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Abstract There are few studies evaluating the effects of dairy waste application on sweet potato productivity, especially when combined with organic compost fertilization. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the effects of dairy waste fertilization, with or without organic compost, on the yield components and quality of sweet potato. The experiment was conducted under field conditions from April to August 2019 at the UFRPE experimental farm in Garanhuns, Pernambuco, using a randomized block design with different doses of dairy waste (0, 5, 10, and 15 m3 ha−1) in the presence and absence of organic compost, in addition to a control with mineral fertilization. The analyzed variables included ash and starch contents, total and marketable yield, as well as tuber quality parameters. For ash content in the absence of organic compost, the dose of maximum efficiency was 10.21 m3 ha−1, resulting in 0.55% ash, while the number of marketable tubers reached maximum efficiency at 8.05 m3 ha−1, providing 25.09 tubers per plot. The application of dairy waste, either alone or combined with organic compost, promoted increases in sweet potato yield (t ha−1) and quality, showing performance comparable to mineral fertilizer. The highest ash and starch contents were obtained with the exclusive use of dairy waste, highlighting its potential as a sustainable fertilization alternative. Resumo São escassos estudos que avaliam os efeitos da aplicação de resíduos de laticínio sobre a produtividade da batata-doce, sobretudo quando associados à adubação com composto orgânico. Nesse contexto, objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da adubação com resíduos de laticínio associados ou não ao composto orgânico nos componentes de rendimento e qualidade da batata-doce. O experimento foi conduzido em campo, de Abril a Agosto de 2019, na fazenda experimental da UFRPE em Garanhuns-PE, utilizando um delineamento em blocos casualizados, com diferentes doses de resíduo de laticínio (0, 5, 10 e 15 m3 ha−1) na presença e ausência de composto orgânico, além de uma testemunha com fertilização mineral. As variáveis analisadas incluíram teores de cinzas e amido, produtividade total e comercial, além de parâmetros de qualidade das túberas. Para os teores cinzas na ausência do composto orgânico, a dose de máxima eficiência foi de 10,21 m3 ha-1, proporcionando 0,55% de cinzas, o número de tubérculos comerciais teve dose de máxima eficiência de 8,05 m3 ha-1 proporcionando 25,09 tubérculos por parcela. A aplicação de resíduos de laticínio, isolados ou combinados ao composto orgânico, promoveu aumento na produtividade (t ha-1) e qualidade da batata-doce, apresentando desempenho semelhante ao fertilizante mineral. Os maiores teores de cinza e amido foram obtidos com o uso exclusivo do resíduo de laticínio, evidenciando seu potencial como alternativa sustentável de adubação.

Abstract The presence of fungi in veterinary hospital environments is a constant concern, due to the ability of these organisms to cause infections in animals that frequent them and in humans who work there. This study aimed to investigate the presence and diversity of fungi in a veterinary hospital environment, especially on objects originating from the Pre-anesthesia Medication Room (PMR) and the Surgical Center (SC) of a university veterinary clinic. Samples were collected from objects belonging to these environments and used for the isolation and purification of fungi, before and immediately after the hygiene and disinfection procedure of the environment. A total of 115 colonies were isolated, 88 (76.5%) in the PMR and 27 (23.5%) in the SC. Of these, 74 (64.3%) were isolated before cleaning (53.0-71.6% in PMR and 21.0-28.4% in SC) and 41 (35.7%) after cleaning (35.0-85.4% in PMR and 6-14.6% in SC). Eleven genera were identified, the most prevalent being Trichophyton spp. (53.9%), Microsporum spp. (18.3%) and Cladosporium spp. (11.3%). The diversity, uniformity, and richness of fungal species were higher in PMR after cleaning (1-D = 0.69; H’ = 1.433; DMg = 1.406) and in SC before cleaning (1-D = 0.7892; H’ = 1.76; DMg = 1.642). The Wilcoxon test did not show any statistically significant difference before and after cleaning, thus demonstrating that cleaning is not being efficient in both environments. Cleaning was shown to be inefficient in both environments. It is essential to establish standards for diluting antiseptics, perform internal quality controls through frequent microbiological tests, and conduct periodic training, thus ensuring greater patient safety. Resumo A presença de fungos em ambientes hospitalares veterinários é uma preocupação constante, devido à capacidade desses organismos causarem infecções em animais que frequentam e nos seres humanos que laboram no local. O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar a presença e a diversidade de fungos em ambiente veterinário hospitalar, especialmente em objetos oriundos da sala de medicação pré-anestésica (MPA) e do centro cirúrgico (CC) de uma clínica veterinária universitária. As amostras foram coletadas de objetos pertencentes a esses ambientes e empregadas para o isolamento e purificação de fungos, antes e logo após o procedimento de higiene e desinfecção do ambiente. Foram isoladas 115 colônias sendo 88 (76,5%) na MPA e 27 (23,5%) no CC. Destas, 74 (64,3%) foram isoladas antes da limpeza (53-71,6% na MPA e 21-28,4% no CC) e 41 (35,7%) após a limpeza (35-85,4% na MPA e 6-14,6% no CC). Foram identificados 11 gêneros sendo os mais prevalentes Trichophyton spp. (53,9%), Microsporum spp. (18,3%) e Cladosporium spp. (11,3%). A diversidade, a uniformidade e a riqueza de espécies fúngicas foi maior na MPA após a limpeza (1-D = 0,69; H’ = 1,433; DMg = 1,406) e no CC antes da limpeza (1-D = 0,7892; H’ = 1,76; DMg = 1,642). O teste de Wilcoxon não demonstrou diferença estatística significativa antes e após a limpeza, demonstrando assim que a limpeza não está sendo eficiente nos ambientes. A limpeza mostrou-se ineficiente em ambos os ambientes. É essencial estabelecer padrões para a diluição de antissépticos, realizar controles de qualidade internos por meio de ensaios microbiológicos frequentes e conduzir capacitações periódicas, garantindo assim maior segurança aos pacientes.

Introduction: The field of brain–machine interfaces (BMI) for upper limb (UL) orthoses is growing exponentially due to improvements in motor performance, quality of life, and functionality of people with neurological diseases. Considering this, we planned a systematic review to investigate the effects of BMI-controlled UL orthoses for rehabilitation of patients with neurological disorders. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was elaborated according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P 2015) and Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. A search will be conducted on Pubmed, IEEE Xplore Digital Library, Medline, and Web of Science databases without language and year restrictions, and Patents Scope, Patentlens, and Google Patents websites in English, Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese between 2011 and 2021. Two independent reviewers will include randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies using BMI-controlled active UL orthoses to improve human movement. Studies must contain participants aged >18 years, diagnosed with neurological disorders, and with impaired UL movement. Three independent reviewers will conduct the same procedure for patents. Evidence quality and risk of bias will be evaluated following the Cochrane collaboration by two review authors. Meta-analysis will be conducted in case of homogeneity between groups. Otherwise, a narrative synthesis will be performed. Data will be inserted into a table containing physical description, UL orthoses control system, and effect of BMI-controlled orthoses. Discussion: BMI-controlled orthoses can assist individuals in several routine activities and provide functional independence and sense of overcoming limitations imposed by the underlying disease. These benefits will also be associated with orthoses descriptions, safety, portability, adverse events, and tools used to assess UL motor performance in patients with neurological disorders. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42020182195.

Droughts are predicted to increase in both frequency and intensity by the end of the 21st century, but ecosystem response is not expected to be uniform across landscapes. Here we assess the importance of the hill-to-valley hydrologic gradient in shaping vegetation embolism resistance under different rainfall regimes using hydraulic functional traits. We demonstrate that rainfall and hydrology modulate together the embolism resistance of tree species in different sites and topographic positions. Although buffered by stable access to groundwater, valley plants are intrinsically more vulnerable to drought-induced embolism than those on hills. In all study sites, the variability in resistance to embolism is higher on hills than on valleys, suggesting that the diversity of strategies to cope with drought is more important for tree communities on hills. When comparing our results with previously published data across the tropics, we show greater variability at the local scale than previously reported. Our results reinforce the urgent need to extend sampling efforts across rainfall regimes and topographic positions to improve the characterization of ecosystem resistance to drought at finer spatial scales.

Abstract Biomonitoring is a cheap and effective tool for evaluation of water quality, and infer on the balance of aquatic ecosystems. The benthic macroinvertebrates are bioindicators sensitive to environmental changes, and can assist in detecting and preventing impacts such as organic enrichment and imbalance in the food chain. We compared the structure of benthic communities on artificial substrate samplers located in places near and far from net cages for production of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Samplers were manufactured with nylon net, using substrates such as crushed stone, gravel, loofah and cattail leaves. Samples were collected after 30 days of colonization, rinsed and then the specimens were identified and quantified. The following metrics were calculated: richness of Operational Taxonomic Units, Margalef richness, abundance of individuals, Shannon index and evenness index. The macrobenthic community structure was strongly modified according to the proximity of the net cages. Metrics showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between near and distant sites, for both periods (dry and rainy seasons). The position of the samplers significantly affected the structure of macroinvertebrate community, as near sites showed higher values for the community metrics, such as richness and diversity. Near sites presented a larger number of individuals, observed both in the dry and rainy seasons, with a predominance of Chironomidae (Diptera) in the dry season and Tubificidae (Oligochaeta) in the rainy season. Resumo O biomonitoramento é uma ferramenta com custo relativamente baixo e eficaz para avaliação da qualidade da água, além de inferir sobre o equilíbrio dos ecossistemas aquáticos. Os macroinvertebrados bentônicos são bioindicadores sensíveis às mudanças ambientais, e podem auxiliar na detecção e prevenção de impactos como o enriquecimento orgânico e o desequilíbrio da cadeia alimentar. Como objetivo, foi comparada a estrutura das comunidades bentônicas em coletores com substrato artificial situados em locais próximos e distantes de tanques rede para produção de tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus). Os coletores foram fabricados com rede de náilon, utilizando os substratos brita, cascalho, bucha vegetal e folhas de taboa. Foram realizadas coletas após 30 dias de colonização. As amostras foram lavadas e os espécimes identificados e quantificados. As métricas calculadas foram: riqueza de Unidades Taxonômicas Operacionais, riqueza de Margalef, abundância de indivíduos, índice de Shannon e índice de Pielou. A estrutura da comunidade macrobentônica foi fortemente modificada de acordo com a proximidade dos tanques-rede. As métricas apresentaram diferenças significativas (p < 0,05) entre os locais próximos e distantes, em ambos os períodos (estações seca e chuvosa). A posição dos amostradores afetou significativamente a estrutura da comunidade de macroinvertebrados, na medida em que locais próximos dos tanques rede apresentaram valores mais elevados para as métricas de comunidade, como riqueza e diversidade. Amostras próximas aos tanques rede apresentaram um maior número de indivíduos em ambas as estações do ano, com predomínio de Chironomidae (Diptera) na estação seca e Tubificidae (Oligochaeta) na estação chuvosa.

Colour is a key component to enhance the ultimate appetizing value and consumer acceptance towards foods and beverages. Synthetic food colours have been increasingly used than natural food colours by food manufacturers to attain certain properties such as low cost, improved appearance, high colour intensity, more colour stability, and uniformity. Varied foods and beverages available in the market may contain some nonpermitted synthetic colours and overuse of permitted synthetic colours. This may lead to severe health problems such as mutations, cancers, reduced haemoglobin concentrations, and allergic reactions. According to the Food Act, 2011 (No. 26 of 1980), Sri Lanka, only nine synthetic food colours are permitted and the colour concentration cannot exceed 100 ppm as a single component or in combination. This study aims to identify the synthetic food colours in confectioneries and beverages available in Jaffna district, Sri Lanka. Randomly collected 110 samples from eleven Medical Officers Of Health areas in Jaffna district were analyzed by using thin layer chromatography and UV-visible spectrophotometry. According to the results, 100% beverages and 85% confectioneries contained permitted synthetic food colours. Out of all, 7% of the confectioneries did not contain any synthetic food colour and 8% of the confectioneries contained nonpermitted colours which do not comply with any of the permitted synthetic food colours. Tartrazine (E102) (41%) was the most used synthetic food colour in both confectioneries and beverages. Moreover, 60% of the beverages violated the label requirement without including proper colour ingredients. The study concluded that there is a high tendency to use synthetic food colours in confectioneries and beverages and some confectioneries contain unidentified colours including a textile dye. Therefore, the implementation of regulations and awareness programs of food colours for consumers and food manufacturers are highly recommended.

The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the chemical constitution and allergenic potential of red propolis extract (RPE). They were evaluated, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the release of β-hexosaminidase, respectively. A plethora of biologically active polyphenols and the absence of allergic responses were evinced. RPE inhibited the release of β-hexosaminidase, suggesting that the extract does not stimulate allergic responses. Additionally, the physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity of hydrogel membranes loaded with RPE were analyzed. Bio-polymeric hydrogel membranes (M) were obtained using 5% carboxymethylcellulose (M1 and M2), 1.0% of citric acid (M3) and 10% RPE (for all). Their characterization was performed using thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), total phenolic content, phenol release test and, antioxidant activity through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP). The latter appointed to the similar antioxidant capacity of the M1, M2 and M3. The degradation profiles showed higher thermostability to M3, followed by M2 and M1. The incorporation of RPE into the matrices and the crosslinking of M3 were evinced by FTIR. There were differences in the release of phenolic compounds, with a higher release related to M1 and lower in the strongly crosslinked M3. The degradation profiles showed higher thermostability to M3, followed by M2 and M1. The antibacterial activity of the membranes was determined using the disc diffusion assay, in comparison with controls, obtained in the same way, without RPE. The membranes elicited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, with superior performance over M3. The hydrogel membranes loaded with RPE promote a physical barrier against bacterial skin infections and may be applied in the wound healing process.

Canine dirofilariasis is common in Brazil, but molecular diagnosis is rare even though molecular studies increase our knowledge about molecular epidemiology and circulating genotypes from helminths worldwide. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of infection with a modified Knott's test and to perform molecular characterization of Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy, 1856) Railliet and Henry, 1911, in dogs from endemic areas of Maricá and Niterói municipalities, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Molecular characterization was performed in 33 blood samples from dogs positive for microfilariae and 4 adult worms obtained from 2 other dogs. DNA extraction followed by PCR for mitochondrial target 12S rDNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) of D. immitis were performed, and the amplified products were sequenced. All sequences were identical for both gene targets and showed 100% identity with D. immitis sequences from different animal species from various countries. The study concluded that this genotype of D. immitis might be dispersed worldwide.

Headwater streams play a crucial role in the formation of rivers; they boast numerous springs and serve as hotspots for aquatic biodiversity within watersheds. However, human activities frequently compromise the health of these environments. Common disturbances include the removal of riparian vegetation, sedimentation in the streambed, and the introduction of pollutants such as pesticides. This study sought to assess the macrobenthic community in three headwater rivers over a 9-month period, examining variations in water quality and community composition across different land uses. Key water quality variables - electrical conductivity and total suspended solids - were elevated at the Extrema (EX) Stream, likely attributable to pasture management practices. The Toledo (TO) Stream had higher water temperature and phosphate levels, potentially linked to the removal of riparian forest and the use of fertilizers in vegetable cultivation, respectively. Regarding the benthic community, metrics such as dominance (D); the percentage of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (% EPT); the EPT/Chironomidae ratio; and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’) revealed a clear gradient in environmental health among the three study sites. The Monte Verde (MV) stream emerged as the most pristine one, followed by the EX and TO sites. These data underscore the deleterious impact of unsustainable agricultural practices. In conclusion, such agricultural activities exert a negative influence on both environmental quality and benthic macroinvertebrate communities in headwater streams.

Canine dirofilariasis is common in Brazil, but molecular diagnosis is rare even though molecular studies increase our knowledge about molecular epidemiology and circulating genotypes from helminths worldwide. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of infection with a modified Knott's test and to perform molecular characterization of Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy, 1856) Railliet and Henry, 1911, in dogs from endemic areas of Maricá and Niterói municipalities, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Molecular characterization was performed in 33 blood samples from dogs positive for microfilariae and 4 adult worms obtained from 2 other dogs. DNA extraction followed by PCR for mitochondrial target 12S rDNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) of D. immitis were performed, and the amplified products were sequenced. All sequences were identical for both gene targets and showed 100% identity with D. immitis sequences from different animal species from various countries. The study concluded that this genotype of D. immitis might be dispersed worldwide.