Wearable near-infrared spectroscopy: reliability and sensitivity among different endurance cycling exercise intensities.

The present study investigated the reliability and sensitivity of a wearable near-infrared spectroscopy (wNIRS) device in moderate and heavy exercise intensity domains. On three separate days, eleven males performed an incremental test to exhaustion, and in the following visits, four submaximal constant-load bouts (i.e., test and retest) were performed in the moderate-intensity domain (100 and 130 W) and heavy-intensity domain (160 and 190 W). The local tissue oxygen saturation index (SmO2) and pulmonary oxygen uptake (V̇O2) were measured continuously. The absolute SmO2 and V̇O2 values and the change (Δ) from the 3rd to 6th min of exercise were calculated. There was good reliability for SmO2 measurements, as indicated by the high intraclass correlation coefficient analysis (ICC ≥0.84 for all) and low coefficient of variation between the two trials (CV ≤4.1% for all). Steady-state responses were observed for SmO2 and V̇O2 from the 3rd to the 6th min in the two moderate-intensity bouts (P>0.05), whereas SmO2 decreased and V̇O2 increased from the 3rd to the 6th min in the two heavy-intensity bouts (P<0.05). Together, these findings suggested that the SmO2 measured with a wNIRS device is reliable and sensitive to track local metabolic changes provoked by slight increments in exercise intensity.

Wearable near-infrared spectroscopy: reliability and sensitivity among different endurance cycling exercise intensities

The present study investigated the reliability and sensitivity of a wearable near-infrared spectroscopy (wNIRS) device in moderate and heavy exercise intensity domains. On three separate days, eleven males performed an incremental test to exhaustion, and in the following visits, four submaximal constant-load bouts (i.e., test and retest) were performed in the moderate-intensity domain (100 and 130 W) and heavy-intensity domain (160 and 190 W). The local tissue oxygen saturation index (SmO2) and pulmonary oxygen uptake (V̇O2) were measured continuously. The absolute SmO2 and V̇O2 values and the change (Δ) from the 3rd to 6th min of exercise were calculated. There was good reliability for SmO2 measurements, as indicated by the high intraclass correlation coefficient analysis (ICC ≥0.84 for all) and low coefficient of variation between the two trials (CV ≤4.1% for all). Steady-state responses were observed for SmO2 and V̇O2 from the 3rd to the 6th min in the two moderate-intensity bouts (P>0.05), whereas SmO2 decreased and V̇O2 increased from the 3rd to the 6th min in the two heavy-intensity bouts (P<0.05). Together, these findings suggested that the SmO2 measured with a wNIRS device is reliable and sensitive to track local metabolic changes provoked by slight increments in exercise intensity.

Ethnic differences in normal electrocardiographic findings in elite brazilian football players: b-pro foot ECG pilot study

INTRODUCTION: The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG-12) is a useful tool in the assessment of athletes. The prevalence of normal electrocardiographic findings in elite Brazilian football players (EBFP) of different ethnicities is not well described. PURPOSE: To compare the prevalence of normal ECG-12 findings in Caucasian, Mixed-race (MR), and Afro-Brazilian (AB) EBFP. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with exams performed on EBFP as a pre-participation assessment from February 18, 2002, through October 20, 2022. RESULTS: 4,363 EBFP from 51 professional clubs (from all five regions of Brazil; 15 states, and 21 cities), aged 15-35 years (median: 19 years; IQR: 16-23) were evaluated. 2,027 were Caucasians, 1,324 were MRs, and 1,012 were ABs. In general, we recorded 4,155 ECG-12 with normal variations (95.2%). Positive Sokolow-Lyon criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy was more prevalent in ABs (41.8%) than in Caucasians (33.4%), or MRs (32.7%). The prevalence of early repolarization in ABs (41.5%) was higher than in Caucasians (34.6%), or MRs (35.5%). The PR interval was longer in ABs (157.1 ms) than in Caucasians (151.4 ms), or MRs (153.3 ms), and the first-degree atrioventricular block was more frequent in ABs compared to MRs (4.2% vs. 2.3%, respectively). On the other hand, Caucasians had a higher prevalence of incomplete right bundle branch block (14.2%) than MRs (11.2%), or ABs (9.7%). In our sample, only three EBFP showed second-degree atrioventricular block Mobitz type I (0.07%; one Caucasian and two AB athletes). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first large study to compare the prevalence of ECG-12 findings in EBFP from different ethnic groups. Those of AB origin have a significantly higher prevalence of ECG-12 findings compatible with the athlete's heart than Caucasians and MRs.

Frequency of leisure-time physical activity and pulse pressure in the Brazilian population: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the frequency of leisure-time physical activity and brachial pulse pressure (PP), according to physical activity intensity and type, sex, and age, in the general Brazilian population. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study based on data from the Brazilian 2013 National Health Survey. METHODS: The sample consisted of 20,058 men and 20,600 women aged between 18 and 65 years. The frequency of leisure-time physical activity was obtained through a questionnaire and classified according to intensity (vigorous or moderate) and type (cyclic or acyclic). We calculated PP as the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressures based on the measure of a digital pressure device. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to analyze the association of different sexes, frequency, type, and intensity of leisure-time physical activity and PP. RESULTS: Adjusted results showed that one session of moderate physical activity per week could benefit men's PP: ß = -1.87 mmHg; SE = 0.83. For women, the adjusted model reveals that physical activity undertaken twice a week is sufficient to benefit PP: ß = -1.77 mmHg; SE = 0.72. However, according to type, two times a week of acyclic activities increased PP in men: ß = 2.62 mmHg; SE = 0.62 and decreased in women: ß = -2.67 mmHg; SE = 0.72. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that low frequencies of leisure-time physical activity are sufficient to induce beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system for both sexes. Also, there are some differences between sexes in cardiac adaptations according to type, frequency, and intensity of physical activity.

Non-malignant silica-related diseases in a specialized outpatient clinic.

BACKGROUND: Uncontrolled occupational exposure to silica is still frequent in Brazil, with several recent records in the state of Minas Gerais. However, few national studies have addressed silica-related diseases other than silicosis. AIMS: To describe the occurrence of the main non-malignant silica-related diseases: silicosis, tuberculosis (TB), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and autoimmune diseases in a specialized outpatient clinic. METHODS: Case series study of 1525 patients exposed to silica, seen between 1984 and 2021, with descriptive findings of clinical and occupational data from the first medical evaluation. RESULTS: Medians of age and exposure time were 47 and 15 years, respectively, and 97% of patients were male. The prevalence of silicosis was 44%, of which 27% had large opacities. The main occupational sectors were underground gold mining (28%), precious and semi-precious stone work (20%), and artisanal mining (9%). Spirometries were abnormal in 55%, with obstructive disorder being the most common finding. COPD (25%), active TB or sequelae (12%), and connective tissue diseases (6%) were diagnosed in patients with and without silicosis. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of silicosis appears to be alarming, even considering the biases of selective referrals. The patients were relatively young and already had a functional impact, caused not only by silicosis but by one or more silica-related diseases. COPD, TB, and connective tissue diseases proved to be frequent, leading to the need for specifics protocols to investigate them in individuals exposed to silica. By adopting strategies to combat silicosis, the prevention of other silica-related diseases is concomitantly promoted.

Cryo-radiofrequency Stimulates Browning of Adipocytes in Mice.

BACKGROUND: Local fat accumulation is a health risk and this has raised interest in the development of aesthetic treatments, such as cryo-radiofrequency (CRF). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the consequences of CRF in adipose tissue remodeling in a model system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lean and high-fat diet-induced obese mice were assessed 7 days after one CRF application; and lean mice were assessed 0, 3, 6 and 12 h after one application of CRF. Assessments included histology, DNA degradation, gene expression, ELISA of cytokines, serum analysis and neutrophil presence. RESULTS: Unchanged fat mass was found 7 days after CRF in obese and lean mice. However, lean mice showed smaller adipocyte size with areas resembling a browning process. TNF levels, apoptotic cells, and UCP-1 expression increased 7 days after CRF in inguinal adipose tissue of lean mice. Although no differences were found in fat mass, adipocyte size decreased just after CRF and this changed was maintained until 12 h, with cells resembling beige adipocytes. CONCLUSION: We suggest that CRF therapy is capable of inducing thermogenic adipocytes in lean mice.

Ising spin glass in a random network with a Gaussian random field.

We investigate thermodynamic phase transitions of the joint presence of spin glass (SG) and random field (RF) using a random graph model that allows us to deal with the quenched disorder. Therefore, the connectivity becomes a controllable parameter in our theory, allowing us to answer what the differences are between this description and the mean-field theory i.e., the fully connected theory. We have considered the random network random field Ising model where the spin exchange interaction as well as the RF are random variables following a Gaussian distribution. The results were found within the replica symmetric (RS) approximation, whose stability is obtained using the two-replica method. This also puts our work in the context of a broader discussion, which is the RS stability as a function of the connectivity. In particular, our results show that for small connectivity there is a region at zero temperature where the RS solution remains stable above a given value of the magnetic field no matter the strength of RF. Consequently, our results show important differences with the crossover between the RF and SG regimes predicted by the fully connected theory.

Molecular identification of Ehrlichia sp. in a beef cattle from Brazilian Cerrado - case report / Identificação molecular de Ehrlichia sp em um bovino do Cerrado brasileiro - relato de caso

Ehrlichia infections in cattle are frequent in Africa but have also been reported in Brazil and North America. This paper reports natural infection by Ehrlichia sp. associated with Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale in a calf in the municipality of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, presenting polioencephalomalacia. The molecular evidence, based on a fragment of the dsb gene, indicates a species of Ehrlichia genetically related to Ehrlichia canis and other species of the genus found in the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and a calf from Brazil (99 to 100% identity). It was not possible to associate the clinical signs with Ehrlichia infection due to co-infections and histological evidence of another disease. However, the circulation of the bacteria in bovines in Brazilian Cerrado was confirmed and more attention should be given to clinical suspicion of tick-borne pathogens in cattle to clarify the pathogenic potential of Ehrlichia sp.(AU)

Infecções por Ehrlichia em bovinos são frequentes na África, mas também foram relatadas no Brasil e na América do Norte. Este artigo relata uma infecção natural por Ehrlichia sp. associado a Babesia bigemina e Anaplasma marginale em um bezerro, no município de Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, o qual apresentava polioencefalomalácia. A evidência molecular, baseada em um fragmento do gene dsb, indica uma espécie de Ehrlichia geneticamente relacionada a Ehrlichia canis e outras espécies do gênero encontradas no carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus e em um bezerro do Brasil (99 a 100% de identidade). Não foi possível associar os sinais clínicos à infecção por Ehrlichia devido a coinfecções e evidências histológicas de outra doença. No entanto, a circulação da bactéria em bovinos no Cerrado brasileiro foi confirmada, e mais atenção deve ser dada à suspeita clínica de patógenos transmitidos por carrapatos em bovinos para esclarecer o potencial patogênico de Ehrlichia sp.(AU)

Impact of mutations in hVISA isolates on decreased susceptibility to vancomycin, through population analyses profile - area under curve (PAP-AUC).

We analyzed sequences of graSR, vraSR, walKR and rpoB genes in hVISA from Brazil. Five isolates showed mutations in at least one gene. rpoB H481N and graS T224I were the most frequent mutations, followed by graR D148Q and walK A468T. Our study reinforces the heterogeneity of genetic patterns among hVISA.

Primary Multicentric Pulmonary Low-grade Fibromyxoid Sarcoma and Chelonid Alphaherpesvirus 5 Detection in a Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).

We describe the gross, microscopical, histochemical and immunohistochemical features of a sclerosing pneumopathic disease process resembling primary multicentric pulmonary low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma in a juvenile female leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). The animal was fresh, presented in good body condition and stranded dead in Aracaju, Sergipe state, Brazil, in September, 2017. Grossly, the lungs were enlarged bilaterally and the parenchyma was replaced by large, coalescing, white, firm masses that extended into the bronchi and bronchioles and to the pleura. Microscopically, these masses consisted of paucicellular populations of well-differentiated, spindle-shaped fibroblasts with low pleomorphism and low mitotic count, but tissue invasion. Abundant collagen in compact areas merged with peripheral fibromyxoid foci and inflamed stroma. Antibodies specific for cytokeratins AE1/AE3 and smooth muscle actin (SMA) labelled pneumocytes lining the remaining distorted alveoli and the hypertrophied and hyperplastic bronchial muscles, respectively. Tumour cells were negative for SMA; neither neoplastic nor normal tissues cross-reacted with antibodies specific for vimentin or Ki67. Chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) polymerase chain reaction analysis from formalin-fixed, paraffin wax-embedded lung tissue sections amplified a 450 base pair fragment of DNA-polymerase (UL30 region) that had 100% homology to sequences previously detected in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) on the Brazilian coast. Enterocolitis was a concomitant condition that likely caused morbidity in this case. These findings contribute to the body of knowledge on sea turtle health and expand the known geographical range for ChHV5 in the southern hemisphere.

Conocimiento, prácticas de prevención y bioseguridad sobre Brucelosis en trabajadores de hatos lecheros de Caaguazú-Paraguay / Knowledge, prevention and biosecurity practices about Brucellosis of workers exposed to risk of dairy data of Caaguazú-Paraguay

Introducción: La Brucelosis es una zoonosis común y en muchos países es un problema sanitario prevalente. En Paraguay no se ha encontrado evidencia de los conocimientos que tienen los trabajadores de hatos lecheros y las prácticas preventivas que utilizan. Objetivo: Evaluar el conocimiento, las prácticas de prevención y de bioseguridad sobre Brucelosis de los trabajadores expuestos a riesgo en hatos lecheros del departamento de Caaguazú, Paraguay. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal, en una muestra representativa de establecimientos ganaderos del Departamento de Caaguazú. De mayo a junio de 2017 se entrevistó a 720 trabajadores de 360 hatos lecheros, utilizando un cuestionario estructurado, con preguntas cerradas. Se obtuvo información de los conocimientos, prácticas de prevención y bioseguridad sobre Brucelosis. Resultados: La mediana de edad de los trabajadores fue 34 años, 70% eran hombres. El 11,7% era analfabeto y 62,1% solo culminó la primaria. El 90% se desempeñaba como tambero/ordeñador. El 64% manifestó que no conocía la enfermedad, 73,6% ignoraba la forma en que se adquiere la enfermedad, 71,5% nunca recibió información acerca de la Brucelosis. El 73,3% no tenía conocimientos de las prácticas preventivas. Todos consumían subproductos lácteos sin pasteurizar, principalmente queso paraguay Conclusión: Existe desconocimiento de la enfermedad y la forma de transmisión. Las prácticas de riesgo son frecuentes. Es necesario implementar programas de educación y concienciación sobre la Brucelosis. Palabras clave: Brucelosis; conocimientos; prácticas de prevención; medidas de bioseguridad; humanos.

Background: Brucellosis is a common zoonosis and in many countries it is a prevalent health problem. In Paraguay, no evidence has been found of the knowledge that dairy herd workers have and the preventive practices they use. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, prevention and biosecurity practices on Brucellosis of workers exposed to risk in dairy herds of Caaguazú. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a representative sample of livestock establishments in the Department of Caaguazú. From May to June 2017, 720 workers from 360 dairy farms were interviewed, using a structured questionnaire with closed questions. Information on the knowledge, prevention and biosecurity practices on brucellosis was obtained. Result: The median age of the workers was 34 years, 70% were men. 11.7% were illiterate and 62.1% only completed the primary. 90% worked as a tambero/milker. Sixty-four percent said they did not know about the disease, 73.6% did not know how the disease was acquired, 71.5% never received information about brucellosis. 73.3% had no knowledge of preventive practices. All consumed unpasteurized dairy byproducts, mainly Paraguayan cheese. Conclusion: There is a lack of knowledge of the disease and the way of transmission. Risk practices are frequent. It is necessary to implement education and awareness programs on brucellosis. Keywords: Brucellosis; knowledge; prevention practices; biosecurity;survey; human.

Neuroprotective Effects of Guarana (Paullinia cupana Mart.) against Vincristine in Vitro Exposure.

BACKGROUND: Vincristine (VCR) is not a specific chemotherapeutic drug, responsible for cause several side effects. In this sense, many natural products have been studied to reduce this problem. Objetives: To examine the guarana neuroprotective effect in mice brain and cerebellum cells against vincristine (VCR) exposition. DESIGN: An in vitro study was performed using mice brain and cerebellum mice in monolayer culture. First, cells were exposed to VCR (0.009 µM for 24 hours and 0.0007 µM for 72 hours) to measure the cytotoxicity effect. Also, the cellular effect of hydroalcoholic extract of guarana (10; 30; 100 and 300 µg/mL) was evaluated in the same cells in 24 and 72 hours. After that, cells were exposed to VCR and guarana extract to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of guarana. MEASUREMENTS: Cell viability was analyzed by MTT, Free dsDNA and LHD Assays. Moreover, metabolism oxidative profile was evaluated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipoperoxidation (LPO) and catalase (CAT) levels through DCFH-DA, TBARS and Catalase Activity Assays, respectively. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that VCR caused neuronal cytotoxicity by reducing cell viability and increasing ROS and LPO levels. On the other hand, guarana did not cause cell damage in none of tested concentrations. In addition, guarana exhibited a notable protective effect on brain and cerebellum cells exposed to VCR by increasing cell viability, stimulating CAT activity, reducing levels of ROS and LPO. CONCLUSIONS: In this sense, guaraná is a remarkable antioxidant fruit that could be a target in new therapies development to reduce VCR neurotoxicity. .

VIIaAT complexes, procoagulant phospholipids, and thrombin generation during postprandial lipemia.

INTRODUCTION: Factor VII activation occurs postprandially. A proportion of activated factor VII (VIIa) circulates in complex with antithrombin (VIIaAT). Our primary objective was to assess the effects of postprandial lipemia on circulating VIIaAT, procoagulant phospholipid (PPL) activity, and thrombin generation. METHODS: Plasma samples from postmyocardial infarction patients (n = 40) and controls (n = 39) were taken before and at 3 and 6 hours during a standardized oral fat tolerance test (OFTT). Fasting PPL activity measurements were also made in a second cohort of 108 postinfarction patients and 109 controls. VIIaAT was analyzed with the Asserachrom VIIaAT ELISA, PPL activity with the STA-Procoag-PPL kit, and thrombin generation with calibrated automated thrombogram with PRP-Reagent as trigger (all Diagnostica Stago products). RESULTS: Postprandially, VIIaAT increased in all samples without significant case-control differences in the overall response during the OFTT. Thrombin generation measures peak height and velocity, and PPL activity, were marginally affected by the test meal in the controls. Levels of all patient baseline measures were significantly different from controls, indicating a more hypercoagulable state, and these differences were maintained throughout the OFTT. Fasting samples from cases showed higher PPL activity than control samples. CONCLUSION: Viewing VIIaAT quantitation as a surrogate for TF activity measurement, postprandial increase in VIIaAT may reflect a mechanism that adds to the cardiovascular risk associated with postprandial lipemia. On the other hand, the impact of postprandial lipemia on PPL activity and thrombin generation seems to be minor.

Effect of ultrasonic activation on the reduction of bacteria and endotoxins in root canals: a randomized clinical trial.

AIM: This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of ultrasonic activation with that of nonactivated irrigation on the removal of bacteria and endotoxin from root canals. METHODOLOGY: Fifty patients with necrotic pulps and asymptomatic apical periodontitis were randomly allocated into two groups according to the final irrigation protocol after root canal preparation: Group UI - ultrasonic irrigation (n = 25) and Group NI - needle irrigation (n = 25). The root canals were medicated with calcium hydroxide for 14 days. Microbiological sampling was performed before (S1) and after the root canal preparation (S2), after the irrigation protocols (S3) and after the removal of the intracanal medication (S4). Total bacteria counts were determined by qPCR and the endotoxin levels by the limulus amebocyte lysate assay. Intragroup analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon test for related samples, whereas intergroup analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: All S1 samples were positive for bacteria, with median numbers of 1.49 × 106 and 8.55 × 105 bacterial cells for the UI and NI groups, respectively. This number significantly decreased in S2 samples (UI: 1.41 × 104 ; NI: 3.53 × 104 ; both with P < 0.001). After final irrigation protocols, there was a significant decrease in bacterial load from S2 to S3 samples in both groups (UI: 4.29 × 103 ; NI: 1.08 × 104 ; P < 0.01). Intergroup analysis revealed a significant difference between irrigation methods regarding bacterial counts in S3 samples (P < 0.05). In contrast, no significant differences were observed between groups for endotoxin levels (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonic activation was more effective than nonactivated irrigation for reducing the number of bacteria but not the endotoxin levels in root canals of teeth with apical periodontitis.

A new animal diet based on human Western diet is a robust diet-induced obesity model: comparison to high-fat and cafeteria diets in term of metabolic and gut microbiota disruption.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity is a metabolic disorder that predisposes patients to numerous diseases and has become a major global public-health concern. Animal models of diet-induced obesity (DIO) are frequently used to study obesity, but which DIO model most accurately reflects the pathology of human obesity remains unclear. In this study, we designed a diet based on the human Western diet (WD) and compared it with the cafeteria diet (CAF) and high-fat diet (HFD) in order to evaluate which diet most closely mirrors human obesity. METHODS: Wistar rats were fed four different diets (WD, CAF, HFD and a low-fat diet) for 18 weeks. Metabolic parameters and gut microbiota changes were then characterized. RESULTS: Rats fed the four different diets exhibited completely different phenotypes, highlighting the importance of diet selection. This study also revealed that WD most effectively induced obesity and obesity-related disorders, and thus proved to be a robust model of human obesity. Moreover, WD-fed rats developed obesity and obesity-related comorbidities independent of major alterations in gut microbiota composition (dysbiosis), whereas CAF-fed rats developed the greatest dysbiosis independent of obesity. We also characterized gut microbiota after feeding on these four different diets and identified five genera that might be involved in the pathogenesis of obesity. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that diet, and not the obese state, was the major driving force behind gut microbiota changes. Moreover, the marked dysbiosis observed in CAF-fed rats might have resulted from the presence of several additives present in the CAF diet, or even a lack of essential vitamins and minerals. Based on our findings, we recommend the use of the prototypic WD (designed here) in DIO models. Conversely, CAF could be used to investigate the effects of excessive consumption of industrially produced and highly processed foods, which are characteristic of Western society.

Técnicas de citologia aspirativa, biópsia e citobloco de medula óssea para identificação e determinação de intensidade parasitária na leishmaniose visceral canina / Techniques of aspiration cytology, biopsy and cell block of the bone marrow for the identification and determination of parasite intensity in Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis

O objetivo com este estudo foi comparar as técnicas de citologia aspirativa, biópsia e citobloco para identificação e quantificação parasitológica de Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi em medula óssea de cães. Amostras de tecido medular de 26 animais, em diferentes estágios clínico-laboratoriais da doença, foram estudadas obedecendo-se os mesmos critérios de investigação nas técnicas de citologia aspirativa, biópsia e citobloco. O menor número de campos para a confirmação parasitológica foi constatado no esfregaço direto obtido por citologia aspirativa. O estágio clínico-laboratorial não influenciou no número de campos necessários para a primeira visualização do agente em nenhuma das técnicas (p>0,05), e menor intensidade parasitária foi observada nas lâminas de citobloco. As técnicas de citologia aspirativa e biópsia concordaram na estimativa do coeficiente de infectividade no tecido estudado (p<0,05). Apesar de a técnica de citobloco permitir a concentração de células e o melhor reaproveitamento de amostras, não demonstrou ser um método adequado para rápida identificação e quantificação parasitológica na leishmaniose visceral canina. Considerando-se suas vantagens, a citologia aspirativa foi o melhor método para detecção microscópica do parasito e determinação do nível de intensidade parasitária no tecido estudado.(AU)

The aim of the present study was to compare the aspiration cytology, biopsy and cell block techniques for identification and parasitological quantification of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi in dog bone marrow. Bone marrow tissue samples from 26 animals, in different clinical-laboratory stages of the disease, were studied according to the same criteria of investigation in the aspiration cytology, biopsy and cell block techniques. The lowest number of fields for the parasitological confirmation was found in the direct smear obtained by aspiration cytology. The clinical-laboratory stage did not influence the number of fields required for the first visualization of the agent in any of the techniques (p> 0.05) and less parasitic intensity was observed in the cell block slides. The aspiration cytology and biopsy techniques agreed on the estimation of infectivity coefficient in the tissue studied (p< 0.05). Although the cell block technique allows the concentration of cells and better reutilization of samples, it has not been shown to be an adequate method for rapid identification and parasitological quantification in canine visceral leishmaniasis. Considering its advantages, aspiration cytology was the best method for microscopic detection of the parasite and determination of the level of parasite intensity in the tissue studied.(AU)

Eating flowers? Exploring attitudes and consumers' representation of edible flowers.

Edible flowers have gained more attention in recent years thanks to their perceived health benefits. Despite this attention, it seems that edible flowers are not popularized for consumption in South America, being considered unfamiliar for some cultures from this continent. In this context, the general goal of the present study was to investigate the three dimensions of social representation theory, the representational field, the information and the attitude of the two conditions of edible flowers: a more general "food made with flowers" and more directional product "yoghurt made with flowers", using Brazilian consumers. To achieve this goal, a free word association task was applied. A total of 549 consumers participated in this study. Participants were divided into two conditions, in which the inductor expressions for the free word association task changed: (a) food products made with flowers and (b) yoghurt made with flowers. Results showed a very positive attitude to both situations, and consumers associated Food products made with flowers to "health care" while the central core of yoghurt made with flowers reflected the innovative condition of this product, supported here by their unpredictable character (information generated).

Cuidado à criança com asma: o discurso de familiares / Caring for the child with asthma: relatives’ discourse

Objetivo: descrever os cuidados desenvolvidos pelos familiares à criança com asma. Método: utilizou-se o método criativo sensível desenvolvendo-se a dinâmica de criatividade e sensibilidade mapa falante. Os participantes foram familiares/cuidadores de crianças com diagnóstico de asma. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de discurso Pechetiana. Resultados: o cuidado era cotidiano e desenvolvido prioritariamente por mulheres da família, com ênfase na prevenção das crises. As marcas discursivas nas falas das cuidadoras foram: a preocupação, a insegurança e os mitos sobre a doença. Considerações finais: o cotidiano de cuidados dessas crianças é permeado pelo medo de uma nova crise asmática. Como implicação para a prática clínica, sugere-se realizar atividades educativas com as famílias em uma perspectiva emancipatória, promovendo uma aliança de saberes.

Objective: to describe the care developed by relatives to the child with asthma. Method: thesensitive creative method was carried out by developing the dynamics of creativity and sensitivityof the speaking map. Participants were relatives/ caregivers of children diagnosed with asthma. Thedata were submitted to Pechetiana discourse analysis. Results: care was daily and developedprimarily by women in the family, with an emphasis on crisis prevention. The discursive marks in thespeeches of caregivers were: the concern, the insecurity and the myths about the disease. Finalconsiderations: the daily care of these children is permeated by the fear of a new asthmatic crisis.As an implication for clinical practice, it is suggested to carry out educational activities with familiesin an emancipatory perspective, promoting an alliance of knowledge.

Oocyte viability and cortical activation under different salt solutions in Prochilodus lineatus (Teleostei: Prochilodontidae).

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of five salt solutions in the maintenance of morphological features of cortical alveolus, hydration and fertilization capacity of Prochilodus lineatus oocytes. For this purpose, five saline solutions were tested: Ringer's solution, Ringer's lactate solution, Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), Hank's balanced salt solution without calcium (HBSS without calcium) and solution for salmonid eggs. Oocytes were maintained for 2 hr in saline solution with controlled temperature subsequently evaluated for hydration, cortical activation and fertilization ability. In the evaluation of the fertilization ability, two controls were used: C1-fertilized oocytes after extrusion-and C2-oocytes kept in ovarian fluid and fertilized after 2 hr. There was a significant reduction in the viability of oocytes C2 (28.8% ± 12.9%) compared to C1 (65.3% ± 26.7%), and no significant differences were found between treatments HBSS and HBSS without calcium and C2. Only HBSS and HBSS without calcium maintained the non-activated state of the gametes, with a fertilization rate of 16.4% ± 6.7% and 5.6% ± 2.3%, respectively; however, they did not extend the viability of oocytes, such that they continued to undergo degradation during the storage period, similar to oocytes retained only in ovarian fluid.