Resumo Em todo o mundo, a agricultura convencional faz uso extensivo de pesticidas. Embora os efeitos dos herbicidas sejam relativamente bem conhecidos em termos de impactos ambientais em organismos não-alvo, há pouca evidência científica sobre os impactos de resíduos de herbicidas em artrópodes aquáticos de áreas de conservação tropicais. Este estudo avalia pela primeira vez a toxicidade dos herbicidas ametryn, atrazine e clomazone sobre o inseto aquático Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae). A concentração letal (LC50) de herbicidas foi avaliada para esses insetos, bem como o efeito dos herbicidas nos tecidos e testículos dos insetos. A LC50 estimada foi de 1012,41, 192,42 e 46,09 mg/L para clomazone, atrazine e ametryn, respectivamente. Alterações nos espermatócitos e espermátides foram observadas sob o efeito de atrazine, e efeitos na espermatogênese foram observados para algumas concentrações de clomazone, com aparente recuperação após um curto período de tempo. Nossos resultados fornecem informações úteis sobre os efeitos de resíduos de herbicidas em sistemas aquáticos. Essas informações podem ajudar a minimizar o risco de efeitos reprodutivos de longo prazo em espécies não-alvo que foram negligenciadas anteriormente em estudos de ecotoxicologia.

Abstract Worldwide, conventional agriculture makes extensive use of pesticides. Although the effects of herbicides are relatively well known in terms of environmental impacts on non-target organisms, there is very little scientific evidence regarding the impacts of herbicide residues on aquatic arthropods from tropical conservation areas. This study evaluates for the first time the toxicity of the herbicides ametryn, atrazine, and clomazone on the aquatic insect Limnocoris submontandoni (Hemiptera: Naucoridae). The lethal concentration (LC50) of herbicides was evaluated for these insects, as well as the effect of the herbicides on the insects’ tissues and testicles. The estimated LC50 was 1012.41, 192.42, and 46.09 mg/L for clomazone, atrazine, and ametryn, respectively. Spermatocyte and spermatid changes were observed under the effect of atrazine, and effects on spermatogenesis were observed for some concentrations of clomazone, with apparent recovery after a short time. Our results provide useful information on the effects of herbicide residues in aquatic systems. This information can help minimize the risk of long-term reproductive effects in non-target species that have been previously overlooked in ecotoxicology studies.

Resumo Nematoides entomopatogênicos (NEP) das famílias Heterorhabditidae e Steinernematidae são amplamente utilizados no controle de insetos-pragas. No Brasil, os estudos relacionados a caracterização e identificação destes entomopatógenos são recentes e escassos. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste estudo foi isolar NEP de amostras de solos coletadas em diferentes áreas no estado do Paraná, Brasil. Um isolado Heterorhabditis (UEL 08) detectado em amostra de solo em área de pastagem cultivada com braquiária, localizada em Londrina, Paraná, Brasil (23º34´311´´S, 050º58´298´´W), utilizando o método de “inseto-isca” com lagartas de Galleria mellonella. Para a identificação foram realizados estudos de morfometria e identificação molecular a partir da amplificação da região ITS. Algumas diferenças foram encontradas em termos de morfometria em comparação com a descrição original, entretanto, os dados moleculares demonstraram que a sequência obtida para o isolado UEL 08 é idêntica à sequência de referência de H. amazonensis (DQ665222), com a qual apresentou 100% de similaridade. Os estudos das características biológicas de H. amazonensis (UEL 08) revelaram que o isolado tem dois ciclos de vida distintos, um curto (216 h) e outro longo (288 h), sendo que ocorrem duas gerações em ambos os ciclos. O isolado UEL 08 H. amazonensis foi patogénico e virulento sobre os três hospedeiros avaliados. Notadamente, as larvas de G. mellonella e Alphitobius diaperinus foram consideradas mais susceptíveis do que os adultos do percevejo Dichelops (Diacereus) melacanthus, com percentagens de mortalidade de 100%, 85% e 46% de mortalidade, respectivamente. O ensaio de produção in vivo revelou um rendimento médio diário de 3,4 × 103 juvenis infectantes/g de larva hospedeira.

Abstract Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) from Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae families are extensively used to control insect pests. In Brazil, however, relatively few studies have identified and characterized these entomopathogens. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize an EPN isolate obtained from soil samples collected in the state of Paraná, Brazil. An isolate (UEL 08) of Heterorhabditis was detected in a soil sample collected from a pasture area cultivated with Brachiaria grass in Londrina, state of Paraná, Brazil (23°34ʹ311ʹʹS, 050°58ʹ298ʹʹW), using the insect-baiting technique with Galleria mellonella larvae as hosts. The nematode was identified through morphometric studies and molecular analyses based on amplification of the rDNA ITS region. Although we identified certain morphometric differences compared with the original description, the molecular data indicated that the ITS sequence obtained for the UEL 08 isolate is identical to the reference sequence of H. amazonensis (DQ665222) and presented 100% similarity. Thus, the findings of our morphological and molecular studies confirmed that the isolated nematode is H. amazonensis, which is the first time this species has been registered in Paraná. Study of the biological characteristics of H. amazonensis (UEL 08) revealed that the isolate has two distinct life cycles – one short (216 h) and the other long (288 h) – and produces two generations in both cycles. We observed that H. amazonensis (UEL 8) was pathogenic and virulent to the three evaluated hosts, although with different virulence against these hosts. The larvae of G. mellonella and Alphitobius diaperinus were more susceptible than adult Dichelops (Diacereus) melacanthus, with 100%, 85%, and 46% mortality, respectively. Furthermore, an in vivo production assay revealed a mean daily yield of 3.4 × 103 infective juveniles/g host larvae.

The worldwide emergence of viral diseases such as Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya, West Nile and Yellow Fever urge the search for solutions to eliminate their common vector, the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This paper describes the quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) and docking studies of a series of nine 3-(3-aryl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)propionic acids (AOPA), 1-9, previously published by our group. Additionally, three new 1,2,4-oxadiazoles, 10-12, have also been synthesized, characterized and studied. The QSAR and docking studies of all compounds, 1-12, clearly indicate that larger hydrophobic substituents such as biphenyl groups attached on position 3 in 1,2,4-oxadiazoles improve the larvicidal activity. It is worthwhile to mention that nanocapsulation of compounds 10-12 were necessary to help their dissolution in water and these three new 1,2,4-oxadiazoles also exhibited approximately equal or higher larvicidal activities compared to the former prototypes at stage L4.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of diets with increasing concentrate levels on performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Murrah buffaloes in feedlot. Twenty-four animals, with an initial body weight of 240 ± 50.5 kg and mean age of 9 months, were distributed to four treatments: 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% concentrate. After 114 days, the animals were weighed, slaughtered, and meat quality and performance data were submitted to analysis of variance and regression. The dry matter intake and average daily gain increased linearly. The final body, hot carcass, and cold carcass weights responded linearly to increases in concentrate level. The subcutaneous fat thickness, protein, and ether extract of meat increased linearly with an increase in concentrate level. The colour parameters, cooking losses, and shear force of the meat were not affected by increasing the concentrate. The inclusion of concentrate in feedlot diets increases performance, characteristics of carcass, and meat quality of Murrah buffalo in a feedlot.

Abstract Background Previous studies have demonstrated a high risk of arterial and venous thromboembolic events as a consequence of direct viral damage to endothelial cells by SARS-CoV-2 and a procoagulant milieu due to increased biomarkers, such as D-dimer, fibrinogen, and factor VIII. Although randomized controlled trials of antithrombotic therapies have been conducted in hospitalized patients, few have evaluated the role of thromboprophylaxis in an outpatient setting. Objective To assess whether antithrombotic prophylaxis with rivaroxaban reduces the risk of venous or arterial thrombotic events, invasive ventilatory support, and death in COVID-19 outpatients. Methods The COVID Antithrombotic Rivaroxaban Evaluation (CARE) study, a multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled trial of rivaroxaban 10 mg once daily for 14 days or local standard treatment alone to prevent adverse outcomes, is registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04757857). The inclusion criteria are adults with confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection and mild or moderate symptoms without indication for hospitalization, within 7 days of symptom onset, and 1 risk factor for COVID-19 complication (> 65 years, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other chronic lung diseases, smoking, immunosuppression, or obesity). The primary composite endpoint, which includes venous thromboembolism, invasive mechanical ventilation, major acute cardiovascular events, and mortality within 30 days of randomization, will be assessed according to the intention-to-treat principle. All patients will provide informed consent. A significance level of 5% will be used for all statistical tests. Results Major thrombotic and bleeding outcomes, hospitalizations, and deaths will be centrally adjudicated by an independent clinical events committee blinded to the assigned treatment groups. Conclusion The CARE study will provide relevant and contemporary information about the potential role of thromboprophylaxis in outpatients with COVID-19.

Resumo Fundamento Estudos anteriores revelaram alto risco de eventos tromboembólicos arteriais e venosos como consequência de danos virais diretos do SARS-CoV-2 em células endoteliais e um meio procoagulante devido ao aumento de biomarcadores como o D-dímero, fibrinogênio, fator VIII. Foram realizados ensaios controlados randomizados de terapias antitrombóticas em pacientes internados, no entanto, poucos estudos avaliaram o papel da tromboprofilaxia no ambiente ambulatorial. Objetivo Avaliar se a profilaxia antitrombótica com rivaroxabana reduz o risco de eventos trombóticos venosos ou arteriais, suporte ventilatório invasivo e morte em pacientes ambulatoriais com COVID-19. Métodos O estudo CARE é um ensaio randomizado, aberto, multicêntrico e controlado por rivaroxabana 10 mg uma vez por dia durante 14 dias ou tratamento local padrão isolado, para a prevenção de resultados adversos, registrado no Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04757857). Os critérios de inclusão são adultos com infecção confirmada ou suspeita do SARS-CoV-2, com sintomas leves ou moderados, sem indicação de hospitalização, no prazo de 7 dias após o início dos sintomas e um fator de risco de complicação da COVID-19 (>65 anos, hipertensão, diabetes, asma, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica ou outras doenças pulmonares crônicas, tabagismo, imunossupressão ou obesidade). O desfecho primário composto inclui tromboembolismo venoso, necessidade de ventilação mecânica invasiva, eventos cardiovasculares agudos maiores e mortalidade no prazo de 30 dias após a randomização, sendo avaliado segundo o princípio da intenção de tratar. Todos os pacientes assinaram termo de consentimento. Foi estabelecido um nível de significância de 5% para todos os testes estatísticos. Resultados Os principais desfechos trombóticos e hemorrágicos, hospitalizações e mortes serão avaliados centralmente por um comitê de eventos clínicos independente, sob a condição cega para a alocação dos grupos de tratamento. Conclusão O estudo CARE fornecerá informação relevante e contemporânea sobre o possível papel da tromboprofilaxia em pacientes ambulatoriais com COVID-19.

Abstract Leishmaniasis is an anthropozoonosis transmitted by vectors, with dogs being the main domestic reservoirs. Brazil is one of the countries most affected by this disease, and it has been described in humans and dogs in every region in the country. In the northern region leishmaniasis cases in humans have been described in more than 100 municipalities in the State, including the capital, Belém. This study involves two cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis in which the animals developed clinical signs compatible with the disease in urban areas in Belém, the Pará state capital. The diagnosis was confirmed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect SSUr-rDNA and kDNA of Leishmania sp. and Leishmania infantum, respectively. In one of the cases the animal died and in the other the animal underwent treatment with medicines prescribed for dogs. Through this treatment, parasitemia in the second animal has been kept under control and is being monitored through molecular tests. Previously, no canine cases had been notified from urban neighborhoods in the city of Belém, but only on the island of Cotijuba, at a distance of 29 kilometers from the city. Cases of canine and human leishmaniasis have been recorded close to the capital, Belém, which has areas of conserved vegetation and where the presence of disease vectors has been described. Thus, as has been done in several other Brazilian cities, this study uses clinical and laboratory findings to confirm the presence of autochthonous cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis in the city of Belém.

Resumo A leishmaniose é uma antropozoonose transmitida por vetores, sendo os cães os principais reservatórios domésticos. O Brasil é um dos países mais acometidos por esta doença, sendo descrita em humanos e cães em todas as regiões do país. Na região norte casos de leishmaniose em humanos foram descritos em mais de 100 municípios do Estado, incluindo a capital, Belém. Este estudo envolve dois casos de leishmaniose visceral canina em que os animais desenvolveram sinais clínicos compatíveis com a doença em áreas urbanas de Belém, capital do estado do Pará. O diagnóstico foi confirmado pela reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) para detectar o SSUr-rDNA e kDNA de Leishmania sp e Leishmania infantum, respectivamente. Em um dos casos o animal veio a óbito e no outro o animal foi submetido a tratamento com medicamentos prescritos para cães. Por meio desse tratamento, a parasitemia no segundo animal foi mantida sob controle e está sendo monitorada por meio de testes moleculares. Anteriormente, nenhum caso canino havia sido notificado em bairros urbanos da cidade de Belém, apenas na ilha de Cotijuba, distante 29 quilômetros da cidade. Casos de leishmaniose canina e humana foram registrados próximo à capital, Belém, que possui áreas de vegetação conservada e onde foi descrita a presença de vetores de doenças. Assim, como tem sido registrado em várias outras cidades brasileiras, este estudo utiliza achados clínicos e laboratoriais para confirmar a presença de casos autóctones de leishmaniose visceral canina na cidade de Belém.

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of increasing levels of corn straw replacement of sorghum silage on average daily gain, loin eye area, subcutaneous fat thickness, weight of commercial cuts, leg tissue composition, and physico-chemical characteristics of the meat from F1 Santa Inês × Dorper lambs maintained in a feedlot system. Treatments consisted of 0, 33, 66 and 100% corn straw replacement of sorghum silage. There were thirty-six 150-day-old male lambs. Corn straw replacement of sorghum silage in lamb feed reduced the average daily gain and weight of the ribs, besides promoting a quadratic influence on leg fat content. However, there was no influence on commercial carcass cuts, leg muscle index, leg tissue composition, and physico-chemical characteristics of the meat. Thus, corn straw can be used as alternative feedstuff for sheep rations to improve the production of high-quality sheep meat in semi-arid regions.

Currently, there is a severe shortage of good-quality feldspar deposits. On the other hand, porcelain tile polishing residue has been widely recognized as an alternative raw material for the ceramic industry. Thus, this research evaluated the effect of the partial replacement of feldspar by the porcelain polishing residue (PPR) in formulations for sanitary stoneware. It was replaced from 2% to 20% of the total mass of feldspar by the residue. The raw materials were characterized by X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, and particle size determination. Then, they were mixed in a wet ball mill, and the rheological properties of the suspensions were analyzed. Samples of the test were produced by slip casting and sintered at 1160 °C, 1180 °C, and 1200 °C. Rheological characteristics were not affected when up to 20% of feldspar was replaced by residue. Bodies with high amounts of PPR had flexural strength and water absorption values similar to those of bodies without PPR in formulations. Furthermore, apparent porosity values lower than the reference mass were obtained with the addition of 6% of the residue in the formulation.

In this study, we evaluated the catalytic properties of hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles (NPs) doped with Fe3O4/γ-Fe2O3 for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye using a photo-Fenton process at pH 2.5, 7.0, and 9.0. The HA NPs were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, fluorescence spectrometry, and point of zero charge experiments. Upon using unmodified HA NPs, 1.33 mL of H2O2 30% (v/v), and ultraviolet radiation (125 W Hg lamp), the discoloration values achieved at pH 2.5, 7.0, and 9.0 were 88.4, 44.8, and 58.1%, respectively. For the HA NPs modified with Fe3O4/γ-Fe2O3, the composition Ca2.5FeII2.5FeIII5(PO4)6(OH)2 yielded the best results during the photo-Fenton-based process, and discolorations of 100, 100, and 95.2% were achieved at pH 2.5, 7.0, and 9.0, respectively. To confirm the effectiveness of the Ca2.5FeII2.5FeIII5(PO4)6(OH)2 NPs, the total organic carbon (TOC) and toxicity effects on Lactuca sativa L. were evaluated, and reproducibility tests were performed. The TOC removal of the Ca2.5FeII2.5FeIII5(PO4)6(OH)2 NPs was ca. 90% and the toxicity of the MB dye was eliminated after 120 min of reaction; moreover, the NPs retained their physical stability and activity and were reused for 11 consecutive degradation experiments.

RESUMO A palma forrageira (Opuntia fícus-indica Mill) apresenta-se como forrageira importante para o Nordeste Brasileiro, devido a sua adaptação às condições edafoclimáticas da região, especialmente nos períodos de estiagens. O presente estudo teve objetivo de investigar os efeitos de dietas baseadas em palma forrageira associada a diferentes fontes de fibras no consumo (matéria seca e água), digestibilidade, produção de proteína microbiana, balanço de compostos nitrogenados e desempenho de vacas leiteiras sindi criadas em regiões semiáridas. As silagens utilizadas foram: atriplex (Atriplex nummularia Lindi.), sorgo (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), gliricídia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp. ) e maniçoba (Manihot pseudoglaziovii Pax & K. Hoffm.), que foram incluídas nas dietas à base de palma forrageira (relação 58:42 volumoso: concentrado). As vacas foram distribuídas em delineamento Quadrado Latino duplo 4x4 com duração de 12 dias cada período. Para consumo de água houve diferenças (P<0,05) para dieta contendo silagem de atriplex (19,42 L/d). A dieta com silagem de sorgo apresentou menor coeficiente (P<0,05) digestibilidade da matéria seca (48,71 %) em relação ao tratamento de silagem de atriplex (68,46 %). A síntese microbiana foi maior (P<0,05) para a dieta com silagem de atriplex em relação ao tratamento que continha silagem de gliricídia (115,01 e 80,07 g de PBmic/kg de NDT), respectivamente. As silagens avaliadas associadas a palma forrageira podem ser utilizadas em dietas para vacas da raça Sindi em lactação sem influenciar o consumo diário de matéria seca, sem alterar a produção e gordura do leite, a síntese de proteína microbiana e o balanço de compostos nitrogenados.

ABSTRACT Forage cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) is an important forage resource in the Northeast region of Brazil due to its adaptation to the edaphoclimatic conditions of the region, mainly to the drought periods. The objective of this work was to assess the effects of diets with forage cactus combined with different sources of fibers on dry matter and water intakes, digestibility, microbial protein production, balance of nitrogen compounds, and performance of Red Sindhi cows in the Semiarid region of Brazil. The silages used were prepared from plants of Atriplex nummularia Lindi., Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp., and Manihot pseudoglaziovii Pax & K. Hoffm. They were included in forage cactus-based diets at a roughage to concentrate ratio of 58:42. The cows were distributed in a 4×4 double Latin square design with 12 days for each period. Water intake presented differences (p<0.05) when using the diet with A. nummularia silage (19.42 L d-1). The diet with S. bicolor silage resulted in lower (p<0.05) coefficient of digestibility of dry matter (48.71%) than the diet with A. nummularia silage (68.46%). The diet with A. nummularia silage resulted in higher (p<0.05) microbial synthesis than that with G. sepium silage, 115.01 and 80.07 g CPmic kg-1 TDN, respectively. The silages evaluated, combined with forage cactus, can be used as diets for lactating Red Sindhi cows without affecting the daily dry matter intake, milk production, fat content, microbial protein synthesis, and balance of nitrogen compounds.

Abstract Alumina is a polymorphic bioceramic that has been extensively investigated for application in bone regeneration. Dense α-alumina has been considered a suitable biomaterial for dental and orthopedic implants due to its superior mechanical properties. However, its use is limited due to its high inertia in a biological environment. Recent investigations have focused on its distinct phases and surface characteristics through the control of morphology, physical properties, and chemical composition to enhance bioactivity. This article presents a brief review of the developments in porous α-alumina and amorphous-γ-alumina transition. Most studies have shown that composites and alumina coated with bioactive materials, high surface area, and hydroxylated surface can significantly improve biological properties. Cellular responses such as fixation, growth, and proliferation, as well as biomineralization, are the main studies to validate improvements in bioactive properties.

Abstract Introduction: Syphilis is a chronic infection caused by Treponema pallidum. Manifestations of this disease are vast, and syphilitic hepatitis is a rarely depicted form of secondary syphilis. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 63-year-old man with worsening jaundice, maculopapular rash and perianal discomfort. Proctological examination with anoscopy revealed a perianal gray/white area with millimetric pale granules along the anal canal. Liver function tests showed a mixed pattern. Venereal Disease Research Laboratory, T. pallidum hemagglutination assay and IgM fluorescent treponemal antibody absorbance were positive. The patient was successfully treated with a single dose of penicillin G. Discussion/Conclusion: Syphilitic hepatitis is scarcely reported in the literature. Secondary syphilis with mild hepatitis rarely leads to hepatic cytolysis and jaundice. Many signs of secondary syphilis including syphilitic hepatitis may be linked to immune responses initiated during early infection. Over the past decades, evidence has emerged on the importance of innate and adaptive cellular immune responses in the immunopathogenesis of syphilis. This report raises awareness to a clinical entity that should be considered in patients at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, who present with intestinal discomfort or liver dysfunction, as it is a treatable and fully reversible condition.

Resumo Introdução: A sífilis é uma infeção crónica provocada pelo Treponema pallidum. As manifestações desta doença são vastas e a hepatite sifilítica é uma forma de sífilis secundária raramente descrita. Caso Clínico: Apresentamos o caso de um doente de 63 anos com icterícia de agravamento progressivo, rash maculopapular e desconforto perianal. O exame proctológico complementado por anuscopia revelou uma região perianal cinzenta-esbranquiçada com grânulos pálidos milimétricos ao longo do canal anal. Testes de função hepática revelaram um padrão misto e o Venereal Disease Research Laboratory, T. pallidum hemagglutination assay e IgM fluorescent treponemal antibody absorbance foram positivos. O doente foi tratado com sucesso com uma dose única de penicilina G. Discussão/Conclusão: São raros os casos de hepatite sifilítica descritos na literatura. Sífilis secundária com hepatite ligeira raramente conduz a citólise hepática e icterícia. Muitos dos sinais de sífilis secundária, incluindo a hepatite sifilítica, parecem estar associados a respostas imunitárias iniciadas durante o período de infeção precoce. Ao longo das últimas décadas, têm surgido evidências crescentes sobre a importância das respostas imunes inata e adaptativa na patogénese da sífilis. Este caso clínico descreve uma entidade nosológica que deve ser considerada em doentes em risco de contraírem doenças sexualmente transmissíveis, que se apresentem com desconforto intestinal ou disfunção hepática, visto tratar-se de uma condição tratável e totalmente reversível.

Abstract This work produced glass foams from soda-lime glass bottles, bentonite, and alumina by the replica method. Compositions with different contents of bentonite (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) were prepared and heat-treated at 800 °C. In the alumina-added compositions, 50 wt% of the bentonite was replaced by the alumina. The influences of the content of bentonite (binder) and alumina addition were evaluated through the physical-mechanical properties. The results showed that the alumina did not promote a significant effect on physical and mechanical properties in most glass foams; the exception was the sample with 20 wt% bentonite+alumina, which presented better physical properties (lower linear shrinkage and density and greater porosity) when compared to its equivalent sample (without alumina). Foams with 5% of bentonite or bentonite+alumina showed higher linear shrinkage indexes and high densification. Samples with 15% of bentonite or bentonite+alumina showed the best combination of properties: higher porosity (79.2% and 80.2%), water absorption (58.8% and 59.7%), lower shrinkage index (25.5% and 29.4%), and good flexural strength (0.69 and 0.45 MPa).

Objective: To systematically review the literature focusing on obstetric and perinatal outcomes in women with previous or current eating disorders (EDs) and on the consequences of maternal EDs for the offspring. Methods: The study was performed following the systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. PubMed, SciELO, and Cochrane databases were searched for non-interventional studies published in English or Portuguese from January 1980 to December 2020. Risk of bias was assessed using the Methods guide for effectiveness and comparative effectiveness reviews (American Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality). Results: The search yielded 441 records, and 30 articles were included. The psychiatric outcome associated with EDs in women was mainly perinatal depression. The most prevalent obstetric outcomes observed in women with EDs were vomiting, hyperemesis, bleeding, and anemia. Most studies found maternal anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa to be associated with low birth weight and slow fetal growth. Women with binge EDs delivered children with increased birth weight. Of the 30 studies included, methodological quality was good in seven, fair in eight, and poor in 15 studies. Conclusion: A considerable body of evidence was reviewed to assess obstetric and perinatal outcomes in EDs. Acute and lifetime EDs, especially if severe, correlated with poor perinatal, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes. Obstetricians and general practitioners should be vigilant and screen for EDs during pregnancy.

ABSTRACT Problems of optimal reliability and redundancy allocation are not new. However, the literature describes two isolated situations, either when redundancy allocation is the target and the reliability metrics of the components are known, or focusing on the reliability allocation, that demands the metrics to be known in advance and the use of some optimization approach. In the present paper, we consider a combined situation, i.e., when both situations must be considered together. To guide the allocation process, we developed a cost function that considers the costs of acquisition, development and/or improvement as a function of monetary effort, along with the reliability target and expected failure costs. The results considering two classical test problems in the literature demonstrated the efficacy of the proposed approach to deal with similar situations.