New insights on the taxonomy of Diadumene paranaensis (Cnidaria: Actiniaria) associated with mangrove roots in the Brazilian semi-arid coast.

A dense estuarine aggregation of Diadumene paranaensis Beneti, Stampar, Maronna, Morandini & Da Silveira, 2015 associated with Rhizophora mangle L. was found at the Arpoeiras Beach, mouth of Acaraú River, Ceará, Brazilian semi-arid coast. Here, we compare biological and taxonomical traits with the type material, collected from the portuary zone of Paranaguá Bay, and propose modifications in the diagnosis of the species, as well as of the family Diadumenidae and genus Diadumene, to align with the description of our specimens. In addition, we discuss its tolerance to high salinity and predict a much broader geographic range for this sea anemone in Brazil.

Risk of autism spectrum disorder in children with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome: a retrospective study in a single center in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder and its possible correlations with clinical characteristics in patients with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome in a single center in Brazil. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study examined 53 children with the diagnosis of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome prior to an autism spectrum disorder assessment. Participants were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of autism spectrum disorder. Available variables (sex, medications, median age at onset of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome, and presence of comorbidities) were compared using Mann-Whitney U or chi-square tests. RESULTS: Among the included patients, 12 (23 %) were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, corresponding to a relative risk of 0.29 (95 % confidence interval 0.174-0.492). The age at the first seizure ranged from 3 to 15 months, with a mean of 6.65 months. This age significantly differed between participants with autism spectrum disorder (10.58 months) and those without (5.43 months), p<0.001. CONCLUSION: Children with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome have a higher risk of being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Later age of onset and period of spasm occurrence might be predisposing risk factors.

Analysis of palmprints and soleprints of black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata): are there similarities to humans?

Friction ridges are important and unique biometric features that have been studied in fingerprint science since antiquity and used for human identification. This study aimed to analyze palmprints and soleprints of Callithrix penicillata, including the description of flexion creases, regions, minutiae classification, and delta counting, in order to evaluate the uniqueness of these data and feasibility of using this information as an identification method. Palmprints and footprints were collected using commercial fingerprint ink on A4 size paper. Following image digitalization using the GIMP (2.10.14) image editing program, regions and flexion creases were identified. A total of 600 minutiae were classified in females (288 palms and 312 soles) and 732 in males (360 palms and 372 soles), and all deltas were counted. It was possible to identify three main inconstant flexion creases, in both palmprints and soleprints, with different distribution and orientation when compared to those in humans. Less variety in the types of minutiae and differences in the distribution of deltas were found when compared to human studies. In addition, the hypothesis of non-coincident characteristics in each sample was confirmed.

First Bioprospecting Study of Skin Host-Defense Peptides in Odontophrynus americanus.

The adaptation of amphibians to diverse environments is closely related to the characteristics of their skin. The complex glandular system of frog skin plays a pivotal role in enabling these animals to thrive in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats and consists of crucial functions such as respiration and water balance as well as serving as a defensive barrier due to the secretion of bioactive compounds. We herein report the first investigation on the skin secretion of Odontophrynus americanus, as a potential source of bioactive peptides and also as an indicator of its evolutionary adaptations to changing environments. Americanin-1 was isolated and identified as a neutral peptide exhibiting moderate antibacterial activity against E. coli. Its amphipathic sequence including 19 amino acids and showing a propensity for α-helix structure is discussed. Comparisons of the histomorphology of the skin of O. americanus with other previously documented species within the same genus revealed distinctive features in the Patagonian specimen, differing from conspecifics from other Argentine provinces. The presence of the Eberth-Katschenko layer, a prevalence of iridophores, and the existence of glycoconjugates in its serous glands suggest that the integument is adapted to retain skin moisture. This adaptation is consistent with the prevailing aridity of its native habitat.

Agreement of synchronous remote and in-person application of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale: Cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Using standardized scales to assess motor development via telemedicine can increase access for low-income populations. Our aim was to verify the agreement and feasibility between remotely and synchronously applying the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and the in-person format. METHODS: This was a concordance study, with 77 typical infants aged 4-18 months (mean = 13 months). The AIMS was applied remote via video calls and face-to-face. We applied a questionnaire to caregivers to verify feasibility. RESULTS: There was a high level of agreement between the remote and in-person assessments, with intraclass correlation coefficients above 0.98 and low standard error measure values (<1 item for each posture, <2 items for the total raw score, and =5% for the normative score). The smallest detectable change was between 1.67 and 2.45 for each posture, 3 for the total raw score, and 6% for the normative score. The Bland-Altman analysis showed low bias with the mean difference close to zero (<0.80) and low error with little dispersion of the difference points around the mean. Caregivers' perspectives on the synchronous remote assessment were positive, with good quality, clear information during the assessment, and comfort with the method. DISCUSSION: The synchronous remote application of the AIMS may be an alternative for families without access to in-person services that assess motor development.

Epidemiological survey of infectious agents in free-ranging maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) in Northeastern Brazil.

Infectious diseases are one of the most concerning threats to maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) due to the potential impact on free-ranging populations. The species is currently classified as vulnerable according to the national list of threatened species and occurs mainly in open habitats, such as the Cerrado, a tropical savannah, which comprises its main distribution area in Brazil. In the northeastern region, it occurs in the Cerrado of Bahia, Piauí, Maranhão, and Tocantins states. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence of infectious agents in Chrysocyon brachyurus through an epidemiological assessment of free-ranging individuals in western Bahia, specifically in the Barreiras microregion, a Cerrado area intensely fragmented and anthropized by agricultural activity. Eleven specimens were evaluated for serological titration, antigen research, and genetic material research for canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus (CPV), adenovirus-canine-type 1 (CAdV-1), canine coronavirus (CCoV), Leptospira interrogans and Toxoplasma gondii from 2020 to 2022. In addition to maned wolves, domestic dogs were also evaluated and tested. All maned wolves (100%) evaluated by the dot-ELISA technique exhibited immunoglobulin M (IgM) and seven (64%) exhibited immunoglobulin G (IgG) against CDV and CPV, while 100% exhibited IgG against CDV when using the immunochromatographic technique. Regarding CAdV-1, 90% were seropositive for IgG, while 64% exhibited IgG against T. gondii. Nine dogs from the region were also sampled, and all (100%) exhibited IgM and IgG against CDV and CPV. For IgG against T. gondii and against CAdV-1, 90% of the animals were seropositive. Molecular evaluation yielded negative results for all maned wolves and dogs assessed for CAdV-1, CDV, and T. gondii, as well as the CCoV antigen. These data indicate the occurrence of viral agents and Toxoplasma gondii in maned wolves and dogs, suggesting circulation in both populations.

Exercise-induced neuroplasticity in autonomic nuclei restores the cardiac vagal tone and baroreflex dysfunction in aged hypertensive rats.

Aging is accompanied by considerable deterioration of homeostatic systems, such as autonomic imbalance characterized by heightened sympathetic activity, lower parasympathetic tone, and depressed heart rate (HR) variability, which are aggravated by hypertension. Here, we hypothesized that these age-related deficits in aged hypertensive rats can be ameliorated by exercise training, with benefits to the cardiovascular system. Therefore, male 22-mo-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and age-matched Wistar Kyoto (WKY) submitted to moderate-intensity exercise training (T) or kept sedentary (S) for 8 wk were evaluated for hemodynamic/autonomic parameters, baroreflex sensitivity, cardiac sympathetic/parasympathetic tone and analysis of dopamine ß-hydroxylase (DBH+) and oxytocin (OT+) pathways of autonomic brain nuclei. Aged SHR-S versus WKY-S exhibited elevated mean arterial pressure (MAP: +51%) and HR (+20%), augmented pressure/HR variability, no cardiac vagal tone, and depressed reflex control of the heart (HR range, -28%; gain, -49%). SHR-T exhibited a lower resting HR, a partial reduction in the MAP (-14%), in the pressure/HR variabilities, and restored parasympathetic modulation, with improvement of baroreceptor reflex control when compared with SHR-S. Exercise training increased the ascending DBH+ projections conveying peripheral information to the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN), augmented the expression of OT+ neurons, and reduced the density of DBH+ neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) of SHR-T. Data indicate that exercise training induces beneficial neuroplasticity in brain autonomic circuitry, and it is highly effective to restore the parasympathetic tone, and attenuation of age-related autonomic imbalance and baroreflex dysfunction, thus conferring long-term benefits for cardiovascular control in aged hypertensive individuals.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Exercise training reduces high blood pressure and cardiovascular autonomic modulation in aged hypertensive rats. The dysfunction in the baroreflex sensitivity and impaired parasympathetic tone to the heart of aged hypertensive rats are restored by exercise training. Exercise induces beneficial neuroplasticity in the brain nuclei involved with autonomic control of cardiovascular function of aged hypertensive rats.

Sleep parameters in patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (cHP) and controls with normal spirometry in terms of their sleep characteristics, as well as to establish the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and nocturnal hypoxemia. Secondary objectives were to identify factors associated with OSA and nocturnal hypoxemia; to correlate nocturnal hypoxemia with the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and lung function, as well as with resting SpO2, awake SpO2, and SpO2 during exercise; and to evaluate the discriminatory power of sleep questionnaires to predict OSA. METHODS: A total of 40 patients with cHP (cases) were matched for sex, age, and BMI with 80 controls, the ratio of controls to cases therefore being = 2:1. The STOP-Bang questionnaire, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Berlin questionnaire and the Neck circumference, obesity, Snoring, Age, and Sex (NoSAS) score were applied to all cases, and both groups underwent full-night polysomnography. RESULTS: The patients with cHP had longer sleep latency, lower sleep efficiency, a lower AHI, a lower respiratory disturbance index, fewer central apneas, fewer mixed apneas, and fewer hypopneas than did the controls. The patients with cHP had significantly lower nocturnal SpO2 values, the percentage of total sleep time spent below an SpO2 of 90% being higher than in controls (median = 4.2; IQR, 0.4-32.1 vs. median = 1.0; IQR, 0.1-5.8; p = 0.01). There were no significant differences between cases with and without OSA regarding the STOP-Bang questionnaire, NoSAS, and ESS scores. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of OSA in cHP patients (cases) was high, although not higher than that in controls with normal spirometry. In addition, cases had more hypoxemia during sleep than did controls. Our results suggest that sleep questionnaires do not have sufficient discriminatory power to identify OSA in cHP patients.

Genetic diversity and relatedness in captive collared peccaries Dicotyles tajacu (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cetartiodactyla: Tayassuidae) estimated by microsatellite genotyping using high-throughput sequencing: Implications for their conservation and reintroduction.

The global population of Dicotyles tajacu (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cetartiodactyla: Tayassuidae), commonly known as the collared peccary and distributed in the Neotropics, is currently in decline due to anthropogenic pressures. In this study, five microsatellite loci were used to genetically characterize a group of 20 captive-born collared peccaries intended for reintroduction. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity and relatedness of captive individuals using microsatellite markers. The genetic data generated were used to evaluate the viability of the reintroduction and to propose measures for the management and conservation of this species. In this study, we found relatively high genetic diversity indices, indicating that the group was genetically diverse. Inbreeding coefficients with negative values were observed, indicating an excess of alleles in heterozygosis and an absence of inbreeding. One locus showed deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, which may have been caused by the mixing of individuals from different origins. Relatedness analysis indicated that some individuals were highly related, with coefficients indicating they may be first-degree relatives. Our findings indicate that the studied group has enough genetic diversity to be released into nature, but the high individual relatedness found would require the adoption of strategies after the release of animals in the wild to ensure their persistence.

Identification of B-Cell Linear Epitopes in the Nucleocapsid (N) Protein B-Cell Linear Epitopes Conserved among the Main SARS-CoV-2 Variants.

The Nucleocapsid (N) protein is highlighted as the main target for COVID-19 diagnosis by antigen detection due to its abundance in circulation early during infection. However, the effects of the described mutations in the N protein epitopes and the efficacy of antigen testing across SARS-CoV-2 variants remain controversial and poorly understood. Here, we used immunoinformatics to identify five epitopes in the SARS-CoV-2 N protein (N(34-48), N(89-104), N(185-197), N(277-287), and N(378-390)) and validate their reactivity against samples from COVID-19 convalescent patients. All identified epitopes are fully conserved in the main SARS-CoV-2 variants and highly conserved with SARS-CoV. Moreover, the epitopes N(185-197) and N(277-287) are highly conserved with MERS-CoV, while the epitopes N(34-48), N(89-104), N(277-287), and N(378-390) are lowly conserved with common cold coronaviruses (229E, NL63, OC43, HKU1). These data are in accordance with the observed conservation of amino acids recognized by the antibodies 7R98, 7N0R, and 7CR5, which are conserved in the SARS-CoV-2 variants, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV but lowly conserved in common cold coronaviruses. Therefore, we support the antigen tests as a scalable solution for the population-level diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, but we highlight the need to verify the cross-reactivity of these tests against the common cold coronaviruses.

Short exposure to high salt in drinking solution leads to a cardiovascular phenotype of hypertension without changes in the blood volume of rats.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Is the cardiovascular phenotype of high blood pressure observed in rats salt loaded with 2% NaCl in drinking solution a blood volume-dependent hypertension? What is the main finding and its importance? Animals exposed to 2% NaCl drinking solution develop hypertension, with dominance of sympathetic outflow and high [Na+ ] in the cerebrospinal fluid, but without changes in the blood volume. The phenotype of salt-dependent hypertension might be related to accumulation of [Na+ ] in the cerebrospinal fluid, which makes it an interesting animal model in which to study the neuronal pathways involved in control of the circulation in osmotic challenge conditions. ABSTRACT: Evidence suggests that hypertension induced by high salt intake is correlated with an autonomic imbalance that favours sympathetic hyperactivity and an increase in vascular resistance, indicating a neurogenic component to this pathology. Although there are several animal models in which to study salt-induced hypertension with prolonged exposure to a high-sodium diet, here we sought to investigate whether the increase in arterial blood pressure of rats subjected to a short exposure to high salt, with 2% NaCl drinking solution instead of water, relies on changes in the circulating blood volume. Male Wistar rats were divided randomly into three groups: euhydrated (EU, n = 10), salt loaded (SL, n = 13) and water deprived (WD, n = 6). The SL rats exhibited a significant increase in mean arterial blood pressure, with a large low-frequency component of systolic arterial blood pressure variability, when compared with the EU group. Circulating blood volume did not differ between SL and EU rats, but it was lower in WD rats. Compared with EU rats, the [Na+ ] in cerebrospinal fluid was higher in SL rats and similar in magnitude to the WD rats. Plasma [Na+ ] did not differ between SL and EU rats, but it was higher in WD rats. Collectively, our data suggest that the hypertension induced by a short exposure to high salt intake closely resembles a neurogenic mechanism, but not a blood volume-dependent mechanism, with cumulative [Na+ ] in the cerebrospinal fluid that could be associated with changes in the neurochemistry of autonomic nuclei, which are highly susceptible to osmotic stress related to high salt consumption.

Sleep parameters in patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis: a case-control study / Parâmetros do sono em pacientes com pneumonite de hipersensibilidade crônica: estudo de caso-controle

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare patients with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (cHP) and controls with normal spirometry in terms of their sleep characteristics, as well as to establish the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and nocturnal hypoxemia. Secondary objectives were to identify factors associated with OSA and nocturnal hypoxemia; to correlate nocturnal hypoxemia with the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and lung function, as well as with resting SpO2, awake SpO2, and SpO2 during exercise; and to evaluate the discriminatory power of sleep questionnaires to predict OSA. Methods: A total of 40 patients with cHP (cases) were matched for sex, age, and BMI with 80 controls, the ratio of controls to cases therefore being = 2:1. The STOP-Bang questionnaire, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Berlin questionnaire and the Neck circumference, obesity, Snoring, Age, and Sex (NoSAS) score were applied to all cases, and both groups underwent full-night polysomnography. Results: The patients with cHP had longer sleep latency, lower sleep efficiency, a lower AHI, a lower respiratory disturbance index, fewer central apneas, fewer mixed apneas, and fewer hypopneas than did the controls. The patients with cHP had significantly lower nocturnal SpO2 values, the percentage of total sleep time spent below an SpO2 of 90% being higher than in controls (median = 4.2; IQR, 0.4-32.1 vs. median = 1.0; IQR, 0.1-5.8; p = 0.01). There were no significant differences between cases with and without OSA regarding the STOP-Bang questionnaire, NoSAS, and ESS scores. Conclusions: The prevalence of OSA in cHP patients (cases) was high, although not higher than that in controls with normal spirometry. In addition, cases had more hypoxemia during sleep than did controls. Our results suggest that sleep questionnaires do not have sufficient discriminatory power to identify OSA in cHP patients.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar pacientes com pneumonite de hipersensibilidade crônica (PHc) e controles com espirometria normal quanto às características do sono, bem como estabelecer a prevalência de apneia obstrutiva do sono (AOS) e hipoxemia noturna. Os objetivos secundários foram identificar fatores associados à AOS e hipoxemia noturna; correlacionar a hipoxemia noturna com o índice de apneias e hipopneias (IAH), função pulmonar, SpO2 em repouso, SpO2 em vigília e SpO2 durante o exercício; e avaliar o poder discriminatório de questionários do sono para predizer AOS. Métodos: Um total de 40 pacientes com PHc (casos) foram emparelhados por sexo, idade e IMC com 80 controles (2:1). O questionário STOP-Bang, a Escala de Sonolência de Epworth (ESE), o Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh, o questionário de Berlim e o escore Neck circumference, obesity, Snoring, Age, and Sex (NoSAS, circunferência do pescoço, obesidade, ronco, idade e sexo) foram aplicados a todos os casos, e ambos os grupos foram submetidos a polissonografia de noite inteira. Resultados: Os pacientes com PHc apresentaram maior latência do sono, menor eficiência do sono, menor IAH, menor índice de distúrbio respiratório, menos apneias centrais, menos apneias mistas e menos hipopneias do que os controles. Os pacientes com PHc apresentaram SpO2 noturna significativamente menor; a porcentagem do tempo total de sono com SpO2 < 90% foi maior que nos controles (mediana = 4,2; IIQ: 0,4-32,1 vs. mediana = 1,0; IIQ: 0,1-5,8; p = 0,01). Não houve diferenças significativas entre os casos com e sem AOS quanto à pontuação no questionário STOP-Bang, no NoSAS e na ESE. Conclusões: A prevalência de AOS em pacientes com PHc (casos) foi alta, embora não tenha sido maior que a observada em controles com espirometria normal. Além disso, os casos apresentaram mais hipoxemia durante o sono do que os controles. Nossos resultados sugerem que os questionários do sono não têm poder discriminatório suficiente para identificar AOS em pacientes com PHc.

Association of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Neurofeedback With Declarative Memory and Cerebral Arterial Flow in University Students: Protocol for a Double-blind Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: The performance of a task depends on ongoing brain activity, which can be influenced by attention, excitement, or motivation. Scientific studies have confirmed that mindfulness leads to better performance, health, and well-being. However, these cognitive efficiency modulating factors are nonspecific, can be difficult to control, and are not suitable to specifically facilitate neural processing. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation associated with neurofeedback on declarative memory and cerebral blood flow in university students. METHODS: In this study, we will use transcranial direct current stimulation, a low-cost physical resource that is easy to apply, has few adverse effects, and is associated with a neurofeedback resource. This, in turn, has been shown to be a training program capable of improving working memory function. RESULTS: Participants will be recruited between July 2022 and December 2022. This study is expected to conclude in July 2023. CONCLUSIONS: This study will provide preliminary results on the benefits of using the direct current neurostimulation and neurofeedback tools on the participants being analyzed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry RBR-7zs8b5; https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-7zs8b5. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/36294.

First record of a sea anemone of genus Bunodosoma with two oral discs: a clue to asexual reproduction?

Different reproductive strategies (both sexual and asexual) that may occur in individuals of the same species may explain the success of sea anemones (Cnidaria:Actiniaria) in colonizing different ecosystems around the planet. Here we provide the first record of a Bunodosoma specimen with two oral discs and discuss the possibility of asexual reproduction in this genus. One individual of Bunodosoma cangicum was found in Carneiros beach (Pernambuco state, Brazil) with two fully individualized oral discs but with column and pedal disc still connected. Our finding may represent a clue to longitudinal fission in Bunodosoma. Yet, despite the number of different studies carried out so far, the absence of data regarding asexual reproduction in Bunodosoma suggests that it might be rare in this genus, occurring only in sporadic cases such as recovery from injury.

Traditional and Computational Screening of Non-Toxic Peptides and Approaches to Improving Selectivity.

Peptides have positively impacted the pharmaceutical industry as drugs, biomarkers, or diagnostic tools of high therapeutic value. However, only a handful have progressed to the market. Toxicity is one of the main obstacles to translating peptides into clinics. Hemolysis or hemotoxicity, the principal source of toxicity, is a natural or disease-induced event leading to the death of vital red blood cells. Initial screenings for toxicity have been widely evaluated using erythrocytes as the gold standard. More recently, many online databases filled with peptide sequences and their biological meta-data have paved the way toward hemolysis prediction using user-friendly, fast-access machine learning-driven programs. This review details the growing contributions of in silico approaches developed in the last decade for the large-scale prediction of erythrocyte lysis induced by peptides. After an overview of the pharmaceutical landscape of peptide therapeutics, we highlighted the relevance of early hemolysis studies in drug development. We emphasized the computational models and algorithms used to this end in light of historical and recent findings in this promising field. We benchmarked seven predictors using peptides from different data sets, having 7-35 amino acids in length. According to our predictions, the models have scored an accuracy over 50.42% and a minimal Matthew's correlation coefficient over 0.11. The maximum values for these statistical parameters achieved 100.0% and 1.00, respectively. Finally, strategies for optimizing peptide selectivity were described, as well as prospects for future investigations. The development of in silico predictive approaches to peptide toxicity has just started, but their important contributions clearly demonstrate their potential for peptide science and computer-aided drug design. Methodology refinement and increasing use will motivate the timely and accurate in silico identification of selective, non-toxic peptide therapeutics.

Diretivas antecipadas de vontade em unidade de emergência hospitalar / Advance directives in a hospital emergency department / Directivas anticipadas de voluntad en una unidad de emergencia hospitalaria

Resumo A participação do paciente no planejamento de seus cuidados de saúde respeita seu direito à autodeterminação. Com isso, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o posicionamento de médicos que atuam no Serviço de Emergência Hospitalar do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre em relação às diretivas antecipadas de vontade de pacientes. Trata-se de estudo transversal com 32 médicos. A maioria dos participantes (81,3%) afirmou conhecer as diretivas antecipadas de vontade, mas apenas 6,3% tinham conhecimento suficiente; 87,5% foram favoráveis à sua utilização e a vontade do paciente foi considerada determinante em três dos quatro cenários apresentados; e 84,4% consideraram necessária legislação específica além da Resolução 1.995/2012 do Conselho Federal de Medicina. Ao final do estudo foi concluído que a maioria dos médicos tinha conhecimento prévio sobre diretivas antecipadas de vontade e se posicionara a favor da utilização deste tipo de documento em emergência hospitalar.

Abstract Patient participation in planning their health care means respecting the patient's right to self-determination. In this sense, this study aimed to examine the position of doctors working in the Hospital Emergency Service of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre regarding patient advance directives. This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 32 physicians. Most participants (81.3%) declared to have knowledge about advance directives, but only 6.3% declared having sufficient knowledge; 87.5% were in favor of their use and the patient's will was considered decisive in three of the four scenarios presented; and 84.4% considered that specific legislation on the matter is necessary in addition to Resolution 1995/2012 of the Federal Council of Medicine. Our results allowed us to conclude that most physicians had prior knowledge about advance directives and were in favor of using this type of document in hospital emergency care.

Resumen La participación del paciente en la planificación de su atención médica respeta su derecho a la autodeterminación. Así, esta investigación tuvo como objetivo evaluar el posicionamiento de médicos que actúan en el servicio de emergencia hospitalaria del Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre en relación a las directivas anticipadas de voluntad de los pacientes. Se trata de un estudio transversal con 32 médicos. La mayoría de los participantes (81,3%) afirmó conocer las directivas anticipadas de voluntad, pero solo el 6,3% tenía conocimiento suficiente; el 87,5% se mostró a favor de su uso y la voluntad del paciente fue considerada determinante en tres de los cuatro escenarios presentados; y el 84,4% consideró necesaria una legislación específica además de la Resolución 1995/2012 del Consejo Federal de Medicina. Al final del estudio se concluyó que la mayoría de los médicos tenían conocimiento previo sobre directivas anticipadas de voluntad y se habían posicionado a favor de la utilización de este tipo de documentos en emergencias hospitalarias.

The alien octocoral Carijoa riisei is a biogenic substrate multiplier in artificial Brazilian shipwrecks.

Despite the obvious negative effects caused by invasive species, some recent studies have shown that the impacts at local scale are diverse and not necessarily negative. Arborescent benthic organisms such as octocorals form three-dimensional structures capable of increasing the amount of substrate available and providing shelter for epibiont species. We investigated the role of the alien octocoral Carijoa riisei on the diversity of benthic communities in three shipwrecks on the north-eastern coast of Brazil. We expected that (a) the fauna associated with the octocoral are richer and more diverse compared to the adjacent; (b) some species are exclusively associated with C. riisei; (c) the species that are present both in the areas with and without C. riisei have a greater abundance when associated with the octocoral. For this, we compared the macrobenthic communities associated with C. riisei to those found in adjacent areas where the octocoral was absent. Our study showed that the communities associated with the octocoral were 1.5 times richer and 10 times more abundant than adjacent communities, with 29 exclusive taxa. The dominant taxa were the amphipods Ericthonius brasiliensis and Podocerus brasiliensis and polychaetes of the family Syllidae. These taxa were present in areas with presence and absence of C. riisei, but their abundance was significantly greater where the octocoral was present. Our results reinforce the idea that Carijoa riisei acts as an ecosystem engineer in coastal reefs, creating new habitats and increasing diversity at a local scale, even though it is an alien species.

Retrospective study on the incidence of spinal injuries by computed tomographic scan. Part II: Thoracolumbar and lumbosacral

For vertebromedullary injuries, epidemiological knowledge is essential to guide the choice of the most effective diagnostic method. The objective of this retrospective study is to trace the epidemiological profile of thoracolumbar and lumbosacral spine lesions diagnosed by computed tomography scan. A compilation of CT scan reports for the aforementioned regions performed in a comercial diagnostic center from 04/01/2017 to 04/30/2020, contrasted and non-contrasted, from routine, was performed in order to list the most common lesions, breeds and locations. There were 1164 CT scans performed in the period evaluated, 670 (57,56%) for the spine, with 601 reports accessed (89,7%), where the regions mentioned here added up to 439 studies (73,05%). In both regions, male French Bulldog dogs had the most injuries. For the thoracolumbar region, disk mineralization, followed by extrusion, were the most frequent injuries, while the site was T12-13 and the mean age 6,5±3,63 years old. In the lumbosacral, disk protrusion was most frequent, the most affected site was L7-S1 and age 6,65±3,79 years. It was concluded that the spine is the main target of CT scans, and that lesions related to the intervertebral disk were the main ones identified, with chondrodystrophic animals being more predisposed to injury.

Para lesões vertebromedulares é indispensável o conhecimento epidemiológico para direcionar a escolha do método diagnóstico mais eficaz. O objetivo desse estudo retrospectivo é traçar o perfil epidemiológico das lesões em coluna vertebral toracolombar e lombossacral diagnosticadas através de exame tomográfico. Realizou-se a compilação de laudos de tomografias computadorizadas para as referidas regiões realizadas em centro diagnóstico comercial, entre 01/04/2017 a 30/04/2020, contrastadas e não-contrastadas, provenientes da rotina, a fim de relacionar as lesões, raças e locais mais comuns. Foram realizados 1164 exames tomográficos no período avaliado, sendo 670 (57,56%) para a coluna, com 601 laudos acessados (89,7%), onde as regiões aqui referidas somaram 439 estudos (73,05%). Em ambas as regiões, os cães Bulldog Francês machos foram os que mais apresentaram lesões. Para a região toracolombar, a mineralização de disco, seguida pela extrusão, foram as lesões mais frequentes, enquanto o local foi T12-13 e a média de idade 6,5±3,63 anos. Na lombossacral, a protusão de disco foi mais frequente, o local mais afetado foi L7-S1 e idade de 6,65±3,79 anos. Concluiu-se que a coluna vertebral é o principal alvo de tomografias, e que as lesões relacionadas ao disco intervertebral foram as principais identificadas, sendo os animais condrodistróficos mais predispostos a lesões.

Estabilização zigomática e retalho de avanço facial lateral em cão filhote

Trauma is frequently reported in the small animal clinics, and can lead to fractures of cranial bone components and injuries to the adjacent soft tissues. In the present study, the objective was to report the case of a seven-month-old male mongrel dog, that had a craniomaxillofacial trauma resulting from a bite, characterized by zygomatic bone fracture and displacement, in addition to a major skin laceration. The stablished treatment was based on wound debridement, surgical stabilization of the zygomatic arch with nylon threads and in the suturing of skin wounds. In a second surgical procedure, enucleation was performed and a surgical polypropylene mesh was applied to cover the orbital defect, exuberant tissue was removed and a subdermal advancement flap was used to cover the skin defect. The complication observed in the first surgical intervention was dehiscence of the skin sutures, while in the second surgical procedure, there were no signs of complications. Postoperatively, the patient had a satisfactory clinical recovery, being discharged 21 days after the second surgical procedure. Considering the adequate clinical evolution and the reduced complications, it was concluded that the clinical conduct and surgical techniques adopted for the treatment of the patient in question were effective.

O trauma é frequentemente relatado na rotina clínica de pequenos animais, podendo gerar fraturas de componentes ósseos e lesões de tecidos moles adjacentes. No presente trabalho, objetivou-se relatar o caso de um canino, macho, sem raça definida, de sete meses de idade, vítima de trauma craniomaxilofacial decorrente de mordedura, diagnosticado com fratura e deslocamento de osso zigomático, além de importante laceração de pele. O tratamento estabelecido baseou-se no debridamento da ferida, estabilização cirúrgica de arco zigomático com fios de Nylon e na sutura dos ferimentos de pele causados. Em um segundo tempo cirúrgico, foi realizada enucleação e recobrimento do defeito na órbita com malha cirúrgica de polipropileno, além de remoção de tecido exuberante e confecção de retalho subdérmico de avanço facial lateral para recobrimento do defeito cutâneo. A complicação evidenciada na primeira intervenção cirúrgica foi a deiscência das suturas de pele, enquanto no segundo tempo cirúrgico, não houve sinais de complicações. No pós-operatório, o paciente apresentou evolução clínica satisfatória, recebendo alta médica 21 dias após o segundo procedimento cirúrgico realizado. Tendo em vista a adequada evolução clínica, bem como os reduzidos efeitos colaterais, sugere-se que a conduta clínica e técnicas cirúrgicas adotadas para tratamento do paciente em questão foram efetivas.

The peptide secreted at the water to land transition in a model amphibian has antioxidant effects.

In addition to the morphophysiological changes experienced by amphibians during metamorphosis, they must also deal with a different set of environmental constraints when they shift from the water to the land. We found that Pithecopus azureus secretes a single peptide ([M + H]+ = 658.38 Da) at the developmental stage that precedes the onset of terrestrial behaviour. De novo peptide and cDNA sequencing revealed that the peptide, named PaT-2, is expressed in tandem and is a member of the tryptophyllins family. In silico studies allowed us to identify the position of reactive sites and infer possible antioxidant mechanisms of the compounds. Cell-based assays confirmed the predicted antioxidant activity in mammalian microglia and neuroblast cells. The potential neuroprotective effect of PaT-2 was further corroborated in FRET-based live cell imaging assays, where the peptide prevented lipopolysaccharide-induced ROS production and glutamate release in human microglia. In summary, PaT-2 is the first peptide expressed during the ontogeny of P. azureus, right before the metamorphosing froglet leaves the aquatic environment to occupy terrestrial habitats. The antioxidant activity of PaT-2, predicted by in silico analyses and confirmed by cell-based assays, might be relevant for the protection of the skin of P. azureus adults against increased O2 levels and UV exposure on land compared with aquatic environments.