ABSTRACT Objective: The world has been suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Some COVID-19 patients develop severe viral pneumonia, requiring mechanical ventilation and measures to treat refractory hypoxemia, such as a protective ventilation strategy, prone positioning, and the use of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). We describe a case series of 30 COVID-19 patients who needed VV-ECMO at the Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, located in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: We included all patients who required VV-ECMO due to COVID-19 pneumonia between March of 2020 and June of 2021. Results: Prior to VV-ECMO, patients presented with the following median scores: SOFA score, 11; APPS score, 7; Respiratory ECMO Survival Prediction score, 2; and Murray score, 3.3. The 60-day-in-hospital mortality was 33.3% (n = 10). Conclusions: Although our patients had a highly severe profile, our results were similar to those of other cohort studies in the literature. This demonstrates that VV-ECMO can be a good tool even in a pandemic situation when it is managed in an experienced center. Objective COVID19 COVID 19 COVID-1 hypoxemia strategy positioning venovenous veno venous VVECMO. VVECMO VV . (VV-ECMO) 3 Cruz Paulo Brazil Methods 202 2021 Results VVECMO, ECMO, scores score 11 7 2 33 3.3 60dayinhospital dayinhospital 60 day hospital 333 33.3 n 10. 10 10) Conclusions profile literature center COVID1 1 COVID- (VV-ECMO 20 3. 6 33.

RESUMO Objetivo: O mundo vem sofrendo com a pandemia de COVID-19. Alguns pacientes com COVID-19 desenvolvem pneumonia viral grave, necessitando ventilação mecânica e medidas para tratar a hipoxemia refratária, como estratégias de ventilação protetora, posição prona e uso de oxigenação por membrana extracorpórea venovenosa (ECMO-VV). Descrevemos uma série de casos de 30 pacientes com COVID-19 que necessitaram de ECMO-VV no Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, localizado na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Métodos: Foram incluídos todos os pacientes que necessitaram de ECMO-VV devido à pneumonia por COVID-19 entre março de 2020 e junho de 2021. Resultados: Antes da ECMO-VV, os pacientes apresentavam as seguintes medianas: escore SOFA de 11; escore APPS de 7; escore Respiratory ECMO Survival Prediction de 2; e escore de Murray de 3,3. A mortalidade hospitalar em 60 dias foi de 33,3% (n = 10). Conclusões: Apesar de nossos pacientes apresentarem um perfil de alta gravidade, nossos resultados foram semelhantes aos de outros estudos de coorte na literatura. Isso demonstra que a ECMO-VV pode ser uma boa ferramenta mesmo em uma situação de pandemia quando administrada em um centro experiente. Objetivo COVID19. COVID19 COVID 19. 19 COVID-1 grave refratária protetora ECMOVV. ECMOVV VV . (ECMO-VV) 3 Cruz Paulo Brasil Métodos 202 2021 Resultados ECMOVV, VV, medianas 11 7 2 33 3,3 6 333 33,3 n 10. 10 10) Conclusões gravidade literatura experiente COVID1 1 COVID- (ECMO-VV 20 3, 33,

ABSTRACT Hypopituitarism is a disorder characterized by insufficient secretion of one or more pituitary hormones. New etiologies of hypopituitarism have been recently described, including head trauma, cerebral hemorrhage, and drug-induced hypophysitis. The investigation of patients with these new disorders, in addition to advances in diagnosis and treatment of hypopituitarism, has increased the prevalence of this condition. Pituitary hormone deficiencies can induce significant clinical changes with consequent increased morbidity and mortality rates, while hormone replacement based on current guidelines protects these patients. In this review, we will first discuss the different etiologies of hypopituitarism and then address one by one the clinical aspects, diagnostic evaluation, and therapeutic options for deficiencies of TSH, ACTH, gonadotropin, and GH. Finally, we will detail the hormonal interactions that occur during replacement of pituitary hormones.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Burns are defined as important lesions to the skin or organic tissue caused by electricity, chemical, radioactive agents, friction or friction, exposure, or contact with extreme heat or cold. Methods: Ecological study of time series, with data obtained in the state of Santa Catarina, using the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System database, from 2008 to 2018. For each year of the studied period, the hospitalization rates for burns were calculated, grossly and specifically, according to the dependent variables of interest: age group and sex. It was used the simple linear regression method for the analysis of temporal trends and standardized morbidity coefficients. Results: There were 9,158 hospitalizations in the studied period. At the beginning of the period, the hospital admission rate was 12.06/100,000 inhabitants, ending the period with an increase to 17.07/100,000 inhabitants. In males, the rate started with 14.52/100,000, ending the historical series with 22.51/100,000 inhabitants. For women, the initial rate was 9.52/100,000 and, at the end of the period, increased to 11.72/100,000. The age group most affected in both sexes was 0 to 4 years. Conclusion: There was an increase in the general hospitalization rate. The male sex presented higher rates in the period, but both sexes tended to increase. The age group from 0 to 4 years old stood out as the most affected in the state of Santa Catarina. Introduction electricity chemical agents exposure cold Methods Catarina database 200 2018 calculated specifically interest coefficients Results 9158 9 158 9,15 1206100000 12 06 100 000 12.06/100,00 inhabitants 1707100000 17 07 17.07/100,00 males 1452100000 14 52 14.52/100,000 2251100000 22 51 22.51/100,00 women 952100000 9.52/100,00 1172100000 11 72 11.72/100,000 Conclusion 20 201 915 15 9,1 120610000 1 10 00 12.06/100,0 170710000 17.07/100,0 145210000 5 14.52/100,00 225110000 2 22.51/100,0 95210000 9.52/100,0 117210000 7 11.72/100,00 91 9, 12061000 12.06/100, 17071000 17.07/100, 14521000 14.52/100,0 22511000 22.51/100, 9521000 9.52/100, 11721000 11.72/100,0 1206100 12.06/100 1707100 17.07/100 1452100 14.52/100, 2251100 22.51/100 952100 9.52/100 1172100 11.72/100, 120610 12.06/10 170710 17.07/10 145210 14.52/100 225110 22.51/10 95210 9.52/10 117210 11.72/100 12061 12.06/1 17071 17.07/1 14521 14.52/10 22511 22.51/1 9521 9.52/1 11721 11.72/10 1206 12.06/ 1707 17.07/ 1452 14.52/1 2251 22.51/ 952 9.52/ 1172 11.72/1 120 12.06 170 17.07 145 14.52/ 225 22.51 95 9.52 117 11.72/ 12.0 17.0 14.52 22.5 9.5 11.72 12. 17. 14.5 22. 9. 11.7 14. 11.

RESUMO Introdução: Queimaduras são definidas como importantes lesões da pele ou tecido orgânico, causadas por eletricidade, agentes químicos, radioativos, atrito ou fricção, exposição ou contato com calor ou frio extremo. Métodos: Estudo ecológico de séries temporais, com dados obtidos no estado de Santa Catarina, utilizando o banco de dados do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde, no período de 2008 a 2018. Para cada ano do período estudado, foram calculadas as taxas de internação por queimadura, bruta e específicas, de acordo com as variáveis dependentes de interesse: faixa etária e sexo. Para análise das tendências temporais, foram utilizados os coeficientes de morbidade padronizados e o método de regressão linear simples. Resultados: Ocorreram 9.158 internações no período estudado. A taxa de internação hospitalar no início do período, foi de 12,06/100.000 habitantes; finalizando o período com aumento para 17,07/100.000 habitantes. No sexo masculino, a taxa iniciou com 14,52/100.000, finalizando a série histórica com 22,51/100.000 habitantes. Já no sexo feminino, a taxa inicial foi de 9,52/100.000 e, ao final do período, aumentou para 11,72/100.000. A faixa etária mais acometida em ambos os sexos foi a de 0 a 4 anos. Conclusão: Houve aumento na taxa de internação geral. O sexo masculino apresentou taxas superiores no período, mas ambos os sexos tenderam ao aumento. Destacou-se a faixa etária dos 0 a 4 anos como a mais acometida no estado de Santa Catarina. Introdução orgânico eletricidade químicos radioativos fricção extremo Métodos temporais Catarina Saúde 200 2018 estudado queimadura específicas interesse simples Resultados 9158 9 158 9.15 1206100000 12 06 100 000 12,06/100.00 habitantes 1707100000 17 07 17,07/100.00 1452100000 14 52 14,52/100.000 2251100000 22 51 22,51/100.00 feminino 952100000 9,52/100.00 1172100000 11 72 11,72/100.000 Conclusão geral Destacouse Destacou se 20 201 915 15 9.1 120610000 1 10 00 12,06/100.0 170710000 17,07/100.0 145210000 5 14,52/100.00 225110000 2 22,51/100.0 95210000 9,52/100.0 117210000 7 11,72/100.00 91 9. 12061000 12,06/100. 17071000 17,07/100. 14521000 14,52/100.0 22511000 22,51/100. 9521000 9,52/100. 11721000 11,72/100.0 1206100 12,06/100 1707100 17,07/100 1452100 14,52/100. 2251100 22,51/100 952100 9,52/100 1172100 11,72/100. 120610 12,06/10 170710 17,07/10 145210 14,52/100 225110 22,51/10 95210 9,52/10 117210 11,72/100 12061 12,06/1 17071 17,07/1 14521 14,52/10 22511 22,51/1 9521 9,52/1 11721 11,72/10 1206 12,06/ 1707 17,07/ 1452 14,52/1 2251 22,51/ 952 9,52/ 1172 11,72/1 120 12,06 170 17,07 145 14,52/ 225 22,51 95 9,52 117 11,72/ 12,0 17,0 14,52 22,5 9,5 11,72 12, 17, 14,5 22, 9, 11,7 14, 11,

ABSTRACT Objective Investigate the therapeutic response of acromegaly patients to pegvisomant (PEGV) in a real-life, Brazilian multicenter study. Subjects and methods Characteristics of acromegaly patients treated with PEGV were reviewed at diagnosis, just before and during treatment. All patients with at least two IGF-I measurements on PEGV were included. Efficacy was defined as any normal IGF-I measurement during treatment. Safety data were reviewed. Predictors of response were determined by comparing controlled versus uncontrolled patients. Results 109 patients [61 women; median age at diagnosis 34 years; 95.3% macroadenomas] from 10 Brazilian centers were studied. Previous treatment included surgery (89%), radiotherapy (34%), somatostatin receptor ligands (99%), and cabergoline (67%). Before PEGV, median levels of GH, IGF-I and IGF-I % of upper limit of normal were 4.3 µg/L, 613 ng/mL, and 209%, respectively. Pre-diabetes/diabetes was present in 48.6% and tumor remnant in 71% of patients. Initial dose was 10 mg/day in all except 4 cases, maximum dose was 30 mg/day, and median exposure time was 30.5 months. PEGV was used as monotherapy in 11% of cases. Normal IGF-I levels was obtained in 74.1% of patients. Glycemic control improved in 56.6% of patients with pre-diabetes/diabetes. Exposure time, pre-treatment GH and IGF-I levels were predictors of response. Tumor enlargement occurred in 6.5% and elevation of liver enzymes in 9.2%. PEGV was discontinued in 6 patients and 3 deaths unrelated to the drug were reported. Conclusions In a real-life scenario, PEGV is a highly effective and safe treatment for acromegaly patients not controlled with other therapies.

ABSTRACT Prolactinomas are the most common pituitary adenomas (approximately 40% of cases), and they represent an important cause of hypogonadism and infertility in both sexes. The magnitude of prolactin (PRL) elevation can be useful in determining the etiology of hyperprolactinemia. Indeed, PRL levels > 250 ng/mL are highly suggestive of the presence of a prolactinoma. In contrast, most patients with stalk dysfunction, drug-induced hyperprolactinemia or systemic diseases present with PRL levels < 100 ng/mL. However, exceptions to these rules are not rare. On the other hand, among patients with macroprolactinomas (MACs), artificially low PRL levels may result from the so-called “hook effect”. Patients harboring cystic MACs may also present with a mild PRL elevation. The screening for macroprolactin is mostly indicated for asymptomatic patients and those with apparent idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. Dopamine agonists (DAs) are the treatment of choice for prolactinomas, particularly cabergoline, which is more effective and better tolerated than bromocriptine. After 2 years of successful treatment, DA withdrawal should be considered in all cases of microprolactinomas and in selected cases of MACs. In this publication, the goal of the Neuroendocrinology Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) is to provide a review of the diagnosis and treatment of hyperprolactinemia and prolactinomas, emphasizing controversial issues regarding these topics. This review is based on data published in the literature and the authors' experience.

ABSTRACT Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the leading causes of human infections worldwide, with major dominant lineage circulating in particular geographical regions. The Brazilian Epidemic Clone (BEC, SCCmec III, ST 239) has been predominant in most Brazilian hospitals. Here, we report the prevalence of MRSA SCCmec type II exhibiting different STs, most of them belonging to CC5 in a tertiary hospital in Southern Brazil.

RESUMO Ultimamente, no mercado de alimentos vem crescendo a demanda por produtos provenientes da agricultura orgânica. O Brasil lidera a produção de cachaça e produz cerca de 1,6 bilhões de litros/ano. Para a melhoria do produto, tem-se buscado novas tecnologias em toda a cadeia produtiva e utilizado matéria-prima orgânica na produção de cana-de-açúcar para a obtenção da bebida. O presente trabalho teve por objetivos traçar o perfil físico-químico e cromatográfico de onze amostras de cachaça orgânica provenientes de alguns estados brasileiros. Foram identificados e quantificados os componentes secundários e contaminantes por meio das análises físico-químicas, cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) e análises cromatográficas em fase gasosa (CG). Pelos resultados encontrados observou-se um percentual significativo das cachaças orgânicas pesquisadas, onde estas apresentaram parâmetros fora dos limites exigidos pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA), sendo encontrado valores inadequados de 18,20% para ésteres, 9,10% para cobre e extrato seco. Esta contaminação é acarretada pela má condução durante o processo pelos produtores, onde não estão observando as boas práticas de fabricação determinadas e/ou normatizadas pela legislação brasileira.

ABSTRACT There has been a growing demand for products from organic agriculture for the food market. Brazil leads the production of sugarcane spirits and produces about 1.6 billion liters/year. New technologies have been sought throughout the supply chain to improve production, and organic raw material has been used in the production of sugar cane for the production of beverages. This study aimed to define the physicochemical and chromatographic profiles of eleven organic sugarcane spirits samples from various Brazilian states. The secondary components and contaminants were identified and quantified through physicochemical analyses, HPLC and gas chromatography (GC). A significant percentage of the organic sugarcane spirits samples contained concentrations of components that were above the limits required by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Provisioning (MAPA), specifically the esters (18.20%), copper and dry extract (9.10%). This contamination is caused by bad conditions employed during the production process, which are not in compliance with the good manufacturing practices determined and legislated by Brazilian law.

Coffee activity was in large measure responsible for the integration of Minas Gerais to world trade. The production of rubiacea was concentrated in the Zona da Mata region, previously identified as undeveloped hinterland, which in less than half century became one of the main coffee-producing areas of the world. Thus, Juiz de Fora developed as an urban center, focusing on credit services, marketing and product transportation, activities which gave a new impetus to the local economy.

La producción de café fue en gran medida responsable de la integración de Minas Gerais al comercio mundial. La producción de la rubiácea se centraba en la Zona de la Mata, región anteriormente identificada como sertón, que en menos de medio siglo se convirtió en una de las principales regiones productoras de café del mundo. De esta forma, la ciudad de Juiz de Fora se desarrolló como centro urbano, concentrando los servicios de financiamiento, comercialización y transporte del producto, actividades que proporcionaron una nueva dinámica a la economía local.

Este artigo procura interpretar o islamismo como sendo um movimento que, como outro qualquer movimento social e político, bebe de uma determinada doutrina e inspira-se numa ideologia de carácter secular que recorre a formas de acção específicas para se fazer vingar. Contudo, há uma diferença: é uma ideologia de preceitos religiosos que se transformam numa práxis imediata. Ou seja, são reduzidos a instrumentos de análise de conflitos sociais e políticos, justificando assim a dinâmica da luta pelo poder. Neste sentido, o islamismo é uma ideologia política quando, forjando fórmulas governativas bebidas do Alcorão, procura e tem como fim último a instauração de um Estado islâmico. Resta perceber qual o peso da religião nesta ideologia política.

Islamism is not an abstract formula of Islamic faith, or even an excess of Islam. It comes from that context, yet in another level. This article will analyse it as a movement that, like any other social and political movement, has a certain doctrine and look for inspiration in a secular ideology that uses specific forms of political action to be succeeded. However, there is a difference: it is an ideology with religious precepts that become an immediate praxis, i.e., these precepts are reduced to instruments of analysis of social and political conflicts, thus justifying the dynamics political hostile political takeover. Islamism is a political ideology when forges governing formulas, based on the Quran, that demand the establishment of an Islamic state. It remains to determine the influence of religion in this political ideology.

O aumento da produção e consumo de cachaça de alambique tem estimulado a pesquisa sobre a qualidade da bebida. Sabe-se que o cobre, quando encontrado em teor elevado na bebida e ingerido em grandes quantidades, pode causar danos à saúde humana. Assim, há uma grande preocupação por parte de pesquisadores e produtores quanto à utilização de substâncias adsorventes na remoção de seu excesso. Conduziu-se este trabalho, com os objetivos de estudar a cinética e a isoterma de adsorção de cobre em caulinitas e avaliar a qualidade físico-química da cachaça antes e após a adsorção. As caulinitas K01, K03 e K04 apresentaram capacidade máxima de adsorção do metal, 97, 95 e 90%, respectivamente. Observou-se que a cinética de adsorção segue o modelo de pseudoprimeira ordem e que os dados de isotermas se ajustaram ao modelo de Freundlich. Nos resultados das análises físico-químicas, todos os parâmetros da amostra controle estavam dentro dos limites exigidos pela legislação, exceto para os aldeídos e cobre. Após a adsorção com as argilas estudadas, a cachaça apresentou uma redução dos mesmos e para alguns parâmetros não houveram diferenças significativas. Pelos resultados da análise multivariada, com a primeira e a segunda componente principal, foi possível descrever 87% dos dados e pode-se constatar que todas as amostras diferiram-se do controle quanto aos parâmetros analisados. Assim, as argilas analisadas podem futuramente, após mais estudos, serem utilizadas na remoção do cobre da cachaça.

Increased production and cachaça consumption has stimulated research regarding its quality. It is known that copper can be harmful to human health when it is in concentrated form in the beverage and is ingested in large amounts. Thus, there is a great concern among researchers and producers about the use of adsorbent substances for the removal of excess copper. The kinetic parameters and the adsorption isotherms for copper on kaolinite were studied to evaluate the physical-chemical quality of the cachaça before and after adsorption. K01, K03 and K04 kaolinites presented a maximum adsorption capacity of 97, 95 and 90%, respectively. The kinetic rates followed the pseudo-first-order model, and the adsorption isotherm was best adjusted to the Freundlich model. All the parameters of the control samples were within the limits required by law, except for the aldehydes and copper. After adsorption with clay, the values for some of the parameters were lower and those of others were not significantly different. It was possible to describe 87% of the data with the first and second principal components of the multivariate analysis, and all the samples were different from the control for the parameters analyzed. Thus, these clays can be used for the removal of copper from cachaça, but further studies are necessary.

INTRODUÇÃO: A utilização de retalhos miocutâneos é cada dia mais frequente nas cirurgias plásticas reconstrutoras de membros inferiores, tornando-se essencial a utilização de músculos que denotem menor prejuízo tanto funcional como estético. Foram estudados a frequência e os aspectos anatômicos do músculo fibular terceiro, com o intuito de avaliar, sob esses aspectos, a possibilidade de seu uso nesses procedimentos. MÉTODO: Foram dissecados 64 membros inferiores de cadáveres fixados e verificadas as seguintes características: inserção proximal, inserção distal, sintopia, morfologia e morfometria. RESULTADOS: A presença do músculo foi constatada em 96,9% dos casos, sendo analisados os aspectos supracitados. A inserção proximal mais frequente (96,8%) ocorreu na membrana interóssea, na margem anterior da fíbula, e no septo intermuscular anterior. A inserção distal mais comum (77,4%) foi nas faces dorsal e lateral do 5º metatarsiano. O valor médio do comprimento e da largura do ventre muscular foi, respectivamente, de 17,89 cm e 1,95 cm, enquanto a média do comprimento do tendão distal livre de fibras musculares foi de 1,2 cm e a largura média do tendão distal, de 0,45 cm. CONCLUSÕES: O músculo fibular terceiro é frequente, de morfologia distinta, que, sob aspectos morfométricos, se constitui em opção viável para um estudo mais específico de seu uso no reparo de defeitos no segmento distal do membro inferior.

BACKGROUND: Myocutaneous flaps have been increasingly used in surgical reconstruction of the lower limbs, requiring the use of muscles that result in less functional and esthetic damage as flaps. This study aimed to evaluate the use of the fibularis tertius muscle (in terms of frequency and anatomy) as flaps in this procedure. METHODS: Sixty-four lower limbs from preserved cadavers were dissected and evaluated based on the following parameters: proximal insertion, distal insertion, syntopy, morphology, and morphometry. RESULTS: The fibularis tertius muscle was detected in 96.9% of the study cases. Most proximal insertions (96.8%) were found at the interosseous membrane, anterior border of the fibula, and anterior intermuscular septum. Most distal insertions (77.4%) were found at the lateral and dorsal sides of the 5th metatarsal. Mean value of muscle belly length was 17.89 cm and width was 1.95 cm. The mean length of the distal tendon with no muscle fibers was 1.2 cm, and the mean width was 0.45 cm. CONCLUSIONS: The fibularis tertius muscle is frequent and has a distinct morphology, making it a viable option for the repair of lower limb (distal segment) defects.

A cachaça é uma bebida considerada símbolo nacional, sendo produzida por grandes produtores e por cerca de 30 mil pequenos e médios produtores de alambiques artesanais espalhados por todo o País. O cobre oriundo dos destiladores dos alambiques artesanais pode tornar-se um grande problema, pois esse metal, em grandes concentrações na bebida, acarreta sérios problemas à saúde humana. Desta forma, objetivou-se estudar a influência da filtragem em carvão utilizado nos filtros comerciais sobre as características físico-químicas e sensoriais de aguardentes de cana envelhecidas. Realizaram-se as análises de cobre, extrato seco, grau alcoólico, álcoois superiores, acidez volátil, aldeídos, ésteres, furfural e metanol. A avaliação sensorial foi realizada com equipe de provadores selecionados e treinados, os quais analisaram a intensidade da cor amarela, sabor e aroma de madeira e sabor e aroma alcoólico das cachaças antes e após a filtragem. Os testes sensoriais foram realizados por meio de escala de intensidade, não estruturada e de 9 cm. Observou-se uma redução em todos os compostos físico-químicos analisados, exceto ésteres, que aumentaram nas cachaças após a filtragem. Provavelmente este aumento ocorreu devido à esterificação dos álcoois e ácidos presentes. De acordo com os resultados sensoriais obtidos, observou-se redução na intensidade das características cor amarela, aroma e sabor de madeira, principais características adquiridas no processo de envelhecimento.

Sugarcane spirit is a drink considered as a national symbol of Brazil. It is produced by large producers and by about 30 thousand small and medium home-distilling producers dispersed throughout the country. The copper originating from the home-distillers can become a serious problem since at high concentrations in beverages it may cause serious human health problems. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the activated carbon used in commercial filters on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of aged sugarcane spirit. Analyses of copper, dry extract, alcoholic degree, higher alcohols, volatile acids, aldehydes, esters, furfural, and methanol were performed. The sensory evaluation was performed by seven selected trained judges, who analyzed the yellow color, woody aroma and flavor, and intensity of alcoholic aroma and flavor of the cane spirit before and after the filtration process. The sensory tests were carried out using a 9 cm non-structured intensity scale. A reduction was observed in all compounds analyzed physicochemically, except for the esters, which increased after filtration. This increase is probably due to the esterification of the alcohols and acids present. According to the sensory results obtained, a reduction was observed in the intensity of the yellow color, aroma, and wood flavor characteristics, the major characteristics of the aging process.

Algumas características relacionadas à qualidade do malte podem ser trabalhadas não só ao nível genético e/ou como respostas de interações ambientais, mas também ao nível de processo industrial. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da temperatura sobre a atividade das β-glucanases e degradacão de β-glucanos durante os quatro dias finais de germinação do processo de malteação. Quatro cultivares de boa qualidade de malteação ('N721', 'N743', 'Scarlett' e 'Sebastian') foram analisadas e os resultados obtidos demonstraram que elas tiveram desempenho diferente quanto à atividade enzimática e à degradação de β-glucanos nas diferentes temperaturas testadas. A utilização de temperatura um pouco mais elevada no início da germinação (22°C) foi a mais efetiva na produção das variáveis estudadas. Para a cultivar 'N721', constatou-se o melhor desempenho comparativamente às demais, indicando um padrão mais homogêneo de degradação de β-glucanos durante a germinação e também maior eficiência na degradação desde as 96 horas do processo. Alta atividade das β-glucanases e redução no tempo de malteação são de extremo interesse para a indústria malteira, pois representa uma otimização no volume de malte produzido e consequentemente uma redução de custos para a sua produção.

Some characteristics related to the quality of malt can be worked not only at the genetic level and/or as responses to environmental interactions, but also in industrial process. This study assesses the effect of temperature on β-glucanase activity and on the degradation of β-glucans during the last four days of germination, in the malting process. Four cultivars of good quality malting ('N721', 'N743', 'Scarlett' and 'Sebastian') were analyzed and the results showed they had different performance on the enzyme activity and β-glucan degradation, at the different temperatures tested. A slightly higher temperature at the beginning of germination (22°C) was more effective in terms of the variables studied. Cultivar 'N721' presented the best performance compared to other cultivars, revealing a more homogeneous pattern of β-glucan degradation during germination and also increased efficiency in degrading -glucans as early as in the 96th hour of the germination process. High activity of β-glucanases and shorter time is very interesting to the brewery industry, since it represents an optimization of the malt volume produced and a cost reduction for its production.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to compare the objective and subjective effects of continuous positive airway pressure to the use of nasal dilator strips in patients with acromegaly and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. METHODS: We studied 12 patients with acromegaly and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (male/ females = 8/4, age = 52±8 ys, body mass index = 33.5±4.6 Kg/m², apnea-hypopnea index = 38±14 events/h) who had been included in a randomized, crossover study to receive three months of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure and nasal dilator strips. All patients were evaluated at study entry and at the end of each treatment by polysomnography, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and treatment satisfaction questionnaires. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01265121 RESULTS: The apnea-hypopnea index values decreased significantly with continuous positive airway pressure treatment but did not change with the use of nasal dilator strips. All of the subjective symptoms improved with both treatments, but these improvements were significantly greater with continuous positive airway pressure than with the nasal dilator strips CONCLUSION: The use of nasal dilator strips had a much smaller effect on the severity of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with acromegaly and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in comparison to the use of continuous positive airway pressure. Moreover, the improvement in several subjective parameters without any significant objective improvement in obstructive sleep apnea resulting from the use of nasal dilator strips is compatible with a placebo effect.

The objective of the present study was the evaluation of the presence of organic and inorganic contaminants in samples of aged cachaça from the South of the state of Minas Gerais. Furfural, methanol and copper were determined by colorimetric reactions, while the analyses of ethyl carbamate and acrolein were performed by GC/MS and HPLC, respectively. High levels of furfural and copper were obtained. All samples showed concentrations below the established by legislation for the ethyl carbamate, and for acrolein, only one sample showed higher levels. Methanol was not detected in the samples.