RESUMO Introdução A não comparência às consultas médicas é um problema amplamente reconhecido nos sistemas de saúde, estando associada a diversos fatores. Os exames de saúde do trabalho, apresentam particularidades distintas das consultas médicas de outras especialidades, pelo seu caráter obrigatório, sendo legalmente exigido à entidade empregadora e ao trabalhador. No entanto, apesar dos esforços, mantém-se um número considerável de faltas. Objetivos Compreender as razões subjacentes às ausências aos exames. Metodologia Trata-se de um estudo observacional transversal desenvolvido numa instituição hospitalar pública. Os funcionários do hospital que faltaram no primeiro semestre de 2023 foram contatados em julho do mesmo ano, a fim de realizar um inquérito telefónico, constituído por três questões de escolha múltipla, relacionados com o tema do estudo. Para o tratamento dos dados, foram utilizados os programas Microsoft Excel e SPSS Statistics. Resultados Foi identificado um total de 278 faltas no período supracitado, de um total de 1589 exames de saúde agendados, correspondendo a uma taxa de faltas de 17,5%. Das 212 respostas telefónicas obtidas, os principais motivos da não comparência aos exames de saúde do trabalho foram principalmente doença aguda e férias ou folga, que correspondem a 20,3% das ocorrências (n=43); falta de conhecimento da convocatória ou esta não ter ocorrido atempadamente, representando 19,8% das respostas (n=42); ausência prolongada por doença crónica, gravidez ou licença de parentalidade, compreendendo 17,9% (n=38); impossibilidade de ausência do serviço em 16,5% dos casos (n=35) e esquecimento em cerca de 12,7% (n=27). Além disso, apenas 26,9% dos trabalhadores remarcaram o exame. Cerca de 59,9% da população trabalhadora considera ter conhecimento insuficiente acerca do objetivo e importância dos exames de saúde, bem como as áreas de intervenção da Saúde Ocupacional, mostrando recetividade para uma maior formação nesta área. Conclusão Este estudo proporcionou um conhecimento mais aprofundado dos motivos subjacentes às ausências aos exames de saúde do trabalho, abrindo uma oportunidade de implementação de intervenções direcionadas à minimização deste problema organizacional, cujo impacto sobre a vigilância da saúde dos trabalhadores é substancial.

ABSTRACT Introduction Non-attendance at medical appointments is a widely recognized problem in healthcare systems, and it is associated with various factors. Occupational health examinations have distinct characteristics from medical appointments in other specialties due to their mandatory nature, legally required for both the employer and the employee. However, despite efforts, a considerable number of absences persist. Objectives To understand the underlying reasons for absences from these examinations. Methodology This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in a public hospital institution. Employees of the hospital who missed their appointments in the first half of 2023 were contacted in July of the same year to conduct a telephone survey consisting of three multiple-choice questions related to the study's theme. Microsoft Excel and SPSS Statistics programs were used for data analysis. Results A total of 278 absences were identified during the aforementioned period out of a total of 1589 scheduled health examinations, resulting in an absenteeism rate of 17.5%. Among the 212 telephone responses obtained, the primary reasons for non-compliance with occupational health examinations were mainly due to absence caused by acute illness, vacation, or time off, accounting for 20.3% of occurrences (n=43); lack of awareness of the appointment or it not occurring in a timely manner, representing 19.8% of responses (n=42); prolonged absence due to chronic illness, pregnancy, or parental leave, comprising 17.9% (n=38); inability to be absent from work in 16.5% of cases (n=35), and forgetfulness in approximately 12.7% (n=27). Additionally, only 26.9% of the workers rescheduled their health examination. Approximately 59.9% of the working population considers themselves insufficiently informed about the purpose and importance of health examinations, as well as the areas of Occupational Health intervention, showing receptiveness to further training in this area. Conclusion This study provided a deeper understanding of the underlying reasons for absences from occupational health examinations, opening an opportunity for the implementation of interventions aimed at minimizing this organizational problem, which has a substantial impact on the surveillance of workers' health.

RESUMO Os pinos intra-articulares pré-fabricados reforçados com fibras têm ganhado popularidade devido a várias características favoráveis ao uso clínico em comparação com os pinos intra-radiculares metálicos). Objetivo: Avaliar a capacidade de transmissão de luz de dois tipos de pinos de fibra, usando dois métodos diferentes. Materiais e Método: Os pinos foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo experimental - pinos de fibra de vidro de quartzo e grupo controle - pinos de fibra de vidro. A transmitância de luz das amostras foi comparada por meio de teste de intensidade de luz por fotografias e espectrofotômetro ultravioleta-visível. Este teste foi analisado por terços: coronal, médio e apical. O espectrofotômetro testou a transmitância luminosa ao longo do comprimento do pino. A análise estatística foi realizada com nível de significância de 0,05. Resultados: A transmissão luminosa foi de 97% no terço coronal, 68% no terço médio e 27,66% no terço apical nos pinos do grupo experimental. Nos pinos do grupo controle, a transmissão de luz foi de 95,33% no terço coronal, 80,66% no terço médio e 41,33% no terço apical. A transmissão luminosa foi significativamente maior no terço médio dos pinos do grupo experimental quando comparado ao grupo controle (p<0,05). A transmitância luminosa dos pinos do grupo experimental foi de 97,4% com comprimento de onda de 400 nm, 97% em 450 e 500 nm e 96,9% em 550 nm. Nos postes do grupo controle, a transmitância luminosa foi de 72,3% com comprimento de onda de 400 nm, 68,6% em 450 nm; 64,6% a 500 nm e 61,5% a 550 nm. Os pinos do grupo experimental demonstraram transmitância de luz significativamente maior do que o grupo controle (p<0,001). Conclusão: a transmitância luminosa dos pinos de fibra de vidro de quartzo é maior do que pinos de fibra de vidro.

ABSTRACT Fiber-reinforced prefabricated intraarticular posts have gained popularity due to several favorable characteristics for clinical use compared to metallic intraradicular posts. Aim: To evaluate the light transmission capacity of two types of fiber posts, using two different methods. Materials and Method: The posts were divided into two groups: experimental group - quartz-glass fiber posts (n=10) and control group – glass fiber posts (n=10). The light transmittance of the samples was compared by means of light intensity test by photographs and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. This test was analyzed by thirds: coronal, middle, and apical. The spectophotometer tested the luminous transmittance along the length of the post. The statistical analysis was conducted with a significance level of 0.05. Results: Light transmission was 97% on the coronal third, 68% in the middle third, and 27.66% in the apical third in the posts of the experimental group. In the posts of the control group, the light transmission was 95.33% in the coronal third, 80.66% in the middle third, and 41.33% in the apical third. Light transmission was significantly higher in the middle third of the posts of the experimental group when compared to the control group (p<0.05). The luminous transmittance of the posts of the experimental group was 97.4% with wavelengths of 400 nm, 97% at 450 and 500 nm, and 96.9% at 550 nm. In the posts of the control group, the luminous transmittance was 72.3% with wavelengths of 400 nm, 68.6% at 450 nm; 64.6% at 500 nm and 61.5% at 550 nm. The posts of the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher light transmittance than the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: the luminous transmittance of quartz-glass fiber posts is higher than glass fiber posts.

The 1,4-naphthoquinones are an important group of compounds intensively studied because of their wide range of biological activities. Four 2-chloro-3-(substituted-phenylamino)-1,4 naphthoquinone derivatives were synthesized, and the vibrational modes of these molecules were assigned using Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. In addition, X-ray studies were performed for one of these derivatives. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were also developed for these compounds and presented. In summary, the results obtained from these studies can assess chemical changes in the structures of functionalized quinones and the discovery of candidate biologically active compounds.

RESUMO: A variabilidade genética é a base para o progresso genético em café. Este estudo teve como objetivo, avaliar o potencial de caracteres morfoagronômicos e anatômicos foliares em estudos de variabilidade genética entre cultivares de Coffea canephora. Dez genótipos foram distribuídos em um experimento seguindo delineamento em blocos ao acaso com três repetições. Foram detectadas diferenças significativas entre os genótipos pelo teste F (P < 0,05) para 13 dos 15 caracteres avaliados. Esses resultados evidenciaram a heterogeneidade entre as cultivares estudadas, o que é essencial para a composição da base genética e avanço dos programas de melhoramento. O teste de Scott e Knott detectou as diferenças entre os genótipos, separando-os em quatro grupos. Os caracteres anatômicos foliares apresentaram as maiores variações. Cinco, dentre os sete caracteres anatômicos foliares, apresentaram estimativas de herdabilidade superiores a 80% com destaque para a densidade estomática (95,69%) e comprimento do poro estomático (92,72%). Correlações positivas foram observadas entre caracteres morfoagronômicos e anatômicos foliares. A análise de agrupamento, considerando a distância de Mahalanobis como medida de dissimilaridade (D²), apontou a distinção de dois grupos de genótipos. A inclusão de caracteres anatômicos foliares na caracterização de genótipos de C. canephora pode auxiliar os melhoristas de plantas na melhor discriminação entre genótipos e maior segurança na seleção de clones para geração de novas cultivares.

ABSTRACT: Genetic variability is the basis for coffee genetic breeding. This study evaluated the potential of leaf anatomy and morpho-agronomic traits in studies of genetic variability in C. canephoracultivars. Ten genotypes were distributed in randomized block designs with three replicates. Significant differences among genotypes were detected by F-test (P < 0.05) for 13 of 15 evaluated traits. These results evidenced the heterogeneity of the studied cultivars, which is essential in composition of genetic basis in breeding programs. The Scott-Knott test detected variability among genotypes, grouped into up to four mean groups. Leaf anatomy traits presented the largest variations. Five out of seven leaf anatomy traits presented heritability higher than 80%, with emphasis on stomatal density (95.69%) and stomatal pore length (92.72%). Positive correlations were observed among morpho-agronomic and anatomic traits. Cluster analysis used the Mahalanobis general distance (D2) as a measure of genetic dissimilarity and divided the genotypes into two distinct groups. The inclusion of leaf anatomic traits to characterize C. canephoragenotypes may assist plant breeders with better genetic discrimination and with greater security in plant selection when composing cultivars.

ABSTRACT The root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne enterolobii is gaining importance all around the world, including Brazil, damaging sweetpotato genotypes with known resistance to other RKN species, making it challenging to generate new resistant genes. This study aimed to assess the levels of resistance of 10 advanced sweetpotato cultivars to this nematode species. Two experiments were carried out in 2018/2019 and 2021/2022 seasons, under greenhouse conditions in Brasília-DF, Brazil. A completely randomized block design with six replicates of one plant/plot/treatment was used. The gall index (GI) and egg mass index (EMI) in the root system of each plant, the number of eggs and juveniles per gram of root with galls (NERG), and the nematode reproduction factor (RF) were determined. M. enterolobii resistance is present within three of the evaluated clones: BGBD 1399, MD 1609024, and MD 1610036, therefore demonstrating their potential as sources of resistance genes to assist breeding efforts to release cultivars, and help to reduce the impact and spread of this RKN.

RESUMO A espécie de nematoide-das-galhas Meloidogyne enterolobii vem ganhando importância em todo o mundo, inclusive no Brasil, com áreas cada vez mais infestadas e causando danos a genótipos com resistência a outras espécies de nematoide-das-galhas prevalentes no país, inclusive em batata-doce, tornando desafiadora a busca por fontes de resistência. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os níveis de resistência em 10 clones avançados do programa de melhoramento da Embrapa Hortaliças e cultivares de batata-doce a essa espécie de nematoide. Os experimentos foram conduzidos nas safras 2018/2019 e 2021/2022, em casa de vegetação em Brasília-DF, Brasil. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados com seis repetições de uma planta por parcela/tratamento. Foram determinados os índices de galhas (GI) e massa de ovos (EMI) no sistema radicular de cada planta, o número de ovos e juvenis por grama de raiz (NERG) e o fator de reprodução (RF) do nematoide. Três clones foram classificados como resistentes entre os avaliados: BGBD 1399, MD 1609024 e MD 1610036, sendo, portanto, potenciais fontes de resistência para programas de melhoramento genético visando lançar cultivares, auxiliando na diminuição do impacto e da expansão da ocorrência desse nematoide.

BACKGROUND A positive Trypanosoma cruzi polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is associated with a worse prognosis in patients with chronic Chagas disease (CD). OBJECTIVES To study the association of clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic characteristics and biomarker blood levels with positive T. cruzi PCR in chronic CD. METHODS This is a single-centre observational cross-sectional study. Positive T. cruzi PCR association with clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic characteristics, and biomarker blood levels were studied by logistic regression analysis. p values < 0.05 were considered significant. FINDINGS Among 333 patients with chronic CD (56.4% men; 62 ± 10 years), T. cruzi PCR was positive in 41.1%. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression showed an independent association between positive T. cruzi PCR and diabetes mellitus {odds ratio (OR) 0.53 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30-0.93]; p = 0.03}, right bundle branch block [OR 1.78 (95% CI 1.09-2.89); p = 0.02], and history of trypanocidal treatment [OR 0.13 (95% CI 0.04-0.38); p = 0.0002]. Among patients with a history of trypanocidal treatment (n = 39), only four (10%) patients had a positive T. cruzi PCR. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Among several studied parameters, only diabetes mellitus, right bundle branch block, and history of trypanocidal treatment showed an independent association with positive T. cruzi PCR. History of trypanocidal treatment was a strong protective factor against a positive T. cruzi PCR.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of patients with endometriosis before and after surgical treatment. METHODS: An observational, longitudinal, and prospective study was conducted with 102 women with pelvic pain and endometriosis that was unimproved by clinical treatment and indicated for surgical treatment. The patients’ quality of life was assessed using the 30-item Endometriosis Health Profile (EHP-30) questionnaire before and 3 and 6 months after surgery. The statistical tests were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17.0, and the Friedman test was used. RESULTS: There was a reduction in EHP-30 scores 3 and 6 months after surgery compared to before surgery, as well as 6 months after surgery compared to 3 months after surgery, in the central questionnaire (PART 1) and in Sections A, B, C, E, and F (p<0.0001). For Section D, there was a reduction in scores 6 months after surgery compared to before surgery (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of endometriosis improves quality of life in several areas assessed by the EHP-30 questionnaire.

Abstract The objective of this work was to estimate genetic parameters and to select lines of carioca commercial bean group with high yield, great 100-seed weight, good grain appearance, and good resistance to fusarium wilt, disease caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli that inhabits the soil. A total of 114 lines coming from two populations were evaluated together with seven control genotypes in the winter crop season in the years/generations of 2015/F5:7 and 2016/F5:8. There is a genetic variability among the carioca common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) lines for all the traits evaluated, and the estimates of the genetic parameters show a possible successful selection for reaction to fusarium wilt, yield, grain appearance, and 100-seed weight. Twenty-four lines of carioca common bean that were selected combine high resistance to fusarium wilt, yield, 100-seed weight, and good grain appearance. CNFC 19126, CNFC 19205, and CNFC 19131 show a better performance than the control genotypes with the highest level of resistance, so their evaluation in multiple environments is recommended, aiming at new resistant cultivars to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar parâmetros genéticos e selecionar linhagens de grupo de feijão comercial carioca com alta produtividade, grande massa de 100 grãos, bom aspecto visual dos grãos e boa resistentência à murcha-de-fusário, doença causada pelo fungo Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli que habita o solo. Um total de 114 linhagens obtidas de duas populações foram avaliadas juntamente com sete genótipos controles na safra de inverno nos anos/gerações de 2015/F5:7 e 2016/F5:8. Há variabilidade genética entre as linhagens de feijão carioca (Phaseolus vulgaris) para todos os caracteres avaliados, e as estimativas de parâmetros genéticos mostram uma possível seleção bem-sucedida para reação à murcha-de-fusário, produtividade, aparência dos grãos e massa de 100 grãos. Vinte e quatro linhagens de feijão carioca que foram selecionadas combinam alta resistência à murcha-de-fusário, produtividade, massa de 100 grãos e boa aparência. CNFC 19126, CNFC 19205 e CNFC 19131 destacaram-se porque eles apresentam um melhor desempenho que os genótipos de controle com o maior nível de resistência, portanto sua avaliação em vários ambientes é recomendada, visando a novas cultivares resistentes a Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar fatores que levam a uma resposta positiva da oxigenação e fatores preditivos de mortalidade após a pronação. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo multicêntrico envolvendo sete hospitais brasileiros. Os critérios de inclusão foram idade > 18 anos com diagnóstico suspeito ou confirmado de COVID-19, ventilação mecânica invasiva, relação PaO2/FIO2 < 150 mmHg e pronação. Após a primeira sessão de pronação, uma melhora de 20 mmHg na relação PaO2/FIO2 foi definida como resposta positiva. Resultados: O estudo envolveu 574 pacientes, dos quais 412 (72%) apresentaram resposta positiva à primeira sessão de pronação. A regressão logística múltipla mostrou que os respondedores apresentaram menores pontuações no Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III) e no SOFA e menores níveis de dímero D (p = 0,01; p = 0,04; e p = 0,04, respectivamente). Sugeriu-se que a pontuação no SAPS III e a PaO2/FIO2 iniciais seriam preditores da resposta da oxigenação. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 69,3%. Maior risco de mortalidade foi associado à idade (OR = 1,04 [IC95%: 1,01-1,06]), tempo até a primeira sessão de pronação (OR = 1,18 [IC95%: 1,06-1,31]), número de sessões (OR = 1,31 [IC95%: 1,00-1,72]), porcentagem de comprometimento pulmonar (OR = 1,55 [IC95%: 1,02-2,35]) e imunossupressão (OR = 3,83 [IC95%: 1,35-10,86]). Conclusões: Nossos resultados mostram que a maioria dos pacientes de nossa amostra apresentou resposta positiva da oxigenação após a primeira sessão de pronação. No entanto, a taxa de mortalidade foi elevada, provavelmente em virtude do estado de saúde e número de comorbidades dos pacientes e da gravidade de sua doença. Nossos resultados também sugerem que a pontuação no SAPS III e a PaO2/FIO2 inicial predizem a resposta da oxigenação; além disso, idade, tempo até a primeira sessão de pronação, número de sessões, comprometimento pulmonar e imunossupressão podem predizer mortalidade.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify factors that lead to a positive oxygenation response and predictive factors of mortality after prone positioning. Methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter, cohort study involving seven hospitals in Brazil. Inclusion criteria were being > 18 years of age with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, being on invasive mechanical ventilation, having a PaO2/FIO2 ratio < 150 mmHg, and being submitted to prone positioning. After the first prone positioning session, a 20 mmHg improvement in the PaO2/FIO2 ratio was defined as a positive response. Results: The study involved 574 patients, 412 (72%) of whom responded positively to the first prone positioning session. Multiple logistic regression showed that responders had lower Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III)/SOFA scores and lower D-dimer levels (p = 0.01; p = 0.04; and p = 0.04, respectively). It was suggested that initial SAPS III and initial PaO2/FIO2 were predictors of oxygenation response. The mortality rate was 69.3%. Increased risk of mortality was associated with age (OR = 1.04 [95 CI: 1.01-1.06]), time to first prone positioning session (OR = 1.18 [95 CI: 1.06-1.31]), number of sessions (OR = 1.31 [95% CI: 1.00-1.72]), proportion of pulmonary impairment (OR = 1.55 [95% CI: 1.02-2.35]), and immunosuppression (OR = 3.83 [95% CI: 1.35-10.86]). Conclusions: Our results show that most patients in our sample had a positive oxygenation response after the first prone positioning session. However, the mortality rate was high, probably due to the health status and the number of comorbidities of the patients, as well as the severity of their disease. Our results also suggest that SAPS III and the initial PaO2/FIO2 predict the oxygenation response; in addition, age, time to first prone positioning, number of sessions, pulmonary impairment, and immunosuppression can predict mortality.

Abstract: COVID-19 rapidly spread across the world in an unprecedented outbreak with a massive number of infected and fatalities. The pandemic was heavily discussed and searched on the internet, which generated big amounts of data related to it. This led to the possibility of attempting to forecast coronavirus indicators using the internet data. For this study, Google Trends statistics for 124 selected search terms related to pandemic were used in an attempt to find which keywords had the best Spearman correlations with a lag, as well as a forecasting model. It was found that keywords related to coronavirus testing among some others, such as “I have contracted covid”, had high correlations (≥0.7) with few weeks of lag (≤4 weeks). Besides that, the ARIMAX model using those keywords had promising results in predicting the increase or decrease of epidemiological indicators, although it was not able to predict their exact values. Thus, we found that Google Trends data may be useful for predicting outbreaks of coronavirus a few weeks before they happen, and may be used as an auxiliary tool in monitoring and forecasting the disease in Brazil.

ABSTRACT Recent studies suggested that cannabis use influences on the emergence of psychosis by disrupting neurodevelopmental processes that occur during adolescence and early adulthood and which are reflected on brain anatomical changes detectable with MRI. However, no MRI studies have investigated whether intrauterine neurodevelopmental abnormalities also interact with later cannabis use to influence on psychosis risk. We investigated differences between first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients with history of cannabis use (FEPC+, n=28), FEP subjects without cannabis use (FEPC-, n=78) and healthy controls (n=80) in regard to the frequency of absent or short Adhesio Interthalamica (AI), a well-established marker of intrauterine neurodevelopment. The FEPC+ subgroup had a significantly lower prevalence of absent AI than FEPC- subjects, as well as a lack of a significantly shorter AI length compared to controls (as found in FEPC- subjects). These preliminary results show that psychosis subjects with cannabis use present a low rather than high frequency of absent AI, suggesting that fixed intrauterine neurodevelopmental abnormalities may not be associated with cannabis use later in life to influence on the emergence of psychosis. This is consistent with a view that multiple different etiological processes may lead to similar clinical presentations in patients with FEP.

Abstract Fifty-five watermelon accessions were inoculated in pots using Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum chlamydospores in a completely randomized design with five replications. Among the 42 accessions that were resistant, twelve accessions with a mean score ≤1 were selected for morpho-agronomic characterization. ‘Sugar Baby’ and ‘Charleston Gray’ were used as controls. Field research was conducted over two production cycles in a randomized block design with three replications and five plants per plot. For the characterization 13 quantitative agronomic traits were used. The dissimilarity measures were obtained by the sum of the matrices of standardized mean Euclidean distance. Coefficients of variation ranged from 5.33% (number of days until 50% of plants with at least one female flower) and 17.20% (mass of characterized fruit). In the second cycle, a reduction in days was observed for the flowering. For soluble solids content, the accession BGH-UNIVASF 40 was statistically equal to the commercial cultivars in the second cycle. Accessions were grouped similarly using two grouping methods, Tocher and the farthest neighbor method. The most promising accessions were BGH-UNIVASF 40, 169, 177 and 210 for use in future hybridizations. BGH-UNIVASF 76, 128 and 185 (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) can be used as resistant Fusarium wilt rootstocks.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the following six body weight (BW) estimation methods in Campolina (CAM) horses: A - weight tape placed at three different positions on the animal’s thorax; B - Crevat and Quetelet’s formula; C - Hall’s formula; D - Hintz and Griffiths’s table; E - Santos’s table; and F - Cintra’s formula. A total of 380 CAM horses were separated according to sex, age class, and gestational stage and evaluated. To determine their accuracy, weights measured on a scale and weight estimates of the six methods were compared by paired t-test, mean prediction error (MPE), and coefficient of determination (R2), using R software. The predictive capacity of method F was lower in the 6-12 months age class, so this formula is not indicated. The BW was overestimated compared with the actual weight by methods A (with weight tape placed in position 3) and B and underestimated by method C. Methods D and E accurately estimated BW of CAM horses. Correction factors are required to accurately estimate BW in this breed using methods B and C. Method A with the weight tape placed in position 2 is the most accurate for predicting BW, including pregnant female horses, and can, therefore, be considered the most suitable method for estimating BW of CAM horses.

Abstract The ocean is a unique system connecting ecological, economic, social, and cultural components, through which goods and services regulate the planetary condition and support the development of mankind. However, its increasing use has followed the exponential growth of the global economic system, outpacing humanity’s ability to develop the knowledge necessary to establish a basis for its proper use. Hence, there is an added perception that our necessary knowledge about the functioning of the ocean for its appropriate planning and management, advances at a slow pace, with which the ocean would be losing quality and sustainability. Systemic views of the ocean tend to highlight dominant components and processes instead of structural details, establishing a quality shortcut to the knowledge where society can understand current and future ocean conditions. To achieve the desired ocean health and sustainability, we propose the formation of a base of knowledge of the marine and coastal environments, capable of supporting best practices and policies for planning and management. We drew from the interdisciplinary research developed by the Brazilian research group “Ecosystem-Based Marine and Coastal Management (Eco-MCM), ” which has been developing projects based on three fundamental steps: (1) systemic analysis of the marine and coastal environments, highlighting their ecosystems, ecosystem services, social and economic benefits produced by the services and the stakeholders benefited; (2) modeling of the studied systems, and (3) propositional phase to incorporate models to support the practices and policies for their planning, management, and governance. As such, they are aligned with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) challenges and outcomes.

Abstract Background: Although a highly common practice in hospital care, tablet splitting can cause dose variation and reduce drug stability, both of which impair drug therapy. Objective: To determine the overall prevalence of tablet splitting in hospital care as evidence supporting the rational prescription of split tablets in hospitals. Methods: Data collected from inpatients' prescriptions were analyzed using descriptive statistics and used to calculate the overall prevalence of tablet splitting and the percentage of split tablets that had at least one lower-strength tablet available on the market. The associations between the overall prevalence and gender, age, and hospital unit of patients were also assessed. The results of laboratory tests, performed with a commercial splitter, allowed the calculation of the mass loss, mass variation, and friability of the split tablets. Results: The overall prevalence of tablet splitting was 4.5%, and 78.5% of tablets prescribed to be split had at least one lower-strength tablet on the market. The prevalence of tablet splitting was significantly associated with the patient's age and hospital unit. Laboratory tests revealed mean values of mass loss and variation of 8.7% (SD 1.8) and 11.7% (SD 2.3), respectively, both of which were significantly affected by the presence of coating and scoreline. Data from laboratory tests indicated that the quality of 12 of the 14 tablets deviated in at least one parameter examined. Conclusions: The high percentage of unnecessary tablet splitting suggests that more regular, rational updates of the hospital's list of standard medicines are needed. Also, inappropriate splitting behavior suggests the need to develop tablets with functional scores.