Performance Evaluation of Multi-UAV Network Applied to Scanning Rocket Impact Area.

This paper presents a communication network for a squadron of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to be used in the scanning rocket impact area for Barreira do Inferno Launch Center-CLBI (Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil), aiming at detecting intruder boats. The main features of communication networks associated with multi-UAV systems are presented. This system sends information through Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). After comparing and analyzing area scanning strategies, it presents the specification of a data communication network architecture for a squadron of UAVs within a sensor network using XBee Pro 900HP S3B modules. A brief description is made about the initial information from the construction of the system. The embedded hardware and the design procedure of a dedicated communication antenna to the XBee modules are presented. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed architecture in terms of robustness and reliability, a set of experimental tests in different communication scenarios is carried out. Network management software is employed to measure the throughput, packet loss and other performance indicators in the communication links between the different network nodes. Experimental results allow verifying the quality and performance of the network nodes, as well as the reliability of the communication links, assessing signal received quality, range and latency.

The First Brazilian Registry of Hypertension.

A systematic, nationwide assessment of care of patients with hypertension in Brazil is needed. The objective of the First National Registry of Patients with Hypertension in Brazil is to evaluate the clinical profile, treatment patterns, and outcomes of diagnosed hypertensive patients in the country.

Position statement of the Brazilian society of Rheumatology on mesna use as a preventive therapy for bladder disease in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases and systemic vasculitis under cyclophosphamide treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To review current literature to support the use of mesna as a preventive therapy for hemorrhagic cystitis and bladder cancer in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases and systemic vasculitis treated with cyclophosphamide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The search for articles was conducted systematically through MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. Only articles in English were selected. For available records, titles and abstracts were selected independently by two investigators. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were selected for analysis. The known adverse effects of cyclophosphamide were hematological toxicity, infections, gonadal toxicity, teratogenicity, increased risk for malignancy and hemorrhagic cystitis. Long-term toxicity was highly dependent on cyclophosphamide cumulative dose. The risk of bladder cancer is especially higher in long-term exposure and with cumulative doses above 36 g. The risk remains high for years after drug discontinuation. Hemorrhagic cystitis is highly correlated with cumulative dose and its incidence ranges between 12 and 41%, but it seems to be lower with new regimens with reduced cyclophosphamide dose. No randomized controlled trials were found to analyze the use of mesna in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases and systemic vasculitis. Retrospective studies yielded conflicting results. Uncontrolled prospective studies with positive results were considered at high risk of bias. No evidence was found to support the use of mesna during the treatment with cyclophosphamide for autoimmune diseases or systemic vasculitis to prevent hemorrhagic cystitis and bladder cancer. In the scenarios of high cumulative cyclophosphamide dose (i.e., > 30 g), patients with restricted fluid intake, neurogenic bladder, therapy with oral anticoagulants, and chronic kidney disease, mesna could be considered. CONCLUSION: The current evidence was found to be insufficient to support the routine use of mesna for the prophylaxis of hemorrhagic cystitis and bladder cancer in patients being treated for systemic autoimmune diseases and systemic vasculitis with cyclophosphamide. The use may be considered for selected cases.

Primary results of the brazilian registry of atherothrombotic disease (NEAT).

There is limited contemporary prospective real-world evidence of patients with chronic arterial disease in Latin America. The Network to control atherothrombosis (NEAT) registry is a national prospective observational study of patients with known coronary (CAD) and/or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in Brazil. A total of 2,005 patients were enrolled among 25 sites from September 2020 to March 2022. Patient characteristics, medications and laboratorial data were collected. Primary objective was to assess the proportion of patients who, at the initial visit, were in accordance with good medical practices (domains) for reducing cardiovascular risk in atherothrombotic disease. From the total of patients enrolled, 2 were excluded since they did not meet eligibility criteria. Among the 2,003 subjects included in the analysis, 55.6% had isolated CAD, 28.7% exclusive PAD and 15.7% had both diagnoses. Overall mean age was 66.3 (± 10.5) years and 65.7% were male patients. Regarding evidence-based therapies (EBTs), 4% were not using any antithrombotic drug and only 1.5% were using vascular dose of rivaroxaban (2.5 mg bid). Only 0.3% of the patients satisfied all the domains of secondary prevention, including prescription of EBTs and targets of body-mass index, blood pressure, LDL-cholesterol, and adherence of lifestyle recommendations. The main barrier for prescription of EBTs was medical judgement. Our findings highlight that the contemporary practice does not reflect a comprehensive approach for secondary prevention and had very low incorporation of new therapies in Brazil. Large-scale populational interventions addressing these gaps are warranted to improve the use of evidence-based therapies and reduce the burden of atherothrombotic disease.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04677725.

The favela where I live: the territory from the perspective of young people. / A favela onde moro: o território sob a perspectiva dos jovens.

This article examines a set of photographic productions created by six young people, living in a favela on the outskirts of São Paulo, seeking to reflect on their perception of the territory in which they live. A large part of the population of São Paulo resides in favelas, an urban phenomenon found on the outskirts of large metropolises. Despite the difficulty in accessing basic services, such as health, safety, culture and education, the favela is also a fertile space that nurtures feelings of belonging, solidarity and resistance in its residents. Young people, who also live and circulate in the streets and alleys of the favela, have a specific perspective on their own home territory. This is a qualitative and exploratory study, which uses photography as a research tool. The photographic and cartographic productions of the young people reflected different perspectives of the territory, revealing dimensions of leisure, community articulation, sociability, precariousness of the urban cleaning system, among others. Thus, the undertaking of creating visual narratives made it possible for different aspects of the favela to be exposed, discussed and analyzed.

O presente artigo examina um conjunto de produções fotográficas criadas por seis jovens, moradores de uma favela da periferia de São Paulo, procurando refletir sobre a percepção que eles têm do território em que habitam. Grande parte da população de São Paulo reside em favelas, fenômeno urbano encontrado nas periferias de grandes metrópoles. Apesar da dificuldade do acesso a bens básicos, como saúde, segurança, cultura e educação, a favela também é espaço fértil que nutre sentimentos de pertencimento, solidariedade e resistência em seus moradores. As juventudes, que também vivem e circulam pelas ruas e vielas da favela, detêm um olhar específico sobre seu próprio território de moradia. Esta é uma pesquisa qualitativa exploratória, que utiliza a fotografia como instrumento de pesquisa. As produções fotográficas e cartográficas dos jovens refletiram diferentes perspectivas do território, revelando dimensões de lazer, articulação comunitária, sociabilidade, precariedade do sistema de limpeza urbana, dentre outros. Sendo assim, o empreendimento da criação de narrativas visuais fez com que diferentes aspectos da favela pudessem ser expostos, discutidos e analisados.

Scleroderma with Acro-Osteolysis and Papular Mucinosis Resembling Multicentric Reticulohistiocytosis.

OBJECTIVES: We describe a case of systemic sclerosis (SS) with acro-osteolysis associated with cutaneous mucinosis, usually characterized by mucin deposition in the skin. The main differential diagnosis was multicentric reticulohistiocytosis due to the presentation of papulonodular skin lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A physical examination, imaging studies and laboratory tests were performed. RESULTS: Distal bone resorption was evident on plain radiographs, and skin biopsy confirmed mucinosis. The SS diagnosis was based on the clinical features, high levels of antinucleolar antibodies and typical nailfold capillaroscopy findings. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of cutaneous mucinosis accompanying SS with acro-osteolysis. LEARNING POINTS: Cutaneous mucinosis is rarely associated with systemic sclerosis.Systemic sclerosis with cutaneous mucinosis may resemble multicentric reticulohistiocytosis.

A comparative study for the ion exchange of Fe(III) and Zn(II) on zeolite NaY.

The uptake capacity of Fe(III) and Zn(II) ions in NaY zeolite was investigated. Experiments were carried out in a fixed bed column at 30 degrees C, pH 3.5 and 4.5 for Fe(III) and Zn(II), respectively, and an average particle size of 0.180 mm. In order to minimize the diffusional resistances the influence of flow rate on the breakthrough curves at feed concentrations of 1.56 meq/L for Fe(III) and 0.844 meq/L for Zn(II) was investigated. Flow rate of the minimal resistance in the bed according to mass transfer parameter were 2.0 mL/min for iron and 8.0 mL/min for zinc ions. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models have been used to represent the column equilibrium data. The iron dynamic isotherm was successfully modeled by the Langmuir equation and this mathematical model described well the experimental breakthrough curves for feed concentrations from 0.1 up to 3.5 meq/L. The zinc dynamic isotherm was successfully modeled by the Freundlich equation. This equilibrium model was applied to mathematical model. Experimental breakthrough curves could be predicted. Experiments were also carried out in a batch reactor to investigate the kinetics adsorption of the ions Fe(III) and Zn(II). Langmuir kinetic model fit well both experimental data.

Therapeutic Adherence According to the Morisky Scale in Patients with Hypertension

Abstract Background In view of the high prevalence of hypertension and the importance of adequate drug therapy in the prevention of complications, it is necessary to know the adherence to drug treatment in this population. Objective To verify adherence to antihypertensive drug treatment in Brazilian patients with hypertension using the Morisky-Green Test (MGT), relating it with demographic data. Methods Prospective, observational, multicenter, national registry study, with 2,578 hypertensive patients participating in study I, the Brazilian Cardiovascular Registry of Arterial Hypertension (I-RBH), recruited in the five regions of Brazil. The analyses carried out on the data were descriptive statistics, qui-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression, adopting 5% as the significance level for the tests. Results The research shows that 56.13% of patients in the sample were female; 56.71% were elderly (≥ 65 years); 55.86% were White; 52.37% were from the Southeast Region; and 59.74% were non-adherent. Logistic regression showed an independent relationship between patients' age, ethnicity, and region with medication adherence. Conclusion Adherence to treatment is the key to reducing high rates of cardiovascular complications. The study brings a successful outcome in the relationship between the factors ethnicity, age, and region of patients with hypertension and medication adherence. To this end, it is necessary to understand these factors, considering systematic evaluation in the care of patients with hypertension and other chronic non-communicable diseases. This study is a significant contribution to multidisciplinary teams, as it highlights which risk factors interfere with medication adherence, incorporating better strategies in health education.

Cisto ósseo simples: relato de 7 casos / Simple bone cyst: report of 7 cases / Quiste óseo simple: reporte de 7 casos

Introdução: O cisto ósseo simples (COS) é definido como uma cavidade intraóssea de etiologia desconhecida, desprovida de revestimento epitelial e vazia ou preenchida com líquido. Na região facial, o COS é mais comumente observado no corpo da mandíbula. Objetivo: O objetivo deste artigo é relatar uma série de casos de COS, discutindo aspectos relevantes das características clínicas e terapêutica adequada. Relato de caso: A série de casos demonstrou que a presença de lesões radiolúcidas assintomáticas nos maxilares, nos quais os diagnósticos clínico, laboratorial e imaginológico não foram conclusivos, a realização de uma biópsia é sempre indicada. Considerações finais: Os casos de múltiplas lesões de COS, ou quando estão associadas a displasias cemento-ósseas, uma abordagem cirúrgica torna-se imperiosa... (AU)

Introduction: Simple bone cyst (COS) is defined as an intraosseous cavity of unknown etiology, devoid of epithelial lining and empty or filled with fluid. In the facial region, COS is most commonly seen in the body of the mandible. Objective: The aim of this article is to re port a series of COS cases, discussing relevant aspects of the clinical characteristics and adequate treatment. Case report: The case series demonstrated that the presence of asymptomatic radiolucent lesions in the jaws, in which clinical, laboratory and imaging diagnoses were not conclusive, a biopsy is always indicated. Final considerations: In cases of multiple COS lesions, or when they are associated with cemento-osseous dysplasias, a surgical approach is imperative... (AU)

Introducción: El quiste óseo simple (COS) se define como una cavidad intraósea de etiología desconocida, desprovista de revestimiento epitelial y vacía o llena de líquido. En la región facial, la COS se observa con mayor frecuencia en el cuerpo de la mandíbula. Objetivo: El objetivo de este artículo es reportar una serie de casos de COS, discutiendo aspectos relevantes de las características clínicas y el tratamiento adecuado. Caso clínico: La serie de casos demostró que ante la presencia de lesiones radiotransparentes asintomáticas en los maxilares, en las que los diagnósticos clínicos, de laboratorio y de imagen no fueron concluyentes, siempre está indicada una biopsia. Consideraciones finales: En casos de múltiples lesiones de COS, o cuando se asocian a displasias cemento-óseas, es imprescindible un abordaje quirúrgico... (AU)

Hiperplasia epitelial focal: relato de caso clínico / Focal epithelial hyperplasia: case report

Introdução: a hiperplasia epitelial focal (HEF) ou doença de Heck, caracteriza-se por ser uma lesão benigna rara da mucosa bucal. Geralmente, está associada a proliferação do epitélio pavimentoso atribuída principalmente ao papiloma vírus humano (HPV) dos subtipos 13 e 32. Objetivo: relatar o caso de um paciente, com suspeita diagnóstica de HEF, descrever suas manifestações clínicas bucais e histopatológicas. Metodologia: homem, 38 anos, melanoderma, compareceu no Serviço Universitário com queixa de ardência em mucosa bucal. Ao exame clínico, apresentava múltiplas lesões papulares, firmes à palpação, de coloração rósea, com pápulas aglomeradas ou isoladas, localizadas em rebordo alveolares, gengiva inserida e livre da arcada superior e inferior, mucosas jugais e labiais, compatíveis com lesões causadas por HPV. Realizou-se biópsia incisional das lesões bucais, o laudo histopatológico descreveu o fragmento de mucosa bucal que estava revestida por epitélio pavimentoso estratificado paraceratinizado com acantose proeminente, projeções focais confluentes para o tecido conjuntivo, confirmando a suspeita diagnóstica clínica. Conclusão: a HEF é uma patologia rara, benigna da mucosa, indolor e que pode se resolver espontaneamente. Portanto, é necessário o diagnóstico adequado através da biopsia e laudo histopatológico.

Introduction: focal epithelial hyperplasia (FEH) or Heck's disease is characterized as a rare benign lesion of the oral mucosa. It is usually associated with proliferation of the squamous epithelium, mainly attributed to human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes 13 and 32. Objective: to report the case of a patient with a diagnostic suspicion of HEF, to describe its oral clinical and histopathological manifestations. Methodology: hale, 38 years old, black, attended the University Service with a complaint of burning in the oral mucosa. On clinical examination, she presented multiple papular lesions, firm to palpation, pink in color, with agglomerated or isolated papules, located in the alveolar ridge, inserted gingiva free from the upper and lower arch, jugal and labial mucosa, compatible with lesions caused by HPV. An incisional biopsy of the oral lesions was performed, the histopathological report described the fragment of oral mucosa that was lined with parakeratinized stratified squamous epithelium with prominent acanthosis, focal projections confluent to the connective tissue, confirming the clinical diagnostic suspicion. Conclusion: FEH is a rare, benign mucosal pathology, painless and can resolve spontaneously. Therefore, proper diagnosis through biopsy and histopathological report is necessary.

A favela onde moro: o território sob a perspectiva dos jovens / The favela where I live: the territory from the perspective of young people

Resumo O presente artigo examina um conjunto de produções fotográficas criadas por seis jovens, moradores de uma favela da periferia de São Paulo, procurando refletir sobre a percepção que eles têm do território em que habitam. Grande parte da população de São Paulo reside em favelas, fenômeno urbano encontrado nas periferias de grandes metrópoles. Apesar da dificuldade do acesso a bens básicos, como saúde, segurança, cultura e educação, a favela também é espaço fértil que nutre sentimentos de pertencimento, solidariedade e resistência em seus moradores. As juventudes, que também vivem e circulam pelas ruas e vielas da favela, detêm um olhar específico sobre seu próprio território de moradia. Esta é uma pesquisa qualitativa exploratória, que utiliza a fotografia como instrumento de pesquisa. As produções fotográficas e cartográficas dos jovens refletiram diferentes perspectivas do território, revelando dimensões de lazer, articulação comunitária, sociabilidade, precariedade do sistema de limpeza urbana, dentre outros. Sendo assim, o empreendimento da criação de narrativas visuais fez com que diferentes aspectos da favela pudessem ser expostos, discutidos e analisados.

Abstract This article examines a set of photographic productions created by six young people, living in a favela on the outskirts of São Paulo, seeking to reflect on their perception of the territory in which they live. A large part of the population of São Paulo resides in favelas, an urban phenomenon found on the outskirts of large metropolises. Despite the difficulty in accessing basic services, such as health, safety, culture and education, the favela is also a fertile space that nurtures feelings of belonging, solidarity and resistance in its residents. Young people, who also live and circulate in the streets and alleys of the favela, have a specific perspective on their own home territory. This is a qualitative and exploratory study, which uses photography as a research tool. The photographic and cartographic productions of the young people reflected different perspectives of the territory, revealing dimensions of leisure, community articulation, sociability, precariousness of the urban cleaning system, among others. Thus, the undertaking of creating visual narratives made it possible for different aspects of the favela to be exposed, discussed and analyzed.

Cisto odontogênico glandular: relato de caso raro / Glandular odontogenic cyst: rare case report / Quiste dental glandular: reporte de un caso raro

Introdução: O cisto odontogênico glandular (COG) é um cisto odontogênico de desenvolvimento raro com potencial para agressividade e alta recorrência. Inicialmente denominado cisto sialodontogênico, por acreditarem que sua etiologia estaria possivelmente associada às glândulas salivares, posteriormente foi proposto o nome de COG e enfatizada a origem odontogênica para o mesmo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar e discutir um caso de COG, analisando-se os aspectos clínicos, imaginológico e histológicos, discutindo com dados provenientes da literatura. Relato de caso: Paciente do sexo masculino, 22 anos, com diversas patologias de desenvolvimento dentário, cuja lesão localizava-se na região posterior da mandíbula associada a unidades dentárias não vitais simulando sinais de cisto radicular, foi realizada abordagem cirúrgica para extração dos dentes 36 e 37, curetagem da lesão e posterior acompanhamento de 5 anos sem recidiva. Considerações finais: O caso clínico demonstrou um COG que, pelas suas características clínicas e radiográficas, assemelhava-se a um cisto radicular em um paciente que apresentava alterações no desenvolvimento das unidades dentárias, contudo o laudo histopatológico foi fundamental para a elucidação diagnóstica e terapêutica adequada... (AU)

Introduction: Glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) is a rare developing odontogenic cyst with potential for aggressiveness and high recurrence. Initially called sialodontogenic cyst, as they believed that its etiology was possibly associated with salivary glands, the name of COG was later proposed and its odontogenic origin was emphasized. The objective of this work was to report and discuss a case of COG, analyzing the clinical, imaging and histological aspects, discussing with data from the literature. Case report: Male patient, 22 years old, with several pathologies of dental development, whose lesion was located in the posterior region of the mandible associated with non-vital dental units simulating signs of radicular cyst, a surgical approach was performed to extract the teeth 36 and 37, curettage of the lesion and subsequent follow-up of 5 years without recurrence. Final considerations: The clinical case demonstrated a COG that, due to its clinical and radiographic characteristics, resembled a radicular cyst in a patient who presented alterations in the development of dental units, however the histopathological report was essential for the proper diagnostic and therapeutic elucidation... (AU)

Introducción: El quiste odontogénico glandular (GOC) es un quiste odontogénico en desarrollo poco común con potencial de agresividad y alta recurrencia. Inicialmente denominado quiste sialodontogénico, ya que creían que su etiología posiblemente estaba asociada a glándulas salivales, posteriormente se propuso el nombre COG y se enfatizó su origen odontogénico. El objetivo de este trabajo fue informar y discutir un caso de COG, analizando los aspectos clínicos, imagenológicos e histológicos, discutiendo con datos de la literatura. Caso clínico: Paciente masculino de 22 años con diversas patologías del desarrollo dental, cuya lesión se localizó en la región posterior de la mandíbula asociada a unidades dentales no vitales simulando signos de quiste radicular, se realizó un abordaje quirúrgico para extraer el dientes 36 y 37, curetaje de la lesión y seguimiento posterior de 5 años sin recidiva. Consideraciones finales: El caso clínico mostró un COG que por sus características clínicas y radiográficas se asemejaba a un quiste radicular en un paciente que presentaba alteraciones en el desarrollo de las unidades dentales, sin embargo el informe histopatológico fue fundamental para el adecuado esclarecimiento diagnóstico y terapêutico... (AU)

Accuracy of two cephalometric analyses in the treatment of patients with skeletal class III malocclusion.

The aim of the present study was to compare the treatment plan outlined from the diagnosis obtained by two different cephalometric analyses with the clinical decision made for surgical treatment of patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion. For this purpose, 82 skeletal Class III patients were evaluated, divided into three groups according to the surgical procedure performed for dentofacial deformity correction. Their preoperative cephalometric radiographs were submitted to McNamara and Steiner cephalometric analyses. The association of variables was evaluated by Kappa correlation (α=5%). The agreement between indication of surgical procedures performed based on clinical decision and surgical treatment indicated based on the evaluation of McNamara and Steiner cephalometric analyses were not significant (p=0.609 and p=0.544, respectively). McNamara and Steiner analyses showed reasonable agreement with each other as to the diagnosis, but did not agree with the clinical decision to treat skeletal CIII patients. Both tests were equally inaccurate in the indication of the surgical treatment.

Septic versus non-septic acute kidney injury in critically ill patients: characteristics and clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe and compare the characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with septic and non-septic acute kidney injury. METHODS: This study evaluated an open cohort of 117 critically ill patients with acute kidney injury who were consecutively admitted to an intensive care unit, excluding patients with a history of advanced-stage chronic kidney disease, kidney transplantation, hospitalization or death in a period shorter than 24 hours. The presence of sepsis and in-hospital death were the exposure and primary variables in this study, respectively. A confounding analysis was performed using logistic regression. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the mean ages of the groups with septic and non-septic acute kidney injury [65.30±21.27 years versus 66.35±12.82 years, respectively; p=0.75]. In the septic and non-septic acute kidney injury groups, a predominance of females (57.4% versus 52.4%, respectively; p=0.49) and Afro-descendants (81.5% versus 76.2%, respectively; p=0.49) was observed. Compared with the non-septic patients, the patients with sepsis had a higher mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score [21.73±7.26 versus 15.75±5.98; p<0.001)] and a higher mean water balance (p=0.001). Arterial hypertension (p=0.01) and heart failure (p<0.001) were more common in the non-septic patients. Septic acute kidney injury was associated with a greater number of patients who required dialysis (p=0.001) and a greater number of deaths (p<0.001); however, renal function recovery was more common in this group (p=0.01). Sepsis (OR: 3.88; 95%CI: 1.51-10.00) and an Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score >18.5 (OR: 9.77; 95%CI: 3.73-25.58) were associated with death in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Sepsis was an independent predictor of death. Significant differences were found between the characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with septic versus non-septic acute kidney injury.

Characterization of biocatalysts prepared with Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase and different silica precursors, dried using aerogel and xerogel techniques.

The use of lipases in industrial processes can result in products with high levels of purity and at the same time reduce pollutant generation and improve both selectivity and yields. In this work, lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus was immobilized using two different techniques. The first involves the hydrolysis/polycondensation of a silica precursor (tetramethoxysilane (TMOS)) at neutral pH and ambient temperature, and the second one uses tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as the silica precursor, involving the hydrolysis and polycondensation of the alkoxide in appropriate solvents. After immobilization, the enzymatic preparations were dried using the aerogel and xerogel techniques and then characterized in terms of their hydrolytic activities using a titrimetric method with olive oil and by the formation of 2-phenylethyl acetate in a transesterification reaction. The morphological properties of the materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, measurements of the surface area and pore size and volume, thermogravimetric analysis, and exploratory differential calorimetry. The results of the work indicate that the use of different silica precursors (TEOS or TMOS) and different drying techniques (aerogel or xerogel) can significantly affect the properties of the resulting biocatalyst. Drying with supercritical CO2 provided higher enzymatic activities and pore sizes and was therefore preferable to drying, using the xerogel technique. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analyses revealed differences in behavior between the two biocatalyst preparations due to the compounds present.

Antimicrobial activity of essential oils from Lippia alba, Lippia sidoides, Cymbopogon citrates, Plectranthus amboinicus, and Cinnamomum zeylanicum against Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Atividade antimicrobiana de leos essenciais de Lippia alba, Lippia sidoides, Cymbopogon citrates, Plectranthus amboinicus, e Cinnamomum zeylanicum em Mycobacterium tuberculosis

ABSTRACT: The rise in cases of antibiotic-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis has become a major obstacle to the effective control of tuberculosis (TB) worldwide. Essential oils (EO) are complex mixtures that may contain between 20 and 60 components, with two or three major compounds at relatively high concentrations (20-70%) that are responsible for their pharmacological properties. The objective of this study was to assess the antimicrobial activity of the EOs, bushy lippia (Lippia alba), rosemary pepper (Lippia sidoides), lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), Mexican mint or Indian borage (Plectranthus amboinicus), and true cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. Chemical characterization of the EOs was performed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the microdilution-based resazurin microtiter assay. Four EOs were able to inhibit the growth of M. tuberculosis, with MICs of 286.5±130.2μg/mL (C. zeylanicum), 299.5±117.2μg/mL (L. sidoides), 351.6±39.06μg/mL (P. amboinicus), and 1,250μg/mL (C. citratus). Only the EO of L. alba showed no antimycobacterial activity at the tested concentrations, with an MIC greater than 1,250µg/mL. Results of this study suggested that C. zeylanicum, L. sidoides, and P. amboinicus could be important sources of bactericidal compounds against M. tuberculosis and require further investigation. The activity against M. tuberculosis of these three EOs has not been reported previously. The results show the high potential of the tested antimycobacterial EOs, making them a promising alternative for TB treatment. This data also confirms the importance of bioprospecting studies for active substances with antimycobacterial activity, which are still scarce.

RESUMO: O aumento no número de casos de Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistentes tem se tornado um grande obstáculo no controle efetivo da tuberculose (TB) mundialmente. Os óleos essenciais (OE), que são misturas complexas que podem conter entre 20 a 60 componentes, apresentam dois ou três compostos principais, em concentrações relativamente elevadas, 20 a 70%, que são responsáveis pelas suas propriedades farmacológicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antimicobacteriana dos seguintes óleos essenciais (OEs) em Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv: erva-cidreira (Lippia alba), alecrim-pimenta (Lippia sidoides), capim-limão (Cymbopogon citratus), orégano (Plectranthus amboinicus) e canela (Cinnamomum zeylanicum). A caracterização química dos OEs foi realizada por cromatografia gasosa acoplada a espectrometria de massa. A Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) foi determinada pela técnica de microdiluição da resazurina. Quatro OEs foram capazes de inibir o crescimento de M. tuberculosis, com CIM de 286,5±130,2μg/mL (C. zeylanicum), 299,5±117,2μg/mL (L. sidoides), 351,6±39,06μg/mL (P. amboinicus) e 1250μg/mL (C. citratus). Somente o OE de L. alba não mostrou atividade antimicobacteriana nas conscentrações testadas, considerando CIM maiores que 1250µg/mL. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que L. sidoides, C. zeylanicum e P. amboinicus podem ser fontes importantes de compostos bactericidas contra M. tuberculosis e prováveis candidatos a serem investigados. A atividade contra M. tuberculosis desses três OEs não foi relatada em estudos anteriores. Os resultados mostram o elevado potencial antimicobacteriano dos OEs analisados, fazendo deles uma alternativa promissora para o tratamento da TB. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram a importância de pesquisas para bioprospecção de substâncias ativas com ação antimicobacteriana, que ainda são escassas.

Correlação de indicadores antropométricos de obesidade e prevalência de esteatose hepática não alcoólica diagnosticada por ultrassonografia / Correlation of anthropometric indicators of obesity and prevalence of non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis diagnosed through ultrasonography

OBJETIVO: Correlacionar os índices antropométricos, índice de massa corporal, circunferência da cintura e relação cintura/ quadril com a presença ou não de esteatose hepática diagnosticada pela ultrassonografia. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo descritivo, prospectivo, com abordagem analítica quantitativa, realizado após a aprovação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa com Seres Humanos. A amostra contou com 166 pacientes, de ambos os sexos, de 18 a 80 anos de idade. Os pacientes foram diagnosticados como portadores ou não de esteatose hepática na ultrassonografia, e foram analisados os fatores antropométricos citados. Os dados foram analisados por meio do software IBM Stastical Package for Social Science, versão 22.0, para Windows, e o nível de significância utilizado foi p<0,05. A análise das variáveis categóricas foi realizada aplicando-se o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson ou teste exato de Fisher. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 166 pacientes pela ultrassonografia e, destes, 39,1% apresentaram esteatose hepática. A presença ou não de esteatose foi correlacionada com os índices antropométricos, e foi obtido resultado estatisticamente significativo para todos estes índices (p<0,0001). A correlação com a gravidade da doença apresentou resultado significativo apenas para a relação cintura/quadril (p=0,0214) e para a circunferência da cintura (p=0,004). CONCLUSÃO: Houve correlação estatística estatisticamente significativa dos índices antropométricos com a presença ou não de esteatose hepática; circunferência da cintura e relação cintura/quadril foram os índices estatisticamente significativos para graus mais avançados, o que mostra a importância da obesidade abdominal na patogênese da doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica.(AU)

OBJECTIVE: To correlate the anthropometric indexes body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist/hip ratio with the presence or absence of hepatic steatosis diagnosed with ultrasonography. METHODS: This is a descriptive, prospective study with a quantitative analytical approach, carried out after approval by the Human Research Ethics Committee. The sample consisted of 166 patients, of both genders, from 18 to 80 years of age. Patients were diagnosed, through ultrasonography, as having or not having hepatic steatosis and the above-mentioned anthropometric indexes were analyzed. Data was analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Science® 22.0 software for Windows, and the level of significance used was p<0.05. The analysis of the categorical variables was carried out with the application of either Pearson's chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Of the 166 patients evaluated with ultrasonography, 39.1% had hepatic steatosis. The presence or absence of steatosis was correlated with the anthropometric indexes and all of those correlations obtained a statistically significant result (p<0.0001). The correlation with disease severity presented a significant result only for the waist/hip ratio (p=0.0214) and waist circumference (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: There was a statistically significant correlation between the anthropometric indices and the presence or absence of hepatic steatosis, where the waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio were statistically significant indexes for more advanced degrees of the disease, showing the importance of abdominal obesity in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.(AU)

The superior transverse scapular ligament in fetuses.

Introduction. The superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL) links the margins of the suprascapular notch and converts it into a foramen, through which, the suprascapular nerve and, on some rare occasions, the suprascapular vessels pass. This conversion often results from partial or complete ossification of the STSL and may produce compressive symptoms in the suprascapular nerve. Material and Method. Twenty shoulders from human fetuses were dissected without the aid of optical instruments and, using a digital pachymeter of precision 0.01 millimeters, length measurements and thickness measurements were made. The fetal age was from 21 to 33 weeks of gestation, with a mean of 27.6 ± 4.14 weeks. Results. There was no statistically significant difference in STSL length or any difference in the thicknesses at the medial and lateral extremities between the halves of the body (P ≥ 0.05). However, in the left half of the body, the medial extremity of the STSL was significantly thinner than the lateral extremity (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion. Anatomical and morphometric details about the STSL were described in human fetuses. These findings, in fetuses, may encourage the pursuit of further studies to understand the morphofunctional role and meaning of this small ligament.

Comparison of the RIFLE, AKIN and KDIGO criteria to predict mortality in critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVE: Acute kidney injury is a common complication in critically ill patients, and the RIFLE, AKIN and KDIGO criteria are used to classify these patients. The present study's aim was to compare these criteria as predictors of mortality in critically ill patients. METHODS: Prospective cohort study using medical records as the source of data. All patients admitted to the intensive care unit were included. The exclusion criteria were hospitalization for less than 24 hours and death. Patients were followed until discharge or death. Student's t test, chi-squared analysis, a multivariate logistic regression and ROC curves were used for the data analysis. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 64 years old, and the majority of patients were women of African descent. According to RIFLE, the mortality rates were 17.74%, 22.58%, 24.19% and 35.48% for patients without acute kidney injury (AKI) in stages of Risk, Injury and Failure, respectively. For AKIN, the mortality rates were 17.74%, 29.03%, 12.90% and 40.32% for patients without AKI and at stage I, stage II and stage III, respectively. For KDIGO 2012, the mortality rates were 17.74%, 29.03%, 11.29% and 41.94% for patients without AKI and at stage I, stage II and stage III, respectively. All three classification systems showed similar ROC curves for mortality. CONCLUSION: The RIFLE, AKIN and KDIGO criteria were good tools for predicting mortality in critically ill patients with no significant difference between them.

Impact of stenting and oral sirolimus on endothelium-dependent and independent coronary vasomotion.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus regarding the impact of stenting on long-term endothelial function. There have been reports of increased endothelial dysfunction with sirolimus-eluting stents as compared to bare metal stenting (BMS). OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the impact of BMS and the effect of oral sirolimus on endothelial function. METHODS: Forty-five patients were randomized into three groups: BMS + high-dose oral sirolimus (initial dose of 15 mg, followed by 6 mg/day for four weeks); BMS + low-dose sirolimus (6 mg followed by 2 mg daily for four weeks); and BMS without sirolimus. Changes in vasoconstriction or vasodilation in a 15 mm segment starting at the distal stent end in response to acetylcholine and nitroglycerin were assessed by quantitative angiography. RESULTS: The groups had similar angiographic characteristics. The percent variation in diameter in response to acetylcholine was similar in all groups at the two time points (p = 0.469). Four hours after stenting, the target segment presented an endothelial dysfunction that was maintained after eight months in all groups. In all groups, endothelium-independent vasomotion in response to nitroglycerin was similar at four hours and eight months, with increased target segment diameter after nitroglycerin infusion (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The endothelial dysfunction was similarly present at the 15 mm segment distal to the treated segment, at 4 hours and 8 months after stenting. Sirolimus administered orally during 4 weeks to prevent restenosis did not affect the status of endothelium-dependent and independent vasomotion.