Abstract Introduction: recent studies have suggested the use of neck circumference as a parameter capable of identifying risks of cardiometabolic complications and the accumulation of truncal fat caused by both antiretroviral therapy and the lifestyle of people with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Objective: to investigate the relationship between neck circumference and anthropometric indicators and to assess cardiometabolic risk and truncal obesity through proposed cut-off points. Methods: cross-sectional study including 233 people with HIV. Demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The anthropometric evaluation included: weight, height, body mass index (BMI) measurements; waist (WC), neck (NC), arm and arm muscle circumferences; triceps and subscapular skinfolds and their sum. ROC curves were constructed to determine the accuracy of NC in predicting cardiometabolic risk in people living with HIV. Results: the sample was 57.5 % male, with a mean age of 38.4 years (95 % CI: 37.2-39.7 years). NC showed a positive and significant correlation with all anthropometric variables analyzed (p < 0.05), and a higher correlation strength with WC and BMI. The NC cut-off point selected as a predictor of risk of cardiac metabolic complications and truncal obesity in women was ≥ 32.4 cm, considering both WC and BMI. For men, the NC cut-off points were different when considering WC (≥ 39.6 cm) and BMI (≥ 38.1 cm) as a reference. It is worth noting that NC performed well in ROC curve analysis for men, while in women it was a poor performance. Conclusion: NC proved to be a promising indicator in the assessment of nutrition and health of people living with HIV, especially in men.

Resumen Introducción: estudios recientes han sugerido el uso de la circunferencia del cuello como parámetro capaz de identificar los riesgos de complicaciones cardiometabólicas y la acumulación de grasa troncal causados tanto por la terapia antirretroviral como por el estilo de vida de las personas con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). Objetivo: investigar la relación entre la circunferencia del cuello y los indicadores antropométricos y evaluar el riesgo cardiometabólico y la obesidad troncal a través de los puntos de corte propuestos. Métodos: estudio transversal que incluyó a 233 personas con VIH. Se recogieron datos demográficos, socioeconómicos, de estilo de vida y clínicos mediante un cuestionario estructurado. La evaluación antropométrica incluyó: medidas de peso, altura, índice de masa corporal (IMC); circunferencias de cintura (CC), cuello (CN), brazo (CA) y músculo del brazo (MCB); pliegues cutáneos del tríceps y subescapular y su suma. Se construyeron curvas ROC para determinar la precisión de la CN en la predicción del riesgo cardiometabólico en personas que viven con el VIH. Resultados: el 57,5 % de la muestra eran varones, con una edad media de 38,4 años (IC 95 %: 37,2-39,7 años). La CN mostró una correlación positiva y significativa (p < 0,05) con todas las variables antropométricas analizadas, y una mayor fuerza de correlación con la CC y el IMC. El punto de corte de la CN seleccionado como predictor de riesgo de complicaciones metabólicas cardiacas y obesidad troncular en mujeres fue ≥ 32,4 cm, considerando tanto la CC como el IMC. En el caso de los hombres, los puntos de corte de la CN fueron diferentes al considerar como referencia la CC (≥ 39,6 cm) y el IMC (≥ 38,1 cm). Cabe destacar que la CN obtuvo buenos resultados en el análisis de la curva ROC en el caso de los hombres, mientras que en el de las mujeres fue deficiente. Conclusión: la CN demostró ser un indicador prometedor en la evaluación de la nutrición y la salud de las personas que viven con el VIH, especialmente en los hombres.

ABSTRACT Cutaneous leishmaniasis, caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, presents diverse clinical manifestations, and current therapeutic options have limitations, including long treatment periods, potential hospitalization, and excessive pain during treatment. Methyl gallate, a phenolic compound found in plants such as Libidibia ferrea, presents promising antileishmanial activity. Combining this compound with existing leishmaniasis medications could lead to reduced dosages and the minimization of side effects. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a microemulsion containing methyl gallate, either on its own or in combination with Glucantime®, for the experimental treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a 30-day in vivo assay using golden hamsters infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. The control groups included an untreated positive control and an uninfected, untreated negative control. After treatment, we evaluated clinical, parasitological, and biochemical parameters. While none of the treatments achieved clinical or parasitological cure, notable improvements were observed in the combined group, with significant reductions in snout skin lesions and parasite load when compared to the control. Biochemical parameters such as creatinine, CK-MB, GOT, and GPT remained unchanged, but urea and CPK levels significantly increased in all the experimental groups relative to the control. In conclusion, the integration of a topical methyl gallate microemulsion with intralesional Glucantime® showed potential as an effective treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Further investigations into optimal dosages and therapeutic schemes are warranted in order to enhance treatment outcomes.

RESUMO A leishmaniose cutânea, causada por protozoários do gênero Leishmania, apresenta diversas manifestações clínicas e as opções terapêuticas atuais têm limitações, incluindo longos períodos de tratamento, possível hospitalização e dor excessiva durante o tratamento. O galato de metila, um composto fenólico encontrado em plantas como Libidibia ferrea, mostra atividade antileishmania promissora. A combinação deste composto com os medicamentos existentes para leishmaniose pode levar a dosagens reduzidas e à minimização dos efeitos colaterais. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia de uma microemulsão contendo galato de metila, isoladamente ou em combinação com Glucantime®, no tratamento experimental da leishmaniose cutânea em um ensaio in vivo de 30 dias em hamsters sírios infectados com Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. Os grupos de controle incluíram um controle positivo não tratado e um controle negativo não infectado e não tratado. Após o tratamento, avaliamos parâmetros clínicos, parasitológicos e bioquímicos. Embora nenhum dos tratamentos tenha alcançado cura clínica ou parasitológica, melhorias notáveis foram observadas no grupo combinado, com redução significativa nas lesões cutâneas do focinho e na carga parasitária em comparação com o controle. Parâmetros bioquímicos como creatinina, CK-MB, TGO e TGP permaneceram inalterados, os níveis de ureia e CPK aumentaram significativamente em todos os grupos experimentais em relação ao controle. Em conclusão, a integração da microemulsão tópica de galato de metila com Glucantime® intralesional mostrou potencial como um tratamento eficaz para a leishmaniose cutânea. Mais investigações sobre dosagens ideais e esquemas terapêuticos são necessárias para melhorar os resultados do tratamento.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the implementation strategies for adult men's health actions in Primary Care. Methods: action-research conducted with 12 adult men and 14 health professionals from a Family Health Unit in the municipality of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Multiple data production techniques were employed, namely: systematic observation, semi-structured interviews, field diaries and contextualized photography, across the action-research stages. Thematic Content Analysis and interpretation based on the axes of the National Policy for Comprehensive Men's Health Care were used. Results: three categories emerged from the conceptions of men and health professionals: health care for men, differentiated strategies, and lessons learned. Discussion: the culture of the strong, unyielding provider man who does not get sick and considers illness as a sign of weakness exacerbates toxic masculinity, requiring a transformation through acknowledging that men are not inherently averse to care but, rather, they are socially shaped. Conclusion: recognizing the institutional barriers became important for the discussion regarding access to health services. The action-research challenges and potentialities enabled the elaboration of an action agenda to enhance access and welcoming at the study health unit.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar las estrategias de implementación de acciones en materia de salud masculina para hombres adultos en Atención Primaria. Métodos: investigación-acción realizada con 12 hombres adultos y 14 profesionales de salud de una Unidad de Salud de la Familia en el municipio de Salvador, Bahía, Brasil. Se emplearon múltiples técnicas de producción de datos, a saber: observación sistemática; entrevista semiestructurada; diario de campo y fotografía, contextualizados entre las etapas de la investigación-acción. Se utilizó Análisis Temático de Contenido e interpretación basada en los ejes da Política Nacional de Atención Integral a la Salud Masculina. Resultados: surgieron tres categorías a partir de las concepciones de los hombres y los profesionales de salud: cuidados de salud para hombres; estrategias diferenciadas; lecciones aprendidas. Discusión: la cultura del hombre fuerte y proveedor que no se enferma y que categoriza a las enfermedades como una condición de debilidad potencia la masculinidad tóxica, con la debida necesidad de transformarla admitiendo que los hombres no son naturalmente reacios a cuidarse sino moldeados socialmente. Conclusión: haber reconocido las barreras institucionales revisitó importancia para debatir el acceso a los servicios de salud. Los desafíos y las potencialidades de la investigación-acción permitieron elaborar una agenda de acciones para expandir el acceso y la recepción en la unidad de salud del estudio.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar as estratégias de implementação de ações em saúde para homens adultos na Atenção Primária. Métodos pesquisa-ação realizada com 12 homens adultos e 14 profissionais de saúde de uma Unidade de Saúde da Família no Município de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Empregou-se multitécnicas de produção de dados: observação sistemática; entrevista semiestruturada; diário de campo e fotografia, contextualizados, entre as etapas da pesquisa-ação. Utilizou-se a Análise de Conteúdo Temático e a interpretação baseada nos eixos da Política Nacional de Atenção Integral à Saúde do Homem. Resultados: das concepções dos homens e dos profissionais de saúde emergiu-se três categorias: cuidados em saúde para homens, estratégias diferenciadas e lições apreendidas. Discussão: a cultura do homem forte, provedor que não adoece e que coloca a doença na condição de fraqueza, potencializa a masculinidade tóxica, necessitando transformá-la pelo reconhecimento de que o homem não é naturalmente avesso ao cuidar e sim moldado socialmente. Conclusão: reconhecer as barreiras institucionais tornou-se importante para a discussão do acesso aos serviços de saúde. Os desafios e as potencialidades da pesquisa-ação possibilitaram a elaboração de uma agenda de ações para ampliação do acesso e acolhimento na unidade de saúde do estudo.

The Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique is an important method of evaluating material strain fields. Composite materials have inherently heterogeneous elastic properties, in the function of the different phases present in the composition, whereat the traditional techniques of deformation evaluation may not be sufficient to determine the mechanisms that eventually contribute to the failure of the material. The present work were evaluated, the tensile mechanical properties of polyester matrix composites loaded with an industrial residue of red mud, with a mass fraction of 20%. The properties were surveyed using the conventional technique of strain gauge and compared with the data obtained through DIC. The results showed that the DIC technique was accurate in monitoring the displacements and determining the average deformation of the tested specimens, in addition to providing ample deformation fields, for the evaluation of failure mechanisms throughout the sample request process.

ABSTRACT Purpose To correlate the findings regarding the myofunctional orofacial examination, tongue pressure and surface electromyography (sEMG) of deglutition in individuals with different orofacial myofunctional disorders. Methods 44 patients (20 males and 24 females, aged between 17 and 63 years old) with different orofacial myofunctional changes were clinically assessed using the Expanded Protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES-E). In addition, the range of mandibular movements and facial anthropometry were measured, along with the assessment of the tongue pressure (tip and dorsum) and of the electrical activity of the suprahyoid muscles during deglutition, using surface electromyography (sEMG). Results The statistical analysis found weak correlations between tongue dorsum pressure values, suggesting that the greater the measurement of the lower third of the face, the lower the pressure of the tongue dorsum; the greater the measurement of the overlaps (vertical and horizontal), the higher the pressure of the tongue dorsum; the higher the score from the orofacial evaluation and orofacial functions assessment, the higher the pressure of the tongue dorsum; and the higher the pressure of the tongue dorsum, the higher the pressure of the tongue tip. Conclusion The present study results indicate that the orofacial myofunctional changes found in different groups of patients are more related to the maxillomandibular discrepancies than to the pathologies investigated herein.

RESUMO Objetivo correlacionar os achados da avaliação clínica miofuncional orofacial, pressão de língua e da eletromiografia de superfície (EMGs) da deglutição de grupos de pacientes com diferentes alterações da motricidade orofacial. Método 44 pacientes (20 homens e 24 mulheres com idades entre 17 e 63 anos), com diferentes alterações miofuncionais orofaciais foram avaliados por meio da Avaliação Miofuncional Orofacial com Escores Expandido (AMIOFE-E), avaliação da amplitude mandibular e antropometria facial, mensuração da pressão de língua (ponta e dorso) e exame de Eletromiografia de Superfície (EMGs) em região supra hioidea na tarefa de deglutição de saliva e diferentes volumes de água. Resultados a análise estatística encontrou algumas correlações fracas que envolvem a pressão do dorso de língua e sugerem que quanto maior for a medida do terço inferior, menor será a pressão do dorso da língua; quanto maior for a medida dos trespasses (vertical e horizontal) maior será a pressão do dorso da língua; quanto maior for a pontuação da avaliação de postura e funções orofaciais, maior será a pressão do dorso de língua e quanto maior for a pressão do dorso de língua, maior será a pressão da ponta da língua. Conclusão os resultados sugerem que as alterações miofuncionais orofaciais encontradas nos diferentes grupos de pacientes estão mais relacionadas às discrepâncias maxilomandibulares do que às patologias pesquisadas no presente estudo.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the performance of residents in gynecology and obstetrics before and after practicing laparoscopic sutures, to establish when the training shows the best results, in addition to comparing whether being in different years of residency influences this progression. Methods A prospective cohort study involving 32 medical residents evaluated with a pretest to establish their previous knowledge in laparoscopic suture. This test consisted of knotting two wires, one made of polypropylene and the other of polyglactin, with a blocking sequence of five semi-knots. We set a 30-minute limit to complete the task. Then, the residents held four training meetings, focusing on suture, Gladiator rule, knot, and symmetries, in addition to executing blocking sequences. A second test to establish progress was performed. Results Regarding the time spent to make the stiches using polyglactin wire, a statistically significant time improvement (p< 0.01) was observed, with a 10.67-minute pretraining median (mean 12.24 minutes) and a 2.53-minute posttraining median (mean 3.25 minutes). Regarding the stitches with polypropylene wire, a statistically significant time improvement (p< 0.05) was also observed, with a 9.38-minute pretraining median (mean 15.43 minutes) and a 3.65-minute posttraining median (mean 4.54 minutes). A total of 64.2% of the residents had been able to make the knot with polypropylene previously. One hundred percent were able to complete the task in the posttest. Conclusion Model training using the Gladiator rule for laparoscopic suture improves the knotting time with statistically similar performance, regardless of the year of residency, after systematic training.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a performance de residentes em ginecologia e obstetrícia antes e depois de praticarem suturas laparoscópicas, com o intuito de estabelecer quando o treinamento mostra os melhores resultados, comparando se estar em diferentes da residência influencia essa progressão. Métodos Um estudo coorte prospectivo envolvendo 32 médicos residentes avaliados com um teste pré-treinamento para avaliar seus conhecimentos prévios em sutura laparoscópica. Esse teste consistia em atar nós em dois fios, um de polipropileno e o outro de poliglactina, com uma sequencia de bloqueio de cinco seminós. Definiu-se um limite de 30 minutos para se completar a tarefa. Depois, os residentes tiveram quatro reuniões de treinamento, focadas em sutura, técnica da Regra do Gladiador, nós e simetria, executando, ainda, uma sequência de pontos. Um segundo teste foi feito para avaliar o progresso. Resultados Com relação ao tempo para realizarem os pontos com fio de poliglactina, uma melhora de tempo estatisticamente significativa (p< 0.01) foi observada, com uma mediana de 10.67 minutos no pré-treinamento (média de 12.24 minutos) e uma mediana de 2.53 minutos no pós-treinamento (média de 3.25 minutos). Com relação ao fio de polipropileno, uma melhora de tempo estatisticamente significativa (p< 0.05) também foi observada, com uma mediana de pré-treinamento de 9.38 minutos (média de 15.43 minutos) e uma mediana de pós-treinamento de 3.65 minutos (média de 4.54 minutos). Um total de 64.2% dos residentes foram capazes de realizar os nós com polipropileno inicialmente. Cem por cento do residentes foram capazes de completar a tarefa no pós-teste. Conclusão O modelo de treino usando a técnica da Regra do Gladiador para sutura laparoscópica melhora o tempo de atar nós com uma performance estatisticamente similar, não havendo diferenças quanto ao ano da residência, após treinamento sistematizado.

The control of fungal species in agriculture is mainly conducted with the use of contact or systemic fungicides. However, environmental and human health concerns and increased resistance of fungal species to existing fungicides have increased the pressure on researchers to find new active ingredients for fungal control which present low toxicity to non-target organisms, are environmentally safe, and can be applied at very low concentrations. It is herein described the synthesis of eleven glycerol triazole containing compounds (ten of them fluorinated derivatives) and evaluation of their fungicidal activity. Eight out of eleven synthesized compounds are novel and all of the glycerol derivatives were characterized using infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic ressonance (NMR), and mass spectrometry (MS) techniques. Theoretical calculations were also carried out and the results are discussed. Starting from glycerol, the triazole derivatives were prepared in four steps. Evaluation of them against Colletrotricum gloesporioides showed that compound 1-((2,2-dimethyl-1,3 dioxolan-4-yl)methyl)-4-(2-fluorophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole (4d) (ED50 = 59.14 µg mL-1) was slightly more active than commercial fungicide tebuconazole (61.35 µg mL-1). Compound 4d presented attractive physicochemical features for agrochemical purposes as revealed by the calculated physicochemical parameters. It is believed that glycerol-fluorinated triazole derivatives can be explored towards the development of new chemicals for the control of fungal species.

Abstract Regular exercise is beneficial to health. This study evaluated the effects of moderate and intense physical exercise modalities on intradermal infection by Staphylococcus aureus in a murine model. Mice that practiced moderate exercise had lower bacterial load on lymph nodes and less inflammatory infiltrate in dermis. They presented greater weight, however, less amount of epididymal fat: the weight was increased while they had fat diminished. A positive correlation was observed between lipid content and bacterial load in mice trained at moderate intensity. Animals that were under high intensity exercises presented superior bacterial load on the lymph nodes, increased neutrophil count and circulating lymphocytes, and had leukocyte recruitment to the dermis augmented, when compared to the ones in moderate exercise. These findings suggest that moderate physical activity modulates the immune response in dermal infection caused by S. aureus in a murine model.

Abstract The Zn0.5Cd0.5S/ZnO/carbon xerogel photocatalyst was synthesized through the thermal treatment of ZnO, CdS, and a low-cost carbon xerogel matrix at high temperature (600 ºC). ZnO is one of the most widely used photocatalysts, but it has low visible-light absorption, while Zn0.5Cd0.5S is a visible-light active photocatalyst, which can be used as a co-catalyst to enhance photoactivity under natural radiation and promote charge separation through the creation of Z-scheme heterojunctions. The further addition of the carbon xerogel can be justified by its highly developed porous structure and ability to capture photogenerated electrons, which will also promote charge separation. The creation of the hexagonal Zn0.5Cd0.5S and ZnO phases was confirmed through the X-ray diffractometry technique. The addition of the carbon xerogel led to an increase in the specific surface area of the XC/ZnO (630%) and XC/ZnO-Zn0.5Cd0.5S (320%) and a decrease in particle size when compared to the pure ZnO. Regarding the photocatalytic performance of the materials, the Zn0.5Cd0.5S/ZnO/carbon xerogel displayed an enhanced photocatalytic activity for 4-chlorophenol degradation, with 84% degradation after 300 minutes of artificial solar irradiation. The enhanced photoactivity of the Zn0.5Cd0.5S/ZnO/carbon xerogel composite was further confirmed by chronoamperometry, as the composite presented higher photocurrent generation under light irradiation.

ABSTRACT Warm mixtures are an essential alternative for paving as they minimize costs and environmental impacts, and their performance is similar to hot mixtures. This research evaluated the effect of adding linseed oil obtained from Linum usitatissimum in the contents of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6% by weight on the physical and rheological properties of the asphalt binder. The asphalt binder was evaluated through tests of penetration, softening point, rotational viscosity, performance grade (PG); these tests were performed before and after the short-term aging procedure; multiple stress creep and recovery (MSCR), and linear amplitude sweep (LAS). It has been verified that the mixing temperature could be reduced by up to 15 °C for the 6% linseed oil content, but it was lost in terms of performance, level of supported traffic, and fatigue life. In the so-called ideal content found, 4% linseed oil, there is a reduction in the mixing temperature of around 10 °C, as well as a maximum temperature of PG, 58 °C, it reduces by only one step compared to the pure binder, 64 °C, in addition to presenting the second-longest fatigue life of the grades studied, being classified as ideal for standard traffic by the MSCR test. Linseed oil proved to be an excellent green alternative for the production of warm mixtures.

Abstract The objective of this work is to investigate the conversion of spent coffee grounds (SCG) into biochar (BSC) and the ecotoxicological effects of the product obtained. The SCG and BSC were characterized by characterized by different techniques (TGA/DTG, FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDS, and EDXRF). Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) was used to characterize the aqueous extract of BSC. The inhibitory effect on lettuce (Lactuca sativa) germination was investigated. Besides, antimicrobial activity evaluation trials were conducted with Azospirillum brasilense and Trichoderma spp. The results showed that in the BSC production process, the extractives and lignocellulosic components in the SCG were partly decomposed. Tests conducted with microorganisms did not reveal any toxic effect of BSC. However, high phytotoxicity against lettuce was recorded for rate 100 t/ha of BSC. This effect was associated with the presence of carboxylic acids identified by 1H NMR in the BSC extract aqueous.

Resumo Este artigo trata dos impactos da Covid-19 na renda da população da Região Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro. A análise dos dados da aplicação de um web-survey confirma as hipóteses apontadas na literatura internacional no que diz respeito ao papel da pandemia de Covid-19 no agravamento de desigualdades sociais preexistentes. Além disso, o artigo informa que as desigualdades ocorrem nas áreas periféricas da metrópole fluminense, nas quais os impactos negativos são comparativamente muito superiores aos de outras áreas. A segurança econômica tornou-se mais desigual adiante da pandemia de Covid-19, quando comparados o lugar de moradia, a cor e o gênero dos habitantes.

Abstract This article deals with the impacts of Covid-19 on the income of the population living in the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro. The analysis of data from a web survey confirms the hypotheses pointed out in the international literature regarding the role of the Covid-19 pandemic in the worsening of pre-existing social inequalities. Also, the article shows that the inequalities occur in the peripheral areas of the Rio de Janeiro Metropolis, where the negative impacts are much greater compared to other areas. Economic security has become more unequal in the Covid-19 pandemic when we compare the inhabitants’ dwelling place, skin color, and gender.

Resumo Os veranicos são caracterizados como a ocorrência de dias consecutivos com ausência de precipitação na estação chuvosa, que ocasionam perdas nas safras agrícolas. O presente artigo tem como objetivo classificar e regionalizar os veranicos que ocorrem durante a estação chuvosa, bem como, compreender as possíveis consequências sobre as perdas de safra. A área de estudo foi o estado Ceará, no qual os veranicos foram definidos como três ou mais dias consecutivos com precipitação diária igual ou inferior a 2 mm. A partir dos dados de rendimento do IBGE, foram calculadas as perdas do cultivo do milho e feijão, e através dos resultados pode-se inferir que: no ano considerado chuvoso (2009), foi verificada uma menor quantidade de ocorrências de veranicos, porém com perdas de safra significativas pelo excesso de chuvas, principalmente nas porções do Litoral de Fortaleza e Litoral do Pecém. Na análise dos anos secos (1998 e 2012), verificou-se maior ocorrência de veranicos e as perdas de safras ainda mais intensas, o indicador de veranicos apresentou menores ocorrências de eventos no noroeste do estado. Os resultados indicam um provável indicador para classificar as consequências de uma estiagem na produção agrícola de sequeiro.

Abstract The dry spells are characterized as the occurrence of consecutive days with no precipitation in the rainy season, which causes losses in agricultural crops. The present article aims to classify and regionalize the dry spells that occur during the rainy season, as well as to understand the possible consequences on crop losses. The study area was the state of Ceará, in which dry spells was defined as three or more consecutive days with daily precipitation equal to or less than 2 mm. From the IBGE yield data, it was calculated how the cultivation of corn and beans and the results can be inferred that: in the year considered rainy (2009), there was a smaller number of dry spells occurrences, but with losses significant crop losses due to excessive rainfall, mainly in the portions of the Litoral de Fortaleza and Litoral do Pecém. In the analysis of the dry years (1998 and 2012), there was a higher occurrence of dry spells and the losses of harvests even more intense, the dry spells indicator showed lower occurrences of events in the northwest of the state. The results indicate a probable indicator for classifying the consequences of a drought on rainfed agricultural production.

RESUMO Objetivo Estabelecer a concordância estatística interobservadores e intraobservadores do posicionamento de parafusos pediculares torácicos em cirurgia de escoliose, com intervalo de quatro semanas entre as duas análises. Métodos Com 55 pacientes, que avalia as concordâncias intra e interobservador da posição dos parafusos (segundo a classificação de Abul-Kasim), utilizando o coeficiente de Kappa. Resultados A concordância intraobservador variou entre 0,516 e 0,889 (“moderada” a “quase perfeita”) de coeficiente Kappa, entre análises com intervalo de quatro semanas. A concordância interobservador variou entre 0,379 e 0,633 (“razoável” a “forte”). Conclusões A concordância intraobservador foi sempre maior que a interobservador. Nenhum coeficiente de concordância foi classificado como “insuficiente” ou “fraco”. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo retrospectivo.

ABSTRACT Objective To establish the statistical interobserver and intraobserver concordance of thoracic pedicle screw placement in scoliosis surgery, with a 4-week interval between the two analyses. Methods Of 55 patients that evaluated the intra- and interobserver concordances of the screw positions (according to the Abul-Kasim classification) using the Kappa coefficient. Results The intraobserver concordance ranged from a Kappa coefficient of 0.516 to 0.889 (“moderate” to “almost perfect”) between the two analyses performed four weeks apart. Interobserver concordance ranged from 0.379 to 0.633 (“reasonable” to “strong”). Conclusion The intraobserver concordance was always greater than the interobserver concordance. No concordance coefficient was classified as “insignificant” or “weak”. Level of Evidence III; Retrospective study.

RESUMEN Objetivo Establecer la concordancia estadística interobservadores e intraobservadores del posicionamiento de tornillos pediculares torácicos en cirugía de escoliosis, con intervalo de cuatro semanas entre los dos análisis. Métodos Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo (nivel con 55 pacientes, que evalúa las concordancias intra e interobservador de la posición de los tornillos (según la clasificación de Abul-Kasim), usando el coeficiente de Kappa. Resultados La concordancia intraobservador varió entre 0,516 y 0,889 (“moderada” a “casi perfecta”), de coeficiente Kappa, entre análisis con intervalo por 4 semanas. La concordancia interobservador varió entre 0,379 y 0,633 (“razonable” a “fuerte”). Conclusiones La concordancia intraobservador fue siempre mayor que la interobservador. Ningún coeficiente de concordancia fue clasificado como “insuficiente” o “débil”. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudio retrospectivo.

RESUMO Objetivo A classificação morfológica dos pedículos descrita por Watanabe, apesar de bem conhecida, não é consenso entre os cirurgiões de coluna. Propomos uma análise da classificação por três observadores, um sênior e dois cirurgiões de coluna recém-graduados, e sua aplicabilidade na avaliação pré-operatória. Métodos Foi realizada uma análise intraobservador e interobservador das classificações de Watanabe de 937 pedículos em 55 pacientes com escoliose, tratados cirurgicamente em duas instituições. A média de idade no momento da cirurgia foi de 16,3 anos (10 a 50 anos). As etiologias da escoliose foram: idiopática (n = 47), congênita (n = 4), sindrômica (n = 3) e neuromuscular (n = 1). O ângulo médio de Cobb foi de 67 graus (41º a 120º). A avaliação dos pedículos torácicos foi realizada com imagens pré-operatórias de tomografia computadorizada. Resultados Três observadores classificaram 937 pedículos côncavos e convexos, evidenciando 47,5% do tipo A; 28,6% do tipo B; 17,1% do tipo C e 6.9% do tipo D. A concordância intraobservador foi de razoável a quase perfeita (kappa 0,34 a 0,92) e concordância interobservador foi de razoável a moderada (kappa 0,33 a 0,59), com significância estatística de p < 0,001. Conclusões A classificação de Watanabe pode ser considerada um bom método para prever dificuldades intraoperatórias e apresenta melhor concordância à medida que o cirurgião se torna mais experiente. Nível de Evidência II; Estudos Prognósticos.

ABSTRACT Objectives Although Watanabe morphological classification is well known, there is no consensus of its use among spine surgeons. We propose an analysis of the Watanabe classification by three observers, one senior and two recently graduated orthopedic spine surgeons, and its applicability in pre-operative evaluation. Methods An intraobserver and interobserver analysis of the classifications of 937 thoracic pedicles among 55 scoliosis patients treated surgically in two institutions. The average age at time of surgery was 16.3 years (10- 50 years). The etiologies of the scoliosis were: idiopathic (n= 47), congenital (n=4), syndromic (n= 3) and neuromuscular (n=1). The mean Cobb angle was 67 degrees (41- 120º). The evaluation of the thoracic pedicle was performed using pre-operative CT images. Results A total of 937 pedicles were classified by three observers with percentages of 47.5% type A, 28.6% type B, 17.1% type C and 6.9% type D for the total pedicles, convex and concave. Intraobserver agreement was fair to almost perfect (kappa 0.34 to 0.92) and interobserver agreement was fair to moderate (kappa 0.33 to 0.59) with statistical significance of p<0.001. Conclusion Watanabe classification remains a good method for predicting intraoperative difficulties, and has better agreement as the surgeon becomes more experienced. Level of evidence II; Prognostic Studies.

RESUMEN Objetivo La clasificación morfológica de los pedículos descrita por Watanabe, a pesar de ser bien conocida, no es consenso entre los cirujanos de columna. Proponemos un análisis de la clasificación por 3 observadores, un sénior y dos cirujanos de columna recién graduados, y su aplicabilidad en la evaluación prequirúrgica. Método Fue realizado un análisis intraobservador e interobservador de las clasificaciones de Watanabe de 937 pedículos en 55 pacientes con escoliosis, tratados quirúrgicamente en dos instituciones. El promedio de edad en el momento de la cirugía fue de 16,3 años (10-50 años). Las etiologías de la escoliosis fueron: idiopática (n=47), congénita (n=4), sindrómica (n=3) y neuromuscular (n=1). El ángulo promedio de Cobb fue de 67 grados (41º a 120º). La evaluación de los pedículos torácicos fue realizada con imágenes prequirúrgicas de tomografía computada. Resultados Tres observadores clasificaron 937 pedículos cóncavos y convexos, evidenciando 47,5% tipo A, 28,6% tipo B, 17,1% tipo C y 6,9% tipo D. La concordancia intraobservador fue de razonable a casi perfecta (kappa 0,34 a 0,92)y la concordancia interobservador fue de razonable a moderada (kappa 0,33 a 0,59) con una significancia estadística de p<0,001. Conclusiones La clasificación de Watanabe puede ser considerada un buen método para prever dificultades intraquirúrgicas y presenta mejor concordancia a medida que el cirujano se vuelve más experimentado. Nivel de Evidencia II; Estudios Pronósticos.