Abstract Objectives To prospectively compare the results of microvascular flap reconstruction of midface and scalp advanced oncologic defects using superficial temporal versus cervical as recipient vessels. Methods This is a parallel group clinical trial with 1:1 allocation ratio of patients who underwent midface and scalp oncologic reconstruction with free tissue flap from April 2018 to April 2022 in a tertiary oncologic center. Two groups were analyzed: those in whom superficial temporal vessels were used as the recipient vessels (Group A) and those in whom cervical vessels were used as the recipient vessels (Group B). Patient gender and age, cause and localization of the defect, flap choice for reconstruction, recipient vessels, intraoperative outcome, postoperative course, and complications were recorded and analyzed. A Fisher’s exact test was used to compare outcomes between the 2 groups. Results On the basis of the different recipient vessels, 32 patients were randomized into 2 groups, and of these 27 patients completed the study: Group A with superficial temporal recipient vessels (n = 12) and Group B with cervical recipient vessels (n = 15). There were 18 male and 09 female patients with an average age of 53.92 ± 17.49 years. The overall flap survival rate was 88.89%. The overall complication rate for vascular anastomosis was 14.81%. The total flap loss rate in patients with superficial temporal recipient vessels was higher than the complication rate in those with cervical recipient vessels but with no statistical significance (16.67% vs. 6.66%, p= 0.569). Minor complications occurred in 05 patients without statistical significance between the groups (p= 0.342). Conclusion In the group with superficial temporal recipient vessels, the postoperative rate of free flap complications was similar than the cervical recipient vessel group. Therefore the use of superficial temporal recipient vessels for midface and scalp oncologic reconstruction could be a reliable option.

ABSTRACT The phytonematodes seriously harm plants worldwide, reducing agricultural productivity, especially root-knot nematodes, genus Meloidogyne. An alternative form of control for this pathogen is the use of essential oils, which have a complex mixture of compounds with potential nematicidal activity. The objective of this work was to identify the chemical compounds present in the essential oil of pequi and to verify the efficiency of the oil in the control of Meloidogyne javanica. The identification of chemical compounds was performed by comparing the mass spectra obtained with the spectra present in the equipment library, Nist08. Eighty-second stage juveniles (J2) were incubated in the following treatments: control 0 (2 mL of distilled water) 2, 4, 8 and 16 mg L-1 of pequi essential oil (PEO). The results obtained in the experiment were significant, with a high percentage of mortality of J2 in the treatment T5 (16 mg L-1) of 82% and T3 (4 mg L-1) 66%, respectively. Among the compounds identified, 58.3% are esters, highlight for ethyl hexanoate, and 25.0% are monoterpenes, and all are nematicidal compounds. Pequi essential oil has the potential to be used in the control of M. javanica.

RESUMO Introdução: Aproximadamente 2/3 dos pacientes com a Síndrome de Guillain-Barré (SGB) apresentam alguma doença infecciosa precedente. Recentemente, uma epidemia de infecção por o vírus Zika resultou em surto de SGB na América Latina, principalmente no Brasil, concomitante à circulação contínua de sorotipos do vírus da Dengue. No entanto, não há estudo sobre a infecção por citomegalovírus (CMV) como fator de risco para SGB no Brasil. Objetivos: Neste estudo, relatamos uma série de casos de SGB com o intuito de determinar a prevalência de CMV e as características associadas à infecção. Métodos: Foi estudada uma coorte de 111 casos de SGB diagnosticados entre 2011 e 2017 na cidade de Natal, capital do estudo do Rio Grande do Norte, nordeste do Brasil. A presença de anticorpos IgM CMV foi determinada por eletroquimiluminescência. A análise foi realizada considerando o status de infecção por CMV e os achados clínicos. Resultados: Foi observada uma soroprevalência de 15,3% (n = 17) para o CMV. Os casos de CMV eram mais jovens (26 vs. 40, p = 0,016), sem história de infecção gastrointestinal (p = 0,762) ou respiratória superior (0,779) ou perda sensorial (p = 0,03). Apresentaram-se mais frequentemente como uma variante sensitiva-motora clássica da SGB (p = 0,02) e subtipo desmielinizante nos estudos eletrofisiológicos (p <0,001). Conclusão: No Brasil, o perfil clínico-epidemiológico do SGB associado à infecção por CMV é semelhante ao descrito em outros países. O melhor entendimento das relações entre processos infecciosos e SGB é um componente-chave de uma agenda de pesquisa e estratégia de assistência para iniciativas globais de saúde em neuropatia periférica.

ABSTRACT Background: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is currently the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis worldwide. Risk factors for GBS include previous viral or bacterial infections or vaccination. Recently, an outbreak of Zika virus led to an outbreak of GBS in Latin America, mostly in Brazil, concomitant to continuous circulation of dengue virus serotypes. However, there is no study about cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection as a risk for GBS in Brazil. Objectives: In this study, we report a series of cases of GBS with the aim of determining the prevalence of CMV and the characteristics associated with the infection. Methods: A cohort of 111 GBS cases diagnosed between 2011 and 2017 in Natal, northeastern Brazil, was studied. Presence of CMV IgM antibodies was determined by means of electrochemiluminescence. The analysis was performed considering CMV infection status and the clinical outcome. Results: We found seroprevalence of 15.3% (n = 17) for CMV. CMV patients were younger (26 vs. 40; p = 0.016), with no apparent gastrointestinal (p = 0.762) or upper respiratory infections (p = 0.779) or sensory loss (p = 0.03). They presented more often with a classic GBS sensorimotor variant (p = 0.02) and with a demyelinating pattern in electrophysiological studies (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In Brazil, the clinical-epidemiological profile of GBS associated with CMV infection is similar to that described in other countries. Better understanding of the relationship between infectious processes and GBS is a key component of the research agenda and assistance strategy for global health initiatives relating to peripheral neuropathic conditions.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou identificar as concepções de gestores sobre a satisfação com o curso e a adaptação acadêmica ao contexto universitário dos alunos do curso de Matemática. Participaram 10 gestores de cursos de Matemática, sendo seis de universidades públicas e quatro de privadas, da região metropolitana do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Foi realizada entrevista individual com 12 perguntas abertas sobre satisfação com o curso e adaptação à universidade. Para a análise dos dados foi utilizado o software Iramuteq. Foram analisados 285 segmentos de texto, sendo que a partir da Classificação Hierárquica Descendente foram retidos 77,9% (222 unidades) da totalidade dos textos analisados. Os dados obtidos sugeriram quatro Classes (Orientação Acadêmica, Desconhecimento da Matemática, Condições de Estudo e Adesão ao Curso) compondo o tema Concepções dos Gestores. A pesquisa contribui para melhor elucidação de como pensam os gestores do curso de Matemática no que diz respeito aos diferentes aspectos do ambiente acadêmico, ampliando, assim, as discussões sobre novas políticas nas instituições de Ensino Superior que possam minimizar as dificuldades encontradas pelos alunos neste contexto.

Abstract This study aimed at identifying the conceptions of managers about the satisfaction with the course and the academic adaptation to the university context of Mathematics course students. Ten Mathematics course managers participated, six from public and four private universities in the metropolitan region of the state of Rio de Janeiro. An individual interview was conducted with 12 open questions on course satisfaction and university adaptation. For data analysis, the Iramuteq software was used. A total of 285 text segments were analyzed. From the Descending Hierarchical Classification 77.9% (222 units) of the analyzed texts were retained. The data obtained suggested four classes (Academic Orientation, Ignorance of Mathematics, Conditions of Study, and Adherence to the Course) composing the theme Conceptions of Managers. The research contributes to a better elucidation of how Mathematics course managers think regarding the different aspects of the academic environment, thus expanding the discussions about new politics in higher education institutions that can minimize the difficulties encountered by students in this context.

Abstract Despite the high potential of the freeze-casting technique for production of porous inorganic substrates, there is a lack of studies on tubular geometries and their mechanical behavior under different pressure scenarios. In this work, the mechanical behavior of tubular freeze-cast alumina substrates was assessed by mathematical models from experimental O-ring tests. The stress distributions revealed a concentration of tensile stresses (within 0.2-25.0 MPa) on the plane of the load, causing brittle fracture. Furthermore, the results confirmed that the honeycomb model for brittle material adequately predicted the mechanical strength of the tubular freeze-cast substrates. Finally, fracture criteria from honeycomb model was used to estimate the maximum homogeneously distributed pressures, such as in fluids, that the substrates can withstand. This configuration represents more precisely practical conditions, though is hard to experimentaly replicate. Therefore, the developed procedure is paramount to simulate the mechanical behaviour of the tubular freeze-cast substrates under real operating conditions.

Apesar de uma certa evolução positiva, Portugal continua a ser um dos países europeus com maior prevalência de excesso de peso (incluindo obesidade). Acredita-se que a principal solução deverá passar pela educação alimentar nas escolas, espaços privilegiados onde se reúnem as condições necessárias à aplicação de projetos bem estruturados e baseados nas necessidades de cada comunidade. Nos últimos anos, tem-se verificado um acréscimo de publicações relativas a intervenções portuguesas em educação alimentar nas suas várias vertentes e, maioritariamente, através do trabalho direto dos Nutricionistas. Ao longo desta revisão, estes são colocados em evidência por se apresentarem como profissionais capazes e à altura do desafio, em meio escolar.

Although a certain positive evolution, Portugal continues to be one of the European countries with the highest overweight (including obesity) prevalences. It is believed that the primary solution should pass through food education in schools, privileged spaces where the necessary conditions are gathered to the application of well-structured projects based on each community’s needs. In the last years, it has been observed an increased number of publications relative to portuguese interventions in food education in its various aspects and, mainly, through the direct work of Nutritionists. Throughout this review, these will be placed in evidence for presenting themselves as capable professionals who are up to the challenge, in school environment.

RESUMO Estudos indicam que as mulheres enfrentam mais dificuldades nas áreas empresariais (gestão, contabilidade, finanças, ciências do comportamento e gestão de pessoas) do que os seus colegas homens, devido a considerações estereotipadas sobre o seu papel, que têm consequências negativas nas oportunidades no local de trabalho. Neste sentido, a liderança surge, nesta investigação, com um papel reforçado e como uma ferramenta crucial no apoio à gestão do marketing (em específico, o caso da comunicação e da publicidade) e na sua relação com o sexismo e a igualdade do género. Em específico, torna-se necessário compreender até que ponto a comunicação social e a indústria publicitária influenciam os estereótipos que vão ditar a ascensão ou não da liderança feminina. O presente trabalho visa contribuir, em nível teórico, para a compreensão deste fenómeno, reunindo alguns dos principais contributos da literatura. Estudos futuros deverão conduzir os investigadores no sentido de testar empiricamente qual o papel da liderança na definição das políticas e planos de comunicação das organizações (em específico, a promoção da igualdade de género). Numa perspetiva interdisciplinar, o presente estudo pretende contribuir para o marketing e para o comportamento organizacional. Futuros trabalhos deverão conduzir à elaboração de focus group e entrevistas em profundidade reunindo alguns agentes da tomada de decisão (na ótica da empresa) e consumidores (na ótica da procura).

ABSTRACT Studies show us that women face more difficulties in business (management, accounting, finance, behavioral sciences and people management) than their male counterparts because of stereotypical considerations about their role, which have negative consequences on opportunities on the workplace. So, leadership emerges in this research with a reinforced role and as a crucial way in supporting marketing management (specifically the case of communication and advertising) and in its relation to sexism and gender equality. It is necessary to understand to what extent the media and the advertising industry influences the stereotypes that will dictate the rise or not of female leadership. The present work aims to contribute, theoretically, to the understanding of this phenomenon, gathering some of the main contributions of the existent literature. Future studies should lead researchers to empirically test the role of leadership in shaping organizations' communication policies and plans (specifically, promoting gender equality). In an interdisciplinary perspective, this study intends to contribute to marketing and to organizational behavior. Future work will help to the elaboration of a focus group and in-depth interviews bringing together some decision-making agents (in the company's perspective) and consumers (from a demand perspective).

RESUMEN Los estudios indican que las mujeres se enfrentan a más dificultades en las áreas empresariales (gestión, contabilidad, finanzas, ciencias de comportamiento y gestión de personas) que sus colegas varones, debido a consideraciones estereotipadas sobre su papel, que tienen consecuencias negativas en las oportunidades en el lugar de trabajo. En este sentido, el liderazgo surge en esta investigación con un papel reforzado y como una herramienta crucial en el apoyo a la gestión del marketing (en particular, el caso de la comunicación y la publicidad) y en su relación con el sexismo y la igualdad de género. En concreto, es necesario comprender hasta qué punto la comunicación social y la industria publicitaria influencian los estereotipos que van a dictar la ascensión o no del liderazgo femenino. El presente trabajo pretende contribuir, en nivel teórico, a la comprensión de este fenómeno, reuniendo algunas de las principales contribuciones de la literatura. Los estudios futuros deben conducir a los investigadores a probar empíricamente cuál es el papel del liderazgo en la definición de las políticas y planes de comunicación de las organizaciones (en particular, la promoción de la igualdad de género). En una perspectiva interdisciplinaria, el presente estudio pretende contribuir al marketing y al comportamiento organizacional. Los futuros trabajos conducen a la elaboración de focus group y entrevistas en profundidad reuniendo algunos agentes de la toma de decisión (en la óptica de la empresa) y consumidores (en la óptica de la demanda).

Resumo: Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar uma revisão sistemática e metanálise para avaliar as evidências sobre a associação entre tabagismo materno durante a gravidez e composição corporal dos filhos na infância, adolescência e vida adulta. Foram realizadas buscas nas bases de dados MEDLINE, Web of Science e LILACS, além de listas de referências. Incluímos estudos originais em seres humanos que avaliaram a associação entre tabagismo materno durante a gravidez e índice de massa corporal (IMC) e excesso de peso dos filhos na infância, adolescência e vida adulta, publicados até 1º de maio de 2018. A metanálise foi usada para estimar os tamanhos dos efeitos agregados. A revisão sistemática incluiu 64 estudos, dos quais 37 avaliaram a associação entre tabagismo materno durante a gravidez e excesso de peso, 13 com IMC e 14 com ambos os desfechos. Desses 64 estudos, foram extraídas 95 medidas de efeito, incluídas na metanálise. Verificamos que a qualidade das evidências nos estudos sobre o tabagismo materno e excesso de peso e IMC dos filhos era moderada e baixa, respectivamente. A maioria dos estudos (44) foi classificada como risco de viés moderado. A heterogeneidade entre os estudos era alta, e na análise de efeitos aleatórios agrupada, o tabagismo materno durante a gravidez aumentou a probabilidade de excesso de peso nos filhos (OR: 1,43; IC95%: 1,35; 1,52) e a diferença média do IMC (β: 0,31; IC95%: 0,23; 0,39). Conclui-se que filhos de mulheres que fumaram durante a gravidez têm maior probabilidade para excesso de peso e maior diferença média de IMC, e que essas associações persistem na vida adulta.

Abstract: The present study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the evidence on the association of maternal smoking during pregnancy with offspring body composition in childhood, adolescence and adulthood. MEDLINE, Web of Science and LILACS databases were searched. Reference lists were also screened. We included original studies, conducted in humans, that assessed the association of maternal smoking during pregnancy with offspring body mass index (BMI) and overweight in childhood, adolescence and adulthood, published through May 1st, 2018. A meta-analysis was used to estimate pooled effect sizes. The systematic review included 64 studies, of which 37 evaluated the association of maternal smoking during pregnancy with overweight, 13 with BMI, and 14 evaluated both outcomes. Of these 64 studies, 95 measures of effect were extracted and included in the meta-analysis. We verified that the quality of evidence across studies regarding maternal smoking in pregnancy and overweight and BMI of offspring to be moderate and low, respectively. Most studies (44 studies) were classified as moderate risk bias. Heterogeneity among studies included was high and, in the random-effects pooled analysis, maternal smoking during pregnancy increased the odds of offspring overweight (OR: 1.43, 95%CI: 1.35; 1.52) and mean difference of BMI (β: 0.31, 95%CI: 0.23; 0.39). In conclusion, offspring of mothers who smoked during pregnancy have higher odds of overweight and mean difference of BMI, and these associations persisted into adulthood.

Resumen: El objetivo del presente estudio fue llevar a cabo una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis para evaluar la evidencia de asociación del tabaquismo materno durante el embarazo con el índice de masa corporal de los hijos durante la infancia, adolescencia y etapa adulta. Se buscó información en las siguientes bases de datos: MEDLINE, Web of Science y LILACS. También se analizaron listas de referencia. Se incluyeron estudios originales, realizados con humanos, que evaluaron la asociación del tabaquismo materno durante el embarazo con el índice de masa corporal (IMC) en los hijos, así como el sobrepeso en la infancia, adolescencia y etapa adulta, publicado el 1 de mayo de 2018. Se realizó un metaanálisis para estimar el tamaño de los efectos combinados. La revisión sistemática incluyó 64 estudios, donde 37 evaluaron la asociación del tabaquismo materno durante el embarazo con el sobrepeso, 13 con el IMC, y 14 evaluaron ambos resultados. De estos 64 estudios, se obtuvieron 95 medidas de efecto que se incluyeron en el metaanálisis. Verificamos que la calidad de las evidencias en los diferentes estudios, respecto tabaquismo materno durante el embarazo y el sobrepeso, así como el IMC en los hijos, era moderada y baja, respectivamente. La mayor parte de los estudios (44 estudios) estaba clasificada como de riesgo moderado de sesgo. La heterogeneidad entre los estudios incluidos fue alta y, en los análisis agrupados de efectos aleatorios, el tabaquismo materno durante el embarazo incrementó la probabilidad de descendencia con sobrepeso (OR: 1,43; IC95%: 1,35; 1,52) y la diferencia media del IMC (β: 0,31; IC95%: 0,23; 0,39). En conclusión, los hijos de las madres que fumaron durante el embarazo tienen una mayor probabilidad de sobrepeso, así como una diferencia media del IMC, y estas asociaciones persisten en la etapa adulta.

Resumo: Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar uma revisão sistemática e metanálise para avaliar as evidências sobre a associação entre tabagismo materno durante a gravidez e composição corporal dos filhos na infância, adolescência e vida adulta. Foram realizadas buscas nas bases de dados MEDLINE, Web of Science e LILACS, além de listas de referências. Incluímos estudos originais em seres humanos que avaliaram a associação entre tabagismo materno durante a gravidez e índice de massa corporal (IMC) e excesso de peso dos filhos na infância, adolescência e vida adulta, publicados até 1º de maio de 2018. A metanálise foi usada para estimar os tamanhos dos efeitos agregados. A revisão sistemática incluiu 64 estudos, dos quais 37 avaliaram a associação entre tabagismo materno durante a gravidez e excesso de peso, 13 com IMC e 14 com ambos os desfechos. Desses 64 estudos, foram extraídas 95 medidas de efeito, incluídas na metanálise. Verificamos que a qualidade das evidências nos estudos sobre o tabagismo materno e excesso de peso e IMC dos filhos era moderada e baixa, respectivamente. A maioria dos estudos (44) foi classificada como risco de viés moderado. A heterogeneidade entre os estudos era alta, e na análise de efeitos aleatórios agrupada, o tabagismo materno durante a gravidez aumentou a probabilidade de excesso de peso nos filhos (OR: 1,43; IC95%: 1,35; 1,52) e a diferença média do IMC (β: 0,31; IC95%: 0,23; 0,39). Conclui-se que filhos de mulheres que fumaram durante a gravidez têm maior probabilidade para excesso de peso e maior diferença média de IMC, e que essas associações persistem na vida adulta.

Abstract: The present study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the evidence on the association of maternal smoking during pregnancy with offspring body composition in childhood, adolescence and adulthood. MEDLINE, Web of Science and LILACS databases were searched. Reference lists were also screened. We included original studies, conducted in humans, that assessed the association of maternal smoking during pregnancy with offspring body mass index (BMI) and overweight in childhood, adolescence and adulthood, published through May 1st, 2018. A meta-analysis was used to estimate pooled effect sizes. The systematic review included 64 studies, of which 37 evaluated the association of maternal smoking during pregnancy with overweight, 13 with BMI, and 14 evaluated both outcomes. Of these 64 studies, 95 measures of effect were extracted and included in the meta-analysis. We verified that the quality of evidence across studies regarding maternal smoking in pregnancy and overweight and BMI of offspring to be moderate and low, respectively. Most studies (44 studies) were classified as moderate risk bias. Heterogeneity among studies included was high and, in the random-effects pooled analysis, maternal smoking during pregnancy increased the odds of offspring overweight (OR: 1.43, 95%CI: 1.35; 1.52) and mean difference of BMI (β: 0.31, 95%CI: 0.23; 0.39). In conclusion, offspring of mothers who smoked during pregnancy have higher odds of overweight and mean difference of BMI, and these associations persisted into adulthood.

Resumen: El objetivo del presente estudio fue llevar a cabo una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis para evaluar la evidencia de asociación del tabaquismo materno durante el embarazo con el índice de masa corporal de los hijos durante la infancia, adolescencia y etapa adulta. Se buscó información en las siguientes bases de datos: MEDLINE, Web of Science y LILACS. También se analizaron listas de referencia. Se incluyeron estudios originales, realizados con humanos, que evaluaron la asociación del tabaquismo materno durante el embarazo con el índice de masa corporal (IMC) en los hijos, así como el sobrepeso en la infancia, adolescencia y etapa adulta, publicado el 1 de mayo de 2018. Se realizó un metaanálisis para estimar el tamaño de los efectos combinados. La revisión sistemática incluyó 64 estudios, donde 37 evaluaron la asociación del tabaquismo materno durante el embarazo con el sobrepeso, 13 con el IMC, y 14 evaluaron ambos resultados. De estos 64 estudios, se obtuvieron 95 medidas de efecto que se incluyeron en el metaanálisis. Verificamos que la calidad de las evidencias en los diferentes estudios, respecto tabaquismo materno durante el embarazo y el sobrepeso, así como el IMC en los hijos, era moderada y baja, respectivamente. La mayor parte de los estudios (44 estudios) estaba clasificada como de riesgo moderado de sesgo. La heterogeneidad entre los estudios incluidos fue alta y, en los análisis agrupados de efectos aleatorios, el tabaquismo materno durante el embarazo incrementó la probabilidad de descendencia con sobrepeso (OR: 1,43; IC95%: 1,35; 1,52) y la diferencia media del IMC (β: 0,31; IC95%: 0,23; 0,39). En conclusión, los hijos de las madres que fumaron durante el embarazo tienen una mayor probabilidad de sobrepeso, así como una diferencia media del IMC, y estas asociaciones persisten en la etapa adulta.

Development of new ceramic membranes has recently grown due to its superior thermal and mechanical stability. An interesting approach to manufacture asymmetric membranes is the production of aligned pore structure by the freeze-casting method. The lack of studies involving membrane production with tubular freeze-cast substrates warrants more research. In this study, a novel tubular freeze-cast alumina substrate was used for deposition of a silica top layer. The substrate showed radially aligned pores, indicating precise structure control. The obtained pore structure shows high potential for membrane manufacture. The silica layer was produced by the sol-gel method and dip-coated on the substrates with two different withdrawal speeds. The microporous silica showed pores smaller than 2 nm. The highest withdrawal speed resulted in broader substrate coverage. However, a uniform silica layer was only obtained after a second deposition. These results confirm the viability to use tubular freeze-cast substrates for production of nanofiltration membranes.

ABSTRACT The effects of the hexanic extracts of the fruits and flowers of Clusia fluminensis Planch. & Triana, Clusiaceae, as well as their main constituents, the triterpene lanosterol and the benzophenone clusianone, were evaluated on hemipterans Dysdercus peruvianus and Oncopeltus fasciatus. The topical treatments of insects with the hexanic extracts significantly affected the survival of O. fasciatus, but not that of D. peruvianus. Concomitantly, extracts delayed the development of both hemipterans. Moreover, isolated lanosterol significantly reduced both the survival and development of O. fasciatus and D. peruvianus, while clusianone only reduce the survival of D. peruvianus and marginally inhibited the development of both insects. The results show the specific activity of lanosterol and clusianone against the two evaluated insect species and indicate the potential of compounds derived from C. fluminensis for the development of specific biopesticides for the control of agricultural pests. Subsequent work will examine the mode of action of lanosterol and clusianone isolates from C. fluminensis.

When aiming to use the strontium isotopic ratio 87Sr/86Sr for the traceability and authentication of wine, it is crucial to understand the impacts of anthropogenic factors and technological processes on this parameter. A study was developed to evaluate the effect of nanofiltration (NF), a membrane process with several applications in oenology, on the isotopic ratio 87Sr/86Sr of wine, testing its robustness as geographical tracer. NF assays, for dealcoholisation, were carried out at laboratory scale with model solutions and white and red wines from Portuguese DO. High rejections to strontium (97%) and tartaric acid (> 70%) and low rejection to ethanol (< 10%) at 15 bar were observed in model solutions. Wines and NF-processed wines (17 bar; 2.1 L/min) were evaluated for physicochemical composition (including phenolic composition, chromatic characteristics and polysaccharides), multi-elemental composition and 87Sr/86Sr ratio by Q-ICP-MS. The preferential membrane permeation of ethanol was associated with a slight increase in the quality parameters of the wine (anthocyanins and polysaccharides). High rejections to mineral elements, including heavy metals, were observed. Rejection to Sr was mostly higher than 95%. No significant differences in the 87Sr/86Sr of wines and corresponding permeate fractions were observed, suggesting that NF does not preclude the use of this parameter for wine traceability purposes.

Abstract Aims: to design reference percentile curves of waist circumference (WC) in children aged 6-10 from municipalities of developed (Portugal) and developing (Brazil) countries and to compare these results with other international references. Methods: this cross-sectional study enrolled a 6-10-year-old probability sampling. Univariate analysis of covariance adjusted by height was carried out to test the main effects of age, sex, countries, and interactions. WC percentile curves were performed with the LMS Chart Maker. Results: The sample comprised 6,475 children. Portuguese children presented a curvilinear increase in WC curves and Brazilian WC curves have shown a linear increase with age both for boys and girls. Overweight and obesity prevalence was 15.9 % and 4.7 % for Portuguese children and 12.9 % 4.5% for Brazilian children, respectively. There was a main effect (p<0.0001) for age and countries, and an interaction effect for sex*age (p=0.001) and countries*age (p<0.0001). Portuguese boys and girls have shown higher values for the 50th, 75th, and 95th percentiles than Brazilian boys and girls. Conclusions: WC reference percentile curves were drawn for 6-10-year-old Portuguese and Brazilian children. Portuguese children have higher WC values than Brazilian children and other children from developed countries.

ABSTRACT Effects of treatment with the bark flour of Passiflora edulis Sims, Passifloraceae, were evaluated. Adult male Wistar rats were treated for 30 days (130 mg/kg, p.o.) with the albedo flour, flavedo and full bark of P. edulis, corresponding to albedo associated with flavedo. Behavioral response observed after treatment with bark flour P. edulis showed sedative effects by the reduction of exploratory activity and increased duration of immobility in the open field test for the group of animals that received the albedo flour associated with the flavedo. Sedative effects were observed in the absence of motor incoordination or muscle relaxation. Food intake of experimental animals was not changed, but the weight gain was decreased both in animals that received only albedo flour, and in those who received the full bark flour. The full bark flour of Passiflora showed sedative effects, without anxiolytic effect detectable and muscle relaxation or motor incoordination, and reduces body weight gain.

Ever increasing multi-drug resistance by Plasmodium falciparum is creating new challenges in malaria chemotherapy. In the absence of licensed vaccines, treatment and prevention of malaria is heavily dependent on drugs. Potency, range of activity, safety, low cost and ease of administration are crucial issues in the design and formulation of antimalarials. We have tested three synthetic ozonides NAC89, LC50 and LCD67 in vitro and in vivo against multidrug resistant Plasmodium. In vitro, LC50 was at least 10 times more efficient inhibiting P. falciparum multidrug resistant Dd2 strain than chloroquine and mefloquine and as efficient as artemisinin (ART), artesunate and dihydroartemisinin. All three ozonides showed high efficacy in clearing parasitaemia in mice, caused by multi-drug resistant Plasmodium chabaudi strains, by subcutaneous administration, demonstrating high efficacy in vivo against ART and artesunate resistant parasites.