Rootstocks affect the vulnerability to embolism and pit membrane thickness in Citrus scions.

Embolism resistance of xylem tissue varies among species and is an important trait related to drought resistance, with anatomical attributes like pit membrane thickness playing an important role in avoiding embolism spread. Grafted Citrus trees are commonly grown in orchards, with the rootstock being able to affect the drought resistance of the whole plant. Here, we evaluated how rootstocks affect the vulnerability to embolism resistance of the scion using several rootstock/scion combinations. Scions of 'Tahiti' acid lime, 'Hamlin', 'Pera' and 'Valencia' oranges grafted on a 'Rangpur' lime rootstock exhibit similar vulnerability to embolism. In field-grown trees, measurements of leaf water potential did not suggest significant embolism formation during the dry season, while stomata of Citrus trees presented an isohydric response to declining water availability. When 'Valencia' orange scions were grafted on 'Rangpur' lime, 'IAC 1710' citrandarin, 'Sunki Tropical' mandarin or 'Swingle' citrumelo rootstocks, variation in intervessel pit membrane thickness of the scion was found. The 'Rangpur' lime rootstock, which is known for its drought resistance, induced thicker pit membranes in the scion, resulting in higher embolism resistance than the other rootstocks. Similarly, the rootstock 'IAC 1710' citrandarin generated increased embolism resistance of the scion, which is highly relevant for citriculture.

Citrus essential oil: would it be feasible as antimicrobial in the bioethanol industry?

Essential oils (EOs) extracted from Citrus peels contain 85%-99% volatile components (a mixture of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and their oxygenated derivatives) and 1%-15% non-volatile compounds. Citrus EOs have been long known for their antimicrobial properties, owing to which these EOs have a diverse range of applications. However, no studies have reported the applicability of Citrus EOs for the control of bacterial and yeast contaminants in the bioethanol industry. In this regard, the present review aimed to explore the feasibility of Citrus EOs in this industry. The Web of Science database was searched for reports that described the association of Citrus EOs with the most common microorganisms in the bioethanol industry to evaluate the efficacy of these EOs as antimicrobial agents in this context. The objective of the review was to suggest a novel antimicrobial that could replace sulfuric acid and antibiotics as the commonly used antimicrobial agents in the bioethanol industry. Citrus EOs exhibit antibacterial activity against Lactobacillus, which is the main bacterial genus that contaminates this fermentation process. The present report also confirms the selective action of these EOs on the contaminating yeasts and not/less on ethanol-producing yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, however further studies should be conducted to investigate the effects of Citrus EOs in yeast-bacterium co-culture.

Jaguar movement database: a GPS-based movement dataset of an apex predator in the Neotropics.

The field of movement ecology has rapidly grown during the last decade, with important advancements in tracking devices and analytical tools that have provided unprecedented insights into where, when, and why species move across a landscape. Although there has been an increasing emphasis on making animal movement data publicly available, there has also been a conspicuous dearth in the availability of such data on large carnivores. Globally, large predators are of conservation concern. However, due to their secretive behavior and low densities, obtaining movement data on apex predators is expensive and logistically challenging. Consequently, the relatively small sample sizes typical of large carnivore movement studies may limit insights into the ecology and behavior of these elusive predators. The aim of this initiative is to make available to the conservation-scientific community a dataset of 134,690 locations of jaguars (Panthera onca) collected from 117 individuals (54 males and 63 females) tracked by GPS technology. Individual jaguars were monitored in five different range countries representing a large portion of the species' distribution. This dataset may be used to answer a variety of ecological questions including but not limited to: improved models of connectivity from local to continental scales; the use of natural or human-modified landscapes by jaguars; movement behavior of jaguars in regions not represented in this dataset; intraspecific interactions; and predator-prey interactions. In making our dataset publicly available, we hope to motivate other research groups to do the same in the near future. Specifically, we aim to help inform a better understanding of jaguar movement ecology with applications towards effective decision making and maximizing long-term conservation efforts for this ecologically important species. There are no costs, copyright, or proprietary restrictions associated with this data set. When using this data set, please cite this article to recognize the effort involved in gathering and collating the data and the willingness of the authors to make it publicly available.

Population Genetics of Jaguars (Panthera onca) in the Brazilian Pantanal: Molecular Evidence for Demographic Connectivity on a Regional Scale.

Habitat loss and fragmentation are important threats to carnivores worldwide, and can be especially intense for large predators. Jaguars have already been extirpated from over half of their original area of distribution, and few regions still maintain large populations. For these, detailed understanding is crucial for setting appropriate recovery targets in impacted areas. The Pantanal is among the best examples of a region with a large jaguar population in a healthy environment. Here, we analyzed 12 microsatellite loci to characterize genetic diversity and population structure of 52 jaguars sampled in 4 localities of the southern Pantanal, and compared them with prior studies of heavily fragmented populations of the Atlantic Forest. Although we observed some internal structure among the Pantanal localities, our results indicated that this area comprises a single population with high genetic variability. Moreover, our comparative analyses supported the hypothesis that the strong population structure observed in the Atlantic Forest derives from recent, anthropogenic fragmentation. We also observed significant but low levels of genetic differentiation between the Pantanal and Atlantic Forest populations, indicating recent connectivity between jaguars occurring in these biomes. Evidence for admixture between the Pantanal and a population on the western boundary of the Atlantic Forest corroborates the transitional nature of the latter area, where the jaguar population has already been extirpated. Our results can be used to understand jaguar population dynamics in a region that is less disturbed than the Atlantic forest, and to support the design of conservation strategies that maintain and restore natural connectivity among currently isolated areas.

Implementation of expert systems to support the functional evaluation of stand-to-sit activity.

BACKGROUND: Functional evaluation of sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit activities is often used by physiotherapists in patients with neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. The observation of the way these activities are executed is essential in identifying kinesiological problems. There are different methodologies used to describe the stand-to-sit activity and its evaluation is not yet standardized, which makes the practical application of resources on clinical observation difficult. The objective of this study is to automate the decision making process of an evaluation protocol, developed in previous study, and facilitate its utilization by professionals in the area. METHODS: A decision-making system has been implemented through a computational tool, more specifically an Expert System that due its inherent characteristics emulates the decision-making process of a human expert in the domain area. A Shell called Expert Sinta was used to develop two knowledge bases, i.e. two expert systems, one for the anterior view and another for the lateral view of stand-to-sit activity. Variables, values, associated rules and confidence factors, objectives, and additional information questions were defined by the expert of domain and once implemented each expert system generates a number of questions to its user. These questions serve as a guide to physiotherapists and support the standardization of the activity evaluation. The developed systems were evaluated by physiotherapists through the application of a questionnaire that evaluates the knowledge base and the usability of the system. The physiotherapists' answers were then evaluated through statistical estimation and percentage analysis. RESULTS: When asked about the systems' "utility for clinical practice of the physiotherapist", 67% of evaluators answered positively. An interesting finding was that most physiotherapists (i.e. 92%) considered that the systems are suitable for educational purposes, which was not the main objective of this study. CONCLUSIONS: The developed expert systems can support the physiotherapist in evaluating stand-to-sit activity through a conclusion suggestion about the "level of inadequacy" for the "degree of inadequacy" searched during its execution. Results of experts' evaluation analyzed through statistical methods indicate that the automation of protocols contributed to the standardization of the evaluation of stand-to-sit activity and that it has application for teaching purposes.

Cecum perforation by plug migration: an unexpected late complication of inguinal hernia mesh repair.

Case of a 79-year-old male previously submitted to Rutkow-Robbins inguinal hernia repair. He presented himself at the Emergency Room with an inguinal inflammatory mass and bowel obstruction for 5 days. A strangulated recurrent inguinal hernia was assumed and emergency surgery was performed. Since an inguinal abscess was present, a midline laparotomy was performed. The previous polypropylene plug was found in an intraperitoneal position, fistulizing to the cecum and creating a 2 cm wide perforation, without intraperitoneal collections or bowel compromise. An en bloc atypical resection of the cecum with the plug was performed and the abdominal wall abscess was drained. The patient had a slow, but uneventful postoperative course. Given the rarity of cases, the high variability of clinical presentation and the potential seriousness of mesh migration complications, the authors review the topic of mesh migration.

Tungiasis in a free-ranging jaguar (Panthera onca) population in Brazil.

Tungiasis is an ectoparasitic disease caused by fleas of the genus Tunga. The disease is reported to occur mostly in human populations. In wildlife, however, the occurrence and impact of this disease remains uncertain. We captured and examined 12 free-ranging jaguars for the presence of Tunga penetrans in the Pantanal region of Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. Tungiasis prevalence was 100% in the population; lesions were confined to the jaguar's paws. T. penetrans was identified based on the characteristics of the embedded fleas and the morphological identification of a collected free-living flea. The intensity and stage of infestation varied between individual animals. However, in general, all captured jaguars were in good health. The 100% prevalence of tungiasis may be related to the fact that all captures were performed during the dry season. Their high ecological requirements for space make jaguars potential disseminators of T. penetrans in the Pantanal region. Because cattle ranching and ecotourism are the main economic activities in the Pantanal, further studies should evaluate the risks of tungiasis to human and animal health. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of tungiasis in jaguars.

Density and habitat use of one of the last jaguar populations of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest: Is there still hope?

The jaguar (Panthera onca) plays an important role in maintaining biodiversity and ecological processes. We evaluated the status of a jaguar population in one of the last stronghold habitats for its conservation in the Atlantic Forest, the Rio Doce State Park (RDSP). We used a random survey design from 2016/17 to estimate jaguar abundance and density as well as its occupancy and detection probabilities in the entire Park's area. To monitor for temporal fluctuations in density and abundance, we used a systematic survey design in the southern portion of the Park where jaguars were more recorded when using the random approach. We then conducted two surveys in 2017/18 and 2020. Our 2016/17 random survey revealed that jaguar density (0.11 ± SE 0.28 individuals/100 km2) was the lowest obtained for the species across the Atlantic Forest. We noticed that jaguar density increased three times from 2017/18 (0.55 ± SE 0.45 individuals/100 km2) to 2020 (1.61 ± SE 0.6 individuals/100 km2). Jaguar occupancy and detection probability were 0.40 and 0.08, respectively. The low jaguar occupancy probability was positively associated with smaller distances from lakes and records of potential prey. The detection probability was positively associated with prey detection, the rainy season, and smaller distances from lakes. Our work contributes to a growing awareness of the potential conservation value of a protected area in a human-dominated landscape as one of the last strongholds for jaguars across the Atlantic Forest.

Wildfires disproportionately affected jaguars in the Pantanal.

The Pantanal wetland harbours the second largest population of jaguars in the world. Alongside climate and land-use changes, the recent mega-fires in the Pantanal may pose a threat to the jaguars' long-term survival. To put these growing threats into perspective, we addressed the reach and intensity of fires that have affected jaguar conservation in the Pantanal ecoregion over the last 16 years. The 2020 fires were the most severe in the annual series, burned 31% of the Pantanal and affected 45% of the estimated jaguar population (87% of these in Brazil); 79% of the home range areas, and 54% of the protected areas within home ranges. Fires consumed core habitats and injured several jaguars, the Pantanal's apex predator. Displacement, hunger, dehydration, territorial defence, and lower fecundity are among the impacts that may affect the abundance of the species. These impacts are likely to affect other less mobile species and, therefore, the ecological stability of the region. A solution to prevent the recurrence of mega-fires lies in combating the anthropogenic causes that intensify drought conditions, such as implementing actions to protect springs, increasing the number and area of protected areas, regulating fire use, and allocating fire brigades before dry seasons.

Glyphosate excessive use chronically disrupts the shikimate pathway and can affect photosynthesis and yield in citrus trees.

Glyphosate excessive use is reported in Brazilian citrus orchards, whereas there is speculation about its consequences and the published studies are contradictory and inconclusive. This study aimed to describe the possible harmful effects by simulating glyphosate drift directly to the leaves of ∼4-yr-old citrus plants. As major results, glyphosate doses >360 g ae ha-1 increased the shikimate accumulation in leaves (up to 2.3-times above control), which was increased after a second glyphosate application (up to 3.5-times above control), even after a 240-d interval. Interestingly, shikimate accumulation was occasionally related to a dose-response of the herbicide at specific times; however, the doses had their accumulation peak on determined dates. These accumulations were directly correlated to reduced net photosynthesis even months after the glyphosate sprays. Quantum productivity based on electron transport through the photosystem II and apparent electron transport reductions up to 17% were also observed during the entire experiment course. Similarly, quantum productivity based on CO2 assimilation of glyphosate sprayed leaves decreased up to four times compared to the control after the second application. Glyphosate doses >360 g ae ha-1 increased stomatal conductance and transpiration as the carboxylation efficiency decreased, evidencing a carbon drainage in the Calvin-Benson cycle. These metabolic and physiological disturbances suggest possible photooxidative damage and an increase in photorespiration, which may be a mitigation strategy by the citrus plants to glyphosate effects, by the cost of reducing the citrus fruit yield (up to 57%). It is concluded that glyphosate phytotoxicity damages citrus plants over time due to chronic disturbances in the shikimate pathway and photosynthesis, even when there are no symptoms. This study is the first report to demonstrate how glyphosate damages citrus trees beyond the shikimate pathway.

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in a Patient with Liver Cirrhosis: Gastroesophageal Varices Are not Always to Blame.

A 45-year-old male with active alcoholism and liver cirrhosis was brought to emergency room with hypovolemic shock in context of diarrhea and melena. He presented with hemodynamic instability, hyperlactatemia and anemia. Aggressive supportive therapy with vasopressor support, packed red blood cell transfusion and intra-venous proton pump inhibitor was started. Upper digestive endoscopy revealed diffuse circumferential black discoloration of middle and distal esophagus with areas of linear ulceration and mucosal sloughing, consistent with acute esophageal necrosis. There was no evidence of esophageal varices. Abdominal computerized tomography scan revealed concomitant extensive bowel ischemia involving small and large bowel. Despite supportive measures, the disease had a fulminant evolution and the patient died after a few hours. Acute esophageal necrosis is defined endoscopically by diffuse and circumferential black mucosal discoloration of distal esophagus with abrupt transition at gastroesophageal junction and variable proximal extension. It is more common in older males with general debilitation and multiple comorbidities and typically presents with hematemesis or melena. An association with liver cirrhosis is well established, probably related to a state of malnutrition that decreases esophageal mucosal defenses and impairs regenerative ability. This case demonstrates that, although gastroesophageal varices and peptic ulcer bleeding are the most common sources of gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhotic patients, acute esophageal necrosis must also be considered, particularly in the setting of hemodynamic instability.

Factors influencing the habitat use by ocelots in one of the last large Atlantic Forest remnants in southeastern Brazil.

Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) are widely distributed throughout the Americas, being dependent on forested areas to survive. Although ocelot ecology is broadly studied throughout the species range distribution, studies concerning factors that may affect ocelot occupancy in the Atlantic Forest are still scarce. We used camera traps to evaluate factors influencing the probabilities of detection and occupancy of ocelots in a protected area of the Atlantic Forest, the Rio Doce State Park (RDSP), southeastern Brazil. To assess ocelot occupancy and detection probabilities, we measured the distances between sampling stations and rivers, lakes, cities, pasture, and Eucalyptus plantations. In addition, we recorded the mean rainfall levels for each sampling occasion, and native grassland areas within a 500 m-buffer around each sampling station. We found a strong and positive association between ocelot detection and the dry season, which might be due to a higher number of individuals moving through the Park during this season. Moreover, we found a strong and positive association of ocelot detection with native grassland areas around lakes, which may be related to the ocelot behavior of searching for prey in these areas. Conversely, the ocelot occupancy probability was intermediate ( Ψ ^  = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.36-0.69) and was not strongly associated with the evaluated covariates, which may be explained by the high-quality of forest habitats and water resources that are homogeneously distributed within the Park. Our study indicates that the RDSP still provides a structurally suitable forest habitat for ocelots, but because of the current worrying scenario of over fragmentation, reduction of forest cover, and weakness of the protective legislation of this biome, the long-term persistence of the species in RDSP is uncertain.

Management of afferent loop syndrome after Roux-en-Y subtotal gastrectomy and choledocolithiasis with recurrent cholangitis.

Afferent loop syndrome is a rare complication after gastrectomy with Billroth II or Roux-en-Y reconstruction, caused by an obstruction in the proximal loop. The biliary stasis and bacterial overgrowth secondary to this obstruction can lead to repeated episodes of acute cholangitis. We present the case of a male patient who had previously undergone gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction and later experienced multiple episodes of acute cholangitis secondary to choledocolithiasis. He underwent an open exploration of the bile ducts with choledocolitotomy, but the events of cholangitis persisted. Further investigation permitted to identify a dilation of the biliary loop of the Roux-en-Y anastomosis, suggesting enterobiliary reflux as the cause of recurrent acute cholangitis. Therefore, a bowel enterectomy and new jejunojejunostomy were undertaken, and normal biliary flow was re-established. The surgical treatment is mandatory in benign causes, leading to the resolution of the obstruction and subsequent normalisation of bile flow.

FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF OBERLIN PROCEDURE.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional outcome of patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury undergoing the Oberlin procedure. METHODS: Eighteen patients were assessed, comprising 17 men (94.4%) and 1 woman (5.6%), mean age 29.5 years (range 17-46 years), with upper traumatic brachial plexus injury (C5-C6 and C5-C7). We assessed active range of motion of the elbow, elbow flexion muscle strength and hand-grip strength, and applied the DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaire. RESULTS: Four patients (22.2%) did not achieve effective elbow flexion strength (BMRC Grade 3). Mean active range of motion was 100.2° (±45.6°), and we observed a mean percentage of strength recovery relative to the contralateral limb of 35.5% (0-66.3%). Elbow flexion (p = 0.0001) and hand-grip (p = 0.0001) strength levels were lower on the affected side. CONCLUSION: The surgical technique described by Oberlin for brachial plexus injuries proved effective for restoring elbow flexion and produced no functional sequelae in the hand. Bicep strength outcomes were better when surgery was performed within 12 months of injury. Level of evidence II, retrospective study.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o resultado funcional dos pacientes com lesão traumática do plexo braquial submetidos à cirurgia de Oberlin. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados 18 pacientes, sendo 17 homens (94,4%), com idade média de 29,5 anos (17 a 46 anos), com lesão traumática alta do plexo braquial (C5-C6 e C5-C7). Avaliamos a amplitude de movimento ativa do cotovelo, a força muscular de flexão do cotovelo e a força de preensão palmar, e aplicamos o questionário Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH). RESULTADOS: Quatro pacientes (22,2%) não obtiveram força eficaz de flexão do cotovelo BRMC (Grau 3). A amplitude de movimentação ativa apresentou média de 100,2° (± 45,6°) e observamos média de 35,5% (0 a 66,3%) de percentual de recuperação da força em relação ao membro contralateral. Foi observada menor força de flexão de cotovelo (p = 0,0001) e de preensão manual (p = 0,0001) no lado acometido. CONCLUSÃO: A cirurgia descrita por Oberlin para lesões do plexo braquial mostrou-se eficiente para a restauração da flexão do cotovelo e não deixou sequelas funcionais para a mão. Os resultados para a força do bíceps são melhores nas cirurgias realizadas com menos de 12 meses de lesão. Nível de evidência II, estudo retrospectivo.

A neuro-fuzzy system to support in the diagnostic of epileptic events and non-epileptic events using different fuzzy arithmetical operations.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate different fuzzy arithmetical operations to support in the diagnostic of epileptic events and non epileptic events. METHOD: A neuro-fuzzy system was developed using the NEFCLASS (NEuro Fuzzy CLASSIfication) architecture and an artificial neural network with backpropagation learning algorithm (ANNB). RESULTS: The study was composed by 244 patients with a bigger frequency of the feminine sex. The number of right decisions at the test phase, obtained by the NEFCLASS and ANNB was 83.60% and 90.16%, respectively. The best sensibility result was attained by NEFCLASS (84.90%); the best specificity result were attained by ANNB with 95.65%. CONCLUSION: The proposed neuro-fuzzy system combined the artificial neural network capabilities in the pattern classifications together with the fuzzy logic qualitative approach, leading to a bigger rate of system success.

A bayesian network perspective on an attributional model of reactions toward people with HIV / Atribuições de causalidade sobre as pessoas vivendo com HIV: perspectiva de uma análise Bayesiana

Abstract. Objetive. Attributional theory has been widely studied to understand the overall perceptions regarding people suffering from negative events such as an HIV infection. The aim of the present study is to test the overall attribution model and its influence on the willingness to help, considering emotional reactions related to an HIV-infected individual. Method. We used a Bayesian network to analyze the association between attributions of causality (blame, responsibility, and control), willingness to help, and emotional reactions (anger and sympathy) toward an HIV-infected patient. Three hundred and fifty-eight individuals participated in the study. Results. Using the overall model, we found two different results: Anger contributed to the cognitive processes of attribution, and sympathy contributed to the behavioral willingness to help the patient.

Resumo. Objetivo. A teoria de atribuição de causalidade tem sido amplamente estudada para compreender percepções a respeito de pessoas que sofrem o impacto de eventos negativos em saúde como uma infecção por HIV. O objetivo deste estudo é testar o modelo de atribuição e seu impacto em intenção de ajudar, considerando as reações emocionais direcionadas à um indivíduo que vive com HIV. Método. Utilizamos um panorama bayesiano para analisar a associação entre atribuições de causalidade (culpa, responsabilidade e controle), intenção de ajudar e reações emocionais (raiva e simpatia) no que diz respeito a um paciente com HIV. Trezentos e cinquenta e oito indivíduos participaram deste estudo. Resultados. A partir do modelo utilizado, encontramos dois resultados diferentes: raiva contribuiu ao processo cognitivo de atribuição e a emoção simpatia contribuiu ao processo comportamental de intenção de ajudar.

DOES COGNITIVE CAPACITY INTERFERE WITH THE OUTCOME OF OBERLIN TRANSFER?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between the functional outcome achieved following Oberlin transfer, the cognitive level of the patient, and the time elapsed between the trauma event and surgery. METHODS: Eighteen patients with a traumatic injury to the brachial plexus (C5-C6 and C5-C7) were evaluated. Seventeen (94.4%) patients were males and one (5.6%) was female, with a mean age of 29.5 years (range 17-46 years). We evaluated the active range of motion, elbow flexion strength, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and determined the correlation between the procedural outcome and the patient's cognitive level, as assessed by the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE). RESULTS: We found statistically significant correlations between the MMSE scale and strength recovery (84.4%, p<0.001), which was classified as excellent, and between the MMSE and British Medical Research Council (BMRC) scales (78.4%, p>0.001), which classified cognitive level as good. CONCLUSIONS: We found a positive correlation between cognitive capacity and functional outcome of patients submitted to Oberlin surgery. The time elapsed between trauma and the surgical procedure showed an inversely proportional correlation with the strength of recovery. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective Study.

OBJETIVO: Determinar a relação entre o resultado funcional obtido com a cirurgia de Oberlin, o nível cognitivo do paciente e com o tempo decorrido entre o trauma e a cirurgia. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados dezoito pacientes, sendo 17 homens (94,4%) e uma mulher (5,6%), com idade média de 29,5 anos (17 a 46 anos), com lesão traumática alta do plexo braquial (C5-C6 e C5-C7). Avaliamos a amplitude de movimento ativa, a força muscular de flexão do cotovelo e o questionário DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) e determinamos a correlação entre o resultado obtido e o nível cognitivo do paciente, avaliado pelo Mini Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM). RESULTADOS: Observamos correlações de significância estatística entre MEEM e recuperação de força (84,4%, p<0,001), classificada como ótima; MEEM e BMRC - British Medical Research Council (78,4%, p> 0,001), classificada como boa. CONCLUSÕES: Verificamos correlação positiva entre a capacidade cognitiva e os resultados funcionais dos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de Oberlin. O tempo decorrido entre o trauma e o procedimento cirúrgico apresenta uma relação inversamente proporcional com a recuperação da força. Nível de Evidencia II, Estudo retrospectivo.

Patterns of gastrointestinal parasitism among five sympatric prairie carnivores: are males reservoirs?

Male vertebrates are believed to be disproportionately vulnerable to parasites, but empirical support for this contention is mixed. We tested the hypothesis of higher levels of parasitism in males with the use of counts of gastrointestinal helminths in 5 sympatric mammalian carnivores (American badgers, coyotes, red foxes, raccoons, striped skunks) from central Saskatchewan. Parasite burdens for females and males of each host species were compared with the use of prevalence (percentage of hosts infected), intensity (parasites per infected host), and overdispersion (proportion of heavily infected hosts that were male). Of 30 comparisons (13 each for prevalence and intensity, 4 for overdispersion), male bias was detected 8 times (27%), whereas female bias was detected only once (3%), adding some support to the notion that male mammals are more susceptible to parasitism. However, most of the statistical comparisons we undertook revealed no sexual bias (n=21, 70%), suggesting that differential patterns of infection are not ubiquitous in mammals. Moreover, when detected, the magnitude and direction of bias varied among host species, helminth species, and metrics of infection. We conclude that sympatric and ecologically similar mammal species will not always share the tendency for males to be more susceptible to parasitism, and that studies incorporating multiple parasites and metrics of infection are more likely to detect sex bias.

Quimioterapia metronômica em tumores sólidos: dos conceitos à prática clínica - uma revisão narrativa / Metronomic chemotherapy in solid tumor: practice clinical and concepts ­ narrative review

O tratamento metronômico consiste na administração regular e contínua de quimioterápicos em baixa dose, preferivelmente via oral, sem pausas prolongadas, com objetivo de bloquear a proliferação tumoral. Este tratamento tem sido utilizado para uma série de tumores e nos últimos anos notou-se aumento da utilização em estudos clínicos, principalmente no cenário paliativo. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão narrativa acerca do tema quimioterapia metronômica em tumores sólidos, nos seus aspectos de definição, racional biológico, indicação clínica, marcadores preditivos e prognósticos. Metodologia: Foi realizada uma pesquisa na base de dados PUBMED, maior base de dados de conteúdo médico, onde foram encontrados 575 artigos, dos quais 46 artigos se adequavam aos critérios de seleção (artigos em inglês publicados no período compreendido entre 2015 a 2020), dentre eles 32 artigos de revisão, 1 metanálise, 2 retrospectivos, 9 prospectivos e 2 descritivos. E, após análise pormenorizada, 529 artigos foram excluídos devido aos critérios de exclusão: artigos em outras línguas que não inglês e a utilização apenas de anticorpo, imunoterapia ou terapia alvo molecular sem quimioterapia associados. Resultados: A partir da análise dos 46 artigos, foram encontrados descrições acerca dos aspectos conceituais, teorias metronômicas, efeito angiogênico, imunológico e quiescência tumoral, efeito 4 "D" e indicação clínica, avaliação de eficácia, segurança, marcadores, precisão e custo efetividade. Conclusão: Verificou-se que evidências clínicas e pré-clínicas suportam o uso de quimioterapia metronômica como uma alternativa ao tratamento oncológico padrão em cenário de acesso restrito a novas drogas, tais como: terapia alvo ou imunoterapia, sendo a principal característica sua baixa toxicidade, acessibilidade, disponibilidade de drogas para administração oral e alta atividade anti-angiogênica, além de outros efeitos diretos e indiretos, os quais se traduzem em benefício clínico

Metronomic treatment consists of regular and continuous administration of low-dose chemotherapy, preferably orally, without prolonged pauses, with the aim of blocking tumor proliferation. This treatment has been used for a number of tumors and, in recent years, there has been an increase in its use in clinical studies, especially in the palliative setting. Objective: To carry out a narrative review on the topic metronomic chemotherapy in solid tumors, in its aspects of definition, biological rationale, clinical indication, predictive and prognostic markers. Methodology: A search was carried out in the PUBMED database, the largest database of medical content, where 575 articles were found, of which 46 articles fit the selection criteria (articles in English published between 2015 and 2020), among them 32 review articles, 1 meta-analysis, 2 retrospective, 9 prospective and 2 descriptive. And, after a detailed analysis, 529 articles were excluded, due to the exclusion criteria: articles in languages other than English and the use of antibody alone, immunotherapy or molecular targeted therapy without associated chemotherapy. Results: From the analysis of the 46 articles, descriptions were found about the conceptual aspects, metronomic theories, angiogenic, immunological and tumor quiescence effects, 4 "D" effect and clinical indication, evaluation of efficacy, safety, markers, precision and cost effectiveness . Conclusion: It was found that clinical and preclinical evidence support the use of metronomic chemotherapy as an alternative to standard cancer treatment in a scenario of restricted access to new drugs, such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy, the main feature being its low toxicity, accessibility, availability of drugs for oral administration and high anti-angiogenic activity, in addition to other direct and indirect effects, which translate into clinical benefit