Storage of corn seeds infested by weevil

Weevil is one of the main pests of stored corn. The adults feed on intact and broken seeds or bran, while the larvae develop by feeding on the inside of the seeds, resulting in a reduction in weight and physiological quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Sitophilus zeamais infestation on corn seeds during storage. Corn seeds were infested using insect densities: 0, 36, 72, 108, and 144 individuals per 240 g of seeds. The infested seeds were placed in individualized plastic containers and covered with voile fabric. The seeds were stored for 60 days under laboratory conditions with an average temperature of around 27 °C and relative humidity of 85%. Initially and every 15 days of storage for 60 days, the seeds were evaluated using the parameters: number of S. zeamais individuals, total number of infested seeds, seed weight loss, germination test and seedling emergence in the tray. The population increase of S. zeamais causes a decrease on the physical and physiological quality of stored corn seeds, but the deterioration rate does not increase in the same proportion as the weevil population growth rate.

Validation of the scale to evaluate physical damages related to the Abusive Use of Technology in daily life (PDAUTS)

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: New computer technologies, namely smart cellphones and tablets, among others, interacting along the daily life of individuals may contribute toward the rise of problems: depression, stress and physical damage (undue postures, upper and lower extremity disorders, vision problems, obesity), all of them related to excessive time spent on technological equipment; together with inadequate furniture, quality of life can be seriously affected. OBJECTIVE: To validate a scale to evaluate physical damage related to the Abusive Use of Technology (PDAUTS) in daily life. METHODS: Validation of the PDAUTS was performed through 5 phases: (1) initial scale construction with 20 questions; (2) expert evaluation of questions; (3) application to 200 volunteers; (4) statistical analysis of the results; (5) preparation of the final validated version, retaining the 20 questions. RESULTS: We used the R statistical program, version 3.4.2 and the "dplyr" package to present the descriptive statistics, the hypothesis tests of mean differences and the factor analysis. The results provided a validated final version for PDAUTS. The last step of the study was to calculate Cronbach's alpha parameter, in order to measure the internal consistency of the scale. The value found was 0.897, which in is considered very good. CONCLUSION: The validated PDAUTS allowed us to evaluate physical damage in each subject and design adequate training and treatment programs, reducing overall impairments and contributing to the improvement in quality of life.

Physical damage -the origin of nanotoxicity / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

Despite tre mendous research efforts have been devoted to the analysis of nanoparticles (NPs)biohazard,the potential mechanism for nanotoxicity has not yet been syste mati-cal y elucidated.This review intends to point out the confusions about nanotoxicity in the field and tries to look into the mecha-nism from a new perspective.Currently,there are three puzzles:① no relationship between dose and toxicity could be observed in nanotoxicity;②there is a theory for the″size effects″,however, it cannot explain some cases contrary to the doctrine;③ NPs made of different materials with various sizes could have the same toxic effects through sti mulating oxidative stress.In fact, human body is co mposed of various biological molecules,and the biological function of a living syste m is reflected by the inter-actions and conversions of those molecules.NPs,on the other hand,are the invader of human body which has no ability to transport or convert or digest the foreigner.Thus,NPs could cause celldamage due to the physical blockage of micro-circula-tion,celldestruction due to membrane rando m insertion,and celldysfunction due to physical contacting with big biological mole-cules.The physical damages caused by various NPs could be divided into three categories:adhesion lesion,card inlay and puncture.Above al ,by analyzing wide spectrum of NPs varying in co mposition,shape and size,the author draws a conclusion that physical damage is the origin of nanotoxicity.

Survey on occupational hazards of nurses in the supply room / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To investigate the occupational hazards of nurses in the supply room,to determine what kind of occupational hazards is most dangerous,and accordingly put forward some suggestions of protective measures.Methods Totally 208 nurses from supply rooms of 4 general hospitals were surveyed with questionnaires.The data of occupational hazards were analyzed.Results Various kinds of occupational hazards happened among nurses in the supply room,and among all occupational hazards,physical damage was the most frequently happened.Conclusions The occupational protection awareness of nurses is relatively weak.They can not properly handle damages caused by occupational hazards,so sufficient attention should be given to it.

Psychoactive substances and DNA methylation / 中国药理学通报

Psychoactive substances abusing may induce neuron-specific adaptation and lead to physical and psychological dependence.Moreover,psychoactive substances have toxicological actions to cause physical damages.It has been reported that DNA methylation,acting as an epigenetic modification,may be one of the mechanisms involved in these adaptive changes and physical damages.This review shows a general introduction to the molecular mechanism of DNA methylation,and expounds the pharmacological and toxicological effects of some psychoactive substances on DNA methylation,including ethanol,methamphetamine,morphine,and cocaine.