Analysis of scientific publications on oral cancer diagnosis delays: a bibliometric study over 22 years.

BACKGROUND: The area of oncology still lacks bibliometric studies that investigate the diagnostic interval of oral cancer. This study proposed to carry out a bibliometric analysis of epidemiological studies that investigated the diagnosis of oral cancer between 2002 to 2024. MATERIAL AND METHODS: On April, 2024, the Scopus and Web of Science databases were explored, and the selected articles underwent bibliometric analysis of performance and scientific mapping of journals, authors, institutions, and countries, as well as the predominant topics and trends in research into the diagnosis of oral cancer through an analysis of references and co-occurrence of key words. The analyzes were carried out using the R extension package, Bibliometrix, and the VOSviewer software. RESULTS: A total of 532 documents were included. China contributed the highest number of publications (36.71%) and total citations [1,584]. Seoane J was the most prolific author [16 (h-index: 9)], while Warnakulasuriya S had the highest total link strength [282 (h-index: 7)] in co-citations. Oral Oncology was identified as the most prolific [231 (72.64%)], co-cited and impactful journal (h-index: 13). Explosions of citations were found for keywords such as "early diagnosis", "biomarker", "saliva", "precancer" and "prognosis", making it evident that in the field of oral cancer diagnosis there is room for new studies focusing in reducing the diagnostic interval, with the research hotspots being the terms "biomarkers", "imaging diagnosis" and "gene expression". CONCLUSIONS: This study provides valuable information that can help researchers and institutions align their research activities according to emerging themes, establish collaborations and allocate resources effectively.

Ontogenetic and sexual differences in the venom of Bothrops moojeni: insights from a litter and its mother.

Variability in snake venom composition is well-documented and crucial for understanding snake ecology and predicting snakebites. In this study, we characterize the venom composition and biological activities of newborn female and male Bothrops moojeni and their mother. Our results reveal significant differences between the venom of newborn females and males, demonstrating a broad and diverse range of proteins. The venoms of newborn females showed higher serine protease effects, increased hemorrhagic activity, and greater lethality compared to the venom of newborn males. However, no differences were observed in phospholipase A2 and coagulant activity. The differences in protein composition and toxic activities between maternal and neonatal venom, as well as between the venoms of newborn females and males, contribute to understanding the diverse outcomes of snakebites. These results underscore the importance of considering sex and ontogeny in understanding venom composition in snakes.

Risk of orofacial clefts in relation to maternal body mass index, diabetes and hypertension.

BACKGROUND: To investigate if maternal body mass index, diabetes and hypertension are associated with orofacial clefts. METHODS: Case-control study. Information from 53,188 live births with and without orofacial cleft registered at USA Vital Statistics Natality Birth Data between 2017 and 2021. Case group consisted of all affected live births diagnosed with orofacial clefts (13,297 cases). Comparison group consisted of 39,891 live births without clefts or any other congenital malformation. Information about orofacial cleft cases were compared with the comparison group. The unadjusted and adjusted Odds Ratios were estimated to evaluate the strength of association between mother's pre-pregnancy body mass index, maternal diabetes and hypertension and orofacial cleft occurrence, assuming a p value < 0.05 and 95% confidence intervals (95% C.I.) for statistically significant differences. RESULTS: Mother's pre-pregnancy body mass index, maternal diabetes and maternal hypertension are conditions associated with an increased risk of orofacial cleft development in the child (OR = 1.08, p = 0.004, 95% C.I. = 1.024-1.149; OR = 1.32, 95%, p = 0.000, 95% C.I. = 1.202-1.444; and OR = 1.35, p = 0.000, 95% C.I. = 1.239-1.484; respectively). Maternal ethnicity, sex of infant, and cigarette smoking pregnancy remained as covariates after adjustments in all logistic regression models. CONCLUSION: Due to the increased prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, and also to their association with congenital malformations, such as clefts, it is recommended that mothers planning to become pregnant to follow healthy habits, maintain healthy weight, and be screened for possible diabetes or hypertension prior to conception and early in pregnancy.

Quality of life and functional capacity in depressive patients on hemodialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Depression is a common disorder in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and some data support its relationship with functional capacity and quality of life. However, to date, this has not been evaluated systematically or through meta-analysis. We sought to investigate the relationship of quality of life and functional capacity with depressive disorder in patients with CKD on hemodialysis. This systematic review considered studies published up to 2021 and included cross-sectional and cohort studies. PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Cochrane (CENTRAL) databases were used to search for studies. The New Castle-Ottawa Quality Assessment scale was used to measure the quality of the studies. A total of 4,626 studies were found and, after applying the selection criteria, 16 studies (2,175 patients) remained for qualitative analysis and 10 for meta-analysis (1,484 patients). The physical component summary (MD=-6.563; 95%CI: -9.702 to -3.424) and mental component summary (MD=-18.760; 95%CI: -28.641 to -8.879) were lower in depressive patients, as in all Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) domains. Only one study provided data regarding functional capacity, but it was not evaluated by the defined outcome measure. Twelve studies were classified as "moderate quality" (5 to 6 stars) and four were classified as "low-quality" (0 to 4 stars). This meta-analysis with CKD patients on hemodialysis showed a negative relationship between depression and quality of life, with worsening in all physical and mental domains of the SF-36 in depressed patients.

Effect of glycoelectrolytic supplement on post-weaning piglet performance and intestinal integrity.

This study evaluated the effects of glycoelectrolytic supplements on the performance, blood parameters, and intestinal morphology of piglets during the post-weaning period. In the study, a total of 240 piglets weaned aged 17 22.60 + 1.10 days were used. The control group (n = 120) received only water, and the treatment group (n = 120) received an oral glycoelectrolytic supplement diluted in water (0.75%) during the first three days after weaning. Feed intake, daily weight gain, final weight, feed conversion ratio, and post-weaning mortality were evaluated. On the third day after weaning, the blood glucose levels of all piglets were analyzed. Blood was collected from 12 piglets from each treatment group on day 3 after weaning for blood count analysis, and intestinal fragments were collected for anatomopathological and morphometric evaluation. Better feed conversion ratio (1.29) and higher consumption of liquids (0.639 L/day) were observed in the piglet group supplemented with glycoelectrolytes on day 3 after weaning (P < 0.05). The supplemented group presented a higher glycemic index (80.78 mg/dL), average corpuscular volume (67.35 fL), and average corpuscular hemoglobin (20.46 pg) than the control group (P < 0.05). The evaluation of intestinal integrity and the probability of diarrhea occurrence were similar between the groups (P > 0.05). Oral glycoelectrolytic supplementation can be an option for piglets immediately after weaning as it improves feed conversion and consumption of liquids, in addition to increasing blood glucose without the occurrence of diarrhea, thus reducing dehydration and energy deficit.

Vitality of mycobionts and photobionts after passing through the digestive tract of Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Isoptera) workers.

Termites are among the insects that consume lichens and may be potential dispersers of these symbionts. This study evaluated the vitality of photobionts and mycobionts after passing through the digestive tract of Constrictotermes cyphergaster. The percentage of live and dead algae was verified throughout the alimentary canal of 450 workers, originating from five sampled colonies in the Caatinga Dry Forest, NE, Brazil. A progressive growth in algae mortality was observed in the crop, paunch and rectum, however more than 40% of the algae found in faeces presented signs of vitality. Photobiont morphology was different between cells extracted from thallus in natura and algae present in termite faeces. The photobiont cells presented more shrunken cytoplasms after passing through the alimentary canal of C. cyphergaster. There was also an increase between the cell wall space and the cytoplasm membrane of algae found in the termite faecal pellets. Only four broken spores were found in the intestine, which made the vitality analysis unfeasible for these cells. The record of photobiont vitality in termite faecal pellets is indicative of endozoochoric dispersal, suggesting that this relationship between insects and lichens extends beyond a trophic interaction.

On the structural, electronic, and optical properties of L-histidine crystal: a DFT study.

CONTEXT: The monoclinic L-histidine crystal is critical for protein structure and function and is also found in the myelin of brain nerve cells. This study numerically examines its structural, electronic, and optical properties. Our findings indicate that the L-histidine crystal has an insulating band gap of approximately 4.38 eV. Additionally, electron and hole effective masses range between 3.92[Formula: see text]-15.33[Formula: see text] and 4.16[Formula: see text]-7.53[Formula: see text], respectively. Furthermore, our investigation suggests that the L-histidine crystal is an excellent UV collector due to its strong optical absorption activity for photon energies exceeding 3.5 eV. METHODS: To investigate the structural, electronic, and optical properties of L-histidine crystals, we used the Biovia Materials Studio software to conduct Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations as implemented in the CASTEP code. Our DFT calculations were performed using the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) as parameterized by the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) exchange-correlation functional, with an additional dispersion energy correction (PBE [Formula: see text] TS) based on the model proposed by Tkatchenko and Scheffler to describe van der Waals interactions. Additionally, we employed the norm-conserving pseudopotential to treat core electrons.

Effects of therapeutic ultrasound on the endothelial function of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by endothelial dysfunction that causes micro- and macrovascular complications. Low intensity therapeutic ultrasound (LITUS) may improve endothelial function, but its effects have not been investigated in these patients. The aim of our study was to compare the effects of pulsed (PUT) and continuous (CUT) waveforms of LITUS on the endothelium-dependent vasodilation of T2DM patients. The present randomized crossover trial had a sample of twenty-three patients (7 men) diagnosed with T2DM, 55.6 (±9.1) years old, with a body mass index of 28.6 (±3.3) kg/m2. All patients were randomized and submitted to different waveforms (Placebo, CUT, and PUT) of LITUS and the arterial endothelial function was evaluated. The LITUS of 1 MHz was applied in pulsed (PUT: 20% duty cycle, 0.08 W/cm2 SATA), continuous (CUT: 0.4 W/cm2 SPTA), and Placebo (equipment off) types of waves during 5 min on the brachial artery. Endothelial function was evaluated using the flow-mediated dilation (FMD) technique. PUT (mean difference 2.08%, 95% confidence interval 0.65 to 3.51) and CUT (mean difference 2.32%, 95% confidence interval 0.89 to 3.74) increased the %FMD compared to Placebo. In the effect size analysis, PUT (d=0.65) and CUT (d=0.65) waveforms presented moderate effects in the %FMD compared to Placebo. The vasodilator effect was similar in the different types of waves. Pulsed and continuous waveforms of LITUS of 1 MHz improved the arterial endothelial function in T2DM patients.

The Influence of the Synthesis Method on the Characteristics of BaTiO3.

In this work, barium titanate powders were produced by sol-gel and sol-precipitation methods from metal alkoxides. In the sol-gel method, tetraisopropyl orthotitanate was mixed with 2-propanol, acetic acid and barium acetate, and the gel samples obtained were calcined at 600 °C, 800 °C and 1000 °C. Through the sol-precipitation method, tetraisopropyl orthotitanate was mixed with acetic acid and deionized water and precipitated by the addition of a concentrated solution of KOH. The products were calcined at various temperatures, and the microstructural and dielectric properties of the BaTiO3 prepared for the two processes were analyzed and compared. The results of these analyses allowed us to observe an increase in the tetragonal phase and the dielectric constant (15-50 at 20 kHz) with increasing temperatures in the samples produced by the sol-gel method, while the sample obtained by sol precipitation was cubic. The presence of BaCO3 is more evident in the sample produced by sol-precipitation, and the band gap of the products obtained did not show significant variation, changing the synthesis method (3.363-3.594 eV).

Effects of the juçara fruit (Euterpe edulis Martius) pulp and lyophilized extract on NRF2, KEAP1, SOD1, and GPX2 expression in human colorectal cancer cell lines.

We investigated the effects of the juçara fruit (Euterpe edulis Martius) pulp and lyophilized extract on the expression of cytoprotective genes nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (NRF2), kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), superoxide dismutase (SOD1), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX2) in human colorectal cancer cell lines (HT-29 and Caco-2). Cells were cultured for 24 h in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium containing juçara fruit pulp (5, 10, or 50 mg/mL) or lyophilized extract (0.05, 0.1, or 0.5 mg/mL), and gene expression was quantified using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. All studied genes showed significant variation in gene expression among different concentrations of pulp or lyophilized extract. Overall, the expression of the selected genes decreased in both cell lines following exposure to the pulp or lyophilized extract in a dose-dependent manner for most of the concentrations studied. In summary, our study showed that the compounds in juçara fruit inhibited the expression of cytoprotective genes associated with the antioxidant response and that, although not cytotoxic at the concentrations studied, they could potentially block the activation of the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway.

Establishment of methods to analyze the structural and functional integrity of the quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) sperm plasma membrane.

1. The objectives of this study were to establish the use of the fluorophores Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide for the evaluation of sperm plasma membrane integrity and to identify an adequate hypoosmotic solution for the evaluation of sperm membrane functionality in quails.2. Sperm samples were collected from the vas deferens of nine quails. After initial evaluation, the samples were subjected to a flash-frozen assay. Three treatments with the following proportions of fresh sperm and sperm subjected to flash freezing were prepared as follows: 100:0 (T100), 50:50 (T50), and 0:100 (T0). The hypoosmotic swelling test used distilled water (0 mOsm/l) and fructose solutions (50, 100, and 200 mOsm/l).3. Immediately after recovery, the samples showed 75.6 ± 5.0% motility with vigour of 3.7 ± 0.3 and 96.1 ± 0.5% of the sperm appeared normal. The membrane integrity test showed 62.2 ± 5.2% intact sperm at T100, 29.0 ± 4.1% at T50 and 0.1 ± 0.1% at T0. Moreover, a greater number of reactive sperm (74.7 ± 6.7%) were observed when incubated in distilled water (0 mOsm/l) in comparison to other solutions (P < 0.05).4. The association of fluorescent probes composed of Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide provided an efficient assessment of the integrity of the plasmatic membrane of quail spermatozoa. However, the study identified that the hypoosmotic swelling test has little predictive value regarding sperm membrane functionality in this species.

Celiac disease in Chilean adults.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: To characterize a university hospital population of Chilean adult patients with celiac disease. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients under control that were diagnosed with celiac disease through clinical characteristics, serology, and histology. RESULTS: A total of 149 patients were included, 119 (79.9%) of whom were women. Mean patient age was 42 years at diagnosis and 13.4% of patients had a family history of celiac disease. Mean body mass index was 24.3kg/m2, 55.3% presented with normal weight, 37.9% with overweight and obesity, and 6.8% with underweight. The main reasons for consultation were diarrhea (47%), weight loss (31%), dyspepsia (43%), and fatigue (26.1%). Anemia (26.1%), elevated transaminases (17.4%), low ferritin (11.4%), and hypovitaminosis D (9.3%) stood out, among others, in the initial laboratory work-up. The more frequent associated diseases were hypothyroidism (15.4%) and depressive disorder (11.4%). Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was found in 10.1% and lactose malabsorption in 15.4%. The primary histologic diagnosis was celiac disease, with Marsh stage 3a villous atrophy (34.9%). CONCLUSION: Our results were similar to those of other case series on adults, finding that celiac disease was more frequent in women, disease began in the fourth decade of life, extraintestinal symptoms predominated, and there was an association with other autoimmune diseases. An important percentage of patients were also overweight and obese.

Vitality of mycobionts and photobionts after passing through the digestive tract of Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Isoptera) workers / Vitalidade de micobiontes e fotobiontes após passagem pelo trato digestivo de operários de Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Isoptera)

Termites are among the insects that consume lichens and may be potential dispersers of these symbionts. This study evaluated the vitality of photobionts and mycobionts after passing through the digestive tract of Constrictotermes cyphergaster. The percentage of live and dead algae was verified throughout the alimentary canal of 450 workers, originating from five sampled colonies in the Caatinga Dry Forest, NE, Brazil. A progressive growth in algae mortality was observed in the crop, paunch and rectum, however more than 40% of the algae found in faeces presented signs of vitality. Photobiont morphology was different between cells extracted from thallus in natura and algae present in termite faeces. The photobiont cells presented more shrunken cytoplasms after passing through the alimentary canal of C. cyphergaster. There was also an increase between the cell wall space and the cytoplasm membrane of algae found in the termite faecal pellets. Only four broken spores were found in the intestine, which made the vitality analysis unfeasible for these cells. The record of photobiont vitality in termite faecal pellets is indicative of endozoochoric dispersal, suggesting that this relationship between insects and lichens extends beyond a trophic interaction.

Os térmitas estão entre os insetos consumidores de liquens e representam um potencial dispersor desses simbiontes. Este estudo avaliou a vitalidade de fotobiontes e micobiontes depois de terem passado pelo trato digestivo de Constrictotermes cyphergaster. O percentual de algas vivas e mortas foi verificado ao longo do canal alimentar de 450 operários, oriundos de cinco colônias amostradas em Caatinga Dry Forest, NE, Brazil. Um crescimento progressivo na mortalidade das algas foi observado no sentido papo, pança e reto, porém mais de 40% das algas presentes nas fezes apresentaram sinais de vitalidade. A morfologia dos fotobiontes foi diferente entre células extraídas de talos in natura e algas presentes nas fezes dos térmitas. As células do fotobionte apresentaram seu citoplasma mais encolhido, após a passagem pelo canal alimentar de C. cyphergaster. Também houve um aumento entre o espaço da parede celular e a membrana do citoplasma das algas encontradas nas pelotas fecais dos térmitas. Apenas quatro esporos quebrados foram encontrados no intestino dos cupins, o que inviabilizou a análise de vitalidade dessas células. O registro da vitalidade de fotobiontes nas pelotas fecais dos térmitas é um indicativo de dispersão endozoocórica, remetendo que a relação entre esses insetos e os liquens pode ir além de uma interação trófica.

Effects of the juçara fruit (Euterpe edulis Martius) pulp and lyophilized extract on NRF2, KEAP1, SOD1, and GPX2 expression in human colorectal cancer cell lines

We investigated the effects of the juçara fruit (Euterpe edulis Martius) pulp and lyophilized extract on the expression of cytoprotective genes nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (NRF2), kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), superoxide dismutase (SOD1), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX2) in human colorectal cancer cell lines (HT-29 and Caco-2). Cells were cultured for 24 h in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium containing juçara fruit pulp (5, 10, or 50 mg/mL) or lyophilized extract (0.05, 0.1, or 0.5 mg/mL), and gene expression was quantified using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. All studied genes showed significant variation in gene expression among different concentrations of pulp or lyophilized extract. Overall, the expression of the selected genes decreased in both cell lines following exposure to the pulp or lyophilized extract in a dose-dependent manner for most of the concentrations studied. In summary, our study showed that the compounds in juçara fruit inhibited the expression of cytoprotective genes associated with the antioxidant response and that, although not cytotoxic at the concentrations studied, they could potentially block the activation of the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway.

Effects of therapeutic ultrasound on the endothelial function of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by endothelial dysfunction that causes micro- and macrovascular complications. Low intensity therapeutic ultrasound (LITUS) may improve endothelial function, but its effects have not been investigated in these patients. The aim of our study was to compare the effects of pulsed (PUT) and continuous (CUT) waveforms of LITUS on the endothelium-dependent vasodilation of T2DM patients. The present randomized crossover trial had a sample of twenty-three patients (7 men) diagnosed with T2DM, 55.6 (±9.1) years old, with a body mass index of 28.6 (±3.3) kg/m2. All patients were randomized and submitted to different waveforms (Placebo, CUT, and PUT) of LITUS and the arterial endothelial function was evaluated. The LITUS of 1 MHz was applied in pulsed (PUT: 20% duty cycle, 0.08 W/cm2 SATA), continuous (CUT: 0.4 W/cm2 SPTA), and Placebo (equipment off) types of waves during 5 min on the brachial artery. Endothelial function was evaluated using the flow-mediated dilation (FMD) technique. PUT (mean difference 2.08%, 95% confidence interval 0.65 to 3.51) and CUT (mean difference 2.32%, 95% confidence interval 0.89 to 3.74) increased the %FMD compared to Placebo. In the effect size analysis, PUT (d=0.65) and CUT (d=0.65) waveforms presented moderate effects in the %FMD compared to Placebo. The vasodilator effect was similar in the different types of waves. Pulsed and continuous waveforms of LITUS of 1 MHz improved the arterial endothelial function in T2DM patients.

Quality of life and functional capacity in depressive patients on hemodialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Depression is a common disorder in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and some data support its relationship with functional capacity and quality of life. However, to date, this has not been evaluated systematically or through meta-analysis. We sought to investigate the relationship of quality of life and functional capacity with depressive disorder in patients with CKD on hemodialysis. This systematic review considered studies published up to 2021 and included cross-sectional and cohort studies. PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Cochrane (CENTRAL) databases were used to search for studies. The New Castle-Ottawa Quality Assessment scale was used to measure the quality of the studies. A total of 4,626 studies were found and, after applying the selection criteria, 16 studies (2,175 patients) remained for qualitative analysis and 10 for meta-analysis (1,484 patients). The physical component summary (MD=-6.563; 95%CI: −9.702 to −3.424) and mental component summary (MD=-18.760; 95%CI: −28.641 to −8.879) were lower in depressive patients, as in all Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) domains. Only one study provided data regarding functional capacity, but it was not evaluated by the defined outcome measure. Twelve studies were classified as "moderate quality" (5 to 6 stars) and four were classified as "low-quality" (0 to 4 stars). This meta-analysis with CKD patients on hemodialysis showed a negative relationship between depression and quality of life, with worsening in all physical and mental domains of the SF-36 in depressed patients.

Care Technologies to Improve Treatment Adherence in Patients Undergoing Organ Transplant: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to map care technologies being developed to improve treatment adherence in patients undergoing organ transplant. METHODS: A scoping review was developed according to the Joanna Briggs Institute manual. The research question was developed according to the population, concept, and context strategy. Searches were conducted independently in 6 databases between June and August 2021. The data were evaluated and organized together. The review protocol was published. RESULTS: Fifteen articles were part of the study, mostly published in the United States (33.3%) and in 2016 (33.3%). The main research method identified was clinical studies (80%). Most of the care technologies identified are in relation to medication adherence in the post-transplant setting. Another intervention identified was health education action with the support of mobile apps, electronic monitoring systems, and a card game. CONCLUSIONS: The results present technologies directed at the importance of post-transplant drug adherence; however, it is important to adapt the technologies to the reality experienced by the patient, as well as to train patients so that they can introduce these technologies in their daily lives. Furthermore, it is important that technologies are developed that include other aspects of adherence to post-transplant treatment.

Avaliação das condições higiênico-sanitárias na comercialização de carne e pescado no mercado municipal da cidade de Pio XII, estado do Maranhão, Brasil / Evaluation of the hygienic-sanitary conditions in the commercialization of meat and fish in the municipal market in the city of Pio XII, state of Maranhão, Brazil

Avaliaram-se as condições higiênico-sanitárias na comercialização de carne e pescado no mercado municipal de Pio XII - MA, através da aplicação de uma lista de verificação adaptada de acordo com a RDC nº 216/2004 da ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária), dotada de um total de 33 itens distribuídos em 8 categorias distintas, em 17 boxes de comercialização, no período de agosto a setembro de 2021. Realizou-se a aplicação de um questionário para verificar o perfil socioeconômico dos vendedores do mercado de Pio XII - MA, com aprovação no Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa (CONEP), da Universidade Estadual do Maranhão - UEMA com o número de CAAE 25016719.8.0000.5554. Foram verificados que 13% dos boxes do mercado estavam em péssimas condições higiênico-sanitárias e o restante foi classificado como ruim (20 a 49%), sendo que o percentual de conformidades de nenhum deles ultrapassou 27,0%, não sendo nenhum estabelecimento classificado como regular (50 a 69%), bom (70 a 90%) ou excelente (91 a 100%). Em relação aos resultados do perfil socioeconômico dos comerciantes, 100% eram do sexo masculino, com 17,6% apresentavam-se na faixa etária de 30 a 39 anos, 41,2% tinham idade de 40-49 anos e 41,2%, com mais de 50 anos. Quanto à escolaridade, predominaram os níveis não alfabetizados e ensino fundamental com percentual de 40,2% para cada um. A renda familiar da maioria (58,8%) se concentrou no intervalo de 1 a 3 salários mínimos. Pode-se concluir que a atividade de comercialização de carne e pescado no Mercado Municipal de Pio XII - MA vem sendo realizada de forma inadequada, e a falta de conhecimento dos comerciantes sobre as Boas Práticas de Fabricação e a realização de treinamento adequado são fatores contribuem de forma significativa para o agravo dessa situação, assim como a origem da carne comercializada, que é de abate clandestino.

The hygienic-sanitary conditions in the marketing of meat and fish in the municipal market of Pio XII - MA were evaluated through the application of a checklist adapted according to the RDC No. 216/2004 of ANVISA (National Health Surveillance Agency), with a total of 33 items distributed into 8 distinct categories, in 17 commercialization boxes, in the period from August to September 2021. A questionnaire was applied to verify the socioeconomic profile of the vendors in the market of Pio XII - MA, with approval in the Research Ethics Committee (CONEP), of the Maranhão State University - UEMA with the number CAAE 25016719.8.0000.5554. It was verified that 13% of the market stalls were in very bad hygienic-sanitary conditions and the rest were classified as bad (20 to 49%), and the percentage of compliance of none of them exceeded 27.0%, with no establishment classified as regular (50 to 69%), good (70 to 90%) or excellent (91 to 100%). Regarding the results of the socioeconomic profile of the merchants, 100% were male, with 17.6% in the 30 to 39 age bracket, 41.2% were 40-49 years old, and 41.2% were over 50 years old. As for education, non-literate and elementary school levels predominated, with a percentage of 40.2% for each. The family income of the majority (58.8%) was concentrated in the range of 1 to 3 minimum wages. It can be concluded that the activity of meat and fish commercialization in the Municipal Market of Pio XII - MA has been performed in an inadequate way, and the lack of knowledge of traders about the Good Manufacturing Practices and the performance of proper training are factors that contribute significantly to the worsening of this situation, as well as the origin of the meat commercialized, which is from clandestine slaughter.

Computational structural, electronic and optical properties of the palmitic acid in its C form.

In this work, we report a theoretical study of the structural, electronic, and optical properties of palmitic acid crystal in its C form under DFT calculations level. Palmitic acid is a fatty acid that constitutes the large majority of vegetable oils with recognized potential applications in medicine, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics technology, foods, and fuel. As a main result, we have found that the electronic bandstructure reveals an indirect gap given by 3.713 eV (E→B andE→Γ), as a main bandgap, while the secondary bandgaps found were 4.175 eV (γ1→Γ) and 4.172 eV (γ2→B). It behaves like a wide bandgap semiconductor, which points to potential applications in optoelectronic devices.