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Introduction The European Journal of Psychiatric Trainees was founded in 2022 as the official journal of the European Federation of Psychiatric Trainees (EFPT) to offer a peer-reviewed open-access scientific journal with minimal article processing charges. The journal is edited by trainees and early career psychiatrists and published its first issue in July 2023. The journal aims to facilitate publishing experience and opportunities for trainees. To reflect the global identity and inclusivity of psychiatric research, the journal changed its name in 2023 to become the International Journal of Psychiatric Trainees. Objectives To present the International Journal of Psychiatric Trainees, the successor of the European Journal of Psychiatric Trainees, and other practical aspects related to the article submission. Methods We will reflect on the International Journal of Psychiatric Trainees, focusing on what this name change will imply for the journal’s scope, mission and readership. Results Due to training programmes’ requirements or out of interest, psychiatric trainees are encouraged to conduct scientific research. However, several known barriers to scientific publishing exist, ranging from a lack of mentorship and supervision to limited scientific support. Like the European Journal of Psychiatric Trainees, the International Journal of Psychiatric Trainees continues to be an open-access, double-blind peer-reviewed journal with minimal/no publication fees that publishes original and innovative research as well as clinical, theory, perspective, and policy articles and reviews in the field of psychiatric training, psychiatry, and mental health. Since the difficulties and needs in creating research output are not exclusive to European trainees, the journal will become more attractive to readers and authors from other countries while increasing the diversity of articles. The first International Journal of Psychiatric Trainees issue will be dedicated to the 31st EFPT Forum with the theme “Trainee Mental Health”, containing articles reporting on the projects from National Psychiatric Trainee Associations looking into trainee mental health. Submissions for the regular edition remain open, and articles should be submitted through the manuscript submission platform (https://ijpt.scholasticahq.com) Conclusions The International Journal of Psychiatric Trainees aims to be an educative scientific journal for psychiatric trainees and other psychiatry and mental health researchers. The name change and its increased openness will help the authors reach a wider readership while the journal can feature a more comprehensive record of psychiatric research through its global scope. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Introduction Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) indication-based classification system is the World Health Organization (WHO) drug classification system and it is widely used in clinical and researh practice, however there has been questions around the scientific base of this (1, 2). Neuroscience-based Nomenclature (NbN) has been developed by representatives from 5 international organizations, with specific expertise in psychopharmacology, to address the issues around neuropsychopharmacological drug classification and improve the focus on pharmacological domains and mode of action: ECNP – European College of Neuropsychopharmacology ACNP – American College of Neuropsychopharmacology AsCNP – Asian College of Neuropsychopharmacology CINP – International College of Neuropsychopharmacology IUPHAR – International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology References: 1. Nutt DJ. Beyond psychoanaleptics - can we improve antidepressant drug nomenclature? [published correction appears in J Psychopharmacol. 2009 Sept;23(7):861]. J Psychopharmacol. 2009;23(4):343-345. doi:10.1177/0269881109105498 2. Zohar J, Stahl S, Moller HJ, et al. A review of the current nomenclature for psychotropic agents and an introduction to the Neuroscience-based Nomenclature. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2015;25(12):2318-2325. doi:10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.08.019 Objectives As NbN is a novel classification system that can be used as a teaching tool as well as for other purposes, we aimed to understand the experience, views and needs of the psychiatric trainees and early career psychiatrists who will shape the future of psychiatry, around drug classification systems. Methods The ethical clearance of the study was obtained from King’s College London. We prepared an online survey (https://forms.gle/FCSdVTFH4U5QNn5t8) with a multinational group of early career pscyhiatrists who met through the CINP and EFPT, and test-run the survey with a small group of psychiatric trainees. The online survey was then disseminated via emailing lists and groups of early careers psychiatrists as well as through social media. Results At the time of this abstract submission, the data collection is ongoing. Results will include analyses of the experience with different drug classifcations systems, awareness, views and attainment of NbN, stratified according to the demographic data (country, careers status, main work setting). Conclusions The findings from this study will shed light on the views and needs of early career psychiatrists on the topic from clinical and academic aspects, a previously unexplored perspective on drug classification systems. The findings can inform the planning of various strategies to address areas to improve the use and teaching of these tools. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Introduction Psychiatric patients, and schizophrenia patients in particular, have a lower average life expectancy than the general population, and the high prevalence of physical illnesses contributes to this. In the case of cancer, the incidence seems to be the same or lower compared to the general population, but on the other, the prognosis is frankly worse. Objectives We aim to collect evidence about the relationship between cancer and schizophrenia. Methods Based on a clinical case of a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who died of an occult neoplasm, we conducted a narrative review of the literature concerning cancer screening, incidence, mortality and prognosis in patients with schizophrenia. Results A 39-year-old male patient was diagnosed with schizophrenia when he was 26 years older. The patient was single, had no children, lived alone and was retired due to his psychiatric condition. He was admitted to the inpatient ward in January 2023 due to a psychotic relapse after abandoning the prescribed treatment. He remained hospitalised for 14 days, and oral and injectable antipsychotic therapy was reinstated. He was discharged to the psychiatric day hospital unit to promote psychosocial rehabilitation. During this period, he complained about unspecified back pain but did not present any other physical symptoms. Two months later, he was evaluated by his psychiatrist as an outpatient, and his general condition had become significantly poorer. He had lost over 20 kilograms, his skin was pale, and he complained of back pain. He was referred to an internal medicine consultation. Still, before it was scheduled, he came to the emergency department and was admitted due to digestive bleeding, asthenia and low back pain, with a weight loss of around 25 kilograms. An abdominal mass was palpated on physical examination, and the chest x-ray showed a “balloon drop” pattern, indicating pulmonary metastases. Two days after being admitted to the internal medicine ward, he died of cardiac arrest. It is known that the stigma that mentally ill patients suffer often contributes to a delay in diagnosing medical illnesses. In addition, frequent social isolation and poor social family support do not help these patients seek medical care when their physical condition deteriorates. Low adherence to cancer screening and avoidance of routine health care often add to this delay. Conclusions As physicians who often deal with individuals with severe mental illnesses, psychiatrists should be extra aware of risk factors and keep a heightened suspicion of medical conditions. They should also promote the adoption of beneficial health behaviours and encourage participation in cancer screening and other relevant health programs. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Abstract Buildings are one of the largest consumers of electrical energy, making it important to develop different strategies to help to reduce electricity consumption. Building energy consumption forecasting strategies are widely used to support demand management decisions, but these strategies require large data sets to achieve an accurate electric consumption forecast, so they are not commonly used for buildings with a short history of record keeping. Based on this, the objective of this study is to determine, through continuous hourly electricity consumption forecasting strategies, the amount of data needed to achieve an accurate forecast. The proposed forecasting strategies were evaluated with Random Forest, eXtreme Gradient Boost, Convolutional Neural Network, and Temporal Convolutional Network algorithms using 4 years of electricity consumption data from two buildings located on the campus of the University of Valladolid. For performance evaluation, two scenarios were proposed for each of the proposed forecasting strategies. The results showed that for forecasting horizons of 1 week, it was possible to obtain a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) below 7% for Building 1 and a MAPE below 10% for Building 2 with 6 months of data, while for a forecast horizon of 1 month, it was possible to obtain a MAPE below 10% for Building 1 and below 11% for Building 2 with 10 months of data. However, if the distribution of the data captured in the buildings does not undergo sudden changes, the decision tree algorithms obtain better results. However, if there are sudden changes, deep learning algorithms are a better choice.

Intro: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is currently a global health crisis and is caused by a new strain of coronavirus. However, emerging literature of case reports noted possible extrapulmonary manifestations of the disease. Because COVID 19 is a relatively new disease, at present, little existing literature tackles the diagnosis and therapeutic management of COVID‐19‐related conditions outside the pulmonary system. Methods: This is a case of a 24-year-old male presented with the chief complaint of sudden stiffening of all extremities. Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scan was unremarkable. Chest X-ray revealed interstitial pneumonia and SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR (OPS/NPS) was positive. Electrocardiogram (ECG) findings showed supraventricular tachycardia and had elevated Troponin I levels. Pertinent physical findings noted were slurring of speech, dysmetria, and vertical nystagmus. Findings: The patient was initially treated as a case of Bacterial Abscess versus Viral encephalitis. Pericardial ultrasound revealed small pericardial effusion and was started on Colchicine. Repeat cranial CT scan noted unremarkable results but due to persistence of symptoms, the patient was started with Dexamethasone. On Day 16 of illness, the patient was noted to have full resolution of symptoms. Rapid antibody testing was done which revealed positive for both IgG and IgM hence the patient was discharged with the final diagnosis of Viral Myopericarditis resolved, Viral encephalitis resolved, COVID-19 pneumonia recovered. Conclusion: Extrapulmonary manifestations have been reported increasingly as an atypical presentation of COVID 19 infection. Early recognition of viral myopericarditis and viral encephalitis as a manifestation of COVID 19 can lead to the initiation of proper treatment and management. More reports on these cases can aid future studies on diagnostics and therapeutic approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction Psychiatry training programs vary in the degree to which they offer trainees with an opportunity to get involved in research. Exposure to research during the training period is critical, as this is usually when trainees start their own scientific research projects and gain their first experiences in academic publishing. Objectives We present the European Journal of Psychiatric Trainees (EJPT) (ejpt.scholasticahq.com), the official journal of the European Federation of Psychiatric Trainees (EFPT), including its scope, mission and vision and practical considerations. Methods Reflecting on the foundation and operation of the European Journal of Psychiatric Trainees. Results The European Journal of Psychiatric Trainees is an Open Access, double blind peer-reviewed journal which aims to publish original and innovative research as well as clinical, theory, perspective and policy articles, and reviews in the field of psychiatric training, psychiatry and mental health. Its mission is to encourage research on psychiatric training and inspire scientific engagement by psychiatric trainees. Work conducted by psychiatric trainees and studies of training in psychiatry are prioritized. The journal is open to submissions, and while articles from psychiatric trainees are prioritized, submissions within scope from others are also encouraged. The article processing fee is very low and waivable. It is planned to publish two issues yearly. The first article was published in July 2022, titled “Fluoxetine misuse by snorting in a teenager: a case report” and it received 218 views as of 17 October 2022, which confirms the journal’s potential for visibility. Conclusions The European Journal of Psychiatric Trainees is a non-profit initiative designed to offer psychiatric trainees a platform to publish and gain experience in publishing. Thanks to its robust double blind peer reviewing system, it has the potential to contribute to scientific excellence. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Introduction Antipsychotics are the standard in the treatment of first psychotic episodes. Although the majority of patients respond to the established treatment, it is currently known that there is a subgroup of patients whose response is not satisfactory. In this group, the subsequent response to a new antipsychotic is generally poor. Clozapine is an antipsychotic with a unique profile, with demonstrated efficacy and approval in the treatment of treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Its role in the first psychotic episodes remains unclear and its use is, to say the least, controversial. Objectives This work aims to analyze and evaluate the use of clozapine in patients with a first psychotic episode, taking into account the experience of a Portuguese Hospital Center. Methods We carried out a retrospective study, including all patients admitted to the inpatient clinic of adults with a first psychotic episode, in the Department of Psychiatry of Centro Hospitalar Universitário of São João, in Oporto, between 2007 and 2020. Clinical and socio-demographic data were collected.We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who, at discharge, were medicated with clozapine, proceeding to a descriptive analysis. Results In this case series, we intended to describe the cases of patients in whom the use of clozapine in the first psychotic episode was initiated. All patients were discharged with the diagnosis of Schizophrenia. Prior to the introduction of clozapine, patients were treated with other antipsychotics, normally two. Patients taking clozapine were younger and had a longer duration of untreated psychosis. They had also longer length of hospital stay. The pattern of prescribing antipsychotics in the first and subsequent episodes has generally been extensively studied. However, the use of clozapine in the first episodes remains unclear.In the literature, and despite clozapine being considered one of the most effective antipsychotics, there is a high prevalence of polypharmacy and a significant delay in its use in the first episodes.Notwithstanding the unfavorable metabolic and hematological profile of clozapine, compared to other antipsychotics, in terms of hospitalization, mortality and discontinuation rates for all causes, it demonstrates a pattern of superiority. Conclusions The superiority in effectiveness of clozapine is well established, despite its underutilization and frequent delay in its introduction.The clinicians attitude remains a significant barrier to the commencement of clozapine, although it is important to define and characterize better potential groups of eligible patients. Education resources for clinicians as well as services specifically dedicated to early identification and management of eligible patients would be beneficial. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Introduction Adults diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) likely have a history of psychological trauma. There has been research about the connection between Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (c-PTSD) and BPD. Objectives This paper provides a review of the relationship between complex trauma and key features of BPD. Methods Review of the literature from 2015 to present, using search engines such as Pubmed and Google Shoolar, using the following keywords: borderline personality disorder, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma Results Traumatic victimisation and compromised primary caregiving relationships have been hypothesized to be key aetiological factors in the subsequent development of BPD. c-PTSD was defined as a syndrome with symptoms of emotional dysregulation, dissociation somatisation and poor self-esteem, with distorted cognition about relationships, following traumatic interpersonal abuse. It was proposed as an alternative for understanding and treating people who had suffered prolonged and severe interpersonal trauma, many of whom were diagnosed with BPD. Although, the boundaries between c-PTSD and BPD remain vague. Currently, the main difference is the assumption that symptoms of c-PTSD are sequelae of exposure to traumatic stress, which is not inherent in the current DSM-5 definition of BPD. Furthermore, to date, the neurochemistry and neurostructural changes seen in c-PTSD, BPD and PTSD do not clearly differentiate the three conditions. Conclusions BPD and PTSD are relatively distinct with regard to the precise qualitative definitions of their diagnostic features, but nevertheless have substantial potential overlap in their symptom criteria. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction About a decade ago, the idea of a Late-Onset Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (LO-PTSD) emerged, in order to characterize the later-life emergence of symptoms related to early-life warzone trauma among aging combat Veterans. Objectives This paper provides a review of the changes happened during the onset of a late form of PTSD and how can mental health professionals intervene. Methods Review of the literature from 2015 to present, using search engines such as Pubmed and Google Schoolar, using the following keywords: Late-Onset Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, triggers, prevention, intervention Results At first, there was hypothesized that aging-related challenges (role transition and loss, death of family members and friends, physical and cognitive decline) might lead to increased reminiscence, and possibly distress, among Veterans who had previously dealt successfully with earlier traumatic events. However, recent studies have proposed that in later life many combat Veterans confront and rework their wartime memories in an effort to find meaning and build coherence. Through reminiscence, life review, and wrestling with issues such as integrity versus despair, they intentionally reengage with experiences they avoided or managed successfully earlier in life, perhaps without resolution or integration. This process can lead positively to personal growth or negatively to increased symptomatology. Conclusions Therefore the role of preventive intervention in enhancing positive outcomes for Veterans who reengage with their wartime memories in later life should be reconsidered. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is the most common microdeletion syndrome. Its clinical presentation varies and it may present several medical complications, namely heart defects, cleft palate, autoimmune diseases, delayed development, and psychiatric disorders. In these patients, psychiatric disorders are frequent and may include attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Objectives We aim to characterize psychosis in patients diagnosed with 2q11.2 deletion syndrome, which is one of the most frequent psychiatric presentations. Methods To introduce the topic of 22q11.2 psychiatric symptoms, we will start by presenting a clinical case. Then, a review of the related literature using the Pubmed database using the following expression “22q11.2 deletion syndrome”; “DiGeorge syndrome”; “velocardiofacial syndrome”; “psychosis”; “psychiatric disorders”. Results Patients diagnosed with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome are considered high-risk for psychosis. In this clinical case, we present a 19-year old man diagnosed with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome who was admitted to a psychiatric ward for psychosis. The knowledge of the increased risk for psychosis in these patients should be taken into account in the face of behavioral changes de novo to assure a timely therapeutic approach. Currently, the treatment does not differ from other patients, but this is mainly due to the lack of knowledge on the best therapeutic approach in this specific diagnosis. Conclusions Genetic syndromes are often associated with psychiatric disorders. Patients diagnosed with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome are at high risk for psychosis and should deserve a multidisciplinary approach so that their diagnosis and treatment are established as early as possible. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Analysis of formaldehyde measurements by the Pandora spectrometer systems between 2016 and 2019 suggested that there was a temperature-dependent process inside the Pandora head sensor that emitted formaldehyde. Some parts in the head sensor were manufactured from the thermal plastic polyoxymethylene homopolymer (E.I. Du Pont de Nemour & Co., USA; POM-H Delrin®) and were responsible for formaldehyde production. Laboratory analysis of the four Pandora head sensors showed that internal formaldehyde production had exponential temperature dependence with a damping coefficient of 0.0911±0.0024 ∘C−1 and the exponential function amplitude ranging from 0.0041 to 0.049 DU. No apparent dependency on the head sensor age and heating and cooling rates was detected. The total amount of formaldehyde internally generated by the POM-H Delrin components and contributing to the direct-sun measurements were estimated based on the head sensor temperature and solar zenith angle of the measurements. Measurements in winter, during colder (< 10 ∘C) days in general, and at high solar zenith angles (> 75∘) were minimally impacted. Measurements during hot days (> 28 ∘C) and small solar zenith angles had up to 1 DU (2.69×1016 molec. cm−2) contribution from POM-H Delrin parts. Multi-axis differential slant column densities were minimally impacted ( DU) due to the reference spectrum being collected within a short time period with a small difference in head sensor temperature. Three new POM-H Delrin free Pandora head sensors (manufactured in summer 2019) were evaluated for temperature-dependent attenuation across the entire spectral range (300 to 530 nm). No formaldehyde absorption or any other absorption above the instrumental noise was observed across the entire spectral range.

Abstract Background Subfertility decreases the efficiency of the cattle industry because artificial insemination employs spermatozoa from a single bull to inseminate thousands of cows. Variation in bull fertility has been demonstrated even among those animals exhibiting normal sperm numbers, motility, and morphology. Despite advances in research, molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the causes of low fertility in some bulls have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the metabolic profile of bull spermatozoa using non-targeted metabolomics. Statistical analysis and bioinformatic tools were employed to evaluate the metabolic profiles high and low fertility groups. Metabolic pathways associated with the sperm metabolome were also reported. Results A total of 22 distinct metabolites were detected in spermatozoa from bulls with high fertility (HF) or low fertility (LF) phenotype. The major metabolite classes of bovine sperm were organic acids/derivatives and fatty acids/conjugates. We demonstrated that the abundance ratios of five sperm metabolites were statistically different between HF and LF groups including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), carbamate, benzoic acid, lactic acid, and palmitic acid. Metabolites with different abundances in HF and LF bulls had also VIP scores of greater than 1.5 and AUC- ROC curves of more than 80%. In addition, four metabolic pathways associated with differential metabolites namely alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, β-alanine metabolism, glycolysis or gluconeogenesis, and pyruvate metabolism were also explored. Conclusions This is the first study aimed at ascertaining the metabolome of spermatozoa from bulls with different fertility phenotype using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. We identified five metabolites in the two groups of sires and such molecules can be used, in the future, as key indicators of bull fertility.

AbstractIntroduction There is growing research regarding the influence of intra oral devices over sportive performance [1,2]. There is however an unclear definition of the intermaxillary relation during athletes activity and its influence upon the performance. This theme is absent across the scientific research and should be the starting key point on this kind of study. Our goal is to create and assess an experimental setup to determine the intermaxillary relation in surfers during take off - getting up on the surfboard.Materials and methods Ten male adults free surfers were invited for this study. We applied a standard questionnaire about intermaxillary relation during sports. Two possible setups were tested in terms of distance to capture the masticatory muscles in video of 5 take offs; we used a Cannon®️ 77 D on a tripod first at a distance of 1 m from a white tape placed on the floor perpendicularly to the body of the surfer facing down, where both hands were placed while he was laying on the ground ready for take off. Then we gave them a signal to execute the takeoff and all was recorded on video for posterior slow motion analysis. The exact same procedure was done a second time for a distance of 2 metres. This case series study was approved by the Egas Moniz Ethical Committee and each patient signed previously an informed consent. All the assumptions of the Helsinki Declaration have been fulfilled.Results Comparing the 2 setups, it was unclear, in terms of image analysis, the setup with the 1 m distance, becoming clear, in terms of muscle contraction, the 2 metres distance. Even so, the comparison between the standard questionnaire about intermaxillary relation and the video captured is highly variable and somewhat confusing, presenting some analysis limitations, giving us a clear notion that we need another mean of instrumental analysis about the intermaxillary position of the surfers.Discussion and conclusions It is clear to us the high variability of the intermaxillary position of athletes during take off as the lack of self perception on their practice. It is mandatory to design a setup to have an instrumental analysis like electromyography to confirm masticatory muscle contraction and validate the possible influence or relation between intermaxillary relation and sportive performance.

We present a characterization of the chemical composition of the atmosphere of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest based on trace gas measurements carried out during the South AMerican Biomass Burning Analysis (SAMBBA) airborne experiment in September 2012. We analyzed the observations of primary biomass burning emission tracers, i.e., carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O3), isoprene, and its main oxidation products, methyl vinyl ketone (MVK), methacrolein (MACR), and isoprene hydroxy hydroperoxide (ISOPOOH). The focus of SAMBBA was primarily on biomass burning emissions, but there were also several flights in areas of the Amazon forest not directly affected by biomass burning, revealing a background with a signature of biomass burning in the chemical composition due to long-range transport of biomass burning tracers from both Africa and the eastern part of Amazonia. We used the [MVK + MACR + ISOPOOH] ∕ [isoprene] ratio and the hydroxyl radical (OH) indirect calculation to assess the oxidative capacity of the Amazon forest atmosphere. We compared the background regions (CO 3] ∕ [CO]), to evaluate the impact of biomass burning emissions on the oxidative capacity of the Amazon forest atmosphere. We observed that biomass burning emissions disturb the isoprene oxidation reactions, especially for fresh plumes ([MVK + MACR + ISOPOOH] ∕ [isoprene]  =   7) downwind. The oxidation of isoprene is higher in fresh smoke plumes at lower altitudes (∼ 500 m) than in aged smoke plumes, anticipating near the surface a complex chain of oxidation reactions which may be related to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. We proposed a refinement of the OH calculation based on the sequential reaction model, which considers vertical and horizontal transport for both biomass burning regimes and background environment. Our approach for the [OH] estimation resulted in values on the same order of magnitude of a recent observation in the Amazon rainforest [OH] ≅ 106 (molecules cm−3). During the fresh plume regime, the vertical profile of [OH] and the [MVK + MACR + ISOPOOH] ∕ [isoprene] ratio showed evidence of an increase in the oxidizing power in the transition from planetary boundary layer to cloud layer (1000–1500 m). These high values of [OH] (1.5 × 106 molecules cm−3) and [MVK + MACR + ISOPOOH] ∕ [isoprene] (7.5) indicate a significant change above and inside the cloud decks due to cloud edge effects on photolysis rates, which have a major impact on OH production rates.

The use of agroindustrial wastes for biosurfactant production is advantageous since the raw material represents a great part of the costs to obtain this bio-product. Low cost raw materials (Tiger nut fibre – TNF and corn steep liquor – CSL) were evaluated as potential carbon and nitrogen sources for biosurfactant production by Yarrowia lipolytica IMUFRJ 50682. It was demonstrated that it is possible to produce biosurfactant using corn steep liquor or tiger nut fiber in medium containing ammonium sulfate, with emulsification indexes (EI) around 40% for each residue. The culture medium containing ammonium sulfate, corn steep liquor and tiger nut fiber presented the same EI (60%) as the medium containing glucose, yeast extract, glycerol and ammonium sulfate (Control medium). This is the first report of the use of tiger nut by-product for biosurfactant production. It was estimated that the cost for ammonium sulfate, corn steep liquor and tiger nut fiber medium is one third the cost of control medium.

A existência de populações numerosas de pombos (Columba livia) em centros urbanos, em quase todo o mundo, tem se tornado um risco à saúde pública em vista das zoonoses que podem transmitir. A infecção por Chlamydophila psittaci foi avaliada em pombos que frequentam áreas públicas, como praças, ruas e pontos turísticos na cidade de Salvador, Bahia, por meio da PCR em amostras de fezes frescas, suabes cloacais e orofaríngeos. O estudo revelou uma frequência de infecção por C. psittaci de 11,7% (16/137) dos pombos, e oito dos 10 locais pesquisados apresentavam aves infectadas. A detecção de C. psittaci em amostras de cloaca e orofaringe foi maior (15,8% - 3/19) que em amostras de fezes frescas (11% - 13/118). Os resultados demonstram a ocorrência de infecção por C. psittaci em pombos que habitam as áreas públicas da cidade de Salvador e apontam para a necessária elaboração de medidas de controle e monitoramento das populações de pombos urbanos, bem como de ações voltadas à conscientização da sociedade sobre os riscos à saúde pública.

As actividades das enzimas no solo são um importante indicador da sua qualida­de. Neste estudo procedeu-se à caracteri­zação da actividade enzimática de desi­drogenases (EC 1.1.1) e da urease (EC 3.5.1.5) de um solo sob Olea europeae L. da região de Évora. As constantes cinéti­cas Km e Vmáx, foram determinadas usando como substratos o cloreto de p­-iodonitrotetrazolio (INT) e a ureia, res­pectivamente. Foi avaliado o efeito nas referidas actividades provocado pelo pH, temperatura e vestígios de Hg2+ e de Pb2+. As actividades máximas obtiveram-se a pH = 8,5 e 40 ºC, com Km= 0,5 mM e Vmáx = 5,4 µmol min-1 g-1, para a activida­de de desidrogenases e a pH = 10 e 37 ºC, com Km = 25,7 mM e Vmáx = 2,0x10-2 µmol min-1 g-1, para a urease. Estas acti­vidades foram inibidas por diferentes concentrações de Hg2+, mas apenas a acti­vidade da urease foi inibida pelo Pb2+. Estes resultados são comparáveis com os referidos na literatura para estes enzimas.Enzyme activities are often used as in­dicator of soil quality. This study reports on dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1) and urease (EC 3.5.1.5) activities of a soil under Olea europaea L. from Évora region. Kinetic constants Km and Vmax were determined using p-iodonitrotetrazolium chloride (INT) and urea, respectively. Effects of pH, temperature and Hg2+ and Pb2+ traces on both activities were determined. Maximal activity was obtained at pH = 8.5 and 40ºC, Km = 0.5 mM and Vmax=5,4µmol min-1 g-1 , for dehydro­genase and at pH = 10 and 37 ºC, Km = 25.7 mM and Vmax = 2.0x10-2 µmol min-1 g-1, for urease. These activities were in­hibited by different concentrations of Hg2+, but only the urease activity was in­hibited by Pb2+. Results of this study are comparable to those reported in the litera­ture for these enzymes.

Objetivo: Determinar las posibles interacciones farmacológicas de las hojas de Maytenus macrocarpa, con fármacos estimulantes e inhibitorios de la motilidad intestinal. Métodos: Se utilizaron 110 ratones albinos machos, con pesos medios de 25 g, se empleó el método de Arbos y col, se administró carbón activado al 5 % vía oral, dosis de 0.1ml/10g, como marcador intestinal. Los grupos experimentales fueron: control (agua destilada 0,3ml), hojas de chuchuhuasi 1 (500mg/kg), hojas de chuchuhuasi 2 (3000mg/kg), atropina (1,5mg/kg), loperamida (5mg/kg), neostigmina (0,4mg/kg), metoclopramida (10mg/kg), hojas de chuchuhuasi 1 con metoclopramida, hojas de chuchuhuasi 1 con loperamida, hojas de chuchuhuasi 2 con metoclopramida y hojas de chuchuhuasi 2 con loperamida. Para la validación estadística se usó la prueba de Wilconxon, ANOVA y Tukey. Resultados: El porcentaje de recorrido intestinal de carbón activado fue de 27,04, 34,15, 31,66, 25,57, 15,89, 43,30, 33,99, 32,40, 27,90, 49,34 y 25,36 respectivamente, el test de ANOVA de dos colas revelo una p=0,0007. El test de Tukey indico p

The gain in precision to explain the variation on tree growth performance as a function of a set of site indicators was analysed in a stepwise form, increasing its complexity and costs. Six native timber tree species were commonly found on farmer's fields and planted under different types of agroforestry systems. Localization of trees to be used for measurement was achieved through individual interviews to assess timing of introduction of trees. Results proved that native tree species planted on farmers' fields have similar growth rate other exotic timber species as Swietenia macrophylla that are widely spread in the Philippines. Nevertheless, the large fraction of the variation in tree performance that could not be explained by the biophysical site indicators measured implies that farmers take considerable risk in planting trees on the basis of current “scientific” knowledge. The complement of “site characteristics” is probably “management”, and the low determination of tree growth by site properties may in fact be good news for the farmers.