Resumo A leishmaniose visceral (LV) é uma doença de natureza infecciosa, predominante em países de zonas tropicais. A predição de ocorrência de doenças infecciosas através da modelagem epidemiológica tem se revelado uma importante ferramenta no entendimento de sua dinâmica de ocorrência. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver um modelo de previsão da incidência da LV no Maranhão usando o modelo de Média Móvel Integrada Autocorrelacionada Sazonal (SARIMA). Foram coletados os dados mensais de casos de LV através do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) correspondentes ao período de 2001 a 2018. O método de Box-Jenkins foi aplicado para ajustar um modelo de predição SARIMA para incidência geral e por sexo (masculino e feminino) de LV para o período de janeiro de 2019 a dezembro de 2023. Durante o período de 216 meses dessa série temporal, foram registrados 10.431 casos de LV no Maranhão, com uma média de 579 casos por ano. Em relação à faixa etária, houve maior registro no público pediátrico (0 a 14 anos). Houve predominância do sexo masculino, com 6437 casos (61,71%). Os valores do teste de Box-Pierce para incidência geral, sexo masculino e feminino reforçados pelos resultados do teste Ljung-Box sugerem que as autocorrelações de resíduos apresentam um comportamento de ruído branco. Para incidência mensal geral e por sexo masculino e feminino, os modelos SARIMA (2,0,0) (2,0,0), (0,1,1) (0,1,1) e (0,1,1) (2, 0, 0) foram os que mais se ajustaram aos dados, respectivamente. O modelo SARIMA se mostrou uma ferramenta adequada de previsão e análise da tendência de incidência da LV no Maranhão. A determinação da variação temporal e sua predição são determinantes no norteamento de medidas de intervenção em saúde.

Abstract Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease predominant in countries located in the tropics. The prediction of occurrence of infectious diseases through epidemiologic modeling has revealed to be an important tool in the understanding of its occurrence dynamic. The objective of this study was to develop a forecasting model for the incidence of VL in Maranhão using the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model (SARIMA). We collected monthly data regarding VL cases from the National Disease Notification System (SINAN) corresponding to the period between 2001 and 2018. The Box-Jenkins method was applied in order to adjust a SARIMA prediction model for VL general incidence and by sex (male or female) for the period between January 2019 and December 2013. For 216 months of this time series, 10,431 cases of VL were notified in Maranhão, with an average of 579 cases per year. With regard to age range, there was a higher incidence among the pediatric public (0 to 14 years of age). There was a predominance in male cases, 6437 (61.71%). The Box-Pierce test figures for overall, male and female genders supported by the results of the Ljung-Box test suggest that the autocorrelations of residual values act as white noise. Regarding monthly occurrences in general and by gender, the SARIMA models (2,0,0) (2,0,0), (0,1,1) (0,1,1) and (0,1,1) (2, 0, 0) were the ones that mostly adjusted to the data respectively. The model SARIMA has proven to be an adequate tool for predicting and analyzing the trends in VL incidence in Maranhão. The time variation determination and its prediction are decisive in providing guidance in health measure intervention.

Abstract Centrosema coriaceum Benth belongs to Fabaceae family and have few studies of biological activity and chemical composition. Thus, the aims of this work were to determine chemical profile of the ethanolic extract of C. coriaceum leaves (CCE) by UFLC-QTOF-MS and to evaluate its in vitro biological potential. CCE showed MIC value of 1000 µg/mL against Candida glabrata (fungistatic effect) and high affinity in cell envelope by increasing cell permeability in nucleotide leakage, sorbitol and ergosterol assays. CCE showed antioxidant activity in all assays performed. For the anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity activities, CCE, at all tested concentrations, significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide and did not decrease J774A.1 cell viability below 70%. Finally, rutin, kaempferol-3O-rutinoside, caffeic acid, and sucrose were identified in CCE by UFLC-QTOF-MS. These results suggest, for the first time, that C. coriaceum has interesting antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Resumo O dimorfismo sexual de Kinosternon scorpioides foi avaliado utilizando-se duas técnicas diferentes (morfometria linear e geométrica) a partir de imagens e medições lineares da carapaça e plastrão de adultos (machos e fêmeas). A morfometria linear indicou que as médias de altura da carapaça, largura da carapaça e plastrão são estatisticamente diferentes entre os sexos, sendo as fêmeas mais largas e altas. Na avaliação da morfometria geométrica, a ANOVA demonstrou que existe variação de tamanho do plastrão, e na forma da carapaça e do plastrão, expressando uma tendência de forma para cada sexo. O dimorfismo sexual, portanto, é verificado para esta espécie, notadamente pelo plastrão. Este trabalho indica uma ferramenta adicional para o conhecimento fenotípico dos animais, contribuindo no estudo de populações ameaçadas.

Abstract The sexual dimorphism of the Kinosternon scorpioides was evaluated using two different techniques (linear and geometric morphometry) from images and linear measurements of the carapace and plastron of adults (male and female). Linear morphometry indicated that the height and width of carapace and plastron are statistically different between sexes, with females being wider and taller. In the evaluation of geometric morphometry, ANOVA demonstrated variation in the size of the plastron and the shape of the carapace and plastron, expressing a tendency in shape for each sex. Sexual dimorphism, therefore, is verified for this species, notably by the plastron. This study indicates an additional tool for the phenotypic knowledge of animals, contributing to the study of threatened populations.

Resumo A leishmaniose cutânea (CL) é uma doença tropical negligenciada, com ampla distribuição nas Américas. O Brasil é um país endêmico e apresenta casos em todos os estados. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever a ocorrência, os fatores clínicos e epidemiológicos subjacentes e a correlação de variáveis climáticas com a frequência de casos de CL notificados no município de Caxias, estado do Maranhão, Brasil. Este é um estudo epidemiológico retrospectivo e descritivo, com base em dados extraídos da Notificação do Sistema Brasileiro de Informação de Doenças, de 2007 a 2017. Dados máximos e mínimos de temperatura, precipitação e umidade relativa do ar foram fornecidos pelo Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia. Foram analisados 201 casos de CL autóctones relatados. A predominância de casos foi observada no sexo masculino (70,1%). A faixa etária entre 31 e 60 anos foi a mais afetada, com 96 casos (47,9%). Do número total de casos registrados, 38,8% dos indivíduos afetados estavam envolvidos em atividades relacionadas à agricultura. A distribuição georreferenciada revelou a heterogeneidade da ocorrência da doença, com casos concentrados nas regiões oeste e sul do município. Foi detectada associação entre a umidade relativa do ar (média mensal) e o número de casos de CL por mês (p = 0,04). O CL continua sendo uma questão preocupante de saúde pública em Caxias. Nesse contexto, há uma necessidade premente de fortalecer medidas de prevenção e controle da doença por meio da rede de serviços de saúde do município, considerando as particularidades locais e regionais.

Abstract Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease with a wide distribution in the Americas. Brazil is an endemic country and present cases in all states. This study aimed to describe the occurrence, the underlying clinical and epidemiological factors, and the correlation of climatic variables with the frequency of reported CL cases in the municipality of Caxias, state of Maranhão, Brazil. This is a retrospective and descriptive epidemiological study based on data extracted from the Brazilian Information System of Diseases Notification, from 2007 to 2017. Maximum and minimum temperature, precipitation, and relative air humidity data were provided by the Brazilian National Institute of Meteorology. A total of 201 reported autochthonous CL cases were analyzed. The predominance of cases was observed in males (70.1%). The age range between 31 and 60 years old was the most affected, with 96 cases (47.9%). Of the total number of registered cases, 38.8% of the affected individuals were engaged in agriculture-related activities. The georeferenced distribution revealed the heterogeneity of disease occurrence, with cases concentrated in the Western and Southern regions of the municipality. An association was detected between relative air humidity (monthly mean) and the number of CL cases per month (p = 0.04). CL continues to be a concerning public health issue in Caxias. In this context, there is a pressing need to strengthen measures of prevention and control of the disease through the network of health services of the municipality, considering local and regional particularities.

The concern about the health risks that wireless technology can provide has grown globally thanks to the growing use of the devices by the population, by the finding that the public exposure to EMFs from the devices can be enhanced by the reflection of the microwave indoors. This paper will assess the distribution of electromagnetic field in a car, in order to provide a basis for future research and to estimate the actual level of exposure to which humans are submitted. There were a number of electrical measurements to determine the electromagnetic field produced by various electromagnetic sources. From the results observed, it is possible to see that, in a car, the exposure of humans to EMF is intensified by the reflection of electromagnetic waves in metallic structures. The observed values do not exceed the values recommended by the regulation, but in the face of scientific uncertainty on this issue, is motivated to continue studying the effect of the reflection of microwaves in closed environments, in order to investigate the possible impacts on health.

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)) is a carbon and intracellular storage source for different microorganisms and its production can achieve high productivities by means of high cell density cultures. The aim of this study was to propose a high cell density strategy for P(3HB) production by Cupriavidus necator. The exponential growth phase demands an accurate control of the oxygen transfer system in the bioreactor, due to maximum specific growth rate (µXr), and, consequently, a maximum specific oxygen uptake rate (QO2), in addition to significant residual biomass (Xr) growth in high cell density cultures. In this context, this work investigated the strategy for obtaining high cell density, with the inclusion of a linear growth phase for P(3HB) production by C. necator in a fed-batch culture. The linear growth phase was included between the exponential growth phase and the P(3HB) production phase as a strategy to reduce the specific growth rate (µXr) and specific oxygen uptake rate (QO2), with constant residual biomass growth rate (d(V.Xr)/dt = k = constant) and linear increase of biomass. Three strategies of culture were performed. The results showed that a high residual biomass concentration (30 gXr.L-1) can be reached by the inclusion of the linear growth strategy and specific growth rates (µXr) between 0.08 and 0.05 h-1, at the beginning of the production phase, are necessary to attain a high P(3HB) productivity.

The gastroprotective action of the aqueous extract (AE) and the hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the leaves of Struthanthus marginatus (Desr.) Blume, Loranthaceae, were performed with in vivo models in rodents using: ethanol, indomethacin or stress-induced ulcers, determination of gastric secretion and the mucus production. The scavenger activity of AE in vitro was tested by the DPPH method. The treatment with the extracts (125-1000 mg/kg) significantly inhibited ulcerative lesions in comparison with the negative control groups in all the models evaluated and demonstrated greater effectiveness of the aqueous extract. Regarding the model of gastric secretion, a reduction in volume of gastric juice and total acidity was observed, as well as an increase in the gastric pH. The treatment of rats raised the gastric mucus production. Significant DPPH scavenging activity was evident in the AE. No sign of toxicity was observed. These results show that S. marginatus possesses gastroprotective activity. There are indications that the mechanisms involved in anti-ulcer activity are related to a decrease in acid secretion and an increase in gastric mucus content. Also, there is evidence for the involvement of antioxidant activity in the gastroprotective mechanism.

Lipozyme TL IM foi usada para catalisar a esterificação de álcool isoamílico e ácido butírico. Um planejamento fatorial fracionário foi utilizado para avaliar os efeitos da temperatura (30, 40, 50 ºC), razão molar álcool:ácido (1:1, 2:1, 3:1), concentração de enzima (0,003, 0,0115, 0,020 g mL-1), concentração de ácido butírico (0,1, 0,3, 0,5 mol L-1) e agitação (50, 115, 180 rpm) na produção de éster. Com esses resultados, os níveis foram redefinidos para um planejamento fatorial 2³. A máxima produção de éster foi obtida a 30 ºC, 180 rpm, razão molar álcool:ácido de 1:1, concentração de enzima 0,021 g mL-1 e concentração de ácido butírico de 0,5 mol L-1. Sob essas condições ótimas foi obtido 92% de esterificação e concentração de éster de 0,9 mol L-1. Álcool isoamílico obtido a partir de óleo fúsel foi utilizado nas mesmas condições resultando em 93% de esterificação e concentração de éster de 1,0 mol L-1.

Lipozyme TL IM was used to catalyse the esterification of isoamyl alcohol and butyric acid. A fractional factorial design was employed to evaluate the effects of temperature (30, 40, 50 °C), alcohol:acid molar ratio (1:1, 2:1, 3:1), enzyme concentration (0.003, 0.0115, 0.020 g mL-1), butyric acid concentration (0.1, 0.3, 0.5 mol L-1) and shaking rate (50, 115, 180 rpm) on the ester yield. With these results, the levels were redefined to a 2³ factorial design. The maximum yield of ester was obtained at 30 ºC, 180 rpm, alcohol:acid molar ratio of 1:1, enzyme concentration of 0.021 g mL-1 and butyric acid concentration of 0.5 mol L-1. Under the optimal conditions, 92% esterification was attained with an ester concentration of 0.9 mol L-1. Isoamyl alcohol from fusel oil was used under the same conditions and resulted in 93% esterification and an ester concentration of 1.0 mol L-1.

In order to popularize the so called Schwinger's method we reconsider the Feynman propagator of two non-relativistic systems: a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field and a charged harmonic oscillator in a uniform magnetic field. Instead of solving the Heisenberg equations for the position and the canonical momentum operators, R and P, we apply this method by solving the Heisenberg equations for the gauge invariant operators R and pi = P-eA, the latter being the mechanical momentum operator. In our procedure we avoid fixing the gauge from the beginning and the result thus obtained shows explicitly the gauge dependence of the Feynman propagator.

This work proposes thermal characterization, of the biflorine, orto-quinon of Capraria biflora L., through the TG and DSC photovisual data. The thermogravimetric results showed that the decomposition reaction biflorine occurs three steps under air atmosphere, The DSC of biflorin presented five peaks relating to phase transitions. The DSC photovisual system demonstrated changes in biflorin.

Os autores descrevem um caso confirmado de síndrome pulmonar por hantavírus ocorrido na área rural do município de Anajatuba, estado do Maranhão. Outros dois casos suspeitos da mesma região são também descritos. O caso confirmado era de uma mulher jovem, previamente saudável, que foi a óbito com quadro de insuficiência respiratória aguda 5 dias após haver iniciado quadro de febre, mialgia e tosse seca. Trata-se de uma estudante que trabalhava com os pais na lavoura, os quais tinham a prática de estocar arroz dentro de casa. Os casos suspeitos são de dois lavradores, parentes diretos, que foram a óbito com insuficiência respiratória 24 horas e 48 horas, respectivamente, após início de febre, mialgia e tosse seca. Ambos armazenavam grãos de arroz e milho dentro da residência. Os moradores da região relatam grande infestação por ratos na região de mata e campo.

The authors report a confirmed case of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in the rural area of the municipality of Anajatuba, state of Maranhão. Two other suspected cases from the same region are also described. The confirmed case involved a previously healthy young woman who died with signs and symptoms of acute respiratory insufficiency 5 days after presenting fever, myalgia and a dry cough. The patient was a student who was helping her parents with work in the fields; it was a habit of the family to store rice inside the house. The suspected cases involved two first-degree relatives working as field hands who died of acute respiratory insufficiency 24 and 48 hours, respectively, after presenting fever, myalgia and a dry cough. Both stored rice and corn inside their home. People living in the region reported massive infestations with rats in the woods and fields.

Para avaliar o potencial do araçá-boi para produção de licores, foi estudada a composição química da polpa e o efeíto de alguns parâmetros do processamento, tais como, tipo de líquido extrator, tempo de maceração, proporção polpa/líquido extrator, proporção xarope/extrato c método de preparo do xarope. O araçá-boi apresentou boas características para o processamento de licor, como o pH ácido, altos teores de acidez titulável, sólidos solúveis e carotcnóides totais. Os parâmetros ideais para obtenção de licor de boa qualidade foram: cinco dias de maceração na proporção de 1:2 (p/v) de polpa:álcool de milho, relação de 1:0,5 (v/v) de xarope:cxtrato na formulação, utilizando-se xarope preparado com dissolução do açúcar sob aquecimento.

The potential of araçá-boi for liquor processing was studied through fruit pulp composition and the effect of processing parameters, such as: extraction liquid type, maceration time, pulp/extraction liquid ratio, proportion of syrup/extract and syrup processing method. The araçá-boi presents good characteristics for liquor processing, such as, acidic pH, high titrable acidity, soluble solids and total carotenoids contents. For the araçá-boi liquor processing the optimized parameters were five days for maceration time; 1:2 (g/ml) of pulp/extraction liquid ratio at maceration; the 1:0.5 (ml/ml) of syrup/extract ratio at the formulation; preparation of the syrup using heat; utilization of the corn alcohol. With this conditions, a good product is obtained.