Resumo A sexagem das espécies é uma ferramenta importante para o manejo populacional. Em tartarugas, cágados e jabutis, a sexagem geralmente é feita de acordo com características secundárias, como morfologia do plastrão ou técnicas de eversão do falo. Neste artigo, apresentamos o método de eversão do falo e comparamos sua eficiência com outras técnicas existentes. Este novo método visa encurtar o tempo de manejo e reduzir os efeitos colaterais físicos nos animais, promovendo o manejo clínico e reprodutivo do cágado-de-barbicha (Phrynops geoffroanus) e espécies relacionadas. Uma amostra de cinquenta indivíduos foi coletada na região central do estado do Piauí, Nordeste do Brasil. O método proposto consiste em remover a cabeça de sua posição de repouso. Os métodos que obtiveram índice de sucesso superior a 80% foram comparados entre si quanto ao tempo de estimulação necessário para a eversão do falo. O método aqui proposto alcançou 100% de eficiência na determinação do sexo de espécimes com comprimento de carapaça linear entre 10 e 34 cm. Além disso, quando comparado ao segundo método mais eficiente, reduziu substancialmente o tempo necessário para o manejo dos espécimes (91%), evitando possíveis sequelas nos indivíduos manuseados.

Abstract The sexing of species is an important tool for population management. In tortoises and turtles, sexing is usually done according to secondary characteristics, such as plastron morphology or phallus eversion techniques. In this paper, we present the phallus eversion method and compare its efficiency to other existing techniques. This new method aims at shortening the management time and reducing the physical aftereffects on the animals, fostering the clinical and reproductive management of Geoffroy’s side-necked turtle (Phrynops geoffroanus) and related species. A sample of fifty individuals was taken in the central region of Piauí state, Northeastern Brazil. The proposed method consisted of moving the head from its resting position. The methods achieving a success rate higher than 80% were compared to each other as for the stimulation time required for phallus eversion. The method as here proposed achieved 100% efficiency in the sex determination of specimens with a linear carapace length between 10 and 34 cm. Also, when compared to the second most efficient method, it substantially reduced the time needed for managing the specimens (91%), avoiding possible sequelae in the individuals handled.

ABSTRACT Objectives: This review discusses deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) diagnosis and surgery using current urological knowledge and technologies. Materials and Methods: Narrative review of deep infiltrating endometriosis that result in urological issues. We examined manuscripts from Pubmed, Embase, and Scielo’s database using the following MeSH terms: (‘endometriosis’) AND (‘urology’ OR ‘urological’ OR ‘urologist’) AND (‘bladder’ OR’vesical’) AND (‘ureteral’ OR ‘ureter’). Selection followed PRISMA guidelines. Sample images from our records were brought to endorse the findings. Results: Thirty four related articles were chosen from 105. DIE may affect the urinary system in 52.6% of patients. Lower urinary tract symptoms may require urodynamic examination. Ultrasonography offers strong statistical yields for detecting urinary tract lesions or distortions, but magnetic resonance will confirm the diagnosis. Cystoscopy can detect active lesions, although any macroscopic visual appeal is pathognomonic. Endourology is utilized intraoperatively for bladder and ureteral assessment, however transurethral endoscopic excision of bladder lesions had higher recurrence rates. Laparoscopy is the route of choice for treatment; partial cystectomy, and bladder shaving were the most prevalent surgical treatments for bladder endometriosis. Regarding the ureteral treatment, the simple ureterolysis and complex reconstructive techniques were described in most papers. Using anatomical landmarks or neuronavigation, pelvic surgical systematization allows intraoperative neural structure identification. Conclusions: DIE in the urinary system is common, however the number of publications with high level of evidence is limited. The initial tools for diagnosis are ultrasonography and cystoscopy, but magnetic resonance is the most reliable tool. When the patient has voiding symptoms, the urodynamic examination is crucial. Laparoscopy improves lesion detection and anatomical understanding. This approach must be carried out by professionals with high expertise, since the surgery goes beyond the resection of lesions and includes the preservation of nerve structures and urinary tract reconstruction techniques.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Ureterocalicostomy is a technique that was first described by Neuwirt in 1948 (1) The laparoscopic access was initiated in 2003 by Cherullo et al. (2), following the established principles of open surgery. In 2004, Gill et al. had two patients with UPJO treated with laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy, with success (3). In 2014, Arap et. al. presented a case series with good results in adults and children in our service (4). There are factors that prepare the surgeon for an ureterocalicostomy, such as the renal cortex thickness, although the decision is mainly taken during the procedure (5). Material and Methods: A 24 years-old female patient with right lumbar pain was referred to our institution. She already had a right open pyeloplasty two years ago. The CT scan presented a right hydronephrotic kidney, DMSA scan with 30% of relative function and a DTPA scan with an obstructive pattern. Results: A laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy was performed due to the intra-operative findings (inferior kidney pole thickness and challenging access to the uretero-pelvic junction). The overall time was 130 minutes with no complications. The patient was discharged in two days and the double J was withdrawn in four weeks. The CT scan within one year demonstrates a reduction of the hydronephrosis. She had no more lumbar pain. Conclusion: In complex cases, the laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy proves to be a safe and efficient procedure, with a free tension-free anastomosis and the advantages of the laparoscopic access.

RESUMO Práticas inadequadas de manejo antes do abate podem comprometer o bem-estar animal e a qualidade da carne suína. Este estudo visou avaliar os efeitos do período de transporte (TT), período de descarga (TD), e período de pré-abate (TE) nos indicadores termofisiológicos animais e no pH da carne suína, utilizando uma abordagem multivariada. Este estudo foi realizado num matadouro localizado em Aquiraz, Ceará, Brasil. Um total de 60 suínos mestiços com 107 ± 5 kg de peso corporal foram distribuídos em três grupos experimentais: grupo A (TT = 180 min, TD ≤ 10 min, e TE = 24 horas), grupo B (TT = 60 min, TD ≤ 15 min, e TE = 18 horas), e grupo C (TT = 45 min, TD ≤ 5 min, e TE = 24 horas). A análise discriminante canônica foi implementada e as diferenças entre tratamentos são representadas graficamente. Os dois primeiros componentes foram responsáveis por 97% dos tratamentos. A análise discriminante mostrou que o grupo C apresentou diferenças multivariadas em relação aos outros, particularmente com temperatura retal elevada antes do abate (38,4 ± 0,23 °C) e frequência respiratória (131 ± 7,0 respirações min-1) e temperatura retal (39,7 ± 0,18 °C) à chegada ao matadouro. O período de transporte (TT), período de descarga (TD) e o stress térmico das instalações influenciaram variáveis fisiológicas, tais como a temperatura retal e a frequência respiratória. Além disso, as variáveis de estresse fisiológico também favoreceram cortes com pH básico, resultando em perda de qualidade.

ABSTRACT Inadequate pre-slaughter handling practices may compromise animal welfare and pork quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of transport period (TT), unloading period (UT), and pre-slaughtering period (WT) on animal thermophysiological indicators and pork pH using a multivariate approach. This study was conducted in a slaughterhouse located in Aquiraz, Ceará state, Brazil. A total of 60 mestizo pigs with 107 ± 5 kg body weight were distributed into three experimental groups: group A (TT = 180 min, UT ≤ 10 min, and WT = 24 hours), group B (TT = 60 min, UT ≤ 15 min, and WT = 18 hours), and group C (TT = 45 min, UT ≤ 5 min, and WT = 24 hours). Canonical discriminant analysis was implemented and the differences between treatments are represented graphically. The first two components accounted for 97% treatments. The discriminant analysis showed that group C presented multivariate differences in relation to others, particularly with high rectal temperature before slaughter (38.4 ± 0.23 °C) and respiratory rate (131 ± 7.0 breaths min-1) and rectal temperature (39.7 ± 0.18 °C) upon arrival at the slaughterhouse. Transport period (TT), unloading period (UT), and thermal stress of the facilities influenced physiological variables, such as rectal temperature and respiratory rate. Furthermore, the physiological stress variables also favored cuts with basic pH, resulting in quality loss.

In this study, xiquexique (Pilosocereus gounellei) native endemic cactus from the Brazilian semiarid was used for the first time as a natural carbon source (“green precursor”) for the synthesis of highly fluorescent carbon dots (CDs). These CDs were successfully used to develop a fast, low-cost, eco-friendly fluorescence method for the determination of tannins in teas. This method was automatized employing a flow-batch system coupled to an inexpensive ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV-LED) used as an excitation source and a cheap handheld spectrometer used as a detector. CDs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The proposed method presented a linear range from 2.0-30.0 mg L-1, relative standard deviation (RSD) < 3.0%, limit of detection (LOD) = 0.102 mg L-1, and recovery rates from 90.5-109.1%. A paired t-test at a 95% confidence level indicated no statistically significant difference between the proposed and reference methods, revealing that it is a useful alternative for the determination of tannins.

Resumo O óleo essencial de citronela (Cymbopogon winterianus) possui diversas atividades biológicas, entre elas a ação repelente a insetos. Alguns estudos mostraram que os ésteres do ácido cinâmico podem ser aplicados como pesticidas naturais, inseticidas e fungicidas. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a produção de ésteres a partir do óleo essencial de citronela com ácido cinâmico via esterificação enzimática. Além disso, foi investigada a toxicidade do óleo essencial antes e após a esterificação contra Artemia salina e a ação larvicida sobre Aedes aegypti. Os ésteres foram produzidos utilizando ácido cinâmico como agente acilante e óleo essencial de citronela (3: 1) em heptano e 15% em peso da enzima NS 88011 como biocatalisadores, a 70 ° C e 150 rpm. As taxas de conversão de cinamatos de citronelil e geranil foram 58,7 e 69,0% para NS 88011, respectivamente. Para a toxicidade sobre Artemia salina foram obtidos CL50 de 5,29 μg mL-1 para o óleo essencial e 4,36 μg mL-1 para os óleos esterificados com NS 88011. Na atividade inseticida contra larvas de Aedes aegypti, obteve-se CL50 de 111,84 μg mL-1 para o óleo essencial de citronela e 86,30 μg mL-1 para os óleos esterificados com a enzima NS 88011, indicando alta toxicidade dos ésteres. Os resultados demonstraram que as amostras avaliadas apresentam potencial de aplicação como bioinseticida.

Abstract The essential oil of citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) has several biological activities, among them the insect repellent action. Some studies showed that cinnamic acid esters can be applied as natural pesticides, insecticides and fungicides. In this context, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the production of esters from citronella essential oil with cinnamic acid via enzymatic esterification. Besides, the essential oil toxicity before and after esterification against Artemia salina and larvicidal action on Aedes aegypti was investigated. Esters were produced using cinnamic acid as the acylating agent and citronella essential oil (3:1) in heptane and 15 wt% NS 88011 enzyme as biocatalysts, at 70 °C and 150 rpm. Conversion rates of citronellyl and geranyl cinnamates were 58.7 and 69.0% for NS 88011, respectively. For the toxicity to Artemia salina LC50 results of 5.29 μg mL-1 were obtained for the essential oil and 4.36 μg mL-1 for the esterified oils obtained with NS 88011. In the insecticidal activity against Aedes aegypti larvae, was obtained LC50 of 111.84 μg mL-1 for the essential oil of citronella and 86.30 μg mL-1 for the esterified oils obtained with the enzyme NS 88011, indicating high toxicity of the esters. The results demonstrated that the evaluated samples present potential of application as bioinsecticide.

Abstract Onychomycosis is the most common disease affecting the nail unit and accounts for at least 50% of all nail diseases. In addition, Candida albicans is responsible for approximately 70% of onychomycoses caused by yeasts. This study investigated the antifungal effect of (R) and (S)-citronellal enantiomers, as well as its predictive mechanism of action on C. albicans from voriconazole-resistant onychomycoses. For this purpose, in vitro broth microdilution and molecular docking techniques were applied in a predictive and complementary manner to the mechanisms of action. The main results of this study indicate that C. albicans was resistant to voriconazole and sensitive to the enantiomers (R) and (S)-citronellal at a dose of 256 and 32 µg/mL respectively. In addition, there was an increase in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the enantiomers in the presence of sorbitol and ergosterol, indicating that these molecules possibly affect the integrity of the cell wall and cell membrane of C. albicans. Molecular docking with key biosynthesis proteins and maintenance of the fungal cell wall and plasma membrane demonstrated the possibility of (R) and (S)-citronellal interacting with two important enzymes: 1,3-β-glucan synthase and lanosterol 14α-demethylase. Therefore, the findings of this study indicate that the (R) and (S)-citronellal enantiomers are fungicidal on C. albicans from onychomycoses and probably these substances cause damage to the cell wall and cell membrane of these micro-organisms possibly by interacting with enzymes in the biosynthesis of these fungal structures.

Resumo A onicomicose é a doença mais comum que afeta a unidade ungueal e representa pelo menos 50% de todas as doenças ungueais. Além disso, a Candida albicans é responsável por aproximadamente 70% das onicomicoses causadas por leveduras. Nesse estudo, foi investigado o efeito antifúngico dos enantiômeros (R) e (S)-citronelal, bem como seu mecanismo de ação preditivo sobre C. albicans de onicomicoses resistentes ao voriconazol. Para este propósito, foram aplicadas técnicas in vitro de microdiluição em caldo e docking molecular de forma preditiva e complementar para os mecanismos de ação. Os principais resultados deste estudo indicam que C. albicans foi resistente ao voriconazol e sensível aos enantiômeros (R) e (S)-citronelal na dose de 256 e 32 µg/mL respectivamente. Além disso, houve aumento da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) dos enantiômeros na presença do sorbitol e do ergosterol, indicando que estas moléculas possivelmente afetem a integridade da parede e da membrana celular de C. albicans. O docking molecular com proteínas chave da biossíntese e manutenção da parede celular e da membrana plasmática fúngica, demonstraram a possibilidade do (R) e (S)-citronelal interagir com duas importantes enzimas: 1,3-β-glucan sintase e lanosterol 14α-demetilase. Portanto, os achados desse estudo indicam que os enantiômeros (R) e (S)-citronelal são fungicidas sobre C. albicans de onicomicoses e provavelmente essas substâncias causem danos a parede e a membrana celular desses microrganismos possivelmente por interagir com as enzimas da biossíntese destas estruturas fúngicas.

Abstract Due to the complex nature of pain and the participation of physical, cognitive, psychological and behavioral aspects, pain management has several approaches. The use of medicinal plants in developing countries is quite expressive. Seeking new options for the treatment of emerging or debilitating diseases. Therefore, the present study seeks to elucidate the effects of the monoterpene, citronellal, differentiating its activity by isomers (R)-(+) and (S)-(-) citronellal. The study used several methods to evaluate the effects of citronellal isomers on motor coordination, nociceptive response, and the involvement of opioid, glutamatergic, and transient receptor pathways. The methods included rota-rod, hot-plate, and formalin tests, as well as the use of specific inhibitors and agonists. Data were analyzed using inferential statistics with a 95% confidence level. Both isomers did not significantly affect the motor coordination of the studied animals. The isomer (S)-(-) citronellal showed better results in relation to its structural counterpart, managing to have an antinociceptive effect in the formalin and hot plate tests with a lower concentration (100 mg/kg) and presenting fewer side effects, however, the this study was not able to elucidate the mechanism of action of this isomer despite having activity in studies with substances that act on specific targets such as glutamate and capsaicin, its activity was not reversed with the use of antagonists for pathways related to nociception. While the (R)-(+) citronellal isomer, despite showing total activity only at a concentration of 150 mg/kg, was able to determine its mechanism of action related to the opioid pathway by reversing its activity by the antagonist naloxone, being this is a pathway already correlated with nociception control treatments, however, it is also related to some unwanted side effects. In this way, new studies are sought to elucidate the mechanism related to the isomer (S)-(-) citronellal and a possibility of use in other areas related to the treatment of pain or inflammation.

Resumo Devido à natureza complexa da dor e a sua participação de aspectos físicos, cognitivos, psicológicos e comportamentais, o manejo da dor possui diversas abordagens. O uso de plantas medicinais em países em desenvolvimento é bastante expressivo. Buscando novas opções para o tratamento de denças emergentes ou debilitantes. Portanto, o presente estudo busca elucidar os efeitos do monoterpeno, citronelal, diferenciando sua atividade pelos isômeros (R)-(+) e (S)-(-) citronelal. O estudo utilizou diversos métodos para avaliar os efeitos dos isômeros de citronelal na coordenação motora, resposta nociceptiva e o envolvimento de vias opioides, glutamatérgicas e de receptores transitórios. Os métodos incluíram testes de rota-rod, placa quente e formalina, além do uso de inibidores e agonistas específicos. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente com um intervalo de confiança de 95%. Ambos os isomeros não afetaram significativamente a coordenação motora dos animais em estudo. O isômero (S)-(-) citronelal apresentou melhores resultados em relação ao seu homólogo estrutural, conseguindo ter um efeito antinociceptivo nos testes de formalina e placa quente com menor concentração (100 mg/kg) e apresentando menos efeitos colaterais, entretanto, o presente estudo não foi capaz de elucidar o mecanismo de ação deste isomero apesar de ter atividadade em estudos com substancias que agem em alvos específicos como glutamato e capsaicina, sua atividade não foi revertida com a utilização de antagonistas para as vias relacionadas à nocicepção. Enquanto o isômero (R)-(+) citronelal, apesar de apresentar de apresentar total atividade somente na concentração de 150 mg/kg, foi capaz de determinar seu mecanismo de ação relacionado à via opióide pela reversão da sua atividade pelo antagonista naloxona, sendo esta uma via já correlacionada com os tratamentos de controle da a nocicepção, no entanto, também está relacionada a alguns efeitos colaterais indesejados. Desta forma busca-se novos estudos para elucidação do mecanismo relacionados ao isomero (S)-(-) citronellal e uma possibilidade de utilização em outras areas relacionadas ao tratamento da dor ou inflamação.

Abstract Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a non-lactose fermenting Gram-negative bacteria responsible for causing numerous nosocomial infections. The present research aimed to analyze the anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa potential of 2-Chloro-N-(4-fluoro-3-nitrophenyl)acetamide (A8). The antibacterial potential of A8 was evaluated from the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Association using the checkerboard method. MIC and MBC values were 512 µg/mL for all P. aeruginosa strains evaluated, demonstrating predominantly bactericidal activity. Furthermore, when A8 was associated with the drug ceftriaxone, pharmacological additivity and indifference were evidenced. In this sense, the synthetic amide was interesting, since it demonstrates the potential to become a possible candidate for an antimicrobial drug.

Resumo Pseudomonas aeruginosa é uma bactéria Gram-negativa não fermentadora de lactose, responsável por causar inúmeras infecções nosocomiais. A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar o potencial anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa da molécula 2-Cloro-N-(4-fluoro-3-nitrofenil)acetamida (A8). O potencial antibacteriano do A8 foi avaliado a partir da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM), Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM) e Associação pelo método de checkboard. Os valores de CIM e CBM foram de 512 µg/mL para todas as cepas de P. aeruginosa avaliadas, demonstrando atividade predominantemente bactericida. Além disso, quando o A8 foi associado ao fármaco ceftriaxona, evidenciou-se aditividade e indiferença farmacológica. Nesse sentido, a amida sintética se mostrou interessante, pois demonstra potencial para se tornar um possível candidato a fármaco antimicrobiano.

Abstract Leishmaniasis is a vector-transmitted zoonosis caused by different species of the genus Leishmania, with a wide clinical spectrum. It is a public health problem aggravated by a series of limitations regarding treatment. In the search for new therapeutic alternatives, scorpion venoms are a source of multifunctional molecules that act against the natural resistance of pathogens. This work evaluated the antileishmanial potential of Brotheas amazonicus and Tityus metuendus venoms against the promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis e Leishmania guyanensis. The venoms of B. amazonicus and T. metuendus were evaluated for their constituents using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). Growth inhibition and death of promastigotes were evaluated in the presence of diferente crude venom concentrations (100 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL, 10 µg/mL, 1 µg/mL) after one hour of incubation at 25 °C. The FTIR spectra of both venoms exhibited bands in approximate regions, revealing that both exhibit similar functional groups. Crude venom from both scorpion species showed similar or superior leishmanicidal effects to the standart drug N-methylglucamine antimoniate. At the highest concentration of 100 µg/mL, cultures of L. guyanensis treated with the venom of B. amazonicus showed the highest mortality percentages, above 28%, while T. metuendus venom showed the highest activity against L. amazonensis, with mortality above 7%. This preliminar study demonstrates that B. amazonicus and T. metuendus venoms can be important tools in the search for new drugs Against leishmaniasis. Next step involves evaluating the activity against the amastigote forms and purifying the venom proteins in order to identify the best anti-leishmania candidates.

Resumo A leishmaniose é uma zoonose de transmissão vetorial causada por diferentes espécies do gênero Leishmania, com amplo espectro clínico. É um problema de saúde pública agravado por uma série de limitações quanto ao tratamento. Na busca por novas alternativas terapêuticas, os venenos de escorpiões são uma fonte de moléculas multifuncionais que atuam contra a resistência natural dos patógenos. Este trabalho avaliou o potencial antileishmania dos venenos de Brotheas amazonicus e Tityus metuendus contra as formas promastigotas de Leishmania amazonensis e Leishmania guyanensis. Os venenos de B. amazonicus e T. metuendus foram avaliados quanto aos seus constituintes usando espectrometria no infravermelho por transformada de Fourier (FTIR). A inibição do crescimento e a morte de promastigotas foram avaliadas na presença de diferentes concentrações de veneno bruto (100 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL, 10 µg/mL, 1 µg/mL) após uma hora de incubação a 25 °C. Os espectros de FTIR de ambos os venenos exibiram bandas em regiões aproximadas, revelando que ambos exibem grupos funcionais semelhantes. O veneno bruto de ambas as espécies de escorpiões mostrou efeitos leishmanicidas semelhantes ou superiores ao antimoniato de N-metilglucamina padrão. Na maior concentração de 100 µg/mL, as culturas de L. guyanensis tratadas com o veneno de B. amazonicus apresentaram os maiores percentuais de mortalidade, acima de 28%, enquanto o veneno de T. metuendus apresentou a maior atividade contra L. amazonensis, com mortalidade acima de 7%. Este estudo preliminar demonstra que os venenos de B. amazonicus e T. metuendus podem ser ferramentas importantes na busca de novos fármacos contra a leishmaniose. O próximo passo envolve avaliar a atividade contra as formas amastigotas e purificar as proteínas do veneno para identificar os melhores candidatos anti-leishmania.

ABSTRACT The objectives of this work were to characterize the histo-anatomical pattern and degradability and to determine the secondary compounds of maniçoba in the different accessions and maturation stages (young, mature and senescent). For the research, three accessions were selected (AC002, AC004 and AC038) from the municipalities of Barra de Santa Rosa, Monteiro and Boa Vista, respectively, which showed distinct genetic characteristics, such as morphological and agronomic characteristics, chemical composition and hydrocyanic acid content. The leaf blades showed a cuticle that covers the entire epidermis, with papillose cells in the abaxial region and in a tabular shape in the adaxial region. The cells on the abaxial side are thinner than on the adaxial side. In the phytochemical screening of maniçoba leaves, the presence of steroids, tannins, flavonoids and saponins was observed. The leaves of maniçoba (Manihot ssp.) showed absence of alkaloids in all stages and accessions evaluated. All accessions evaluated showed positivity for the presence of steroids, with superiority in accession 04 in all stages, while for the other accessions it decreased with the maturation of the plant, especially in accession 02. The presence and concentration of secondary metabolites vary between accessions and maturation stages.

RESUMO Os objetivos com este trabalho foram caracterizar o padrão histo-anatômico e a degradabilidade e determinar os compostos secundários da maniçoba nos diferentes acessos e estádios de maturação (jovem, maduro e senescente). Para a pesquisa foram selecionados três acessos (AC002, AC004 e AC038) dos municípios de Barra de Santa Rosa, Monteiro e Boa Vista, respectivamente, que apresentaram características genéticas distintas, como características morfológicas e agronômicas, composição química e teor de ácido cianídrico. As lâminas foliares apresentaram cutícula que recobre toda a epiderme, com células papilosas na região abaxial e em formato tabular na região adaxial. As células na face abaxial são mais finas do que na face adaxial. Na triagem fitoquímica das folhas de maniçoba, observou-se a presença de esteroides, taninos, flavonoides e saponinas. As folhas de maniçoba (Manihot ssp.) apresentaram ausência de alcalóides em todos os estádios e acessos avaliados. Todos os acessos avaliados apresentaram positividade para presença de esteróides, com superioridade no acesso 04 em todos os estádios, enquanto para os demais acessos a presença diminuiu com a maturação da planta, principalmente no acesso 02. A presença e concentração de metabólitos secundários variam entre acessos e estádios de maturação.

RESUMO Objetivos: o principal objetivo deste estudo foi descrever pacientes com achados vasculares retinianos temporalmente relacionados à vacinação contra COVID-19. Com maior notificação de possíveis eventos adversos similares, esperamos compreender a real dimensão e relevância do que foi apresentado. Métodos: Onze pacientes com queixas visuais após vacinação contra COVID-19 foram estudados. Os dados analisados foram: idade, gênero, tipo de vacinação, tempo de aparecimento de sintomas, achados sistêmicos, antecedentes pessoais, acuidade visual com melhor correção, biomicroscopia e imagem retiniana multimodal (retinografia colorida, red-free, SD-OCT, OCTA e angiofluoresceinografia). Os critérios de inclusão foram a presença de alterações oftalmológicas ocorridas dentro de 30 dias após a primeira ou segunda dose de qualquer vacina contra COVID-19. Resultados: Onze pacientes foram incluídos: 5 com oclusão arterial (45,4%), 4 com oclusão venosa (36,4%) e 2 (18,2%) com alterações não específicas vasculares sugestivas de isquemia retiniana como exsudatos algodonosos. A idade média dos pacientes foi de 57 anos (DP=16; com intervalo de 27 a 84 anos). A média de tempo de aparecimento de sintomas após a vacinação foi de 10 dias (DP=5,4; com intervalo de 3 a 16 dias). Nove dos onze pacientes eram do sexo feminino (81,8%). Fatores de risco sistêmicos foram observados em 36,4% dos pacientes. Dois pacientes tiveram sintomas neurológicos e visuais, com oclusão arterial. 36,4% dos pacientes tiveram infecção prévia por COVID-19 no último ano. Sete pacientes (63,6%) receberam a vacina ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222). Conclusões: nossos dados sugerem que eventos retinianos temporalmente relacionados à vacinação contra COVID-19 são possíveis, porém raros. A relação entre estes eventos pós-vacinais exigem futura atenção antes de maiores conclusões.

ABSTRACT Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to assess vascular retinal findings temporally related to COVID-19 vaccination. With greater information regarding all possible future adverse events, we hope to understand the real dimension and relevance of what was presented. Methods: Eleven patients with visual complaints after COVID-19 vaccination were enrolled. Data on the following were included: age, sex, vaccine, time of symptom onset, systemic findings, medical history, best-corrected visual acuity, and ocular findings by slit-lamp biomicroscopy as well as multimodal retinal imaging (color fundus, red-free photography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography, and fluorescein-angiography). Inclusion criteria were the presence of ophthalmologic signs within 30 days after the first or second dose of any COVID-19 vaccine. Results: Of 11 patients, five had arterial occlusion (45.4%), four had venous occlusion (36.4%), and two (18.2%) had nonspecific vascular alterations suggestive of retinal ischemia such as cotton-wool spots. The mean age was 57 (SD = 16; range: 27-84) years. The mean time of symptoms onset was 10 (SD = 5.4; range: 3-16) days. Nine patients were female (81.8%). Systemic risk factors were observed in 36.4% of patients. Two patients had both neurological and visual symptoms, with arterial occlusion. Overall, 36.4% patients had COVID-19 in the previous year. Seven patients (63.6%) received ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccine. Conclusions: Our data suggest that retinal events temporally related to COVID-19 vaccination are possible but are very rare. The relationship of these events with post-COVID-19 vaccination warrants further attention to derive a meaningful conclusion.

ABSTRACT Objectives: Currently, not much is known about the interactions between voice and growth hormone (GH). We have described large kindred with isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) due to a GHRH receptor mutation, resulting in severe short stature and high-pitched voice. These IGHD individuals have little interest in GH treatment, as they consider themselves “short long-lived people”, rather than patients. Interestingly, they report normal general quality of life, but they rate their Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) as low. Here, we assessed the social and auditory-perceptual impacts of artistic-intervention voice therapy with semioccluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTE) and choral singing, on their voices. Material and methods: Seventeen GH-naïve adult IGHD individuals were enrolled in a single-arm interventional pre-post study with 13 weekly sessions of choir singing over 90 days. Outcome measures were V-RQOL scores, self-assessment of voice, and auditory-perceptual analysis (GRBAS scale, G: grade of the severity of dysphonia; R: roughness; B: breathiness; A: asthenia; and S: strain). Results: Marked improvements in total (p = 0.0001), physical (p = 0.0002), and socioemotional (p = 0.0001) V-RQOL scores and in self-assessment of voice (p = 0.004) were found. The general grades of vocal deviation (p = 0.0001), roughness (p = 0.0001), breathiness (p = 0.0001) and strain (p = 0.0001) exhibited accentuated reductions. Conclusions: Voice therapy with semioccluded vocal tract exercises and choral training improved social impact and perceptual voice assessments in IGHD subjects and markedly improved their voice-related quality of life. This is particularly important in a setting where GH replacement therapy is not widely accepted.

ABSTRACT Through algebraic number theory and Construction A we extend an algebraic procedure which generates nested complex lattice codes from the polynomial ring F 2 x / x n - 1, where F 2 = 0 , 1, by using ideals from the generalized polynomial ring F 2 x , 1 2 ℤ 0 x 1 2 2 n - 1 through the ring of integers ���� of the cyclotomic field L = ℚ ζ 2 s, where ζ 2 s is a 2 s -th root of the unit, with s > 2.

Abstract Objectives This analysis describes the protocol of a study with a case-cohort to design to prospectively evaluate the incidence of subclinical atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) in Chronic Inflammatory Disease (CID) participants compared to non-diseased ones. Methods A high-risk group for CID was defined based on data collected in all visits on self-reported medical diagnosis, use of medicines, and levels of high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein >10 mg/L. The comparison group is the Aleatory Cohort Sample (ACS): a group with 10% of participants selected at baseline who represent the entire cohort. In both groups, specific biomarkers for DIC, markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, and CVD morbimortality will be tested using weighted Cox. Results The high-risk group (n = 2,949; aged 53.6 ± 9.2; 65.5% women) and the ACS (n=1543; 52.2±8.8; 54.1% women) were identified. Beyond being older and mostly women, participants in the high-risk group present low average income (29.1% vs. 24.8%, p < 0.0001), higher BMI (Kg/m2) (28.1 vs. 26.9, p < 0.0001), higher waist circumference (cm) (93.3 vs. 91, p < 0.0001), higher frequencies of hypertension (40.2% vs. 34.5%, p < 0.0001), diabetes (20.7% vs. 17%, p = 0.003) depression (5.8% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.007) and higher levels of GlycA a new inflammatory marker (p < 0.0001) compared to the ACS. Conclusions The high-risk group selected mostly women, older, lower-income/education, higher BMI, waist circumference, and of hypertension, diabetes, depression, and higher levels of GlycA when compared to the ACS. The strategy chosen to define the high-risk group seems adequate given that multiple sociodemographic and clinical characteristics are compatible with CID.