Abstract An increasing number of systematic reviews (SR) has investigated the association between dental caries and nutritional status in children and adolescents, thus requiring an overview to compile the information in a single piece of evidence. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate and summarize evidence from published SR on the association between dental caries and nutritional status in children and adolescents. A wide search was conducted on May 29, 2023, in six databases (Medline via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane library, Embase, and the Virtual Health Library – VHL). An additional search was performed in the gray literature (Open grey and Google Scholar), SR registration databases, and the list of references of the included SR. Our inclusion criteria were based on acronym PECOS. Overall, two reviewers independently extracted the data, evaluated the risk of bias (ROBIS), and assessed the quality of the chosen studies (AMSTAR-2). Data from the included meta-analysis were summarized and certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach was performed. After removing duplicates and applying our eligibility criteria, 19 SR from 2006-2022 were included. We found that 17 SR showed high risk of bias and critically low methodological quality. We observed an association between dental caries experiences and nutritional status since seven SR found an association between obesity/overweight and dental caries; one, an association between underweight and dental caries; and eleven, no associations. The meta-analysis showed divergent results according to the study designs, used indices, and participants’ age group, and were scored as having a very low certainty of evidence. Therefore, based on the high risk of bias, low methodological quality, and very low certainty of evidence of the chosen SR, most studies found no association between children and adolescents’ nutritional status and dental caries experience.

ABSTRACT Background: Haiti is one of the Caribbean countries where malaria persists. More than 99% of malaria cases are caused by Plasmodium falciparum, the main vector being the mosquito Anopheles albimanus. In this paper, we describe the epidemiological profile of malaria in Haiti between 2009 and 2018. Methods We analyzed information on cases reported by the Ministry of Health of Haiti and the World Health Organization (WHO). Results: Between 2009 and 2018, 232,479 malaria cases were reported by the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP); an increase in the incidence of malaria in the country in 2010, followed by a decrease in 2011, was primarily observed. Due to recent efforts to reduce malaria by 2020, its incidence declined from 60,130 cases in 2010 to 8,978 cases in 2018. Controversially, in terms of the number of reported cases, the MSPP and WHO report conflicting data. However, the results from both datasets present the same trend in Haiti from 2009 to 2018. The results also illustrate the endemicity of the disease throughout Haiti, both in rural and urban areas, especially along the coast. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the need to promote official data collection and analyses, as well as the application of epidemiological surveillance of malaria at the municipal level, for a better understanding of the real impact of malaria on the Haitian population and to create more appropriate interventions.

RESUMO Este artigo desenvolve uma reflexão sobre a figura de Claudio Pastro (1948-2016) como artista pós-conciliar. É comum recordar o papel dos bispos e dos teólogos\as como responsáveis por difundir e desenvolver as forças renovadoras do Vaticano II, mas com facilidade se esquece do esforço de rejuvenescimento e atualização da Igreja promovida pelos artistas cristãos. O Concílio Vaticano II se ocupou com o tema da reforma litúrgica que, por sua vez, impactou diretamente na elaboração de critérios para a execução do programa iconográfico e arquitetônico do espaço sagrado. O Concílio, ao recuperar a compreensão da liturgia como ação do próprio Mistério que dá vida à Igreja e superar a eclesiologia societária, típica do II milênio, provocou o despertar para a promoção e favorecimento da arte sacra. Neste estudo mostramos como os princípios teóricos presentes nos documentos conciliares foram recebidos e atualizados nas obras de Claudio Pastro na fidelidade ao espírito deste revolucionário evento eclesial do século XX.

ABSTRACT This article reflects on the figure of Claudio Pastro (1948-2016) as a post-Council artist. It is customary to recall the role bishops and theologians played in disseminating and developing the Vatican II forces for renewal, but the invigorating efforts of Christian artists is easily forgotten. The Second Vatican Council wrought on the topic of liturgical reform, which unfolded into the development of criteria for executing iconographic and architectural programs in sacred places. By recovering the understanding of liturgy as the action of Mystery itself giving life to Church, and by overcoming incumbent ecclesiology, typical of the II millennium, the Council triggered an awakening of the predilection for, and promotion of sacred art. This study shows how theoretical principles in Council documents were received and brought to bear in Claudio Pastro’s works, faithful to the spirit of this 20th century revolutionary ecclesiastic event.

Abstract The excessive tutelage of Political History over the study of medieval materials, frequently results in attempts to link directly the archeological record with an historical conjuncture, generally disruptive. One example is the tendency to assume that some characteristics of Islamic pottery were exclusive to the time frame of the Muslim domain, submitting the material culture to a political and institutional chronology which reveals as totally artificial. In this paper we intend to start systemizing data that allows us to consider that the integration of the southern cities in the Christian territory did not cause a moment of rupture, at least in the material creations. On the contrary, by valuating the inputs of stratigraphic and contextual data, we verify that continuities do not restrain to the maintenance of technical knowledge, formal patterns or ornamental options. In some latitudes, in the century following the Christian conquest, the pottery production continued to incorporate innovations and tendencies from regions where Muslim powers proceed ruling. This observation allows us to conclude that some material expressions of a cultural universe that was structured by centuries of Mediterranean interchange, survived the establishment of new political frontiers and the arrival of new social actors.

Resumo Pretende-se1 avançar com uma primeira análise às lógicas de continuidade entre o período islâmico e os momentos posteriores à conquista cristã, patentes na cerâmica produzida em várias cidades e áreas geográficas do território nacional. Muito embora se assuma o carácter preliminar desta abordagem, tenta-se também uma interpretação das diferenças regionais assinaladas, a partir de factores como o âmbito temporal da presença islâmica e as relações centro-periferia. Verifica-se que a leitura defensora da disrupção, oferecida por alguma história política, não encontra apoio no registo arqueológico, em especial nas latitudes mais meridionais. Aí anuncia-se não só um cenário de evidente manutenção das tradições de período islâmico, mas também a integração contínua de inovações e tendências provenientes da região peninsular onde o poder muçulmano continuava a dominar, nas cadeias operatórias locais. Esta realidade demonstra como séculos de integração cultural centrada no Mediterrâneo, e especialmente evidente nas materialidades, resistiram ao surgimento de novas fronteiras e à chegada de novos actores sociais.

RESUMO A produtividade estimada de grãos do milho é dependente da densidade de plantas e deve ser monitorada desde o início de seu desenvolvimento, principalmente entre os estágios fenológicos V3 e V10, visto que são mais responsivos a estratégias de manejo. Objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência de dois métodos [índice de vegetação por diferença normalizada (NDVI) e índice de ocupação de plantas (POI)] para estimar a densidade de plantas de milho, a fim de identificar a população de plantas em diferentes estádios fenológicos e a produtividade de grãos de milho. Dois experimentos de campo foram conduzidos em duas safras agrícolas e os tratamentos consistiram em quatro densidades de plantas (4, 6, 8 e 10 plantas m-²). As medições de NDVI do dossel vegetativo foram realizadas nos estágios de crescimento V4, V5, V6, V7, V8 e V9 (2014) e V3, V5, V6, V8, V9, V10 e V13 (2015/2016). Para o POI, as medições foram realizadas nos estádios V5, V6, V8 e V9, em ambas as safras. As diferentes densidades de plantas foram eficientes em gerar variabilidade nos valores de NDVI e POI ao longo do ciclo de desenvolvimento da cultura, e ambas as ferramentas foram eficientes para identificar as variações na densidade. Verificou-se que essas ferramentas devem ser utilizadas entre os estádios de crescimento V4 e V9.

ABSTRACT The estimated corn grain yield is dependent on plant density and should be monitored from the beginning of its development, especially between the phenological stages V3 and V10, since these stages are more responsive to management strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of two methods [normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and plant occupation index (POI)] to estimate the density of corn plants, in order to identify the plant population in different phenological stages and corn grain yield. Two field experiments were conducted in two crop seasons and treatments consisted of four plant densities (4, 6, 8 and 10 plants m-2). The NDVI measurements of the vegetative canopy were performed in the growth stages V4, V5, V6, V7, V8 and V9 (2014) and V3, V5, V6, V8, V9, V10 and V13 (2015/2016). For the POI, the measurements were performed in the stages V5, V6, V8 and V9, in both crop seasons. The different plant densities were efficient in generating variability in the NDVI and POI values throughout the corn crop development cycle, and both tools were efficient in identifying density variations. It was observed that these tools should be used between the V4 and V9 growth stages.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar o perfil sociodemográfico de estudantes de enfermagem que sofreram violência de gênero e conhecer as características da violência ocorrida nesta população. Método: estudo transversal, com 91 estudantes de enfermagem de uma universidade pública da Região Sudeste do Brasil, entre setembro de 2019 e janeiro de 2020. Utilizou-se um questionário sociodemográfico e o World Health Organization Violence Against Women, seção 10. Resultados: aproximadamente 65% sofreram alguma forma de violência de gênero durante a vida, perpetrada, principalmente, por familiares. 41,7% foram vítimas de agressão física, 23% sofreram importunação sexual, 30,8% sofreram violência sexual. Houve padrão de violência intergeracional (p <0,001), vulnerabilidade das autodeclaradas lésbicas e/ou bissexuais (p=0,705), cristãs ou evangélicas (p <0,001). Conclusão: a violência de gênero foi elevada entre as pesquisadas. A experiência de formas de violência pode gerar danos na vida das estudantes. Há a necessidade de atenção das instituições de ensino e docentes na abordagem do tema.

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify the sociodemographic profile of nursing students who suffered gender violence and to know the characteristics of the violence that occurred in this population. Method: a cross-sectional study with 91 nursing students from a public university in southeastern Brazil, between September 2019 and January 2020. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the World Health Organization Violence Against Women, section 10 were used. Results: approximately 65% suffered some form of gender violence during their lifetime, mainly perpetrated by family members. 41.7% were victims of physical aggression, 23% suffered sexual harassment, 30.8% suffered sexual abuse. There was a pattern of intergenerational violence (p<0.001), vulnerability of self-declared lesbians and/or bisexuals (p=0.705), Christian or evangelical (p<0.001). Conclusion: gender violence was high among those surveyed. The experience of forms of violence can damage students’ lives. There is a need for attention from teaching institutions and professors in addressing the theme.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar el perfil sociodemográfico de estudiantes de enfermería que sufrieron violencia de género y conocer las características de la violencia ocurrida en esta población Método: estudio transversal, con 91 estudiantes de enfermería de una universidad pública del Brasil, Sureste, entre septiembre de 2019 y enero 2020. Se utilizó un cuestionario sociodemográfico y la sección 10 de World Health Organization Violence Against Women. Resultados: aproximadamente 65% sufrió alguna forma de violencia de género durante su vida, perpetrada principalmente por familiares. 41,7% fueron víctimas de agresión física, 23% sufrió acoso sexual, 30,8% sufrió violencia sexual. Hubo un patrón de violencia intergeneracional (p<0,001), vulnerabilidad de lesbianas y/o bisexuales autodeclaradas (p=0,705), cristianas o evangélicas (p<0,001). Conclusión: la violencia de género fue alta entre los encuestados. La experiencia de formas de violencia puede dañar la vida de los estudiantes. Es necesario que las instituciones educativas y los maestros presten atención al abordar el tema.

Stability is an important parameter to evaluate the quality, safety and efficacy of drug substances and pharmaceutical products. The stability studies aim to determine the ability of a formulation to maintain its specifications, in order to establish shelf life and recommended storage conditions. Despite the extensive relevance, until the 1980’s the stability assessment methods complied with technical and scientific principles without the intervention of regulatory acts by health authorities. The International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) establishment in the 1990’s boosted the regulation on this issue, not only in the attended countries, but worldwide. In the Brazilian context, the first regulatory norm for stability studies was published in 2002 and it implied the requirement of the submission of a stability report for the sanitary registration of medicines. The development of the Brazilian legislation resulted, among other factors, from the progress of the analytical methods that have become increasingly efficient, sensitive and selective, which allows the achievements of results with greater accuracy and speed; and the use of modern techniques of solid form characterization, which provide important information about the stability of active ingredients and pharmaceutical products.

Resumo Lesões de luxação lateral são uma das lesões periodontais mais graves no traumatismo dental. O diagnóstico seguido do reposicionamento do dente na posição correta é fundamental para o reparo do ligamento periodontal. Este estudo relata um caso clínico de luxação lateral do incisivo central superior envolvendo um novo software de reconstrução (e-Vol DX) por tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) para confirmar a luxação lateral após nenhuma definição de lesão por trauma dental conclusivo pelo exame convencional. A lesão de luxação lateral foi reduzida digitalmente pela inserção do dente de volta ao seu alvéolo e, na mesma sessão, o dente foi estabilizado com uma contenção rígida e posteriormente trocada para uma contenção de nylon semirrígida. Durante o monitoramento da condição pulpar, foi diagnosticada necrose da polpa e, em seguida, o canal radicular foi tratado para evitar a reabsorção radicular. Procedimento externo de clareamento e restauração foi realizado. O acompanhamento de 4 anos e o novo exame de imagem e reconstrução digital não confirmaram reparo ósseo e nenhuma complicação. Imagens de TCFC analisadas pelo e-Vol DX podem ser utilizadas para determinar e orientar lesão de luxação lateral.

Abstract Lateral luxation injuries are one of the most severe periodontal injuries in dental trauma. The correct diagnosis followed by repositioning of the tooth on the right position is fundamental for the periodontal ligament healing. This study reported a clinical case of lateral luxation of maxillary central incisor involving a new cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) software for reconstruction (e-Vol DX) to confirm the lateral luxation after no conclusive dental trauma injury definition by using conventional exam. The lateral luxation injury was digitally reduced by insertion of tooth back to its alveolus, and at the same session, the tooth was stabilized with a rigid splint and further changed to a semi-rigid nylon splint. During the pulpal status monitoring, the pulp was diagnosed necrotic, then the root canal was treated to prevent root resorption. External office-bleaching and restorative procedure was performed. The 4-years follow up and new imaging exam and digital reconstruction confirmed bone healing and no complication. CBCT images analyzed by eVol DX can be used to determine and to guide lateral luxation treatment.

RESUMO O futsal é um esporte que envolve ações motoras de alta intensidade e curta duração, principalmente, saltos verticais e sprints que exigem rápida aplicação de força e velocidade. A avaliação e o treinamento dessas capacidades físicas fazem parte de uma prática rotineira de treinadores, especialmente, das categorias de base, em que há o ingresso de muitas crianças e adolescentes que pretendem seguir uma carreira profissional no futsal. Em relação ao treinamento desse público, a puberdade é um fator que deve ser considerado como um processo biológico natural envolvendo diversas transformações corporais que podem influenciar no desempenho dessas capacidades físicas, principalmente, considerando que as categorias são divididas pela idade cronológica que nem sempre corresponde à idade puberal. O objetivo desse estudo consistiu em realizar uma revisão da literatura em relação às modificações corporais durante a puberdade e como as mesmas podem afetar os aspectos que determinam o bom desempenho em saltos e sprints. Foi verificado que essa fase está associada a alterações hormonais, aumento da massa muscular e aspectos antropométricos, assim como o amadurecimento das funções neuromusculares e refinamento das atividades motoras mais complexas como a locomoção. Juntos, esses fatores podem favorecer a rápida aplicação de força e maior rendimento desses jogadores quanto às atividades motoras. Entretanto, é importante ressaltar que, embora esses fatores aumentem e favoreçam naturalmente o desempenho de força e velocidade dos jogadores, essa é uma fase em que tipos específicos de treinamento focados em aspectos que determinam o bom rendimento são fundamentais para aumentar essas capacidades e diminuir outros aspectos que também podem ocorrer com o desenvolvimento corporal, como por exemplo, a diminuição temporária da coordenação motora e equilíbrio devido ao pico de crescimento e a rigidez tecidual que, algumas vezes, podem ocorrer durante esse período. Nível de evidência V; Opinião de Especialista.

ABSTRACT Futsal is a sport that involves motor actions with high intensity and short duration, especially vertical jumps and sprints, which require fast application of strength and speed. The evaluation and training of these physical capacities is a routine practice of coaches, especially in the base categories, which are the entry point for many children and adolescents aiming for a professional career in futsal. With regard to the training of this public, puberty is a factor that must be considered, as a natural biological process involving several bodily transformations that can influence the performance of these physical capacities, especially considering that the categories are divided by chronological age, which does not always correspond to pubertal age. The objective of this study was to conduct a literature review of body modifications during puberty, and how these can affect the aspects that determine good performance in jumps and sprints. It was verified that this phase is associated with hormonal changes, an increase in muscle mass, and anthropometric aspects, as well as the maturation of the neuromuscular functions and refinement of the more complex motor activities, such as locomotion. Together, these factors can favor the fast application of force, and better performance of these players in terms of motor activities. However, it is important to emphasize that although these factors increase and naturally favor the players' performance in terms of strength and speed, it is a phase in which specific types of training focused on the aspects that determine good performance are fundamental to increase these capacities and diminish other aspects that also occur with the bodily development, such as a transient decrease in motor coordination and balance due to the rapid growth spurt, and tissue stiffness, which can sometimes occur during this period. Level of evidence V; Expert Opinion.

RESUMEN El futsal es un deporte que abarca acciones motoras de alta intensidad y corta duración, principalmente, saltos verticales y sprints, que exigen rápida aplicación de fuerza y velocidad. La evaluación y entrenamiento de estas capacidades físicas forman parte de una práctica rutinaria de entrenadores, especialmente de las categorías de base, en que hay ingreso de muchos niños y adolescentes que pretenden seguir una carrera profesional en el futsal. Con relación al entrenamiento de ese público, la pubertad es un factor que debe ser considerado como un proceso biológico natural involucrando diversas transformaciones corporales que pueden influenciar en el desempeño de esas capacidades físicas, principalmente, considerando que las categorías son divididas por la edad cronológica que no siempre corresponde a la edad puberal. El objetivo de este estudio consistió en realizar una revisión de la literatura con relación a las modificaciones corporales durante la pubertad y cómo pueden las mismas afectar los aspectos que determinan el buen desempeño en saltos y sprints. Se verificó que esta fase está asociada a alteraciones hormonales, aumento de la masa muscular y aspectos antropométricos, así como la madurez de las funciones neuromusculares y refinamiento de las actividades motoras más complejas como la locomoción. Juntos, estos factores pueden favorecer la rápida aplicación de fuerza y mayor rendimiento de estos jugadores cuanto a las actividades motoras. Entretanto, es importante resaltar que, aunque estos factores aumenten y favorezcan naturalmente el desempeño de fuerza y velocidad de los jugadores, esta es una fase en que tipos específicos de entrenamiento enfocados en aspectos que determinan el buen rendimiento son fundamentales para aumentar esas capacidades y disminuir otros aspectos que también pueden ocurrir con el desarrollo corporal, como por ejemplo, la disminución transitoria de la coordinación motora y el equilibrio debido al pico de crecimiento, además de la rigidez tisular que, algunas veces, pueden ocurrir durante ese período. Nivel de evidencia V; Opinión de Especialista.

Thermal analysis can be used to determine shelf-life and kinetic parameters in pharmaceutical systems. This work investigates the kinetic of lumefantrine thermal decomposition, an antimalarial, using non-isothermal and isothermal experimental data. The non-isothermal conditions are analyzed applying Vyazovkin method, while isothermal conditions employ models fitting procedure and artificial neural network. Lumefantrine was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The initial stage of lumefantrine thermal decomposition, about 5% of conversion, corresponds to the loss of chlorine and hydroxyl, being correctly predicted by the neural network as a complex event. At room temperature, the D3 model is appropriate to describe the process, once the half-life time is 19 months, in agreement with manufacturer. Isoconversional model determined the activation energy along the whole process while isothermal methodology determined the global value considering the entire process. The results provide important information for the pharmaceutical industry to assay levels of acceptable lumefantrine contents.

Resumo Objetivo Nem sempre a indução do parto termina emparto vaginal, expondo tanto a mãe quanto o feto aos riscos inerentes ao procedimento de indução, ou a uma possível cesárea. A ultrassonografia transvaginal (UTV) semostrou interessante instrumento na predição da prematuridade e, neste estudo, utilizamos este instrumento na situação inversa: indução do parto no pós-datismo. Métodos Avaliamos variáveis ultrassonográficas do colo uterino (comprimento, presença de afunilamento, dilatação do orifício interno do colo, eco glandular endocervical [EGE] evidente ou não, e alterações morfológicas do colo uterino à compressão fúndica uterina) antes do início da indução em gestantes com pósdatismo, na tentativa de encontrar um possível preditor de falha de indução. O índice de Bishop (IB) também foi utilizado para fins de comparação. Três grupos foram avaliados: indução bem-sucedida x malsucedida; parto vaginal x cesárea (excluindo casos de sofrimento fetal agudo[SFA]); e parto vaginal x cesárea (incluindo casos de SFA). Além disso, um quarto grupo composto apenas pelas primíparas dos outros três grupos também foi avaliado. Resultados Com base em todas as características estudadas e combinações de variáveis, o comprimento do colo uterino ≥ 3,0 cm e IB ≤ 2 foram os melhores preditores em todos os grupos analisados. Conclusão Apesar de a UTV do colo uterino ser um bomexame para rastreamento de indução malsucedida, não deve ser usado para se indicar uma cesariana.

Abstract Objective Labor induction does not always result in vaginal delivery, and can expose both the mother and the fetus to the risks inherent to the induction procedure or a possible cesarean section. Transvaginal sonography (TVS) of the cervix is a useful tool to predict prematurity; in the present study, this tool was used to evaluate postterm induction. Methods We evaluated the ultrasound characteristics of the cervix (cervical length, cervical funneling, internal os dilation, the presence or absence of the cervical gland area [CGA], and the morphological changes of the cervix as a result of applying fundal pressure) before the onset of labor induction among women with postterm pregnancy to identify the possible predictors of failed labor induction. The Bishop score (BS) was used for comparison purposes. Three groups were evaluated: successful versus unsuccessful induction; vaginal delivery versus cesarean delivery (excluding cases of acute fetal distress [AFD]); and vaginal delivery versus cesarean delivery (including cases of AFD). A fourth group including only the primiparous women from the three previous groups was also evaluated. Results Based on the studied characteristics and combinations of variables, a cervical length ≥ 3.0 cm and a BS ≤ 2 were the best predictors of induction failure. Conclusion Although TVS is useful for screening for induction failure, this tool should not be used as an indication for cesarean section.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Cell phones have become indispensable for professional activities, including healthcare. Thus, they are possible sources of bacterial contamination. There is a scarcity of data in the literature regarding identification of risk factors for contamination of cell phones with pathogenic bacteria. OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence rates of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and/or Enterobacteriaceae on cell phones belonging to hospital healthcare staff and university students in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, and to identify variables associated with such contamination. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in a public university’s referral hospital and lecture buildings in 2017. METHODS: We sampled the surface of cell phones using the dipslide method, with Baird-Parker agar and Escherichia coli-coliform chromogenic (ECC) agar. We assessed the population’s sociodemographic, behavioral and hygiene characteristics through interviews. Possible presence of S. aureus colonies was confirmed using agglutination tests, with evaluation of methicillin sensitivity. Colonies in ECC medium were counted. Stepwise logistic regression (forward P < 0.15) was performed to identify characteristics associated with bacterial contamination. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of S. aureus, MRSA and Enterobacteriaceae were, respectively, 32%, 4% and 3%. No difference was found between the hospital and university-based populations (P > 0.05). The only variable associated with bacterial contamination was the use of cloth/velvet/leather phone cases (odds ratio: 2.92; 95% confidence interval: 1.08-7.91). CONCLUSIONS: Potentially pathogenic bacteria were prevalent on the cell phones of this hospital and university population. Use of phone cases made of cloth-like material should be discouraged, especially in hospital settings.

ABSTRACT This paper aimed to estimate the basic density (DB) of the wood of Cerrado species using mixed linear models. For performing the DBH measurement, the sampling of 334 individuals was carried out. By keeping the Pilodyn apparatus in the DBH position, two measurements were made on opposite sides. Further, for determining DB, the trees were knocked down, followed by removal of five wood discs at different height of stem positions. For this purpose, two sets of modeling alternatives were proposed, which take into account with and without random effects, employing species as a random effect grouping variable. Thus, it was elucidated that, for the estimation of DB, the mixed model that considered the random effects performed better as compared to the alternative model without random effects. The inclusion of random effects leads to the estimation of DB with high accuracy.

ABSTRACT During the Brazilian slavery period, many African migrants were brought to the American continent. Historically, some of these migrants escaped from the Brazilian gold mines and farms to which they had been brought and settled in remote valleys and this was the main mode of resistance to the slavery system. These runaway-slave descendant communities are called quilombos, a group with distinct ethnic identity, specific behavioral habits, including geographic isolation and conservative practices. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of rodent-borne viruses in two Afro-descendent communities from Mato Grosso do Sul State, Midwestern Brazil. A total of 319 individuals from rural and urban quilombola communities were enrolled. Twelve (3.76%) had anti-rodent-borne virus IgG antibodies. Seven (2.19%) were anti-mammarenavirus reactive and nine (2.82%) had anti-orthohantavirus antibodies. The literature includes limited data on the health status of quilombola communities, but all the studies emphasize the disparity of attention of local healthcare personnel to these communities compared to the general population. The findings of this study highlight the vulnerability and the precarious health conditions of quilombola groups, especially those living in rural areas and thus, point to the need of preventive measures to improve access to healthcare for this ethnic group.

Gadodiamide (Gd-DTPA-BMA) is a gadolinium (Gd) chelate composed of two carboxylate groups of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and two amide groups (BMA). Gd complexes are the most widely used contrast agents in nuclear magnetic resonance. Furthermore, our research group has demonstrated the potential of liposomes containing Gd-DTPA-BMA for cancer therapy. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a chemometric-assisted method by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) for determination of Gd-DTPA-BMA in liposomes. The chromatographic conditions obtained were: Sequant® ZIC®-HILIC Merck (150 × 4.6 mm, 3.5 µm, 100 Å) column, mobile phase composed of 5 mmol L-1 ACN/NH4FA, pH 4.5 (60:40 v/v) at 0.6 mL min-1, injection volume of 20 µL, temperature of 30 ºC, and detection at 210 nm. The linear range was of 40 to 120 nmol mL-1. The use of chemometrics allowed obtaining optimal chromatographic parameters, in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, and asymmetry.