Avaliação da profundidade da cárie proximal nos exames radiográfico convencional e digitalizado / Evaluation of the size of proximal caries in radiography and digitized

Introdução: A cárie dentária é uma doença multifatorial que compreende vários fatores biológicos e sociais. A superfície proximal dos dentes é uma região de difícil visualização que pode esconder pequenas lesões cariosas no esmalte dentário, impossibilitando o diagnóstico através de inspeções visuais e táteis. Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a profundidade da cárie proximal nos exames radiográficos convencionais e digitais, comparando as profundidades das lesões consideradas nestes exames às do exame histológico. Método: Foram utilizados exames radiográficos interproximais de 40 dentes humanos, 20 pré-molares e 20 molares, com alterações clínicas em uma das superfícies proximais, como lesões de mancha branca ou acastanhada e pequenas cavitações. Três profissionais especializados em radiologia odontológica com mais de cinco anos de experiência clínica mediram a profundidade das lesões pelos exames radiográfico e digital das amostras. Para obter os resultados, utilizou-se a técnica de análise de variância (ANOVA). Resultados: Constatou-se um nível de significância de 5% nas mensurações dos exames radiográficos convencionais e digitalizados, mostrando a fidelidade das imagens radiográficas em relação a real profundidade da lesão. Conclusão: Conclui-se que os exames de imagem avaliados foram eficientes na determinação da profundidade das lesões de cárie proximal.

Introduction: Dental caries is a multifactorial disease that comprises several biological and social factors. The proximal surface of the teeth is a region of difficult visualization that can hide small carious lesions in the dental enamel, making diagnosis through visual and tactile inspection infeasible. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the depth of proximal caries in the conventional and digitized radiographic examinations, comparing the depths of the lesions considered in these examinations to those of the histological examination. Method: Interproximal radiographic examinations of 40 human teeth, 20 premolars and 20 molars, with clinical alterations on one of the proximal surfaces, such as white or brown spot lesions and small cavitations, were used. Three professionals specialized in dental radiology with more than five years of clinical experience measured the depth of the lesions by radiographic examination of the samples. To obtain the results, we used the technique of analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: A level of significance of 5% was found in conventional and digitized radiographic measurements, showing the fidelity of the radiographic images in relation to the actual depth of the lesion. Conclusion: It was concluded that the imaging tests evaluated were efficient in determining the depth of proximal caries lesions.

O impacto da covid-19 nos alunos de graduação de odontologia e a perspectiva de retorno às atividades presenciais / The impact of covid-19 on undergraduate dental students and the perspective of resuming face-to-face activities

Introduction: mass contamination by the new coronavirus caused enough damage for the pandemic to extend indefinitely Objective: the objective of this study was to analyze the emotional factors acquired by students from a dentistry course during the COVID-19 pandemic period and the influences related to the resumption of face-to-face activities. Material and method: it is an observational, cross-sectional and analytical research conducted at a public university in the state of Pará, Brazil. A research questionnaire, prepared by the authors and validated by the ethics committee of the Federal University of Pará, was applied to the academic community for a period of three months (November 2020 to January 2021). The analysis was performed using the Excel program, Kappa statistics and the Chi-squared test, whose results were presented as frequency and percentage. Result: a total of 188 dental students participated in the research. The findings proved to be in accordance with the hypothesis generated by the researchers, about 19.2% had emotional crises and 3.7% increase in the lockdown period. As for the expectations for care services, there was an increase in the oppressive state of psychic crises (anxiety, stress, anger, fear), considered influential in the cognition of behavioral traits during post-pandemic care. Conclusion: the study identified that the emotional changes acquired in the pandemic outbreak had a negative impact on student performance; however, depressive symptoms were expressed in graduating students.

Introdução: a contaminação em massa pelo novo coronavírus promoveu danos suficientes para que a pandemia se estendesse por tempo indeterminado. Objetivo: analisar os fatores emocionais adquiridos por estudantes do curso de odontologia no período pandêmico COVID-19 e as influências relacionadas ao retorno das atividades presenciais. Material e método: pesquisa observacional, transversal e analítica, realizada em uma universidade pública do estado do Pará. Foi aplicado na comunidade acadêmica um questionário de pesquisa, próprio, validado pelo comitê de ética da Universidade Federal do Pará, por um período de 3 meses (novembro de 2020 a janeiro de 2021). Para a análise foi pelo programa Excel, estatísticas Kappa e o teste Qui-quadrado exibidos por frequência e porcentagem. Resultado: participaram da pesquisa 188 alunos de odontologia. Os resultados obtidos na pesquisa foram de acordo com a hipótese gerada pelos pesquisadores, cerca de 19,2% e 3,7%, apresentaram crises emocionais elevando-as no período de confinamento. Quanto as expectativas para o atendimento, houve aumento de estado opressivo de crises psíquicas (ansiedade, estresse, raiva, medo), consideradas influentes na cognição dos traços comportamentais durante o atendimento pós pandemia. Conclusão: o estudo identificou que as alterações emocionais adquiridas no surto pandêmico desencadearam impacto negativo no rendimento estudantil, todavia, a sintomatologia depressiva esteve expressa em acadêmicos concluintes.

A humanização da enfermagem nos cenários de urgência e emergência / The humanization of nursing in urgency and emergency scenarios / La humanización de la enfermería en escenarios de urgencia y emergencia

Objetivo: Analisar as produções científicas sobre a assistência humanizada prestada por enfermeiros nos serviços de emergência e urgência, considerando a sua influência no cuidado do paciente adulto. Métodos: Revisão integrativa, norteada pela pergunta: "O que tem sido produzido sobre o cuidado humanizado de enfermagem a pacientes adultos nos serviços de emergência e urgência?". A coleta de dados foi realizada em setembro de 2020, nas bases de dados Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Elsevier B.V; Web of Science e The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. Resultados: Um total de 11 estudos foram eleitos após seleção dos critérios. Observou-se que a humanização do atendimento da enfermagem não depende exclusivamente da capacitação do corpo de enfermagem, mas envolve outros coeficientes, como: infraestrutura hospitalar e recursos humanos. Conclusão: A influência direta de condições estruturais e de recursos humanos, na qualidade do atendimento humanizado, é positiva quando existem contextos favoráveis. (AU)

Objective: To analyze the scientific productions on the humanized care provided by nurses in emergency care and urgent care, considering their influence in adult patient care. Methods: Integrative review, led by the question: "What has been produced regarding humanized nursing care for adult patients in emergency care and urgent care?". The data collection was performed in September 2020, in the databases of the Virtual Health Library, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Level Personnel journals platform, Elsevier B.V; Web of Science and The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. Results: A total of 11 studies have been chosen after criteria selection. It has been observed that the humanization of nursing care does not depend exclusively on the nursing training, but it involves other coefficients, such as: hospital infrastructure and human resources. Conclusion: The direct influence of structural and human resources conditions on the quality of humanized care is positive when there are favorable contexts. (AU)

Objetivo: Analizar las producciones científicas sobre la atención humanizada que prestan las enfermeras en los servicios de urgencias y emergencias, teniendo en cuenta su influencia en la atención al paciente adulto. Métodos: Revisión integrativa, dirigida por la pregunta: "¿Qué se ha producido sobre la atención de enfermería humanizada para pacientes adultos en los servicios de urgencias y emergencias?". La recopilación de datos se realizó en septiembre de 2020, en las bases de datos de la Virtual Health Library, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Coordinación para la Perfeccionamiento del Personal de Educación Superior, Elsevier B.V;; Web of Science y El Índice Acumulativo de Literatura de Enfermería y Salud Aliada. Resultados: Un total de 11 estudios fueron elegidos después de la selección de los criterios. Se observó que la humanización de la atención de enfermería no depende exclusivamente de la capacitación del cuerpo de enfermería, sino que implica varios coeficientes, tales como: infraestructura hospitalaria y recursos humanos. Conclusión: La influencia directa de las condiciones estructurales y los recursos humanos en la calidad de la atención humanizada es positiva cuando hay contextos favorables. (AU)

Virtual Screening and Molecular Docking: Discovering Novel c-KIT Inhibitors.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are unusual cancers, which are developed in specialized cells in the gastrointestinal tract wall. Various strategies involving single-agents, combinations, and rapid complementary inhibitor cycling are now being used to control such tumors. Based on promising early clinical trial experience, certain novel KIT and PDGFRA tyrosine kinase inhibitors have shown advanced clinical development. Resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors has brought immense difficulties, with patients now requiring additional therapeutic options. This review describes and discusses the last five years (2016-2020) in developing novel c-KIT kinase inhibitors using virtual screening and docking approaches. Computational techniques can be used to complement experimental studies to identify new candidate molecules for therapeutic use. Molecular modeling strategies allow the analysis of the required characteristics that compounds must have to effectively bind c-KIT. Through such analyses, it is possible to both discover and design novel inhibitors against cancer-related proteins that play a critical role in tumor development (including mutant strains). Docking showed potential in the detection of the key residues responsible for ligand recognition and is very helpful to understand the interactions in the active site that can be used to develop new compounds/classes of anticancer drugs and help millions of cancer patients.

Sistematização da assistência de enfermagem: produção científica de uma Década da revista enfermagem em foco / Systematization of nursing care: a decade's scientific production of revista enfermagem em foco / Sistematización de la atención de enfermería: una década de producción científica de revista enfermagem em foco

Objetivo: Identificar as abordagens realizadas sobre a Sistematização da Assistência de Enfermagem em publicações na revista de Enfermagem em Foco. Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa documental, descritiva de natureza quanti-qualitativa, realizada na Revista oficial do Cofen. Resultados: Dos 754 artigos publicados desde 2010 pelo periódico em análise, 37 abordavam o tema em aspectos variados sendo os anos de maior produção 2017, 2019 e 2020. Somente um artigo foi produzido no México e os demais no Brasil. As regiões com maior produção foram: Sudeste, Nordeste e Sul. A maioria do delineamento das pesquisas foram estudos descritivos. Conclusão: As publicações apontam a relevância da Sistematização da Assistência de Enfermagem na qualificação, organização e eficácia do cuidado de enfermagem, entretanto ainda persistem barreiras a serem ultrapassadas, de modo que possa fortalecer o dimensionamento de pessoal de enfermagem, clareza conceitual e metodológica sobre Sistematização da Assistência de Enfermagem e Processo de Enfermagem, e a qualificação de registros eletrônicos/manuais nos prontuários dos pacientes. (AU)

Objective: To identify the approaches taken on the Systematization of Nursing Care in publications in the journal de Enfermagem em Foco. Methods: This is a documental research, descriptive of quanti-qualitative nature, carried out in the official magazine of Cofen. Results: Of the 754 articles published since 2010 by the journal under analysis, 37 addressed the topic in various aspects, with the years of greatest production being 2017, 2019 and 2020. Only one article was produced in Mexico and the others in Brazil. The regions with the highest production were: Southeast, Northeast and South. Most research design was descriptive studies. Conclusion: The publications point to the relevance of the Systematization of Nursing Care in the qualification, organization and effectiveness of nursing care, however there are still barriers to be overcome, so that it can strengthen the dimensioning of nursing staff, conceptual and methodological clarity on Systematization Nursing Care and Nursing Process, and the qualification of electronic/manual records in patients' medical records. (AU)

Objetivo: Identificar los enfoques adoptados sobre la Sistematización de la Atención de Enfermería en las publicaciones de la Revista Enfermagem em Foco. Métodos: Se trata de una investigación documental, descriptiva de carácter cuanti-cualitativo, realizada en la revista oficial de Cofen. Resultados: De los 754 artículos publicados desde 2010 por la revista bajo análisis, 37 abordaron el tema en diversos aspectos, siendo los años de mayor producción 2017, 2019 y 2020. Solo un artículo se produjo en México y los demás en Brasil. Las regiones con mayor producción fueron: Sureste, Noreste y Sur, la mayor parte del diseño de investigación fue de tipo descriptivo. Conclusión: Las publicaciones señalan la relevancia de la Sistematización del Cuidado de Enfermería en la calificación, organización y efectividad del cuidado de enfermería, sin embargo aún existen barreras por superar, para que se pueda fortalecer el dimensionamiento del personal de enfermería, claridad conceptual y metodológica sobre Sistematización del proceso de atención y enfermería de enfermería, y la calificación de registros electrónicos / manuales en la historia clínica de los pacientes. (AU)

Simultaneous Cranioplasty and External Ventricular Drain Implantation in Patients with Hydrocephalus: Case Series and Literature Review

Introduction The increase in intracranial pressure (ICP) is a neurological complication resulting from numerous pathologies that affect the brain and its compartments. Therefore, decompressive craniectomy (DC) is an alternative adopted to reduce ICP in emergencies, especially in cases refractory to clinical therapies, in favor of patient survival. However, DC is associated with several complications, including hydrocephalus (HC). The present study presents the results of an unusual intervention to this complication: the implantation of an external ventricular drain (EVD) in the intraoperative period of cranioplasty (CP). Methods Patients of both genders who presented with HC and externalization of the brain through the cranial vault after decompressive hemicraniectomy and underwent EVD implantation, to allow the CP procedure, in the same surgical procedure, were included. Results Five patients underwent DC due to a refractory increase in ICP, due to automobile accidents, firearm projectiles, falls from stairs, and ischemic strokes. All evolved with HC. There was no uniform time interval between DC and CP. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was drained according to the need for correction of cerebral herniation in each patient, before undergoing cranioplasty. All patients progressed well, without neurological deficits in the immediate postoperative period. Conclusion There are still several uncertainties about the management of HC resulting from DC. In this context, other CP strategies simultaneous to the drainage of CSF, not necessarily related to ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS), should be considered and evaluated more deeply, in view of the verification of efficacy in procedures of this scope, such as the EVD addressed in this study.

Characterization of electrocorticographic, electromyographic and electrocardiographic recordings after the use of caffeine in Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: To describe electrocorticographic, electromyographic and electrocardiographic profiles to report the electrophysiological effects of caffeine in Wistar rats. METHODS: Male adult Wistar rats weighing 230g to 250g were used. Rats were allocated to one of two groups, as follows: Group 1, Control, intraperitoneal injection of 0.9% saline solution (n=27); and Group 2, treated with intraperitoneal injection of caffeine (50mg/kg; n=27). The rats were submitted to electrocorticographic, electromyographic and electrocardiographic assessment. RESULTS: Brain oscillations (delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma) in the frequency range up to 40Hz varied after caffeine administration to rats. Powers in delta and theta oscillations ranges were preponderant. The contractile force of the skeletal striated and cardiac muscles increased. Electrocardiogram analysis revealed shorter RR, QRS and QT intervals under the effect of caffeine. CONCLUSION: In the central nervous system, there was an increase in the delta, theta and alpha amplitude spectrum, which are related to memory encoding and enhanced learning. With regard to skeletal muscle, increased contraction of the gastrocnemius muscle was demonstrated, a clear indication of how caffeine can be used to enhance performance of some physical activities. Electrocardiographic changes observed after caffeine administration are primarily related to increased heart rate and energy consumption.

The Polar Legionella Icm/Dot T4SS Establishes Distinct Contact Sites with the Pathogen Vacuole Membrane.

Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, is a facultative intracellular pathogen that survives inside phagocytic host cells by establishing a protected replication niche, termed the "Legionella-containing vacuole" (LCV). To form an LCV and subvert pivotal host pathways, L. pneumophila employs a type IV secretion system (T4SS), which translocates more than 300 different effector proteins into the host cell. The L. pneumophila T4SS complex has been shown to span the bacterial cell envelope at the bacterial poles. However, the interactions between the T4SS and the LCV membrane are not understood. Using cryo-focused ion beam milling, cryo-electron tomography, and confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy, we show that up to half of the intravacuolar L. pneumophila bacteria tether their cell pole to the LCV membrane. Tethering coincides with the presence and function of T4SSs and likely promotes the establishment of distinct contact sites between T4SSs and the LCV membrane. Contact sites are characterized by indentations in the limiting LCV membrane and localize juxtaposed to T4SS machineries. The data are in agreement with the notion that effector translocation occurs by close membrane contact rather than by an extended pilus. Our findings provide novel insights into the interactions of the L. pneumophila T4SS with the LCV membrane in situ. IMPORTANCE Legionnaires' disease is a life-threatening pneumonia, which is characterized by high fever, coughing, shortness of breath, muscle pain, and headache. The disease is caused by the amoeba-resistant bacterium L. pneumophila found in various soil and aquatic environments and is transmitted to humans via the inhalation of small bacteria-containing droplets. An essential virulence factor of L. pneumophila is a so-called "type IV secretion system" (T4SS), which, by injecting a plethora of "effector proteins" into the host cell, determines pathogen-host interactions and the formation of a distinct intracellular compartment, the "Legionella-containing vacuole" (LCV). It is unknown how the T4SS makes contact to the LCV membrane to deliver the effectors. In this study, we identify indentations in the host cell membrane in close proximity to functional T4SSs localizing at the bacterial poles. Our work reveals first insights into the architecture of Legionella-LCV contact sites.

Elongated Styloid Process in Panoramic Radiographs / Processo Estilóide Alongado nas Radiografias Panorâmicas

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of the elongated styloid process in panoramic radiographic exams, in a subpopulation of northern Brazil in relation to age, sex and side. Panoramic radiographs were selected, and the apparent size of the styloid process was measured from the point where the styloid leaves the tympanic plate to the tip of the process. The data were analyzed using chi-square tests and variance analysis with a 5% significance level. Approximately 30% of the elongated styloid process was observed in patients between 18 to 35 years. Of the styloid processes that measured more than 30 mm (elongated), 764 styloid processes (81%) showed Type I elongation pattern, 97 styloid processes (10%) showed Type II calcification patterns, and 85 styloid processes (9%) showed Type III calcification patterns. The prevalence of the elongated styloid process was high, and no statistically significant correlation was found between the presence of the elongated styloid process and the variables studied. (AU)

O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a prevalência do processo estilóide alongado em exames radiográficos panorâmicos, em uma subpopulação do norte do Brasil em relação à idade, sexo e lado. Radiografias panorâmicas foram selecionadas, e tamanho aparente do processo estilóide foi medido a partir do ponto em que o estilóide deixa a placa timpânica até a ponta do processo. Os dados foram analisados por meio de testes qui-quadrado e análise de variância com nível de significância de 5%. Aproximadamente 73% do processo estilóide alongado foi observado em pacientes entre 18 e 53 anos (p <0,05). Dos processos estilóides que mediram mais de 30 mm (alongados), 543 processos estiloide (82,9%) mostraram padrão de alongamento do Tipo I, 33 processos estiloide (5,03%) mostraram padrões de calcificação do Tipo II, e 79 processos estilóide (12,06%) mostraram padrões de calcificação do Tipo III. A prevalência do processo estilóide alongado foi alta e não foi encontrada correlação estatisticamente significante entre a presença do processo estilóide alongado e as variáveis estudadas. (AU)

Myorelaxation, respiratory depression and electrocardiographic changes caused by the administration of extract of açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) stone in rats.

The biological and pharmacological properties of natural polyphenols of the extract of Euterpe oleracea stone (EEOS) are associated with the central nervous system (CNS). To investigate the sedative and myorelaxant activity of EEOS in vivo, this study aimed to present the myorelaxant and sedative effects of EEOS in Wistar rats using spontaneous locomotor activity and motor electrophysiology. A total of 108 animals were used in the following experiments: a) behavioral tests (n = 27); b) electromyographic recordings of skeletal muscle (n = 27); c) respiratory muscle activity recordings (n = 27); d) cardiac muscle activity recordings (n = 27). The behavioral characteristics were measured according to the latency time of onset, the transient loss of posture reflex and maximum muscle relaxation. Electrodes were implanted in the gastrocnemius muscle and in the tenth intercostal space for electromyographic (EMG) signal capture to record muscle contraction, and in the D2 lead for electrocardiogram acquisition. After using the 300 mg/kg dose of EEOS intraperitoneally, a myorelaxant activity exhibited a lower frequency of contractility with an amplitude pattern of low and short duration at gastrocnemius muscle and intercostal muscle, which clearly describes a myorelaxant activity and changes in cardiac activity. The present report is so far the first study to demonstrate the myorelaxant activity of this extract, indicating an alternative route for açai stone valorization and its application in pharmaceutical fields.

Tibial-graft fixation methods on anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions: a literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is the most performed orthopedic surgical procedure. The result of ACL reconstructions depends on multiple technical variables, including tension to be applied to the graft for fixation, knee-flexion angle during fixation and the type of fixation to the bone. OBJECTIVE: To carry out a survey of the literature with the best evidence on these themes. METHODS: Literature review about methods of tibial-graft fixation in ACL reconstructions - tension applied at the time of fixation, type of graft fixation, and knee-flexion degree during tibial fixation. RESULTS: Thirty studies on the selected topics were found. Most studies point to graft-tension levels close to 90 N to obtain the best results. Regarding the knee-flexion angle, multiple studies suggest that fixation at a 30° angle would bring superior biomechanical advantages. Regarding the type of implant for fixation, it is not possible to affirm the superiority of one method over another in clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: There is no consensus on the best method for tibial fixation of the grafts in ACL reconstructions regarding tension, type of implant and knee-flexion angle. However, the analysis of the studies pointed to certain trends and allowed the drawing of specific conclusions.

Soil loss and sediment yield in a perennial catchment in southwest Piauí, Brazil.

Soil and water are vital natural resources. However, due to their indiscriminate use, these resources are being seriously threatened. Therefore, it is essential to manage them in a sustainable way and leave them for future generations. Population and agricultural areas have expanded, deforesting native landscapes for cultivation and pastures. As a result, soil loss from agricultural areas is increasing the amount of sediment transport in water courses. The objective of this study was to quantify soil loss and sediment yield from the Corrente dos Matões sub-basin (CMSB). These measurements are essential to quantify the environmental impact of advancing agricultural frontiers. The Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) was applied due to its wide use, compatibility with GIS, and data availability. The suspended sediment transport was calculated by collecting samples with DH-48 sampler. From the application of USLE, the average soil erosion contributed very little to sediment delivery in the watercourse, with a magnitude of only 0.37 t ha-1 year-1. The highest soil loss was associated with greater slope and was observed in areas with agriculture or under the absence of vegetation cover. The low transport of suspended sediments in CMSB is due to the existence of preserved sites. About 99% of the sub-basin had a low degree of erosion. The high degree of soil loss was attributed to the cliffs and the development of agricultural activities leaving the soil uncovered. This work will help identify the most susceptible areas to water erosion for optimizing the allocation of financial resources for the preservation of this natural resource.

Characterization of electrocorticographic, electromyographic and electrocardiographic recordings after the use of caffeine in Wistar rats / Caracterização dos registros eletrocorticográficos, eletromiográficos e eletrocardiográficos após uso de cafeína em ratos Wistar

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe electrocorticographic, electromyographic and electrocardiographic profiles to report the electrophysiological effects of caffeine in Wistar rats. Methods: Male adult Wistar rats weighing 230g to 250g were used. Rats were allocated to one of two groups, as follows: Group 1, Control, intraperitoneal injection of 0.9% saline solution (n=27); and Group 2, treated with intraperitoneal injection of caffeine (50mg/kg; n=27). The rats were submitted to electrocorticographic, electromyographic and electrocardiographic assessment. Results: Brain oscillations (delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma) in the frequency range up to 40Hz varied after caffeine administration to rats. Powers in delta and theta oscillations ranges were preponderant. The contractile force of the skeletal striated and cardiac muscles increased. Electrocardiogram analysis revealed shorter RR, QRS and QT intervals under the effect of caffeine. Conclusion: In the central nervous system, there was an increase in the delta, theta and alpha amplitude spectrum, which are related to memory encoding and enhanced learning. With regard to skeletal muscle, increased contraction of the gastrocnemius muscle was demonstrated, a clear indication of how caffeine can be used to enhance performance of some physical activities. Electrocardiographic changes observed after caffeine administration are primarily related to increased heart rate and energy consumption.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever os perfis eletrocorticográficos, eletromiográficos e eletrocardiográficos para relatar os efeitos eletrofisiológicos da cafeína em ratos Wistar. Métodos: Foram utilizados ratos Wistar, machos, adultos, pesando de 230g a 250g. Os animais foram divididos nos seguintes grupos: Grupo 1, Controle com solução fisiológica 0,9% por via intraperitoneal (n=27), e Grupo 2, Tratado com Cafeína (50mg/kg intraperitoneal; n=27). Foram realizadas avaliações por eletrocorticograma, eletromiograma e eletrocardiograma. Resultados: Houve variações nas oscilações cerebrais (delta, teta, alfa, beta e gama) na faixa de frequência de até 40Hz após a aplicação de cafeína em ratos. Observou-se que as potências nas faixas das oscilações delta e teta foram preponderantes. A força de contração nos músculos estriado esquelético e cardíaco aumentou. A avaliação do eletrocardiograma demonstrou que a duração dos intervalos RR, QRS e QT foram menores na presença da cafeína. Conclusão: No sistema nervoso central, houve aumento dos espectros de amplitude delta, teta e alfa, que auxiliam na codificação das memórias e estão relacionados à melhora do aprendizado. Em relação à musculatura esquelética, demonstrou-se aumento da contração do músculo gastrocnêmio, uma clara indicação de como a cafeína pode ser usada para aumentar o desempenho em algumas atividades físicas. As alterações eletrocardiográficas observadas após a administração de cafeína estiveram relacionadas principalmente ao aumento da frequência cardíaca e do consumo de energia.

Thermochemical Performance Analysis of the Steam Reforming of Methane in a Fixed Bed Membrane Reformer: A Modelling and Simulation Study.

Pd-based membrane reformers have been substantially studied in the past as a promising reformer to produce high-purity H2 from thermochemical conversion of methane (CH4). A variety of research approaches have been taken in the experimental and theoretical fields. The main objective of this work is a theoretical modelling to describe the process variables of the Steam Reforming of Methane (SRM) method on the Pd-based membrane reformer. These process variables describe the specific aims of each equation of the mathematical model characterizing the performance from reformer. The simulated results of the mole fractions of components (MFCs) at the outlet of the Fixed Bed Reformer (FBR) and Packed-Bed Membrane Reformer (PBMR) have been validated. When the H2O/CH4 ratio decreases in PBMR, the Endothermic Reaction Temperature (ERT) is notably increased (998.32 K) at the outlet of the PBMR's reaction zone. On the other hand, when the H2O/CH4 ratio increases in PBMR, the ERT is remarkably decreased (827.83 K) at the outlet of the PBMR's reaction zone. An increase of the spatial velocity (Ssp) indicates a reduction in the residence time of reactant molecules inside PBMR and, thus, a decrease of the ERT and conversion of CH4. In contrast, a reduction of the Ssp shows an increase of the residence time of reactant molecules within PBMR and, therefore, a rise of the ERT and conversion of CH4. An increase of the H2O/CH4 ratio raises the conversion rate (CR) of CH4 due to the reduction of the coke content on the catalyst particles. Conversely, a reduction of the H2O/CH4 ratio decreases the CR of CH4 owing to the increase of the coke content on the catalyst particles. Contrary to the CR of CH4, the consumption-based yield (CBY) of H2 sharply decreases with the increase of the H2O/CH4 ratio. An increase of the ERT raises the thermochemical energy storage efficiency (ηtese) from 68.96% (ERT = 1023 K), 63.21% (ERT = 973 K), and 48.12% (ERT = 723 K). The chemical energy, sensible heat, and heat loss reached values of 384.96 W, 151.68 W, and 249.73 W at 973 K. The selectivity of H2 presents higher amounts in the gaseous mixture that varies from 60.98 to 73.18 while CH4 showed lower values ranging from 1.41 to 2.06. Our work is limited to the SRM method. In terms of future uses of this method, new works can be undertaken using novel materials (open-cell foams) and the physical-mathematical model (two-dimensional and three-dimensional) to evaluate the concentration polarization inside membrane reactors.

Path Analysis between Pest Occurrence and Nutritional Status of Soybean under Phosphate Fertilization.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The phytophagous insects select their host plants according to plant tissue nutritional quality. Thus, the objective of this study was to correlate the direct and indirect effects of phosphate fertilization on the nutritional status of the soybean crop and its relationship with the occurrence of insect pests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of phosphate fertilization on soybean was evaluated using two phosphate sources, Single Superphosphate (SSP) and Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP), applied at five rates of P2O5. A sampling of insects initiated from stage V5 and was done weekly. Leaves were collected for nutrient analysis stage R1, in stage R9 was harvest was carried out. SSP or MAP phosphate fertilization in soybean affected the incidence of Chrysodeixis includens, Helicoverpa armigera, Elasmopalpus lignosellus and Euschistus heros. RESULTS: The plants treated with MAP had the infestation reduced compared with plants treated with SSP. Higher contents of Cu and Fe in the leaf reduces the incidence of insect-pests, whereas the opposite occurred with Mn. The occurrence of E. lignosellus reduced soybean yield. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the source and rates of phosphorus in soybean fertilization change the concentration of macro and micronutrients in the leaves and affect the behavior and incidence of pest species.

Microbial responses to doses of cover plant straw in cerrado piauiense oxisol / Respostas microbianas a doses de palhada de plantas de cobertura em latossolo no cerrado piauiense

Carbon and nitrogen from the soil microbial biomass play a significant role in the rotation of C and N, and promote nutrient cycling. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate changes in the soil microbial biomass with growing doses of cover plant straw species. The cover plants cultivated in the cerrado biome region were incorporated an Oxisol Ustox. The straw of each cover plant was incorporated at doses of 0; 10; 20 and 30 Mg ha-1. The soil basal respiration was determined by incubating, after 21 days. The microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen were determined by the method the microwave irradiation. The microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen contents in extracts were determined by the wet combustion method and Kjeldahl-N. The metabolic quotient was calculated as the ratio between soil basal respiration rate and microbial biomass C, and the microbial quotient as the ratio between soil microbial biomass C and total carbon of soil. The soil microbial population measured by the attributes of quality responds to the addition of the of grass and legume straws incorporated to the soil; The treatments that cause the greatest stress to the microbial population, at 21 days, mediated by the metabolic quotient, are guandu-anão at a dose of 10 Mg ha-1; Guandu-anão and Guandu fava-larga at 20 Mg ha-1 and Brachiária at a dose of 30 Mg ha-1; The best result regarding microbial attributes of soil quality evaluated was observed with the incorporation of all doses of the straw of Crotalaria-ocroleuca

O carbono e nitrogênio da biomassa microbiana do solo desempenham um papel significativo na rotação de C e N, promovendo o ciclo de nutrientes. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar mudanças na biomassa microbiana do solo com doses crescentes de palha de cobertura. As plantas de cobertura cultivadas no bioma cerrado foram incorporadas a um Latossolo Amarelo Eutrófico. A palha de cada planta de cobertura foi incorporada em doses de 0; 10; 20 e 30 Mg ha-1. A respiração basal do solo foi determinada por incubação, após 21 dias. O carbono e nitrogênio da biomassa microbiana foram determinados pelo método da irradiação de micro-ondas, os seus teores de carbono e nitrogênio da biomassa microbiana nos extratos foram determinados pelo método de combustão úmida e Kjeldahl-N. O quociente metabólico foi calculado como a razão entre a taxa de respiração basal do solo e a biomassa microbiana, e o quociente microbiano a razão entre a biomassa microbiana do solo e o carbono total do solo. A população microbiana do solo medida pelos atributos de qualidade responde à adição de palhas de gramíneas e leguminosas incorporadas ao solo; Os tratamentos que causam maior estresse à população microbiana, aos 21 dias, mediados pelo quociente metabólico, são o guandu-anão na dose de 10 Mg ha-1; Guandu-anão e Guandu fava-larga a 20 Mg ha-1 e Brachiária na dose de 30 Mg ha-1; O melhor resultado em relação aos atributos microbianos de qualidade do solo avaliados foi observado com a incorporação de palha de Crotalaria-ocroleuca

The fungus Pestalotiopsis sp., isolated from Perna perna (Bivalvia:Mytilidae) cultured on marine farms in Southeastern Brazil and destined for human consumption.

The Pestalotiopsis sp. genus comprises filamentous fungi whose species present both pathogenic and clinical-industrial importance. The cultivation and production of bivalve molluscs in regions of Rio de Janeiro is lucrative both artisanally and industrially, as the climate, geography and water quality favor the practice of this activity throughout the year at reduced costs, making the region competitive in the national market. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify filamentous fungi associated with the internal tissue anatomy of bivalve molluscs (Perna perna) from mariculture farms. Samples collected from BEMAR marine farms were dissected and transferred to 1% hypochlorite, washed in sterile distilled water and sown on Petri dishes containing potato dextrose agar (BDA). After four days, a white colony, displaying vigorous mycelium, cotton-like with abundant sporulation and black conidia masses was isolated. Observations concerning vegetative and reproductive structures were performed by microcultures stained with Amann's Lactophenol andCotton Blue. Micromorphology analyses indicated spindle and septated conidia, with two to three apical filiform appendages and a short basal pedicel. The result indicates that bivalve mollusks may be bioindicators for the presence of Pestalotiopsis sp; associated with water transport, possibly due to diluted sediments in the medium. No infectious processes or lesions in the processed material were observed. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of Pestalotiopsis sp; in Perna perna mytilids.

Dating SOS: a systematic and theory-based development of a web-based tailored intervention to prevent dating violence among Brazilian youth.

BACKGROUND: Dating violence has an alarming prevalence among Brazilian adolescents. School-based preventive programs have been implemented, but remain isolated initiatives with low reach. Health communication strategies based on innovative technologies with a high potential of diffusion are urgent. This study aimed to develop a computer-tailored intervention to prevent victimization and perpetration of dating violence among Brazilian youth. METHODS: The intervention, called Dating SOS (SOS Namoro), is based on the I-Change Model and attachment theory and is a comprehensive preventive program targeted to young people with a current partner. The intervention design included the stages of needs assessment; definition of objectives of change; development of the library of messages; elaboration of a questionnaire for tailoring feedbacks according to the relevant variables; integration of the content in the software Tailor Builder; pre-testing; and usability and efficacy evaluation planning. Dating SOS is composed of four online sessions. The first session gives a tailored orientation on attachment style and risk perception of violence. The second session addresses knowledge on conflict management, positive and negative social models of intimate relationships and an action plan to improve everyday interactions. The third session covers social norms, self-efficacy and an action plan to cope with conflicts. The fourth session discusses attitudes, social support and an action plan to protect from violence. Improvements on the interface and tailoring refinement was done after pre-testing to improve attractiveness and decrease risk of iatrogenic effects. DISCUSSION: The principal merit of the present study resides in the development of an innovative strategy based on the qualified use of the internet for education surrounding romantic relationships and the prevention of dating violence among adolescent and young Brazilians, a hitherto unaddressed need in the field. The intervention usability and efficacy should be investigated in further studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials. RBR-9frj8q. Prospectively registered on July 25, 2019. http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-9frj8q/.

Fully automated, sequential focused ion beam milling for cryo-electron tomography.

Cryo-electron tomography (cryoET) has become a powerful technique at the interface of structural biology and cell biology, due to its unique ability for imaging cells in their native state and determining structures of macromolecular complexes in their cellular context. A limitation of cryoET is its restriction to relatively thin samples. Sample thinning by cryo-focused ion beam (cryoFIB) milling has significantly expanded the range of samples that can be analyzed by cryoET. Unfortunately, cryoFIB milling is low-throughput, time-consuming and manual. Here, we report a method for fully automated sequential cryoFIB preparation of high-quality lamellae, including rough milling and polishing. We reproducibly applied this method to eukaryotic and bacterial model organisms, and show that the resulting lamellae are suitable for cryoET imaging and subtomogram averaging. Since our method reduces the time required for lamella preparation and minimizes the need for user input, we envision the technique will render previously inaccessible projects feasible.

Contribuição da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico no diagnóstico da rinolitíase assintomática / Contribution of cone beam computed tomography in the diagnosis of asymptomatic rhinolithiasis

Rinolitíase é uma formação calcárea rara situada no interior das fossas nasais. Geralmente apresenta-se acompanhada de rinorréia purulenta e obstrução nasal. Porém, outros sintomas como epistaxe recorrente e cacosmia podem estar presentes. O diagnóstico é realizado por meio de exames nasais endoscópicos e tomografia computadorizada (TC) associados à alta suspeita clínica. O tratamento consiste na sua remoção e antibioticoterapia. Neste artigo os autores descrevem o caso de um rinolito de grandes dimensões, assintomático, em indivíduo do gênero masculino, 17 anos, descoberto em exame de tomografia de feixe cônico realizada após observação de uma radiografia panorâmica.

Rhinolithiasis is a rare calcareous formation located within the nasal fossae. It is usually accompanied by purulent rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction. However, other symptoms such as recurrent epistaxis and cacosmia may be present. The diagnosis is made through endoscopic nasal exams and computed tomography (CT) associated with high clinical suspicion. The treatment consists of its removal and antibiotic therapy. In this paper, the authors describe the case of a large, asymptomatic, rhinolith in a 17-year-old male, discovered on a conical beam tomography scan performed after a routine panoramic radiograph