In this work, iron nanoparticles were synthesized by a green and bio-inspired process, using Eucalyptus grandis extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The functional groups from the extract were incorporated into the structure of the nanoparticles, as confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. Characteristic peaks of zero-valence iron were observed by X-ray diffraction analysis, besides hematite and goethite. The nanoparticles showed spherical morphology and an average size of 96.4 nm. The zeta potential (|35| mV) indicated good stability. The nanoparticles were used as catalysts for o-phenylenediamine oxidation by H2O2, exhibiting optimal catalytic activity. The kinetic assays were performed, and the Michaelis-Menten model was adjusted to the data (maximum rate reached (Vmax) = 2.0 μmol L-1 s-1 and Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) = 307 µmol L-1). A spectrophotometric method was developed for H2O2 quantification. The analytical curve (18.3 112.6 µmol L-1) showed a good linear fit and limits of detection and quantification of 5.48 and 18.3 µmol L-1, respectively. Thus, the method is very promising, adhering to the principles of green chemistry. work bioinspired bio inspired process agent spectroscopy zerovalence zero valence Xray X ray analysis goethite 964 96 4 96. nm |35| 35 (|35 mV stability ophenylenediamine o phenylenediamine HO H O activity performed MichaelisMenten Michaelis Menten maximum Vmax (Vmax 20 2 0 2. L1 L 1 L- s1 s s- Km (Km 30 L1. . H2O 183 18 3 (18. 1126 112 6 112. 548 5 48 5.4 18. L1, 1, respectively Thus promising chemistry 9 |35 (|3 (18 11 54 5. |3 (| (1 | (

ABSTRACT The economic exploration of pear in the subtropical areas is possible when using hybrid cultivars obtained by crossing European (Pyrus communis) and Asian cultivars (Pyrus pyrifolia). Genetic improvement programs in Brazil have launched some cultivars in recent decades. Pear requires cross-pollination to improve fruit set in commercial plantations. In the case of these hybrid pear trees, the combinations of pollen receptor and donor cultivars that are best for cultivation in subtropical regions are not known. The objective of this study was to select cultivars with the potential to be pollinators of pear trees in subtropical regions. Four cultivars that received pollen grains (mother plants) (‘Packham’s Triumph’, ‘Tenra’, ‘Triunfo’, and ‘Seleta’) and three donors (‘Cascatense’, ‘Primorosa’, and ‘Shinseiki’) were used. Stigmatic receptivity was observed in all cultivars during all stages of reproductive development. All cultivars had highly viable pollen grains. The cultivar ‘Seleta’ was the best recipient cultivar. The ‘Seleta’ × ‘Shinseiki’ cross showed the highest percentages of fruiting. The highest percentages of pistils with pollen tubes reaching the ovary were observed in the crosses ‘Triunfo’ × ‘Shinseiki’ and ‘Seleta’ × ‘Shinseiki’. The ‘Shinseiki’ pear is an option as a pollinator of crops in subtropical regions. Pyrus communis pyrifolia. pyrifolia . pyrifolia) decades crosspollination pollination plantations known mother plants ‘Packhams Packhams ‘Packham s Packham Triumph, Triumph , Triumph’ ‘Tenra, Tenra ‘Tenra ‘Tenra’ ‘Triunfo, Triunfo ‘Triunfo ‘Seleta Seleta ‘Cascatense, Cascatense ‘Cascatense (‘Cascatense’ ‘Primorosa, Primorosa ‘Primorosa ‘Primorosa’ ‘Shinseiki Shinseiki used development fruiting ‘Shinseiki. (‘Cascatense

This work describes a green synthesis, the characterization, and biological evaluation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The AgNPs suspension was synthesized using aqueous leaf extract of Eucalyptus grandis, which presented a characteristic band at 407 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum. The AgNPs presented a spherical shape and size of 9.7 ± 0.3 nm. The nanoparticles were stable over a month, indicating that E. grandis’ extract is suitable for their preparation and stabilization. The X-ray analysis showed that the crystallinity of AgNPs corresponded to the centered face phase of silver. The antibacterial and leishmanicidal activities of AgNPs were evaluated. The AgNPs presented antibacterial activity on the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli at 53.9 µg mL-1. The leishmanicidal activity evaluation against promastigote forms of Leishmania infantum, Leishmania amazonensis, and Leishmania braziliensis showed that the biological response is dependent on the volume of AgNP suspension. It was demonstrated that L. infantum was more sensitive to the nanoparticle’s treatment than L. amazonensis and L. braziliensis. The treatment of L infantum promastigotes with 150 µL of AgNP suspension reduced parasite growth by 67.9%, a result which was similar to the treatment with 1 (66.7%) or 2 µL (70.6%) of amphotericin B used as a positive control. synthesis characterization AgNPs. . (AgNPs) grandis 40 UVVis UV Vis spectrum 97 9 7 9. 03 0 3 0. month E stabilization Xray X ray evaluated Gramnegative Gram negative 539 53 53. mL1. mL1 mL 1. mL-1 nanoparticle s 15 679 67 67.9% 66.7% 667 66 (66.7% 70.6% 706 70 6 (70.6% control (AgNPs 4 5 mL- 67.9 66.7 (66.7 70.6 (70.6 67. 66. (66. 70. (70. (66 (70 (6 (7 (

Cariniana estrellensis (Raddi) Kuntze seedlings have been used in forest restoration programs in the Atlantic Forest biome. However, despite the economic and ecological relevance of this species, to date no general method for rapid identification of primary and secondary metabolites of C. estrellensis leaves has been reported. In this work, we explore the feasibility of using rapid analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance techniques and liquid chromatography coupled to diode array, charged aerosol, and mass detection. The main secondary metabolites identified were hydrolysable tannins, quinic acid, hydroxycinnamic acids (trans-p-coumaric acid, cis p coumaric acid, and trans-ferulic acid), and flavonoids (kaempferol and quercetin derivatives). These compounds are particularly useful as chemotaxonomic markers for the genus Cariniana and for the family Lecythidaceae, and may also be important for pharmacological uses and for the survival of the seedlings in reforestation programs. Raddi (Raddi biome However species C reported work array aerosol detection tannins acid transpcoumaric trans transferulic ferulic , acid) kaempferol derivatives. derivatives . derivatives) Lecythidaceae

Abstract Hemoplasmas are non-cultivable bacterial parasites of erythrocytes that infect domestic and wild animals, as well as humans. Their means of transmission and pathogenesis remain contentious issues and difficult to evaluate in wild animals. Procyon cancrivorus is a South American carnivore and occurs in all Brazilian biomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate occurrences of hemoplasmas infecting P. cancrivorus and to identify their 16S rRNA gene, in southern Brazil. DNA was extracted from spleen and blood samples of P. cancrivorus (n = 9) from different locations. Hemoplasma DNA was detected in six samples, based on 16S rRNA gene amplification and phylogenetic analysis. Four of the six sequences belonged to the “Mycoplasma haemofelis group”, which is closely related to genotypes detected in Procyon lotor from the USA; one was within the “Mycoplasma suis group", closely related to “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum”; and one was within the intermediate group between these clusters. Thus, these sequences showed that the molecular identity of hemoplasmas in the population studied was very variable. In five positive animals, Amblyomma aureolatum ticks and a flea (Ctenocephalides felis felis) were collected. The present study describes the first molecular detection of mycoplasmas in P. cancrivorus. noncultivable non cultivable animals humans biomes P S Brazil n 9 locations analysis group, , group” USA group" Candidatus haemominutum haemominutum” clusters Thus variable Ctenocephalides collected

Resumo Os micoplasmas hemotrópicos (hemoplasmas) são parasitas bacterianos não-cultiváveis de eritrócitos que infectam tanto animais domésticos e selvagens, como seres humanos. A transmissão e a patogênese são discutíveis e difíceis de avaliar em animais selvagens. O mão pelada (Procyon cancrivorus) é um carnívoro Sul-americano, que ocorre em todos os biomas brasileiros. O objetivo do presente estudo é o de investigar a ocorrência de hemoplasmas infectando P. cancrivorus e identificar seu gene 16S rRNA no Sul do Brasil. O DNA foi extraído do baço e amostras de sangue de P. cancrivorus (n= 9). O DNA de hemoplasma foi detectado em seis amostras, com base na amplificação do gene 16S rRNA e na análise filogenética. Quatro das seis sequências pertencem ao “Grupo Mycoplasma haemofelis”, que estão intimamente relacionadas aos genótipos detectados no Procyon lotor dos EUA; uma dentro do “Grupo Mycoplasma suis”, que está intimamente relacionado ao “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum”, e uma dentro do grupo intermediário entre esses clusters, mostrando assim que há uma diversidade genética de hemoplasmas na população estudada. Em cinco animais positivos, foram coletados carrapatos Amblyomma aureolatum e uma pulga Ctenocephalides felis. O presente estudo traz a primeira detecção molecular de micoplasmas em P. cancrivorus. (hemoplasmas nãocultiváveis não cultiváveis selvagens humanos Sulamericano, Sulamericano americano, americano Sul-americano brasileiros P S Brasil n= n (n 9. 9 . 9) filogenética Grupo haemofelis, haemofelis , haemofelis” EUA suis, suis suis” Candidatus haemominutum, haemominutum haemominutum” clusters estudada positivos felis

ABSTRACT Objective To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Noise Exposure Questionnaire (NEQ) and 1-Minute Noise Screen (NEQ-S) instruments to Brazilian Portuguese. Methods Procedures widely known in health research were used in the translation and cross-cultural adaptation process, comprising the following steps: initial translation, synthesis of translations, back-translation, expert committee, pretest, and content and layout validation. Altogether, 60 workers participated in the pretest by answering the questionnaires and then evaluating them in terms of understandability, layout, clarity, and writing. Reliability was verified with Cohen's kappa test, and the internal consistency was analyzed with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Results The translated and adapted versions of NEQ and NEQ-S were similar in terms of general and referential meanings. However, some modifications and adaptations were made to adapt them to the Brazilian reality. The kappa test indicated moderate agreement and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, substantial internal consistency. Conclusion The translation and cross-cultural adaptation were carried out according to the methodology recommended in the national and international literature, performing the necessary equivalences to maintain the face and content validity with the original instrument. The availability of NEQ and NEQ-S in Brazilian Portuguese opens new fields of research to quantify yearly noise exposure more in-depth. crossculturally cross culturally (NEQ 1Minute Minute 1 NEQS S (NEQ-S crosscultural cultural process steps translations backtranslation, backtranslation back back-translation committee validation Altogether 6 understandability clarity writing Cohens Cohen s Cronbachs Cronbach coefficient meanings However reality literature instrument indepth. indepth depth. depth in-depth

RESUMO Objetivo Traduzir e realizar a adaptação transcultural dos instrumentos Noise Exposure Questionnaire (NEQ) e 1-Minute Noise Screen (NEQ-S) para a versão em português brasileiro. Método O processo de tradução e adaptação transcultural seguiu procedimentos amplamente utilizados em pesquisas da área da saúde, compostos pelas seguintes etapas: tradução inicial, síntese das traduções, retrotradução, comitê de especialistas, pré-teste, e validação do conteúdo e aparência. Na etapa de pré-teste, participaram 60 trabalhadores, que responderam aos questionários e, posteriormente, os avaliaram quanto ao: entendimento, aparência, clareza e escrita. Para a verificação da confiabilidade, foi utilizado o teste kappa de Cohen e para a análise da consistência interna foi aplicado o coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. Resultados As versões traduzidas e adaptadas dos questionários NEQ e NEQ-S mostraram-se semelhantes em relação ao significado geral e referencial. Entretanto, algumas modificações e adaptações foram realizadas, para adequação à realidade brasileira. O teste kappa indicou concordância moderada e o coeficiente alfa de Cronbach, consistência interna substancial. Conclusão A tradução e a adaptação transcultural foram realizadas de acordo com a metodologia preconizada na literatura nacional e internacional, incluindo-se as equivalências necessárias para a manutenção da validade de face e conteúdo com o instrumento original. A disponibilização dos questionários NEQ e NEQ-S na versão da língua portuguesa brasileira abre novos campos de pesquisa para aprofundamento da quantificação de exposição anual ao ruído. (NEQ 1Minute Minute 1 NEQS S (NEQ-S brasileiro saúde etapas inicial traduções retrotradução especialistas préteste, préteste pré teste, pré-teste aparência 6 trabalhadores posteriormente entendimento escrita confiabilidade Cronbach mostraramse mostraram se referencial Entretanto substancial internacional incluindose incluindo original ruído

Aim to verify the relation between endodontic treatment of teeth adjacent to the cleft area and the rehabilitation of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate, at the Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies. Methods the present split-mouth study was composed of 406 individuals with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate who had completed the rehabilitation process in a single tertiary cleft center (55.9% males). The information was collected from the dental history on the patients’ records and radiographs. The frequency of endodontic treatment in the upper incisors and canines was calculated for the cleft and non-cleft sides. The comparison between sides was performed by the chi-square test (p <0.05). Results endodontic treatment was more frequent in teeth adjacent to the cleft than in contralateral teeth. The frequency of endodontic treatment in at least one tooth adjacent to the cleft was 18.97%, and 11.6% on the contralateral side. It was observed that endodontic treatment was necessary in 63.5% of patients who had been submitted to orthodontic treatment, 42.4% of those rehabilitated with fixed partial dentures and 12.0% of patients who underwent dental reshaping of teeth adjacent to the cleft. The treatments performed included vital pulp therapy (46.1%), non-vital pulp therapy (46.8%) and endodontic retreatment (7.1%). Conclusion in individuals with complete cleft lip and palate, teeth close to the bone defect area and used for rehabilitation treatment presented greater need of endodontic intervention. Anomalies splitmouth split mouth 40 55.9% 559 55 9 (55.9 males. males . males) radiographs noncleft non chisquare chi square p <0.05. 005 <0.05 0 05 <0.05) 1897 18 97 18.97% 116 11 6 11.6 side 635 63 5 63.5 424 42 4 42.4 120 12 12.0 46.1%, 461 46.1% , 46 1 (46.1%) nonvital 46.8% 468 8 (46.8% 7.1%. 71 7.1% 7 (7.1%) intervention 55.9 (55. 00 <0.0 189 18.97 11. 63. 42. 12. 46.1 (46.1% 46.8 (46.8 7.1 (7.1% 55. (55 <0. 18.9 46. (46.1 (46. 7. (7.1 (5 <0 18. (46 (7. ( < (4 (7

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a indução de organogênese indireta por concentrações de ácido diclorofenoxiacético (2,4-D) e tidiazurom (TDZ) em explantes de pitaia (Hylocereus undatus), por meio de microscopia eletrônica de varredura e da técnica de citometria de fluxo. Os tratamentos consistiram das concentrações de 0, 2,0 e 4,0 mg L-1 de 2,4-D e TDZ e das combinações desses reguladores. Avaliaram-se as percentagens de cobertura de calos aos 45 e 60 dias. Os explantes submetidos aos tratamentos foram analizados por citometria de fluxo e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Todos os tratamentos induziram endorreduplicação, e não houve variação somaclonal. Na combinação de 2,0 mg L-1 TDZ e 4,0 mg L-1 2,4-D, calos foram formados em 95% dos explantes, mas foram menores do que os produzidos com 2,4-D separadamente. A concentração de 2,0 mg L-1 de TDZ induz organogênese indireta em explantes de pitaia, comprovada pela presença de vasos condutores por meio da microscopia eletrônica de varredura.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the induction of indirect organogenesis by concentrations of dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and thidiazuron (TDZ) in pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) explants, using scanning electron microscopy and the flow cytometry technique. The treatments consisted of the concentrations of 0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg L-1 2,4-D and TDZ and of the combinations of these regulators. Percentages of callus coverage at 45 and 60 days were evaluated. The explants subjected to the treatments were analized by flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy. All treatments induced endoreduplication, and there was no somaclonal variation. Under the combination of 2.0 mg L-1 TDZ and 4.0 mg L-1 2,4-D, calluses were formed in 95% of the explants, but were smaller than those produced with 2,4-D separately. The concentration of 2.0 mg L-1 TDZ induces the indirect organogenesis in pitaya explants, confirmed by the presence of conducting vessels through scanning electron microscopy.

Resumo: Introdução: A evolução na área da genética motivou entidades de medicina e enfermagem a recomendarem competências específicas aos seus profissionais na área. Assim, professores e preceptores envolvidos no processo ensino-aprendizagem devem apresentar e discutir a genética de forma adequada, assegurando formação qualificada aos estudantes. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo explorar a percepção de professores e preceptores dos cursos de Medicina e Enfermagem de uma universidade pública brasileira sobre o processo ensino-aprendizagem de genética na graduação. Método: Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, descritivo e transversal, desenvolvido com amostra de conveniência, cuja coleta de dados foi feita por meio de questionário eletrônico autoaplicável. Foram convidados 317 profissionais, dos quais 40 (12,6%) participaram. Fez-se estatística descritiva dos dados, que foram classificados em cinco categorias: 1. descrição, formação acadêmica e atuação profissional da amostra, 2. genética no processo ensino-aprendizagem, 3. educação continuada em genética médica/clínica, 4. genética na prática clínica e 5. testes genéticos. Resultado: Participaram da amostra 28 (70%) médicos, sete (17,5%) enfermeiros e cinco (12,5%) profissionais de outras áreas da saúde, sendo 87,5% mestres ou doutores. Sobre o processo ensino-aprendizagem, 31 (77,5%) participantes relataram que sua atuação se relacionava indiretamente com a genética, embora 29 (72,5%) nunca tenham realizado atividade de educação continuada na área. Na prática clínica, dois (5%) participantes mencionaram que faziam história familiar até a terceira geração, dez (25%) relataram que orientavam as gestantes sobre teratógenos durante a gestação e lactação, e 17 (42,5%) afirmaram que encaminhavam ocasionalmente pacientes ao especialista em genética. Os participantes foram, em geral, capazes de identificar as principais características clínicas que levam à suspeição de doenças genéticas, embora algumas situações tenham sido subestimadas, como a importância do aconselhamento genético nos casos de consanguinidade e idade materna ou paterna avançada. Sobre testes genéticos, apenas cinco (12%) participantes relataram que se sentiam seguros para solicitar, interpretar e comunicar seus resultados. Conclusão: Espera-se que docentes e preceptores de áreas da saúde estimulem seus estudantes a articular teoria e prática, incorporando habilidades e competências relacionadas à genética no cuidado integral dos indivíduos. A partir dos resultados, podem ser identificadas oportunidades para aprimorar o ensino de genética nessa e em outras instituições de ensino superior.

Abstract: Introduction: The evolution of genetics has led to medical and nursing entities recommending specific skills to their health professionals. Professors and preceptors in the area must therefore introduce and discuss genetics accordingly to ensure proper training for students. Objective: This study aimed to explore how professors and preceptors of Medicine and Nursing courses at a Brazilian public university perceive the subject matter of genetics in the teaching and learning process of undergraduate studies. Method: This is a descriptive, exploratory, and cross-sectional study that was conducted with a convenience sample, and data was collected through a self-administered electronic questionnaire. In total, 317 professionals were invited and 40 (12.6%) participated. Descriptive data statistics were developed and classified into five categories: 1. description, academic training, and professional information; 2. genetics in the teaching and learning process; 3. continuing education in medical/clinical genetics; 4. genetics in clinical practice; and 5. genetic testing. Result: Twenty-eight (70%) physicians, seven (17.5%) nurses, and five (12.5%) professionals from other health areas participated in the sample, 87.5% of whom have a postgraduate qualification. As regards the teaching and learning process, 31 (77.5%) participants reported that their work was indirectly related to genetics, although 29 (72.5%) had never carried out a continuing education activity in the area. In clinical practice, two (5.0%) participants investigated family history up to three generations back, ten (25%) participants reported advising pregnant women about teratogens during pregnancy and lactation, and 17 (42.5%) reported occasionally referring patients to a genetics specialist. In general, participants were able to identify the main clinical characteristics that lead to suspected genetic diseases, although some situations were underestimated, such as the importance of genetic counseling in cases of consanguinity and advanced maternal or paternal age. Regarding genetic tests, only five (12%) participants reported feeling confident enough to request, interpret, and communicate results. Conclusion: Professors and preceptors in health areas are expected to encourage students to connect theory and practice, incorporating skills and competencies related to genetics into the comprehensive care of individuals. Based on these results, opportunities may be identified to improve the teaching of genetics in this and other higher education institutions.

Abstract To produce pitaya (Hylocereus spp.), it is essential that pollination occur, either artificially or by pollinating agents. This study evaluated the viability of self-pollination, cross-pollination, and natural pollination, as well as pollen viability, stigma receptivity and ideal pollination window in pitaya flowers (Hylocereus spp.). An experiment was conducted with a randomized block design consisting of four treatments: T1: manual self-pollination; T2: nocturnal open pollination; T3: diurnal open pollination; and T4: manual cross-pollination - red-fleshed pitaya [ Hylocereus polyrhizus] pollen placed on white-fleshed pitaya [ Hylocereus undatus] stigma. The experiment had four replicates, with two plants per replicate (two flowers per plant), totaling 16 flowers per treatment. The analyzed variables were fruit weight, length, diameter, titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids, and SS/TA ratio; the germination percentage of pollen grains; and the receptivity of stigmas. Artificial pollination (self- and cross-pollination) of white-fleshed pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) is viable, resulting in larger fruits than natural pollination, with cross-pollination being the most recommended. Throughout the floral opening period, the pitaya flower (Hylocereus spp.) has receptive stigma capable of receiving pollen. The flowers exhibit the highest pollen germination rate at 7 p.m, which is the ideal pollination window for pitaya.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To compare the incidence of hearing loss among adults stratified by the occurrence of hypertension, and to investigate the association between hypertension and hearing loss. METHODS Longitudinal observational study, part of the Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil, Longitudinal Study on Adult’s Health). Data from the first and second waves were analyzed, including information from audiological assessment and general health of the subjects. As outcome, we considered the presence of hearing loss (hearing thresholds above 25 dBHL at frequencies from 500 Hz to 8 kHz) and, as exposure variable, hypertension (report of medical diagnosis of hypertension; and/or use of drugs to treat hypertension; and/or pressure systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg; or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg). As covariables for adjustment were considered: sex, age, education, race / ethnicity, income, smoking, diabetes, and occupational exposure to noise. Poisson regression analysis was conducted, estimating the crude and adjusted relative risks, with 95% confidence intervals, in order to assess the factors associated with hearing loss. RESULTS In crude analyses, the incidence of hearing loss was higher for subjects with hypertension (9.7% versus 5.4%). The crude relative risks for hearing loss was almost double (1.93; 95%CI: 1.10–3.39) for subjects with hypertension in the right ear. In the adjusted analyses, the relative risks was not significant for the hypertension variable (1.42; 95%CI: 0.75–2.67). Being 60 years or older (RR: 5.41; 95%CI: 2.79–10.50) showed a statistically significant association with hearing loss, indicating that older adults have higher relative risks for hearing loss. CONCLUSION In the adjusted analyses controlled for multiple risk factors there was no association between hypertension and hearing loss. The dichotomous variable age (being 60 years or older), on the other hand, has shown a significant association with hearing loss.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To compare the incidence of hearing loss among adults stratified by the occurrence of hypertension, and to investigate the association between hypertension and hearing loss. METHODS Longitudinal observational study, part of the Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil, Longitudinal Study on Adult’s Health). Data from the first and second waves were analyzed, including information from audiological assessment and general health of the subjects. As outcome, we considered the presence of hearing loss (hearing thresholds above 25 dBHL at frequencies from 500 Hz to 8 kHz) and, as exposure variable, hypertension (report of medical diagnosis of hypertension; and/or use of drugs to treat hypertension; and/or pressure systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg; or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg). As covariables for adjustment were considered: sex, age, education, race / ethnicity, income, smoking, diabetes, and occupational exposure to noise. Poisson regression analysis was conducted, estimating the crude and adjusted relative risks, with 95% confidence intervals, in order to assess the factors associated with hearing loss. RESULTS In crude analyses, the incidence of hearing loss was higher for subjects with hypertension (9.7% versus 5.4%). The crude relative risks for hearing loss was almost double (1.93; 95%CI: 1.10–3.39) for subjects with hypertension in the right ear. In the adjusted analyses, the relative risks was not significant for the hypertension variable (1.42; 95%CI: 0.75–2.67). Being 60 years or older (RR: 5.41; 95%CI: 2.79–10.50) showed a statistically significant association with hearing loss, indicating that older adults have higher relative risks for hearing loss. CONCLUSION In the adjusted analyses controlled for multiple risk factors there was no association between hypertension and hearing loss. The dichotomous variable age (being 60 years or older), on the other hand, has shown a significant association with hearing loss.

Abstract The generation of agroindustrial waste has become a serious environmental problem, which conflicts with the need for sustainability sought by modern agriculture. An alternative that helps minimizing these effects is the use of residues, such as fruit peel, in food production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the viability of the mesocarp of the white-fleshed red pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) in the preparation of jellies, verifying the influence of different percentages of pulp replacement per mesocarp (0, 20, 40 and 60%) on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensorial characteristics of the final products. The jellies presented good acceptability among consumers, with the 60% substitution level being the most accepted. Besides the mesocarp not altering the flavor of the jellies, its use increases the attractiveness to the consumer in addition to contributing to cost reduction and environment preservation.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association among hypertension, tinnitus, and sensorineural hearing loss and evaluate the influence of other covariates on this association. METHODS: Baseline data (2008-2010) from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) were analyzed. Altogether, 900 participants were evaluated. The baseline assessment consisted of a 7-hour examination to obtain clinical and laboratory variables. Hearing was measured using pure-tone audiometry. RESULTS: Overall, 33.3% of the participants had hypertension. Participants with hypertension were more likely to be older, male, and diabetic compared to those without hypertension. The prevalence of tinnitus was higher among hypertensive participants and the odds ratio for tinnitus was higher in participants with hypertension than in those without hypertension. However, the difference was not significant after adjusting for age. Audiometric results at 250-8,000 Hz were worse in participants with hypertension than in those without hypertension in the crude analysis; however, the differences were not significant after adjustment for age, sex, diagnosis of diabetes, and exposure to noise. No significant difference was observed in hearing thresholds among participants having hypertension for <6 years, those having hypertension for ≥6 years, and individuals without hypertension. CONCLUSION: Hearing thresholds were worse in participants with hypertension. However, after adjusting for age, sex, diagnosis of diabetes, and exposure to noise, no significant differences were observed between participants with and without hypertension. A higher prevalence of tinnitus was observed in participants with hypertension compared to those without hypertension, but without significance after adjusting for age.