Resumo Introdução: As lesões vasculares iatrogénicas são uma causa importante de morbilidade e mortalidade após intervenções cirúrgicas ortopédicas ou neurocirúrgicas. Neste artigo, os autores apresentam dois casos clinicos de quasi-iatrogenia vascular. Casos clínicos: Dois casos, um procedimento ortopédico e um procedimento neurocirúrgico, são apresentados. O primeiro caso refere-se a uma mulher de 80 anos com migração do componente acetabular de uma prótese da anca, associado a trombose da veia ilíaca externa. O segundo caso reporta um homem de 27 anos com compressão medular ao nível de D6 por motivo de um hemangioma ósseo. Após a operação, verificou-se a presença de material de fixação (parafuso) fazendo protusão para o lúmen da aorta torácica. Este foi removido num segundo momento. Ambas as operações decorreram sem complicações. Conclusão: Os autores consideram que uma abordagem multidisciplinar contribuiu significativamente para o sucesso dos casos apresentados.

Abstract This study aimed to assess the impact of the implementation of a rapid multiplex molecular FilmArray Respiratory Panel (FRP) on the medical management of immunocompromised patients from a community general hospital. We conducted a single-center, retrospective, and before-after study. Two periods were evaluated: before the implementation of the FRP (pre-FRP) from April 2017 to May 2018 and after the implementation of the FRP (post-FRP) from January to July 2019. The inclusion criteria were immunocompromised patients over 18 years of age with suspected acute respiratory illness tested by conventional diagnostic meth-ods (pre-FRP) or the FilmArray™ Respiratory Panel v1.7 (post-FRP). A total of 142 patients were included, 64 patients in the pre-FRP and 78 patients in the post-FRP. The positive detec-tion rate was significantly higher in the post-FRP (63% vs. 10%, p <0.01). There were more patients receiving antimicrobial treatment in the pre-FRP compared with the post-FRP period (94% vs. 68%, p <0.01). A decrease in beta-lactam (89% vs. 61%, p <0.01) and macrolide (44% vs. 13%, p < 0.01) prescriptions were observed in the post-FRP. No differences were observed in oseltamivir use (22% vs. 13%, p = 0.14), changes in antimicrobial treatment, hospital admission rate, days-reduction in droplet isolation precautions, hospital length of stay (LOS), admission to intensive care unit (ICU), LOS in ICU, treatment failure and 30-day mortality. The implementa-tion of the FRP impacted patient care by improving diagnostic yield and optimizing antimicrobial treatment in immunocompromised adult patients.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el impacto de la implementación del panel respiratorio FilmArray® (FRP), un sistema automatizado de PCR multiplex, en el estándar de cuidado de pacientes adultos inmunocomprometidos en un hospital general. Es un estudio retrospectivo de un único centro con diseno antes/después. Los periodos evaluados fueron abril 2017-mayo 2018, previo a la implementación del FRP (pre-FRP), y enero 2019-julio 2019, luego de la implementación (post-FRP). Los criterios de inclusión fueron pacientes mayores de 18 años inmunocomprometidos con sospecha de infección respiratoria aguda a los que se les realizó, en pre-FRP, diagnóstico por métodos convencionales, y en post-FRP, el panel respiratorio FRP versión 1.7. Se incluyeron un total de 142 pacientes, 64 en pre-FRP y 78 en post-FRP. La tasa de positividad fue significativamente mayor en post-FRP frente a pre-FRP (63 vs. 10%, p<0,01). Hubo más pacientes con tratamiento antimicrobiano en pre-FRP que en post-FRP (94 vs. 68%, p <0,01). En pre-FRP hubo más pacientes tratados con betalactámicos (89 vs. 61%, p <0,01) y macrólidos (44 vs. 13%, p < 0,01). No se observaron diferencias significativas en el uso de oseltamivir (22 vs. 13%, p = 0,14), cambios en los tratamientos, número de hospitalizaciones, uso de aislamientos, duración de la estadía hospitalaria, ingreso a la unidad de cuidados intensivos, estadía en dicha unidad, falla de tratamiento y mortalidad a 30 días. El uso de FRP contribuyó a la atención del paciente mejorando el rendimiento diagnóstico y optimizando la terapia antimicrobiana en pacientes adultos inmunocomprometidos.

Resumen Introducción : Las segundas víctimas son aquellos profesionales que, ante un error, quedan traumatizados, cuestionándose sus habilidades profesionales y perso nales. El conocimiento de su experiencia permite a las instituciones entender las consecuencias del error en los profesionales para realizar acciones de atención a los profesionales involucrados mejorando la seguridad de atención. El objetivo de este estudio es caracterizar el fenómeno de segundas víctimas y conocer las medidas de apoyo percibidas. Métodos : Estudio cuantitativo observacional descrip tivo transversal. Participaron profesionales de la salud de cinco instituciones de alta complejidad a través de un muestreo por conveniencia. El instrumento de recogida de datos fue el Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST) validado en Argentina, compuesta por dimen siones de impacto (psicológico, físico y de habilidades profesionales) de apoyo recibido (colegas, supervisores, institucional y medidas no relacionadas al ámbito la boral) y dos dimensiones de resultado (abandono pro fesional y ausentismo). Resultados : Participaron 1134 profesionales. El 56% manifestó haber cometido un error y completó el SVEST. La media del SVEST fue de 2.5 predominando la dimen sión de impacto psicológico (x = 3.4). Como parte de las medidas de apoyo los profesionales percibieron mayor apoyo en familiares y amigos (x = 3.1). A mayor impacto menor percepción de las medidas de apoyo (Rho: -0.8, p = 0.047). Discusión : Más de la mitad de los profesionales re fieren ser segundas víctimas con un impacto psicológico importante, los cuales, a pesar de trabajar en institu ciones que cuentan con protocolos de seguridad del paciente, reciben el apoyo principalmente de entornos no relacionados al trabajo.

Abstract Introduction : The second victims are those profes sionals who, when faced with a mistake, are traumati zed, questioning their professional and personal skills. Knowledge of their experience allows institutions to understand the consequences of error in professionals to carry out care actions for the professionals involved, improving care security. The objective of this study is to characterize the phenomenon of second victims and to know the perceived support measures. Method : Cross-sectional descriptive observational quantitative study. Health professionals from five highly complex institutions participated through convenience sampling. The data collection instrument was the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST) validated in Argentina, composed of impact dimensions (psychologi cal, physical and professional skills) of support received (colleagues, supervisors, institutional and measures not related to the workplace) and two outcome dimensions (professional abandonment and absenteeism). Results : 1134 professionals participated and 56% said they had made a mistake. The mean STEVS was 2.5, with the psychological impact dimension predominating (x = 3.4). As part of the support measures, professionals perceived greater support from family and friends (not re lated to work) (x = 3.1). The greater the impact, the lower the perception of support measures (Rho: -0.8, p = 0.047). Discussion : More than half of the professionals refer to being second victim with a significant psychological impact, who, despite working in institutions that have patient safety protocols, received support from non-work-related environments.

Abstract Background Our aim was to compare the efficacy of rituximab, tocilizumab, and abatacept in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) refractory to treatments with MTX or TNFi agents. Methods We searched 6 databases until January 2023 for phase 2–4 RCTs evaluating patients with RA refractory to MTX or TNFi therapy treated with rituximab, abatacept, and tocilizumab (intervention arm) compared to controls. Study data were independently assessed by two investigators. The primary outcome was considered as achieving ACR70 response. Results The meta-analysis included 19 RCTs, with 7,835 patients and a mean study duration of 1.2 years. Hazard ratios for achieving an ACR70 response at six months were not different among the bDMARDs, however, we found high heterogeneity. Three factors showing a critical imbalance among the bDMARD classes were identified: baseline HAQ score, study duration, and frequency of TNFi treatment in control arm. Multivariate meta-regression adjusted to these three factors were conducted for the relative risk (RR) for ACR70. Thus, heterogeneity was attenuated (I2 = 24%) and the explanatory power of the model increased (R2 = 85%). In this model, rituximab did not modify the chance of achieving an ACR70 response compared to abatacept (RR = 1.773, 95%CI 0.113–10.21, p = 0.765). In contrast, abatacept was associated with RR = 2.217 (95%CI 1.554–3.161, p < 0.001) for ACR70 compared to tocilizumab. Conclusion We found high heterogeneity among studies comparing rituximab, abatacept, and tocilizumab. On multivariate metaregressions, if the conditions of the RCTs were similar, we estimate that abatacept could increase the chance of reaching an ACR70 response by 2.2-fold compared to tocilizumab. Key messages Abatacept could increase the chance of reaching an ACR70 response by 2.2-fold compared to tocilizumab.

Abstract Introduction Intraoperative fluid therapy in cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy plays an important role in postoperative morbidity. Studies have found an association between overload fluid therapy and increased postoperative complications, advising restrictive intraoperative fluid therapy. Our objective in this study was to compare the morbidity associated with restrictive versus non-restrictive intraoperative fluid therapy. Methods Retrospective analysis of a database collected prospectively in the Anesthesiology Service of Virgen del Rocío Hospital, from December 2016 to April 2019. One hundred and six patients who underwent complete cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy were divided into two cohorts according to Fluid Therapy received 1. Restrictive ≤ 9 mL.kg-1.h-1 (34 patients), 2. Non-restrictive ≥ 9 mL.kg-1.h-1 (72 patients). Percentage of major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade III-IV) and length hospital stay were the main outcomes variables. Results Of the 106 enrolled patients, 68.9% were women; 46.2% had ovarian cancer, 35.84% colorectal cancer, and 7.5% peritoneal cancer. The average fluid administration rate was 11 ± 3.58 mL.kg-1.h-1. The restrictive group suffered a significantly higher percentage of Clavien-Dindo grade III-IV complications (35.29%) compared with the non-restrictive group (15.27%) (p= 0.02). The relative risk associated with restrictive therapy was 1.968 (95% confidence interval: 1.158-3.346). We also found a significant difference for hospital length of stay, 20.91 days in the restrictive group vs 16.19 days in the non-restrictive group (p= 0.038). Conclusions Intraoperative fluid therapy restriction below 9 mL.kg-1.h-1 in cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy was associated with a higher percentage of major postoperative complications.

Resumen: El funcionamiento normal de laboratorios de conservación de germoplasma vegetal involucra la realización de actividades numerosas y diversas, las cuales fueron afectadas por la pandemia causada por coronavirus de 2019 (COVID-19). El objetivo de esta comunicación es realizar una reseña de la evolución del banco de germoplasmain vitrode mandioca presente en la FCA-UNNE e IBONE (CONICET-UNNE) y dar a conocer las prácticas de manejo habituales y los procedimientos realizados para preservar con vida el material vegetal protegiendo la salud del personal involucrado antes y durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Docentes, investigadores, alumnos de grado y posgrado llevaron adelante, durante casi 40 años, la conservaciónin vitrode 56 cultivares de mandioca provenientes de diferentes países. Previamente a marzo del año 2020, el manejo del banco estaba centrado principalmente en la ejecución de actividades científico-tecnológicas para la conservación del material y la búsqueda de parámetros para establecer un orden de subcultivos. Decretado el Aislamiento Social, Preventivo y Obligatorio en Argentina, se continuó con las actividades de conservación aplicando las prácticas usuales y siguiendo las medidas sanitarias de orden político-institucionales implementadas. Para afrontar los nuevos escenarios sanitarios, se deberán ajustar metodologías que sean eficaces para mantener la viabilidad del material vegetal y prolongar el tiempo de conservación.

Summary: The normal management of plant germplasm conservation laboratories involves carrying out numerous and diverse activities, which were affected by the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). The objective of this publication was to review the evolution of the cassavain vitrogermplasm bank at the FCA-UNNE and IBONE (CONICET-UNNE) and to tell about usual management practices and the procedures to preserve living plant material and the personnel’s life involved in pre-pandemic and COVID-19 pandemic times. Teachers, researchers, undergraduate and graduate students carried out, for almost 40 years, thein vitroconservation of 56 cassava cultivars from different countries. Before March 2020, the bank management consisted mainly in scientific-technological activities for the conservation of the material and the search for parameters to establish an order of subcultures. Having decreed Social, Preventive and Compulsory Isolation in Argentina, conservation activities continued applying the usual practices by following political-institutional sanitary measures. To face the new sanitary scenarios, methodologies must be adjusted so that they are effective at maintaining viability of the plant material and at prolonging conservation time.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Ecuador does not cover the recommendations to maintain breastfeeding until six months of age of the newborn. Objective: Analyze the factors related to the duration of exclusive breastfeeding in working mothers of an Ecuadorian university institution. The study population. Methods: Quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study, with retrospective character using a questionnaire designed ad hoc; all working mothers who had been in the last 10 years in the institution were invited to fill it. The study was carried out from September 2018 to June 2019. Results: 316 mothers participated, 62.8% received information on breastfeeding and 55.6% from the doctor. The first hour of life, 63.9% mothers breastfed. More than half of the participants breastfed for a period of 6 months (56.9%), and with exclusive breastfeeding during an average of 4.56 months. The main reason for not breastfeeding was hypogalactia (26.9%); work placement (19.2%); maternal disease (5.1%). The mean of exclusive breastfeeding was higher in mother who are teachers and researchers (4.79) (SD ± 1.8) than in mothers with administrative and service positions 4.2 (SD ± 2.05), p = 0.012. Conclusions: Among the factors that favor breastfeeding are information during pregnancy, as well as establishing it in the first hour of life. The employment situation of women influences the maintenance of breastfeeding for longer and is a cause of dropout, although the most frequent are the health problems of the mother or the newborn.

RESUMEN Introducción: Ecuador no cubre las recomendaciones de mantener la lactancia materna hasta los seis meses de edad del recién nacido. Objetivo: Analizar los factores relacionados con la duración de la lactancia materna exclusiva en madres trabajadoras de una institución universitaria ecuatoriana. La población de estudio. Métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, transversal, con carácter retrospectivo mediante un cuestionario diseñado ad hoc que se invitó a cumplimentar a todas las madres trabajadoras que lo habían sido en los últimos 10 años de la institución. El período de ejecución del estudio fue de septiembre 2018 a junio de 2019. Resultados: Participaron 316 madres, 62,8 % recibió información sobre lactancia materna y proveniente del médico 55,6 %. La primera hora de vida amamantaron 63,9 %. Más de la mitad de las participantes amamantaron durante un periodo de 6 meses (56,9 %), con lactancia materna exclusiva una media de 4,56 meses. El principal motivo para el abandono fue hipogalactia (26,9 %); incorporación al trabajo (19,2 %); enfermedad materna (5,1 %). La media de lactancia materna exclusiva fue mayor en las madres docentes e investigadoras 4,79 (DE ± 1,8) que en las administrativas y de servicios 4,2 (DE ± 2,05), p= 0,012. Conclusiones: Entre los factores que favorecen la lactancia materna están la información durante el embarazo, así como instaurarla en la primera hora de vida. La situación laboral de la mujer influye en el mantenimiento de dicha lactancia por más tiempo y es una causa de abandono, aunque la más frecuente son los problemas de salud de la madre o del recién nacido.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Although autonomic dysfunction has been shown to be associated with liver cirrhosis, the prevalence and prognostic implications are unclear. Abnormal heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of autonomic function, has not been well investigated in cirrhosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of high-risk HRV parameters in a cohort of cirrhotic patients and their association with cardiac dysfunction and mortality. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective observational study conducted in the Federal University of São Paulo. METHOD: A cohort of 120 patients, comprising 17 healthy controls and 103 cirrhotic outpatients, was evaluated and followed for 10 months. HRV analysis was based on 24-hour Holter monitoring and defined using time-domain and frequency-domain parameters. RESULTS: The HRV parameters were statistically lower in cirrhotic patients than in healthy subjects. High-risk HRV parameters were prevalent, such that 64% had at least one high-risk parameter. Time-domain parameters correlated with Child scores (P < 0.0001). In regression models, HRV parameters were independent predictors of diastolic dysfunction and mortality. During 10 months of follow-up, there were 11 deaths, all of patients with at least one high-risk HRV parameter. Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated low survival rates among patients with standard deviation of normal-to-normal RR intervals (SDNN) < 100. CONCLUSION: Reduced HRV is prevalent in liver cirrhosis and is related to cardiac dysfunction, severity of liver disease and mortality. Abnormal high-risk HRV parameters are prevalent among cirrhotic patients and are also predictors of mortality. Our findings highlight the need for a more careful cardiac evaluation of cirrhotic patients.

RESUMO Objetivos: Implementar estratégias de manejo da dor perineal em puérperas internadas em uma maternidade pública do estado de São Paulo e avaliar sua conformidade com as práticas baseadas em evidências. Métodos: Estudo de implementação que utilizou o modelo do JBI, realizado com profissionais de enfermagem e puérperas, entre setembro e dezembro de 2019. Utilizaram-se entrevistas com puérperas e dados de prontuário para auditar sete critérios baseados em evidências. As intervenções adotadas foram um protocolo de cuidados, treinamento de profissionais e elaboração de folder para puérperas. Resultados: Antes da intervenção, identificaram-se déficits nas práticas auditadas e barreiras ao manejo da dor, que foram superadas pelas estratégias empregadas. A auditoria de seguimento demonstrou melhorias no cumprimento das melhores práticas de cuidado. Conclusões: Houve aumento da conformidade dos critérios avaliados após as estratégias implementadas, contribuindo para melhora dos resultados da assistência de enfermagem no manejo da dor perineal baseada nas melhores evidências científicas.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To implement strategies for managing perineal pain in puerperal women admitted to a public maternity hospital in São Paulo state and to evaluate their compliance with evidence-based practices. Methods: Implementation study using the JBI model conducted with nursing professionals and puerperal women between September and December 2019. Interviews with puerperal women and medical record data were used to audit seven evidence-based criteria. The interventions adopted included a care protocol, professional training, and folder elaboration for puerperal women. Results: Prior to the intervention, deficits in audited practices and obstacles to pain management were identified, which were overcome by the strategies employed. The follow-up audit demonstrated improvements in compliance with best care practices. Conclusion: There was an increase in the criteria compliance evaluated after the implemented strategies, contributing to improving the nursing care results in the perineal pain management based on the best scientific evidence.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Implementar estrategias para manejar el dolor perineal en puérperas en una maternidad pública de São Paulo y evaluar su conformidad con prácticas basadas en evidencias. Métodos: Estudio de implementación realizado mediante el modelo JBI con profesionales de enfermería y puérperas, entre septiembre-diciembre de 2019. Se utilizaron entrevistas con puérperas y datos de registros hospitalarios para auditar siete criterios basados en evidencias. Las intervenciones fueron: protocolo de atención; capacitación de los profesionales; preparación de una carpeta para puérperas. Resultados: Antes de la intervención, se identificaron déficits en las prácticas y barreras en el manejo del dolor, que se superaron con las estrategias empleadas. La auditoría de seguimiento trajo mejoras en el cumplimiento de las prácticas de cuidado. Conclusiones: Hubo aumento en la conformidad de los criterios evaluados tras las estrategias implementadas, lo que contribuyó a mejorar la atención de enfermería en el manejo del dolor perineal basada en evidencias científicas.

Abstract Colleters are glandular structures related to young shoots protection. In several Angiosperm families, as in Rubiaceae colleters are taxonomically important. This study reports presence, location, morpho-anatomical structure, ontogeny and histochemistry of colleters in vegetative and reproductive organs in 6 species of Cephalanthus and 20 species representatives of the tribe Naucleeae. Primarily based on their color and their secretion color, they were classified into light (LC) and dark (DC) colleters. The LC are exclusive to the inner side of the stipule, while the DC are found in several vegetative and reproductive organs. Histochemical studies revealed that higher mucilage and phenol content in DC could explain the dark color secretion. Results were analyzed at genus, tribe and subtribe levels, evidencing the taxonomic relevance in the family. Finally, the presence of corolline colleters in angiosperm flowers was reviewed. It was confirmed that, besides Cephalanthus, they are only present in Adenoa (Passifloraceae) and Chamaecrista (Fabaceae). Therefore, structures described as colleters in Nerium (Apocynaceae) and Cuscuta (Cuscutaceae) corollas do not correspond to colleters. This proves that corolline colleter is a rare character in Angiosperms. To conclude we provide a record of presence/absence, type and distribution of corolline colleters in an Angiosperm phylogenetic tree.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o conhecimento da equipe de enfermagem do alojamento conjunto sobre sofrimento mental puerperal e oferecer subsídios para ações educativas. Método: estudo descritivo, quantitativo, realizado com 30 profissionais de enfermagem em hospital público de ensino, em São Paulo - BR. Os dados foram coletados entre dezembro de 2020 e janeiro de 2021 por meio de questionário estruturado e analisados de forma descritiva. Resultados: 73,3% das enfermeiras obstétricas, técnicas e auxiliares de enfermagem tinham idade ≥40 anos e 80% tinham tempo de atuação ≥cinco anos. Predominou o conhecimento sobre o papel da enfermagem e as práticas na assistência ao sofrimento mental puerperal (maioria de respostas esperadas em 80% das questões), em contraposição ao conhecimento sobre fisiopatologia, sintomas e causas de blues, depressão e psicose puerperal (maioria de respostas esperadas em 40% das questões). Conclusão: os resultados podem subsidiar a educação permanente, visando ampliar o conhecimento da equipe de enfermagem e fortalecer o processo de cuidar.

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the Rooming-In Nursing team’s knowledge about mental distress during the puerperium and to offer subsidies for educational actions. Method: a descriptive and quantitative study carried out with 30 Nursing professionals from a public teaching hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. The data were collected between December 2020 and January 2021 using a structured questionnaire and analyzed descriptively. Results: 73.3% of the nurse-midwives, nurses, and nursing technicians and assistants were aged ≥40 years old, and 80% had more than five years of working time. There was a predominance of knowledge about the role of Nursing and its respective practices in the assistance provided in cases of mental distress during the puerperium (majority of expected answers in 80% of the questions), in contrast to the knowledge about pathophysiology, symptoms and causes of puerperal blues, depression and psychosis (majority of expected answers in 40% of the questions). Conclusion: the results can support permanent education, aiming to expand the Nursing team’s knowledge and strengthen the care process.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar el conocimiento del equipo de Enfermería del área de Alojamiento Conjunto con respecto al sufrimiento mental durante el puerperio y ofrecer elementos de apoyo para acciones educativas. Método: estudio descriptivo y cuantitativo realizado con 30 profesionales de Enfermería en un hospital público de enseñanza de San Pablo, Brasil. Los datos se recolectaron entre diciembre de 2020 y enero de 2021 por medio de un cuestionario estructurado y se los analizó en forma descriptiva. Resultados: el 73,3% de las enfermeras especializadas en Obstetricia, técnicas y auxiliares de Enfermería tenían al menos 40 años y el 80% estaba activa en la profesión hacía al menos cinco años. Predominó el conocimiento sobre el rol y las prácticas de Enfermería en la atención provista en casos de sufrimiento mental durante el puerperio (mayoría de respuestas esperadas en el 80% de las preguntas), en contraste con el conocimiento sobre la fisiopatología, los síntomas y las causas del blues, la depresión y la psicosis puerperal (mayoría de respuestas esperadas en el 40% de las preguntas). Conclusión: los resultados pueden sustentar la educación permanente, con vistas a ampliar el conocimiento del equipo de Enfermería y fortalecer el proceso de atención.

Resumo Rubiaceae é uma das cinco famílias mais ricas em espécies de Angiospermas, suas flores são caracterizadas por um disco nectarífero ao redor do estilete. No entanto, quase não há estudos sobre a anatomia destas estruturas na família. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever pela primeira vez a anatomia dos nectários na tribo Gardenieae (Rubiaceae). Flores de Cordiera concolor, Genipa americana, Randia calycina, Randia ferox, Randia heteromera, Randia micracantha e Tocoyena formosa foram coletadas, fotografadas e fixadas. Os nectários foram processados utilizando técnicas convencionais de observação em microscopia óptica e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Em todas as flores o nectário é histologicamente diferenciado em epiderme, parênquima nectarífero, parênquima subnectarífero e traços vasculares. O néctar é exsudado através de estômatos. Os nectários tem função reprodutiva e são estruturados e mesenquimais na fase floral. Após a queda da corola são nectários persistentes com secreção pós-floral e função extranupcial. Também foram registados os visitantes florais que apareceram em flores abertas e após a queda da corola.

Abstract Rubiaceae is one of the five most species-rich families of Angiosperm, its flowers are characterized by a nectariferous disc surrounding the base of the style; however, there are almost no studies on anatomy of these structures in the family. The aim of this study was to describe for the first time the anatomy of the floral nectaries in the tribe Gardenieae (Rubiaceae). Flowers from Cordiera concolor, Genipa americana, Randia calycina, Randia ferox, Randia heteromera, Randia micracantha, and Tocoyena formosawere collected, photographed, and processed using conventional techniques for observation with optical and scanning electron microscopies. In all species the nectary is differentiated histologically into epidermis, nectary and sub-nectary parenchyma, and vascular bundles. Nectar is exuded via nectarostomata. The nectaries have reproductive function, and are structural and mesenchymal during the floral stage. Whereas after corolla has fallen they are persistent nectaries, with post-floral secretion and extranuptial function. In addition, floral visitors that appeared on open flowers and after corolla fall were recorded.

ABSTRACT: Saccharicoccus sacchari (Cockerell, 1895) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is globally disseminated on sugarcane plants. In Brazil, this species has been occurred in the same region as the occurrence of the fungal pathogen causing red rot, Colletotrichum falcatum Went, 1893 (Glomerellales). The objective of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that this pseudococcid could act as a facilitator of the penetration of the phytopathogen C. falcatum. Species of this mealybug were reared at laboratory to infest sugarcane plants during the experiment. A total of 320 sugarcane plants were utilized for this study, 160 of CTC4 and 160 of RB86 7515 cultivars (cv.), each group subdivided into four treatments: (1) infested with mealybugs; (2) infected with fungal conidia; (3) infested with mealybugs and infected with fungal conidia; and (4) control. Biometrics of the plants, disease symptoms, Total Reducing Sugars (TRS) and Reducing Sugar (RS) were evaluated. To both cv., there was no difference in the height and diameter of the plants in all treatments; and only in “mealybug + fungus”, significant difference on the lengths of the disease lesions inside the plants was found to each cv. as well as the levels of TRS and RS. The presence of the pseudococcid increased the incidence of the disease in both cv., although RB86 7515 was more susceptible to red rot than CTC4.

Resumen El cuachalalate (Amphipterygium adstringens) es una especie endémica del bosque tropical caducifolio mexicano, su corteza tiene gran importancia en la medicina tradicional, sin embargo, las características de sus poblaciones han sido poco estudiadas. Evaluamos la densidad de individuos, el patrón de distribución espacial, la estructura de edades, su asociación con nodrizas y extracción de corteza de A. adstringens en 10 localidades de México, mediante 4 unidades de muestreo de 30 × 40 m en cada sitio. Se encontraron variaciones en el tamaño poblacional con densidades promedio de 70 a 279 individuos/ha, la distribución espacial de los individuos fue al azar en 3 localidades y agregado en 7. No se registraron plántulas, 63% de los individuos son adultos y el resto son pre-reproductivos, lo que indica poca o nula regeneración, característica de poblaciones en declive, lo que pone en riesgo a la especie. Los individuos pre-reproductivos se establecen a cielo abierto y bajo otras plantas perennes, principalmente arbóreas incluyendo conespecíficos, posiblemente debido al patrón de dispersión de diásporas y factores tanto bióticos como abióticos. Se presentaron porcentajes bajos de extracción en los árboles de mayor talla, sugiriendo que no hay sobreexplotación de la corteza y que el uso responde al conocimiento de los pobladores.

Abstract Cuachalalate (Amphipterygium adstringens) is an endemic species of the Mexican tropical deciduous forest; its bark is important in traditional medicine. However, the characteristics of its population have been poorly studied. We evaluated density of the individuals, spatial distribution pattern, age structure, association with nurses, and extraction of A. adstringens bark, in 10 locations in Mexico, using four 30 × 40 m sampling units at each site. We found variations in the populations size with average densities of 70 to 279 individuals/ha, the spatial distribution of individuals was random in 3 locations and aggregated in 7. Seedlings were not recorded, 63% of the individuals are adults, and the rest are pre-reproductive, indicating few or no regeneration, characteristic of declining populations, which causes the species to present some risk. Pre-reproductive individuals establish in open areas or under other perennials, mainly arboreal, including conspecific ones, possibly due to the diaspore dispersal pattern and to both biotic and abiotic factors. There were low percentages of extraction in the larger trees, which suggests no overexploitation of the bark and that the use responds to the knowledge of the inhabitants.

Abstract Fridericia caudigera and Cuspidaria convoluta (Bignoniaceae) species, which grow in the northwest of Argentina, have shown antibacterial effect against strains isolated from skin infections, and each one displayed synergism with commercial antibiotics. The aims of this work were to evaluate the antibacterial activity and toxicity of the combination of these two plant species, and to design a stable gel for topical use including the blend of extracts. The combination of extracts was evaluated for synergistic effects (chequerboard assay), genotoxicity (Ames test) and cytotoxicity (Artemia salina test). A gel was subsequently formulated with the combination of extracts using carboxymethylcellulose as a polymer. The following physico- chemical characteristics of the gel formulation: pH, viscosity, spreadability and total phenol content, as well as resistance to severe temperature changes, biological activity (diffusion in agar), in vitro permeation (Franz cells) and primary dermal irritation (Draize test) were analyzed. The combination of extracts showed a synergistic effect on pathogenic bacteria and was not toxic in the in vitro tests. The gel was stable and retained the antimicrobial activity of the original extracts. The formulation proposed in this work could constitute an alternative for primary skin infections since it proved to be safe for topical administration.