Relapsing Plasmodium vivax malaria in a 12-year-old Brazilian girl: A case report.

Plasmodium vivax causes the vast majority of malaria cases in Brazil. The lifecycle of this parasite includes a latent stage in the liver, the hypnozoite. Reactivation of hypnozoites induces repeated relapses. We report a case of two relapses of vivax malaria in a teenage girl after conventional treatment with chloroquine and primaquine. Chloroquine prophylactic treatment for three months was prescribed with a favourable outcome of the case.

Effect of Spinal Correction Surgery on Lower Limb Strength in Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis.

Objectives To analyze the lower limb strength in both untreated and surgically treated adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients and examine its correlation with the distance covered in a six-minute walking test (6MWT). Methods A total of 88 participants (n = 30 pre-surgery AIS patients, n = 30 post-surgical AIS patients, and n = 28 control) underwent a 6MWT and a muscle strength assessment. The lower limb strength was measured at the knee joint using the knee extension (KE) and knee flexion (KF) peak torque (PT) measurements. Results The control group covered a greater distance in the TC6 compared to both the pre-surgical (534 ± 67 m) and post-surgical (541 ± 69 m) groups, with a distance of 612 ± 70 m (p < 0.001). No differences were observed in KE PT (pre: 2.1 ± 0.63, post: 2.1 ± 0.7, control: 2.2 ± 0.7 Nm.kg -1 , p = 0.67) or KF PT (pre: 1.0 ± 0.3, post: 1.1 ± 0.3, control: 1.1 ± 0.5 Nm.kg -1 , p = 0.46). A moderate positive correlation was observed between KE PT and 6MWT distance (r = 0.53, p < 0.001), as well as a low positive correlation for KF PT (r = 0.37, p = 0.003) with 6MWT distance. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of lower limb maximal strength in the functionality of AIS patients. Our findings suggest that exercise programs aimed at enhancing lower limb strength, especially the KE, could improve the walking capacity of AIS patients. These results provide useful information for designing purposeful exercise programs for AIS patients with walking deficits.

AirQuality Lab-on-a-Drone: A Low-Cost 3D-Printed Analytical IoT Platform for Vertical Monitoring of Gaseous H2S.

The measurement of gaseous compounds in the atmosphere is a multichallenging task due to their low concentration range, long and latitudinal concentration variations, and the presence of sample interferents. Herein, we present a quadcopter drone deployed with a fully integrated 3D-printed analytical laboratory for H2S monitoring. Also, the analytical system makes part of the Internet of Things approach. The analytical method applied was based on the reaction between fluorescein mercuric acetate and H2S that led to fluorescence quenching. A 5 V micropump at a constant airflow of 50 mL min-1 was employed to deliver constant air into a flask containing 800 µL of the reagent. The analytical signal was obtained using a light-emitting diode and a miniaturized digital light detector. The method enabled the detection of H2S in the range from 15 to 200 ppbv, with a reproducibility of 5% for a sampling time of 10 min and an limit of detection of 9 ppbv. All devices were controlled using an Arduino powered by a small power bank, and the results were transmitted to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The proposed device resulted in a weight of 300 g and an overall cost of ∼50 USD. The platform was used to monitor the concentration of H2S in different intervals next to a wastewater treatment plant at ground and vertical levels. The ability to perform all analytical steps in the same device, the low-energy requirements, the low weight, and the attachment of data transmission modules offer new possibilities for drone-based analytical systems for air pollution monitoring.

Development of a portable optical device with a multi-channel spectrometer sensor for quantification of glycerol in wine: a maker approach for on-site analysis.

In this work we present a novel and environmentally friendly approach for quantifying glycerol in wine samples using a portable optical device based on the maker concept and do-it-yourself (DIY) principles. This method offers significant advantages, including cost-effectiveness, reduced sample and reagent consumption, and the potential for integrating IoT (Internet of Things) technology. The chemical strategy involves the oxidation of glycerol using periodate, followed by the formation of the 3,5-diacetyl-1,4-dihydrolutidine (DDL) compound through a reaction with acetylacetone. The utilization of a cost-effective AS7341 color sensor as a detector enables accurate and sensitive detection of glycerol levels in wine samples. The optimized procedure demonstrates adequate analytical performance for glycerol determination in wine samples, encompassing a wide linear range (0.5 mg L-1 to 40.0 mg L-1), high correlation coefficient (r = 0.998), and low limits of detection (0.050 mg L-1). The method exhibits excellent precision, with the coefficient of variation estimated to be 0.1% for 10 independent measurements of a 20 mg L-1 solution. These features render it suitable not only for routine glycerol analysis in the wine industry, but also for addressing challenges related to wine adulteration and counterfeiting.

Diagnosis of endoparasite species and subtypes of Cryptosporidium spp. with one health importance, in feces from captive snakes in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In captivity, snakes may present chronic infections with high mortality, such as those caused by Cryptosporidium serpentis, or they may be pseudoparasitized by species that present zoonotic potential. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of helminths and protozoa in the feces of captive snakes, characterize the species and subtypes of Cryptosporidium spp. and correlate the parasites detected with other information obtained from these animals. Feces were collected from 189 snakes kept at the Vital Brazil Institute, Rio de Janeiro, including samples from Bothrops jararaca, Bothrops jararacussu, Bothrops moojeni, Bothrops atrox, Bothrops leucurus, Crotalus durissus and Lachesis muta. All the samples were subjected to microscopy techniques and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in association with sequencing, to identify Cryptosporidium spp.. Forms of parasites infecting the snakes were identified through microscopy in 50.8% of the samples. Helminths were detected more often than protozoa in the feces of these animals, mainly comprising eggs resembling Kalicephalus sp. and oocysts of Eimeria sp.. Pseudoparasites such as Syphacia sp., Aspiculuris sp. and Hymenolepis nana were also detected. Through correlating the results obtained from parasitological staining techniques and PCR, the total frequency of Cryptosporidium sp. was found to be 19%. The species C. tyzzeri and C. parvum were identified. Characterization using the target gp60 showed subtypes with high potential for zoonotic transmission, especially IIaA15G2R1 and IIaA14G2R1 of C. parvum and IXbA8 of C. tyzzeri. This study highlighted the need for more intensive health management in the Institute's serpentarium and, especially, in its bioterium where rodents are reared as a food source for these snakes.

Fast determination of free metronidazole in rat plasma and peritoneal fluid using HPLC-UV method.

Peritonitis refers to the inflammatory reaction of the peritoneum to aggression. In addition, it contributes significantly to sepsis. The presence of free concentrations of antimicrobials above the minimum inhibitory concentration at the site of infection is critical to therapeutic response. Metronidazole (MTZ) is an antimicrobial used to treat peritonitis because of its effectiveness against anaerobic microorganisms. This study investigates free MTZ concentrations in peritoneal microdialysate in Wistar rats. A C18 column (150 × 4.0 mm, 5 µm) was used for the analysis conducted at 40°C under isocratic conditions. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and an aqueous solution of 50-mM monobasic phosphate buffer and 0.1% triethylamine, with pH 3.0 (10:90, v/v). MTZ calibration was linear in the range of 0.5-30.0 µg/ml. The intra- and inter-day precision was satisfactory with relative standard deviation ≤5.67%. The accuracy ranged from 90.64 to 103.77%, and the lower limit of quantification was 0.5 µg/ml. The developed method was successfully applied in a pilot pharmacokinetic study after MTZ administration (30 mg/kg, intravenously) in rats. The main advantage of the employed method is that it does not require sample processing and protein removal steps. This is the first study to be conducted using MTZ in rats.

Effect of Spinal Correction Surgery on Lower Limb Strength in Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis / Efeito da cirurgia de correção da coluna vertebral na força dos membros inferiores na escoliose idiopática do adolescente

Abstract Objectives To analyze the lower limb strength in both untreated and surgically treated adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients and examine its correlation with the distance covered in a six-minute walking test (6MWT). Methods A total of 88 participants (n = 30 pre-surgery AIS patients, n = 30 postsurgical AIS patients, and n = 28 control) underwent a 6MWT and a muscle strength assessment. The lower limb strength was measured at the knee joint using the knee extension (KE) and knee flexion (KF) peak torque (PT) measurements. Results The control group covered a greater distance in the TC6 compared to both the pre-surgical (534 ± 67 m) and post-surgical (541 ± 69 m) groups, with a distance of 612 ± 70 m (p < 0.001). No differences were observed in KE PT (pre: 2.1 ± 0.63, post: 2.1 ± 0.7, control: 2.2 ± 0.7 Nm.kg-1, p = 0.67) or KF PT (pre: 1.0 ± 0.3, post: 1.1 ± 0.3, control: 1.1 ± 0.5 Nm.kg-1, p = 0.46). A moderate positive correlation was observed between KE PT and 6MWT distance (r = 0.53, p < 0.001), as well as a low positive correlation for KF PT (r = 0.37, p = 0.003) with 6MWT distance. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of lower limb maximal strength in the functionality of AIS patients. Our findings suggest that exercise programs aimed at enhancing lower limb strength, especially the KE, could improve the walking capacity of AIS patients. These results provide useful information for designing purposeful exercise programs for AIS patients with walking deficits.

Resumo Objetivos Analisar a força dos membros inferiores em pacientes com escoliose idiopática do adolescente (EIA) submetidos ou não ao tratamento cirúrgico e examinar sua correlação com a distância percorrida em um teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6). Métodos Um total de 88 participantes (n = 30 pacientes com EIA pré-operatório, n = 30 pacientes com EIA pós-operatório e n = 28 controles) foram submetidos ao 6MWT e à avaliação da força muscular. A força dos membros inferiores foi medida na articulação do joelho usando os valores de pico de torque (PT) de extensão do joelho (EJ) e flexão do joelho (FJ). Resultados O grupo controle percorreu uma distância maior no TC6 em comparação aos grupos pré-operatório (534 ± 67 m) e pós-operatório (541 ± 69 m), com distância de 612 ± 70 m (p < 0,001). Não foram observadas diferenças em PT EJ (pré: 2,1 ± 0,63, pós: 2,1 ±0,7, controle: 2,2±0,7 Nm.kg-1, p = 0,67) ou PT FJ (pré: 1,0±0,3, pós: 1,1 ±0,3, controle: 1,1 ±0,5 Nm.kg-1, p = 0,46). Houve uma correlação positiva moderada entre PT EJ e a distância do TC6 (r = 0,53, p<0,001), assim como uma correlação positiva baixa entre PT FJ (r = 0,37, p = 0,003) e a distância do TC6. Conclusão Este estudo destaca a importância da força máxima dos membros inferiores na funcionalidade de pacientes com EIA. Nossos achados sugerem que programas de exercícios destinados a aumentar a força dos membros inferiores, especialmente de EJ, podem melhorar a capacidade de caminhada de pacientes com EIA. Esses resultados fornecem informações úteis para o projeto de programas de exercícios intencionais para pacientes com EIA e déficits de marcha.

Aromatic and sensorial characterization of "Moscato pyments": an innovative beverage.

Pyment is a type of mead that is produced from the alcoholic fermentation of a honey solution with the addition of grape juice. Due to the demand for new beverages, pyment can be a profitable alternative for both grape and honey producers. Therefore, this work aimed to characterize the aromatic and physicochemical composition of pyments. The pyments were prepared with addition of 10, 20 and 30% of Moscato juice, and compared with Moscato wine and traditional mead. The results showed an increase in the fermentation rates of Moscato-pyments, indicating that the addition of Moscato juice reverses the low fermentative vigor often reported in mead fermentations. Physicochemical parameters showed an increase in total acidity and a decrease in residual sugar and alcohol, depending on Moscato juice concentration. Moscato-pyments showed an intermediate concentration of volatile compounds between the traditional mead and Moscato wine, with a better balance between fruity, floral and buttery, manifesting characteristic aromas of wines made with Moscato grapes and simultaneously, exposing characteristic aromas of honey. The sensory analysis reveals a significant difference between mead, pyments and Moscato wine. In general, pyments were considered, by the panelists, as the most equilibrated with intermediary aroma intensity, floral, fruity and honey aromas, and good persistence in the mouth.

Development and validation of an LC-ESI-QTOF-MS method to measure cefepime in the plasma and peritoneal fluid of rats using microdialysis: Application in a pilot pharmacokinetic study.

Cefepime (CEF) is a cephalosporin and can be administered in secondary peritonitis together with metronidazole to treat sepsis. This study aimed to develop and validate an LC-ESI-QTOF-MS method for the quantification of cefepime in the plasma and peritoneal microdialysate of healthy Wistar rats. Chromatographic separation was performed using a CLC-ODS C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm), a C18 pre-column (4 mm, 5 µm) and isocratic elution. Gallic acid was used as the internal standard. The mobile phase consisted of (A) ultrapure water (pH adjusted to 3.5) and (B) acetonitrile (80:20, v/v) at 0.8 ml/min. Quantification was performed using a mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization in positive mode to monitor ions with m/z 481.1322 (CEF) and m/z 171.0288 (IS). The method was validated for selectivity, precision, accuracy, linearity, stability, lower limit of quantification, carryover, recovery and matrix effect. Calibration was done in the ranges 1-40 and 1-100 µg/ml for the peritoneal microdialysate and plasma, respectively. Plasma extraction recovery ranged from 93.9 to 99.9%. The technique was validated and successfully applied in a pilot pharmacokinetic study for estimating the free concentration of CEF in the peritoneal microdialysate of rats for the first time.

Palladium-Catalyzed Cascade 5-endo-dig Cyclization of Ynamides to Form 4-Alkynyloxazolones.

The selective synthesis of 4-alkynyloxazolones and their further applications as substrates to electrophile-promoted nucleophilic cyclization have been developed. The reaction of ynamides with terminal alkynes proceeded smoothly to give 4-alkynyloxazolones in the presence of a catalytic amount of palladium(II) acetate. The products were obtained with the sequential formation of new C-C and C-O bonds via a cascade procedure. The first step involved a carbon-oxygen bond formation, via a 5-endo-dig closure, which was confirmed by X-ray analyses of the crystalline sample. Subsequently, the reaction of 4-alkynyloxazolones with an electrophilic selenium source gave 3-phenylselanyl benzofuran derivatives via an electrophile-promoted nucleophilic cyclization.

RGB color sensor for colorimetric determinations: Evaluation and quantitative analysis of colored liquid samples.

In this work, a red, green, blue (RGB) color sensor was used for quantitative optical analysis of colored solutions. The capability of the sensor to respond to different colored solutions was critically evaluated to better understand which spectral bands are filtered and processed by each sensor channel. The effective capability of the RGB sensor, defined as its ability to illuminate and detect electromagnetic radiation reflected by the samples, was observed in the range of 415-564, 440-600 and 510-750 nm for blue, green and red channels, respectively. These results can help understand the interaction between the light emitted by the sensor and the signals obtained by the RGB channels for different quantitative determinations. In order to investigate the interaction between the RGB sensor and colored substances, and thereafter achieve quantitative optical analysis, different colored dyes were chosen to evaluate the RGB sensor capability, thus covering a wide range of colors. The analytical performance of the RGB sensor yielded a linear range of 5.0-50.0 µmol L-1 for dye solutions. The accuracy of this sensor was demonstrated by the thiocyanate method for colorimetric determination of iron in soil and supplement samples. Such RGB sensor achieved analytical performance similar to that obtained with the commercial spectrophotometer, without requiring the use of computers for image processing so as to gather RGB values. Additionally, this sensor also contributes to meeting the requirements of Internet of Analytical Things (IoAT) for the quantitative analysis of colored solutions.

Diagnosis, risk factors analysis and first molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in horses from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

An analysis was made of the frequency of Cryptosporidium spp. in fecal samples from horses raised on farms in the Teresópolis city, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the risk factors that favored this infection. Between 2019 and 2020, 314 samples of equine feces were collected, 287 of which came from English Thoroughbred horses and 27 from ponies. Information on the horses and their management were retrieved from a stud book and forms filled out by trainers. The fecal samples were subjected to macroscopic analysis, modified Sheather's and Lutz parasitological techniques, safranin staining, and to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of coproantigens. All the samples that tested positive by these techniques underwent partial sequence analysis of the 18S rRNA gene to characterize the protozoan species. Cryptosporidium spp. was identified in 35 (11.1%) of the samples, 34 from English Thoroughbred horses and one from a pony. Based on a logistic regression model, it was found that the presence of dogs and small ruminants on the farms, and drinking water from a spring, were significantly associated with the animals' infection by the protozoan (p < 0.05). Eight of the English Thoroughbred horse samples underwent molecular characterization, which revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium felis in one sample and Cryptosporidium parvum in seven. The seven samples containing C. parvum were subjected to gp60 gene analysis, based on which nucleotide sequences typical of the IIa family were identified, which are usually transmitted from animals to humans. In addition, the genotype IIaA15G2R1, which is considered to have the highest profile of zoonotic transmissibility, was identified in one Thoroughbred horse. This is the first study conducted in the state of Rio de Janeiro that molecularly characterized Cryptosporidium spp. in horses, and the first on the American continent to detect C. felis in the feces of these animals.

Effect of fatigue on explosive strength and muscle architecture of the vastus lateralis / Efecto de la fatiga sobre la fuerza explosiva y la arquitectura muscular del vasto lateral / Efeito da fadiga na força explosiva e arquitetura muscular do vasto lateral

ABSTRACT Introduction: There has been little research on changes in rate of torque development (RTD) and muscle architecture. This study evaluated the effect of fatigue on RTD and muscle architecture of the vastus lateralis (VL). Methods: Seventeen volunteers (25.5 ± 6.2 years; 177.2 ± 12.9 cm; 76.4 ± 13.1 kg) underwent isokinetic knee extension assessment at 30°/s to obtain the peak torque (PT-ISK), before and after a set of intermittent maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) (15 reps - 3 s contraction, 3 s rest) used to promote muscle fatigue, monitored by the median frequency (MDF) of the electromyography from the VL, rectus femoris and vastus medialis muscles. Before and after the fatigue protocol, ultrasound images of the VL were obtained to measure muscle thickness (MT), fascicle length (FL), and fascicle angle (FA). The peak isometric torque (PT-ISM) and the RTDs in 50 ms windows were calculated for each MVIC. The RTDs were reported as absolute values and normalized by the PT-ISM. Results: Fatigue was confirmed due to significant reductions in MDF in all three muscles. After the fatigue protocol, the PT-ISK was reduced from 239.0±47.91 to 177.3±34.96 Nm, and the PT-MVIC was reduced from 269.5±45.63 to 220.49±46.94 Nm. All the RTD absolute values presented significant change after the fatigue protocol. However, the normalized RTD did not demonstrate any significant differences. No significant differences were found in the muscle architecture of the VL. Conclusions: The reduction in explosive strength occurred concomitantly with the reduction in maximum strength, as evidenced by the lack of changes in normalized TDT. Level of Evidence III.

RESUMEN Introducción: Los cambios en la tasa de desarrollo del torque (TDT) y la arquitectura muscular causada por la fatiga son temas poco investigados. Esta investigación evaluó el efecto de la fatiga en la TDT y la arquitectura muscular del vasto lateral (VL). Métodos: 17 voluntarios (25.5 ± 6.2 años; 177.2 ± 12.9 cm; 76.4 ± 13.1 kg) se sometieron a una evaluación isocinética de la extensión de la rodilla a 30º/s para obtener el pico de torque (PT-ISK), antes y después de una serie de contracciones voluntarias máximas intermitentes (CVIM) (15 repeticiones - contracción 3 s, intervalo 3 s) utilizadas para causar fatiga muscular, monitoreadas por la frecuencia media (FMD) de la electromiografía VL, recto femoral y vasta medial. Antes y después del protocolo de fatiga, se obtuvieron imágenes de ultrasonido VL para medir el grosor muscular, la longitud del fascículo y el ángulo del fascículo. Se calculó el par isométrico máximo (PT-ISM) y las TDT en ventanas de 50 ms para cada CVIM. Las DTT se calcularon en valores absolutos y se normalizaron mediante PT-ISM. Resultados: la fatiga se confirmó por reducciones significativas en la fiebre aftosa de los tres músculos. Después de la fatiga, el PT-ISK se redujo de 239.0 ± 47.91 a 177.3 ± 34.96 Nm, y el PT-CVIM de 269.5 ± 45.63 a 220.49 ± 46.94 Nm. Todos los valores absolutos de TDT fueron significativamente diferentes después del protocolo de fatiga. Sin embargo, las TDT normalizadas no mostraron diferencias significativas. No se observaron diferencias significativas en la arquitectura muscular de la LV. Conclusiones: La reducción en la capacidad explosiva ocurrió simultáneamente con la reducción en la fuerza máxima, evidenciada por la falta de cambios en la TDT normalizada. Nível de evidencia III.

RESUMO Introdução: Alterações na taxa de desenvolvimento de torque (TDT) e arquitetura muscular causadas pela fadiga são temas pouco investigados. Esta pesquisa avaliou o efeito da fadiga na TDT e arquitetura muscular do vasto lateral (VL). Métodos: Dezessete voluntários (25,5 ± 6,2 anos; 177,2 ± 12,9 cm; 76,4 ± 13,1 kg) realizaram avaliação isocinética de extensão do joelho em 30º/s para obtenção do pico de torque (PT-ISK) antes e após uma série de contrações voluntárias isométricas máximas (CVIM) intermitentes (15 reps - 3 s contração, 3 s intervalo) utilizadas para causar fadiga muscular, monitoradas pela frequência mediana (FMD) da eletromiografia do VL, reto femoral e vasto medial. Antes e após o protocolo de fadiga, imagens de ultrassonografia do VL foram obtidas para mensuração da espessura muscular, comprimento de fascículo e ângulo do fascículo. O pico de torque isométrico (PT-ISM) e TDTs em janelas de 50 ms foram calculados para cada CVIM. As TDTs foram calculadas em valores absolutos e normalizadas pelo PT-ISM. Resultados: A fadiga foi confirmada devido a reduções significativas da FMD dos três músculos. Após a fadiga, o PT-ISK foi reduzido de 239,0 ± 47,91 para 177,3 ± 34,96 Nm, e o PT-CVIM de 269,5 ± 45,63 para 220,49 ± 46,94 Nm. Todos os valores de TDT absolutos apresentaram-se significativamente diferentes após o protocolo de fadiga. Contudo, as TDTs normalizadas não demonstraram diferença significativa. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas na arquitetura muscular do VL. Conclusões: A redução da capacidade explosiva ocorreu de maneira concomitante com a redução da força máxima evidenciada pela falta de alterações na TDT normalizada. Nível de Evidência III.

Reemergence of human malaria in Atlantic Forest of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Unforeseen Plasmodium infections in the Atlantic Forest of Brazilian Extra-Amazonian region could jeopardise malaria elimination. A human malaria case was registered in Três Forquilhas, in the Atlantic Forest biome of Rio Grande do Sul, after a 45 years' time-lapsed without any malaria autochthonous notification in this southern Brazilian state. This finding represents the expansion of the malaria distribution areas in Brazil and the southernmost human malaria case record in South America in this decade. The coexistence of the bromeliad-breeding vector Anopheles (Kerteszia) cruzii and non-human primates in the Atlantic Forest regularly visited by the patient claimed for the zoonotic origin of this infection. The reemergence of Atlantic Forest human malaria in Rio Grande do Sul was also discussed.

Cardiorespiratory function of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis / Função cardiorrespiratória de pacientes com escoliose idiopática do adolescente / Función cardiorrespiratoria de pacientes con escoliosis idiopática del adolescente

ABSTRACT Objective: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a spinal deformity that can cause cardiorespiratory dysfunction, contributing to decreases in tolerance for aerobic exercise (TAE) and in functionality. The objective is to assess the TAE and lung capacity of patients who underwent corrective AIS surgery in the pre- (PRE) and postoperative (POST) periods. Methods: Sixty individuals, PRE (n=30, age: 18.5±2.4 years) and POST (n=30, age: 24.5±4.5 years), participated in the study. The forced vital capacity (FVC), the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and the FEV1/FVC ratio, as well as the maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure were verified. The TAE was assessed by the distance travelled in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), together with blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and peripheral oxygen saturation measured at the beginning and at the end of the test. Results: A mild restrictive pattern in lung function and reduced expiratory muscle strength were observed in both groups, but with no difference between the PRE and POST groups. No difference was found between the PRE (534±67.1 m) and POST (541± 69.5 m) groups for the distance travelled in the 6MWT, though both were below the predicted percentage (82.8±10.0% and 84.8±10.9%, respectively). Hemodynamic and respiratory changes caused by the 6MWT were observed, except for the peripheral oxygen saturation. Conclusion: The results suggest that even after surgical correction, patients with AIS continue to have low TAE. Level of evidence III; Therapeutics Study - Investigation of Treatment Results / Case-control study.

RESUMO Objetivo: A escoliose idiopática do adolescente (EIA) é uma deformidade da coluna que pode ocasionar disfunções cardiorrespiratórias, contribuindo para a diminuição da tolerância ao exercício aeróbio (TEA) e da funcionalidade. O objetivo é avaliar a TEA e a capacidade pulmonar em pacientes no pré (PRÉ) e pós-operatório (PÓS) de correção da EIA. Métodos: Participaram 60 indivíduos PRÉ (n = 30, idade: 18,5 ± 2,4 anos) e PÓS (n = 30, idade: 24,5 ± 4,5 anos). A capacidade vital forçada (CVF), o volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1) e a razão VEF1/CVF, assim como as pressões inspiratória e expiratória máximas, foram verificados. A TEA foi avaliada pela distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6), acompanhado de medidas de pressão arterial, frequência cardíaca, frequência respiratória e saturação periférica de oxigênio no início e no final do teste. Resultados: Um padrão restritivo leve na função pulmonar e força da musculatura expiratória reduzida foram observados em ambos os grupos, mas sem diferença entre PRÉ e PÓS. Não foi encontrada diferença entre PRÉ (534 ± 67,1 m) e PÓS (541 ± 69,5 m) para a distância percorrida no TC6, abaixo do predito para ambos os grupos (82,8 ± 10,0% e 84,8 ± 10,9%, respectivamente). Foram observadas alterações hemodinâmicas e respiratórias provocadas pelo TC6, exceto para a saturação periférica de oxigênio. Conclusões: Os resultados sugerem que mesmo após a correção cirúrgica os pacientes com EIA continuam apresentando baixa TEA. Nível de evidência III; Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação dos Resultados do Tratamento / Estudo de caso-controle.

RESUMEN Objetivo: La escoliosis idiopática del adolescente (EIA) es una deformidad de la columna que puede causar disfunciones cardiorrespiratorias, contribuyendo para la disminución de la tolerancia al ejercicio aeróbico (TEA) y de la funcionalidad. El objetivo es evaluar la TEA y la capacidad pulmonar en pacientes en el pre (PRE) y postoperatorio (POS) de corrección de la EIA. Métodos: Participaron 60 individuos PRE (n=30, edad: 18,5±2,4 años) y POS (n=30, edad: 24,5±4,5 años). Fueron verificadas la capacidad vital forzada (CVF), el volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo (VEF1) y la razón VEF1/CVF, así como las presiones inspiratoria y espiratoria máximas. La TEA fue evaluada por la distancia recorrida en el test de caminata de 6 minutos (TC6), acompañado de mediciones de presión arterial, frecuencia cardíaca, frecuencia respiratoria y saturación de oxígeno al inicio y al final del test. Resultados: Fueron observados un patrón restrictivo leve y fuerza muscular espiratoria reducida en ambos grupos, pero sin diferencia entre PRE y POS. No fue encontrada diferencia entre PRE (534 ± 67,1 m) y POS (541 ± 69,5 m) para la distancia recorrida en el TC6, por debajo de los predicho para ambos grupos (82,8 ± 10,0% y 84,8 ± 10,9%, respectivamente). Se observaron alteraciones hemodinámicas y respiratorias provocadas por el TC6, excepto para la saturación periférica de oxígeno. Conclusiones: Los resultados sugieren que incluso después de la corrección quirúrgica, los pacientes con EIA continúan presentando baja TEA. Nivel de evidencia III; Estudios Terapéuticos - Investigación de los Resultados del Tratamiento / Estudio de caso-control.

Nasogastric/nasoenteric catheter in the adult ICU: best practices implementation project.

BACKGROUND: Good-quality nursing care is usually associated with decreased risk of harms or adverse events and improved nutritional status in patients. It is important to prevent an increased risk of infection, mortality, and hospital costs in patients, along with a rework for the nursing team. OBJECTIVE: To implement best evidence-based practices in the management of the nasogastric catheter in patients admitted to adult clinical intensive care. METHOD: The methodology used for this study was based on that of the Joanna Briggs Institute, using the audit and feedback tools JBI Practice Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice. A base audit was performed, which screened for the education of the nursing team aimed at the knowledge of the best practices, approaching the barriers related to nonadherence to the best practices and a follow-up audit. RESULTS: The results of the base and follow-up audit showed positive variation in the percentage of adherence to the best practices proposed after the education of the nursing team. The implemented criteria that showed the greatest impact in practice (P < 0.001) were related to insertion and checking of the catheter and maintenance of the device with adequate lavage technique. CONCLUSION: The results obtained from adherence to the best practices contributed to the enhancement of care related to catheter insertion, its maintenance, and withdrawal. Changes were made to the local care protocol, with care being taken to measure the exteriorized portion and to increase the frequency of catheter lavage. It is necessary to invest in the record in the chart of the care related to the management of the catheter to confirm the care provided and to assist in the clinical audit process. The results obtained can also be compared with the nutritional indicators.

Diorganyl Diselenides and Iron(III) Chloride Drive the Regio- and Stereoselectivity in the Selenation of Ynamides.

We report here our results on the application of ynamides as substrates in the reactions with diorganyl dichalcogenides and iron(III) chloride to give selectively three different types of compounds: E-α-chloro-ß-(organoselenyl)enamides, 4-(organochalcogenyl)oxazolones, and vinyl tosylates. The results reveal that the selectivity in the formation of products was obtained by controlling the functional groups directly bonded to the nitrogen atom of the ynamides. Thus, α-chloro-ß-(organoselenyl) enamide derivatives were exclusively obtained when the TsN- and MsN-ynamides were treated with a mixture of diorganyl diselenides (1.0 equiv) and FeCl3 (3.0 equiv) in dichloroethane (DCE, 3 mL), at room temperature. The 4-(organochalcogenyl)oxazolones were selectively obtained with ynamides having an ester group, directly bonded to the nitrogen atom, upon treatment with a solution of FeCl3 (1.5 equiv) and diorganyl dichalcogenides (1.0 equiv) in dichloromethane (3 mL) at room temperature. Finally, vinyl tosylates were obtained from ynamides having an ester group, directly bonded to the nitrogen atom, by reaction with p-toluenesulfonic acid. We also studied the application of the prepared compounds as substrates for Suzuki and Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions.

Application of an LC-ESI-QTOF-MS method for evaluating clindamycin concentrations in plasma and prostate microdialysate of rats.

Clindamycin is used for infections caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative anaerobic pathogens and Gram-positive aerobes. Propionibacterium acnes is an important opportunistic microorganism of the human skin and is related to prostatitis. An LC-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight-MS method was validated for determining clindamycin concentrations in plasma and prostate microdialysate. Clindamycin separation was carried out on a C18 column at 0.5 mL/min. The mobile phase employed gradient elution of formic acid and methanol. A mass spectrometer was operated in positive electrospray ionization mode to monitor ion 425.1784 and 253.1152 for clindamycin and cimetidine (internal standard), respectively. Linearity was obtained at 0.5-10.0 µg/mL (plasma) and 0.05-1.0 µg/mL (microdialysate) with coefficients of determination ≥0.999. The intra- and inter-day precision (coefficient of variation - CV%) values were ≤13.83% and 12.51% for plasma, respectively, and ≤10.90% and 9.35% for microdialysate, respectively. The accuracy was between 90.82% and 108.25% for plasma, and 96.97% and 106.98% for microdialysate. The present method was fully validated and applied to investigate clindamycin concentrations in both plasma and prostate by microdialysis in Wistar rats (80 mg/kg, intravenous). Because the penetration of antibiotics into the prostate may be restricted, this method allows us to investigate the prostate concentrations of clindamycin for the first time.

Jabuticaba (Plinia trunciflora (O. Berg) Kausel) improved the lipid profile and immune system and reduced oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The aim of this study was evaluating the effects of jabuticaba aqueous extract (JPE - 0.5 g/kg) on serum lipid levels, immune system, and oxidative stress parameters of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Administration of JPE for 30 days, by gavage, was able to reduce serum levels of total cholesterol, non-high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides in diabetic rats. The HDL cholesterol levels increased in both diabetic and healthy rats after JPE treatment. Total leukocyte and lymphocyte counts reduced in diabetic rats, and JPE treatment prevented these diabetes mellitus (DM)-induced changes in the immune system. In addition, the induction of DM also led to dysregulation in the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase antioxidant enzymes as well as an increase in oxidative stress markers. Treatments with JPE reduced oxidative stress and modulated antioxidant enzyme activities. These data demonstrate the potential of JPE as an adjuvant treatment option for diabetic patients. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Considering that it is very common to observe dyslipidemia in diabetic patients and that these alterations, combined with the increased oxidative stress levels, also common in these patients, can lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases, JPE would be an alternative treatment adjunct to reduce these risks. In addition, although more studies are needed, JPE has the potential to improve the count of total lymphocytes and leukocytes, which could assist in improving the immune response of these patients, who also commonly have a higher risk of infectious diseases. Thus, JPE could be used by these patients, in combination with conventional treatment, in the form of a nutraceutical rich in phenolic compounds.

High-throughput screening of cocaine, adulterants, and diluents in seized samples using capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection.

Cocaine is one of the most frequently used illicit drug in the world. Therefore, the development of simple and fast methods for the detection of cocaine and common adulterants, diluents and impurities are extremely important in forensic investigations. The present study describes, for the first time, a method based on capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (CE-C4D) for the rapid (2.5 min) and simultaneous quantification of cocaine, levamisole, lidocaine, carbonate, borate, chloride, nitrate, nitrite and sulphate. In the experiment, anions were separated in co-electroosmotic mode and cations in counter-electroosmotic mode employing a buffer solution composed by 10.0 mmol L-1 TAPS, 12 mmol L-1 NaOH and 0.2 mmol L-1 CTAB as the background electrolyte (pH = 8.8). The developed CE method demonstrated some interesting analytical characteristics such as: (i) a simple sample pretreatment step (only dilution in water and filtering), (ii) high-throughput screening (24 injections h-1), (iii) proper recovery values (between 72 and 118%), and (iv) an inter-day precision of less than 7% for all analytes. The procedure was successfully applied in the analysis of seized cocaine samples collected by the Integrated Forensics Post (PPI) of the Minas Gerais Civil Police (Uberaba, Minas Gerais State, Brazil), during the year of 2018.