The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the entire world, and patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have been particularly affected. We aimed to evaluate predictors of mortality during the first 30 days of hospitalization in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and comorbid DM. This prospective study included 110 critically ill patients admitted with COVID-19 infection. Thirty-two (29%) patients had a previous diagnosis of DM. Clinical variables, laboratory tests, and vascular biomarkers, such as VCAM-1, syndecan-1, ICAM-1, angiopoietin-1, and angiopoeitin-2, were evaluated after intensive care unit (ICU) admission. A comparison was made between patients with and without DM. No difference in mortality was observed between the groups (48.7 vs 46.9%, P=0.861). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, VCAM-1 levels at ICU admission (HR: 1 [1-1.001], P<0.006) were associated with death in patients with DM. Among patients with DM, advanced age (HR 1.063 [1.031-1.096], P<0.001), increased Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio (HR: 4.515 [1.803-11.308] P=0.001), and need for dialysis (HR: 3.489 [1.409-8.642], P=0.007) were independent predictors of death. Higher levels of VCAM-1 in patients with DM was better at predicting death of patients with severe COVID-19 and comorbid DM, and their cut-off values were useful for stratifying patients with a worse prognosis. Vascular biomarkers VCAM-1 and Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio were predictors of death in patients with severe COVID-19 and comorbid DM and those without DM. Additionally, kidney injury was associated with an increased risk of death. COVID19 COVID 19 COVID-1 world (DM affected 3 11 infection Thirtytwo Thirty two 29% 29 (29% variables tests VCAM1, VCAM1 VCAM 1, syndecan1, syndecan1 syndecan syndecan-1 ICAM1, ICAM1 ICAM ICAM-1 angiopoietin1, angiopoietin1 angiopoietin angiopoietin-1 angiopoeitin2, angiopoeitin2 angiopoeitin 2, 2 angiopoeitin-2 (ICU 48.7 487 48 7 (48. 469 46 9 46.9% P=0.861. P0861 P P=0.861 . 0 861 P=0.861) analysis VCAM- HR 11.001, 11001 1.001 , 001 [1-1.001] P<0.006 P0006 006 1063 063 1.06 1.0311.096, 10311096 1.031 1.096 031 096 [1.031-1.096] P<0.001, P0001 P<0.001 P<0.001) Ang2/Ang1 Ang2Ang1 AngAng Ang 2/Ang Ang-2/Ang- 4515 4 515 4.51 1.80311.308 180311308 1.803 11.308 803 308 [1.803-11.308 P=0.001, P=0.001 P=0.001) 3489 489 3.48 1.4098.642, 14098642 1.409 8.642 409 8 642 [1.409-8.642] P=0.007 P0007 007 cutoff cut off prognosis Additionally COVID1 COVID- (29 syndecan- ICAM- angiopoietin- angiopoeitin- 48. (48 46.9 P086 P=0.86 86 11.001 1100 1001 1.00 00 [1-1.001 P<0.00 P000 106 06 1.0 0311 1.0311.096 1031109 1031 1.03 1096 1.09 03 09 [1.031-1.096 Ang2 Ang1 Ang2/Ang Ang2Ang 2Ang Ang-2/Ang 451 51 4.5 80311 1.80311.30 18031130 1803 1.80 11308 11.30 80 [1.803-11.30 P=0.00 348 3.4 4098 1.4098.642 1409864 1409 1.40 8642 8.64 40 64 [1.409-8.642 (2 (4 46. P08 P=0.8 11.00 100 [1-1.00 P<0.0 P00 10 1. 1.0311.09 103110 103 109 [1.031-1.09 45 5 4. 8031 1.80311.3 1803113 180 1.8 1130 11.3 [1.803-11.3 P=0.0 34 3. 1.4098.64 140986 140 1.4 864 8.6 6 [1.409-8.64 ( P0 P=0. 11.0 [1-1.0 P<0. 1.0311.0 10311 [1.031-1.0 1.80311. 180311 18 113 11. [1.803-11. 1.4098.6 14098 14 8. [1.409-8.6 P=0 [1-1. P<0 1.0311. [1.031-1. 1.80311 18031 [1.803-11 1.4098. [1.409-8. P= [1-1 P< 1.0311 [1.031-1 1.8031 [1.803-1 1.4098 [1.409-8 [1- [1.031- [1.803- [1.409- [1 [1.031 [1.803 [1.409 [ [1.03 [1.80 [1.40 [1.0 [1.8 [1.4 [1.

ABSTRACT Piper is a large genus in the Piperaceae family, with the subgenus Ottonia having about 30 species distributed in the Neotropics, most of which occur in Brazil (26 species). Ottonia is characterized by the flower densely papillate, pedicellate or sessile, with four stigmas, four stamens and 4-ribbed fruits with persistent stigmas. The recent global studies of Piper propose that all the species of Ottonia should be considered a subgenus of Piper. Beacause Brazil doesn’t have a revisionary study with the subgenus or with Piper, most of the names of the Piper subgenus Ottonia, about 100 names, need to be re-evaluated. We presented 26 species of Piper subgenus Ottonia, which one three are new species from Brazil Piper brumadinense M. Carv.-Silva & E.F. Guim., Piper cariacicaense M. Carv.-Silva & E.F. Guim., and Piper moringanum E.F. Guim. & M. Carv.-Silva. A synopsis of the Piper L. subgenus Ottonia Spreng. (Piperaceae) is presented, including diagnostics aspects and comments on species, descriptions of the new species, synonyms, lectotypes, and a key to the species and illustrations.

The present work compares graphene oxides produced by the Marcano's method and the subsequent reduction process using a microwave system with different power and time sets. The thermal profiles of the reduction processes were analyzed, emphasizing the heat capacity from the 600 W test of 3.44 kJ/K. The X-ray diffraction showed a reduction in the interlayer space and the number of layers in all powers. The infrared and UV-Vis spectroscopy results showed a clear decrease in the bands corresponding to the oxygenated group and partial restoration of aromatic bonds. The Raman spectroscopy showed that the 1000 W power set originated a higher defective structure. The observed results allow the conclusion that the 600 W power promotes a little better result between the analyzed power sets.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a resposta metabólica de cordeiros nativos alimentados com feno de capim-tifton 85 (Cynodon dactylon) ou feno de maniçoba (Manihot pseudoglaziovii) associados à palma forrageira (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck). Foram utilizados 16 cordeiros Morada Nova, com peso inicial médio de 19,36±1,48kg, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com dois tratamentos e oito repetições. O consumo de matéria seca foi maior nos cordeiros alimentados com feno de maniçoba em comparação ao feno de tifton, enquanto o peso corporal ao abate não foi influenciado pelas dietas. Em relação aos metabólitos sanguíneos, apenas a concentração sérica de ureia foi influenciada, com maior valor observado nos cordeiros que ingeriram a dieta contendo feno de capim-tifton. Quando foi realizada a análise dos biomarcadores sanguíneos nas diferentes coletas quinzenais, foi observado aumento linear nas concentrações sanguíneas de ureia, glicose, frutosamina, fosfatase alcalina e sódio, e efeito quadrático para o potássio sérico. Os demais metabólitos sanguíneos não foram influenciados em função dos dias de coleta. A substituição do feno de tifton 85 por feno de maniçoba influencia positivamente o metabolismo de cordeiros sem causar alterações na dinâmica dos diferentes biomarcadores e se apresenta como um promissor recurso forrageiro.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the metabolic response of native lambs fed Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon dactylon) or Maniçoba hay (Manihot pseudoglaziovii) associated with spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck). Sixteen Morada Nova lambs were used, with a mean initial weight of 19.36±1.48kg, distributed in a randomized block design, with two treatments and eight replications. Dry matter intake was higher for lambs fed Maniçoba hay compared to Tifton hay, while the body weight at slaughter was not influenced by diets. Regarding the blood metabolites, only the serum concentration of urea was influenced, with higher value observed in the lambs that fed the diet containing Tifton hay. When analyzing blood biomarkers, in the different biweekly collections, a linear increase in the blood concentration of urea, glucose, fructosamine, alkaline phosphatase and sodium was observed, as well as a quadratic effect for serum potassium. The other blood metabolites were not influenced in function of the collection days. The replacement of Tifton 85 hay for Maniçoba hay does not cause negative changes in the dynamics of different biomarkers and presents itself as a promising forage resource.

RESUMO: A dessecação pré-colheita é uma estratégia importante no sentido de antecipar a colheita, evitando que a semente fique no campo em condições climáticas desfavoráveis. No entanto, pouco se sabe sobre o uso de dessecantes e as épocas de aplicação destes na cultura do feijão-caupi (Vigna unguiculata). Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar efeito da aplicação de dessecantes em diferentes épocas e de herbicidas dessecantes sobre a produtividade e a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de feijão-caupi. Foram avaliados cinco dessecantes: paraquat, aplicação sequencial de paraquat, amonio-glufosinate, glyphosate com aplicação sequencial de paraquat e mistura paraquat+diuron aplicados em quatro épocas: 50% das vagens com sementes formadas, com coloração verde (época I), 70% das vagens na coloração roxa (época II), 90% das vagens na coloração marrom (época III) e 100% das vagens na coloração marrom (época IV), mais uma testemunha sem a aplicação de dessecantes, em que a colheita foi realizada quando 100% de vagens estavam na coloração marrom. Avaliaram-se o número de dias de antecipação de colheita, produtividade, teste de uniformidade, massa de cem sementes, germinação e vigor das sementes. Nenhuma das estratégias de dessecação afetou a qualidade fisiológica das sementes, independentemente da época de aplicação. Os dessecantes paraquat, amonio-glufosinate e a mistura paraquat+diuron, quando aplicados nas épocas I e II, proporcionaram antecipação da colheita em até 13 dias e 9 dias, respectivamente, porém o tamanho das sementes e, consequentemente, a produtividade foram afetados.

ABSTRACT: Pre-harvest desiccation is an important strategy to anticipate harvesting, preventing the seed from being left in the field in unfavorable climatic conditions. However, little is known about the use of desiccants and their application times on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of desiccant application at different seasons and of desiccant herbicides on productivity and physiological quality of cowpea seeds. Five dessicants were evaluated: paraquat, paraquat sequential application, glufosinate- ammonium, glyphosate with sequential application of paraquat and paraquat + diuron mixture applied in four seasons: 50% of the pods with green coloration and with seeds formed (season I); 70% of the pods in the purple coloration (season II), 90% of the pods in the coloration brown (season III) and 100% of the pods in the coloration brown (season IV), plus a control without the application of desiccants, in which harvesting was performed when 100% of the pods were brown. The number of days of anticipation of harvest, productivity, uniformity test, mass of one hundred seeds, germination and vigor of the seeds were evaluated. None of desiccation strategies affect the physiological seed quality, independent of the application season. The desquaments paraquat, glufosinate-ammonium and the paraquat+diuron mixture, when applied in seasons I and II, provided anticipation of the harvest in up to 13 days and 9 days, respectively, however, the size of the seeds and consequently the productivity were affected.

Acute coronary syndromes are associated with a high prevalence of complications including heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of novel biomarkers with the occurrence of post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) HF. A prospective study was conducted with patients admitted to the emergency department with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Blood and urine samples were collected for analysis of traditional and novel biomarkers, including interleukin-6, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). We compared the levels of these biomarkers between patients with and without post-STEMI HF. A total of 48 patients were assessed, with a prevalence of males. Fifteen patients (31.2%) had post-STEMI HF. Patients with HF had higher mean values of IL-6, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 compared to those who did not develop HF (57.06 vs 14.03 pg/mL, P=0.001; 1719.58 vs 1304.34 ng/mL, P=0.001; and 1594.20 vs 1158.74 ng/mL, P<0.001, respectively). The three biomarkers were shown to be good predictors of post-STEMI HF (IL-6: AUC 0.786, P=0.002; VCAM-1: AUC 0.797, P=0.001; and ICAM-1: AUC 0.825, P<0.0001), with the respective cutoff points being calculated based on the best sensitivity and specificity indexes (IL-6: 8.67 pg/mL; VCAM-1: 1501.42 ng/mL; and ICAM-1: 1262.38 ng/mL). Of the three biomarkers, only VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 had a direct linear association between them (r=0.470, P<0.0001). IL-6, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 were associated with the development of new post-AMI HF symptoms, but only VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 correlated with each other, possibly because they have the same pathophysiological mechanism of action.

RESUMO O herpesvírus bovino tipo-1 (BoHV-1) é um vírus amplamente distribuído no Brasil e no mundo, havendo um crescente número de estudos envolvendo métodos de diagnóstico e o seu impacto na reprodução animal. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar o material genético do BoHV-1 no sêmen de touros infectados experimentalmente por meio da técnica de PCR e avaliar a influência do vírus sobre a qualidade espermática desses animais. A técnica de PCR foi satisfatória, permitindo identificar a presença do material genético do vírus no sêmen de todos os animais a partir de sete dias pós-infecção, com persistência de 21 até 28 dias. Apesar da presença do vírus BoHV-1 por um longo período no sêmen dos animais experimentais, não foram observados efeitos deletérios na qualidade do sêmen fresco e nem após a criopreservação.

ABSTRACT Bovine Herpesvirus type-1 (BoHV-1) is a virus widely distributed in Brazil and worldwide, with a growing number of studies involving diagnostic methods and their impact on animal reproduction. The objective of this work was to identify the genetic material of BoHV-1 in the semen of experimentally infected bulls through the PCR technique, and to evaluate the influence of the virus on the sperm quality of these animals. The PCR technique was satisfactory, allowing for the identification of the presence of the genetic material of the virus in the semen of all the animals from 7 days post infection, with persistence of 21 to 28 days. Despite the presence of the BoHV-1 virus over a long period in the semen of the experimental animals, no deleterious effects were observed on the quality of either fresh semen or semen after the cryopreservation.

RESUMO A produção de biomassa de aveia voltada à elaboração de silagem de qualidade é dependente de elementos climáticos e nitrogênio sem ocorrência de acamamento. O objetivo do presente estudo é a definição da dose ideal do regulador de crescimento que possibilite, no máximo, 5% de acamamento de plantas de aveia, bem como a identificação das variáveis potenciais para composição do modelo de regressão linear múltipla com simulação da produtividade de biomassa à elaboração de silagem nas condições de uso do regulador, em reduzida, alta e muito alta fertilização com nitrogênio. O estudo foi conduzido em 2013, 2014 e 2015, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições em esquema fatorial 4x3, para doses de regulador (0, 200, 400 e 600mL ha-1) e doses de nitrogênio (30, 90 e 150kg ha-1), respectivamente. A dose de 495mL ha-1 de regulador se mostra eficiente na redução do acamamento de plantas de aveia em condição de reduzida, alta e muito alta fertilização com nitrogênio. A soma térmica, a precipitação, a radiação, a dose de regulador e o nitrogênio qualificam a composição do modelo de regressão linear múltipla, tornando eficiente a simulação da produtividade de biomassa da aveia para silagem ao longo do ciclo.

ABSTRACT The production of oat biomass focused on the development of quality silage is dependent on climatic elements and nitrogen without lodging occurrence. The objective of the study is to define the optimal dose of growth regulator that allows a maximum of 5% oat plant lodging and identify potential variables for composition of multiple linear regression model with productivity simulation of biomass to the preparation of silage in the conditions of low, high and very high fertilization with nitrogen. The study was conducted in 2013, 2014, and 2015 in the randomized block design with four replications in a factorial 4x3, for regulator doses (0, 200, 400 and 600ml ha-1) and nitrogen doses (30, 90 and 150kg ha-1), respectively. The dose of 495mL ha-1 regulator is efficient in reducing the oat plant lodging in condition reduced, high, and very high fertilization with nitrogen. Thermal time, precipitation, radiation, regulator dose and nitrogen dose qualify the composition of the multiple linear regression model, making efficient the biomass oat productivity simulation for silage over the cycle.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to describe the clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic cardiological findings in a group of patients with oral clefts. METHODS: This is a prospective cross-sectional study on 70 children (age range from 13 days to 19 years) with oral clefts who attended the multidisciplinary program of a university hospital from March 2013 to September 2014. The patients were evaluated by a pediatric cardiologist and underwent detailed anamnesis, physical examination, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram. RESULTS: Sixty percent of the patients were male; 55.7% presented with cleft lip and palate, and 40.0% presented with health complaints. Comorbidities were found in 44.3%. Relevant pregnancy, neonatal, family and personal antecedents were present in 55.7%, 27.1%, 67.2%, and 24.3% of the patients, respectively. Regarding the antecedents, 15.2% of the patients presented with a cardiac murmur, 49.0% with a familial risk of developing plurimetabolic syndrome, and 6% with family antecedents of rheumatic fever. Electrocardiographic evaluation showed one case of atrioventricular block. Echocardiograms were abnormal in 35.7% of the exams, including 5 cases of mitral valve prolapse — one of which was diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease. CONCLUSION: The finding of a family risk of developing plurimetabolic syndrome and a diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease indicates that patients with oral clefts may be more prone to developing acquired heart disease. Thus, our findings highlight the importance of anamnesis and methodological triangulation (clinical-electrocardiographic-echocardiographic) in the investigation of patients with oral clefts and emphasize that cardiological follow-up to evaluate acquired and/or rhythm heart diseases is necessary. This strategy permits comorbidity prevention and individualized planned treatment.

Excess weight (overweight and obesity) is associated with kidney and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between syndecan-1 and renal function among adolescents with excess weight. A total of 56 students from a public school at Fortaleza, CE, Brazil, were investigated. The adolescents were submitted to anthropometric evaluation, including weight, height, blood pressure and body mass index. Blood and urine samples were collected for the determination of serum lipids (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides), and the endothelial injury biomarker syndecan-1. Participants' mean age was 16±1 years (range 14-19 years), and 68% were females. Overweight was observed in 4 cases (7.1%) and obesity in 7 (12.5%). Changes in serum lipid levels were more frequent in the overweight group. A positive correlation between syndecan-1 and serum creatinine (r=0.5, P=0.001) and triglycerides (r=0.37, P=0.004), and a negative correlation with glomerular filtration rate (r=-0.33, P=0.02) were found. These findings suggest that adolescents with excess weight present incipient changes at the cellular level that make them more vulnerable to the development of kidney and cardiovascular diseases.

ABSTRACT Phytochemical investigation of Bauhinia acuruana Moric., Fabaceae, resulted in the isolation of sixteen constituents, including two new compounds 2'-hydroxy-2,3,5-trimethoxybibenzyl (1), (2R,3S)-2-(3,4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-5-methoxy-6-methylchroman-3,7-diol (2), together with fourteen known ones (3–16). The structures of the compounds were established by spectroscopic analysis including HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR data, followed by comparison with previously reported data from the literature. Compounds 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 9 were evaluated for their cytotoxicity, which turned out to be marginal in a panel of six human cancer cell lines.

RESUMO Foram avaliados os efeitos do β-mercaptoetanol (BME) e da cisteína sobre a viabilidade e a atividade oxidativa após o descongelamento do sêmen ovino e sobre o desenvolvimento in vitro e a viabilidade de embriões ovinos vitrificados. Ejaculados de quatro carneiros foram agrupados e diluídos, compondo seis tratamentos: sem antioxidantes; com BME 2mM; com BME 5mM; com BME 2mM e cisteína 5mM; com BME 5mM e cisteína 5mM; e com cisteína 5mM. Motilidade, integridade da membrana e do acrossoma, função mitocondrial, produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio e capacidade antioxidante total foram semelhantes entre os tratamentos (P>0,05). Em um meio sem antioxidantes, as taxas de clivagem e de desenvolvimento embrionário até blastocisto (60,3%, e 33,6%, respectivamente) foram semelhantes (P>0,05) às obtidas em um meio comBME 50μM e cisteína 600μM (64,3% e 36,6%, respectivamente). A viabilidade pós-descongelamento dos embriões vitrificados não diferiu entre os meios (P>0,05). O BME e a cisteína não influenciaram a viabilidade e a atividade oxidativa do sêmen ovino após o descongelamento e a viabilidade de embriões ovinos vitrificados.

ABSTRACT The effects of β-mercaptoethanol (BME) and cysteine on the viability and oxidative activity of ram sperm after thawing and on development in vitro and viability of vitrified sheep embryos were evaluated. Ejaculates from four rams were pooled and extended, composing six treatments: no antioxidants; 2mM BME; 5mM BME; 2mM BME and 5mM cysteine; 5mM BME and 5mM cysteine; and 5mM cysteine. Sperm motility, membrane and acrosome integrity, mitochondrial functionality, production of reactive oxygen species and total antioxidant capacity were similar across treatments (P>0.05). A medium with no antioxidant presented cleavage and blastocyst development rates (60.3% and 33.6%, respectively) similar (P>0.05) to those of a medium with 50μM BME and 600μM cysteine (64.3% and 36.6%, respectively). Post-thawing viability of vitrified embryos was similar between media (P>0.05). Cysteine and BME had no influence on the post-thawing viability and oxidative activity of ram sperm and on the viability of vitrified sheep embryos.

RESUMO Avaliaram-se 160 radiografias das articulações coxofemorais de 40 cães de diferentes raças de grande porte, provenientes de Belo Horizonte, Brasil. As radiografias de cada animal foram obtidas em dois momentos: um (média de 7,23 meses de idade) e dois (média de 14,25 meses). Utilizaram-se o método radiográfico convencional (MRC) e o método radiográfico em distração (MRD), ambos realizados nos dois momentos. No MRC, mensurou-se o ângulo de Norberg (AN), o ângulo de inclinação (AI) e avaliou-se a presença de doença articular degenerativa (DAD). O MRD foi realizado para se estabelecer o índice de distração (ID). Os objetivos foram avaliar a presença da linha Morgan (LM) e de outros sinais de DAD, correlacionando-os com o grau de displasia coxofemoral (DCF); além de se verificar se o ID maior que 0,3 (primeiro momento) possui associação com a presença de LM (segundo momento). Verificou-se que ID, AI e encurtamento e/ou espessamento do colo femoral e formação de osteófitos foram associados à presença da LM. Observou-se que, quando o ID era maior que 0,3 no primeiro momento, a chance de um resultado positivo da LM no segundo momento aumentava em 7,2 vezes. No primeiro momento, 49 articulações apresentaram ID > 0,3. Destas, 31 (63,3%) apresentaram LM no segundo momento. Dos 31 animais que apresentaram ID ≤ 0,3 no primeiro momento, seis (19,4%) desenvolveram LM no segundo momento. Houve associação significativa entre presença de LM com o grau de DCF, e quanto mais grave a DCF, maior foi o percentual de resultados positivos da LM. Dos 24 (60%) animais que apresentaram LM, 11 (45,83%) foram classificados como displásicos graves, cinco (20,83%) como médios e oito (33,33%) como leves. Nenhum dos animais considerados suspeitos ou normais apresentou LM. Dos oito animais classificados como displásicos leves, cinco apresentaram apenas LM como sinal de DAD.

ABSTRACT We evaluated 160 hip joint radiographs of 40 dogs of different large breeds (25 females and 15 males) from the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The radiographs of each dog were obtained at two different stages: stage 1 (mean 7.23 months) and stage 2 (mean 14.25). The conventional radiographic method (CRM) and the radiographic distraction method (RDM) were used, carried out in both stages. CRM measured the Norberg angle (NA), the angle of inclination (AI) and evaluated the presence of degenerative joint disease (DJD). The MRD was performed to establish the distraction index (DI). The aims were to evaluate the presence of the Morgan line and other signs of DJD and correlate them with the degree of canine hip dysplasia (CHD) and also check if the DI greater than 0.3 (first stage) was associated with the presence of ML (second stage). It was found that DI, AI and changes of femoral neck and the formation of osteophytes were associated with the presence of ML. It was observed that if the DI is greater than 0.3 at the first stage, the chance of a positive outcome of ML in the second stage increases by 7.2 times. Thus, 49 joints showed DI > 0.3 at the first stage, in which 31 (63.3 %) presented ML at the second stage. Of the 31 animals that showed DI ≤ 0.3 at first, six (19.4%) had LM at the second stage. There has been a significant association between the presence of ML and the degree of CHD. The more severe the CHD, the higher the percentage of positive ML results. Thus, among the 24 (60 %) animals that showed ML, 11 (45.83 %) were classified as severe dysplastics, 5 (20.83%) as moderate and 8 (33.33 %) as mild. None of the animals classified as normal or borderline presented ML. Among the 8 animals classified as mild dysplastics, 5 showed only ML as DJD.

The autonomic nervous system maintains homeostasis, which is the state of balance in the body. That balance can be determined simply and noninvasively by evaluating heart rate variability (HRV). However, independently of autonomic control of the heart, HRV can be influenced by other factors, such as respiratory parameters. Little is known about the relationship between HRV and spirometric indices. In this study, our objective was to determine whether HRV correlates with spirometric indices in adults without cardiopulmonary disease, considering the main confounders (e.g., smoking and physical inactivity). In a sample of 119 asymptomatic adults (age 20-80 years), we evaluated forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). We evaluated resting HRV indices within a 5-min window in the middle of a 10-min recording period, thereafter analyzing time and frequency domains. To evaluate daily physical activity, we instructed participants to use a triaxial accelerometer for 7 days. Physical inactivity was defined as <150 min/week of moderate to intense physical activity. We found that FVC and FEV1, respectively, correlated significantly with the following aspects of the RR interval: standard deviation of the RR intervals (r =0.31 and 0.35), low-frequency component (r =0.38 and 0.40), and Poincaré plot SD2 (r =0.34 and 0.36). Multivariate regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, smoking, physical inactivity, and cardiovascular risk, identified the SD2 and dyslipidemia as independent predictors of FVC and FEV1 (R2=0.125 and 0.180, respectively, for both). We conclude that pulmonary function is influenced by autonomic control of cardiovascular function, independently of the main confounders.

RESUMO O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade antibacteriana, antioxidante e citotóxica da espécie Opuntia cochenillifera (L.) Mill. Foi realizada a prospecção fitoquímica e espectroscopia de absorção de infravermelho (IV) dos extratos etanólicos brutos e frações dos cladódios grande e pequeno. A atividade antioxidante foi avaliada pelo método da capacidade sequestradora de radicais livres utilizando o radical sintético 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazila (DPPH). A atividade citotóxica foi obtida através do método colorimétrico do Metiltetrazolium (MTT). Já a atividade antibacteriana foi avaliada pelo método de microdiluição em caldo para determinar a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) frente às estirpes bacterianas Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Escherichia coli. A prospecção fitoquímica revelou principalmente a presença de fenóis, esteroides livres, alcaloides, alcanos, além de outras classes químicas. O IV apresentou grupos funcionais como alcanos, carbonilas, grupos de metila, duplas ligações de carbono, grupamentos alquilamina, entre outros. Sobre a citotoxicidade na concentração de 100 μg/mL, os dois extratos brutos, todas as frações do cladódio grande e as frações de clorofórmio e metanol do cladódio pequeno não apresentaram toxicidade. Os extratos brutos e frações do cladódio grande e pequeno, não demonstraram atividade antibacteriana e nem antioxidante. Esses resultados podem fornecer suporte para pesquisas futuras, visando outras atividades biológicas da presente espécie vegetal.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activity of Opuntia cochenillifera (L.) Mill. A phytochemical screening and infrared (IR) absorption spectroscopy were performed in the crude ethanolic extracts and fractions of large and small cladodes. The antioxidant activity was evaluated through the qualitative method of free-radical scavenging capacity using the synthetic radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The cytotoxic activity was obtained by the cell viability assay using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). Antibacterial activity was evaluated by broth microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against the bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. The phytochemical screening mainly revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, free steroids, alkaloids, alkanes, and other chemical classes. The IR spectroscopy presented functional groups such as alkanes, carbonyls, methyl groups, carbon double bonds, and alkylamino groups, among others. Regarding cytotoxicity in the concentration of 100 μg/mL, neither the crude extracts, the fractions of the large cladode, nor the chloroform and methanol fractions of small cladode presented toxicity. The crude ethanolic extracts and fractions of large and small cladode showed no antibacterial or antioxidant activity. These results may provide support for future research aimed at other biological activities of this plant species.