From overgrazed land to forests: assessing soil health in the Caatinga biome.

Overgrazing is the primary human-induced cause of soil degradation in the Caatinga biome, intensely threatening lands vulnerable to desertification. Grazing exclusion, a simple and cost-effective practice, could restore soils' ecological functions. However, comprehensive insights into the effects of overgrazing and grazing exclusion on Caatinga soils' multifunctionality are lacking.

Comparative Nutritional Profile of Publicly Procured Foods for School Meals in Federal Schools in Northeastern Brazil Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic.

Unlabelled: School meals play a critical role in supporting students' biopsychosocial growth, development, learning, academic performance, and the establishment of healthy eating habits. In public institutions, food procurement is conducted through formal public procurement processes. However, emphasizing cost-effectiveness in bidding criteria, such as prioritizing the lowest product price, may inadvertently encourage the acquisition of foods high in critical nutrients.

Contribution of Video Directly Observed Therapy (VDOT) to Tuberculosis Treatment in Brazil.

Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) involves the administration of medication and in-person monitoring by a healthcare team alongside the patient to improve adherence to tuberculosis (TB) treatment. Implementing DOT requires healthcare professionals, transportation, time dedication, and presence at the patient's residence. Meeting all these conditions is not always possible to address the high demand of TB patients who would benefit from this supervision.

Detection of sensory deficits in fine nerve fibres in leprosy diagnosis.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine reference points for thermal perception in cutaneous lesions of leprosy, a disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae characterised by hypoesthesia in skin lesions due to nerve and Schwann cell infection. Early diagnosis is essential to control transmission and effectively treat the disease.

Methods: Quantitative thermal testing (QTT) has been proposed as a valuable tool for early detection of the disease, initiation of treatment, and monitoring of nerve damage.

Biological silage from tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) by-products on the productive performance, hematological parameters and egg quality of older commercial hens.

This study evaluated the effects of incorporating biological silage from tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) by-products (BST) on the performance, hematological and plasma biochemical parameters, and egg quality (physical, proximate composition and sensory characteristics) of older commercial hens. The BST was prepared by ensiling tambaqui by-products with lactic acid bacteria, cassava trimmings, and preservatives, producing a nutrient-rich, high-protein feed ingredient. One hundred and twenty Hisex Brown hens (83 weeks old) were divided into five treatment groups, each receiving diets with 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4% BST.