Spatial analysis of viral hepatitis and schistosomiasis coinfection in an endemic area in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This cross-sectional study analyzed the spatial distribution of hepatitis B or C virus (HBV/HBC) and schistosomiasis coinfection. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from patients with Schistosoma mansoni infection. These were tested for serological markers of HBV/HCV infection. The spatial distribution of coinfection was analyzed using intensity kernel estimation. RESULTS: Overall, 9.4% of individuals had contact with HBV and 1.7% of samples tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies. We identified clusters of risk located in the central region. CONCLUSIONS: Spatial analysis allowed visualization of high-risk areas, leading to a definition of priority areas to be targeted for intensification of control interventions.

Physiological quality, anatomy and histochemistry during the development of carrot seeds ( Daucus carota L.) / Qualidade fisiológica, anatomia e histoquímica durante o desenvolvimento de sementes de cenoura (Daucus carota L.)

ABSTRACT The adequate time for carrot seed harvest influences its physiological quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate physiological, anatomical and histochemical changes in carrot seeds harvested at different stages of development and to establish the most appropriate harvest time. Secondary umbels were harvested at 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56 and 63 days after anthesis (DAA). For seed anatomical and histochemical characterization, sections were stained with Toluidine blue stain, Xylidine Ponceau, Lugol's iodine, Sudan Black B and submitted to polarized light. Seed moisture content, seed dry matter, germination, first count, emergence percentage and emergence speed index of seedlings were evaluated. Cultivar Brasília carrot seeds at 14 DAA are in cell division and expansion. In addition, as lipids were identified in the endosperm, despite the seed low dry matter. At 21 DAA, reserve substances such as protein and starch were also identified. Along the seed development process, deposition of lignin occurs in the endocarp cells, and this collapsed lignified layer represents the resistance layer of the seeds. Physiological maturity, represented by the maximum dry matter accumulation, occurs at 35 DAA, with the endosperm occupying almost all volume of seeds, the embryo occupying a small cylindrical region and the integument showing a single layer of cells. At this time, the seeds presented 56% moisture content and the color of the pericarp is green-yellow. Maximum seed germination and vigor occurred at 30 DAA, just before physiological maturity was reached (35 DAA). Thus, the ideal time to harvest the seeds of cultivar Brasília is from 30 DAA, where the seeds have maximum physiological quality.

RESUMO A colheita das sementes de cenoura no momento adequado tem reflexos diretos sobre a sua qualidade fisiológica. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar as alterações fisiológicas, anatômicas e histoquímicas em sementes de cenoura colhidas em diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento e estabelecer a época mais adequada para a colheita. Foram colhidas umbelas secundárias aos 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56 e 63 dias após antese (DAA). Para a caracterização anatômica e histoquímica os cortes foram corados com Azul de toluidina, Xylidine Ponceau, Lugol, Sudan black B e submetidos à luz polarizada. As sementes foram submetidas aos seguintes testes: grau de umidade, matéria seca, germinação, primeira contagem, porcentagem e índice de velocidade de emergência de plântulas. Sementes de cenoura 'Brasília', aos 14 DAA, encontram-se em divisão e expansão celular e apesar da reduzida matéria seca, lipídios foram identificados no endosperma. Aos 21 DAA, além de lipídios, proteínas e amido foram identificados. A maturidade fisiológica das sementes ocorreu aos 35 DAA, com o endosperma ocupando praticamente todo volume das sementes, o embrião ocupando uma pequena região cilíndrica e o tegumento apresentando uma única camada de células. Nesta fase, as sementes apresentaram 56% de grau de umidade e a coloração do pericarpo era verde-amarelo. A máxima germinação e vigor das sementes ocorreu aos 30 DAA, um pouco antes da maturidade fisiológica (35 DAA). Portanto, a época ideal para a colheita das sementes de cenoura 'Brasília' é a partir de 30 DAA, quando as sementes apresentam máxima qualidade fisiológica.