Effect of Salinity and Silicon Doses on Onion Post-Harvest Quality and Shelf Life.

Salt stress during pre-harvest limits the shelf life and post-harvest quality of produce; however, silicon nutrition can mitigate salt stress in plants. Thus, we evaluated the effects of salinity and fertilization with Si, in pre-harvest, on the morpho-physiological characteristics of onion bulbs during shelf life. The experiment was set up in randomized complete blocks, with treatments arranged in split-split plots. The plots had four levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (0.65, 1.7, 2.8, and 4.1 dS m-1). The subplots had five fertilization levels with Si (0, 41.6, 83.2, 124.8, and 166.4 kg ha-1). The sub-sub plots had four shelf times (0, 20, 40, and 60 days after harvest). Irrigation water salinity and shelf time reduced firmness and increased the mass loss of onion bulbs during shelf life. Salt stress reduced the contents of sugars and total soluble solids of onion bulbs during storage; however, Si supply improved the contents of these variables. Salinity, Si supply, and shelf time increased the concentrations of pyruvic and ascorbic acids in onion bulbs during shelf life. Si doses between 121.8 and 127.0 kg ha-1 attenuated the impacts caused by moderate salinity, increasing the synthesis of metabolites and prolonging the onion bulbs' shelf life.

Pediculosis knowledge among schoolchildren parents and its relation with head lice prevalence.

Pediculosis mainly affects school-age children worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the knowledge of the parents and guardians of children in elementary schools in Niterói, Brazil, regarding pediculosis. Questionnaires were applied to 237 guardians of children at five 1-5 grade municipal schools. The responses were analyzed and correlated with positivity to louse infestation, detected by scalp aspiration. 73.8% of the respondents reported that their child had already been infested with lice. 32.9% presented correct responses about transmission. Incorrect responses were attributed to the air/wind, blood type and the fact that lice jump and fly. 40.1% of the respondents erroneously correlated control over the parasitosis with hygiene. A majority of the participants (58.6%) responded that pediculosis is harmful to health, while a small proportion (20.7%) considered it to be a disease. The prevalence of pediculosis was 19.8% among schoolchildren. Female sex, pruritus on the head and indifference regarding infestation were shown to be risk factors for pediculosis. The lack of perception of pediculosis as a disease may lead to naturalization of this parasitosis. Incorrect responses may add difficulty to implementation of preventive and curative approaches, which highlights the importance of dissemination of correct information about pediculosis.

Necrotic erythema nodosum reaction associated with histological alterations of Lucio's phenomenon

Abstract Patients with lepromatous or borderline leprosy may present two types of vasculonecrotic reactions: Lucio's phenomenon (LP) and necrotic erythema nodosum leprosum (nENL). These are serious conditions, which mostly lead to life-threatening infectious and thrombotic complications. The authors report the case of a patient with leprosy recurrence associated with an atypical type II reaction with LP characteristics on histopathology.

Necrotic erythema nodosum reaction associated with histological alterations of Lucio's phenomenon.

Patients with lepromatous or borderline leprosy may present two types of vasculonecrotic reactions: Lucio's phenomenon (LP) and necrotic erythema nodosum leprosum (nENL). These are serious conditions, which mostly lead to life-threatening infectious and thrombotic complications. The authors report the case of a patient with leprosy recurrence associated with an atypical type II reaction with LP characteristics on histopathology.

Physiological responses and production of mini-watermelon irrigated with reject brine in hydroponic cultivation with substrates.

The scarce availability of good quality water for irrigation in semi-arid regions leads to the reuse of waters, such as reject brine. Associated with this, the use of alternatives, such as hydroponic cultivation in substrates suitable for the development of profitable crops, such as watermelon, a species considered moderately sensitive to salinity, will allow new opportunities for communities assisted by desalination plants. An experiment was conducted in a plastic greenhouse to evaluate the growth, physiological responses, yield, and fruit quality of 'Sugar Baby' mini-watermelon cultivated in a hydroponic system with reject brine from desalination plants and different substrates. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with treatments arranged in a 5 × 4 factorial scheme, corresponding to five mixtures of reject brine (9.50 dS m-1) and tap water (0.54 dS m-1) applied to mini-watermelon plants, in an open hydroponic system, with four types of substrate and four replicates, with two plants per plot. Mini-watermelon plants grown in coconut fiber substrate showed the best growth and production. On the other hand, washed sand was the substrate that most hampered the development of plants in all mixtures. The use of reject brine to prepare the nutrient solution reduced the growth and production of mini-watermelon, mainly in mixtures with salinity above 4.00 dS m-1. The changes in gas exchange caused by salt stress in mini-watermelon were of stomatal nature. Mini-watermelon has high energy stability under conditions of salt stress.

Fertigation with fish farming effluent at the adequate phenological stages improves physiological responses, production and quality of cherry tomato fruit.

The use of effluent from fish farming in the greenhouse increases the availability of water and reduces the risk of environmental contamination due to improper disposal. Therefore, a study in a greenhouse was carried out to evaluate the effects of fertigation utilizing fish farming effluent at different phenological stages of cherry tomato. Plants of cherry tomato were fertigated with fish farming effluent (E) alternated with tap water (W) at the four phenological stages of the crop (growth, flowering, fruit formation and ripening). The growth, gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, chloroplast pigments, electrolyte leakage, production and postharvest quality were evaluated. The fertigation with fish farming effluents did not reduce the growth of tomato plants. The fertirrigated plants with fish farming effluents obtained photosynthetic rates and photochemical efficiency similar or superior to the control. There was no interference on photochemical quenching when the plants were fertigated with fish farming effluents. When applied at the flowering stage, fish farming effluent reduces the average fruit weight and increases acidity. For greenhouse cultivation, each application of fish farming effluents, two successive applications of tap water are required.Novelty statement: Use of fish farming effluent did not compromise the growth and photosynthetic activity of cherry tomato plants. Cherry tomato production was compromised when the effluent was applied during growth, flowering and, beginning of fruit set. The fish farming effluent can be used in irrigation without yield losses if alternating with tap water.

Effect of Organic Residues as Fertilizer on Postharvest Quality of Cherry Tomatoes

Abstract Composting of domestic residues to replace cattle manure was evaluated as a fertilization option for the cherry tomato crop. Two sources of organic compounds (CO) were used to prepare compost piles: Domestic residues (DR) and bovine manure (BM), used in 5 proportions (CO1 = 15% DR + 15% BM, CO2 = 10% DR + 20% BM, CO3 = 20% DR + 10% BM, CO4 = 30% BM (control) and CO5 = 30% DR). To compost the compost piles, the organic waste (carbon source) was mixed with remnants of tree pruning (filler) from the urban cleaning service in a ratio of 1: 3. After 90 days, the compost from each matured pile was mixed with 1: 1 coconut fiber substrate and filled into 15 L plastic bags where the cherry tomato plants were grown. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using the experimental design of randomized blocks with 5 treatments and 5 replicates (6 fruits per sample). The organic fertilization in the proportions of manure and food residue did not provide statistically significant differences in soluble solids, total sugars, lycopene, β-carotene and micronutrients Zn, Fe, N and P in cherry tomato fruits. Fertilization with CO1 and CO2 increased AT, Mn and decreased the SS / AT, K and Ca ratio. There was no nutritional deficiency of tomatoes in any of the proportions of the organic residues studied.

Case for diagnosis. Infiltrated areas on the trunk

Abstract Leprosy is an infectious disease with chronic evolution, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, an acid-fast bacillus that mainly affects the skin and peripheral nervous tissue. Many of the clinical manifestations of leprosy can mimic connective tissue diseases. The authors present the case of a 49-year-old woman who had been treated for four years for systemic lupus erythematosus in a rheumatological service. Skin biopsy of a plaque on the inguinal region was compatible with borderline lepromatous leprosy associated with a type 1 lepra reaction. The patient is undergoing treatment with multibacillary multidrug therapy, showing clinical improvement.

Case for diagnosis. Pruritic erythematosquamous lesion in the auricle

Abstract Chromoblastomycosis is a subcutaneous mycosis with chronic evolution that mainly affects the lower limbs and, less frequently, the auricles. Clinically, it presents with papillary verrucous, nodular, and/or tumoral lesions, whether isolated or infiltrated, forming plaques and, sometimes, atrophic in some areas. Histopathologically, it is characterized by a dermal granulomatous inflammatory infiltrate, and the diagnosis can be confirmed by the presence of fumagoid bodies in anatomopathological or direct mycological exams. The treatment to be indicated will depend on the extent and location of the lesions, using systemic antifungals, surgical removal, cryotherapy, thermotherapy, and immunoadjuvants. The present study reports an atypical presentation of chromoblastomycosis on the auricle.

Case for diagnosis. Infiltrated areas on the trunk.

Leprosy is an infectious disease with chronic evolution, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, an acid-fast bacillus that mainly affects the skin and peripheral nervous tissue. Many of the clinical manifestations of leprosy can mimic connective tissue diseases. The authors present the case of a 49-year-old woman who had been treated for four years for systemic lupus erythematosus in a rheumatological service. Skin biopsy of a plaque on the inguinal region was compatible with borderline lepromatous leprosy associated with a type 1 lepra reaction. The patient is undergoing treatment with multibacillary multidrug therapy, showing clinical improvement.

Case for diagnosis. Pruritic erythematosquamous lesion in the auricle.

Chromoblastomycosis is a subcutaneous mycosis with chronic evolution that mainly affects the lower limbs and, less frequently, the auricles. Clinically, it presents with papillary verrucous, nodular, and/or tumoral lesions, whether isolated or infiltrated, forming plaques and, sometimes, atrophic in some areas. Histopathologically, it is characterized by a dermal granulomatous inflammatory infiltrate, and the diagnosis can be confirmed by the presence of fumagoid bodies in anatomopathological or direct mycological exams. The treatment to be indicated will depend on the extent and location of the lesions, using systemic antifungals, surgical removal, cryotherapy, thermotherapy, and immunoadjuvants. The present study reports an atypical presentation of chromoblastomycosis on the auricle.

Yield and quality of cherry tomato fruits in hydroponic cultivation / Produção e qualidade de frutos de tomate cereja em cultivo hidroponia

Because of the food and industrial importance of tomato, it holds great significance, and is one of the most produced species using the hydroponic cultivation systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of nutrient solution on the production and quality of cherry tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum 'Samambaia') grown in a hydroponic system in protected conditions. The experiment was conducted in pots filled with coconut fiber substrate using a randomized complete block design with four replications and six plants per plot. Five concentrations of nutrients were evaluated (50, 75, 100, 125, and 150% of the standard nutrient solution); the solutions produced the following electrical conductivities: 1.8, 2.0, 2.6, 3.4, and 3.9 dS m-1, respectively. At 90 days after transplanting, the tomato fruits were harvested, at which time the production variables and post-harvest quality of mature fruits were determined. The best production and post-harvest quality indexes of cherry tomatoes ('Samambaia') were found when using 111% of the standard nutrient solution, corresponding to the concentrations of 9.44, 2.44, 2.22, 6.44, 4.11, 2.44, and 2.78 mmolc L-1, of NO3 - , NH4 + , P, K, Ca, Mg, and S, respectively; and 66.6, 55.5, 14.4, 1.89, 0.56, and 0.44 mmolc L -1, of Fe, B, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Mo, respectively. Nutrient solutions with electrical conductivity above 2.89 dS m-1 severely reduced the fruit yield of cherry tomatoes.

Devido à importância alimentar e industrial do tomateiro, a cultura destaca-se entre as hortaliças, sendo uma das espécies mais produzidas em sistema hidropônico de cultivo. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos da aplicação de diferentes concentrações de solução nutritiva na produção e na qualidade dos frutos de tomate cereja (Licopersicon esculentum, cv. Samambaia) em sistema hidropônico sobre condição de ambiente protegido. O experimento foi conduzido em vasos preenchidos com substrato de fibra de coco utilizando o delineamento de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições e seis plantas por parcela. Foram avaliadas cinco concentrações de nutrientes na solução nutritiva hidropônica (50, 75, 100, 125 e 150% da solução nutritiva padrão) que, após a diluição dos nutrientes em água de torneira, estas produziram as seguintes condutividades elétricas: 1.8, 2.0, 2.6, 3.4 e 3.9 dS m-1, respectivamente. Aos 90 dias após o transplantio, os frutos de tomate foram colhidos, ocasião em que se determinaram as variáveis de produção e qualidade póscolheita de frutos maduros. A análise dos resultados indicou que os melhores índices de produção e qualidade dos frutos de tomate cereja cultivado em sistema hidropônico foram encontrados nas concentrações de macronutrientes da solução nutritiva correspondente a 9,44; 2,44; 2,22; 6,44; 4,11; 2,44 e 2,78 mmolc L-1 de NO3 - , NH4 + , P, K, Ca, Mg e S, respectivamente, e 66,6; 55,5; 14,4; 1,89; 0,56 e 0,44 mmolc L-1, de Fe, B, Mn, Zn, Cu e Mo, respectivamente. As soluções nutritivas com condutividade elétricas acima de 2,89 dS m-1 reduziram severamente o rendimento de frutos de tomate cereja

Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to Cladophialophora bantiana: a first case report in an immunocompetent patient in Latin America and a brief literature review.

We report a rare case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cladophialophora bantiana in an immunocompetent patient in Amazonas, Brazil. This dematiaceous fungus has been mainly associated with life-threatening infections affecting the central nervous systems of immunosuppressed patients. We present the clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic aspects, and in vitro susceptibility test results for different antifungal drugs. A brief review of the cases reported in the literature over the past 20 years has also been discussed. According to the literature review, the present case is the first report of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to C. bantiana in an immunocompetent patient in Latin America.

Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to cladophialophora bantiana: a first case report in an immunocompetent patient in Latin America and a brief literature review

Abstract We report a rare case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Cladophialophora bantiana in an immunocompetent patient in Amazonas, Brazil. This dematiaceous fungus has been mainly associated with life-threatening infections affecting the central nervous systems of immunosuppressed patients. We present the clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic aspects, and in vitro susceptibility test results for different antifungal drugs. A brief review of the cases reported in the literature over the past 20 years has also been discussed. According to the literature review, the present case is the first report of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to C. bantiana in an immunocompetent patient in Latin America.

Pigmented squamous cell carcinoma: case report and importance of differential diagnosis.

A few cases of pigmented squamous cell carcinoma affecting the skin and the ocular and oral mucosa of the elderly have been described in the literature. The disease manifests itself as papular and nodular erythematous or pigmented lesions. The main clinical differential diagnoses are pigmented basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Histopathological examination is characterized by proliferation of atypical squamous cells with formation of horn pearls permeated by dendritic melanocytes. For this reason, a careful diagnosis is necessary to rule out other tumors that show melanin pigment. Surgical removal is the indicated treatment and the prognosis is similar to the classical squamous cell carcinoma. We report a case of pigmented squamous cell carcinoma with diagnosis confirmed by histological and immunohistochemical examinations.

Pigmented squamous cell carcinoma: case report and importance of differential diagnosis

Abstract: A few cases of pigmented squamous cell carcinoma affecting the skin and the ocular and oral mucosa of the elderly have been described in the literature. The disease manifests itself as papular and nodular erythematous or pigmented lesions. The main clinical differential diagnoses are pigmented basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Histopathological examination is characterized by proliferation of atypical squamous cells with formation of horn pearls permeated by dendritic melanocytes. For this reason, a careful diagnosis is necessary to rule out other tumors that show melanin pigment. Surgical removal is the indicated treatment and the prognosis is similar to the classical squamous cell carcinoma. We report a case of pigmented squamous cell carcinoma with diagnosis confirmed by histological and immunohistochemical examinations.

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential fruit of Ximenia americana L.

The caatinga ecoregion in northeast Brazil presents a wide variety in plant species. However, the potential of these species as a source of energy, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and bioactive properties beneficial to health is still unknown. Among these species we can find the wild plum (Ximenia americana). Due to its various phytotherapeutic properties and absence of studies on the chemical composition of the fruit this article aimed to evaluate the bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential of the X. americana in different stages of maturation. The fruits of X. americana showed considerable amounts of bioactive compounds, as well as antioxidant activity and antioxidant enzymes. The fruits at green maturity stage showed higher content of yellow flavonoids (22.07 mg/100g), anthocyanins (1.92 mg/100 g), polyphenols (3051.62 mg/100 g), starch (4.22%), antioxidant activity (489.40 g fruit/g DPPH and 198.77 µmol Trolox/g) and activity of antioxidant enzymes; the antioxidant activity allocated to the fruit was shown to be related to the contents of extractable polyphenols, yellow flavonoids, total anthocyanins and antioxidant enzymes.