Several strains isolated from intensive care units (ICU) were resistant to various antibiotic classes. These techniques allowed for the identification of several microorganisms of importance in public health, enabling improvements in human infection control and proving the quality of inputs, food, and water.

Resumo As bactérias responsáveis por causar infecções são comuns em ambientes hospitalares, água, solo e produtos alimentícios. O risco de infecção é intensificado pela ausência de saneamento público, má qualidade de vida e escassez de alimentos. Esses fatores externos promovem a disseminação de patógenos por contaminação direta ou formação de biofilme. Neste trabalho, identificamos isolados bacterianos obtidos de unidades de terapia intensiva na região sul do Tocantins, Brasil. Comparamos técnicas de espectrometria de massa de tempo de voo com ionização por dessorção a laser assistida por matriz (MALDI-TOF MS) e análise molecular de ácido ribonucleico ribossômico 16S (rRNA); também realizamos caracterização fenotípica. Cinquenta e seis isolados caracterizados por testes morfotintoriais foram classificados como gram-positivos (80,3%; n = 45) e gram-negativos (19,6%; n = 11) e foram resistentes a várias classes de antibióticos; notavelmente, identificamos o gene de resistência blaOXA-23 no isolado de ILH10. A identificação microbiana usando MALDI-TOF MS resultou na identificação de Sphingomonas paucimobilis e Bacillus circulans. O sequenciamento do 16S rRNA revelou quatro isolados pertencentes aos gêneros Bacillus e Acinetobacter. A similaridade foi superior a 99% para Acinetobacter schindleri no BLAST, agrupado no clado superior a 90%. Várias cepas isoladas de ICU foram resistentes a várias classes de antibióticos. Essas técnicas permitiram a identificação de diversos microrganismos de importância em saúde pública, possibilitando melhorias no controle de infecções humanas e comprovando a qualidade dos insumos, alimentos e água.

ABSTRACT The collapse of the Fundão dam in Brazil caused one of the biggest environmental disasters. One of the challenges was how to manage the tailings so that affected areas could be reused. This study aimed to verify whether applying different irrigation depths to Xaraés grass grown with iron mining tailings would affect grass shoot and root dry masses. The experiment was set up in a randomized design with five irrigation depths (40%, 60%, 80%, 100%, and 120% of crop evapotranspiration) and two additional treatments (grass grown in tailings with soil conditioner, and grass grown in natural soil), each with three repetitions. The grass was cut four times, and the shoot dry mass was evaluated after each cut, while the root dry mass was evaluated at the end of the experiment. Our results showed that irrigation depths had a positive linear effect on shoot dry mass and an exponentially increasing effect on root dry mass, with the highest averages in the treatment applying 120% of crop evapotranspiration. This study showed that even in adverse conditions, Xaraés grass was able to grow and develop well.

ABSTRACT Background: Chagas disease (CD) is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by triatomines. Historical information from the 20th century demonstrates T. cruzi records in the metropolitan region of Salvador (MRS), the third largest urban agglomeration in the Brazilian Northeast and the eighth largest in Brazil, an area with intense migratory activity from CD-endemic regions. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate CD indicators (prevalence and mortality) in the MRS. Methods: A mixed ecological and descriptive study was conducted using secondary data. We analyzed data from 2008 to 2015: deaths due to CD, self-reported cases of CD, and blood donors that were non-negative for T. cruzi infection. Results: São Francisco do Conde was one of the municipalities with the highest mortality rates due to CD. The seroprevalence rates varied by year and municipality; those with the highest values were 2008: Vera Cruz, 2009: Mata de São João, 2010: Dias D'Ávila, 2011 and 2015: São Francisco do Conde, 2012: São Sebastião do Passé, and 2013 and 2014: Pojuca. Spatial correlations between the municipalities were not detected. Conclusions: We conclude that CD is present in the MRS. The indicators analyzed in the MRS are below-state-level data. Given the importance of indicator analysis for the surveillance and control of CD at the state and national levels, it is important to strengthen the surveillance program at the municipal level, including the regions classified as low risk for T. cruzi vector transmission.

Abstract Chagas disease is a neglected parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, whose treatment has remained unsatisfactory for over 50 years, given that it is limited to two drugs. Benznidazole (BZN) is an efficient antichagasic drug used as the first choice, although its poor water-solubility, irregular oral absorption, low efficacy in the chronic phase, and various associated adverse effects are limiting factors for treatment. Incorporating drugs with such characteristics into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) is a promising alternative to overcome these limiting obstacles, enhancing drug efficacy and bioavailability while reducing toxicity. Therefore, this study proposed NLC-BZN formulations in different compositions prepared by hot-melt homogenization followed by ultrasound, and the optimized formulation was characterized by FTIR, DRX, DSC, and thermogravimetry. Biological activities included in vitro membrane toxicity (red blood cells), fibroblast cell cytotoxicity, and trypanocidal activity against epimastigotes of the Colombian strain of T. cruzi. The optimized NLC-BZN had a small size (110 nm), negative zeta potential (-18.0 mV), and high encapsulation (1.64% of drug loading), as shown by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis. The NLC-BZN also promoted lower in vitro membrane toxicity (<3% hemolysis), and 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) for NLC-BZN in L929 fibroblast cells (110.7 µg/mL) was twice the value as the free BZN (51.3 µg/mL). Our findings showed that the NLC-BZN had higher trypanocidal activity than free BZN against the epimastigotes of the resistant Colombian strain, and this novel NLC-BZN formulation proved to be a promising tool in treating Chagas disease and considered suitable for oral and parenteral administration.

Abstract We aimed to determine the herd and animal levels seroprevalence and associated factors for Toxoplasma gondii infections in cattle from the state of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. Herds (n = 434) and cows aged ≥ 24 months (n = 1,895) were randomly selected, and serum samples were tested with the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) using as cutoff of 64. Of the 434 farms investigated, 197 had at least one seropositive cow (prevalence of 49.0%; 95% CI = 44.3%-53.8%), and the prevalence at animal level was 18.0% (95% CI = 5.3%-21.1%). The antibody titers ranged from 64 to 1024, with the most frequent titers being 64 (10.8%) and 128 (3.7%). The risk factors identified were property located in Sertão region (odds ratio [OR] = 3.07), property located in Agreste/Zona da Mata regions (OR = 2.00), animal purchasing (OR = 2.68), herd size of 34-111 animals (OR = 2.91) and herd size > 111 animals (OR = 6.97). The results suggest the wide distribution of T. gondii infections in cattle throughout the state of Paraíba, and the risk factors identified are not possible to correct.

Resumo Objetivou-se determinar a soroprevalência do rebanhos e de animais e os fatores associados à infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em bovinos do estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. Rebanhos (n = 434) e vacas com idade ≥ 24 meses (n = 1.895) foram selecionados aleatoriamente, e as amostras de soro foram testadas com o teste de imunofluorescência (RIFI), usando-se como ponto de corte 64. Das 434 fazendas investigadas, 197 tiveram pelo menos uma vaca soropositiva (prevalência de 49%; IC 95% = 44,3%-53,8%), e a prevalência em nível de animais foi de 18% (IC 95% = 5,3%-21,1%). Os títulos de anticorpos variaram de 64 a 1024, sendo os títulos mais frequentes 64 (10,8%) e 128 (3,7%). Os fatores de risco identificados foram na propriedade localizada na região do Sertão ("odds ratio" [OR] = 3,07), na propriedade localizada na região do Agreste/Zona da Mata (OR = 2,00), na compra de animais (OR = 2,68), no tamanho do rebanho de 34-111 animais (OR = 2,91) e no tamanho do rebanho > 111 animais (OR = 6,97). Os resultados sugerem a ampla distribuição de infecções por T. gondii em bovinos em todo o estado da Paraíba, e os fatores de risco identificados não são passíveis de correção.

Abstract The isolation of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in hospitals is a major public health threat, increasing patient hospitalization costs, morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this work investigated the resistance mechanisms that produced different carbapenems susceptibility profiles in two isogenic strains of K. pneumoniae isolated from the same patient in a public hospital in Recife, Pernambuco. The genes that encode the main porins in K. pneumoniae, ompK35 and ompK36, and several beta-lactamase genes were analyzed. The expression of these genes was evaluated by quantitative real time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) with reverse transcriptase (RT-qPCR). SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) was performed to analyze the outer membrane proteins. The analysis of the ompK36 genetic environment disclosed an IS903 insertion sequence disrupting this gene in the ertapenem resistant isolate (KPN133). The blaKPC-2 gene showed down-regulated expression in both isolates. Our findings show that changes in porins, especially OmpK36, are more determinant to carbapenems susceptibility profile of bacterial isolates than variations in blaKPC gene expression.

Resumo O isolamento de Klebsiella pneumoniae multirresistente em hospitais é uma grande ameaça à saúde pública, aumentando os custos de internação, morbidade e mortalidade dos pacientes. Portanto, este trabalho investigou os mecanismos de resistência que produziram diferentes perfis de suscetibilidade aos carbapenêmicos em duas cepas isogênicas de K. pneumoniae isoladas do mesmo paciente em um hospital público em Recife, Pernambuco. Foram analisados os genes que codificam as principais porinas em K. pneumoniae, ompK35 e ompK36, e diversos genes de beta-lactamases. A expressão desses genes foi avaliada por PCR (reação em cadeia da polimerase quantitativa em tempo real) com transcriptase reversa (RT-qPCR). SDS-PAGE (dodecil sulfato de sódio-poliacrilamida gel eletroforese) foi realizada para analisar as proteínas da membrana externa. A análise do ambiente genético ompK36 revelou uma sequência de inserção IS903 interrompendo este gene no isolado resistente ao ertapenem (KPN133). O gene blaKPC-2 apresentou expressão negativamente regulada em ambos os isolados. Nossos achados mostram que alterações nas porinas, especialmente OmpK36, são mais determinantes no perfil de suscetibilidade aos carbapenêmicos de isolados bacterianos do que variações na expressão do gene blaKPC.

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

ABSTRACT Background: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. The World Health Organization estimated more than 300 million new global cases of curable STIs among individuals of reproductive age. Infection by Trichomonas vaginalis is one of the most prevalent curable STL Despite the current treatments available, the diagnosis of T. vaginalis can be difficult, and the resistance to the treatment increased concern for the healthcare system. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with Trichomonas vaginalis infection among women of reproductive age attending community-based services for cervical screening. Patients and methods: A total of 1477 reproductive-aged women attending 18 Primary Health Care Units in Botucatu, Brazil, from September to October 2012, were enrolled. A structured questionnaire was used for individual face-to-face interviews for obtaining data on sociodemographic, gynecologic, and obstetrics history, sexual and hygiene practices, among others. Cervicovaginal samples were obtained for detection of T. vaginalis by culture using Diamond's medium and microscopic vaginal microbiota classification according to Nugent. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI) for the association between participants’ sociodemographic, behavioral factors, and clinical factors with T. vaginalis infection. Results: Median age of study participants was 33 years (ranging from 18 to 50). The overall prevalence of T. vaginalis infection was 1.3% (n = 20). Several factors were independently associated with T. vaginalis infection, such as self-reporting as black or Pardo for ethnicity (OR = 2.70; 95% CI 1.03–7.08), smoking (OR=3.18; 95% CI 1.23–8.24) and having bacterial vaginosis (OR = 4.01; 95%CI = 1.55–10.38) upon enrollment. A protective effect of higher educational level (having high school degree) was observed (OR = 0.16; 95% CI 0.05–0.53). Conclusions: Our data suggest that screening programs to correctly detect T. vaginalis infection can be helpful to guide prevention strategies to the community. Our study supports an association between abnormal vaginal microbiota and T. vaginalis infection.

Abstract Chicken broilers digestibility and performance fed with different ME levels, with and without adjustments of digestible lysine, calcium, and available phosphorus, were evaluated. For digestibility, 210 male Cobb 500 chicken broilers were used and distributed into a 3x2+1 factorial arrangement, with three ME levels (3050; 3125 and 3200 kcal/kg) with and without nutrient adjustment, plus one control treatment (2975 kcal ME/kg), totaling seven treatments including six repetitions with five birds into each repetition. For initial performance, 1120 birds were distributed randomly with eight replications within treatments and 20 birds for each replication. For final performance, 1008 chickens were distributed with eight replications and 18 birds for each replication. The DCDM and DCCP were improved (P<0.05) according to the increase of ME and the adjustment in dietary nutrients, as well as GE digestibility. The final performance showed no interaction (P>0.05) between energy and nutrient adjustment, but the increase in energy levels improved the feed conversion ratio (FCR=1.370). Increasing energy density with nutrient adjustment improves both nutrient utilization and bird performance.

ABSTRACT Chikungunya fever (CHIK) is a neglected tropical disease associated with chronic arthritis. CHIK is usually a self-limiting condition; however, extra-articular manifestations present as atypical illness in a minority of patients. These atypical features may mimic other conditions and potentially distract physicians from the true diagnosis. This review analyzes the evidence of many unusual extra-articular manifestations reported in cases of CHIK. Depending on the affected system, these unusual manifestations include encephalitis, myocarditis, acute interstitial nephritis, cutaneous manifestations, acute anterior uveitis, abdominal pain, and depression. In addition, coinfections and comorbidities may cause atypical illness and obscure the diagnosis. Further studies are required to clarify the pathophysiology and natural history of CHIK, as it remains a burdening condition. Exploring its atypical symptoms may be the missing scientific piece of this puzzle. (CHIK arthritis selflimiting self limiting condition however extraarticular extra articular patients diagnosis system encephalitis myocarditis nephritis uveitis pain depression addition puzzle