Antimicrobial prophylaxis in companion animal surgery: A scoping review for European Network for Optimization of Antimicrobial Therapy (ENOVAT) guidelines.

Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) is widely used to reduce the risk of surgical site infections (SSI), but there is uncertainty as to what the proportion of SSI reduction is. Therefore, it is difficult for surgeons to properly weigh the costs, risks and benefits for individual patients when deciding on the use of SAP, making it challenging to promote antimicrobial stewardship in primary practice settings. The objective of this study was to map the veterinary evidence focused on assessing the effect of SAP on SSI development and in order to identify surgical procedures with some research evidence and possible knowledge gaps. In October 2021 and December 2022, Scopus, CAB Abstracts, Web of Science Core Collection, Embase and MEDLINE were systematically searched. Double blinded screening of records was performed to identify studies in companion animals that reported on the use of SAP and SSI rates. Comparative data were available from 34 out of 39123 records screened including: eight randomised controlled trials (RCT), 23 cohort studies (seven prospective and 16 retrospective) and three retrospective case series representing 12476 dogs and cats in total. Extracted data described peri- or post-operative SAP in nine, and 25 studies, respectively. In the eight RCTs evaluating SAP in companion animals, surgical procedure coverage was skewed towards orthopaedic stifle surgeries in referral settings and there was large variation in SAP protocols, SSI definitions and follow-up periods. More standardized data collection and agreement of SSI definitions is needed to build stronger evidence for optimized patient care.

Exposure to progesterone before an ovulation synchronization protocol increases the follicular diameter and fertility of multiparous suckled Bos taurus cows.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of administering injectable progesterone (P4i) before a timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol on the follicular growth, ovulation, and pregnancy rate of Bos taurus suckled cows. The effect of P4i administration before the TAI on the pregnancy rate (P/AI) was evaluated in 576 suckled Bos taurus cows at 30-90 days postpartum. In addition, the effect of P4i administration before TAI on follicular dynamics was evaluated in subgroup of 401 suckled Bos taurus cows. On Day -10 (D-10), cows were divided into two experimental groups (Control and P4i). In this moment, P4i cows received i.m. 150 mg of injectable long-action progesterone. After that, both experimental groups received a synchronization protocol (Day 0; D0) that consisted of administration i.m. of 2 mg of estradiol benzoate and a progesterone intravaginal insert on D0. On Day 8 (D8), the progesterone insert was removed, and the cows received 500 µg of cloprostenol, 400 IU of eCG, and 1 mg of estradiol cypionate. TAI was performed 48 h after the removal of the progesterone insert. The ultrasound exams were performed in a subgroup of cows on Days 0, 8, 10 and 12 to evaluate the diameter of the largest follicle, rate of follicular growth and risks of single and double ovulation. The pregnancy diagnosis was performed 30 days after TAI in all cows to determine the pregnancy rate. The diameter of the largest follicle, on D10 (P = 0.84), rate of follicular growth (P = 0.14), ovulation rate (P = 0.40) and double ovulation rates (P = 0.23) did not differ between experimental groups. The pregnancy rate was greater in the P4i group [Control 46.2 % (133/288) vs. P4i 55.6 % (160/288); P = 0.03]. The diameter of the largest follicles (LF) on D0 (Control 11.6 ± 0.2 vs. P4i 13.3 ± 0.3) was greater (P = 0.01) in the P4i group. In conclusion, injectable progesterone before the ovulation synchronization protocol increased the diameter of the largest follicle on the D0 and the pregnancy rate in multiparous Bos taurus suckled beef cows.

Application of PolyPRep tools on HIV protease polyproteins using molecular docking

Abstract In recent years, the development of high-throughput technologies for obtaining sequence data leveraged the possibility of analysis of protein data in silico. However, when it comes to viral polyprotein interaction studies, there is a gap in the representation of those proteins, given their size and length. The prepare for studies using state-of-the-art techniques such as Machine Learning, a good representation of such proteins is a must. We present an alternative to this problem, implementing a fragmentation and modeling protocol to prepare those polyproteins in the form of peptide fragments. Such procedure is made by several scripts, implemented together on the workflow we call PolyPRep, a tool written in Python script and available in GitHub. This software is freely available only for noncommercial users.

Resumo Nos últimos anos, o desenvolvimento de tecnologias de alto rendimento para obtenção de dados sequenciais potencializou a possibilidade de análise de dados proteicos in silico. No entanto, quando se trata de estudos de interação de poliproteínas virais, existe uma lacuna na representação dessas proteínas, devido ao seu tamanho e comprimento. Para estudos utilizando técnicas de ponta como o Aprendizado de Máquina, uma boa representação dessas proteínas é imprescindível. Apresentamos uma alternativa para este problema, implementando um protocolo de fragmentação e modelagem para preparar essas poliproteínas na forma de fragmentos de peptídeos. Tal procedimento é feito por diversos scripts, implementados em conjunto no workflow que chamamos de PolyPRep, uma ferramenta escrita em script Python e disponível no GitHub. Este software está disponível gratuitamente apenas para usuários não comerciais.

Application of PolyPRep tools on HIV protease polyproteins using molecular docking / Aplicação da ferramenta PolyPRep em poliproteínas de protease de HIV usando docking molecular

Abstract In recent years, the development of high-throughput technologies for obtaining sequence data leveraged the possibility of analysis of protein data in silico. However, when it comes to viral polyprotein interaction studies, there is a gap in the representation of those proteins, given their size and length. The prepare for studies using state-of-the-art techniques such as Machine Learning, a good representation of such proteins is a must. We present an alternative to this problem, implementing a fragmentation and modeling protocol to prepare those polyproteins in the form of peptide fragments. Such procedure is made by several scripts, implemented together on the workflow we call PolyPRep, a tool written in Python script and available in GitHub. This software is freely available only for noncommercial users.

Resumo Nos últimos anos, o desenvolvimento de tecnologias de alto rendimento para obtenção de dados sequenciais potencializou a possibilidade de análise de dados proteicos in silico. No entanto, quando se trata de estudos de interação de poliproteínas virais, existe uma lacuna na representação dessas proteínas, devido ao seu tamanho e comprimento. Para estudos utilizando técnicas de ponta como o Aprendizado de Máquina, uma boa representação dessas proteínas é imprescindível. Apresentamos uma alternativa para este problema, implementando um protocolo de fragmentação e modelagem para preparar essas poliproteínas na forma de fragmentos de peptídeos. Tal procedimento é feito por diversos scripts, implementados em conjunto no workflow que chamamos de PolyPRep, uma ferramenta escrita em script Python e disponível no GitHub. Este software está disponível gratuitamente apenas para usuários não comerciais.

Gas exchange and osmotic adjustment in cotton cultivars subjected to severe salt stress.

Salinity is harmful to crops when the concentration of soluble salts overcomes the salinity threshold of the crop, causing osmotic stress and limitations in plant growth. In this scenario, adopting tolerant cultivars is the most adequate strategy to minimize agricultural losses. However, the inheritance of tolerance depends on the genotype. From this perspective, this study assessed the tolerance to severe salt stress in 11 cotton cultivars based on gas exchange parameters and the free proline content. The cultivars were grown in a greenhouse and subjected to 34 days of saline irrigation (10 dS m-1), starting 45 days after seedling emergence (B1 phase). Plant growth was monitored weekly until the end of the salt stress period. The treatments consisted of a combination of two factors: eleven cultivars associated with two electrical conductivity levels of irrigation water (ECw: 0.3 and 10.0 dS m-1). The experimental design was in randomized blocks in a 11 × 2 factorial arrangement with three replications (66 plots), with the experimental unit consisting of one plant per plot. Salinity impacted plant growth, being reflected on the gas exchange and free proline data of most cultivars. However, BRS 286, FMT 705, BRS 416, and BRS Acácia, and CNPA 7MH withstood the effects of stress and osmotically adjusted to the salt stress conditions, thus minimizing the damage to growth. Those cultivars are the most indicated for improvement programs aiming at tolerance to salt stress based on the results found in this research.

Diagnosis, treatment and outcome of pheochromocytoma in a cat.

Pheochromocytoma in cats is a rare clinical condition characterised by the development of a secretory endocrine tumour that arises from the adrenal medulla. An 8-year-old castrated male, domestic shorthair cat was referred for further investigation of a 4-month history of progressive weight loss with normal appetite, polyuria/polydipsia, generalised weakness, and severe hypertension. Sonography and computed tomography of the abdomen disclosed a mass arising from the left adrenal gland. The contralateral adrenal gland was normal in size and shape. Results from a low dose dexamethasone suppression test and measurements of plasma aldosterone concentration and plasma renin activity ruled out a cortisol-secreting tumour and aldosteronoma. The clinical presentation made a sex-steroid secreting tumour unlikely. Increased plasma metanephrine and normetanephrine concentrations prioritised the differential diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. The cat underwent adrenalectomy of the left gland and histopathological diagnosis with immunohistochemical markers confirmed the diagnosis.

Paclobutrazol reduces growth and increases chlorophyll indices and gas exchanges of basil (Ocimum basilicum).

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a medicinal, ornamental and aromatic plant, however, its size can be an obstacle to its commercialization as a potted ornamental plant. Paclobutrazol (PBZ) is a substance that can retard plant growth by inhibiting the synthesis of gibberellins. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of paclobutrazol on growth regulation and gas exchange of basil (var. Cinnamon). The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with five treatments (PBZ doses: 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 mg L-1), with eight replicates. Growth (plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf dry mass, stem dry mass, inflorescence dry mass, and total), growth rates (leaf mass ratio, stem mass ratio, inflorescence mass ratio, and robustness quotient), chlorophyll indices, gas exchange (gs, A, E, Ci, WUE, iWUE and iCE) were evaluated. Paclobutrazol reduced the growth of basil plants and increased the chlorophyll indices, A, gs, and WUE. Paclobutrazol can be used to regulate plant growth of basil plants var. Cinnamon, without altering its physiological and ornamental characteristics.

First record of Trichodina heterodentata (Ciliophora: Trichodinidae) in banded knifefish Gymnotus carapo (Gymnotidae) cultured in Brazil / Primeiro registro de Trichodina heterodentata (Ciliophora: Trichodinidae) em tuvira Gymnotus carapo (Gymnotidae), cultivado no Brasil

The aim of this study was to report the first record of Trichodina heterodentata in banded knifefish Gymnotus carapo. Banded knifefish cultivated in the municipality of Jataí, state of Goiás, in the central western region of Brazil, experienced fish mortality rates of 3-4% per tank. Macroscopic analysis found that fish had lesions on their skin and gills. Smears of the integument and gills were confectioned and air-dried at room temperature and impregnated with silver nitrate to identify the Trichodinidae species causing the lesions. The trichodinid were identified as T. heterodentata, and their characteristics were compared to those from T. heterodentata recorded from other species of host fish. It was observed that the presence of T. heterodentata was associated with inadequate fish management, low water quality, high rates of stocking density, and inadequate nutritional management.

O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar o primeiro registro de Trichodina heterodentata em tuviras Gymnotus carapo. Um cultivo de tuviras no município de Jataí, estado de Goiás, na região Centro-Oeste do Brasil, apresentou taxas de mortalidade de peixes de 3-4% por tanque. A análise macroscópica constatou que os peixes tinham lesões na pele e brânquias. Raspados do tegumento e brânquias foram confeccionadas e secas ao ar à temperatura ambiente e impregnadas com nitrato de prata para identificar as espécies de Trichodinidae causadoras das lesões. Os tricodinídeos foram identificados como T. heterodentata, e suas características foram comparadas com as de T. heterodentata registradas para outras espécies de peixes hospedeiros. Observou-se que a presença de T. heterodentata estava associada ao manejo inadequado dos peixes, baixa qualidade da água, altas taxas de densidade de estocagem e manejo nutricional inadequado.

First record of Trichodina heterodentata (Ciliophora: Trichodinidae) in banded knifefish Gymnotus carapo (Gymnotidae) cultured in Brazil

Abstract The aim of this study was to report the first record of Trichodina heterodentata in banded knifefish Gymnotus carapo. Banded knifefish cultivated in the municipality of Jataí, state of Goiás, in the central western region of Brazil, experienced fish mortality rates of 3-4% per tank. Macroscopic analysis found that fish had lesions on their skin and gills. Smears of the integument and gills were confectioned and air-dried at room temperature and impregnated with silver nitrate to identify the Trichodinidae species causing the lesions. The trichodinid were identified as T. heterodentata, and their characteristics were compared to those from T. heterodentata recorded from other species of host fish. It was observed that the presence of T. heterodentata was associated with inadequate fish management, low water quality, high rates of stocking density, and inadequate nutritional management.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar o primeiro registro de Trichodina heterodentata em tuviras Gymnotus carapo. Um cultivo de tuviras no município de Jataí, estado de Goiás, na região Centro-Oeste do Brasil, apresentou taxas de mortalidade de peixes de 3-4% por tanque. A análise macroscópica constatou que os peixes tinham lesões na pele e brânquias. Raspados do tegumento e brânquias foram confeccionadas e secas ao ar à temperatura ambiente e impregnadas com nitrato de prata para identificar as espécies de Trichodinidae causadoras das lesões. Os tricodinídeos foram identificados como T. heterodentata, e suas características foram comparadas com as de T. heterodentata registradas para outras espécies de peixes hospedeiros. Observou-se que a presença de T. heterodentata estava associada ao manejo inadequado dos peixes, baixa qualidade da água, altas taxas de densidade de estocagem e manejo nutricional inadequado.

First record of Trichodina heterodentata (Ciliophora: Trichodinidae) in banded knifefish Gymnotus carapo (Gymnotidae) cultured in Brazil / Primeiro registro de Trichodina heterodentata (Ciliophora: Trichodinidae) em tuvira Gymnotus carapo (Gymnotidae), cultivado no Brasil

The aim of this study was to report the first record of Trichodina heterodentata in banded knifefish Gymnotus carapo. Banded knifefish cultivated in the municipality of Jataí, state of Goiás, in the central western region of Brazil, experienced fish mortality rates of 3-4% per tank. Macroscopic analysis found that fish had lesions on their skin and gills. Smears of the integument and gills were confectioned and air-dried at room temperature and impregnated with silver nitrate to identify the Trichodinidae species causing the lesions. The trichodinid were identified as T. heterodentata, and their characteristics were compared to those from T. heterodentata recorded from other species of host fish. It was observed that the presence of T. heterodentata was associated with inadequate fish management, low water quality, high rates of stocking density, and inadequate nutritional management.

O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar o primeiro registro de Trichodina heterodentata em tuviras Gymnotus carapo. Um cultivo de tuviras no município de Jataí, estado de Goiás, na região Centro-Oeste do Brasil, apresentou taxas de mortalidade de peixes de 3-4% por tanque. A análise macroscópica constatou que os peixes tinham lesões na pele e brânquias. Raspados do tegumento e brânquias foram confeccionadas e secas ao ar à temperatura ambiente e impregnadas com nitrato de prata para identificar as espécies de Trichodinidae causadoras das lesões. Os tricodinídeos foram identificados como T. heterodentata, e suas características foram comparadas com as de T. heterodentata registradas para outras espécies de peixes hospedeiros. Observou-se que a presença de T. heterodentata estava associada ao manejo inadequado dos peixes, baixa qualidade da água, altas taxas de densidade de estocagem e manejo nutricional inadequado.

Application of PolyPRep tools on HIV protease polyproteins using molecular docking.

In recent years, the development of high-throughput technologies for obtaining sequence data leveraged the possibility of analysis of protein data in silico. However, when it comes to viral polyprotein interaction studies, there is a gap in the representation of those proteins, given their size and length. The prepare for studies using state-of-the-art techniques such as Machine Learning, a good representation of such proteins is a must. We present an alternative to this problem, implementing a fragmentation and modeling protocol to prepare those polyproteins in the form of peptide fragments. Such procedure is made by several scripts, implemented together on the workflow we call PolyPRep, a tool written in Python script and available in GitHub. This software is freely available only for noncommercial users.

Seed-dispersing bird assemblages in riparian environments of a partially urbanized river basin, Southeastern Brazil / Assembleias de aves dispersoras de sementes em ambientes ripários de uma bacia hidrográfica parcialmente urbanizada, no sudoeste brasileiro

Abstract Birds play a key role in ecosystem dynamics, including urban and rural areas, bringing environmental quality improvements and ecological stability. Species contribute directly to natural regeneration of vegetation and succession processes, by offering ecosystem services as seed dispersal, an important role in human-modified areas. We studied the assemblages of fruit-eating birds in riparian environments of Monjolinho basin, central São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil. Birds were recorded in 41 points distributed in riparian ecosystems alongside waterbodies, in landscapes with five types of surrounding matrices: urban, periurban, farmland, and native vegetation. We described how assemblages are structured aiming to evaluate the possible influence of seasonality and landscape type. We recorded 39 bird species that can play a role as seed-dispersers, 32 in wet season and 32 in dry season. There were no significant differences in the diversity and dominance of species between seasons considering the entire area, indicating stability of basic assemblage structure. However, total number of individuals of all species recorded in different landscapes were influenced by seasonality. Also, the composition and abundance of species significantly changed between seasons, leading to a high dissimilarity with almost 50% of the species contributing with almost 90% of the observed variation. A higher taxonomic diversity and distinctness pointed to a wider array of possible seed dispersal services in natural areas, while the lowest values of indexes were found in human-modified areas. The higher number of non-related bird species during dry season contrasted with the higher number of individuals during wet season, indicating that there is more possible ecosystem services offered by frugivorous birds in driest period of the year, while in the rainy period the carrying capacity of the riparian environments was increased.

Resumo As aves desempenham um papel chave na dinâmica dos ecossistemas, incluindo áreas urbanas e rurais, e trazem melhorias na qualidade ambiental e estabilidade ecológica. As espécies contribuem diretamente com a regeneração natural da vegetação e processos de sucessão por oferecerem serviços ecossistêmicos como a dispersão de sementes, um papel fundamental em áreas alteradas. Nós estudamos a assembleia de espécies de aves que se alimentam de frutos em ambientes ripários da bacia do rio Monjolinho, região central do estado de São Paulo, sudeste do Brasil. As aves foram registradas em 41 pontos distribuídos em ecossistemas ripários ao longo dos corpos d'água, em paisagens com quatro tipos de matrizes em seu entorno: urbana, periurbana, rural e vegetação nativa. Nós descrevemos como as assembleias estão estruturadas, objetivando avaliar a possível influência da sazonalidade e do tipo de paisagem do entorno. Foram registradas 39 espécies de aves que podem desempenhar o papel de dispersoras de sementes, sendo 32 espécies no período chuvoso e 32 no período seco. Não foi detectada diferença significativa na diversidade e dominância de espécies entre estações em toda área de estudo, indicando estabilidade da estrutura básica das assembleias. Entretanto, o número total de indivíduos de todas as espécies registrados nas diferentes paisagens foi influenciado pela sazonalidade. Além disso, a composição e abundância de espécies mudou significativamente entre as estações, levando a uma alta dissimilaridade com quase 50% das espécies contribuindo com quase 90% da variação observada. A diversidade e distinção taxonômicas mais altas apontam para maior variedade de serviços ecossistêmicos possíveis relacionados à dispersão de sementes em áreas naturais, enquanto os menores valores desses índices foram encontrados em áreas antropizadas. Um maior número de espécies distintas com menor proximidade taxonômica durante a estação seca, em contraste com um alto número de indivíduos observados na estação chuvosa, indica que existe uma maior gama de possíveis serviços ecossistêmicos oferecidos pelas aves frugívoras no período mais seco do ano, enquanto no período de maior pluviosidade os ecossistemas apresentaram maior capacidade suporte.

Evaluating the menopausal transition with the STRAW + 10 in a Brazilian cohort of women with HIV, 2015-2016.

BACKGROUND: Menopausal transition is a physiological process encompassing hormonal and body changes that impact women's health and life quality. This period may be characterized by the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop (STRAW + 10) criteria using menstrual patterns. Use of the STRAW + 10 is uncertain in HIV infection. We aimed to characterize menopausal transition in women with HIV (WWH) using the STRAW + 10 criteria, hormonal measures and menopause symptoms. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study, nested to the HIV-Infected Women's Cohort, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Eligible women included those aged 30 years or older, without clinical or surgical menopause, hormonal contraception, replacement therapy and ovarian disorders. We conducted face-to-face interviews and collected blood samples for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol measures. RESULTS: We enrolled 328 WWH (28.3% of women in the cohort). The distribution of age, hormonal levels and reported symptoms per each STRAW + 10 stage was consistent with the expected distribution in the menopausal transition. Age and FSH significantly increased and estradiol decreased from stage -2 (7 + days of menstrual delay) to stage +2 (8 + years of amenorrhea). CONCLUSIONS: The present results support use of the STRAW + 10 to characterize the menopausal transition of WWH with good clinical and immunological control.

Hummingbird (Aves: Trochilidae) assemblage using resources from the exotic African tuliptree, Spathodea campanulata (Bignoniaceae) in a Neotropical altered environment, southeastern Brazil / Assembleia de beija-flores (Aves: Trochilidae) utilizando recursos da árvore exótica tulipa africana, Spathodea campanulata (Bignoniaceae) em um ambiente Neotropical alterado, sudeste do Brasil

Abstract The non-native African tuliptree, Spathodea campanulata (P. Beauv), is widely distributed in altered Neotropical environments, where hummingbirds are important pollinators. We investigated the assemblage of hummingbirds which fed on its nectar and described their behavior, to understand possible influences of the exotic tree on the territorial behavior in an altered environment in southeastern Brazil. Seven species fed on flower resources, mainly Eupetomena macroura (Gmelin, 1788), Amazilia lactea (Lesson, 1832), and Florisuga fusca (Vieillot, 1817). Visiting time was positive correlated with number of flowers accessed, but in most visits, hummingbirds get the nectar by pillage, instead of frontal access. Flower availability varied throughout months; however, we found no evidence of significative correlation between available flowers and number of agonistic encounters. Despite a high number of animal-plant interactions and a strong territorialism of some species observed in African tuliptree foraging site, there may be other plants at local scale influencing the behavioral patterns observed.

Resumo A tulipa africana, Spathodea campanulata (P. Beauv), é uma árvore não nativa amplamente distribuída em ambientes Neotropicais alterados, onde os beija-flores são importantes polinizadores. Investigamos a assembleia de beija-flores que se alimentam do néctar e descrevemos seus comportamentos para compreender possíveis influências da árvore exótica sobre o comportamento territorial em um ambiente alterado no sudeste do Brasil. Sete espécies se alimentaram de recursos florais, principalmente Eupetomena macroura (Gmelin, 1788), Amazilia lactea (Lesson, 1832) e Florisuga fusca (Vieillot, 1817). O tempo de visita foi correlacionado positivamente com o número de flores acessadas, mas na maioria das visitas os beija-flores obtiveram o néctar pela pilhagem, em vez do acesso frontal. A disponibilidade de flores variou ao longo dos meses; no entanto, não encontramos evidências de correlação significativa entre flores disponíveis e número de encontros agonísticos. Apesar do grande número de interações entre plantas e animais e um forte territorialismo de algumas espécies observadas no local de forrageamento, pode haver outras plantas em escala local influenciando os padrões comportamentais observados.

Brasilia tapaculo (Scytalopus novacapitalis) seasonality and site occupancy in altitudinal riparian environments after non-natural burnings and feral pig invasion in Serra da Canastra National Park, Brazil / Sazonalidade do Tapaculo-de-Brasília (Scytalopus novacapitalis) e ocupação de área em ambientes ripários de altitude após queimadas não naturais e invasão por javaporco no Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra, Brasil

The Brasilia Tapaculo, Scytalopus novacapitalis Sick, 1958, is a rare, geographically restricted, and endangered bird species that inhabits riparian vegetation of Cerrado, mainly Gallery Forests. In Serra da Canastra National Park, southeastern Brazil, wetlands are under threat due to frequent non-natural burnings and invasion by feral pigs, Sus scrofa, Linnaeus, 1758. We aimed to evaluate the possible effects of seasonal variations on S. novacapitalis records in undisturbed habitats and answer questions about how fire and feral pigs may affect site occupancy of the species. Transects alongside riparian environments were used to survey n=21 sites, totalizing 7.5 Km, from 2014 to 2019. Results indicated the season influenced both, spontaneous records and induced encounters by playback method, which were more abundant in breeding period, from early spring to summer. The use of playback significantly increased the amount of records in all seasons. The probability of site occupancy in all studied area was higher in late spring (ψ=0.91) and lower in autumn (ψ=0.73). In burned sites (n=8), the first post-fire month showed the lowest probability of occupancy, but there was a rapid recovery in 2nd month and stabilization similar to control area from the 3rd month ahead. After sites (n=11) were invaded by feral pigs, the estimation of site occupancy indicated a slight drop in first two months, but after the 3rd month of invasion the decreasing pattern enhanced the discrepancy with undisturbed areas. It is important to keep monitoring S. novacapitalis population and their threats, to subsidize management actions, especially to avoid frequently unusual burnings in riparian forests, and to block the access of feral pigs to wetlands.

O tapaculo-de-Brasília, Scytalopus novacapitalis, Sick 1958, é uma espécie de ave rara, geograficamente restrita e ameaçada de extinção que habita vegetação ripária do Cerrado, principalmente matas de galeria. No Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra, sudeste do Brasil, áreas úmidas estão ameaçadas devido a frequentes queimadas não naturais e a invasão por javaporco, Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758. Avaliamos os possíveis efeitos da sazonalidade na quantidade de registros de S. novacapitalis em habitats sem perturbação e buscamos responder questões sobre como o fogo e a invasão por javaporco pode afetar a ocupação de área pela ave. Transecções paralelas aos ambientes ripários foram usadas para amostrar n=21 áreas, totalizando 7,5 km, de 2014 a 2019. Os resultados indicaram que a estação do ano influenciou na quantidade de registros espontâneos e de registros induzidos por playback, os quais foram mais abundantes durante o período reprodutivo. O uso de playback aumentou significativamente a quantidade de registros em todas as estações. A probabilidade de ocupação considerando toda área de estudo foi maior no fim da primavera (ψ=0,91) e menor no outono (ψ=0,73). Em áreas queimadas (n=8 trechos), o primeiro mês após o fogo apresentou a menor probabilidade de ocupação, mas houve uma rápida recuperação no 2º mês, e estabilização similar na área controle a partir do 3º mês. Após n=11 trechos terem sido invadidos por javaporcos, a estimativa de ocupação de área indicou pequena queda nos dois primeiros meses, mas a partir do 3º mês, o padrão de decréscimo ampliou a discrepância com áreas não perturbadas. É importante continuar monitorando a população de S. novacapitalis e suas ameaças, para subsidiar ações de manejo, principalmente para evitar queimadas não naturais frequentes nas florestas ripárias e bloquear o acesso de javaporcos às áreas úmidas.

Poly(trimethylene carbonate-co-L-lactide) electrospun scaffolds for use as vascular grafts.

Currently, there is great clinical need for suitable synthetic grafts that can be used in vascular diseases. Synthetic grafts have been successfully used in medium and large arteries, however, their use in small diameter vessels is limited and presents a high failure rate. In this context, the aim of this study was to develop tissue engineering scaffolds, using poly(trimethylene carbonate-co-L-lactide) (PTMCLLA), for application as small diameter vascular grafts. For this, copolymers with varying trimethylene carbonate/lactide ratios - 20/80, 30/70, and 40/60 - were submitted to electrospinning and the resulting scaffolds were evaluated in terms of their physicochemical and biological properties. The scaffolds produced with PTMCLLA 20/80, 30/70, and 40/60 showed smooth fibers with an average diameter of 771±273, 606±242, and 697±232 nm, respectively. When the degradation ratio was evaluated, the three scaffold groups had a similar molecular weight (Mw) on the final day of analysis. PTMCLLA 30/70 and 40/60 scaffolds exhibited greater flexibility than the PTMCLLA 20/80. However, the PTMCLLA 40/60 scaffolds showed a large wrinkling and their biological properties were not evaluated. The PTMCLLA 30/70 scaffolds supported the adhesion and growth of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), endothelial progenitor cells, and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). In addition, they provided a spreading of MSCs and SMCs. Given the results, the electrospun scaffolds produced with PTMCLLA 30/70 copolymer can be considered promising candidates for future applications in vascular tissue engineering.

Análise comparativa entre dinamometria e equações antropométricas preditoras da força de preensão manual em idosos / Comparative analysis between dynamometry and different anthropometric equations predicting of handgrip strength of elderly

A Força de Preensão Manual (FPM) é uma medida bastante utilizada na prática clínica como um indicador de saúde, por representar a força muscular global. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os coeficientes de concordância entre dinamometria e diferentes equações antropométricas preditoras da força de preensão manual em idosos. Trata-se de um estudo transversal baseado nos dados da pesquisa epidemiológica de base populacional e domiciliar. Participaram do estudo 283 (85,8%) idosos, residentes na zona urbana do município de Lafaiete Coutinho, com idade > 60 anos. A força de preensão manual foi mensurada por meio da dinamometria e estimada por diferentes equações antropométricas: Tveter et al., Novaes et al., e Fortes et al. As medidas antropométricas utilizadas no estudo foram: peso e estatura. O coeficiente de Lin e os gráficos de Bland Altman foram usados para observar concordância da FPM entre as equações. A média de idade dos idosos foi de 73,8±8,9 anos, peso corporal 60,11 ± 12,54 Kg, estatura média foi 154,83 ± 9,1 cm e IMC 25,05 ± 4,7 kg/m2 . Para os coeficientes houve moderada concordância nas equações antropométricas de Fortes 0,62 (0,55 ­ 0,68), Novaes 0,60 (0,53 ­ 0,66) e Tveter 0,60 (0,53 ­ 0,65) comparada a dinamometria, respectivamente. As equações antropométricas utilizadas para estimar a força de preensão manual apresentaram moderada concordância com o método padrão ouro (dinamometria)....(AU)

The handgrip strength (HGS) is a measure widely used in clinical practice as a health indicator, to represent the overall muscle strength. The aim this study was to analyze the concordance coefficients between dynamometry and different anthropometric equations predictor handgrip strength of elderly. This is a cross-sectional study that analyzed data from epidemiological research of a home and population-based epidemiological survey. Participated in the study 283 (85,8%) elderly people, living in the urban área of the municipality of Lafaiete Coutinho, aged > 60 years. Handgrip strength was measured using dynamometry and different anthropometric equations: Tveter et al., Novaes et al., and Fortes et al. Anthropometric measurements used in the study were: weight and height. The Lin coefficient and the Bland Altman graphics were used to observe the HGS concordance between the different equations. The mean age of the elderly was 73.8 ± 8.9 years, mean body weight was 60.11 ± 12.54 kg, mean height was 154.83 ± 9.1 cm and BMI 25.05 ± 4.7 kg/m2 . For the coefficients there was moderate concordance in the anthropometric equations of Fortes 0,62 (0,55 ­ 0,68), Novaes 0,60 (0,53 ­ 0,66) e Tveter 0,60 (0,53 ­ 0,65) compared to dynamometry, respectively. The anthropometric equations used to estimate the handgrip strength showed moderate concordance with the gold standard test (dynamometry)....(AU)