Resumo Relatos da medicina popular costumam atuar como referencial para o desenvolvimento de novos fármacos a partir de moléculas naturais com ações terapêuticas para doenças de alta gravidade e prevalência como o câncer. Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. é uma espécie da família Bromeliaceae, considerada uma planta alimentícia não convencional (PANC), encontrada nas regiões sul e centro-oeste do Brasil. Apesar do alto teor nutritivo e potencial farmacológico de seus frutos, poucos estudos científicos relatam suas ações biológicas. Desta forma, este estudo avalia o perfil fitoquímico de extratos aquoso e etanólico obtidos de frutos de B. antiacantha, bem como a sua possível ação antioxidante, antitumoral e citotóxica. O extrato aquoso apresentou compostos fenólicos e flavonoides, enquanto os extratos etanólicos apontam a presença de flavonóides e cumarina em sua composição, independente da região de coleta. O extrato etanólico demonstrou efeito antioxidante mais promissor do que o extrato aquoso e também induziu uma inibição significativa na viabilidade de células humanas de câncer cervical da linhagem SiHa. Além disso, o tratamento com ambos extratos não alterou a viabilidade de células não tumorais da linhagem de queratinócitos humanos imortalizados (HaCaT). Estes dados trazem novas informações sobre extratos obtidos de uma espécie vegetal nativa, comestível e já utilizada tradicionalmente, mas abrindo novas perspectivas quanto a possíveis aplicações terapêuticas.

Abstract Reports from popular medicine usually act as a basis for the development of new drugs from natural compounds with therapeutic actions for serious diseases and prevalence such as cancer. Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. is a species of the Bromeliaceae family, considered an unconventional food plant, found in the south and midwest regions of Brazil. Despite the high nutritional content and pharmacological potential of its fruits, few scientific studies report its biological actions. Thus, this study evaluates the phytochemical profile of aqueous and ethanol extracts obtained from B. antiacantha fruits, as well as their possible antioxidant, antitumor, and cytotoxic activities. The aqueous extract exhibited phenolic compounds and flavonoids, while ethanol extracts indicated the presence of flavonoids and coumarin in their composition, regardless of the region of collection. The ethanolic extract demonstrated a more promising antioxidant effect than the aqueous extract and also induced a significant inhibition in the viability of human cervical cancer cells of the SiHa strain. In addition, treatment with both extracts did not alter the viability of non-tumor cells of the immortalized human keratinocyte lineage (HaCaT). These results bring new data about extracts obtained from a native plant, edible and traditionally used in popular medicine, opening new perspectives for its possible therapeutic application.

Resumen: La pitahaya (Hylocereus spp) es un fruto que, por las características de su demanda, tanto para fruta fresca como para consumo industrial, ha detonado fuertemente su desarrollo en diversos países. in embargo, presenta diversos mecanismos de autoincompatibilidad que impacta en la productividad. Por lo anterior, se analizó la viabilidad del polen durante la antesis (o periodo de floración) de dos cultivares de H. undatus de pulpa blanca. Para ello se tomó muestras de polen durante 13 horas, desde el comienzo de ésta por la tarde, hasta que finaliza al día siguiente. El método utilizado fue tinción con sal de tetrazolio (cloruro de 2,3,5-trifeniltetrazolio) o TZ. Los resultados mostraron que no hay polen viable al inicio de la antesis. A las 09:00 pm la viabilidad comenzó a crecer lentamente y después de las 12:00 am se duplicó y se aceleró la viabilidad, marcando la más alta de 02:00 a 04:00 am. Se pudo observar la consistencia del polen que inicia con una fase I con polen húmedo sin viabilidad, hasta otra con menor humedad con baja viabilidad (fase II). La fase III, observó polen harinoso muy granulado, fácil de manejar precisamente cuando las lecturas de la tinción marcaron la viabilidad de 93 % a 95 %. Posteriormente, la viabilidad baja hasta desaparecer cuando la estructura floral comienza a deshidratarse.

Abstract: Pitahaya (Hylocereus spp) is a fruit that, due to the characteristics of its demand, both for fresh fruit and for industrial consumption, has detonated its development in various countries. However, it presents various self-incompatibility mechanisms that impact productivity. Therefore, the viability of pollen was analyzed during the anthesis (or flowering period)of two white-fleshed H. undatus cultivars, taking pollen samples for 13 hours, from the beginning of the anthesis in the afternoon, until it ends the following day. The method used was staining with tetrazolium salt (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride) or TZ. The results showed that there is no viable pollen at the beginning of the anthesis. At 09:00 pm the viability began to grow slowly and after 12:00 am it doubled and the viability accelerated, marking the highest from 02:00 to 04:00 am. It was possible to observe the consistency of the pollen that begins with a phase I with humid pollen without viability, up to another with lower humidity with low viability (phase II). Phase III observed very granular mealy pollen, easy to handle precisely when the staining readings marked the viability of 93 % to 95 %. Subsequently, the viability decreases until it disappears when the floral structure begins to dehydrate.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an elastomeric urethane monomer (Exothane-24) in different concentrations on physicochemical properties, gap formation, and polymerization shrinkage stress of experimental resin composites. All experimental composites were prepared with 50 wt.% of Bis-GMA and 50 wt.% of TEGDMA, to which 0 wt.% (control), 10 wt.%, 20 wt.%, 30 wt.%, and 40 wt.% of Exothane-24 were added. Filler particles (65 wt.%) were then added to these resin matrixes. Ultimate tensile strength (UTS: n = 10), flexural strength (FS: n = 10), flexural modulus (FM: n = 10), hardness (H: n = 10), hardness reduction (HR: n = 10), degree of conversion (DC: n = 5), gap width (GW: n = 10), and polymerization shrinkage stress in Class I (SS-I: n = 10) and Class II (SS-II: n = 10) simulated configuration. All test data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05; β= 0.2). Exothane-24 in all concentrations decreased the H, HR, DC, GW, SS-I, and SS-II (p < 0.05) without affecting the UTS, and FS (p > 0.05). Reduction in FM was observed only in the Exothane 40% and 30% groups compared to the control (p < 0.05). Exothane-24 at concentrations 20% and 30% seems suitable since it reduced GW and polymerization SS without affecting the properties of the composite resins tested, except for H.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de um monômero elastomérico de uretano (Exothane-24) em diferentes concentrações em propriedades físico-químicas, formação de fenda e tensão de contração de polimerização de resinas compostas experimentais. Todos os compósitos experimentais foram preparados com 50% em peso de Bis-GMA e 50% em peso de TEGDMA, nos quais 0% (controle), 10%, 20%, 30% e 40% em peso de Exothane-24 foram adicionados. Partículas de carga (65% em peso) foram então adicionadas as matrizes resinosas. Resistência coesiva (RC: n = 10), resistência à flexão (RF: n = 10), módulo de flexão (MF: n = 10), dureza (D: n = 10), redução de dureza (RD: n = 10), grau de conversão (GC: n = 5), largura de fenda (LF: n = 10) e tensão de contração de polimerização em simulações de cavidades Classe I (TC-I: n = 10) e Classe II (TC-II: n = 10). Todos os dados do teste foram analisados usando one-way ANOVA e teste de Tukey (α = 0,05; β = 0,2). O Exothane-24 em todas as concentrações diminuiu a D, RD, GC, LF, TC-I e TC-II (p < 0,05) sem afetar o RC e RF (p > 0,05). A redução da MF foi observada apenas nos grupos Exothane 40% e 30% em relação ao controle (p < 0,05). O Exothane-24 nas concentrações de 20% e 30% pareceu ser adequado, pois reduziu LF e TC de polimerização sem afetar as propriedades das resinas compostas testadas, exceto para D.

ABSTRACT Hyperspectral sensors and regression analysis have been used to analyze the most important spectral ranges for biophysical parameters of target crops, aiding in management decision-making. This study aimed to analyze the spectral response of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandú leaves to increasing rates of urea fertilization and predict leaf nitrogen content (LNC). Four rates of urea fertilization (0, 25, 50, and 75 kg of N ha-1) were applied. Eight leaves were collected per plot seven times at monthly intervals and subjected to hyperspectral analysis. Leaf spectral responses differed statistically within the visible region, particularly at 550 nm (green). The regression models achieved moderate to good R2 values (0.53 to 0.83) for predicting LNC and identified important wavelengths in the red edge region (715 to 720 nm). These findings demonstrate the potential of spectral analysis to detect changes and forecast leaf nitrogen content in B. brizantha cv. Marandú crops at different fertilization levels.

ABSTRACT The growth in the number of launches of artificial satellites for the most different functions has motivated studies related to control, propagation, and orbit and attitude determination activities. In this paper a study of the Solar Radiation Pressure Torque (SRPT) and Aerodynamic Torque (AT) of the CBERS (China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite) satellite is done when the models used in the satellite mission are considered. The results showed that for satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), as in the case of CBERS, the AT has more relevant effects on the satellite’s superfıcie than the SRPT. These results could be useful for satellite supervision and control in post-launch, and are vital for attitude and orbit control of the CBERS satellite.

RESUMO O crescimento do número de lançamentos de satélites artificiais para as mais diferentes funções tem motivado estudos relacionados a atividades de controle, propagação e determinação de órbita e atitude. Neste trabalho é feito um estudo do Torque de Pressão de Radiação Solar (TPRS) e do Torque Aerodinâmico (TA) do satélite CBERS (China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite) quando são considerados os modelos utilizados na missão do satélite. Os resultados mostraram que para satélites em órbitas baixas terrestres (Low Earth Orbit-LEO), como no caso do CBERS, o TA tem efeitos mais relevantes na superfície do satélite do que o TPRS. Estes resultados poderão ser úteis para a supervisão e controle do satélite no pós-lançamento, sendo vital para o controle de atitude e da órbita do satélite CBERS.

ABSTRACT Objective: We hypothesized that the use of mechanical insufflation-exsufflation can reduce the incidence of acute respiratory failure within the 48-hour post-extubation period in intensive care unit-acquired weakness patients. Methods: This was a prospective randomized controlled open-label trial. Patients diagnosed with intensive care unit-acquired weakness were consecutively enrolled based on a Medical Research Council score ≤ 48/60. The patients randomly received two daily sessions; in the control group, conventional chest physiotherapy was performed, while in the intervention group, chest physiotherapy was associated with mechanical insufflation-exsufflation. The incidence of acute respiratory failure within 48 hours of extubation was evaluated. Similarly, the reintubation rate, intensive care unit length of stay, mortality at 28 days, and survival probability at 90 days were assessed. The study was stopped after futility results in the interim analysis. Results: We included 122 consecutive patients (n = 61 per group). There was no significant difference in the incidence of acute respiratory failure between treatments (11.5% control group versus 16.4%, intervention group; p = 0.60), the need for reintubation (3.6% versus 10.7%; p = 0.27), mean length of stay (3 versus 4 days; p = 0.33), mortality at Day 28 (9.8% versus 15.0%; p = 0.42), or survival probability at Day 90 (21.3% versus 28.3%; p = 0.41). Conclusion: Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation combined with chest physiotherapy seems to have no impact in preventing postextubation acute respiratory failure in intensive care unit-acquired weakness patients. Similarly, mortality and survival probability were similar in both groups. Nevertheless, given the early termination of the trial, further clinical investigation is strongly recommended. Clinical Trials Register: NCT 01931228

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar se o uso de insuflação-exsuflação mecânica pode reduzir a incidência da insuficiência respiratória aguda no período de 48 horas pós-extubação em pacientes com fraqueza adquirida em unidades de terapia intensiva. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, randomizado, controlado e aberto. Os pacientes diagnosticados com fraqueza adquirida em unidade de terapia intensiva foram incluídos consecutivamente, com base em uma pontuação do Medical Research Council ≤ 48/60. Os pacientes receberam aleatoriamente duas sessões diárias; no grupo controle, realizou-se fisioterapia torácica convencional, enquanto no grupo intervenção, combinou-se fisioterapia torácica com insuflação-exsuflação mecânica. Avaliou-se a incidência de insuficiência respiratória aguda dentro de 48 horas após a extubação. Da mesma forma, avaliaram-se a taxa de reintubação, o tempo de permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva, a mortalidade aos 28 dias e a probabilidade de sobrevida aos 90 dias. O estudo foi interrompido após resultados de futilidade na análise intermediária. Resultados: Incluímos 122 pacientes consecutivos (n = 61 por grupo). Não houve diferença significativa na incidência de insuficiência respiratória aguda entre os tratamentos (11,5% no grupo controle versus 16,4% no grupo intervenção; p = 0,60), na necessidade de reintubação (3,6% versus 10,7%; p = 0,27), no tempo médio de internação (3 versus 4 dias; p = 0,33), na mortalidade aos 28 dias (9,8% versus 15,0%; p = 0,42) ou na probabilidade de sobrevida aos 90 dias (21,3% versus 28,3%; p = 0,41). Conclusão: A insuflação-exsuflação mecânica associada à fisioterapia torácica parece não ter impacto na prevenção da insuficiência respiratória aguda pós-extubação em pacientes com fraqueza adquirida na unidade de terapia intensiva. Da mesma forma, a mortalidade e a probabilidade de sobrevida foram semelhantes em ambos os grupos. No entanto, devido ao término precoce do estudo, recomenda-se enfaticamente uma investigação clínica mais aprofundada. Registro Clinical Trials: NCT 01931228

Abstract Surgical procedures, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, individually or in association, are current oncological treatments. Among the most used chemotherapy drugs, 5-fluorouracil (5FU) is an antimetabolite with a broad spectrum of action. This study evaluated the effects of probiotics (PRO) as an adjuvant to the treatment of experimental periodontitis (EP) in rats immunosuppressed with 5FU. Methodology 108 rats were randomly allocated to six different groups: EP; SS – systemic treatment with saline solution (SS); 5FU – systemic treatment with 5FU; 5FU+PRO – systemic treatment with 5FU, followed by the local administration of Saccharomyces cerevisiae ; 5FU+SRP – systemic treatment with 5-FU, followed by scaling and root planing (SRP); and 5FU+SRP+PRO – systemic treatment with 5FU followed by local treatments with SRP and PRO. Immunosuppression was obtained at two points: at the time of ligature installation and after 48 h. Six animals from each group were euthanized at seven, 15, and 30 d and hemimandibles were collected and processed for histopathological, histometric, and immunohistochemical analysis. Data were subjected to statistical analysis (α=5%). Results At 7 d, the 5FU+PRO group showed less bone resorption and better structured connective tissue compared with the EP, SS, 5FU+SRP, and 5FU+SRP+PRO groups. At 15 d, the 5FU+SRP group showed a greater intensity of the inflammatory response (p<0.05). At 30 d, the 5FU+SRP+PRO group showed better structured bone tissue and a higher percentage of bone tissue (PBT) than the EP, SS, 5FU, and 5FU+PRO groups (p<0.05). Conclusion The use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as monotherapy or as an adjuvant to periodontal therapy may have a positive effect on bone repair in immunosuppressed conditions.

Abstract The present work aimed to characterize and compare the catalytic properties of amylases from Cunninghamella echinulata and Rhizopus microsporus. The highest production of amylase by C. echinulata, 234.94 U g-1 of dry substrate (or 23.49 U mL-1), was obtained using wheat bran as a substrate, with 50–55% initial moisture and kept at 28 °C for 48 h. The highest production of amylases by R. microsporus, 224.85 U g-1 of dry substrate (or 22.48 U mL-1), was obtained cultivating wheat bran with 65% initial moisture at 45 °C for 24 h. The optimal activity of the amylases was observed at pH 5.0 at 60 °C for C. echinulata enzymes and at pH 4.5 at 65 °C for R. microsporus. The amylases produced by C. echinulata were stable at pH 4.0–8.0, while the R. microsporus enzymes were stable at pH 4.0–10.0. The amylases produced by C. echinulata remained stable for 1 h at 50 °C and the R. microsporus amylases maintained catalytic activity for 1 h at 55 °C. The enzymatic extracts of both fungi hydrolyzed starches from different plant sources and showed potential for liquefaction of starch, however the amylolytic complex of C. echinulata exhibited greater saccharifying potential.

This paper encompasses the taxonomic study of Chloris and Stapfochloa in Paraíba State, contributing to the knowledge of local agrostological flora. Consultations on the virtual databases, as well as visits to physical herbaria, collecting expeditions and fieldwork observations, were made. In the study area, the occurrence of five species of Chloris and one species of Stapfochloa was confirmed. Identification key, descriptions, information about economic value and geographical distribution, ecology, and images of the species are provided.

O presente trabalho compreende o levantamento taxonômico das espécies de Chloris e Stapfochloa no Estado da Paraíba, ampliando o conhecimento da flora agrostológica local. Foram realizadas consultas em bases virtuais, visitas a herbários físicos e excursões para coletas e observações em campo. Na área de estudo foi confirmada a ocorrência de cinco espécies de Chloris e uma espécie de Stapfochloa. Chave de identificação, descrições dos táxons, dados sobre distribuição geográfica e importância econômica, ecologia e imagens das espécies são fornecidas.

Abstract Introduction Inferior turbinate surgery is often performed concomitantly with rhinoseptoplasty. As inferior turbinates play a major role in allergic rhinitis, it seems reasonable to suggest that inferior turbinate surgery reduces allergy. Objective To assess the impact of nasal turbinate surgery on non-obstructive allergic symptoms (nasal discharge, sneezing, pruritus, and allergic conjunctivitis) and on the use of allergic medication in patients with allergic rhinitis undergoing rhinoseptoplasty. Methods Secondary analysis of aggregated data from two randomized controlled trials. Participants with allergic rhinitis aged 2: 16 years were recruited. Data from two groups were analyzed: patients with rhinoseptoplasty and concomitant turbinate reduction (intervention group) and patients with rhinoseptoplasty only (control group). The 90-day postoperative frequency of non-obstructive allergic symptoms and of nasal steroid and oral antihistamine use were analyzed. Results A total of 100 patients were studied. The groups were similar in terms of allergic symptom intensity and mean age. The frequency of non-obstructive allergic symptoms decreased 90 days postoperative in both groups (p < 0.01). There was no difference between the groups in the frequency of non-obstructive allergic symptoms at 90 days (p = 0.835). Topical nasal steroid and oral histamine antagonist use decreased in the intervention group at 90 days (p < 0.05). Conclusions Ninety days after the surgery, turbinate reduction performed in association with rhinoseptoplasty did not reduce the frequency of non-obstructive allergic symptoms more than rhinoplasty alone. However, the observed decrease in nasal steroid and oral antihistamine use suggests an impact of turbinate reduction on medication use in patients with allergic rhinitis undergoing rhinoseptoplasty. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov database (NCT01457638 and NCT02231216).

Resumo Fundamento O remodelamento cardíaco patológico se caracteriza por disfunção diastólica e sistólica, levando à insuficiência cardíaca. Neste contexto, o cenário disfuncional do trânsito de cálcio miocárdico (Ca2+) tem sido pouco estudado. Um modelo experimental de estenose aórtica tem sido extensamente utilizado para aprimorar os conhecimentos sobre os principais mecanismos do remodelamento patológico cardíaco. Objetivo Entender o processo disfuncional dos principais componentes responsáveis pelo equilíbrio do cálcio miocárdico e sua influência sobre a função cardíaca na insuficiência cardíaca induzida pela estenose aórtica. Métodos Ratos Wistar de 21 dias de idade foram distribuídos em dois grupos: controle (placebo; n=28) e estenose aórtica (EaO; n=18). A função cardíaca foi analisada com o ecocardiograma, músculo papilar isolado e cardiomiócitos isolados. No ensaio do músculo papilar, SERCA2a e a atividade do canal de Ca2+ do tipo L foram avaliados. O ensaio de cardiomiócitos isolados avaliou o trânsito de cálcio. A expressão proteica da proteínas do trânsito de cálcio foi analisada com o western blot. Os resultados foram estatisticamente significativos quando p <0,05. Resultados Os músculos papilares e cardiomiócitos dos corações no grupo EaO demonstraram falhas mecânicas. Os ratos com EaO apresentaram menor tempo de pico do Ca2+, menor sensibilidade das miofibrilas do Ca2+, prejuízos nos processos de entrada e recaptura de cálcio pelo retículo sarcoplasmático, bem como disfunção no canal de cálcio do tipo L (CCTL). Além disso, os animais com EaO apresentaram maior expressão de SERCA2a, CCTL e trocador de Na+/Ca2+. Conclusão Insuficiência cardíaca sistólica e diastólica devido à estenose aórtica supravalvular acarretou comprometimento da entrada de Ca2+ celular e inibição da recaptura de cálcio pelo retículo sarcoplasmático devido à disfunção no CCTL e SERCA2a, assim como mudanças no trânsito de cálcio e na expressão das principais proteínas responsáveis pela homeostase de Ca2+ celular.

Abstract Background Maladaptive cardiac remodelling is characterized by diastolic and systolic dysfunction, culminating in heart failure. In this context, the dysfunctional scenario of cardiac calcium (Ca2+) handling has been poorly studied. An experimental model of aortic stenosis has been extensively used to improve knowledge about the key mechanisms of cardiac pathologic remodelling. Objective To understand the dysfunctional process of the major components responsible for Ca2+ balance and its influence on cardiac function in heart failure induced by aortic stenosis. Methods Male 21-day-old Wistar rats were distributed into two groups: control (sham; n= 28) and aortic stenosis (AoS; n= 18). Cardiac function was analysed by echocardiogram, isolated papillary muscle, and isolated cardiomyocytes. In the papillary muscle assay, SERCA2a and L-type Ca2+ channel activity was evaluated. The isolated cardiomyocyte assay evaluated Ca2+ handling. Ca2+ handling protein expression was analysed by western blot. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05. Results Papillary muscles and cardiomyocytes from AoS hearts displayed mechanical malfunction. AoS rats presented a slower time to the Ca2+ peak, reduced Ca2+ myofilament sensitivity, impaired sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ influx and reuptake ability, and SERCA2a and L-type calcium channel (LTCC) dysfunction. Moreover, AoS animals presented increased expression of SERCA2a, LTCCs, and the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. Conclusion Systolic and diastolic heart failure due to supravalvular aortic stenosis was paralleled by impairment of cellular Ca2+ influx and inhibition of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ reuptake due to LTCC and SERCA2a dysfunction, as well as changes in Ca2+ handling and expression of the major proteins responsible for cellular Ca2+ homeostasis.

Abstract Hemilucilia segmentaria (Fabricius, 1805) is a Neotropical blowfly species of forensic importance, with necrophagous and asynanthropic habits. In this study, the antennal ultrastructure of H. segmentaria was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The three antennal segments are covered by microtrichia. Sensilla chaetica were detected only on the scape and pedicel. Setiferous plaques and a pedicellar button were observed on the pedicel. Four types of sensilla were found on the postpedicel, including s. trichoidea, s. basiconica (subtype I, II and III), s. coeloconica subtype I, and sensory pits with s. coeloconica subtype II. This is the first time that the fine structure of the antennae of H. segmentaria was studied. Our results constitute a solid base for research on comparative and functional morphology in H. segmentaria and other blowflies.

RESUMO O presente trabalho compreende o levantamento taxonômico das espécies de Chloris e Stapfochloa no Estado da Paraíba, ampliando o conhecimento da flora agrostológica local. Foram realizadas consultas em bases virtuais, visitas a herbários físicos e excursões para coletas e observações em campo. Na área de estudo foi confirmada a ocorrência de cinco espécies de Chloris e uma espécie de Stapfochloa. Chave de identificação, descrições dos táxons, dados sobre distribuição geográfica e importância econômica, ecologia e imagens das espécies são fornecidas.

ABSTRACT This paper encompasses the taxonomic study of Chloris and Stapfochloa in Paraíba State, contributing to the knowledge of local agrostological flora. Consultations on the virtual databases, as well as visits to physical herbaria, collecting expeditions and fieldwork observations, were made. In the study area, the occurrence of five species of Chloris and one species of Stapfochloa was confirmed. Identification key, descriptions, information about economic value and geographical distribution, ecology, and images of the species are provided.