Length-weight relationship for Potamotrygon wallacei (Carvalho, Rosa and Araújo, 2016) caught in the middle Negro River, Barcelos, Brazilian Amazon

Abstract This research aimed to estimate the length-weight ratio (LWR) of the stingray Potamotrygon wallacei, known locally as the cururu, which was caught in streams and lakes in the middle Negro River region, Amazonas, Brazil. The stingrays were captured during the night (from 11 pm to 1 am) near the shores of streams and lakes, through active search using wooden canoes, head lanterns and scoop nets. The samplings were carried out in November 2017 (5 days), February (8 days), March (3 days) and April (2 days) of 2018, totaling 18 days of sampling. The total fresh weight was measured to 0.1 g of accuracy and the disc width to 0.1 cm accuracy. The parameters a and b of the equation W=a.DWb were estimated. This study provides new maximum length data for the cururu stingray.

Resumo Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo estimar a relação peso-comprimento (LWR) da arraia Potamotrygon wallacei, conhecida localmente como cururu, que foi capturada em igarapés e lagos na região do médio Rio Negro, Amazonas, Brasil. As arraias foram capturadas durante a noite (das 23h-1h) nas margens dos igarapés e lagos, por meio de busca ativa utilizando canoas de madeira, lanternas de cabeça e puçás. As coletas foram realizadas nos meses de novembro de 2017 (5 dias), fevereiro (8 dias), março (3 dias) e abril (2 dias) de 2018, totalizando 18 dias de amostragem. Foram medidos o peso fresco total com precisão de 0,01 g e a largura do disco com precisão de 0,1 cm. Os parâmetros a e b da equação W= a.DWb foram estimados. Este estudo prover novos dados de comprimento máximo para a arraia cururu.

Length-weight relationship for Potamotrygon wallacei (Carvalho, Rosa and Araújo, 2016) caught in the middle Negro River, Barcelos, Brazilian Amazon / Relação peso-comprimento de Potamotrygon wallacei (Carvalho, Rosa e Araújo, 2016) capturada no médio Rio Negro, Barcelos, Amazônia Brasileira

Abstract This research aimed to estimate the length-weight ratio (LWR) of the stingray Potamotrygon wallacei, known locally as the cururu, which was caught in streams and lakes in the middle Negro River region, Amazonas, Brazil. The stingrays were captured during the night (from 11 pm to 1 am) near the shores of streams and lakes, through active search using wooden canoes, head lanterns and scoop nets. The samplings were carried out in November 2017 (5 days), February (8 days), March (3 days) and April (2 days) of 2018, totaling 18 days of sampling. The total fresh weight was measured to 0.1 g of accuracy and the disc width to 0.1 cm accuracy. The parameters a and b of the equation W=a.DWb were estimated. This study provides new maximum length data for the cururu stingray.

Resumo Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo estimar a relação peso-comprimento (LWR) da arraia Potamotrygon wallacei, conhecida localmente como cururu, que foi capturada em igarapés e lagos na região do médio Rio Negro, Amazonas, Brasil. As arraias foram capturadas durante a noite (das 23h-1h) nas margens dos igarapés e lagos, por meio de busca ativa utilizando canoas de madeira, lanternas de cabeça e puçás. As coletas foram realizadas nos meses de novembro de 2017 (5 dias), fevereiro (8 dias), março (3 dias) e abril (2 dias) de 2018, totalizando 18 dias de amostragem. Foram medidos o peso fresco total com precisão de 0,01 g e a largura do disco com precisão de 0,1 cm. Os parâmetros a e b da equação W= a.DWb foram estimados. Este estudo prover novos dados de comprimento máximo para a arraia cururu.

Challenges of managing HIV cytomegalovirus co-infection in the presence of pancytopenia

A 60-year-old male patient who presented with generalized weakness and low-grade fever was diagnosed to be human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive with a CD4 count of 17. Routine laboratory investigations revealed pancytopenia. Serum cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive and fundoscopy showed CMV retinitis in the right eye. The patient was started on tablet valganciclovir. After 2 weeks, the patient was brought back in an altered sensorium. He was found to have hyponatremia which was corrected. He was started on antiretroviral therapy and tablet valganciclovir was continued. The patient came back again after one and a half months with a urinary tract infection and fissure-in-ano. He was found to have severe neutropenia. Valganciclovir was stopped. He was started on injection granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. The patient clinically improved and his hematological parameters became normal. Patients having HIV and CMV co-infection with pre-existing pancytopenia have to be closely monitored as the medicines used for treatment can exacerbate the existing conditions.

Clinical Profile, Intensive Care Needs, and Short-Term Outcome of Toxic Shock Syndrome Among Children: A 10-Year Single-Centre Experience from North India

Objective To describe the clinical and laboratory profle, management, intensive care needs, and outcome of children with toxic shock syndrome (TSS) admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a tertiary care center in North India. Methods This retrospective study was conducted in the PICU of a tertiary care hospital in North India over a period of 10 y (January 2011–December 2020) including children<12 y with TSS (n=63). Results The median (interquartile range, IQR) age was 5 (2–9) y, 58.7% were boys, and Pediatric Risk of Mortality III (PRISM-III) score was 15 (12–17). The primary focus of infection was identifed in 60.3% children, 44.5% had skin and soft tissue infections, and 17.5% (n=11) had growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Common manifestations were shock (100%), rash (95.2%), thrombocytopenia (79.4%), transaminitis (66.7%), coagulopathy (58.7%), and acute kidney injury (AKI) (52.4%); and involvement of gastrointestinal (61.9%), mucus membrane (55.5%), respiratory (47.6%), musculoskeletal (41.3%), and central nervous system (CNS) (31.7%). The treatment included fuid resuscitation (100%), vasoactive drugs (92.1%), clindamycin (96.8%), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) (92.1%), blood products (74.6%), mechanical ventilation (58.7%), and renal replacement therapy (31.7%). The mortality was 27% (n=17). The duration of PICU and hopsital stay was 5 (4–10) and 7 (4–11) d, respectively. Higher proportion of nonsurvivors had CNS involvement, transaminitis, thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy, and AKI; required mechanical ventilation and blood products; and had higher vasoactive–inotropic score. Conclusion TSS is not uncommon in children in Indian setup. The management includes early recognition, intensive care, antibiotics, source control, and adjunctive therapy (IVIG and clindamycin). Multiorgan dysfunction and need for organ supportive therapies predicted mortality.

Anatomical and histological traits of Brycon amazonicus liver cultivated in a semi-intensive system / Características anatômicas e histológicas do fígado de Brycon amazonicus cultivado em sistema semi-intensivo

The work aimed to evaluate the weight-length relationship and the condition factor, characterizing the biometry, anatomy, histology and volumetric density of the liver of Brycon amazonicus, in different stages of body growth. The experiment used twenty specimens in four stages of body growth (PI, PII, PIII and PIV) harvested every 90 days, containing five specimens, each group. The livers were dissected, weighed (g) and processed routinely using the hematoxylin and eosin technique. The data were submitted to analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation test and linear regression. The equation that represented the weight-length relation was W = 0.05902 x L2.63, with negative allometric growth, but with a relative condition factor equal to 1.0. The liver was divided into three lobes with the gallbladder close to the right lobe and its color varied from light red to dark red, not varying in relation to other fish species. The hepatosomatic relationship followed body growth until the PII group stage and then declined, demonstrating the behavior of its development in Brycon amazonicus. The organ consists predominantly of hepatocytes, followed by sinusoidal vessels and capillaries, with histological morphology similar to that of many species of fish. Melanomacrophage centers were found only in the most developed animals, but in small quantities, prompting the development of new research on this cell, in this species. In this way, research of this nature allows the characterization of fish species, helping to improve breeding methods, understanding pathological processes caused by diseases, and obtaining better productive capacity, serving an increasingly demanding and prosperous market.

O trabalho objetivou avaliar a relação peso-comprimento e o fator de condição, caracterizando a biometria, anatomia, histologia e densidade volumétrica do fígado de Brycon amazonicus, em diferentes estágios de crescimento corporal. O experimento utilizou vinte espécimes em quatro fases de crescimento corporal (PI, PII, PIII e PIV) colhidos a cada 90 dias, contendo cinco espécimes, cada grupo. Os fígados foram dissecados, pesados (g) e processados rotineiramente pela técnica da hematoxilina e eosina. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, teste de correlação de Pearson e regressão linear. A equação que representou a relação peso-comprimento foi W = 0,05902 x L2,63, com crescimento alométrico negativo, mas com fator de condição relativo igual a 1,0. O fígado apresentou-se dividido em três lobos com a vesícula biliar próxima ao lobo direito e sua cor variou de vermelho claro a vermelho escuro, não variando em relação a outras espécies de peixes. A relação hepatossomática acompanhou o crescimento corporal até a fase do grupo PII e então declinou, demonstrando o comportamento de seu desenvolvimento em Brycon amazonicus. O órgão constitui-se predominantemente por hepatócitos, seguido de vasos e capilares sinusoidais, com a morfologia histológica semelhante ao de muitas espécies de peixes. Centros melanomacrófagos foram encontrados apenas nos animais mais desenvolvidos, mas em pequena quantidade, instigando o desenvolvimento de novas pesquisas sobre esta célula, nesta espécie. Desta forma, pesquisas desta natureza permitem a caracterização de espécies de peixes, auxiliando no aperfeiçoamento de métodos de criação, compreensão de processos patológicos provocados por enfermidades, e obtenção de melhor capacidade produtiva, atendendo um mercado cada vez mais exigente e próspero.

Length-weight relationships of fish from sandy beaches / Relação peso-comprimento de 16 espécies de peixes que ocorrem perto de praias arenosas ao longo da bacia do baixo rio Negro na Amazônia brasileira

This study estimated the length–weight relationships of 16 fish species occurring close to the shores of sandy beaches along the lower Negro River basin, Brazilian Amazon. The specimens were captured for one day each month, in October to November 2016, early in the morning and early evening, using trawl net (20 m length and 3.5 m height, 5 mm mesh between opposite knots). Measurements were taken for standard length (SL – 0.1 cm precision) and total weight (TW – 0.01 g precision). The parameters a and b of the equation WT = a.LTb were estimated. The a values ranged from 0.0018 to 0.0226 and b values ranged from 2.5271 to 3.3244. This study also provides new data on of maximum lengths for six species, Amazonsprattus scintilla, Brycon pesu, Moenkhausia megalops, Pachyurus paucirastrus, Reganella depressa and Trachydoras microstomus, and new reports of the LWRs parameters of 15 fish species.

Este estudo estimou as relações comprimento-peso de 16 espécies de peixes que ocorrem às margens de praias arenosas ao longo da bacia do baixo Rio Negro, Amazônia brasileira. As espécies foram capturadas durante um dia de cada mês, de outubro a novembro de 2016, no início da manhã e no início da noite, usando rede de cerco (20 m de comprimento e 3,5 m de altura, 5 malha mm entre nós opostos). As medidas foram feitas para comprimento padrão (SL - precisão de 0,1 cm) e peso total (TW - precisão de 0,01 g). Os parâmetros a e b da equação WT = a.LTb foram estimados. Os valores de a variaram de 0,0018 a 0,0226 e os valores de b variaram de 2,5271 a 3,3244. Este estudo também fornece novos dados sobre comprimentos máximos para seis espécies, Amazonsprattus scintilla, Brycon pesu, Moenkhausia megalops, Pachyurus paucirastrus, Reganella depressa e Trachydoras microstomus, e novos reportes dos parâmetros da LWRs de 15 espécies de peixes.

Hancornia speciosa serum latex fraction: a non-allergenic biomaterial / Fração soro do látex de Hancornia speciosa: um biomaterial não alergênico

Plant-derived products can assist in the healing process of dermal wounds. It has been demonstrated that Hancornia speciosa latex present angiogenic, osteogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Then, it could contribute to the wound healing process. However, natural products in contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The objective of this work was to evaluate the allergic and irritant potential of H. speciosa serum fraction latex using in vitro assays. The obtained results showed that the H. speciosa serum fraction latex has a slightly irritant potential and is not cytotoxic neither allergenic for human cells. Moreover, we identified a remarkable low amount of proteins in this material in comparison to Hevea brasiliensis latex. This result could explain the non-allergenic potential of H. speciosa serum fraction latex because proteins present in latex are the main responsible for allergy. This biomaterial could be used as a non-allergenic source for development of new medicines.

Produtos derivados de plantas podem auxiliar no processo de cicatrização de feridas cutâneas. Foi demonstrado que o látex de Hancornia speciosa apresenta atividades angiogênicas, osteogênicas, antiinflamatórias e antioxidantes. Então, este biomaterial pode contribuir para o processo de cicatrização de feridas. No entanto, produtos naturais em contato com a pele podem causar dermatites. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial alérgico e irritante do látex da fração soro de H. speciosa por meio de ensaios in vitro. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o látex da fração do soro de H. speciosa possui um potencial pouco irritante e não é citotóxico nem alergênico para células humanas. Além disso, foi identificado uma notável baixa quantidade de proteínas neste material em comparação ao látex de Hevea brasiliensis. Esse resultado poderia explicar o potencial não alergênico do látex da fração soro de H. speciosa, pois as proteínas presentes no látex são as principais responsáveis pela alergia. Este biomaterial pode ser utilizado como fonte não alergênica para desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos.

Anatomical and histological traits of Brycon amazonicus liver cultivated in a semi-intensive system

Abstract The work aimed to evaluate the weight-length relationship and the condition factor, characterizing the biometry, anatomy, histology and volumetric density of the liver of Brycon amazonicus, in different stages of body growth. The experiment used twenty specimens in four stages of body growth (PI, PII, PIII and PIV) harvested every 90 days, containing five specimens, each group. The livers were dissected, weighed (g) and processed routinely using the hematoxylin and eosin technique. The data were submitted to analysis of variance, Pearsons correlation test and linear regression. The equation that represented the weight-length relation was W = 0.05902 x L2.63, with negative allometric growth, but with a relative condition factor equal to 1.0. The liver was divided into three lobes with the gallbladder close to the right lobe and its color varied from light red to dark red, not varying in relation to other fish species. The hepatosomatic relationship followed body growth until the PII group stage and then declined, demonstrating the behavior of its development in Brycon amazonicus. The organ consists predominantly of hepatocytes, followed by sinusoidal vessels and capillaries, with histological morphology similar to that of many species of fish. Melanomacrophage centers were found only in the most developed animals, but in small quantities, prompting the development of new research on this cell, in this species. In this way, research of this nature allows the characterization of fish species, helping to improve breeding methods, understanding pathological processes caused by diseases, and obtaining better productive capacity, serving an increasingly demanding and prosperous market.

Resumo O trabalho objetivou avaliar a relação peso-comprimento e o fator de condição, caracterizando a biometria, anatomia, histologia e densidade volumétrica do fígado de Brycon amazonicus, em diferentes estágios de crescimento corporal. O experimento utilizou vinte espécimes em quatro fases de crescimento corporal (PI, PII, PIII e PIV) colhidos a cada 90 dias, contendo cinco espécimes, cada grupo. Os fígados foram dissecados, pesados (g) e processados rotineiramente pela técnica da hematoxilina e eosina. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, teste de correlação de Pearson e regressão linear. A equação que representou a relação peso-comprimento foi W = 0,05902 x L2,63, com crescimento alométrico negativo, mas com fator de condição relativo igual a 1,0. O fígado apresentou-se dividido em três lobos com a vesícula biliar próxima ao lobo direito e sua cor variou de vermelho claro a vermelho escuro, não variando em relação a outras espécies de peixes. A relação hepatossomática acompanhou o crescimento corporal até a fase do grupo PII e então declinou, demonstrando o comportamento de seu desenvolvimento em Brycon amazonicus. O órgão constitui-se predominantemente por hepatócitos, seguido de vasos e capilares sinusoidais, com a morfologia histológica semelhante ao de muitas espécies de peixes. Centros melanomacrófagos foram encontrados apenas nos animais mais desenvolvidos, mas em pequena quantidade, instigando o desenvolvimento de novas pesquisas sobre esta célula, nesta espécie. Desta forma, pesquisas desta natureza permitem a caracterização de espécies de peixes, auxiliando no aperfeiçoamento de métodos de criação, compreensão de processos patológicos provocados por enfermidades, e obtenção de melhor capacidade produtiva, atendendo um mercado cada vez mais exigente e próspero.

Length-weight relationships of fish from sandy beaches

Abstract This study estimated the lengthweight relationships of 16 fish species occurring close to the shores of sandy beaches along the lower Negro River basin, Brazilian Amazon. The specimens were captured for one day each month, in October to November 2016, early in the morning and early evening, using trawl net (20 m taken for standard length (SL 0.1 cm precision) and total weight (TW 0.01 g precision). The parameters a and b of the equation WT = a.LTb were estimated. The a values ranged from 0.0018 to 0.0226 and b values ranged from 2.5271 to 3.3244. This study also provides new data on of maximum lengths for six species, Amazonsprattus scintilla, Brycon pesu, Moenkhausia megalops, Pachyurus paucirastrus, Reganella depressa and Trachydoras microstomus, and new reports of the LWRs parameters of 15 fish species.

Resumo Este estudo estimou as relações comprimento-peso de 16 espécies de peixes que ocorrem às margens de praias arenosas ao longo da bacia do baixo Rio Negro, Amazônia brasileira. As espécies foram capturadas durante um dia de cada mês, de outubro a novembro de 2016, no início da manhã e no início da noite, usando rede de cerco (20 m de comprimento e 3,5 m de altura, 5 malha mm entre nós opostos). As medidas foram feitas para comprimento padrão (SL - precisão de 0,1 cm) e peso total (TW - precisão de 0,01 g). Os parâmetros a e b da equação WT = a.LTb foram estimados. Os valores de a variaram de 0,0018 a 0,0226 e os valores de b variaram de 2,5271 a 3,3244. Este estudo também fornece novos dados sobre comprimentos máximos para seis espécies, Amazonsprattus scintilla, Brycon pesu, Moenkhausia megalops, Pachyurus paucirastrus, Reganella depressa e Trachydoras microstomus, e novos reportes dos parâmetros da LWRs de 15 espécies de peixes.

Hancornia speciosa serum latex fraction: a non-allergenic biomaterial

Abstract Plant-derived products can assist in the healing process of dermal wounds. It has been demonstrated that Hancornia speciosa latex present angiogenic, osteogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Then, it could contribute to the wound healing process. However, natural products in contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The objective of this work was to evaluate the allergic and irritant potential of H. speciosa serum fraction latex using in vitro assays. The obtained results showed that the H. speciosa serum fraction latex has a slightly irritant potential and is not cytotoxic neither allergenic for human cells. Moreover, we identified a remarkable low amount of proteins in this material in comparison to Hevea brasiliensis latex. This result could explain the non-allergenic potential of H. speciosa serum fraction latex because proteins present in latex are the main responsible for allergy. This biomaterial could be used as a non-allergenic source for development of new medicines.

Resumo Produtos derivados de plantas podem auxiliar no processo de cicatrização de feridas cutâneas. Foi demonstrado que o látex de Hancornia speciosa apresenta atividades angiogênicas, osteogênicas, antiinflamatórias e antioxidantes. Então, este biomaterial pode contribuir para o processo de cicatrização de feridas. No entanto, produtos naturais em contato com a pele podem causar dermatites. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial alérgico e irritante do látex da fração soro de H. speciosa por meio de ensaios in vitro. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o látex da fração do soro de H. speciosa possui um potencial pouco irritante e não é citotóxico nem alergênico para células humanas. Além disso, foi identificado uma notável baixa quantidade de proteínas neste material em comparação ao látex de Hevea brasiliensis. Esse resultado poderia explicar o potencial não alergênico do látex da fração soro de H. speciosa, pois as proteínas presentes no látex são as principais responsáveis pela alergia. Este biomaterial pode ser utilizado como fonte não alergênica para desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos.

Anatomical and histological traits of Brycon amazonicus liver cultivated in a semi-intensive system / Características anatômicas e histológicas do fígado de Brycon amazonicus cultivado em sistema semi-intensivo

Abstract The work aimed to evaluate the weight-length relationship and the condition factor, characterizing the biometry, anatomy, histology and volumetric density of the liver of Brycon amazonicus, in different stages of body growth. The experiment used twenty specimens in four stages of body growth (PI, PII, PIII and PIV) harvested every 90 days, containing five specimens, each group. The livers were dissected, weighed (g) and processed routinely using the hematoxylin and eosin technique. The data were submitted to analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation test and linear regression. The equation that represented the weight-length relation was W = 0.05902 x L2.63, with negative allometric growth, but with a relative condition factor equal to 1.0. The liver was divided into three lobes with the gallbladder close to the right lobe and its color varied from light red to dark red, not varying in relation to other fish species. The hepatosomatic relationship followed body growth until the PII group stage and then declined, demonstrating the behavior of its development in Brycon amazonicus. The organ consists predominantly of hepatocytes, followed by sinusoidal vessels and capillaries, with histological morphology similar to that of many species of fish. Melanomacrophage centers were found only in the most developed animals, but in small quantities, prompting the development of new research on this cell, in this species. In this way, research of this nature allows the characterization of fish species, helping to improve breeding methods, understanding pathological processes caused by diseases, and obtaining better productive capacity, serving an increasingly demanding and prosperous market.

Resumo O trabalho objetivou avaliar a relação peso-comprimento e o fator de condição, caracterizando a biometria, anatomia, histologia e densidade volumétrica do fígado de Brycon amazonicus, em diferentes estágios de crescimento corporal. O experimento utilizou vinte espécimes em quatro fases de crescimento corporal (PI, PII, PIII e PIV) colhidos a cada 90 dias, contendo cinco espécimes, cada grupo. Os fígados foram dissecados, pesados (g) e processados rotineiramente pela técnica da hematoxilina e eosina. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, teste de correlação de Pearson e regressão linear. A equação que representou a relação peso-comprimento foi W = 0,05902 x L2,63, com crescimento alométrico negativo, mas com fator de condição relativo igual a 1,0. O fígado apresentou-se dividido em três lobos com a vesícula biliar próxima ao lobo direito e sua cor variou de vermelho claro a vermelho escuro, não variando em relação a outras espécies de peixes. A relação hepatossomática acompanhou o crescimento corporal até a fase do grupo PII e então declinou, demonstrando o comportamento de seu desenvolvimento em Brycon amazonicus. O órgão constitui-se predominantemente por hepatócitos, seguido de vasos e capilares sinusoidais, com a morfologia histológica semelhante ao de muitas espécies de peixes. Centros melanomacrófagos foram encontrados apenas nos animais mais desenvolvidos, mas em pequena quantidade, instigando o desenvolvimento de novas pesquisas sobre esta célula, nesta espécie. Desta forma, pesquisas desta natureza permitem a caracterização de espécies de peixes, auxiliando no aperfeiçoamento de métodos de criação, compreensão de processos patológicos provocados por enfermidades, e obtenção de melhor capacidade produtiva, atendendo um mercado cada vez mais exigente e próspero.

Length-weight relationships of fish from sandy beaches / Relação peso-comprimento de 16 espécies de peixes que ocorrem perto de praias arenosas ao longo da bacia do baixo rio Negro na Amazônia brasileira

Abstract This study estimated the length-weight relationships of 16 fish species occurring close to the shores of sandy beaches along the lower Negro River basin, Brazilian Amazon. The specimens were captured for one day each month, in October to November 2016, early in the morning and early evening, using trawl net (20 m taken for standard length (SL - 0.1 cm precision) and total weight (TW - 0.01 g precision). The parameters a and b of the equation WT = a.LTb were estimated. The a values ranged from 0.0018 to 0.0226 and b values ranged from 2.5271 to 3.3244. This study also provides new data on of maximum lengths for six species, Amazonsprattus scintilla, Brycon pesu, Moenkhausia megalops, Pachyurus paucirastrus, Reganella depressa and Trachydoras microstomus, and new reports of the LWRs parameters of 15 fish species.

Resumo Este estudo estimou as relações comprimento-peso de 16 espécies de peixes que ocorrem às margens de praias arenosas ao longo da bacia do baixo Rio Negro, Amazônia brasileira. As espécies foram capturadas durante um dia de cada mês, de outubro a novembro de 2016, no início da manhã e no início da noite, usando rede de cerco (20 m de comprimento e 3,5 m de altura, 5 malha mm entre nós opostos). As medidas foram feitas para comprimento padrão (SL - precisão de 0,1 cm) e peso total (TW - precisão de 0,01 g). Os parâmetros a e b da equação WT = a.LTb foram estimados. Os valores de a variaram de 0,0018 a 0,0226 e os valores de b variaram de 2,5271 a 3,3244. Este estudo também fornece novos dados sobre comprimentos máximos para seis espécies, Amazonsprattus scintilla, Brycon pesu, Moenkhausia megalops, Pachyurus paucirastrus, Reganella depressa e Trachydoras microstomus, e novos reportes dos parâmetros da LWRs de 15 espécies de peixes.

Hancornia speciosa serum latex fraction: a non-allergenic biomaterial / Fração soro do látex de Hancornia speciosa: um biomaterial não alergênico

Abstract Plant-derived products can assist in the healing process of dermal wounds. It has been demonstrated that Hancornia speciosa latex present angiogenic, osteogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Then, it could contribute to the wound healing process. However, natural products in contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The objective of this work was to evaluate the allergic and irritant potential of H. speciosa serum fraction latex using in vitro assays. The obtained results showed that the H. speciosa serum fraction latex has a slightly irritant potential and is not cytotoxic neither allergenic for human cells. Moreover, we identified a remarkable low amount of proteins in this material in comparison to Hevea brasiliensis latex. This result could explain the non-allergenic potential of H. speciosa serum fraction latex because proteins present in latex are the main responsible for allergy. This biomaterial could be used as a non-allergenic source for development of new medicines.

Resumo Produtos derivados de plantas podem auxiliar no processo de cicatrização de feridas cutâneas. Foi demonstrado que o látex de Hancornia speciosa apresenta atividades angiogênicas, osteogênicas, antiinflamatórias e antioxidantes. Então, este biomaterial pode contribuir para o processo de cicatrização de feridas. No entanto, produtos naturais em contato com a pele podem causar dermatites. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial alérgico e irritante do látex da fração soro de H. speciosa por meio de ensaios in vitro. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o látex da fração do soro de H. speciosa possui um potencial pouco irritante e não é citotóxico nem alergênico para células humanas. Além disso, foi identificado uma notável baixa quantidade de proteínas neste material em comparação ao látex de Hevea brasiliensis. Esse resultado poderia explicar o potencial não alergênico do látex da fração soro de H. speciosa, pois as proteínas presentes no látex são as principais responsáveis ​​pela alergia. Este biomaterial pode ser utilizado como fonte não alergênica para desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos.

First observation of Afromorgus chinensis (boheman, 1858) (Coleoptera: Trogidae) on a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L., 1758) carcass and its implications in forensic entomology

@#Beetles (Coleoptera) are known to constitute forensic evidence in medico-legal investigations as their presence can be used to date human remains in almost all decomposition stages. Many forensic studies focus on the successional colonization pattern of flies (Diptera); however, beetles have not so far been studied extensively for this aspect. A beetle of the genus Afromorgus Scholtz, 1986, A. chinensis (Boheman, 1858) (Scarabaeoidea: Trogidae), was found beneath a late decaying rabbit carcass at Paya Indah Wetland, Dengkil, Malaysia, for the first time. Both genus and species are already known to occur in Malaysia from literature.

Accessory infraorbital foramen location using cone-beam computed tomography

Background@#Accessory infraorbital foramen (AIOF) can change the normal course of emerging branches of the infraorbital nerve and blood vessels exiting the infraorbital foramen (IOF). This study aimed to examine the AIOF, number of foramina, and their position in relation to IOF using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). @*Methods@#We performed a retrospective CBCT assessment of hospital records between January 2018 and August 2022. The CBCT of 507 patients were examined to extract information on the prevalence, number, position, linear distance from the IOF, and diameter of AIOF in relation to demographic factors. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the prevalence of AIOF. Mean and standard deviation were used to calculate the linear distance and diameter of the AIOF, respectively. The AIOFs, its distribution, and number were compared between sexes and sides using the chi-square test. The independent t-test and Mann–Mann-Whitney test were used to compare the mean difference between the sexes and sides. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. @*Results@#In this current study, the prevalence of AIOF was 7.1% (36 of the 507 patients). Additionally, the current study examined the number of foramina using a single foramen on each side and double foramina located bilaterally at a distance from the AIOF to the IOF. The mean AIOF diameter was also studied, and the AIOF position with respect to the IOF on CBCT was superomedial or inferomedial. There were no statistically significant associations between any of the parameters assessed in this study when comparing sex and sides. @*Conclusions@#A greater number of patients with AIOF presented with a single foramen and unilateral occurrence, without a statistically significant difference. The AIOF was most commonly located superomedial to the IOF.

Preoperative evaluation of gastric cancer and risk factors for postoperative complications / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Surgical resection plays pivotal role in the treatment of gastric cancer. Adequate preoperative evaluation, precise intraoperative maneuver and delicate postoperative management lay the foundation for successful gastrectomy. The aim of preoperative evaluation is to stage tumor and identify potential risk factors (including preoperative factors like age, ASA status, body mass index, comorbidity, hypoalbuminemia, and intraoperative factors like blood loss and combined resection) which could lead to postoperative complication. With the management of prehabilitation, adequate medical decision could be made and patient's fast recovery could be ensured. With the rapid adoption of ERAS concept, there is increasing attention to prehabilitation which focus on optimization of cardio-pulmonary capacity and muscular-skeletal capacity. Despite of the efficacy of prehabilitation demonstrated by randomized controlled trials, consensus has yet to be reached on the following items: specific intervention, optimal measurement, candidate population and optimal timing for intervention. Balancing the efficiency and safety, preoperative evaluation could be put into clinical practice smoothly.

Factors associated with adherence to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected subjects and the use of indicators to characterize the treatment adhesion profile

At present, there is no gold standard to assess patient adherence to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the epidemiological profile, delineate adherence indicators, and identify factors associated with adherence and delays in obtaining medication in patients registered at the Specialized Assistance Service in HIV/AIDS in Brazil. This is a descriptive study based on secondary data obtained from official databases of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Adherence and delay were measured by the frequency of cART medication acquisition in 24 months, and a multivariate linear regression model was developed to identify the factors associated with non-adherence and delays. In 50.2% of the subjects, the viral load remained undetectable throughout the study period. Only 12.4% of patients were fully adherent to cART. Regarding indicators, a value of 0.83 was found for adherence, 0.09 for delay in days, and 0.21 for the number of times the patient was late to obtain the medication. The multivariate analysis showed that males, age between 20 and 59 years, having not changed the cART, and the presence of ≥1000 HIV RNA copies/mL were predictive factors for adherence and delays (P≤0.01). We demonstrated that monitoring cART medication distribution is possible using health indicators, and identifying the factors associated with poor adherence to cART helps characterize patients at higher risks of unsuccessful therapy.

Extraction and characterization of collagen from the skin of Amazonian freshwater fish pirarucu

The need to fully exploit fishing resources due to increasing production and consequent waste generation requires research to promote the sustainability of the fishing industry. Fish waste from the industry is responsible for relevant environmental contamination. However, these raw materials contain high amounts of collagen and other biomolecules, being attractive due to their industrial and biotechnological applicability. Thus, to reduce the waste from pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) processing, this study aimed to obtain collagen from pirarucu skin tissue. The extraction process used 0.05 M sodium hydroxide, 10% butyl alcohol, and 0.5 M acetic acid, with extraction temperature of 20°C. The obtained yield was 27.8%, and through sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), it was determined that the collagen obtained was type I. This study showed that collagen solubility was highest at pH 3 and the lowest solubility was at concentrations of 3% sodium chloride. The denaturation temperature of collagen was 38.1°C, and its intact molecular structure was observed using the Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry technique with an absorption radius of 1. The results showed that it was possible to obtain collagen from pirarucu skin at 20°C, which has the typical characteristics of commercial type I collagen. In conclusion, the procedures used may be considered to be an interesting alternative for collagen extraction, a new product obtained from the processing of fish waste.

Toxic effects of Arianor Ebony hair dye on human cells

To evaluate the risks of hair dye exposure, we investigated cellular and molecular effects of Arianor Ebony dye, which is a mixture of azo and anthraquinone dyes, used in the composition of the black color. Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and gene expression of relevant molecules of apoptotic and oxidative stress mechanisms were investigated in HepG2 cells exposed to Arianor Ebony. Results showed that the dye did not induce cytotoxicity to exposed cells at a concentration up to 50 µg/mL compared to the negative control. However, genotoxic assays indicated that the dye was able to damage the genetic material at a concentration of 25 µg/mL, with induction factor values of exposed cells two- to five-fold higher than those recorded for the negative control. Moreover, the lowest observed effect concentration was 12.5 µg/mL. For gene expression, relevant changes were observed in cytochrome c and caspase 9, which decreased in cells incubated with the dye in a dose-dependent manner when compared with the negative control. In parallel, the expression of genes for antioxidant enzymes was increased in exposed cells, suggesting the presence of metabolic routes that protect cells against the toxic effect of the dye, avoiding exacerbated cellular death. Results suggested that the dye disrupted cellular homeostasis through mitochondrial dysfunction, which may be hazardous to human health. Thus, further investigations are necessary to deeply understand the mechanisms of action of the dye, considering its toxic potential found in our ex vivo assays.

Choanal Polyps Originating from Unusual Sites: A Rural Tertiary Care Center Experience

Abstract Introduction Choanal polyps are benign lesions arising from the sinonasal mucosa, extending through the choana into the nasopharynx. Though polyps arising from the maxillary sinus and extending to the choana are common, polyps arising from the sphenoid sinus ostium, posterior part of middle turbinate, and inferior and middle meatus are quite uncommon. Objective To document the site of origin of choanal polyps arising from unusual sites; their clinical, radiological, and histopathological characteristics, as well as diagnostic challenges and management. Methods This retrospective, single-center study included 14 patients aged 16 to 75-years-old with choanal polyps. After obtaining informed consent, their clinical, radiological and surgical details and histopathology reports were reviewed. Patients were followed for at least 6 months after surgery. Results The predominant symptoms were unilateral nasal obstruction (n = 9), snoring, rhinorrhea, and epistaxis. Though anterior rhinoscopy was unremarkable, a mass could be visualized during posterior rhinoscopy in the nasopharynx in 11 patients, and a mass could be directly visualized in the oropharynx in 2 patients. After diagnostic by nasal endoscopy, these polyps were noted to arise from the posterior aspect of the middle meatus (n = 6), middle turbinate (n = 3), posterior septum (n = 3), sphenoid sinus ostium (n = 1), and inferior meatus (n = 1). All patients were managed surgically. The histopathological examination revealed inflammatory polyp (n = 12), actinomycosis (n = 1), and rhinosporidiosis (n = 1). Patients were followed up for 6 to 22 months. We observed no complications or recurrence. Conclusion Diagnostic nasal endoscopy should be performed in all patients presenting with nasal obstruction, to rule out choanal polyps arising from unusual sites. Complete polyp removal and appropriate treatment based on histopathology prevents recurrence.