RESUMO Especula-se que a pandemia pelo novo coronavírus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) tenha agravado a prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade em cães e gatos. O presente artigo teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento de sobrepeso/obesidade, o qual avaliou os registros de 1001 casos consecutivos atendidos no Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, durante a reabertura da instituição ao público, após meses fechada devido à pandemia. Observou-se uma prevalência de sobrepeso ou de obesidade de 36,63%, sendo a frequência ligeiramente maior em gatos (38,37%) do que em cães (35,76%) e não sendo documentado aumento local na prevalência. Castrações (cães e gatos), idade > 10 anos (cães) e sexo masculino (gatos) foram associadas ao sobrepeso/obesidade. Em cerca de 30% das fichas não havia peso registrado, e em cerca de 50% não havia registro de ECC. Essas falhas foram mais frequentes em fichas de felinos e demandam medidas para aumentar o registro desses dados pelas equipes clínicas.

ABSTRACT Anecdotal reports suggest that the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (COVID-19) has increased overweight and obesity prevalence in dogs and cats. The present report aimed to perform a retrospective overweight/obesity survey on 1,001 consecutive cases attended in the Veterinary Clinics Hospital from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul during its reopening to the public after months closed due to the pandemic. The overall overweight or obesity observed prevalence was 36.63%; being the frequency in cats slightly greater (38.37%) than compared to dogs (35.76%). No local increase in these frequencies was detected. Neutering (dogs and cats), age greater than 10 years (dogs), and male gender (cats) were factors associated with overweight/obesity. Bodyweight was not registered in about 30% of the medical records, while the body condition score was not registered in about 50% of the cases. These flaws were more often observed in feline medical records and efforts to improve these data records are warranted.

Abstract Being a food product that contains perishable ingredients and involves a significant degree of manual handling during preparation, sushi is regarded as a potentially hazardous food, which may lead to foodborne disease outbreaks. In Portugal, consumption of takeaway sushi meals has strongly increased throughout the past few years; however, there is limited information regarding its compliance with food quality standards. Under this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality and safety of take-away ready-to-eat sushi meals in Lisbon, Portugal. Sixty-two samples were collected from different origins (restaurant and hypermarket), and each sample was tested for aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, positive coagulase Staphylococci, presumptive Bacillus cereus count, as for detection of pathogenic microorganisms, such as Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, V. cholerae and V. vulnificus. Results revealed that 48.4% (30/62) were deemed unsatisfactory, 35.5% (22/62) were classified as borderline and only 16.1% (10/62) were considered satisfactory. Even though we did not detect the incidence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms in sushi, the presence of B. cereus and coagulase-positive Staphylococci was detected at unsatisfactory levels. Furthermore, significant differences between the place of origin (restaurant vs. hypermarket) and type of fish were also observed. Overall, the high number of samples classified with a level of microbiological quality “unsatisfactory” and “borderline” highlights the need to review good hygiene practices, as well as the quality of the raw materials used, to obtain a final product with a satisfactory quality and safety level.

Resumo Por ser um género alimentício que contém ingredientes perecíveis e envolve um grau significativo de manipulação manual durante a sua preparação, o sushi é considerado um alimento potencialmente perigoso, que pode causar surtos de doença de origem alimentar. Em Portugal, o consumo de refeições de sushi prontas a consumir tem aumentado ao longo dos últimos anos. No entanto, a informação sobre o cumprimento das normas de qualidade alimentar é limitada. Neste contexto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade e a segurança microbiológica de refeições de sushi prontas para consumo em take-way, na região de Lisboa, Portugal. Foram colhidas 62 amostras de diferentes origens (restaurante e hipermercado), e em cada amostra foi efetuada a contagem de microrganismos aeróbios mesófilos, Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, estafilococos coagulase positiva, Bacillus cereus presuntivos, e deteção de microrganismos patogénicos, tais como: Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio cholerae e Vibrio vulnificus. Os resultados revelaram que 48,4% (30/62) das amostras foram consideradas insatisfatórias, 35,5% (22/62) foram classificadas como “borderline” e apenas 16,1% (10/62) foram consideradas como satisfatórias. Embora não tenham sido detetados microrganismos potencialmente patogénicos nas amostras de sushi, a presença de B. cereus e estafilococos coagulase positivos foram detetados em níveis insatisfatórios. Além disso, também foram observadas diferenças significativas entre o local de origem (restaurante vs. hipermercado) e tipo de peixe.No geral, o elevado número de amostras classificadas com um nível de qualidade microbiológica insatisfatória e “borderline” evidência a necessidade de revisão das boas práticas de higiene, bem como da qualidade das matérias-primas utilizadas, para obter um produto final com qualidade e segurança satisfatória.

We aimed to evaluate whether the administration of riboflavin to septic animals reduces inflammation, oxidative stress, organ dysfunction, and mortality. C57BL/6 mice, 6-8 weeks old, were allocated to the study group (polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) + antibiotic + iv riboflavin), control (CLP + antibiotic + iv saline), or naïve (non-operated controls). Serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), urea, and creatinine, and markers of inflammation [interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2)], and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured 12 h after the experiment. Animal survival rates were calculated after 7 days. Means between groups were compared using linear regression models adjusted under the Bayesian approach. No significant difference was observed between control and study groups in serum concentrations of IL-6 (95% credible interval) (-0.35 to 0.44), TNF-α (-15.7 to 99.1), KC (-0.13 to 0.05), MIP-2 (-0.84 to 0.06), MDA (-1.25 to 2.53), or ALT (-6.6 to 11.5). Serum concentrations of CK-MB (-145.1 to -30.1), urea (-114.7 to -15.1), and creatinine (-1.14 to -0.01) were higher in the study group. Survival was similar in both groups (P=0.8). Therefore, the use of riboflavin in mice undergoing sepsis induced by CLP did not reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, organ dysfunction, or mortality compared with placebo.

RESUMO: O objetivo do presente estudo foi obter valores ecobiométricos para os tecidos materno-fetais caninos, usando a ultrassonografia de alta definição (HDUS), desenvolvendo fórmulas para prever a idade gestacional das cadelas. Doze cadelas saudáveis de raças braquicefálicas pesando 7-13kg e com idades entre um e quatro anos foram incluídas. Os fetos foram analisados diariamente com ultrassonografia convencional e de alta definição, do oitavo dia após a inseminação artificial até o dia do parto, utilizando o equipamento de ultrassom ACUSON S2000/SIEMENS e software específico. Estruturas embrionárias e fetais; diâmetro da vesícula embrionária; comprimento do embrião; diâmetro biparietal, comprimento abdominal e altura renal; comprimento do fêmur, úmero, escápula, rádio e tíbia; espessamento da parede do estômago; comprimento adrenal; e tamanho cardíaco foram medidos. Essas variáveis foram correlacionadas com o teste gestacional e ajustado de acordo com os modelos de regressão. Os resultados obtidos (P<0,001) para: diâmetro lateral do saco gestacional (R2=81,8%); comprimento do embrião (R2=85,7%); diâmetro biparietal (R2=99,1%) e abdominal (R2=97,2%); espessura da parede gástrica (R2=86,9%); comprimento do fêmur (R2=96,6%), rádio (R2=97,5%), úmero (R2=96,5%), escápula (R2=95,8%) e tíbia (R2=97,3%); comprimento do rim (R2=95,8%) e altura (R2=96,0%); comprimento adrenal (R2=89,6%); o comprimento do coração (R2=93,0%) e a altura (R2=91,5%) dos fetos caninos apresentaram correlação significativa com os dias gestacionais. Isso permitiu monitorar o crescimento fetal e estimar a idade com alta precisão em diferentes períodos gestacionais.

ABSTRACT: The objective of the present study was to obtain echobiometric values for the most important canine maternal-fetal tissues using high-definition ultrasonography (HDUS) trying to update the formulas for predicting gestational age. Twelve healthy bitches of brachycephalic breeds weighing 7-13kg and aged one to four years were included. The fetuses were analyzed every day using conventional and high-definition ultrasonography from the eighth day after artificial insemination until the day of delivery, using the ACUSON S2000/SIEMENS ultrasound equipment and specific software. Embryonic and fetal structures; diameter of the embryonic vesicle; length of the embryo; biparietal diameter, abdominal length and kidney height; length of the femur, humerus, scapula, radius, and tibia; thickening of the stomach wall; adrenal length; and cardiac size were measured. These variables were correlated with gestational and adjusted tested according to regression models. The results obtained (P<0.001) for: lateral diameter of the gestational sac (R2=81.8%); length of the embryo (R2=85.7%); biparietal (R2=99.1%) and abdominal diameter (R2=97.2%); thickness of the gastric wall (R2=86.9%); length of the femur (R2=96.6%), radius (R2=97.5%), humerus (R2=96.5%), scapula (R2=95.8%) and tibia (R2=97.3%); kidney length (R2=95.8%) and height (R2=96.0%); adrenal length (R2=89.6%); heart length (R2=93.0%) and height (R2=91.5%) of the canine fetuses showed significant correlation with gestational days. This allowed monitoring fetal growth and estimation of age with high accuracy in different gestational periods.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da substituição da silagem de milho por cana-de-açúcar na dieta de cabras Saanen em lactação e determinar a ingestão e a digestibilidade de nutrientes, o comportamento ingestivo, a produção e a composição do leite. As dietas experimentais foram compostas de níveis crescentes (0, 33, 66 e 100%) de substituição na matéria seca (MS). Doze cabras Saanen multíparas, com peso corporal médio de 45,2kg, produção média de leite de 3,0kg dia-1, foram distribuídas em delineamento experimental triplo quadrado latino (4 × 4). A ingestão de matéria seca (IMS) e de outros nutrientes foi estimada por meio da diferença entre o total de nutrientes nos alimentos oferecidos e o total nas sobras. A IMS, a proteína bruta, a fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e os nutrientes digestíveis totais não foram influenciados, mas a digestibilidade aparente da MS e da FDN diminuiu. A produção de leite não foi influenciada pelos níveis de substituição, mas a produção de leite corrigida para 3,5% de gordura diminuiu. A cana-de-açúcar representa uma alternativa alimentar para cabras com produção média de leite em períodos críticos de forragem, pois não altera o consumo de MS e a produção de leite, mesmo diminuindo a digestibilidade aparente de alguns nutrientes e influenciando o comportamento ingestivo dos animais.

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of replacing corn silage with sugarcane in the diet of lactating Saanen goats and to determine their intake and digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior, milk yield and composition. The experimental diets were composed of increasing levels (0, 33, 66 and 100%) of substitution in dry matter (DM). Twelve multiparous Saanen goats, with an average body weight of 45.2kg, average milk yield of 3.0kg day-1, distributed in a triple latin square experimental design (4 × 4) were used. The dry matter intake (DMI) and other nutrients were estimated through the difference between the total nutrient in the food offered and its total in the leftovers. The DMI, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and total digestible nutrients were not influenced, but the apparent digestibility of DM and NDF decreased. Feeding time and feeding efficiency were not influenced, the rumination and total chewing times increased, and the leisure time decreased, both linearly. Milk yield was not influenced by substitution levels, but corrected milk yield to 3.5% fat decreased. Sugar cane represents a dietary alternative for goats with medium milk yield in critical periods of forage, since it does not change the consumption of DM and milk yield, even with the apparent declining digestibility of some nutrients, influencing the ingestive behavior of the animals.

RESUMEN La enfermedad de Behcet es una entidad clínica autoinflamatoria, de etiología desconocida, generalmente con compromiso sistémico, con un patrón de exacerbación y remisión frecuente que se asocia a retraso en el diagnóstico. El diagnóstico de esta enfermedad es complejo, por esta razón presentamos 4 casos de pacientes con enfermedad de Behcet, que durante el abordaje clínico fueron consideradas otras enfermedades de naturaleza autoinmune. La revisión integrada de la historia clínica, la aparición de úlceras orales y genitales, así como el estudio de tipificación del complejo mayor de histocompatibilidad (HLA) permitieron diagnosticar la enfermedad de Behcet.

ABSTRACT Behcet disease is a rare autoinflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology and is characterised by systemic manifestations with an exacerbation-remission pattern, often associated with diagnostic delay. The diagnostic approach to this disease is complex. A report is given on four cases of patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for Behcet disease. Other autoimmune rheumatic diseases were considered in the clinical approach. A meticulous clinical evaluation, taking into consideration relapsing aphthous ulcers in oral mucosa and genitalia, and HLA typing allowed a proper diagnosis of Behcet disease to be made.

Abstract This study aimed to describe the occurrence, morphology and prevalence of Spirocamallanus krameri, a parasite of Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus collected in state of Pará, Brazil. The morphological and morphometric characteristics are consistent with the species S. krameri, by having a hexagonal mouth opening, 16 cephalic papillae and two lateral papillae on the amphids. The buccal capsule is internally different in both sexes, with (11–13) spiral ridges in males and (13–17) spiral ridges in females. The basal ring is well developed, and three teeth are present in males and absent in females. Ten sessile caudal papillae and a pair of phasmidial pores occur in males. The spicules are small, subequal, 81–101 µm in length and the tail is tapered. The vulva in females is postequatorial, the tail is conical with lateral phasmidial pores. Among the species of Spirocamallanus that have short spicules, the general morphology of S. krameri most resembles that of S. inopinatus, but differs from that species, which have two cephalic teeth visible (absent in S. krameri) and specimens of S. inopinatus do not have sexual dimorphism in the buccal capsule of present in S. krameri.

RESUMO: Os objetivos deste estudo foram estabelecer o cultivo massal de W. brasiliensis em condição de laboratório, determinar a sensibilidade para as substâncias-referência (dicromato de potássio, cloreto de sódio e cloreto de potássio) e a estimar a toxicidade aguda (CL50;7d) para os herbicidas glyphosate, diquat, paraquat, imazapyr, 2,4-D, saflufenacil, imazamox, penoxsulam, metsulfuron-methyl e atrazine. Para estabelecimento do cultivo, foram testados três meios: Hoagland’s; 5,0 g L-1 de fertilizante NPK (20;5;20) e o da mistura Latossolo Vermelho + substrato orgânico de planta aquática em decomposição (2:1; v v-1). Após o estabelecimento do cultivo, foram realizados os ensaios de sensibilidade com as substâncias-referência e os ensaios de toxicidade aguda para os herbicidas. A W. brasiliensis apresentou excelente resposta de sensibilidade às substâncias-referência com CL50;7d média de 15,61±2,13 g L-1 para o cloreto de sódio, de 17,02±0,50 g L-1 para o cloreto de potássio e de 52,54±4,27 mg L-1 para o dicromato de potássio. A resposta de toxicidade aguda de W. brasiliensis para o diquat (CL50;7d = 0,07 mg L-1) e paraquat (< 0,05 mg L-1) indica que a planta pode ser considerada extremamente sensível; para o imazapyr, sensível (CL50;7d = 21,10 mg L-1), e para os demais herbicidas testados, pouco sensível. A capacidade de resposta relativa a diferentes grupos de herbicidas somada à resposta padronizada às substâncias-referência e facilidade de cultivo em laboratório indicam potencial para o uso desta planta aquática na avaliação de risco de herbicidas em ambientes aquáticos.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to establish the mass cultivation of Wolffia brasiliensis under laboratory conditions, determine the sensitivity of reference substances (potassium dichromate, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride), and estimate the acute toxicity (LC50;7d) for the herbicide glyphosate, diquat, paraquat, imazapyr, 2,4-D, saflufenacil, imazamox, penoxsulam, metsulfuron-methyl, and atrazine. Three media were tested for culture establishment: Hoagland’s medium, 5.0 g L-1 NPK fertilizer (20-5-20), a mixture of Oxisol + organic substrate of decaying aquatic plant (2:1; v v-1). Sensitivity tests with reference substances and acute toxicity for herbicides were carried out after establishing the cultivation. The species W. brasiliensis presented an excellent sensitivity response to reference substances, with means of LC50;7d of 15.61±2.13 g L-1, 17.02±0.50 g L-1, and 52.54±4.27 mg L-1 for sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and potassium dichromate, respectively. The acute toxicity response indicated that W. brasiliensis was extremely sensitive to diquat (LC50;7d = 0.07 mg L-1) and paraquat (LC50;7d < 0.05 mg L-1), sensitive to imazapyr (LC50;7d = 21.10 mg L-1), and little sensitive to the other herbicides. The response capacity for the different groups of herbicides, the standardized response to reference substances, and ease of cultivation in the laboratory indicate the potential for using this aquatic plant in the assessment of herbicide risk in aquatic environments.

The term inflammaging is now widely used to designate the inflammatory process of natural aging. During this process, cytokine balance is altered, presumably due to the loss of homeostasis, thus contributing to a greater predisposition to disease and exacerbation of chronic diseases. The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between pro-inflammatory markers and age in the natural aging process of healthy individuals. One hundred and ten subjects were divided into 5 groups according to age (22 subjects/group). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were quantified using the ELISA method. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was analyzed by turbidimetry according to laboratory procedures. The main findings of this study were: a positive correlation between hsCRP and IL-6 as a function of age (110 subjects); women showed stronger correlations; the 51–60 age group had the highest values for hsCRP and IL-6; women presented higher values for hsCRP in the 51–60 age group and higher values for IL-6 in the 61–70 age group; and men showed higher values in the 51–60 age group for hsCRP and IL-6. In conclusion, the natural aging process increased IL-6 and hsCRP levels, which is consistent with the inflammaging theory; however, women presented stronger correlations compared to men (IL-6 and hsCRP) and the 51–60 age range seems to be a key point for these increases. These findings are important because they indicate that early preventive measures may minimize the increase in these inflammatory markers in natural human aging.

Abstract: Skeletochronology is the most accurate method to estimate a population age structure. The methodology is based on the analysis of secondary bone tissue in order to count growth rings. This study aimed to provide initial data, allowing researchers to further work out in the age of individuals and populations, sampling evidence of the presence of growth rings in 11 native species (representing nine families) of a subtropical region of southern Brazil. Four bone samples of each specimen were used to perform the skeletochronological analysis: the penultimate phalanges of the 3rd and 4th fingers, the humerus, and the femur. The presence of growth rings was confirmed in the periosteal layer of the bones of all analyzed species. In comparison with phalanges, growth rings of humeri and femora are more irregular and less distinguishable. This is the first record of growth rings to the native species herein analised. The skeletochronology was proved to be an effective tool in determining the age of anuran amphibians from a subtropical region, since this environment presents well defined climatic seasonality.

RESUMO: A interferência entre sistemas de raízes ocorre abaixo da superfície do solo muito antes que a competição entre plantas se expresse na parte aérea. Entre os recursos de competição, os nutrientes são destacados pela limitação nos solos, tornando necessária a suplementação, especialmente do fósforo (P). Dessa forma, objetivou-se neste estudo estimar, a partir da semeadura, características visuais nos sistemas de raízes do feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris) de variedade Carioca, em competição com braquiária (Urochloa brizantha), considerando-se ainda a aplicação de fósforo P2O5. Utilizou-se esquema fatorial com seis tratamentos, resultantes da combinação de três esquemas de cultivo (feijoeiro em cultivo isolado ou em competição com uma ou duas plantas de braquiária) e aplicação ou não de adubação fosfatada (90 kg ha-1 de P2O5), conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em casa de vegetação com ambiente controlado, com quatro repetições. Após a semeadura das espécies, os resultados da visualização foram tomados a cada 12 horas, por meio do registro fotográfico do desenvolvimento do sistema radicular em rizotrons. Foi observado maior crescimento e área total do sistema radicular quando em monocultivo e em competição com uma planta de braquiária em presença de adubação fosfatada. Em contrapartida, o feijão em recipiente com duas plantas de braquiária investiu recursos em maior comprimento e área total do sistema radicular em ausência do fertilizante. Pode-se afirmar a existência de indícios da interferência a partir de três dias após a semeadura das espécies.

ABSTRACT: Interference between root systems occurs below the ground surface long before the competition between plants is expressed in the shoot. Nutrients stand out for being limited in the soil, requiring supplementation, especially phosphorus. Thus, this study aimed at estimating, from sowing, visual characteristics in the root systems of bean plants from the Carioca variety (Phaseolus vulgaris) when in competition with brachiaria (Urochloa brizantha), considering also the application of phosphorus P2O5. A factorial design with six treatments was used resulting from the combination of three cultivation schemes (beans in isolated crops or in competition with one or two brachiaria plants), and the application or not of phosphate fertilizer (90 kg ha-1 of P2O5), in a completely randomized design with four replications. After the sowing of the species, the visualization results were taken at every 12 hours, by means of the photographic record of the development of the root system in rhizotrons. Greater growth and greater total area of the root system were observed in bean monocultures and when competing with one brachiaria plant in the presence of phosphate fertilization. In contrast, the bean plant in the container with two brachiaria plants invested its resources in greater length and total area of the root system when in the absence of the fertilizer. It can be stated that there is evidence of interference starting three days after the sowing of the species.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of thromboelastometry for assessing rivaroxaban concentrations. The accuracy of thromboelastometry was compared with the high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method, which is the gold standard for drug plasma monitoring (the reference standard). Forty-six clinically stable patients were treated with 10, 15, or 20 mg of rivaroxaban once daily (OD group) or 15 mg twice a day (BID group) (no particular indication for treatment). Patient samples were collected 2 h after the use of the medication (peak) and 2 h before the next dose (trough). The rivaroxaban plasma concentrations were determined via HPLC-MS/MS, and thromboelastometry was performed using a ROTEM® delta analyzer. There were significant prolongations in clotting time (CT) for the 10, 15, and 20 mg of rivaroxaban treatments in the OD groups. In the 15 mg BID group, the responses at the peak and trough times were similar. At the peak times, there was a positive correlation between the plasma concentration of rivaroxaban and CT (Spearman correlation rho=0.788, P<0.001) and clot formation time (rho=0.784, P<0.001), and a negative correlation for alpha angle (rho=−0.771, P<0.001), amplitude after 5 min (rho=−0.763, P<0.001), and amplitude after 10 min (rho=−0.680, P<0.001). The CT presented higher specificity and sensitivity using the cut-off determined by the receiver characteristics curve. ROTEM has potential as screening tool to measure possible bleeding risk associated with rivaroxaban plasma levels.

ABSTRACT Background. Health professionals show a high prevalence of burnout syndrome. This syndrome could be involved in the alteration of higher cognitive functions in the clinical setting. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether burnout is related to the executive functions of inhibition, working memory, decision-making, and cognitive flexibility in palliative care health professionals. Method. Degree of burnout was evaluated in seventy-seven health professionals from palliative care units by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS), while executive functions were evaluated by Stroop test (inhibition), Letter-Number Sequencing (working memory), Iowa Gambling Task (decision-making) and Trail Making Test (cognitive flexibility). The total sample was classified in relation to both degree of burnout (low, medium, high) in each subscale of MBI-HSS (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment), and the number of dimensions altered (high levels in none, one or more than one). Results. Burnout syndrome was present in 54.5% of palliative care health professionals, 15.6% of them with more than one dimension altered; these professionals showed significantly lower scores than professionals without burnout in the Stroop test, the Letter-Number Sequencing and the Iowa Gambling Task. Higher levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were associated with significantly lower scores in the Iowa Gambling Task for assessing decision-making. Conclusions. The results showed that palliative care health professionals with a higher level of burnout have an alteration of inhibition, working memory and decision-making. These executive functions can be relevant in the clinical setting since they could be related to the cognitive thinking required for correct clinical reasoning by health professionals.

RESUMEN Fundamento. Los profesionales sanitarios presentan una alta prevalencia del síndrome de burnout. Este síndrome podría implicar la afectación de funciones cognitivas superiores en el ámbito clínico. El objetivo ha sido evaluar si el burnout está relacionado con las funciones ejecutivas de inhibición, memoria de trabajo, toma de decisiones y flexibilidad cognitiva en el personal sanitario de Cuidados Paliativos. Material y métodos. Se ha evaluado el burnout en setenta y siete profesionales sanitarios de Cuidados Paliativos mediante el Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS) y las funciones ejecutivas mediante el test Stroop (inhibición), test de letras y números (memoria de trabajo), Iowa Gambling Task (toma de decisiones) y Trail Making Test (flexibilidad). Los profesionales fueron clasificados en función tanto de su nivel de burnout (bajo, medio, alto) para cada dimensión del MBI-HSS (cansancio emocional, despersonalización y baja realización personal), como del número de dimensiones de burnout alteradas (con niveles altos en ninguna, una o más de una). Resultados. El 54,5% del personal sanitario presentó burnout, un 15,6% con más de una dimensión alterada; estos profesionales obtuvieron puntuaciones significativamente más bajas que los sanitarios sin burnout en los test Stroop, letras y números e Iowa Gambling Task. Niveles más altos de cansancio emocional y despersonalización se relacionaron con puntuaciones significativamente más bajas en el Iowa Gambling Task (toma de decisiones). Conclusiones. Los resultados mostraron que el personal sanitario de Cuidados Paliativos con alto burnout tiene un peor funcionamiento en inhibición, memoria de trabajo y toma de decisiones. Estas funciones ejecutivas pueden ser relevantes en el ámbito clínico, ya que están relacionadas con el procesamiento cognitivo necesario para un adecuado razonamiento clínico del profesional sanitario.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar morfometricamente diásporos de três espécies de ervas-de-passarinho (Passovia pyrifolia, Struthanthus marginatus e Phoradendron mucronatum), bem como estudar o seu comportamento germinativo em função de temperatura e luminosidade. Nos ensaios de germinação utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4 x 2, com 4 repetições de 15 diásporos. Os fatores para o primeiro ensaio foram diferentes temperaturas e duas condições do diásporo (intacto e sem epicarpo). No segundo ensaio, os fatores foram diferentes qualidades de luz e duas condições do diásporo. As variáveis analisadas foram: porcentagem de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG) e tempo médio de germinação (TMG). Os diásporos de ervas-de-passarinho apresentam formato elíptico com camada de viscina, característica essencial na dispersão das espécies. Além disso, apresentam distinção quanto ao grau de umidade quando se comparam as famílias Loranthaceae e Viscaceae, sendo esta última a que apresenta o maior teor. A germinação é maior à temperatura alternada de 20-30 ºC para diásporos de P. pyrifolia e P. mucronatum e 20 ºC para S. marginatus. A luminosidade interferiu na germinação de P. mucronatum e S. marginatus e não influenciou na de P. pyrifolia. A condição do diásporo influenciou a germinação das três espécies em estudo, observando-se incremento significativo na sua germinação quando houve a remoção do epicarpo. Temperatura e luminosidade interferem diretamente no IVG e no TMG das três espécies de ervas-de-passarinho.

ABSTRACT: The goal of this work was to characterize morphometrically diaspores from three species of mistletoes (Passovia pyrifolia, Struthanthus marginatus e Phoradendron mucronatum), as well as to study its germination behavior according to temperature and luminosity. In germination tests, the completely randomized design was used, in factor scheme 4 x 2, with 4 replications of 15 diaspores. The factors for the first test were different temperatures and two diaspore conditions (intact and without epicarp). In the second test, factors were different light qualities and two diaspore conditions. The analyzed variables were: germination percentage, germination rate index (GRI) and mean germination time (MGT). Mistletoe’s diaspores present an elliptic shape with viscin layer, an essential characteristic for the dispersion of the species. In addition to this, they present a distinction as for the moisture content when compared to the Loranthaceae and Viscaceae, where the latter presents the highest content. Germination is greater at the alternated temperature of 20-30 oC for P. pyrifolia and P. mucronatum diaspores and 20 oC for S. marginatus. Luminosity interfered in the germination of P. mucronatum and S. marginatus but did not influence P. pyrifolia. The diaspore condition influenced the germination of the three studied species, observing a significant increase in their germination when the epicarp was removed. Temperature and luminosity interfere directly in the GRI and MGT of the three mistletoes species.