Resonance of vector vortex beams in a triangular optical cavity.

We experimentally demonstrate resonance of first-order vector vortex beams (VVB) with a triangular optical cavity. We also show that, due to their symmetry properties, the VVBs commonly known as radial and azimuthal beams do not resonate at the same cavity length, which could be explored to use the triangular resonator as a mode sorter. In addition, an intracavity Pancharatnam phase shifter (PPS) is implemented in order to compensate for any birefringent phase that the cavity mirrors may introduce.

Un mecanismo nefrogénico subyace a la poliuria inducida por dexmedetomidina: informe de un caso / Nephrogenic mechanism underlies dexmedetomidine-induced polyuria: A case report

La dexmedetomidina, agonista del adrenorreceptor α, se utiliza cada vez más como agente sedativo-hipnótico y analgésico, aunque su popularidad suscita preocupación acerca de los efectos secundarios de dicho fármaco.La bradicardia y la hipotensión son efectos adversos comunes, pero también existen diversos informes de gasto urinario excesivo, posiblemente debido a la secreción de vasopresina y a la permeabilidad de los conductos colectores.La poliuria se resuelve normalmente con la discontinuación del fármaco, no habiéndose reportado morbilidad significativa. La identificación temprana, la eliminación del agente y el tratamiento son imperativos para minimizar las complicaciones, principalmente natremia y síntomas neurológicos.Este informe de caso describe la poliuria relacionada con dexmedetomidina durante la anestesia general libre de opioides para cirugía mayor de cabeza y cuello. Nuestra hipótesis de etiología nefrogénica se ve reforzada por los datos analíticos obtenidos. También describimos cómo abordar la poliuria intraoperatoria. (AU)

Dexmedetomidine's α-adrenoreceptor agonism has been gaining popularity in the anesthetic room as a sedative-hypnotic and analgesic agent, and with extensive perioperative use rising concern about side effects is necessary.Bradycardia and hypotension are common but excessive urine output is increasingly reported, suggested mechanisms being vasopressin secretion and increasing permeability of the collecting ducts.Polyuria usually resolves with discontinuation of the drug and significant morbidity has not been reported. Early identification, removal of agent and treatment are imperative to minimize complications, mainly associated with natremia levels and neurological symptoms.This case report describes a dexmedetomidine-related polyuric syndrome during opioid-free general anesthesia for major head and neck surgery. A nephrogenic mechanism for the clinical effect is proposed and reinforced by analytical data obtained. An intra-operative polyuria approach is also delineated. (AU)

Assessing the reaction to and efficacy of the Screener drug discovery and development board game as a pedagogical tool in postgraduate courses.

Screener, a board game supplemented with online resources, was introduced and distributed by the Brazilian Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics to postgraduate programs as an instructional tool for the process of drug discovery and development (DDD). In this study, we provided a comprehensive analysis of five critical aspects for evaluating the quality of educational games, namely: 1) description of the intervention; 2) underlying pedagogical theory; 3) identification of local educational gaps; 4) impact on diverse stakeholders; and 5) elucidation of iterative quality enhancement processes. We also present qualitative and quantitative assessments of the effectiveness of this game in 11 postgraduate courses. We employed the MEEGA+ online survey, comprising thirty-three close-ended unipolar items with 5-point Likert-type response scales, to assess student perceptions of the quality and utility of Screener. Based on 115 responses, the results indicated a highly positive outlook among students. In addition, we performed a preliminary evaluation of learning outcomes in two courses involving 28 students. Pre- and post-quizzes were applied, each consisting of 20 True/False questions directly aligned with the game's content. The analysis revealed significant improvement in students' performance following engagement with the game, with scores rising from 8.4 to 13.3 (P<0.0001, paired t-test) and 9.7 to 12.7 (P<0.0001, paired t-test). These findings underscore the utility of Screener as an enjoyable and effective tool for facilitating a positive learning experience in the DDD process. Notably, the game can also reduce the educational disparities across different regions of our continental country.

Assessing the reaction to and efficacy of the Screener drug discovery and development board game as a pedagogical tool in postgraduate courses

Screener, a board game supplemented with online resources, was introduced and distributed by the Brazilian Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics to postgraduate programs as an instructional tool for the process of drug discovery and development (DDD). In this study, we provided a comprehensive analysis of five critical aspects for evaluating the quality of educational games, namely: 1) description of the intervention; 2) underlying pedagogical theory; 3) identification of local educational gaps; 4) impact on diverse stakeholders; and 5) elucidation of iterative quality enhancement processes. We also present qualitative and quantitative assessments of the effectiveness of this game in 11 postgraduate courses. We employed the MEEGA+ online survey, comprising thirty-three close-ended unipolar items with 5-point Likert-type response scales, to assess student perceptions of the quality and utility of Screener. Based on 115 responses, the results indicated a highly positive outlook among students. In addition, we performed a preliminary evaluation of learning outcomes in two courses involving 28 students. Pre- and post-quizzes were applied, each consisting of 20 True/False questions directly aligned with the game's content. The analysis revealed significant improvement in students' performance following engagement with the game, with scores rising from 8.4 to 13.3 (P<0.0001, paired t-test) and 9.7 to 12.7 (P<0.0001, paired t-test). These findings underscore the utility of Screener as an enjoyable and effective tool for facilitating a positive learning experience in the DDD process. Notably, the game can also reduce the educational disparities across different regions of our continental country.

Fish diversity in the rivers that drain the Baixada Maranhense and the Mearim basin in northeastern Brazil.

The Baixada Maranhense Environmental Protection Area of the Brazilian state of Maranhão encompasses a biologically rich region that includes the basins of four principal rivers, the Mearim, Pericumã, Pindaré, and Turiaçu, which form a complex of wetlands. The present study provides a comprehensive inventory of the fish fauna of the rivers that drain the Baixada Maranhense based on the identification of voucher specimens that were deposited in a scientific collection. Expeditions were conducted between 2014 and 2020. The inventory identified a total of 100 fish species representing 79 genera, 34 families, and 11 orders, which are found in both freshwater and estuarine environments. Six (Potamotrygon orbignyi, Leporinus piau, Moenkhausia loweae, Serrasalmus spilopleura, Pachypops fourcroi and Peckoltia greedoi) of the 100 taxa identified here are considered to be new records for one or more of the basins surveyed during this study, based on the existing data, while four - Colossoma macropomum, Megaleporinus macrocephalus, Cichla sp. and Cichla kelberi - are not native. The most speciose orders were the Siluriformes and Characiformes, while the most diverse families were the Loricariidae, Characidae, Auchenipteridae, Cichlidae, and Serrasalmidae. These data are consistent with the findings of most of the previous studies of freshwater ecosystems in the Neotropical region, in particular those of the rivers of Maranhão. The results of the present study represent an important advance in the understanding of the diversity of the fish fauna of the Mearim, Pericumã, Pindaré, and Turiaçu rivers, which are still poorly studied, and have likely had their diversity underestimated up to now.

PERSPECTIVE: Potential and reality of cryopreserving somatic cells of wild felids for conservation.

The loss of biodiversity caused by anthropogenic actions is also a reality for the members of the Felidae family. Except for the domestic cat, all felid species have some degree of threat of extinction in their natural habitat. For this reason, felids have been included in conservation-related studies. This scenario has aroused increasing interest in the formation of somatic cell banks, which when efficiently implemented can be used in preservation strategies for the species. Nevertheless, one of the important steps in the formation of these banks is the understanding of the technical principles and variations involved in cryopreservation techniques, especially because cryopreservation increases the possibilities for Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ARTs) by making the use of biological materials independent of time and space. In wild felids, several species already have promising results in the formation of somatic cell banks, and studies aimed at better viability rates have been constantly proposed, as well as new species have been studied. In some species, aspects involved in successful cryopreservation are already well defined, and slow freezing associated with cryoprotectant solutions composed of intra- and extracellular substances is the most useful approach. The aim of this review was to present the main parameters involved in the elaboration of a somatic cell cryopreservation protocol and their effects, as well as to address the main results achieved for different wild felids. Doi.org/10.54680/fr23510110112.

Combined effects of Limonene and Ivermectin on P-glycoprotein-9 gene expression of lambs Infected with Haemonchus contortus.

Although ivermectin (IVM) has a wide spectrum and long half-life, its frequent use as an anthelmintic for the last 42 years led to its worldwide tolerance by Haemonchus contortus. We evaluated the combination of limonene (LIM), a P-glycoprotein (Pgp) modulator, with IVM in lambs infected with a multidrug-resistant H. contortus. Twenty-four male Dorper lambs were artificially infected with two doses (seven days apart) of 8000 infective larvae of a multidrug-resistant isolate of H. contortus. The infection was patent 25 days later. Fifteen days before treatment with IVM (DAY -15), animals were divided into 4 groups: Infected-untreated control (CTL), IVM, LIM, and LIM+IVM. From DAY -15 to DAY + 14, groups LIM and LIM+IVM received 200 mg/kg of body weight/day of LIM via oral. On DAY 0, a single dose of IVM at 200 µg/kg of body weight was administered orally to groups IVM and LIM+IVM. On DAY + 7 and DAY + 14, fecal egg counts (FEC) were performed and on DAY + 14 animals were euthanized for total worm count (TWC), worm length, fecundity of females, and Pgp-9 gene expression. On DAY + 7, group LIM+IVM had 96.29% efficacy based on Fecal Egg Count Reduction TEST (FECRT) and a highly significant reduction in FEC (P = 0.0005) when compared to CTL. On DAY + 14, the efficacy of LIM+IVM was 82.87% on FECRT, although no differences were found among groups for FEC, TWC, worm length, or Pgp-9 gene expression. Female worms from the CTL group had higher egg counts in their uterus when compared to LIM. No differences were found for hematological or biochemical parameters, body weight, or weight gain among groups. Thus, LIM given daily at 200 mg/kg was safe for animals and, when combined with IVM, decreased egg shedding and could reduce pasture contamination, although it was unable to kill multidrug-resistant H. contortus.

Differential effects of acute cardiovascular exercise on explicit and implicit motor memory: The moderating effects of fitness level.

A single bout of cardiovascular exercise (CE) performed after practice can facilitate the consolidation of motor memory. However, the effect is variable and may be modulated by different factors such as the motor task's or participant's characteristics and level of awareness during encoding (implicit vs explicit learning). This study examines the effects of acute CE on the consolidation of motor sequences learned explicitly and implicitly, exploring the potential moderating effect of fitness level and awareness. Fifty-six healthy adults (24.1 ± 3.3 years, 32 female) were recruited. After practicing with either the implicit or explicit variant of the Serial Reaction Time Task (SRTT), participants either performed a bout of 16 min of vigorous CE or rested for the same amount of time. Consolidation was quantified as the change in SRTT performance from the end of practice to a 24 h retention test. Fitness level (V̇O2peak) was determined through a graded exercise test. Awareness (implicit vs explicit learning) was operationalized using a free recall test conducted immediately after retention. Our primary analysis indicated that CE had no statistically significant effects on consolidation, regardless of the SRTT's variant utilized during practice. However, an exploratory analysis, classifying participants based on the level of awareness gained during motor practice, showed that CE negatively influenced consolidation in unfit participants who explicitly acquired the motor sequence. Our findings indicate that fitness level and awareness in sequence acquisition can modulate the interaction between CE and motor memory consolidation. These factors should be taken into account when assessing the effects of CE on motor memory.

A nephrogenic mechanism underlies dexmedetomidine-induced polyuria. A case report.

Dexmedetomidine's α-adrenoreceptor agonism has been gaining popularity in the anesthetic room as a sedative-hypnotic and analgesic agent, and with extensive perioperative use rising concern about side effects is necessary. Bradycardia and hypotension are common adverse effects, but there are also several reports of excessive urine output, possibly due to vasopressin secretion and permeability of collecting ducts. Polyuria usually resolves with discontinuation of the drug, and significant morbidity has not been reported. Early identification, removal of the agent, and treatment are imperative to minimize complications - mainly natremia and neurological symptoms. This case report describes a dexmedetomidine-related polyuric syndrome during opioid-free general anesthesia for major head and neck surgery. A nephrogenic mechanism for the clinical effect is proposed and reinforced by analytical data obtained. An intra-operative polyuria approach is also delineated.

Cytotoxic screening of plants from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest has led to the identification of Casearia arborea and Sorocea hilarii as sources of antitumor compounds.

In the present study, we have evaluated the cytotoxic activity of 282 extracts from 72 native plant species of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome. As a result, Casearia arborea and Sorocea hilarii leaves extracts showed cytotoxic activity against three tumour cell lines tested (B16F10, SW480 and Jurkat). After bioassay-guided fractionation, the bioactive fractions were submitted to the dereplication study via High-performance Liquid Chromatography, connected to High-resolution Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS) analysis, combined with a Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) tool. A combination of bioactivity-guided and dereplication approaches resulted in the putative annotation of 27 clerodane diterpenes and 9 flavonoids as main compounds present in the cytotoxic fractions of C. arborea. Regarding the active fraction of S. hilarii, 10 megastigmans, 17 spirostane steroids derivatives and 2 lignans were putatively identified. In conclusion, Casearia arborea and Sorocea hilarii are potential sources of antitumor compounds.

Gravity complexes as a focus of seafloor fluid seepage: the Rio Grande Cone, SE Brazil.

Seafloor methane emissions can affect Earth's climate and ocean chemistry. Vast quantities of methane formed by microbial decomposition of organic matter are locked within gas hydrate and free gas on continental slopes, particularly in large areas with high sediment accumulations such as deep-sea fans. The release of methane in slope environments has frequently been associated with dissociation of gas hydrates near the edge of the gas hydrate stability zone on the upper slope, with discharges in greater water depths less understood. Here we show, using data from the Rio Grande Cone (western South Atlantic), that the intrinsic, gravity-induced downslope collapse of thick slope sediment accumulations creates structures that serve as pathways for gas migration, unlocking methane and causing seafloor emissions via giant gas flares in the water column. The observed emissions in the study region (up to 310 Mg year-1) are three times greater than estimates for the entire US North Atlantic margin and reveal the importance of collapsing sediment accumulations for ocean carbon cycling. Similar outgassing systems on the Amazon and Niger fans suggest that gravity tectonics on passive margins is a common yet overlooked mechanism driving massive seafloor methane emissions in sediment-laden continental slopes.

Sweet Taste Receptor Gene and Caries Trajectory in the Life Course.

This study aims to investigate whether the trajectory of dental caries in the life course is associated with rs307355 (TAS1R3) and rs35874116 (TAS1R2) and if there is an epistatic association between rs307355 (TAS1R3) and rs35874116 (TAS1R2). A representative sample of all 5,914 births from the 1982 Pelotas birth cohort was prospectively investigated, and the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMF-T) components were assessed at ages 15 (n = 888), 24 (n = 720), and 31 (n = 539) y. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify groups with similar trajectories of DMF-T components in the life course. Genetic material was collected, and rs307355 (TAS1R3) and rs35874116 (TAS1R2) were genotyped. Ethnicity was evaluated using ADMIXTURE. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction software was used to investigate epistatic interactions. Considering rs307355 (TAS1R3) in the additive effect, the genotype TT was associated with the high decayed trajectory group (odds ratio [OR] = 4.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-17.74) and the high missing trajectory group (OR = 3.35; 95% CI, 1.09-10.26). In the dominant effect, the genotype CT/TT was associated with the high decayed trajectory group (OR = 1.64; 95% CI, 1.14-2.35). Allele T was associated with an increased odds of 64% (OR = 1.64; 95% CI, 1.20-2.25) for the decayed component and 41% (OR = 1.41; 95% CI, 1.04-1.92) for the missing component. No associations were observed between rs307355 (TAS1R3) and the filled component. rs35874116 (TAS1R2) was not associated with DMF-T components. Positive epistatic interactions were observed involving rs307355 (TAS1R3) and rs35874116 (TAS1R2) with the decayed component (OR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.04-2.84). Thus, rs307355 (TAS1R3) genotypes and alleles seem positively associated with the trajectory of decayed and missing components in the life course. Epistatic interaction between rs307355 and rs35874116 may increase the decayed caries trajectory.

Anatomy of the mastoid triangle and morphometric sex differences.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to quantify the area of the mastoid triangle (MT) and assess potential morphometric differences between males and females. PATIENTS: The sample consisted of 244 dry human skulls, with biological sex known based on genetic analysis, collected from a medicolegal osteological database from Central-Western Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was observational, analytical, and cross-sectional. The skulls were analyzed using Heron's equation to calculate the area of the MT. The landmarks connecting each of the sides of the triangle were: Porion (Po)>Mastoidale (Ma)>Asterion (Ast). Morphometric references were calculated and compared based on sex. RESULTS: The area of the MT was nearly 14% larger in males compared to females (p<0.05). The mean MT area for the right and left sides of males were 684.11±93.25mm2 and 668.94±111.95mm2, respectively. In females, the mean MT for the right and left sides were 588.93±91.09mm2 and 582.88±102.98mm2, respectively. Right and left side measurements were significantly different (p<0.05), except for Po-Ast (p=0.232). CONCLUSION: Morphometric features regarding the MT were slightly different between males and females. Application of the MT as a dimorphic tool should be adjuvant. Moreover, this tool should be considered carefully, especially because the sex-based differences were statistically significant, but discrete between males and females.

Impacts of the use of biological pest control on the technical efficiency of the Brazilian agricultural sector.

This paper aimed to assess the impact of the intensive use of biological control on the technical efficiency of the Brazilian agricultural sector. The study also considered the influence of factors such as technical assistance, rural financing, and membership in cooperatives or class entities on efficiency measures. It was estimated stochastic production frontiers for regions intensively using and not using biological control, considering potential selection bias. Results demonstrate that areas with intensive use of biological pest management have a 0.863 technical efficiency score, while this score is 0.823 for nonintensive areas. This means that the intensive regions would be closer to their efficiency frontiers. Additionally, technical assistance and membership in cooperative or class entities increase efficiency by 6 and 2.5%, respectively. It can be concluded that the intensive adoption of biological control can raise the productive performance of the Brazilian agricultural sector. Therefore, it must be highlighted the importance of formulating joint policies (e.g., credit+rural extension) for the adoption of biological control to be a feasible option to promote the sustainable development of the Brazilian agricultural sector.

Time trend of overweight and obesity prevalence among older people in Brazilian State Capitals and the Federal District from 2006 to 2019.

Although the share of older people has been growing in Brazil in past decades, studies investigating trends in overweight and obesity prevalence in this population remain scarce. The objective of this study was to analyze the time trend of overweight and obesity prevalence in older adults in Brazilian State Capitals and the Federal District from 2006 to 2019. This is a time trend study based on data from the Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey. The subsample used was composed of individuals aged 60 years or older (n = 202,049). Self-reported weight and height data were used to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). Overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) prevalence were estimated per year for the total population and according to sex, age, schooling, region, and NCD presence. Prais-Winsten regression models were used to identify significant trends in overweight and obesity prevalence over the years. Overweight prevalence increased (p < 0.05) from 53.7 to 61.4% (1.09% per year) within the assessed period, whereas obesity prevalence increased from 16.1 to 22.3% (2.28% per year). Greater increases were observed among men, those aged 70 years old and over, with more than 9-year of schooling, and from less developed regions. The highest increases were observed in groups with the lowest values at the beginning of the study period. Results evidenced the high and growing prevalence of overweight and obesity among older people in Brazilian.

A novel orchiectomy surgical procedure in donkeys ( Equus asinus africanus) with parascrotal access.

Donkeys are a public health concern in the Northeast region of Brazil, with thousands of stray animals. Orchiectomy is an important population control measure; however, the long postoperative period with daily treatment of open wounds in the scrotum makes it difficult to perform a large number of castrations in sheltering centers. We evaluate a novel surgical procedure for orchiectomy in donkeys using parascrotal access. Twelve donkeys were used, divided into two groups: I - submitted to orchiectomy through parascrotal surgical access (novel procedure), and II - submitted to orchiectomy through scrotal access (conventional). Postoperative evaluations consisted of a macroscopic evaluation of the surgical wound (bleeding and intensity of edema), hematological parameters, and peritoneal fluid, which occurred in both groups at the moments (M): M0 - before the surgical procedure. The others moments occurred after surgery: M12 (twelve hours); M24 (twenty-four hours); M48 (forty-eight hours); M72 (seventy-two hours); M8D (eight days); and M16D (sixteen days). The surgical techniques did not generate an important systemic inflammatory response to the point detected by the leukogram, fibrinogen dosage, and peritoneal fluid. The parascrotal technique required long surgery but promoted less bleeding, less edema, and faster healing. The techniques used did not promote sufficient systemic inflammation to alter the number of leukocytes and the fibrinogen concentration; however, evaluation of the peritoneal fluid proved to be important for evaluating inflammatory processes involving the scrotum and inguinal canal. We describe a novel surgical procedure for orchiectomy in Donkeys using a parascrotal access that promoted less risk of bleeding, shorter period of edema, and healing time, but required longer surgery time.

Reviewing physical exercise in non-obese diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats.

There is a high incidence of non-obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (non-obese-T2DM) cases, particularly in Asian countries, for which the pathogenesis remains mainly unclear. Interestingly, Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats spontaneously develop insulin resistance (IR) and non-obese-T2DM, making them a lean diabetes model. Physical exercise is a non-pharmacological therapeutic approach to reduce adipose tissue mass, improving peripheral IR, glycemic control, and quality of life in obese animals or humans with T2DM. In this narrative review, we selected and analyzed the published literature on the effects of physical exercise on the metabolic features associated with non-obese-T2DM. Only randomized controlled trials with regular physical exercise training, freely executed physical activity, or skeletal muscle stimulation protocols in GK rats published after 2008 were included. The results indicated that exercise reduces plasma insulin levels, increases skeletal muscle glycogen content, improves exercise tolerance, protects renal and myocardial function, and enhances blood oxygen flow in GK rats.

Functional amino acid supplementation postweaning mitigates the response of normal birth weight more than for low birth weight pigs to a subsequent Salmonella challenge.

Previous work has shown that dietary supplementation with key functional amino acids (FAA) improves growth performance and immune status of disease-challenged normal birth weight (NBW) pigs. It is not known whether FAA supplementation attenuates the effects of a subsequent disease challenge or whether this response is similar in low birth weight (LBW) pigs. The objective was to determine the effects of birth weight and FAA supplementation during the postweaning period in Salmonella-challenged pigs. Thirty-two LBW (1.08 ± 0.11 kg) and NBW (1.58 ± 0.11 kg) pigs were assigned to a nursery feeding program at weaning (25 d) for 31 days in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Factors were birth weight category (LBW vs. NBW) and basal (FAA-) or supplemented FAA profile (FAA+; Thr, Met, and Trp at 120% of requirements). At d 31, pigs were placed onto a common grower diet and, after a 7-d adaptation period, were inoculated with Salmonella Typhimurium (ST; 2.2 × 109 colony-forming units/mL) and monitored for 7-d postinoculation. Growth performance, rectal temperature, fecal score, indicators of gut health, ST shedding score in feces, intestinal ST colonization and translocation, and blood parameters of acute-phase response and antioxidant balance were measured pre- and postinoculation. Inoculation with ST increased temperature and fecal score, and the overall rectal temperature was higher in LBW compared to NBW pigs (P < 0.05). Postinoculation (d 7), reduced:oxidized glutathione was increased in NBW compared to LBW pigs (P < 0.05). Salmonella shedding and translocation to spleen were lower in NBW-FAA+ compared to NBW-FAA- pigs (P < 0.05). Postinoculation average daily gain was higher in NBW-FAA+ (P < 0.05) compared to the other groups. Postinoculation haptoglobin, superoxide dismutase, and colonic myeloperoxidase were increased in LBW-FAA- pigs (P < 0.05). Ileal alkaline phosphatase was decreased in LBW compared to NBW (P < 0.05). Overall, FAA supplementation represents a potential strategy to mitigate the effect of enteric disease challenge in NBW, but not LBW pigs.

Pre- and post-COVID practice of interventional pulmonology in adults in Portugal.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: There is a lack of information regarding bronchoscopy practice in adults in Portugal. Our objective was to obtain an overview of the characteristics, resources, techniques and behaviors in national interventional pulmonology (IP) units, before and after SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was developed by an expert panel with a total of 46 questions comprising the specifications of each unit, namely physical space, equipment, staff, procedure planning, monitoring, technical differentiation, and numbers pre- and post-COVID-19. Forty-one interventional pulmonology centers were invited to participate between April and May 2021. RESULTS: 37 units (90.2%) responded to the survey. The majority (64.9%) have a fully dedicated space with a weekly presence of ≥3 chest physicians (82.1%) and support of an anesthesiologist on specific days (48.6%). There is marked heterogeneity in the IP unit's equipment, and 56.8% acquired disposable bronchoscopes after COVID-19 pandemics. Pre-bronchoscopy hemogram, platelet count and coagulation tests are regularly asked by more than 90% of the units, even when deep sedation or biopsies are not planned. In 97.3% of cases, topical anesthesia and midazolam are utilized. Propofol (21.6%) and fentanyl (29.7%) are occasionally employed in some institutions. Most units use ancillary sampling techniques to diagnose central or peripheral lesions, with radial EBUS being used for guidance of distal procedures in 37.8% of centers, linear EBUS and EUS-B-FNA for mediastinal diagnosis and/or staging in 45.9% and 27.0% of units, respectively. Cryobiopsies are used by 21.6% of respondents to diagnose diffuse lung diseases. Rigid bronchoscopy is performed in 37.8% of centers. There was a decrease in the number of flexible (p < 0.001) and rigid (p = 0.005) bronchoscopies and an upscale of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 outbreak. CONCLUSIONS: IP units have variable bronchoscopic practices, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, they complied with most international recommendations, as elective procedures were postponed and PPE levels increased.