Resumo As restingas são ambientes com características extremas, que fazem parte do bioma da Mata Atlântica. Estes ambientes apresentam características peculiares, como solo arenoso e altas salinidade e exposição solar, o que torna as espécies presentes interessantes para a ciência. A espécie Stachytarpheta schottiana é endêmica do Brasil, presente em restingas e, assim como outras espécies do gênero, apresenta uso na medicina popular. Neste trabalho são descritos pela primeira vez 28 metabólitos secundários da espécie S. schottiana, como iridoides, lignanas, flavonoides e feniletanoides, através do uso de metodologias de desreplicação e molecular networking por LC-HRMS/MS. Destas substâncias, muitas sequer foram descritas para o gênero, como astragalina, taxifolina, lamiídeo e toda a classe de lignanas. Ainda neste trabalho, a Cromatografia Contracorrente de Alta Velocidade (High Speed Countercurrent Chromatography - HSCCC) e a Ressonância Magnética Nuclear (RMN) foram utilizadas para corrigir a identificação equivocada de duas substâncias, bem como para a criação de seeds que seriam posteriormente utilizadas nos molecular networkings. Algumas das substâncias conhecidas sugeridas neste trabalho apresentam atividades biológicas já descritas na literatura que coincidem com o uso popular descrito para a espécie e também para o gênero, como o efeito hepatoprotetor do verbascosídeo.

Abstract Restingas are extreme environments present in the Atlantic Rainforest biome. These ecosystems show peculiar characteristics, like sandy soil, high salinity, and high solar exposure, which brings scientific interest to their native species. Stachytarpheta schottiana is an endemic Brazilian species found in Jurubatiba Restinga, and just like other species of the genus Stachytarpheta, is used in folk medicine. In this paper, we describe, for the first time, 28 secondary metabolites from S. schottiana polar extract, among them iridoids, flavonoids, lignans and phenylethanoids, with the use of LC-HRMS/MS dereplication and molecular networking methodologies. Many of these compounds have not been described yet for the genus Stachytarpheta, like astragalin, taxifolin, lamiide and the lignans secondary metabolites class. Also, in this paper, High Speed Counter-Current Chromatography (HSCCC) isolation and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) of two compounds were used to correct a misidentification in the dereplication procedure and to create seeds for molecular networking. Some of the suggested known compounds found in this work have had their biological activities described in the literature, such as the hepatoprotective activity of verbascoside, that matches those already related for the genus Stachytarpheta and for the folk use of Stachytarpheta schottiana itself.

Surgical neuromodulation therapies are still considered a last resort when standard therapies have failed for patients with progressive heart failure (HF). Although a number of experimental studies have provided robust evidence of its effectiveness, the lack of strong clinical evidence discourages practitioners. Thoracic unilateral sympathectomy has been extensively studied and has failed to show significant clinical improvement in HF patients. Most recently, bilateral sympathectomy effect was associated with a high degree of success in HF models, opening the perspective to be investigated in randomized controlled clinical trials. In addition, a series of clinical trials showed that bilateral sympathectomy was associated with a decreased risk of sudden death, which is an important outcome in patients with HF. These aspects indicates that bilateral sympathectomy could be an important alternative in the treatment of HF wherein pharmacological treatment barely reaches the target dose.

RESUMO A maior probabilidade de ocorrências de eventos de baixa altura pluviométrica e o pouco conhecimento desses no entendimento dos processos hidrológicos em regiões semiáridas, nos conduziu a investigar a geração de escoamento superficial oriundo desses eventos em duas microbacias adjacentes no semiárido brasileiro. As coberturas vegetais investigadas foram: Domínio Fitogeográfico da Caatinga em Regeneração a 35 anos (CPD Regeneração) e CPD-Raleada, que consistiu na eliminação de árvores com diâmetro < 10 cm. Considerou-se duas séries históricas, uma de 40 anos (1974-2013) com 2259 eventos e outra composta por 247 eventos pluviométricos < 30 mm no período de 2009 a 2013. A distribuição de frequência acumulada mostrou que uma série de 247 eventos de 24-horas mostrou-se estatisticamente representativa em investigação de processos hidrológicos no semiárido brasileiro, quando comparado com uma série longa de 2259 eventos. Independente do padrão, chuvas com intensidades inferiores a 17 mm h-1 geraram precipitações efetivas com baixas lâminas (< 2 mm). As menores precipitações efetivas foram registradas na cobertura vegetal CPD Raleada, independentemente do padrão da chuva, tanto na escala anual como por evento. A ocorrência de 3 ou 4 dias secos consecutivos são suficientes para que eventos < 30 mm não gerem escoamento devido ao surgimento das microfendas formadas no processo de secamento dos vertissolos. Portanto, acreditamos que a expansão e contração dos solos vérticos seja o principal fator determinante do início da Pe em áreas de nascentes (microbacias < 2 ha) em CPD-Caatinga.

ABSTRACT The greater probability of small rainfall events occurring in semi-arid regions, and the little understanding of their role in hydrological processes, has led to this investigation of surface runoff generated during these events in two adjacent micro basins in the Brazilian semi-arid region. The types of plant cover to be investigated were the Phytogeographical Caatinga Domain under regeneration for 35 years (CPDReg) and thinned CPD (CPDThin), which consisted of the elimination of trees with a diameter of <10 cm. Two historical series were considered, one of 40 years (1974-2013) with 2,259 events and the other consisting of 247 rainfall events of <30 mm from 2009 to 2013. The cumulative frequency distribution showed that the series of 247 24-hour events proved to be statistically representative in investigating hydrological processes in the Brazilian semi-arid region, compared to the long series of 2,259 events. Irrespective of the pattern, rainfall with an intensity of less than 17 mm h-1 generated effective precipitation with small depths (<2 mm). Regardless of the rainfall pattern, the lowest effective precipitation was registered for the plant cover of thinned CPD, both on an annual scale and per event. The occurrence of 3 or 4 consecutive dry days is enough for events of <30 mm to generate no runoff, due to the appearance of micro-cracks formed in vertisols during the drying process. It is believed, therefore, that the expansion and contraction of vertic soils is the main determinant for the start of Pe in areas with a water source (micro basins of <2 ha) in the CPD.

RESUMO Objetivo A morte cerebral (MC) desencadeia alterações hemodinâmicas e inflamatórias importantes, comprometendo a viabilidade dos órgãos empregados em transplantes. Para compreender melhor as alterações microcirculatórias nos pulmões de doadores com MC, o presente estudo investigou a microcirculação pulmonar em um modelo de roedor com MC via microscopia intravital. Métodos Ratos Wistar machos foram anestesiados e ventilados mecanicamente. Eles foram submetidos a trepanação e a MC induzida por meio do aumento da pressão intracraniana. Os ratos do grupo Sham (SH), utilizado como controle, foram submetidos apenas à trepanação. Em ambos os grupos, foram monitorados o O2 expiratório e o CO2, e, após 3 horas, foi realizada a toracotomia e criada uma janela para observar a superfície pulmonar usando o sistema de microscopia intravital. As expressões pulmonares das moléculas de adesão intercelular (ICAM)-1 e da óxido nítrico-sintase endotelial (eNOS) foram avaliadas por imuno-histoquímica, e as citocinas foram medidas em amostras pulmonares. Resultados Três horas após os procedimentos cirúrgicos, a perfusão pulmonar foi de 73% no grupo SH. Por outro lado, os animais com MC apresentaram uma importante diminuição na perfusão do órgão para 28% (p = 0,036). O comprometimento microcirculatório pulmonar após a indução de MC foi associado a um aumento do número de leucócitos recrutados para o tecido pulmonar, além de uma redução na expressão de eNOS e um aumento na expressão de ICAM-1 nas células endoteliais do pulmão. Os ratos com MC apresentaram valores mais elevados de O2 expiratório e valores mais baixos de CO2 em comparação com os animais SH após 3 horas de monitorização. Conclusões Os dados apresentados demonstraram que a MC desencadeia uma importante hipoperfusão e inflamação nos pulmões, comprometendo a microcirculação pulmonar do doador.

ABSTRACT Objective Brain death (BD) triggers important hemodynamic and inflammatory alterations, compromising the viability of organs suitable for transplantation. To better understand the microcirculatory alterations in donor lungs caused by BD. The present study investigated the pulmonary microcirculation in a rodent model of BD via intravital microscopy. Methods Male Wistar rats were anaesthetized and mechanically ventilated. They were trepanned and BD was induced through the increase in intracranial pressure. As control group, sham-operated (SH) rats were trepanned only. In both groups, expiratory O2 and CO2 were monitored and after three hours, a thoracotomy was performed, and a window was created to observe the lung surface using an epi-fluorescence intravital microscopy. Lung expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and cytokines were measured in lung samples. Results Three hours after the surgical procedures, pulmonary perfusion was 73% in the SH group. On the other hand, BD animals showed an important decrease in organ perfusion to 28% (p = 0.036). Lung microcirculatory compromise after BD induction was associated with an augmentation of the number of leukocytes recruited to lung tissue, and with a reduction in eNOS expression and an increase in ICAM-1 expression on lung endothelial cells. BD rats showed higher values of expiratory O2 and lower values of CO2 in comparison with SH animals after three hours of monitoring. Conclusion Data presented showed that BD triggers an important hypoperfusion and inflammation in the lungs, compromising the donor pulmonary microcirculation.

The use of nerve agents, organophosphorus compounds which irreversibly inhibit acetylcholinesterase, in conflicts and terrorism has gained renewed geopolitical status in recent years. As no “universal antidote” has ever been produced, the development of antidotes to reactivate enzyme is clearly warranted. Given the fact that nerve agents are restricted substances, the use of surrogates allows non-qualified laboratories to develop research on novel antidotes. We herein present an alternative and efficient synthesis of NEMP, O-(4-nitrophenyl) O-ethyl methylphosphonate, a venomous agent X (VX) surrogate, and Ellman’s test procedures for inhibition and reactivation of Electrophorus eel acetylcholinesterase involving the NEMP-generated adduct.

Straightforward, microscale, Ellman's cholinesterase test procedures are presented, useful for screening of novel compounds aiming at neurodegenerative diseases and antidotes towards nerve agents and pesticides. Herein, we detail the different procedure features and set forth guidelines on experimental choices researchers may make. The detailed procedure lowers the costs for Ellman´s test, what is highly desirable for low-budget groups in science-lagging and developing countries.

OBJECTIVES: Brain death is typically followed by autonomic changes that lead to hemodynamic instability, which is likely associated with microcirculatory dysfunction and inflammation. We evaluated the role of the microcirculation in the hemodynamic and inflammatory events that occur after brain death and the effects of autonomic storm inhibition via thoracic epidural blockade on mesenteric microcirculatory changes and inflammatory responses. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated. Brain death was induced via intracranial balloon inflation. Bupivacaine (brain death-thoracic epidural blockade group) or saline (brain death group) infusion via an epidural catheter was initiated immediately before brain death induction. Sham-operated animals were used as controls (SH group). The mesenteric microcirculation was analyzed via intravital microscopy, and the expression of adhesion molecules was evaluated via immunohistochemistry 180 min after brain death induction. RESULTS: A significant difference in mean arterial pressure behavior was observed between the brain death-thoracic epidural blockade group and the other groups, indicating that the former group experienced autonomic storm inhibition. However, the proportion of perfused small vessels in the brain death-thoracic epidural blockade group was similar to or lower than that in the brain death and SH groups, respectively. The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 was similar between the brain death-thoracic epidural blockade and brain death groups but was significantly lower in the SH group than in the other two groups. The number of migrating leukocytes in the perivascular tissue followed the same trend for all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although thoracic epidural blockade effectively inhibited the autonomic storm, it did not affect mesenteric hypoperfusion or inflammation induced by brain death.

OBJETIVO: avaliar in vitro a degradação iônica e corrosão do fundo do slot de braquetes metálicos submetidos à escovação com dentifrícios, realizando análises da composição química por Espectroscopia de Energia Dispersiva (EDS) e qualitativa por Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV). MÉTODOS: foram selecionados 38 braquetes divididos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos experimentais (n = 7). Dois grupos (n = 5) funcionaram como controles positivo e negativo. Aparelhos ortodônticos simulados foram confeccionados com fios de aço inoxidável 0,019" x 0,025" e anéis elastoméricos. Os grupos foram divididos de acordo com o tratamento de superfície: G1 (Máxima Proteção Anticáries®); G2 (Total 12®); G3 (Sensitive®); G4 (Branqueador®); Controle Positivo (saliva artificial) e Controle Negativo (sem tratamento). Foram realizados 28 ciclos de escovação e avaliações antes (T0) e após (T1) o experimento. RESULTADOS: o teste de Wilcoxon indicou não existir diferença nas concentrações iônicas de titânio (Ti), cromo (Cr), ferro (Fe) e níquel (Ni) entre os grupos. O grupo G2 apresentou redução significativa (p < 0,05) na concentração do íon alumínio (Al) e os grupos G3 e G4 apresentaram aumento significativo (p < 0,05) nas concentrações do íon alumínio. A análise em MEV mostrou aumento nas características indicativas de corrosão dos grupos G2, G3 e G4. CONCLUSÃO: a análise por EDS revelou que os grupos controle e G1 não sofreram alterações na composição química. O grupo G2 apresentou degradação na quantidade de íons Al, e G3 e G4 sofreram aumento na concentração de Al. A imersão em saliva artificial e o dentifrício Máxima Proteção Anticáries® não alteraram o polimento de superfície. Os dentifrícios Total 12®, Sensitive® e Branqueador® alteraram o polimento de superfície.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in vitro ionic degradation and slot base corrosion of metallic brackets subjected to brushing with dentifrices, through analysis of chemical composition by Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and qualitative analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). METHODS: Thirty eight brackets were selected and randomly divided into four experimental groups (n = 7). Two groups (n = 5) worked as positive and negative controls. Simulated orthodontic braces were assembled using 0.019 x 0.025-in stainless steel wires and elastomeric rings. The groups were divided according to surface treatment: G1 (Máxima Proteção Anticáries®); G2 (Total 12®); G3 (Sensitive®); G4 (Branqueador®); Positive control (artificial saliva) and Negative control (no treatment). Twenty eight brushing cycles were performed and evaluations were made before (T0) and after (T1) experiment. RESULTS: The Wilcoxon test showed no difference in ionic concentrations of titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni) between groups. G2 presented significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the concentration of aluminium ion (Al). Groups G3 and G4 presented significant increase (p < 0.05) in the concentration of aluminium ion. The SEM analysis showed increased characteristics indicative of corrosion on groups G2, G3 and G4. CONCLUSION: The EDS analysis revealed that control groups and G1 did not suffer alterations on the chemical composition. G2 presented degradation in the amount of Al ion. G3 and G4 suffered increase in the concentration of Al. The immersion in artificial saliva and the dentifrice Máxima Proteção Anticáries® did not alter the surface polishing. The dentifrices Total 12®, Sensitive® and Branqueador® altered the surface polishing.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as alterações histopatológicas desencadeadas pela morte encefálica e pelo trauma associado em diferentes órgãos sólidos em ratos. MÉTODOS: Ratos Wistar machos (n=37) foram anestesiados com isoflurano, entubados e mecanicamente ventilados. Foi realizada trepanação e um cateter foi inserido na cavidade intracraniana e insuflado rapidamente para induzir morte encefálica. Após a indução, os ratos foram monitorados por 30, 180 e 360 min para parâmetros hemodinâmicos e exsanguinados pela aorta abdominal. Coração, pulmão, fígado e rim foram removidos e fixados em parafina para avaliação de alterações histológicas (H&E). Ratos falso-operados foram apenas trepanados e usados como grupo controle. RESULTADOS: Ratos com morte encefálica apresentaram instabilidade hemodinâmica com episódio hipertensivo no primeiro minuto após a indução seguido de hipotensão por aproximadamente 1 hora. Análises histológicas demonstraram que a morte encefálica induz congestão vascular no coração (p<0,05) e pulmão (p<0,05); edema alveolar (p=0,001); edema tubular (p<0,05); e infiltrado leucocitário no fígado (p<0,05). CONCLUSÕES: A morte encefálica induz instabilidade hemodinâmica associada com mudanças vasculares em órgãos sólidos e compromete mais severamente os pulmões. Contudo, o trauma associado à morte encefálica desencadeia importantes alterações fisiopatológicas naqueles órgãos.

PURPOSE: To evaluate histopathological alterations triggered by brain death and associated trauma on different solid organs in rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (n=37) were anesthetized with isoflurane, intubated and mechanically ventilated. A trepanation was performed and a balloon catheter inserted into intracraninal cavity and rapidly inflated with saline to induce brain death. After induction, rats were monitored for 30, 180, and 360 min for hemodynamic parameters and exsanguinated from abdominal aorta. Heart, lung, liver, and kidney were removed and fixed in paraffin to evaluation of histological alterations (H&E). Sham-operated rats were trepanned only and used as control group. RESULTS: Brain dead rats showed a hemodynamic instability with hypertensive episode in the first minute after the induction followed by hypotension for approximately 1 h. Histological analyses showed that brain death induces vascular congestion in heart (p<0.05), and lung (p<0.05); lung alveolar edema (p=0.001), kidney tubular edema (p<0.05); and leukocyte infiltration in liver (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Brain death induces hemodynamic instability associated with vascular changes in solid organs and compromises most severely the lungs. However, brain death associated trauma triggers important pathophysiological alterations in these organs.

OBJECTIVE: Experimental findings support clinical evidence that brain death impairs the viability of organs for transplantation, triggering hemodynamic, hormonal, and inflammatory responses. However, several of these events could be consequences of brain death-associated trauma. This study investigated microcirculatory alterations and systemic inflammatory markers in brain-dead rats and the influence of the associated trauma. METHOD: Brain death was induced using intracranial balloon inflation; sham-operated rats were trepanned only. After 30 or 180 min, the mesenteric microcirculation was observed using intravital microscopy. The expression of Pselectin and ICAM-1 on the endothelium was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. The serum cytokine, chemokine, and corticosterone levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. White blood cell counts were also determined. RESULTS: Brain death resulted in a decrease in the mesenteric perfusion to 30%, a 2.6-fold increase in the expression of ICAM-1 and leukocyte migration at the mesentery, a 70% reduction in the serum corticosterone level and pronounced leukopenia. Similar increases in the cytokine and chemokine levels were seen in the both the experimental and control animals. CONCLUSION: The data presented in this study suggest that brain death itself induces hypoperfusion in the mesenteric microcirculation that is associated with a pronounced reduction in the endogenous corticosterone level, thereby leading to increased local inflammation and organ dysfunction. These events are paradoxically associated with induced leukopenia after brain damage

The Multiple-Faces Configuration Illusion is observed by staring at a black dot while paying attention to a face in the peripheral visual field (Simas, 2000). Changes of facial expressions, movements, depth (EMF) or different face identities (MF) are observed in this illusion. Forty participants took part in the study: 20 outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia, and 20 people helping friends or relatives in a hospital clinic. The face-stimulus was placed in a partition stand and participants instructed to describe any visual event occurring during 90 s, one eye at a time. Results showed that 100% of women in the experimental group (EG) reported perceiving events related to MF with the left eye. Significantly fewer women saw these events with the right eye. Also, fewer men in the experimental group and men and women in the control group saw these events with either eye.