Resumo Introdução: No noroeste de Portugal, a amiloidose AA foi relatada como a nefropatia amiloide mais frequente, embora não esteja claro se a incidência e desfechos da doença mudaram. Os autores analisaram alterações na epidemiologia, etiologias e desfechos de pacientes com amiloidose renal AA nos últimos 40 anos. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo de centro único, envolvendo pacientes com diagnóstico de amiloidose AA comprovada por biópsia renal, realizado no noroeste de Portugal entre 1978 e 2019. Os pacientes foram agrupados em coortes de 14 anos baseadas no ano do diagnóstico (CA 1978–1991; CB 1992–2005; CC 2006–2019), com análises de evolução clínica e desfechos. Resultados: Incluímos 69 pacientes com amiloidose AA. A incidência da doença permaneceu estável em CA (64%) e CB (62,7%), em oposição à redução significativa na coorte mais recente (44%, p = 0,027). A idade média na apresentação aumentou em dez anos de CA para CC. No geral, infecções foram a principal causa de óbito, com aumento significativo ao longo do tempo (9,1% na CA para 76,9% na CC; p = 0,002). Não houve diferenças significativas de sobrevida global e renal entre as três coortes. Entretanto, pacientes na CC faleceram com idade mais avançada (61,4 anos) do que na CA (52,3 anos). Conclusão: A incidência de amiloidose AA tem diminuído nos últimos 40 anos. Em contrapartida, a idade de apresentação da nefropatia amiloide tem aumentado. Desfechos globais e renais não melhoraram, mas a expectativa de vida média aumentou, sugerindo progresso no manejo geral e no tratamento de suporte da patologia renal e subjacente.

Abstract Introduction: In the northwest of Portugal, AA amyloidosis was reported as the most frequent amyloid nephropathy, but it is unclear if the disease’s incidence and outcomes have changed. The authors studied the changing epidemiology, aetiologies, and outcomes of patients with renal AA amyloidosis over the last 40 years. Methods: This is a retrospective single-center cohort study involving patients with renal biopsy-proven AA amyloidosis diagnosed in the northwest of Portugal between 1978 and 2019. The patients were grouped into 14-year cohorts based on the year of diagnosis (CA 1978–1991; CB 1992–2005; CC 2006–2019), and clinical course and outcomes were analyzed. Results: Sixty-nine AA amyloidosis patients were included. The incidence of the disease remained stable in CA (64%) and CB (62.7%) as opposed to the significant decrease in the most recent cohort (44%, p = 0.027). The mean age at presentation increased by ten years from CA to CC. Overall, infections were the leading cause of death, with a significant rise over time (9.1% in CA to 76.9% at CC, p = 0.002). There were no significant global and renal survival differences between the three cohorts. However, the CC patients died at an older age (61.4 years) than the CA (52.3 years). Conclusion: The incidence of AA amyloidosis has been declining over the last 40 years. In contrast, the age at presentation of amyloid nephropathy has been increasing. Global and renal outcomes did not improve, but the average life expectancy increased, suggesting progress in general management and supportive care of renal and underlying pathology.

Abstract Drill and Blast is one of the most utilized excavation methods due to its cost and adaptation capability. One undesirable feature, however, is the contour shape quality of the blasted cavity. It is usually larger and rougher than planned. This characteristic is related to the crack generated by blasting that propagates until it finds a discontinuity. Some methods for overbreak and roughness control are used but they are far from perfect. One option is to replace explosives with the High-Power Abrasive Water Jet (HPAWJ) Technique for rock cutting the perimeter; a necessary step before execution of the Pre-Splitting Technique. These two techniques can create one free surface, with good roughness, capable of avoiding the crack propagation during the blast process. In this article, through a qualitative comparative research, an adaptive cycle is proposed, based on Drill and Blast, that uses HPAWJ for cutting the perimeter. In addition to the improvement on the tunnel wall roughness, this change can reduce the excavation-damage zone and the overbreak, which leads to a reduction of the amounts of shotcrete and muck, consequently reducing the need for transportation.

Abstract One of the key objectives in short-term mine planning is to establish a sequence of contiguous blocks organized into diglines, each characterized by consistent low-grade variability and minimal fluctuations, ensuring a stable output. This practice guarantees a steady and reliable supply of ore to the processing plant across various operational phases, each phase outlined for clarity. The creation of this digline requires the generation of multiple random models and involves choosing a model whose grade histogram aligns closely with the predefined criteria. In stochastic mine planning, geological uncertainty and transfer functions are employed to propagate the risk into the mining schedule focusing on grade control. This is accomplished by opting for blocks that present the lowest risk associated with grade uncertainty, a process enhanced by prioritizing blocks situated in geopositions with a proven high probability of occurrence. This study unveils detailed simulation models, clearly outlined digline selection methodologies, and a thorough optimization process, each aspect exemplified within the practical context of a phosphate mine. Our findings confirm the viability of this approach in real industry practice.

Abstract Antimicrobial drug resistance is a challenge to public health. Various microorganisms, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pythium insidiosum, and Candida auris, have developed resistance to commonly used antimicrobials in infection disease treatments. Consequently, there is an urgent need to explore and develop novel therapeutic drugs. Natural products, particularly medicinal plants, have received attention in the quest for innovative treatments for various diseases. Plantago major is a plant endowed with several biological properties, such as antibacterial, antifungal, and healing actions. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activities of the methanolic extract obtained from the leaves of P. major. Microdilution assays were conducted to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal and fungicidal concentration. Additionally, synergism with antimicrobial drugs was assessed using a time-kill curve analysis. A synergistic bactericidal interaction between the extract and imipenem was observed against carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae. For MRSA, a bacteriostatic synergism was noted in combinations of the extract with cephalotin and oxacillin. For C. auris, a fungistatic interaction was observed between the extract and amphotericin B. These results suggest the presence of bioactive compounds within the extract with therapeutic potential for combating infections caused by these microorganisms.

Three undescribed non-cyanogenic cyanoglycosides, designated as trichotomoside A (1), B (2), and C (3) along with three known ones (4-6) were isolated from the roots of Cordia trichotoma. In addition, miscellaneous compounds such as acid (1’R,3’S,5’R,8’S,2Z,4E)-dihydrophaseic 3’-O-β-D-glycopyranoside (7), N-(2E)-3-[(2S,3R)-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-(hydroxymethyl)-7-methoxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran5-yl]acryloylglycine (8), syringaldehyde (9), scoparone (10), 12,16-epoxyglobiferin (11), α-cadinol (12), trichotomol (13), and 1-(3’-methoxypropanoyl)-2,4,5-trimethoxybenzene (14) were also isolated. The structures of all compounds were elucidated by an extensive analysis of spectroscopic data (infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS)). The non-cyanogenic cyanoglycosides (1-6) were screened for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. None of the compounds exhibited antioxidant or xanthine oxidase activity. Compound 3 exhibited considerable inhibitory ability on α-glucosidase, showing a halfmaximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 646 ± 69 μmol L-1 close to the standard acarbose (IC50 = 521 ± 23 μmol L-1), demonstrating its promising antidiabetic action.

In this study, it was investigated chitosan (CHIT) films in the presence or absence of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and silver nanoparticles (AgNP), whose chemical interactions involving metallic surfaces were characterized by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. Changes in the morphology were analyzed through atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM and AFM micrographs revealed that the incorporation of CNF significantly altered CHIT films, leading to changes in the polymer topography and surface texture due to intimal interactions between CNF and the CHIT matrix. Raman spectra of CHIT and CNF/CHIT films showed similar profiles, reflecting comparable molecular structures of both modified biopolymers. However, SERS spectra of both films, after recovering with AgNP, demonstrated distinct spectral profiles. Innovatively, density functional theory (DFT) calculations of an oligomer model for CHIT were employed to assign the vibrational modes observed in the SERS spectra, which allowed identify key interactions between CHIT moieties and AgNP surfaces. SERS results revealed that chemical adsorption of CHIT on AgNP surfaces occurs through interactions of glycosidic oxygen and amino groups. Such findings provide insights into the structural and chemical behavior of this nanocomposite, highlighting its potential for advanced biological applications.

ABSTRACT Non-traditional galactomannans sources are widely cultivated in the Brazilian Northeast Region, such as the species Caesalpinia pulcherrima (peacock flower) and Delonix regia (flamboyant). The galactomannans GM-CP and GM-DR were extracted from the respective seeds and are being studied as potential therapeutic agents, but systematic evaluations on their acute toxicity are yet to be reported. Groups of three female rats received oral GMCP or GM-DR (300 mg kg-1), whereas a control group received vehicle (saline). Since there was no lethality, other groups received doses of 2000 mg kg-1, which also did not cause lethality. Organs and blood samples were collected on day 14. Mechanical hypernociception and inflammatory cell influx were measured in other groups receiving intra-articular doses of GM-CP or GM-DR (200 µg, n = 5 per group). Neither galactomannan evoked physiological / behavioral changes or joint inflammation. Since the LD50 was less than 2000 mg kg-1, such polysaccharides may be allocated in the class 5 of the Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.

RESUMO Fontes não tradicionais de galactomananas são amplamente cultivadas na Região Nordeste do Brasil, como as sementes das espécies ornamentais Caesalpinia pulcherrima (flor-depavão) e Delonix regia (flamboiã). As galactomananas GM-CP e GM -DR, extraídas respectivamente dessas sementes, estão sendo estudadas como potenciais agentes terapêuticos, mas avaliações sistemáticas sobre a toxicidade aguda das mesmas ainda não foram relatadas. Grupos de três ratas receberam GM-CP ou GM-DR oral (300 mg kg-1), enquanto um grupo controle recebeu veículo (solução salina). Como não houve letalidade, outros grupos receberam doses de 2000 mg kg-1, o que também não causou letalidade. A coleta de órgãos e amostras de sangue foi feita no dia 14. A hipernocicepção mecânica e o influxo de células inflamatórias foram medidos em outros grupos que receberam doses intra-articulares de GM-CP ou GM-DR (200 µg, n = 5 por grupo). Ambas as galactomananas não evocaram alterações fisiológicas/comportamentais ou inflamação articular. Como a DL50 não foi inferior a 2000 mg kg-1, tais polissacarídeos podem ser alocados na classe 5 do Sistema Globalmente Harmonizado para Classificação e Rotulagem de Produtos Químicos.

Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) are versatile organisms that catalyze the conversion of a wide range of carbon sources into biomolecules of great industrial interest. In this study, we exploited the ability of Gluconobacter spp. to synthesize levans. Among the isolated strains, Gluconobacter cerinus UELBM11 produced approximately 14.0 g L−1 of levan under non-optimized conditions. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses confirmed that levan obtained from G. cerinus UELBM11 consisted of a β-(2→6)-D-fructose backbone with some β-(2→1) ramifications. The average molecular weight (Mw) of the purified levan was 8.78 × 105 Da. Thermogravimetric/differential thermogravimetric (TGA/DTG) analysis indicated high thermal stability, with the maximum decomposition rate observed at 227.44 °C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a microporous morphology, and the antioxidant activity assays demonstrated that levan had a high scavenging capacity of 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and hydroxyl radicals. Therefore, it has been demonstrated the levan produced by G. cerinus UELBM11 is a promising natural antioxidant and, owing to its microporosity and excellent thermal properties and stability, is a potential candidate as an additive in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products.

Lantana caatingensis Moldenke (Verbenaceae) is an endemic plant from northeastern Brazil. However, its chemical composition is almost unknown. This study aimed to characterize the chemical compounds found in L. caatingensis and investigate the antileishmanial potential of its hydroalcoholic extract and polar fractions. Compounds present in the hydroalcoholic extract obtained from L. caatingensis leaves and its polar fractions (ethyl acetate and methanolic) were analyzed by liquid chromatography with a photodiode-array detector coupled to electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. An antileishmanial assay was performed in a 96-well plate against Leishmania major promastigotes using resazurin on a plate spectrophotometer and the results were expressed as percentage of growth inhibition. Nine compounds were determined in the investigated extract and fractions, classified as flavonoids, flavonoid C-glycosides and phenylethanoid glycosides. The antileishmanial activity revealed that the hydroalcoholic extract and the ethyl acetate fraction were active against L. major promastigotes with inhibitory concentration of 71.78 and 26.86 µg mL-1, respectively, while the methanolic fraction was inactive (478.40 µg mL-1). This is the first report on the chemical composition and antileishmanial activity of L. caatingensis extracts. These results contribute to further knowledge of species belonging to the Lantana genus.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic (KJOC) Shoulder and Elbow Score is commonly used to assess the functional status of athletes with conditions affecting the shoulder and elbow. However, a Brazilian Portuguese version of the KJOC questionnaire is currently unavailable. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop a Brazilian Portuguese version of the KJOC questionnaire. DESIGN AND SETTING: This translation and cultural adaptation study was conducted at the Federal University of Paraíba, Brazil. METHODS: The procedures adopted in this study followed guidelines recommending translation by two independent translators, synthesis of the translations, back-translation performed by two native English-speaking translators, analysis by an expert committee, and pre-testing. The Portuguese version was tested with 32 athletes to assess their understanding of the assessment tool. Items were deemed adequate if they were understood by at least 90% of the athletes. RESULTS: The terms and expressions of some original items were modified to achieve better comprehensibility in the Brazilian context. No further modifications were necessary after the pre-test; all terms were comprehensible to over 90% of athletes. CONCLUSION: The translation and cultural adaptation of the KJOC questionnaire into Portuguese were completed, resulting in a Brazilian version of the scale. Further studies are needed to evaluate the reliability and validity of this scale.

Resumen: En el presente ensayo se procura reflexionar sobre la contemplación de “el yo” por el sujeto mismo cuando exporta a las redes sociales su imagen personal; para ello crea un relato entre palabras e imágenes con intención de ser aceptado. Se interpela mediante una reflexión crítica y se pone el enfoque de un prosumidor hipotético (Toffler, 1980) que aporta su versión de “el yo” con la que se identifica o hace por encajar entre realidad y deseo. Es un planteamiento interdisciplinar y multitextual de ese comunicar su rostro, su cuerpo y su vida por medio de unos parámetros positivos (Erikson, 1974; Festinger, 1957, Kaplún, 1998). Se observa la recurrencia para mostrarse uno mismo, sea con una imagen real y genuina o sea manipulada hacia la trazada y alzada de una versión idealizada (Barker, 2020; Koffermann, 2024). Se propone una revisión para el diseño de algunos talleres cuyos objetivos versan sobre el fomento de la autoestima, el afianzamiento de estrategias para la aceptación y la apertura a la diversidad. Además, se elige un formato ensayístico para tamizar y percibir ese impacto de la versión o las versiones de la autoimagen de adolescentes en las redes sociales, lo que será presentado como un reto de la formación del profesorado en educación mediática (https://www.redalfamed.org/vii-congreso-2024-costarica). A partir de la discusión constructiva, se pretende ofrecer pautas para la intervención, tanto desde el ámbito de la educación como desde el área de salud; las estrategias se sustentan en el análisis del relato multimodal que emerge de las definiciones con las que cada sujeto proyecta su “yo”.

Resumo: Este ensaio tenta refletir sobre a contemplação de “o eu” pelo próprio sujeito quando exporta sua imagem pessoal para as redes sociais; para isso, cria uma história entre palavras e imagens com a intenção de ser aceito. É questionado através da reflexão crítica e é feita a abordagem de um hipotético prossumidor (Toffler, 1980) que contribui com a sua versão de “o eu” com o qual se identifica ou faz para se enquadrar entre a reali- dade e o desejo. É uma abordagem interdisciplinar e multitextual para comunicar o seu rosto, o seu corpo e a sua vida através de parâmetros positivos (Erikson, 1974; Festinger, 1957, Kaplún, 1998). Observa-se a recorrência de se mostrar, seja com uma imagem real e genuína ou manipulada no sentido do desenho e elevação de uma versão idealizada (Barker, 2020; Koffermann, 2024). Propõe-se uma revisão para o design de alguns workshops cujos objetivos são a promoção da autoestima, fortalecendo estratégias de aceitação e abertura à diversidade. Além disso, opta-se por um formato de ensaio para peneirar e perceber o impacto da versão ou versões da autoimagem dos adolescentes nas redes sociais, o que será apresentado como um desafio para a formação de professores em educação midiática (https://www.redalfamed. org/vii-congreso-2024-costarica). A partir da dis- cussão construtiva, pretende-se oferecer diretrizes de intervenção, tanto do campo da educação como da área da saúde; as estratégias baseiam-se na análise da história multimodal que emerge das definições com que cada sujeito projeta o seu “eu”.

Abstract: This essay reflects on the subject’s contemplation of the “self” when exporting one’s personal im- age to social networks with the intention of being accepted. It interpellates the reader through a critical reflection and proposes the approach of a hypothetical prosumer (Toffler, 1980) who brings a version of the “self” with which they identify or try to fit between reality and desire. This is an interdisciplinary and multitextual approach to the way the subject communicates through positive parameters a face, a body and a life (Erikson, 1974; Festinger, 1957; Kaplún, 1998). We observe the recurrence of showing oneself, either with a real and gen- uine image or manipulated to the point of creating an idealized version (Barker, 2020; Koffermann, 2024). It is proposed to redesign some workshops that aim to promote self-confidence, strengthen acceptance strategies and open up to diversity. Furthermore, an essay format is chosen to analyze the impact of the different versions of the self-image of adolescents in social networks on teacher training in media education (https://www.redal- famed.org/vii-congreso-2024-costa-rica). Constructive discussion will be used to offer guidelines for intervention in both the educational and health fields.The strategies are based on the analysis of the multimodal story that emerges from the definitions with which each subject projects his or her “self”.

RESUMO Em um estudo epidemiológico, foram registradas 102.986 notificações de Lesões por Esforço Repetitivo e Distúrbios Osteomusculares Relacionados ao Trabalho (LER/DORT) no período entre 2007 e 2021 no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar a epidemiologia de Lesões por Esforço Repetitivo e Distúrbios Osteomusculares relacionados ao Trabalho (LER/DORT) e o perfil sociodemográfico dos trabalhadores de uma cidade da Amazônia brasileira entre 2017-2022. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, epidemiológico e de corte transversal. A coleta de dados foi realizada online no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS). As variáveis selecionadas foram a frequência de notificações de LER/DORT segundo sexo biológico, raça, faixa etária, ocupação e número total de casos no município de Tucuruí, no Estado do Pará. A cor parda e a faixa etária de 40 a 59 anos foram as mais prevalentes; além disso, observou-se que os desempregados no ano de 2021 foram os mais afetados. Assim, ressalta-se a importância deste estudo para a comunidade, uma vez que há carência de dados sobre este tema em outras regiões, como a do Lago de Tucuruí.

ABSTRACT In Brazil, 102,986 notifications of Repetitive Strain Injuries and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders were recorded between 2007 and 2021. The objective of this research was to characterize the epidemiology of Repetitive Strain Injuries, Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (RSI/WMSD), and the sociodemographic profile of workers in a Brazilian Amazon city between 2017 and 2022. This is a descriptive, epidemiological, and cross-sectional study. Data collection was carried out online using the Disease Information System of the Information Technology Department of the Unified Health System. The selected variables were the frequency of RSI/WMSD notifications according to biological sex, race, age group, occupation, and total number of cases in the municipality of Tucuruí, in the State of Pará. Mixed race individuals and those in the 40-59 age group were the most prevalent. Additionally, it was observed that the unemployed in 2021 were the most affected. Therefore, the importance of this study to the community is emphasized, as there is a lack of data on this topic from other regions, such as Lake Tucuruí.

RESUMEN En Brasil, se registraron 102.986 notificaciones de Lesiones por Esfuerzos Repetitivos y Trastornos Musculoesqueléticos Relacionados con el Trabajo en el período comprendido entre 2007 y 2021. El objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar la epidemiología de las Lesiones por Esfuerzos Repetitivos, los Trastornos Musculoesqueléticos Relacionados con el Trabajo (LER/TMET) y el perfil sociodemográfico de los trabajadores de una ciudad de la Amazonía brasileña en el período 2017-2022. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, epidemiológico y transversal. El procedimiento de recolección de datos se realizó en línea a través del Sistema de Información de Agravos del Departamento de Tecnologías de la Información del Sistema Único de Salud. Las variables seleccionadas fueron la frecuencia de notificaciones de LER/TMET según sexo biológico, raza, grupo etario, ocupación y número total de casos en el municipio de Tucuruí, en el Estado de Pará. Los grupos más prevalentes fueron las personas mestizas y aquellas en el grupo de edad de 40 a 59 años. Además, se observó que los desempleados en el año 2021 fueron los más afectados. Por lo tanto, se destaca la importancia de este estudio para la comunidad, ya que faltan datos sobre este tema en otras regiones, como el Lago Tucuruí.

Abstract Objective The current study delves into the accessibility of genetic evaluations for individuals with orofacial clefts (OC), comparing data between genetics and treatment centers across Brazil. Methods This cross-sectional retrospective study analyzed primary data from 1463 OC individuals registered in the Brazilian Database of Craniofacial Anomalies (BDCA) between 2008 and 2018 without age or sex selection. Diagnostic exam results stemming from research projects until 2023 were considered. Results Of the 1463 individuals with typical OC, 987 were non-syndromic, 462 were syndromic (SOC), 10 presented atypical forms, and three were not specified OC cases. The average age for accessing laboratory diagnosis was 8.5 years among SOC individuals. Notably, more SOC cases were registered in genetics centers than treatment and rehabilitation centers (37.1 % vs. 29 %, p = 0.0015). Those originating from genetics centers accessed diagnosis at an average age of 7.3 years, while those from treatment and rehabilitation centers experienced delays with an average age of 10.7 years (p = 0.0581). Conclusions Irrespective of the center of origin, the data highlight delayed diagnosis and challenges in accessing genetic tests for the syndromic group. Given the widespread reliance on the public health system by most of the Brazilian population, disseminating this data can significantly contribute to shaping an informed perspective on healthcare access. These insights can improve public policies tailored to the unique needs of individuals with OC.

Abstract Objective It was to verify the association between the definition of sex of rearing and, clinical and cytogenetic features among patients with genital ambiguity referred without a sex assignment. Methods The sample consisted of 133 patients with genital ambiguity seen at a single reference service. These patients did not have a defined social sex at the first consultation and their etiological diagnosis was obtained during follow-up. Results A total of 133 cases were included, 74 of which were reared as males and 59 as females. No correlation was found between the year of birth and the year of the first consultation with the definition of sex of rearing. However, the definition of sex of rearing was associated with age at the first consultation, severity of genital ambiguity, presence of palpable gonad(s), presence of uterus on ultrasound, karyotype, and diagnosis. Palpable gonad(s), more virilized genitalia, absence of a uterus on ultrasound, 46, XY karyotype, or a karyotype with sex chromosome abnormalities emerged as strong predictors for defining male sex. All 77 (58 %) patients over 18 years old had a gender identity in accordance with the sex of rearing; though 9 of 77 (12 %) had homo or bisexual orientation, especially girls with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. Conclusions Clinical and cytogenetic data were strongly associated with the definition of the sex of rearing of children with genital ambiguity referred to a DSD center without sex assignment. Management in a specialized center allows the establishment of a gender identity in accordance with the sex of rearing.