Development a Low-Cost Wireless Smart Meter with Power Quality Measurement for Smart Grid Applications.

Developing a low-cost wireless energy meter with power quality measurements for smart grid applications represents a significant advance in efficient and accurate electric energy monitoring. In increasingly complex and interconnected electric systems, this device will be essential for a wide range of applications, such as smart grids, by introducing a real-time energy monitoring system. In light of this, smart meters can offer greater opportunities for sustainable and efficient energy use and improve the utilization of energy sources, especially those that are nonrenewable. According to the 2020 International Energy Agency (IEA) report, nonrenewable energy sources represent 65% of the global supply chain. The smart meter developed in this work is based on the ESP32 microcontroller and easily accessible components since it includes a user-friendly development platform that offers a cost-effective solution while ensuring reliable performance. The main objective of developing the smart meters was to enhance the software and simplify the hardware. Unlike traditional meters that calculate electrical parameters by means of complex circuits in hardware, this project performed the calculations directly on the microcontroller. This procedure reduced the complexity of the hardware by simplifying the meter design. Owing to the high-performance processing capability of the microcontroller, efficient and accurate calculations of electrical parameters could be achieved without the need for additional circuits. This software-driven approach with simplified hardware led to benefits, such as reduced production costs, lower energy consumption, and a meter with improved accuracy, as well as updates on flexibility. Furthermore, the integrated wireless connectivity in the microcontroller enables the collected data to be transmitted to remote monitoring systems for later analysis. The innovative feature of this smart meter lies in the fact that it has readily available components, along with the ESP32 chip, which results in a low-cost smart meter with performance that is comparable to other meters available on the market. Moreover, it is has the capacity to incorporate IoT and artificial intelligence applications. The developed smart meter is cost effective and energy efficient, and offers benefits with regard to flexibility, and thus represents an innovative, efficient, and versatile solution for smart grid applications.

A multidão das dissidências de gênero e a clínica psicanalítica / The crowd of gender dissidence and the psychoanalytic clinic / La foule des dissidences de genre et la clinique psychanalytique

Pretende-se discutir o horizonte ético político de uma clínica que se articula à ideia de uma multidão de minorias a partir da consideração de experiências transidentitárias, ancoradas na recusa da norma binária de gênero. Para tanto, parte-se de uma breve consideração histórica da apropriação psicanalítica da dita transexualidade, indicando deslocamentos entre a figura do dito transexual verdadeiro, descrita por Robert Stoller, e as formas contemporâneas de dissidências de gênero para em seguida determo-nos na crítica a um aspecto central de tal apropriação: a ênfase no modelo diagnóstico-etiológico. Por fim, propomos a consideração da clínica psicanalítica como campo de experimentação ética, sustentado por uma atitude crítica que interrogue permanentemente as formas hegemônicas de subjetivação e de laço social.

Having regard to transidentitarian experiences, anchored in the refusal of the binary gender norm, this article intends to discuss the ethical political horizon of a clinic that articulates itself to the idea of a multitude of minorities. In order to do so, it starts with a brief historical consideration of the psychoanalytic appropriation of the so-called transsexuality, indicating a displacement between the figure of the "true transexual", described by Robert Stoller, and the contemporary forms of gender dissidence. We consider, specially, the emphasis on the diagnostic-etiological model. Finally, we propose the consideration of the psychoanalytic clinic as a field of ethical experimentation, supported by a critical attitude that permanently interrogates the hegemonic forms of subjectivation and social bond.

À partir de la prise en compte d'expériences transidentitaires, ancrées dans le refus de la norme de genre binaire, il s'agit d'interroger l'horizon politique éthique d'une clinique qui s'articule à l'idée d'une multitude de minorités. Pour ce faire, nous commençons par une brève considération historique de l'appropriation psychanalytique de la soi-disant transsexualité, indiquant les déplacements entre la figure du «vrai transsexuel¼, décrite par Robert Stoller, et les formes contemporaines de dissidence de genre. Nous privilégions l'accent mis sur le modèle diagnostique-étiologique. Finalement, nous proposons de considérer la clinique psychanalytique comme un champ d'expérimentation éthique, soutenu par une attitude critique qui interroge en permanence les formes hégémoniques de la subjectivation et du lien social.

New species of the Hypoxys triangularis group and the first contribution on the morphology of the internal genitalia of Hypoxys Amyot amp; Serville, 1843 (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Edessinae).

Hypoxys is the second most diverse genus of Edessinae, but it still has many new species to be described. The taxon was divided into four species groups, among these the H. triangularis group currently has the fewest number of species. This group is formed by H. triangularis (Dallas, 1851), H. capito (Breddin, 1904) and H. subrastratus (Bergroth, 1891). In this study, we describe five new species: H. myrtacivorus sp. n.; H. striatus sp. n.; H. saltensis sp. n.; H. curvatus sp. n. and H. ocanensis sp. n. Additional diagnostic characteristics were added to the H. triangularis group and described species. Internal genitalia of both sexes of Hypoxys species are presented for the first time. Diagnoses for the new species, distributional map and identification key are provided.

Physical Training Protects Against Brain Toxicity in Mice Exposed to an Experimental Model of Glioblastoma.

Glioma 261 (Gl261) cell-mediated neurotoxicity has been reported in previous studies examining glioblastoma (GBM), and the effects of physical exercise (PE) on this neurotoxicity have been poorly investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a PE program in animals with experimental GBM. Male C57BL/6J mice were randomized into sham or GBM groups and subjected to a PE program for four weeks. Gl261 cells were administered into the intraventricular region at 48 h after the last exercise session. Body weight, water and feed consumption, and behavior were all evaluated for 21 days followed by euthanasia. The right parietal lobe was removed for the analysis of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vimentin, C-myc, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), interleukin 6 (IL-6), hydrogen peroxide, the glutathione system, and oxidative damage to proteins. The results revealed changes in the behavioral patterns of the trained animals, and no anatomopathological changes were observed in response to PE training. In contrast, animals with GBM subjected to PE exhibited lower immunoexpression of c-MYC, vimentin, and GFAP. Although experimental GBM altered the redox profile and inflammatory mediators, no significant alterations were observed after PE. In conclusion, our data provide consistent evidence of the relationship between PE and the improvement of tumorigenic parameters against the neurotoxicity of GL261 cells.

COVID-19 Outcome Relates With Circulating BDNF, According to Patient Adiposity and Age.

Background and Aims: We evaluated adipose tissue-derived hormones, body composition, serum metabolic profile, levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and the association of these parameters with the clinical outcome in patients with COVID-19. We sought to examine whether obesity, sex, and age influence the adipose tissue endocrine response to the disease. Methods: This prospective study investigated 145 hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Patients were categorized based on their body mass index (BMI), sex and age, and were also classified regarding their outcome after hospitalization as: (a) Non-ICU: patients hospitalized who did not receive intensive care; (b) ICU-survivor: patients admitted to the intensive care unit and discharged; (c) ICU-death: patients who died. Blood samples were collected by the hospital staff between the first and third day of hospitalization. Serum leptin, adiponectin and BDNF concentrations, triglycerides, total cholesterol and cholesterol fractions were performed following the manufacturer's guidelines. Results: We demonstrate that BDNF levels predict intensive care (IC) need (p < 0.01). This association was found to be stronger in patients >60y (p = 0.026). Neither leptin nor adiponectin concentration was associated with IC requirement or with patient's outcome, while the BDNF/adiponectin ratio was closely associated with worsened outcomes (p < 0.01). BDNF concentration was similar between sexes, however tended to be lower in male patients (p = 0.023). In older patients, BDNF concentration was lower than that of younger patients (p = 0.020). These age and sex-specific differences should be considered when employing these potential markers for prognosis assessment. While appetite and body composition regulating hormones secreted by the white adipose tissue are not reliable predictors of disease severity, the ratio BDNF/adiponectin was indicative of patient status. Conclusion: Thus, we propose that serum BDNF content and BDNF/adiponectin ratio may serve as tools predicting worsened prognosis in COVID-19, especially for male patients.

HIPTCN: Prospective Observational Study of Hypocoagulated Head Trauma Patients with Normal Admission Computed Tomography Scan.

INTRODUCTION: Our national protocol for traumatic brain injury dictates that hypocoagulated patients with mild trauma and initial tomography scan with no intracranial traumatic changes must be hospitalized for 24 hours and do a post-surveillance tomography scan. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of these measures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was undertaken in four hospitals. Adult hypocoagulated traumatic brain injury patients with a normal tomography scan were included. The main outcomes evaluated were rate of delayed intracranial hemorrhage, rate of admission in a neurosurgical department, rate of complications related with surveillance and rate of prolonged hospitalization due to complications. An analysis combining data from a previously published report was also done. RESULTS: A total of 178 patients were included. Four patients (2.3%) had a delayed hemorrhage and three (1.7%) were hospitalized in a neurosurgery ward. No cases of symptomatic hemorrhage were identified. No surgery was needed, and all patients had their anticoagulation stopped. Complications during surveillance were reported in seven patients (3.9%), of which two required prolonged hospitalization. DISCUSSION: The rate of complications related with surveillance was higher than the rate of delayed hemorrhages. The initial period of in-hospital surveillance did not convey any advantage since the management of patients was never dictated by neurological changes. Post-surveillance tomography played a role in deciding about anticoagulation suspension and prolongation of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Delayed hemorrhage is a rare event and the need for surgery even rarer. The need for in-hospital surveillance should be reassessed.

Introdução: O nosso protocolo nacional para traumatismos cranioencefálicos recomenda que doentes hipocoagulados com trauma craniano ligeiro e tomografia inicial sem alterações traumáticas intracranianas sejam hospitalizados 24 horas e façam uma tomografia computorizada pós-vigilância. O principal objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a relevância clínica dessas medidas. Material e Métodos: Foi realizado em quatro hospitais um estudo prospetivo e observacional. Foram incluídos adultos hipocoagulados com trauma craniano e tomografia normal. Os principais outcomes avaliados foram: taxa de hemorragia intracraniana tardia, taxa de internamento numa enfermaria de neurocirurgia, taxa de complicações relacionadas com a vigilância e taxa de hospitalização prolongada por complicações. Resultados: Foram incluídos um total de 178 doentes. Quatro doentes (2,3%) apresentaram hemorragia tardia e três (1,7%) foram mantidos hospitalizados numa enfermaria de Neurocirurgia. Não foram documentados casos de hemorragia tardia sintomática. Nenhuma cirurgia foi necessária e em todos estes doentes a anticoagulação foi interrompida. Durante a vigilância, foram relatadas complicações em sete doentes (3,9%), dos quais dois exigiram hospitalização prolongada. Discussão: A taxa de complicações relacionadas com a vigilância foi maior do que a taxa de hemorragia tardia. O período inicial de vigilância intra-hospitalar não trouxe qualquer vantagem, já que o manejo dos doentes nunca foi ditado por alterações neurológicas. A tomografia pós-vigilância desempenhou um papel importante na decisão sobre a suspensão da anticoagulação e o prolongamento da hospitalização. Conclusão: A hemorragia tardia é um evento raro e a necessidade de cirurgia ainda mais. Deve ser reavaliada a necessidade de vigilância intra-hospitalar.

Psicologia social comunitária e economia solidária no Brasil: diálogos conceituais / Social and community psychology and solidarity economy in Brazil: conceptual dialogues / Psicologia social y comunitaria y economia solidadaria en Brasil: diálogos conceptuales

Este trabalho tem como objetivo principal realizar uma aproximação teórica entre os conceitos de comunidade e desenvolvimento comunitário a partir dos aportes da Economia Solidária e da Psicologia Social Comunitária. Tendo como cenário os debates e práticas que motivaram a emergência destes campos no contexto brasileiro, buscamos compreender os conceitos selecionados e a partir deles examinar as possibilidades de interconexões. Para tanto, tomamos como base autores(as) representativos(as) para os campos, especialmente na literatura brasileira, e que pudessem contribuir para esta discussão. A partir dos elementos levantados, evidenciamos pontos de convergência e divergência nos conceitos centrais. Dentre as convergências ressaltamos: I. ideias de participação e democracia; II. noção da construção do sujeito crítico; III. noção de uma espécie de cidadania ativa. Já as divergências se colocam mais como caminhos distintos para a leitura de uma mesma realidade social, podendo-se concluir que os campos são complementares para a compreensão desta realidade (AU).

Our main objective here is to carry out a theoretical approach among the concepts of community and community development from the contributions of solidarity economy and social and community psychology. Taking as backdrop themes that motivated the emergence of these fields in the Brazilian context, we seek to understand these selected concepts by exploring possibilities of interconnections. Also, we have taken as grounding representative authors from each field at the Brazilian literature, choosing those who could contribute to this discussion. From emerged categories out of these central concepts, we have highlighted points of theorical convergence and divergence. Among the convergences, we have highlighted: I. ideas of participation and democracy; II. construction of a critical subject; III. a kind of an active citizenship. Differences, on the other hand, seems to be distinct paths for reading the same social reality, and it can be concluded that the fields are complementary in understanding this reality (AU).

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo principal llevar a cabo un enfoque teórico entre los conceptos de comunidad y desarrollo comunitario a partir de los aportes de la economía solidaria y la psicología social y comunitaria. Tomando como telón de fondo elementos del surgimiento de estos campos en el contexto brasileño, buscamos comprender como los conceptos seleccionados se caracterizan y cuáles son sus posibles interconexiones. Para esto, tomamos como base a autores representativos de los campos, especialmente en la literatura brasileña. De los elementos planteados, destacamos puntos de convergencia y divergencia entre los conceptos centrales. Por las convergencias, destacamos: I. ideas de participación y democracia; II noción de la construcción del sujeto crítico; III. noción de una especie de ciudadanía activa. Las diferencias, por otro lado, parecen ser caminos distintos para leer la misma realidad social, y se puede concluir que los campos son complementarios para comprender esta realidad (AU).

Susceptibility of the patients infected with Sars-Cov2 to oxidative stress and possible interplay with severity of the disease.

Several recent reviews have suggested a role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of COVID-19, but its interplay with disease severity has not been revealed yet. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the association between the severity of COVID-19 and oxidative stress parameters. Clinical data of 77 patients with COVID-19 admitted to the hospital were analyzed and divided into moderate (n = 44) and severe (n = 33) groups based on their clinical condition. Production of oxidant (hydrogen peroxide) and defense antioxidants (total antioxidant capacity, reduced and oxidized glutathione, glutathione s-transferase), and oxidative damage (malondialdehyde, carbonyl, and sulfhydryl) were assessed using the serum samples. The results revealed that severe patients who presented high serum leukocyte count and CRP level stayed for a longer period in the hospital. However, there was no correlation observed between the oxidative stress parameters and degree of COVID-19 severity in the present study. In conclusion, these results indicate that the disease severity may not be a detrimental factor contributing to the changes in the redox profile of hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Neuroinflammatory Regulation of Gold Nanoparticles Conjugated to Ethylene Dicysteine Diethyl Ester in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). A large amount of proinflammatory cytokines is released in the CNS from the self-reactive T cells infiltrate, leading to the destruction of the myelin sheath and contributing to the development of MS. Several drugs have emerged in recent years to treat MS, and studies have shown that gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have anti-inflammatory properties in autoimmune diseases. Thus, the effects of GNP conjugation to ethylene dicysteine diethyl ester (ECD) were evaluated in C57BL/6 female mice exposed to experimental MS. Animals were exposed to experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35-55) in complete Freund's adjuvant supplemented with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The clinical and cerebral effects of the different doses of ECD-GNPs (0.3, 0.6, and 1.0 mg/kg) were first studied, and the results showed that the group treated with 0.6 mg/kg ECD-GNPs improved clinical symptoms, inflammatory infiltrate, and myelin integrity. In the following step, GNPs and ECD-GNPs (0.6 mg/kg) showed improvements in the clinical signs of the disease. Moreover, there was a reduction in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines in both groups compared to EAE, and only the isolated use of GNPs increased IL-4 expression. Both NF-κB and TGFß immunoexpression were significantly reduced following EAE + GNPs and EAE + ECD-GNPs treatment. In conclusion, GNPs and ECD-GNPs at 0.6 mg/kg attenuate the neurological signs of EAE likely due to inhibition of neuroinflammation induced by EAE.

Intergenerational thyroid hormone homeostasis imbalance in cerebellum of rats perinatally exposed to glyphosate-based herbicide.

Agrochemicals became a public health concern due to increased human exposure and possible endocrine disruption effects in several organs, including the brain. Thyroid hormones controls neurodevelopment, which turn them sensitive to endocrine disruptors (EDs). In this work, we evaluated the effect of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) as an intergenerational endocrine disrupter on thyroid homeostasis in cerebellar cells. Female pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to Roundup Transorb® solution at 5 and 50 mg/kg/day, from gestation day 18 to post-natal day 5 (P5). Cerebellum of male offspring was used to evaluate gene expression. The mRNA levels of thyroid hormone receptors, hormonal conversion enzymes, hormone transporters, as well as, de novo epigenetic regulators were altered, with some of these genes presenting a non-monotonic dose response. Furthermore, metabolomic profile correlation with tested dose demonstrated altered metabolic profile, in agreement with cerebellar gene alterations. Moreover, cerebellar primary cultures exposed to non-toxic GBH concentration presented a decrease level in glial fibrillary acidic protein, a protein regulated by endocrine signals. In conclusion, our results indicate that animals exposed to non-toxic GBH doses during perinatal phase carry intergenerational alterations in key regulators of cellular thyroid hormone homeostasis and epigenetic controllers in adulthood, indicating the possible ED effect of GBH based on epigenetic alterations.

Calibrating UTCI'S comfort assessment scale for three Brazilian cities with different climatic conditions.

Both global climate change and urbanization trends will demand adaptation measures in cities. Large agglomerations and impacts on landscape and natural environments due to city growth will require guided densification schemes in urban areas, particularly in developing countries. Human biometeorological indices such as the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) could guide this process, as they provide a clear account of expected effects on thermal sensation from a given change in outdoor settings. However, an earlier step should optimally include an adequacy test of suggested comfort and thermal stress ranges with calibration procedures based on surveys with the target population. This paper compares obtained thermal comfort ranges for three different locations in Brazil: Belo Horizonte, 20° S, Aw climate type; Curitiba, 25.5° S, Cfb subtropical climate, both locations in elevation (above 900 m a.s.l.); and Pelotas, at sea level, latitude 32° S, with a Cfa climate type. In each city, a set of outdoor comfort field campaigns has been carried out according to similar procedures, covering a wide range of climatic conditions over different seasons of the year. Obtained results indicate a variation of neutral temperatures up to 3 °C (UTCI units) as a possible latitude and local climate effect between the southern locations relative to the northernmost location. Low UTCI values were found in the two subtropical locations for the lower threshold of the thermal comfort band as compared with the original threshold. A possible explanation for that is a longer exposure to cold conditions as buildings are seldom provided with heating systems.

Quatro condições para a pesquisa em psicanálise / Cuatro condiciones para la investigación en psicoanálisis / Quatre conditions pour la recherche en psychanalyse / Four Conditions for Research in Psychoanalysis

Resumo Este artigo discute o uso da psicanálise - em especial da técnica psicanalítica baseada na associação livre - em investigações no campo da psicologia social, a partir da experiência dos autores em um programa de pós-graduação. Para tanto, tentamos produzir uma reflexão sobre as condições e os impactos do deslocamento de conceitos entre a clínica do sofrimento psíquico individual e a pesquisa empírica envolvendo instituições e grupos. Centrando-se na afirmação do primado do inconsciente, os autores procuram ordenar as linhas de aproximação e de afastamento entre a clínica e a pesquisa empírica. Parte-se da discussão sobre as condições necessárias (fora do setting terapêutico) à escuta do inconsciente, ao estabelecimento do vínculo transferencial, ao trabalho de interpretação dos discursos dos sujeitos, e, por fim, à elaboração de conteúdos e desejos inconscientes - seja por parte dos sujeitos escutados da pesquisa, seja por parte do próprio pesquisador em seu trabalho de elaboração teórica.

Resumen Este artículo discute el uso del psicoanálisis, en especial la técnica psicoanalítica basada en la asociación libre en investigaciones en el campo de la psicología social, a partir de la experiencia de autores en un programa de postgrado. Para tanto, se intenta producir una reflexión sobre las condiciones y los impactos del desplazamiento de conceptos entre la clínica del sufrimiento psíquico individual y la investigación empírica de instituciones y grupos. Centrándose en la afirmación del primado del inconsciente, los autores buscan ordenar las líneas de aproximación y de alejamiento entre la clínica y la investigación empírica. Se parte de la discusión sobre las condiciones necesarias, fuera del setting terapéutico, a la escucha del inconsciente, al establecimiento del vínculo transferencial, al trabajo de interpretación de los discursos de los sujetos y, por último, a la elaboración de contenidos y deseos inconscientes, ya sea por parte de los sujetos escuchados en la investigación, o del propio investigador en su trabajo de elaboración teórica.

Résumé Cet article traite de l'utilisation de la psychanalyse - en particulier de la technique psychanalytique basée sur l'association libre dans la psychologie sociale - à partir de l'expérience des auteurs dans un programme de troisième cycle. Pour ce faire, nous réfléchirons aux conditions et aux impacts du déplacement des concepts entre la clinique de la souffrance psychique individuelle et la recherche empirique impliquant des institutions et des groupes. En se concentrant sur l'affirmation de la primauté de l'inconscient, objet fondamental de la technique psychanalytique, les auteurs cherchent à ordonner les lignes d'approche et de distance entre les recherches clinique et empirique. Nous discutons les conditions nécessaires, en dehors du cadre thérapeutique, pour l'écoute de l'inconscient, pour l'établissement du lien transférentiel, pour l'interprétation des discours des sujets, et enfin, pour l'élaboration des contenus et des désirs inconscients; soit par les sujets de recherche, ou par le chercheur lui-même dans son travail d'élaboration théorique.

Abstract This article discusses the use of psychoanalysis - particularly of psychoanalytic technique based on free association - for investigations in the field of social psychology, based on the authors' experience in a graduate program. To this end, we have attempted to produce a reflection on the conditions and the impact of the dislocation of concepts between the clinic of individual psychic suffering and empirical research involving institutions and groups. By focusing on the assertion of the primacy of the unconscious, we have tried to array the lines of approximation and distancing between clinical practice and empirical research. The basis is the discussion on the necessary conditions (outside of the therapeutic setting) for listening to the unconscious, for creating a transference bond, for the work of interpretation of the discourses of subjects and, finally, for the elaboration of unconscious contents and desires - whether by the subjects listened to in this research or by the researchers themselves in their work of theoretical elaboration.

Physical Exercise-Mediated Changes in Redox Profile Contribute to Muscle Remodeling After Passive Hand-Rolled Cornhusk Cigarette Smoke Exposure.

Consumption of non-traditional cigarettes has increased considerably worldwide, and they can induce skeletal muscle dysfunction. Physical exercise has been demonstrated to be important for prevention and treatment of smoking-related diseases. Therfore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of combined physical exercise (aerobic plus resistance exercise) on muscle histoarchitecture and oxidative stress in the animals exposed chronically to smoke from hand-rolled cornhusk cigarette (HRCC). Male Swiss mice were exposed to ambient air or passively to the smoke of 12 cigarettes over three daily sessions (four cigarettes per session) for 30 consecutive days with or without combined physical training. 48 h after the last training session, total leukocyte count was measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and the quadriceps were removed for histological/immunohistochemical analysis and measurement of oxidative stress parameters. The effects of HRCC on the number of leukocytes in BALF, muscle fiber diameter, central nuclei, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were reverted after combined physical training. In addition, increased myogenic factor 5, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), reduced transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß), and nitrate levels were observed after physical training. However, the reduction in superoxide dismutase and glutathione/glutathione oxidized ratio induced by HRCC was not affected by the training program. These results suggest the important changes in the skeletal muscle brought about by HRCC-induced alteration in the muscle redox profile. In addition, combined physical exercise contributes to remodeling without disrupting muscle morphology.

Leaf extracts of Campomanesia xanthocarpa positively regulates atherosclerotic-related protein expression.

Atherosclerosis is caused by a monocyte-mediated inflammatory process that, in turn, is stimulated by cytokines and adhesion molecules. Monocytes are then differentiated into macrophages, leading to the formation of arterial atherosclerotic plaques. Recently, guavirova leaf extracts from Campomanesia xanthocarpa (EG) have shown potential effects on the treatment of plaque formation by reducing cholesterol, LDL levels and serum oxidative stress. We evaluated the effect of EG on the viability of human monocytic and endothelial cell lines at three time points (24, 48 and 72 hours) and whether it can modulate the migration and in vitro expression of CD14, PECAM-1, ICAM-1, HLA-DR and CD105. Cell viability was affected only at higher concentrations and times. We observed decreased ICAM-1 expression in cells treated with 50 µg/ml EG and CD14 expression with IFN-γ and without IFN-γ. CD14 also decreased endothelial cell expression in the presence of IFN-γ and GE. We also found decreased expression of PECAM-1 when treated with EG and IFN-γ. In addition, EG-treated endothelial cells showed higher migration than the control group. Reduced expression of these markers and increased migration may lead to decreased cytokines, which may be contributing to decreased chronic inflammatory response during atherosclerosis and protecting endothelial integrity.

A low-cost smart system for electrophoresis-based nucleic acids detection at the visible spectrum.

Nucleic acid detection by electrophoresis is still a quick and accessible technique for many diagnosis methods, primarily at research laboratories or at the point of care units. Standard protocols detect DNA/RNA molecules through specific bound chemical dyes using a UV-transilluminator or UV-photo documentation system. However, the acquisition costs and availability of these devices, mainly the ones with photography and internet connection capabilities, can be prohibitive, especially in developing countries public health units. Also, ultraviolet radiation is a common additional risk factor to professionals that use electrophoresis-based nucleic acid detection. With that in mind, this work describes the development of a low-cost DNA/RNA detection smart system capable of obtaining qualitative and semi-quantitative data from gel analysis. The proposed device explores the visible light absorption range of commonly used DNA/RNA dyes using readily available parts, and simple manufacturing processes, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and 3D impression. By applying IoT techniques, our system covers a wide range of color spectrum in order to detect bands from various commercially used dyes, using Bluetooth communication and a smartphone for hardware control, image capturing, and sharing. The project also enables process scalability and has low manufacturing and maintenance costs. The use of LEDs at the visible spectrum can achieve very reproducible images, providing a high potential for rapid and point-of-care diagnostics as well as applications in several fields such as healthcare, agriculture, and aquaculture.

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) extract inhibits hand-rolled cornhusk cigarette smoke-induced oxidative pulmonary damage.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) extract (YME) on oxidative stress parameters and pathological changes in the lungs of mice chronically exposed to hand-rolled cornhusk cigarette (HRC) smoke. Twenty-four male Swiss mice were divided into four groups exposed to the following treatments: control (ambient air), HRC, YME, and HRC plus YME. The animals were exposed to four HRCs per session, with 3 sessions/day, every day for 30 days. Twenty-four hours after the last inhalation, the mice were killed, and the left lungs were removed. The results showed that HRC contains elevated levels of tin and carbon oxide, but less arsenic, cobalt, manganese, and selenium than commercial cigarettes. YME administration reversed fibrosis, alveolar enlargement, and hemorrhage induced by HRC smoke. In addition, the YME and HRC significantly reduced the production of oxidants, oxidative damage and promoted a significant increase in total thiol. In conclusion, exposure to HRC smoke compromised pulmonary histoarchitecture by promoting structural changes and increasing oxidative stress in tissues. However, concomitant treatment with YME regulated the redox state and reduced the harmful effects of HRC smoke exposure in the lungs.

Revision of Hypoxys Amyot amp; Serville, 1843 stat. rest. (Heteroptera Pentatomidae).

Hypoxys is one of four subgenera of Edessa (Fabricius, 1787) together with Aceratodes (De Geer, 1773), Dorypleura (Lepeletier Serville, 1825) and Edessa (Fabricius, 1787). This taxon has a very confusing taxonomy due to incorrect use of the names available, imprecise descriptions, and large number of very similar species. To illustrate the confusion, Hypoxys potentially includes a large number of species of Edessa, but actually contains only the type species, according to the most recent catalogue. The name E. quadridens Fabricius, 1803, type species of Hypoxys, was used for more than a century as a label to identify a large group of similar species. In this work we continue revising Edessa elevating Hypoxys to genus based on the following morphological characters: proximal part of costal margin black; evaporatorium with a deep notch on lateral margin; anterior arms of metasternal process acuminate; pygophore longer than wide and subrectangular or barrel-shaped in dorsal view; dorsal rim of pygophore well-projected, almost reaching posterolateral angles and finishing in a small lobe; and posterolateral angles of pygophore not developed. Hypoxys is being divided in four species groups to include 17 species transferred from Edessa. H. quadridens group comprises: Hypoxys quadridens (Fabricius, 1803) (type species), H. boerneri (Breddin, 1904) comb. nov., H. claricolor (Breddin, 1907) comb. nov., H. dolosus (Breddin, 1907) comb. nov., H. eburatulus (Breddin, 1907) comb. nov., H. necopinatus (Breddin, 1907) comb. nov., H. offuscatus (Breddin, 1907) comb. nov. and H. trabeculus (Breddin, 1907) comb. nov. H. triangularis group comprises: H. triangularis (Dallas, 1851) comb. nov. (type species), H. capito (Breddin, 1904) comb. nov. and H. subrastratus (Bergroth, 1891) comb. nov. H. oxyacanthus group comprises: H. oxyacanthus (Breddin, 1904) comb. nov. (type species), H. brachyacanthus (Breddin, 1904) comb. nov., H. infulatus (Breddin, 1904) comb. nov., H. leptacanthus (Breddin, 1904) comb. nov. and H. tragelaphus (Breddin, 1903) comb. nov. H. balteatus group comprises only H. balteatus (Walker, 1868) comb. nov. These groups of species will be useful to organize the new species of Hypoxys that will be described in upcoming papers. Descriptions, measurements, photos of genitalia of both sexes; photos in dorsal and ventral views of the species; and distribution maps are provided. Males of H. capito, H. claricolor, H. eburatulus, H. infulatus, and H. subrastratus are described for the first time. Female of H. necopinatus is described for the first time. Edessa jugalis is considered a junior synonym of H. quadridens; E. rimata a junior synonym of H. offuscatus; E. scabriventris and E. leprosula junior synonyms of H. triangularis; E. pachyacantha a junior synonym of H. tragelaphus; E. orba a junior synonym of E. oxyacanthus. A key to the species of Hypoxys is also provided.

Dois casos de hiperpigmentação cutânea induzido pela polimixina B / Two cases of skin hyperpigmentation induced by polymyxin B

INTRODUÇÃO: O processo de hiperpigmentação cutânea envolve mecanismos bioquímicos e imunológicos que estimulam a melanogênese e apesar da nefrotoxicidade consistir na reação adversa mais relevante da polimixina B, o antimicrobiano também está associado a esta alteração. RELATO DE CASO: Caso 1: paciente masculino diagnosticado com Linfoma de Hodgkin, que desenvolveu hiperpigmentação cutânea após iniciar tratamento com meropenem, anidulafungina e polimixina B devido a um quadro de choque séptico. Caso 2: paciente masculino admitido na UTI por rebaixamento do nível de consciência e suspeita de IAMCSST, diagnosticado com endocardite e pericardite, que também apresentou hiperpigmentação cutânea durante terapia com anfotericina B e polimixina B. CONCLUSÃO: Após criteriosa avaliação da ordem cronológica e medicamentos utilizados pelos pacientes, concluímos que a polimixina B desencadeou a hiperpigmentação em ambos. Por fim, baseado ao mecanismo desta reação e aos achados científicos, estudos clínicos que possam evidenciar um provável efeito farmacológico com o uso de antagonistas H2 são necessários.

INTRODUCTION: The skin hyperpigmentation process involves biochemical and immunological mechanisms that stimulate melanogenesis and although nephrotoxicity consists of the most relevant adverse reaction of polymyxin B, it is also associated with this changes. CASE REPORT: Case 1: male patient, diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, who developed skin hyperpigmentation after starting treatment with meropenem, anidulafungin and polymyxin B due to a septic shock. Case 2: male patient, admitted to the ICU for decreased level of consciousness and suspected STEMI, diagnosed with endocarditis and pericarditis, who also presented skin hyperpigmentation during therapy with amphotericin B and polymyxin B. CONCLUSION: After careful evaluation of chronological order and drugs used by patients, we conclude that polymyxin B caused hyperpigmentation in both patients. Finally, based on the mechanism of this reaction and the scientific findings, clinical studies that may evidence a probable pharmacological effect with the use of H2 antagonists are required.

Association Between the Success of an Invasive Macrophyte, Environmental Variables and Abundance of a Competing Native Macrophyte.

The success of invasive species depends on the overcoming of abiotic and biotic filters. Abiotic variables likely have greater relative importance over invasion at broad spatial scales, while biotic interactions are more important at fine spatial scales. In this study, we tested the hypotheses that (i) the abundance of the invasive Hydrilla verticillata is more correlated with abiotic factors than with competing native species at broad spatial grain; and that (ii) H. verticillata abundance is more correlated with competing native species than with abiotic factors at fine spatial grain. Here, we considered spatial scale as the grain size (i.e., the extent of sampling unit) assuming broad spatial scales as a large area encompassing the entire patches of macrophytes, and fine spatial scales as a small area inside one macrophyte patch. We collected the abundance of hydrilla and the competing native species along with environmental variables in a large subtropical reservoir. To evaluate how the relative importance of the abiotic factors and the competing native species vary between spatial grains we used Bayesian Generalized Linear Models. At broad grain, the abundance of the competing native species, maximum fetch (positive correlation), turbidity and conductivity (negative correlation) were the most important factors to explain the hydrilla abundance. At fine grain, alkalinity, total organic matter of the sediment and the abundance of a competitive native species (all negative correlations) were the most important variables. Our results indicate a greater importance of abiotic factors at broader grains while competitive interactions seem to be important only in the finer spatial grains. Environmental heterogeneity may explain the positive correlation between native and invasive abundances at broad grain, while the negative correlation at fine grain suggests the effect of competition. In synthesis, we show that the abiotic factors that explain the invasion success of a submerged invasive macrophyte are the same in two spatial grains, but the importance of biotic interactions changed with grain. Thus, our data suggest that models that attempt to explain the success of invasive plants, should consider spatial scales.