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The dwarf coconut is widely used in the coconut hybrids production (tall × dwarf) because it presents higher precocity and higher productivity of the number of fruits in relation to the other varieties. However, these hybrids originated from Intervarietal crossing, produce fruits with low market acceptance for water quality. Intravarietal crosses (dwarf × dwarf) could act as an alternative, but little is known about the diversity within and between the dwarf sub-varieties, which can lead to a misdirection to breeding programs. In this study, we report the level of genetic variability between dwarf coconut accessions belonging to three sub-varieties (green, yellow and red), as well as the analysis of population structure. We used the RAD-sequencing methodology for analyzing 39 genotypes belonging to dwarf coconut populations collected in different producing regions of Brazil. Our results show that the SNP markers increased the power of detection of genetic variability, facilitating the decision making regarding future crosses in order to explore the heterosis in dwarf coconut breeding programs. Inter-sub-varietal crosses of dwarf coconut are highly promising to reduce the time and optimize the process of obtaining new cultivars for water production requiring field assessments to confirm its agronomic potential.

Papaya is a tropical and climacteric fruit that is recognized for its nutritional benefits and medicinal applications. Its fruits ripen quickly and show a drastic fruit softening, leading to great post-harvest losses. To overcome this scenario, breeding programs of papaya must invest in exploring the available genetic variation to continue developing superior cultivars with improved fruit quality traits. The objective of this study was to perform a whole-genome genotyping (WGG) of papaya, predict the effects of the identified variants, and develop a list of ripening-related genes (RRGs) with linked variants. The Formosa elite lines of papaya Sekati and JS-12 were submitted to WGG with an Illumina Miseq platform. The effects of variants were predicted using the snpEff program. A total of 28,451 SNPs having Ts/Tv (Transition/Transversion) ratio of 2.45 and 1,982 small insertions/deletions (InDels) were identified. Most variant effects were predicted in non-coding regions, with only 2,104 and 138 effects placed in exons and splice site regions, respectively. A total of 106 RRGs were found to be associated with 460 variants, which may be converted into PCR markers to facilitate genetic mapping and diversity studies and to apply marker-assisted selection (MAS) for specific traits in papaya breeding programs.

Bacteria such as Salmonella spp. are primarily transmitted through contaminated eggs and infected poultry; however, other routes, including the movement of personnel, vehicles, and lapses in biosecurity protocols, also play a significant role in their dissemination within poultry systems. Control of a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, is often carried out using chemical agents, such as formaldehyde, applied in its solid, liquid, or gaseous forms. Reports on the use of formaldehyde in poultry production date back more than a century. However, it continues to attract research interest due to growing concerns about bacterial resistance, embryotoxicity, occupational exposure, the generation of toxic byproducts, and the search for safer alternatives in poultry production systems. It remains widely used worldwide, but comprehensive and updated evaluations of its efficacy, toxicity, and risks to both poultry and workers are still limited. This review aims to synthesize the current knowledge on the use of formaldehyde in poultry production. Overall, the synthesis shows that formaldehyde remains an effective but high-risk sanitizer whose continued use in poultry systems requires rigorous control and monitoring protocols, and that the development and adoption of efficient and safer alternatives is recommended.

The diversity and genetic relationships among two accessions of tall coconut palms collected in Brazil and seven accessions introduced from different geographic regions of the world were analyzed using 25 microsatellite primers, 19 of which were polymorphic and detected between 4 and 10 alleles per locus, with an average of 6.57. The observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.25 and 0.40 in the Rennell Islands Tall (RIT) accession to 0.54 and 0.62 in the Polynesian Tall (PYT) accession. The analysis of genetic structure resulted in the formation of five distinct groups. The first group was formed by the accessions Brazilian Tall-Praia do Forte (BRTPF), Brazilian Tall-Merepe (BRTMe) and West African Tall (WAT); the second group consisted of Malaysian Tall (MLT); the third group of RIT; the fourth group of Vanuatu Tall (VTT); and the fifth group of Rotuman Tall (RTMT), Tonga Tall (TONT) and PYT. The dendrogram based on the nearest-neighbor method detected the formation of two main groups and five subgroups, indicating that the genetic relationships of the accessions are based on their geographic regions of origin. The analyses revealed genetic relationships between the accessions collected in Brazil and the accession from Africa, and among palms from South East Asia and the South Pacific, confirming the common origin of these accessions. The information obtained in this study can guide decisions on germplasm conservation activities and the efficient selection of genetically divergent parents for use in coconut breeding programs in Brazil, which are attempting to select for disease resistance, mainly to lethal yellowing, among other characteristics.

The adoption of healthcare technologies has grown significantly, with real-time location systems (RTLSs) gaining particular attention. Despite decades of research, gaps persist in understanding the current state of the field and its future directions. This scoping review, conducted by PRISMA guidelines, identified 1718 articles retrieved from six databases, from which 83 were included. The findings reveal a dominance of U.S.-based case studies and a lack of systematic literature reviews. While RFID is the most commonly used technology, alternative solutions are emerging, though few studies explore their combined use. The emergency department is the most studied setting, focusing on patient flow. However, case study quality varies, which affects replicability, and literature reviews often fail to justify technological choices adequately. RTLS benefits include improved efficiency, enhanced patient safety, and cost reduction, but challenges such as precision issues and signal interference persist. RTLS also serves as a foundation for digital twins, integrating AI and Industry 4.0 technologies for more sustainable healthcare operations. Technological advancements may shift perceptions of RTLS challenges and benefits, highlighting the need for analysis by technology type and release date. Additionally, current MeSH terms fail to adequately cover healthcare technologies, resulting in the exclusion of relevant studies.

Previous studies have linked formaldehyde (FA) fumigation to significant risks to animal health, highlighting, among other effects, its cytotoxic and genotoxic potential. Literature includes several studies on the use of FA for fumigating hatching eggs, but studies employing in-depth methodological approaches are scarce. As a result, the effects of practices involving this chemical remain insufficiently characterized. The present study aimed to investigate the antibacterial effects and potential toxicity resulting from the fumigation of hatching eggs with FA. The three FA concentrations (2.5, 5, and 10 g/m3) exhibit effective antibacterial activity, but this effect does not translate into long-term benefits. FA affected hatchability and demonstrated embryotoxic effects, with repercussions on chicks depending on the concentration used. The overall quality of poultry and the losses from eggs fumigated with FA remain questionable. Despite its efficacy as an egg fumigant, the observed toxicity suggests that its use violates safety standards and should be reconsidered. If its use cannot be avoided, the lowest possible concentrations should be prioritized to minimize toxic effects.

This study represents the first overview of the epidemiological dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in Espirito Santo (ES) State, Brazil, filling in knowledge on this topic, observing data collected in the State, and aiming at understanding the epidemiological dynamics of the virus in ES, as well as its possible routes of transmission and dissemination. . Our results highlight that, so far, nine lineages have been identified with ES State. The B.1.1.33 lineage was the first with the highest occurrence in ES, remaining predominant until September 2020. The second predominant lineage was Gamma, representing 45% of the samples. The Delta lineage appears on the State scene, proving to be the next dominant lineage. This research allowed us to understand how the lineages advanced and were distributed in the State, which is important for future work, also making it possible to guide sanitary control measures. Data analyses were made through the GISAID database for ES State showed that the pandemic in the State has been evolving dynamically with lineage replacements over the months since the first notification.

Background/Objectives: Making sustainable choices and transforming guidelines into effective bacterial control practices for viable and safe hatching eggs is a challenge for many researchers. Gradually, scientific findings are strengthening the case for using antibacterial protocols with essential oils (EOs) for hatching eggs, which could lead to changes in traditional egg sanitization management and stimulate new research. The present study aimed to measure the contamination levels and incubation outcomes of hatching eggs sanitized with Zingiber officinale (ZOEO), Cymbopogon flexuosus (CFEO), and Rosmarinus officinalis (ROEO) essential oils. Methods: Hatching eggs from commercial broiler breeders were sanitized with solutions of ZOEO, CFEO, and ROEO prepared in grain alcohol and compared with formaldehyde and non-sanitized eggs. Bacterial contamination, eggshell integrity, incubation parameters, embryonic trachea histology, genotoxicity, and irritation potential were evaluated under commercial conditions. Results: It has been demonstrated that these EOs significantly reduce eggshell and yolk sac contamination, promote hatchability rates above 93% with good-quality chicks, and do not cause alterations in the embryonic trachea or potential genetic damage to the chicks. Conclusions: ZOEO, CFEO, and ROEO can be recommended as sanitizers for hatching eggs.

New niobium-based oxygen carriers were prepared adopting polyol-mediated process. Four different polyols were used (diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and 1,2-propanediol) and four different quantities of water (0 mL, 1 mL, 10 mL, 30 mL, with a total volume of 80 mL of solution). Series of bulk and alumina-supported materials were prepared. Different structural and textural properties were obtained, depending on polyol type and hydrolysis ratio. After thermal treatment at 1000 °C, alumina-supported materials were evaluated in a lab-scaled fixed bed reactor. Despite a low conversion of methane due to a low content of active phase AlNbO4, they presented a high selectivity to syngas (a mixture of H2 and CO) during the first few seconds of reaction with CH4, indicating a high selectivity towards chemical-looping reforming process.

Agricultural expansion and the need for sustainable cultivation are challenges faced by researchers involved in the generation of new cultivars that can adapt to abiotic stress. Knowledge of the genetic effects of characteristics related to efficiency and responsiveness to phosphorus use must be considered when implementing methods to obtain better genotypes. The aim of this study was to characterize and select popcorn hybrids based on their efficiency and responsiveness to phosphorus use, and estimate their combining abilities and genetic effects via diallel analysis to implement improvement programs for sustainable agriculture. Eight contrasting inbred lines were used to obtain simple hybrids for diallel analysis. Twenty-eight diallelic hybrids plus the popcorn parental lines were evaluated at two different sites under two contrasting environments for soil phosphorus availability (6 × 6 lattice design). Grain yield, popping expansion, and volume of expanded popcorn per hectare were measured. A combined analysis of variance and a test of means were performed. The classification and utilization of the phosphorus use efficiency index, according to the grain yield performance of the hybrids under contrasting environments, was considered. Through model 2 of the Griffing's diallel analysis method, the general and specific combining abilities were estimated, along with their environmental interactions. The best strategy to obtain genotypes that are efficient and responsive to phosphorus involves exploring popcorn hybrids using genitors that result in the accumulation of additive genes that promote popping expansion. Hybrids P7 × L80, P7 × L59, P7 × L76, and P6 × L80 presented promising results and may be evaluated as cultivation options in phosphorus-deficient soils.