Molecular phylogeny of Urvillea (Paullinieae, Sapindaceae) and its implications in stem vascular diversity.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The tribe Paullinieae has the highest diversity of vascular variants among the seed plants. The developmental diversity is better understood in the species-rich genera Paullinia and Serjania; however, the phylogeny and diversity of vascular variants in the smaller genera of Paullinieae remain understudied. Here we investigate the evolution of development of stem vasculatures in the small genus Urvillea. METHODS: We generate the first molecular phylogeny of Urvillea derived from 11 markers using a maximum likelihood and Bayesian approach. In combination with phylogenetic reconstruction, stochastic character mapping is used to assess evolutionary changes in stem ontogenies, determined from developmental anatomy of stems collected in the field or from herbarium and wood collections. KEY RESULTS: Urvillea is supported as a monophyletic group and sister to Serjania. There are five stem ontogenies in Urvillea, including typical growth and four different vascular variants. Most stem ontogenies initiate with lobed stems in primary growth. Lobed stems in secondary growth are ancestral in Urvillea, but this ontogeny was lost multiple times. A reversal to typical growth occurred in non-climbing species. Phloem wedges, fissured stems, and ectopic cambia each evolved once independently. Phloem wedges is an intermediate developmental stage in the formation of fissured stems, which is characterized by a continuous fragmentation of vascular tissues. Lobed stems may generate constriction zones and lobes may split or not. CONCLUSIONS: Urvillea is the third most diverse genus (after Serjania and Paullinia) with respect to the number of vascular variants within Paullinieae. One ontogeny (fissured stems) is exclusive to the genus. Differential cambial activity and ectopic cambia are the main ontogenetic processes generating stem diversity. The evolutionary history of vascular variants demonstrates the large developmental plasticity of the cambium in such a small genus and further demonstrates that complex anatomies have repeatedly evolved within Paullinieae lianas.

Trichome Density in Relation to Volatiles Emission and 1,8-Cineole Synthase Gene Expression in Thymus albicans Vegetative and Reproductive Organs.

1,8-Cineole is the main volatile produced by Thymus albicans Hoffmanns. & Link 1,8-cineole chemotype. To understand the contribution of distinct plant organs to the high 1,8-cineole production, trichome morphology and density, as well as emitted volatiles and transcriptional expression of the 1,8-cineole synthase (CIN) gene were determined separately for T. albicans leaves, bracts, calyx, corolla and inflorescences. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and stereoscope microscopy observations showed the highest peltate trichome density in leaves and bracts, significantly distinct from calyx and corolla. T. albicans volatiles were collected by solid phase micro extraction (SPME) and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and by GC for component identification and quantification, respectively. Of the 23 components identified, 1,8-cineole was the dominant volatile (57-93 %) in all T. albicans plant organs. The relative amounts of emitted volatiles clearly separated vegetative from reproductive organs. Gene expression of CIN was assigned to all organs analyzed and was consistent with the relatively high emission of 1,8-cineole in leaves and bracts. Further studies will be required to analyze monoterpenoid biosynthesis by each type of glandular trichome.

Immunodetection of hepatic stellate cells in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis.

Hepatic stellate cells (HSC), or Ito cells, store vitamin A when at rest but undergo phenotypic changes in situations of liver injury, which may induce fibrosis, and they may participate in the immune response in the liver. The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of HSC in the livers of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Twenty-eight livers from dogs infected with VL that were living in an area endemic for the disease were evaluated, among which 13 were asymptomatic (A) and 15 were symptomatic (S). A control group (C) was formed by five dogs from an area that was not endemic for VL. These organs were subjected to histopathological analysis (Masson's trichrome for fibrosis) and immunohistochemical analysis (Leishmania, smooth-muscle α-actin and TGF-ß). In the livers from the symptomatic dogs, a moderate to severe granulomatous inflammatory reaction was observed in the capsule and in the portal, centrilobular and intralobular regions. In the asymptomatic dogs, there was slight to moderate presence of granulomas, and these were even absent in some dogs. The intensity of hepatic fibrosis was predominantly low in the infected dogs (A and S), and fibrosis was absent in the control group. The immunomarking of HSC in the infected groups (A and S) differed significantly (P = 0.0153) from that of the control group. The symptomatic dogs presented the largest number of positive cells. This group also presented a larger number of parasitized macrophages, but did not differ statistically from the asymptomatic group (P > 0.05). The cytokine TGF-ß was only detected at low levels, and only in the infected animals, but this did not differ from the control group. Immunomarking for HSC was observed mainly in the nuclei of cells present in the hepatic granulomas of symptomatic dogs and in the sinusoids of the asymptomatic dogs. It was concluded that in the livers of dogs with VL, the HSC are activated and participate in the hepatic response to the parasite. The cytokine TGF-ß may be involved in this activation, but in the chronic phase of the infection, this cytokine was detected at lower proportions. It is possible that HSC may also contribute towards chemotaxis of leukocytes for the hepatic compartment, along with other cell types such as Kupffer cells.

Pitaya as a New Alternative Crop for Iberian Peninsula: Biology and Edaphoclimatic Requirements.

Pitaya is one of the fruit species whose demand has increased in recent years due to the numerous health benefits and lucrative price of the fruit and its by-products. In Europe, the Iberian Peninsula and other Mediterranean countries are the ones with favorable climatic conditions for its cultivation. This document describes much of the history of pitaya in the Iberian Peninsula and the difficulties related to its cultivation. A bibliographical survey was carried out on the culture of pitaya in the world, focusing on the edaphoclimatic requirements, and on the possibility of this becoming a consolidated crop in the Iberian Peninsula. The relatively low water requirement of pitaya makes this crop sustainable among crops that require irrigation. In addition, we provide a perspective for use and research of this emerging crop. There has been an exponential growth of scientific publications on pitaya in the last decade; however, much more needs to be researched to know how to increase productivity as well as the sensory quality of fruits in different regions. This sustainable crop is a good option to diversify fruit production in the Iberian Peninsula.

Quick Decline and Stem Pitting Citrus tristeza virus Isolates Induce a Distinct Metabolomic Profile and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in the Phloem Sap of Two Citrus Species.

Susceptibility to the severe Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), T36, is higher for Citrus macrophylla (CM) than for C. aurantium (CA). How host-virus interactions are reflected in host physiology is largely unknown. In this study, the profile of metabolites and the antioxidant activity in the phloem sap of healthy and infected CA and CM plants were evaluated. The phloem sap of quick decline (T36) and stem pitting (T318A) infected citrus, and control plants was collected by centrifugation, and the enzymes and metabolites analyzed. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), in infected plants increased significantly in CM and decreased in CA, compared to the healthy controls. Using LC-HRMS2 a metabolic profile rich in secondary metabolites was assigned to healthy CA, compared to healthy CM. CTV infection of CA caused a drastic reduction in secondary metabolites, but not in CM. In conclusion, CA and CM have a different response to severe CTV isolates and we propose that the low susceptibility of CA to T36 may be related to the interaction of the virus with the host's metabolism, which reduces significantly the synthesis of flavonoids and antioxidant enzyme activity.

The evolutionary rate of citrus tristeza virus ranks among the rates of the slowest RNA viruses.

Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) has been studied intensively at the molecular level. However, knowledge regarding the dynamics of its evolution is practically non-existent. In the past, diverse authors have referred to CTV as a highly variable virus, implying rapid evolution. Others have, in recent times, referred to CTV as an exceptionally slowly evolving virus. In this work, we used the capsid protein (CP) gene to estimate the rate of evolution. This was obtained from a large set of heterochronous CP gene sequences using a bayesian coalescent approach. The best-fitting evolutionary and population models pointed to an evolutionary rate of 1.58×10(-4) nt per site year(-1) (95 % highest posterior density, 1.73×10(-5)-3.16×10(-4) nt per site year(-1)). For an unbiased comparison with other plant and animal viruses, the evolutionary rate of synonymous substitutions was considered. In a series of 88 synonymous evolutionary rates, ranging from 5.2×10(-6) to 6.2×10(-2) nt per site year(-1), CTV ranks in the 10th percentile, embedded among the slowest animal RNA viruses. At the time of citrus dissemination to Europe and the New World, the major clades that led to the current phylogenetic groups were already defined, which may explain the absence nowadays of geographical speciation.

Prevalence of Tinnitus in Patients Diagnosed with Cerebral Arteriovenous Fistula Treated with Endovascular Technique.

Introduction Tinnitus is characterized as the conscious and involuntary perception of sound, and it affects ∼ 30% of the population. Despite careful physical examination, the etiology of tinnitus can be established for only 30% of patients. Tinnitus is a common symptom of cerebral arteriovenous fistulas and results from increased blood flow through the dural venous sinuses, leading to turbulent arterial flow, mainly related to sigmoid and transverse sinus lesions. Objectives To analyze the frequency of tinnitus, patient profile, and endovascular treatment characteristics in individuals diagnosed with cerebral arteriovenous fistulas. Methods A retrospective and observational study based on reviewed data from medical records on the PHILIPS Tasy system (Philips Healthcare, Cambridge, MA, USA) at the neurosurgery and interventional neuroradiology service of Hospital Santa Isabel in Blumenau-state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Results The profile of 68 individuals diagnosed with cerebral arteriovenous fistula who underwent endovascular treatment were analyzed. Most patients were female, aged 31 to 60. Tinnitus affected 18 individuals. Dural fistulas were the most prevalent in the sample, and computed tomography alone was the most used diagnostic method for initial investigation. Conclusion The prevalence of this symptom in patients diagnosed with cerebral arteriovenous fistula was found in 26.5% of this sample, mainly in women with associated comorbidities. Tinnitus remission was observed in all patients who underwent endovascular treatment to correct cerebral fistula.

Brazilian Presidential Pronouncements in the Pandemic: Effectiveness in Crisis Communication and Rule Properties.

This work analyzed the six official statements of the president of Brazil that were broadcast on radio and television during the first 4 months of COVID-19 contamination in the country, regarding the efficacy in communicating the crisis and dimensions of rules. We observed a higher frequency of ineffective excerpts in the statements, especially in the categories "effective fear incitement" and "respect." The categories "speed" and "expression of empathy" showed high efficacy. Additionally, there was a higher recurrence of implicit and inaccurate rules and rules opposing the recommendations of experts. These results indicate that the analyzed statements were ineffective in crisis communication and control of behaviors combating the pandemic in Brazil. The analysis of governmental practices by behavioral science can be useful in the planning of public policies.

Effects of Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium breve on urinary oxalate excretion in nephrolithiasis patients.

It had been suggested that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) may degrade oxalate in the intestinal lumen, reducing urinary oxalate excretion. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a LAB mixture containing Lactobacillus casei (LC) and Bifidobacterium breve (BB) (LC + BB) upon urinary oxalate reduction in stone-forming (SF) patients without hyperoxaluria under conditions of an oxalate-rich diet. After an oxalate restriction period (7 days washout), 14 SF patients consumed an oxalate-rich diet during 4 weeks (200 mg/day) and a lyophilized LC + BB preparation was given t.i.d. after meals during the last 2 weeks. Twenty-four-hour urine samples were collected for determination of oxalate, calcium, magnesium, citrate, sodium, potassium and creatinine at baseline, after 2 weeks (DIET) and 4 weeks (DIET + LC + BB). The mean urinary oxalate excretion was significantly higher after DIET versus baseline (27 +/- 8 vs. 35 +/- 11 mg/24 h), but the mean decrease was not significant between DIET + LC + BB and DIET periods (35 +/- 11 vs. 33 +/- 10 mg/24 h). Seven out of 14 patients presented a reduction in oxaluria after LC + BB versus DIET, being the reduction higher than 25% in 4, and up to 50% in 2 of them. The latter two patients were those who had presented the greatest increase in oxaluria in response to dietary oxalate. In conclusion, this mixture of L. casei and B. breve was shown to possess a variable lowering effect upon urinary oxalate excretion that may be dependent on dietary oxalate intake.

Canine Rabies in the Brazil-Bolivia Border Region from 2006 to 2014.

BACKGROUND: After 2006 the cross-border region between the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (Brazil) and the Germán Busch Province (Bolivia) became risk areas for canine rabies antigenic variant 1, previously unknown in the Brazilian territory. OBJECTIVES: To perform a descriptive analysis of canine rabies from 2006 to 2014, analyzing the database of the official rabies diagnostic laboratory of the State Agency of Animal and Plant Health Protection of Mato Grosso do Sul. METHODS: A descriptive analysis of canine rabies from 2006 to 2014 was performed using the database of the official rabies diagnostic laboratory of the State Agency of Animal and Plant Health Protection of Mato Grosso do Sul. Location, time and residence status of the animals were analyzed. Monthly frequencies were calculated as the ratio of the number of positive samples to the total of sent samples and were then statistically compared. FINDINGS: In the period, 539 samples of nervous system from dogs and cats were sent for rabies diagnosis, of which 37 (6.9%; CI95% 5.0-9.3) canine and no positive feline samples were found positive. Twenty-four (64.9%, CI95% 48.8-78.2) positive samples were from Bolivia and 13 (31.1%, CI95% 21.8-51.2) from Brazil. Most positive animals were owned. The years 2008 and 2009 showed the highest occurrence of canine rabies, with 18 cases recorded in 2008 and 6 in 2009 (17 in Bolivia and 7 in Brazil). Annual samples sent in Brazil presented a decreasing trend (R2 = 0.53) and, over the months, a higher concentration of samples was observed between May and August (R2 = 0.69). No annual or monthly trends were observed for Bolivian samples (R2 < 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: AgV1 canine rabies due to antigenic variant 1 is still considered an endemic disease in the Brazil-Bolivia border region, requiring an international One Health Approach to mitigate canine rabies in Latin America.

Common Polygenic Variations for Psychiatric Disorders and Cognition in Relation to Brain Morphology in the General Pediatric Population.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the relation between polygenic scores (PGSs) for 5 major psychiatric disorders and 2 cognitive traits with brain magnetic resonance imaging morphologic measurements in a large population-based sample of children. In addition, this study tested for differences in brain morphology-mediated associations between PGSs for psychiatric disorders and PGSs for related behavioral phenotypes. METHOD: Participants included 1,139 children from the Generation R Study assessed at 10 years of age with genotype and neuroimaging data available. PGSs were calculated for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, intelligence, and educational attainment using results from the most recent genome-wide association studies. Image processing was performed using FreeSurfer to extract cortical and subcortical brain volumes. RESULTS: Greater genetic susceptibility for ADHD was associated with smaller caudate volume (strongest prior = 0.01: ß = -0.07, p = .006). In boys, mediation analysis estimates showed that 11% of the association between the PGS for ADHD and the PGS attention problems was mediated by differences in caudate volume (n = 535), whereas mediation was not significant in girls or the entire sample. PGSs for educational attainment and intelligence showed positive associations with total brain volume (strongest prior = 0.5: ß = 0.14, p = 7.12 × 10-8; and ß = 0.12, p = 6.87 × 10-7, respectively). CONCLUSION: The present findings indicate that the neurobiological manifestation of polygenic susceptibility for ADHD, educational attainment, and intelligence involve early morphologic differences in caudate and total brain volumes in childhood. Furthermore, the genetic risk for ADHD might influence attention problems through the caudate nucleus in boys.

Intensificação laboral e gênero profissional de professoras da educação infantil / Intensification of labor and professional gender of female teachers of early childhood education

As reformas neoliberais levaram à intensificação do trabalho, dada a exigência de maiores e melhores resultados em contextos laborais cujas condições eram insuficientes para realizá-lo. Este artigo visa compreender, a partir do referencial teórico da Clínica da Atividade, a relação entre intensificação do trabalho docente e gênero profissional. Trata-se de um estudo de caso derivado de uma intervenção com seis professoras da Educação Infantil que utilizou o método de instrução ao sósia. Os registros de áudio produzidos ao longo das instruções ao sósia foram transcritos e submetidos à análise construtivo-interpretativa. O número de alunos por sala, fator inerente à organização do trabalho, mostrou-se promotor dessa intensificação, uma vez que exigia mais dos profissionais, sem a contrapartida necessária das condições de trabalho. Nesse cenário, ocorreu a construção coletiva do que era chamado de "domínio de sala", norma de proceder não oficializada relativa às habilidades necessárias à atuação docente para lidar com a intensificação laboral. Desenvolveu-se, assim, uma cultura profissional que orientou a ação das docentes, de modo a viabilizar a atividade e preservar o poder de agir

Neoliberal reforms have led to the intensification of work, given the demand for greater and better results in labor contexts whose conditions were insufficient to realize it. This article aims to understand based on the theoretical framework of the Clinic of Activity the relationship between intensification of the teaching work and professional genre. This is a case study derived from an intervention with six children's education teachers that used the method of instruction to the look-alike. The audio recordings produced during the instruction to the look-alike were transcribed and submitted to constructive-interpretative analysis. The number of students per classroom, a factor inherent to the work organization, proved to be a promoter of this intensification, since it demanded more from professionals, without the necessary counterpart of working conditions. In this scenario there was a collective construction of what was called "classroom mastery," an unofficial rule of thumb related to the necessary skills for teaching to deal with work intensification. Thus, a professional culture was developed that guided the teachers' action to make the activity viable and preserve the power to act

Effects of school violence and work context on teachers' health / Efeitos da violência escolar e do contexto de trabalho na saúde de docentes / Efectos de la violencia escolar y del contexto laboral en la salud de los profesores

The presented study aimed to understand how school violence and work context affect teachers' health. The study included 744 teachers of public schools. The instruments used for data collection were: Victimization Questionnaire, Work Context Assessment Scale, and Work-Related Harm Scale. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed. The results indicate that a high percentage of the participants considered the psychological and social harms as bearable. More than a third of the teachers evaluated physical harm more negatively. Gender and employment status were associated with physical harm. Physical aggression affected psychological harm. Verbal harassment and work organization were predictors of all types of harm. We concluded that models of work structuring, management practices, and being a victim of verbal harassment have a central role in teachers' health

O presente estudo visou compreender como a violência escolar e o contexto de trabalho repercutem sobre a saúde de professores. Participaram da pesquisa 744 docentes de escolas públicas. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: Questionário de Vitimização, Escala de Avaliação do Contexto de Trabalho e Escala de Danos Relacionados ao Trabalho. Foram realizadas análises de regressão logística multinomial. Os resultados indicaram que um percentual alto de participantes considerou os danos psicológicos e sociais como suportáveis. Mais de um terço dos professores avaliaram os danos físicos de forma mais negativa. Gênero e vínculo empregatício se mostraram associados aos danos físicos. As agressões físicas incidiram sobre os danos psicológicos. Assédio verbal e organização do trabalho foram preditores de todos os tipos de danos. Conclui-se que os modelos de estruturação do trabalho, as práticas gerenciais e o assédio verbal desempenham um papel central para a saúde docente

La encuesta presentada tuvo como objetivo comprender cómo la violencia escolar y el contexto laboral impactan en la salud de los docentes. Participaron del estudio 744 docentes de escuelas públicas. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron: Cuestionario de Victimización, Escala de Evaluación del Contexto Laboral y Escala de Daños Relacionados con el Trabajo. Se realizaron análisis de regresión logística multinomial. Los resultados indicaron que un alto porcentaje de los participantes consideraba soportables los daños psicológicos y sociales. Más de un tercio de los docentes evaluó los daños físicos de manera más negativa. El género y la situación laboral se asociaron con los daños físicos. Las agresiones físicas afectaron a los daños psicológicos. El acoso verbal y la organización del trabajo fueron predictores de todos los daños. Se concluye que los modelos de estructuración del trabajo, prácticas gerenciales y acoso verbal juegan un papel central en la salud docente

Cardiorespiratory parameters and glycated hemoglobin of patients with type 2 diabetes after a rehabilitation program.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction reflex of the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus (DM) favors an increase in morbidity and mortality related to cardiovascular events, and for this reason has been one of the most studied clinical entities. METHOD: An experimental study of a randomized clinical trial type was therefore proposed to analyze the hemodynamic and glycemic response after the practice of a rehabilitation program in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this clinical trial the patients will initially be submitted to an evaluation protocol that consists of assessing blood pressure, heart rate, Borg scale, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, distance traveled through the 6-minute walk test, quality of life questionnaire, Pittsburgh sleep quality questionnaire, and still glycated hemoglobin and heart rate variability through the cardiofrequency meter. After careful evaluation of the patients, they will be submitted to a metabolic rehabilitation program composed of aerobic and resisted exercises, performed for 12 weeks, in 3 weekly meetings of 60 minutes each. With such evaluations, it will be possible to construct with evidence that it is possible to work safer metabolic rehabilitation programs in patients with T2DM or other diseases that generate cardiovascular risks, guaranteeing them an improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness, hemodynamic and glycemic variables, allowing improvement of the quality of life. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol is approved by the host institution's ethics committee under the number 1.616.721. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journal articles and conferences. This clinical trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT3094767.

Evaluation of the ocular surface following bariatric surgery.

PURPOSE:: To identify and evaluate changes in the ocular surface in obese patients with bariatric surgery. METHODS:: The study included 89 randomly selected patients; 81 (91.0%) were women, 35 were preoperative, 32 were included 0-12 months after surgery, and 22 were included >12 months after surgery. All patients completed a dry eye-specific questionnaire and were evaluated by the tear ferning test, tear-film breakup time (BUT), Schirmer's test I, examination of the ocular surface by 1% rose Bengal staining, and impression cytology. Patients were questioned about compliance with nutritional supplementation. RESULTS:: The pre- and postoperative groups did not differ significantly in age (p=0.082), but did differ in body mass index (p<0.001). All test values are within the normal range and there was no statistically significant difference in ocular surface disease index score between the preoperative and postoperative periods. The mean tear-film BUT was lower than that considered normal (10 s) at each time it was tested. No statistically significant group differences were observed in Schirmer's test, BUT, rose Bengal staining, or impression cytology. A high rate of noncompliance with nutritional supplementation was observed. CONCLUSIONS:: No symptoms of xerophthalmia developed in this series of bariatric surgery patients. No changes were observed in any of the specific tests used to evaluate the ocular surface up to 5 years after surgery compared with presurgery results.

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of a monoterpene synthase isolated from the aromatic wild shrub Thymus albicans.

The essential oil of Thymus albicans Hoffmanns. & Link, a native shrub from the Iberian Peninsula, is mainly composed of monoterpenes. In this study, a 1,8-cineole synthase was isolated from the 1,8-cineole chemotype. A partial sequence that lacked the complete plastid transit peptide but contained an extended C-terminal when compared to other related terpene synthases was generated by PCR and Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE). The predicted mature polypeptide was 593 amino acids in length and shared 78% and 77% sequence similarity with the homologue 1,8-cineole synthase from Rosmarinus officinalis and Salvia officinalis, respectively. The putative protein possessed the characteristic conserved motifs of plant monoterpene synthases including the RRx8W and DDxxD motifs and phylogenetic analysis indicated that the amplified 1,8-cineole synthase bears greater sequence similarity with other 1,8-cineole synthases from Lamiaceae family relative to the terpene synthases from the genus Thymus. Functional expression of the recombinant protein in Escherichia coli revealed that in the presence of geranyl diphosphate (GPP) 1,8-cineole was the major product but that its production was too low for robust quantification. Other minor conversion products included α-pinene, ß-pinene, sabinene and ß-myrcene suggesting the isolated 1,8-cineole synthase may be a multi-product enzyme. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a functionally characterized monoterpene synthase from Thymus albicans.

Prevalence of Tinnitus in Patients Diagnosed with Cerebral Arteriovenous Fistula Treated with Endovascular Technique

Abstract Introduction Tinnitus is characterized as the conscious and involuntary perception of sound, and it affects ~ 30% of the population. Despite careful physical examination, the etiology of tinnitus can be established for only 30% of patients. Tinnitus is a common symptom of cerebral arteriovenous fistulas and results from increased blood flow through the dural venous sinuses, leading to turbulent arterial flow, mainly related to sigmoid and transverse sinus lesions. Objectives To analyze the frequency of tinnitus, patient profile, and endovascular treatment characteristics in individuals diagnosed with cerebral arteriovenous fistulas. Methods A retrospective and observational study based on reviewed data from medical records on the PHILIPS Tasy system (Philips Healthcare, Cambridge, MA, USA) at the neurosurgery and interventional neuroradiology service of Hospital Santa Isabel in Blumenau-state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Results The profile of 68 individuals diagnosed with cerebral arteriovenous fistula who underwent endovascular treatment were analyzed. Most patients were female, aged 31 to 60. Tinnitus affected 18 individuals. Dural fistulas were the most prevalent in the sample, and computed tomography alone was the most used diagnostic method for initial investigation. Conclusion The prevalence of this symptom in patients diagnosed with cerebral arteriovenous fistula was found in 26.5% of this sample, mainly in women with associated comorbidities. Tinnitus remission was observed in all patients who underwent endovascular treatment to correct cerebral fistula.

Saccharification of ozonated sugarcane bagasse using enzymes from Myceliophthora thermophila JCP 1-4 for sugars release and ethanol production.

The saccharification of ozonated sugarcane bagasse (SCB) by enzymes from Myceliophthora thermophila JCP 1-4 was studied. Fungal enzymes provided slightly higher sugar release than commercial enzymes, working at 50°C. Sugar release increased with temperature increase. Kinetic studies showed remarkable glucose release (4.99 g/L, 3%w/w dry matter) at 60°C, 8 h of hydrolysis, using an enzyme load of 10 FPU (filter paper unit). FPase and ß-glucosidase activities increased during saccharification (284% and 270%, respectively). No further significant improvement on glucose release was observed increasing the enzyme load above 7.5 FPU per g of cellulose. Higher dry matter contents increased sugars release, but not yields. The fermentation of hydrolysates by Saccharomyces cerevisiae provided glucose-to-ethanol conversions around to 63%.

Basic life support education: the impact of lecture-demonstration in undergraduate students of health sciences / Educação em suporte básico de vida: o impacto da aulademonstrativa em estudantes de graduação em ciências da saúde

BACKGROUNG: Cardiac arrest is a severe public health problem and a leading cause of death worldwide. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), basic life support (BLS) is the bedrock for improving people's survival after a cardiac arrest. Through scientific evidence, empowering health professionals focuses on education in resuscitation is vital to identify and attend a Cardiac arrest victim. In Brazil, there is a lack of data that evaluates the BLS knowledge of health science students. This study analyzed the knowledge retention of medicine, nursing, and physiotherapy students after one year of having a lecture demonstration on BLSMETHODS: Longitudinal study. Undergraduate students of health science participated in the data collection and answered a questionnaire based on BLS following AHA guidelines. Data were collected during two consecutive years in three different moments (an assessment, a test after a lecture, and an assessment test one year laterRESULTS: The group improved its score after the class on BLS; the number of correct answers doubled (p <0.001); however, one year later, that score decreased significantly (p <0.001CONCLUSION: No retention of knowledge in health sciences students after a year of a lecture demonstration on BLS

INTRODUÇÃO: A parada cardíaca (PC) é um grave problema de saúde pública e uma das principais causas de morte em todo o mundo. De acordo com a American Heart Association (AHA), o suporte básico de vida (SBV) é a base para melhorar a sobrevivência das pessoas após uma parada cardiorrespiratória e a ressuscitação cardiopulmonar é um aspecto crucial. Por meio de evidências científicas, capacitar os profissionais de saúde com foco na educação em ressuscitação é fundamental para identificar e atender uma vítima de parada cardíaca. No Brasil, faltam dados que avaliem o conhecimento em SBV de estudantes de ciências da saúde. Este estudo analisou a retenção de conhecimento de estudantes de Enfermagem, Fisioterapia e Medicina, após um ano de realização de uma palestra-demonstração sobre SBVMÉTODO: Estudo longitudinal. Estudantes de graduação em ciências da saúde que participaram da coleta de dados e responderam a um questionário baseado no SBV seguindo as diretrizes da AHA. Os dados foram recolhidos durante dois anos consecutivos, em três momentos distintos (uma avaliação, um teste após a aula e um teste de avaliação um ano após a aulaRESULTADOS: O grupo melhorou sua pontuação após a palestra sobre SBV; o número de acertos dobrou (p <0,001); no entanto, um ano depois, essa pontuação diminuiu significativamente (p <0,001CONCLUSÃO: Não houve retenção de conhecimento após um ano de uma aula-demonstrativa sobre SBV em estudantes de ciências da saúde

Validação dos intervalos de referência hematológicos e bioquímicos estabelecidos para cães domiciliados na Amazônia Oriental, Pará, Brasil / Validation of hematological and biochemical reference intervals established for dogs housed in the Eastern Amazon, Pará, Brazil

O objetivo do presente estudo foi validar intervalos de referências (IRs) para hematologia e bioquímica sanguínea de cães domiciliados da Amazônia Oriental e estabelecer novos IRs para os parâmetros não validados. Foram utilizadas amostras de 44 cães adultos clinicamente saudáveis de diferentes raças e sexos. Na validação, foi utilizada a metodologia proposta pelo Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) e na determinação dos IRs dos parâmetros não validados foi utilizada a metodologia estatística proposta pela American Society for Clinical Veterinary Pathology (ASCPV). Os IRs foram determinados por meio do programa Excel com o suplemento Reference Value Advisor (versão 2.1). O software realiza os cálculos de acordo com as recomendações CLSI, conforme sugerido pelas diretrizes da ASCVP. Um total de 25 parâmetros (13 hematológicos e 12 bioquímicos) foram submetidos ao processo de validação. Desse total, seis (24%) parâmetros não foram validados (Hemoglobina, CHGM, eosinófilos, linfócitos, albumina e GGT) e para estes foram estabelecidos novos intervalos. Para a maioria dos parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos (76%), os IRs estabelecidos previamente na literatura ainda são válidos para utilização em cães criados na Amazônia Oriental. Para os parâmetros não validados, apenas para eosinófilos e linfócitos recomendamos que outros trabalhos, com um número maior de animais, sejam realizados para confirmar os nossos resultados ou estabelecer novos IRs. Os IRs estabelecidos para hemoglobina, CHGM, albumina e GGT podem ser utilizados em substituição aos intervalos antigos.

The aim of the present study was to validate reference intervals (RIs) for hematology and blood biochemistry of dogs domiciled in the Eastern Amazon and to establish new RIs for parameters not yet validated. Samples from 44 clinically healthy adult dogs of different breeds and sexes were used. The methodology proposed by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) was used for validation, and the statistical methodology proposed by the American Society for Clinical Veterinary Pathology (ASCPV) was used to determine the RIs of the non-validated parameters. The IRs were determined using the Excel program with the Reference Value Advisor add-in (version 2.1). The software performs calculations according to CLSI recommendations as suggested by the ASCVP guidelines. A total of 25 parameters (13 hematological and 12 biochemical) were submitted to the validation process. Of this total, six (24%) parameters were not validated (Hemoglobin, CHGM, eosinophils, lymphocytes, albumin and GGT) and new intervals were established for these. For most hematological and biochemical parameters (76%), the RIs previously established in the literature are still valid for use in dogs raised in the Eastern Amazon. For non-validated parameters, just for eosinophils and lymphocytes, we recommend that other studies, with a larger number of animals, be carried out to confirm our results or establish new IRs. The established IRs for hemoglobin, CHGM, albumin and GGT can be used in place of the old ranges.