Abstract Nowadays, despite the implementation of new wind farms in Brazil, it still is difficult to form partnerships with companies in the sector, which significantly contributes to the gap in information provided by national literature and the lack of knowledge about the mechanical behavior of wind turbines subjected to transient wind effects. Therefore, through a Research and Development Project to optimize and improve modeling in wind systems, the Brazilian electric power company Eletrobras Furnas aims to facilitate the construction of smaller wind turbines to supply energy to regions far from the Brazilian coast that do not have high generation potential due to the incidence of low-speed winds. Two relevant aspects directly linked to the performance of this kind of structures are: (i) determining their natural frequency and (ii) ensuring that this frequency does not coincide with any external vibration frequency that the structure may experience in its lifetime. Wind turbines are complex systems with many degrees of freedom and their own frequencies associated with the respective mode shapes in which they naturally vibrate. These frequencies are inversely related to the mass and directly related to the stiffness of the structure. Thus, through numerical modeling using the Finite Element Method, the present article aims to list some of the main factors that can affect the prediction of the natural frequency of a real-scale wind turbine prototype and to evaluate its dynamic behavior, considering its rotor revolution frequency, its blade passing frequency and the wind characteristics of its operating area. Nowadays Brazil sector effects Therefore lowspeed low speed winds i (i ii (ii lifetime vibrate Thus Method realscale real scale area

ABSTRACT This study aimed to calibrate and test the SARRA-H (Système d’Analyse Régionale des Risques Agroclimatologiques) crop model for cowpea, as well as conducting a climate risk zoning for this crop in a region located in Eastern Amazon, allowing the identification of locations and sowing dates that favor the production considering both the water deficit and the probability of occurrence of severe rains during the harvest period. The model was calibrated and validated with data from experiments conducted between 2013 and 2016 in the municipality of Castanhal, PA, Brazil. Low climate risk areas were defined as those that had a water requirement satisfaction index (WRSI) greater than or equal to 0.5 in the reproductive phase combined with the occurrence of rainfall below 20 mm at the harvest for, at least, 80% of the years for which planting was simulated. The model was able to simulate the water balance, growth and development of cowpea under the climate and soil conditions of the studied location with high precision and accuracy. The optimal period for sowing cowpea comprises the interval between June 5th and 25th for regions located above 2° S and between March 25th and April 15th for regions below 2º S.

RESUMO Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo calibrar e testar o modelo de cultura SARRA-H (Système d’Analyse Régionale des Risques Agroclimatologiques) para o caupi, bem como realizar o zoneamento de risco climático para esta cultura em uma região localizada na Amazônia Oriental, a fim de permitir a identificação de locais e datas de semeadura que favoreçam a produção considerando tanto o déficit hídrico como a probabilidade de ocorrência de chuvas severas durante o período da colheita. O modelo foi calibrado e validado com dados de experimentos realizados entre 2013 e 2016 no município de Castanhal, PA. As áreas de baixo risco climático foram definidas como aquelas que apresentaram índice de satisfação da necessidade hídrica (WRSI) maior ou igual a 0,5 na fase reprodutiva combinado com a ocorrência de chuvas abaixo de 20 mm na colheita por, pelo menos, 80% dos anos onde foi simulado o plantio. O modelo foi capaz de simular o balanço hídrico, crescimento e desenvolvimento do feijão-caupi nas condições climáticas e de solo da região estudada com boa precisão e exatidão. O período de ótima semeadura para o feijão-caupi compreende o intervalo entre 5 e 25 de junho para regiões localizadas acima de 2° S, e entre 25 de março e 15 de abril para regiões abaixo de 2º S.

Resumo Muitas espécies de Cichla colonizaram com sucesso lagos e reservatórios do Brasil desde os anos 1960, causando graves prejuízos à vida selvagem nesses locais. Neste estudo, 135 tucunarés foram coletados em um complexo de reservatórios a fim de identificar se representavam uma espécie dominante ou múltiplas espécies, uma vez que diversas espécies de Cichla foram registradas na bacia. Os espécimes foram identificados com base na coloração, dados morfométricos e merísticos, e por marcadores mitocondriais COI, 16S rDNA e Região Controle (RC). A sobreposição dos dados morfométricos e o padrão similar de coloração impediram a identificação utilizando as chaves de identificação disponíveis na literatura. Entretanto, as análises bayesiana e de máxima verossimilhança de dados moleculares demonstraram a ocorrência de uma única espécie, Cichla kelberi. Um único haplótipo foi observado para o 16S e RC, enquanto três foram detectados para o COI, com um haplótipo dominante presente em 98,5% das amostras. A baixa diversidade nos exemplares introduzidos de C. kelberi evidenciou um número limitado de linhagens maternas fundadoras. O sucesso da invasão parece depender de fatores abióticos, como a maior transparência da água de ambientes lênticos que favorece predadores visuais que, atrelado à ausência de predadores, fez do C. kelberi um invasor bem-sucedido nesses reservatórios.

Abstract Several species of Cichla successfully colonized lakes and reservoirs of Brazil, since the 1960’s, causing serious damage to local wildlife. In this study, 135 peacock bass were collected in a reservoir complex in order to identify if they represented a single dominant species or multiple ones, as several Cichla species have been reported in the basin. Specimens were identified by color pattern, morphometric and meristic data, and using mitochondrial markers COI, 16S rDNA and Control Region (CR). Overlapping morphological data and similar coloration patterns prevented their identification using the taxonomic keys to species identification available in the literature. However, Bayesian and maximum likelihood from sequencing data demonstrated the occurrence of a single species, Cichla kelberi. A single haplotype was observed for the 16S and CR, while three were detected for COI, with a dominant haplotype present in 98.5% of the samples. The extreme low diversity of the transplanted C. kelberi evidenced a limited number of founding maternal lineages. The success of this colonization seems to rely mainly on abiotic factors, such as increased water transparency of lentic environments that favor visual predators that along with the absence of predators, have made C. kelberi a successful invader of these reservoirs.

Abstract This study aimed to assess the influence of the file format on the image quality parameters (image noise, brightness, and uniformity) of periapical radiographs acquired with different digital systems. Radiographic images of an acrylic phantom were acquired with two digital systems - Digora Toto and Express, and exported into five different file formats - TIFF, BMP, DICOM, PNG, and JPEG. Image noise, image brightness (mean of gray values), and image uniformity (standard deviation of gray values) were evaluated in all images. A two-way analysis of variance with Tukey’s test as a post-hoc test was used to compare the results, considering the file formats and radiographic systems as the studied factors. A significance level of 5% was adopted for all analyses. The DICOM image file format presented lower image noise, higher brightness (higher mean gray values), and greater image uniformity (p<0.001) than the other file formats, which did not differ from each other for both digital radiography systems (p>0.05). The Express system revealed lower image noise and greater image uniformity than the Digora Toto system regardless of the image file format (p<0.001). Moreover, the Express showed higher brightness than the Digora Toto for all image file formats (p<0.001), except for the DICOM image file format, which did not significantly differ between the digital radiography systems tested (p>0.05). The DICOM image file format showed lower image noise, higher brightness, and greater image uniformity than the other file formats (TIFF, BMP, PNG, and JPEG) in both digital radiography systems tested.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência do formato do arquivo nos parâmetros de qualidade de imagem (ruído de imagem, brilho e uniformidade) de radiografias periapicais adquiridas com diferentes sistemas digitais. As imagens radiográficas de um fantoma de acrílico foram adquiridas com dois sistemas digitais - Digora Toto e Express, e exportadas em cinco formatos de arquivo diferentes - TIFF, BMP, DICOM, PNG e JPEG. O ruído da imagem, o brilho da imagem (média dos valores de cinza) e a uniformidade da imagem (desvio padrão dos valores de cinza) foram avaliados em todas as imagens. A análise de variância (ANOVA) bidirecional com o teste post-hoc de Tukey foi aplicada para comparar os resultados, considerando os formatos de arquivo e os sistemas radiográficos como os fatores estudados. Um nível de significância de 5% foi adotado para todas as análises. O formato de arquivo de imagem DICOM apresentou menor ruído de imagem, maior brilho (maiores valores médios de cinza) e maior uniformidade de imagem (p<0,001) do que os outros formatos de arquivo, que não diferiram entre si para ambos os sistemas de radiografia digital (p>0,05). O sistema Express apresentou menor ruído de imagem e maior uniformidade de imagem que o sistema Digora Toto, independentemente do formato do arquivo de imagem (p<0,001). Além disso, o Express mostrou maior brilho do que o Digora Toto para todos os formatos de arquivo de imagem (p<0,001), exceto para o formato de arquivo de imagem DICOM, que não diferiu significativamente entre os sistemas de radiografia digital testados (p>0,05). O formato de arquivo de imagem DICOM mostrou menor ruído de imagem, maior brilho e maior uniformidade de imagem do que os outros formatos de arquivo (TIFF, BMP, PNG e JPEG) em ambos os sistemas de radiografia digital testados.

ABSTRACT Tahiti lime is a species of great economic importance worldwide. In Brazil, production is concentrated in the states of São Paulo and Pará, where it is usually grafted onto the Rangpur lime. This study aimed to analyze the effects of different irrigation depths on the fruit yield, phenology, and gas exchange of Tahiti lime trees grafted onto Swingle citrumelo. Irrigation was performed during the first year at four different irrigation depths in a random block design with five blocks and four treatments to maintain the soil matric potential in the following ranges: T1: below -50 kPa, T2: from -30 to -50 kPa, T3: from -10 to -30 kPa, and T4: above -10 kPa. The flowering, carbon assimilation rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration (E), and fruit yield were measured. Fruits were harvested earlier in the most irrigated treatment, T4, and the yield increased from 2.22 to 6.89 kg per plant from T1 to T4. The average fruit weight escalated from 78.6 to 96.1 g from T1 to T4, and carbon assimilation increased from 6.89 to 9.51 μmol CO2m-2s-1 from T1 to T4.

RESUMO A lima ácida Tahiti é uma espécie de grande importância econômica em todo o mundo. Em território brasileiro, a produção concentra-se nos estados de São Paulo e Pará, onde geralmente é enxertada em limão-cravo. Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar o efeito de diferentes lâminas de irrigação na produção de frutos, fenologia e trocas gasosas de lima ácida Tahiti enxertada em citrumelo Swingle. A irrigação foi realizada durante o primeiro ano, com quatro lâminas de irrigação diferentes em um delineamento de blocos ao acaso com 5 blocos e 4 tratamentos, para manter o potencial matricial do solo nas seguintes faixas: T1: abaixo de -50 kPa, T2: de -30 a -50 kPa , T3: de -10 a -30 kPa e T4: acima de -10 kPa. Foram medidos florescimento, taxa de assimilação de carbono (A), condutância estomática (gs), transpiração (E) e produção de frutos. Os frutos foram colhidos mais cedo no tratamento mais irrigado, T4, e a produtividade aumentou de 2,22 para 6,89 kg por planta de T1 para T4. O peso médio dos frutos aumentou de 78,6 para 96,1 g de T1 para T4. A assimilação de carbono aumentou de 6,89 para 9,51 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1 de T1 para T4.

Abstract Experimental models that consider host-pathogen interactions are relevant for improving knowledge about oral candidiasis. The aim of this study was to assess the epithelial immune responses, Candida penetration of cell monolayers, and virulence during mixed species culture infections. Single species cultures of Candida albicans and mixed cultures (C. albicans, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus sanguinis) were used to infect monolayers of HaCaT and FaDu ATCC HTB-43 cells for 12 h. After infection, IL-18 and IL-34 gene expression was measured to assess epithelial cell immune responses, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was measured as an indicator of cell damage. Microscopy determined C. albicans morphology and penetration of fungal cells through the keratinocyte monolayer. Monolayers devoid of infection served as controls. Data were analyzed by an ANOVA one-way test followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test (α = 0.05). The results found that IL-18 and IL-34 gene expression and LDH activity were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated for both cell lines exposed to mixed species cultures compared with C. albicans alone. Candida albicans yeast and hyphae were evident in C. albicans only infections. In contrast, monolayers infected by C. albicans, S. mutans, and S. sanguinis exhibited higher microbial invasion with several hyphal aggregates detected. The presence of streptococci in C. albicans infection enhances the virulence and pathogenicity of the fungus with associated increased immune responses and tissue damage. Extrapolation of these findings to oral infection would indicate the added potential benefit of managing bacterial components of biofilms during treatment.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resposta epithelial imune, a colonização da Candida albicans em monocamadas celulares e sua virulência em resposta a infecções de culturas de biofilme multiespécie. Culturas de biofilme monoespécie de C. albicans e culturas mistas (C. albicans, Streptococcus mutans e Streptococcus sanguinis) foram utilizadas para infectar monocamadas de células HaCaT e FaDu por 12 h. Após a infecção, a expressão dos genes IL-18 e IL-34 foi medida para avaliar as respostas imunes das células epiteliais. A atividade da lactato desidrogenase (LDH) foi medida como um indicador de dano celular. A microscopia determinou a morfologia de C. albicans e a penetração das células fúngicas através da monocamada de queratinócitos. Monocamadas em que não houve infecção serviram como controles. Os dados foram analisados por um teste ANOVA one-way seguido pelo teste post-hoc de Tukey (α = 0,05). Os resultados demonstraram que a expressão gênica de IL-18 e IL-34 e a atividade de LDH foram (p < 0,05) reguladas positivamente para ambas as linhagens de células expostas a culturas de espécies mistas em comparação com C. albicans isoladamente. Leveduras de C.albicans e hifas foram evidentes em infecções apenas por C. albicans. Entretanto, monocamadas infectadas por C. albicans, S. mutans e S. sanguinis exibiram maior invasão microbiana com vários agregados de hifas detectados. Dessa maneira, a presença de estreptococos na infecção por C. albicans aumentou a virulência e a patogenicidade do fungo com respostas imunes aumentadas associadas a danos nos tecidos. A extrapolação desses achados para a infecção oral indicaria o potencial benéfico do controle dos componentes bacterianos em biofilmes durante a terapia da candidíase

Abstract This paper presents a feasibility study of a singlylayered dual-band reflectarray for space applications. The data links should operate simultaneously at K-band downlink frequency band 17.7-20.2 GHz with left-hand circular polarization (LHCP) and at Ka-band uplink frequency band 27-30 GHz with right-hand circular polarization (RHCP). The main aim is to present how a reflectarray can be designed so as to allow reconfigurability of its radiation pattern, especially in terms of beam steering to two different directions. The design is automated by means of a computational tool developed in MATLAB environment interfaced with the electromagnetic simulator CST Studio Suite by means of Visual Basic scripts. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed computational tool and reconfiguration strategy.

Abstract This study aimed to detect, quantify and compare the immunohistochemical expression of EGFR and VEGF and microvessel count (MVC) in oral lipomas, and to correlate the findings with clinical and morphological characteristics of the cases studied. The sample consisted of 54 oral lipomas (33 classic and 21 non-classic) and 23 normal adipose tissue specimens. Cytoplasmic and/or nuclear immunohistochemical staining of EGFR and VEGF was analyzed. The angiogenic index was determined by MVC. Cells were counted using the Image J® software. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used for data analysis, adopting a level of significance of 5% for all statistical tests. A statistically significant difference in EGFR immunoexpression (p=0.047), especially, between classic lipomas and normal adipose tissue. There was a significant difference in MVC between non-classic lipomas and normal adipose tissue (p=0.022). In non-classic lipomas, only VEGF immunoexpression showed a significant moderate positive correlation (r=0.607, p=0.01) with MVC. In classic lipomas, the number of EGFR-immunostained adipocytes was directly proportional to the number of VEGF-positive cells, demonstrating a significant moderate positive correlation (r=0.566, p=0.005). The results suggest that EGFR, VEGF, and angiogenesis participate in the development of oral lipomas but are not primarily involved in the growth of these tumors.

Resumo Lipomas são as neoplasias mesenquimais benignas mais comuns, no entanto sua etiopatogenia ainda permanece desconhecida. Dessa forma, essa pesquisa teve como objetivo detectar, quantificar e comparar a expressão imunoistoquímica do EGFR, VEGF e contagem microvascular (MVC) dos lipomas orais, relacionando-os com as características clínicas e morfológicas dos casos estudados. A amostra foi composta por 54 lipomas orais (33 clássicos e 21 não clássicos) e 23 casos de tecido adiposo normal. A análise da expressão imunoistoquímica de EGFR e VEGF foi fundamentada na marcação citoplasmática e/ou nuclear. O índice angiogênico foi avaliado por meio da MVC. A contagem de células foi realizada utilizando software IMAGE J®. Os dados obtidos foram analisados no software Statistical Package for Social Science. O nível se significância de 5% foi adotado para os testes estatístico. A análise da imunoexpressão das proteínas revelou para o EGFR diferença estatisticamente significativa (p=0,041) entre o lipoma clássico e o tecido adiposo normal. Houve diferença significativa na MVC entre lipomas não clássicos e tecido adiposo normal (p=0,022). Nos lipomas não clássicos, apenas a imunoexpressão de VEGF apresentou correlação do tipo moderada, positiva e significativa (r=0,607; p=0,010) em relação a MVC. Ademais, nos lipomas clássicos foi percebido que os adipócitos imunomarcados para EGFR estiveram diretamente proporcionais a imunoexpressão de VEGF, apresentando correlação do tipo moderada, positiva e estatisticamente significativa (r=0,566; p = 0,005). Com base nos resultados, pode-se sugerir que o EGFR, VEGFR e MCV participam do desenvolvimento nos lipomas orais, contudo, não estão primariamente envolvidos no crescimento tumoral dessas neoplasias.

Abstract The study aimed to assess the influence of excessive use of a photostimulable phosphor plate (PSP) on the density, image noise, and contrast of radiographs. For that, radiographs of an acrylic block were acquired with a PSP of the Express intraoral system to assess the density and image noise. Initially, five images were obtained and exported (first group). After 400 exposures to X-rays and scannings of PSP, other five images were obtained and exported (second group). The same procedure was done after 800 (third group), 1200 (fourth group), 1600 (fifth group), and 2000 acquisitions (sixth group), resulting in 30 images to be evaluated. The mean and standard deviation of the gray values were calculated for the images using the ImageJ software. For contrast analysis, radiographs of an aluminum step-wedge were acquired with a new PSP following the same acquisition intervals. The percentage of contrast variation was calculated. Another two unused PSP receptors were employed to evaluate the method’s reproducibility. The comparison of the results among the acquisition groups was performed with one-way Analysis of Variance (α=0.05). Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) assessed the reproducibility of the receptors. Image noise did not differ among the groups (p>0.05). There was a slight increase in density after 400 acquisitions and a slight difference in contrast for all acquisition groups without a pattern of increase or decrease (p<0.05). ICC showed excellent reliability for the methods. Therefore, excessive PSP use slightly affected the radiograph’s density and contrast.

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar a influência do uso excessivo de uma placa de fósforo fotoestimulável (PSP) na densidade, ruído e contraste das radiografias. Foram adquiridas radiografias de um bloco de acrílico com uma PSP do sistema intraoral Express para avaliar a densidade e o ruído da imagem. Inicialmente, cinco imagens foram obtidas e exportadas (primeiro grupo). Após 400 exposições aos raios X e escaneamentos, outras cinco imagens foram obtidas e exportadas (segundo grupo). O mesmo procedimento foi feito após 800 (terceiro grupo), 1200 (quarto grupo), 1600 (quinto grupo) e 2000 aquisições (sexto grupo), resultando em 30 imagens a serem avaliadas. A média e o desvio padrão dos valores de cinza foram calculados para as imagens usando o software ImageJ. Para análise de contraste, foram adquiridas radiografias de uma escala de alumínio com uma nova PSP seguindo os mesmos intervalos de aquisição. A porcentagem de variação do contraste foi calculada. Outras duas PSP sem uso prévio foram utilizadas para avaliar a reprodutibilidade dos métodos. A comparação dos resultados entre os grupos de aquisição foi realizada pela Análise de Variância one-way (α=0,05). O Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (ICC) avaliou a reprodutibilidade dos receptores. O ruído da imagem não diferiu entre os grupos (p>0,05). Houve um leve aumento na densidade após 400 aquisições e uma pequena diferença no contraste para todos os grupos de aquisição sem padrão de aumento ou diminuição (p<0,05). O ICC mostrou excelente confiabilidade para os métodos. Portanto, o uso excessivo da PSP afetou levemente a densidade e o contraste radiográfico.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the functional status of individuals with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) followed up at a reference center in the state of Bahia. Materials and methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study, which evaluated individuals with OI, based on a non-probabilistic sampling. To assess motor function, the Motor Function Measure (MFM) score was used, in addition to the measurement of muscle strength using the Medical Research Council (MRC) score. Functional performance was measured using the Pediatric Assessment of Disability Inventory, Computerized Adaptive Testing (PEDI-CAT). Results: Thirty-one individuals aged between two and 18 years old were evaluated. The overall score of MFM was 74.2%, and the lowest score was found in participants with type III OI (56.3%). The median of the MRC index was 80. The mobility domain was the most affected in the PEDI-CATevaluation, with a mean T score of 23.9, (14.2 in type III OI). Conclusions: Among the evaluated individuals, functional alterations were identified, reduced global gross motor functionality and muscle strength, impacting the mobility domain, with the most relevant findings in individuals with type III OI.

ABSTRACT The disorderly soil occupation without the necessary conservationist practices leads to impacts on the local hydrology and induces the pollution of water resources. This pollution may come from more urbanized areas due to the amount of pollutants drained during the rains. Even moderate precipitations constitute one of the main factors that define pollutant runoff on the surface. These rains have recently been called light rains. Light rains have a lower precipitation height and a higher frequency compared to classic rains of drainage projects, being necessary to define them according to patterns of rain frequency for each region. This study aimed to characterize light rain in the municipality of Piracicaba to establish statistical standards for the frequency of certain precipitation heights. A database provided by the ESALQ/USP automatic weather station, which provides precipitation measurements every 15 minutes, was used in the present study. Light rain heights reached 40.3, 41.4, and 42.7 mm for 100, 90, or 80% frequencies, respectively, which implies the use of return periods of 1.00, 1.11, and 1.25 years, respectively.

ABSTRACT This work presents the design and prototyping of two 1U standard CubeSats for the First Brazilian MCTI Satellite Olympiad, launching one in a stratospheric helium-filled balloon. The nanosatellites were designed for two missions: Internet of Things connectivity in remote areas based on CubeSat (IoSat) and low-orbit harmful gamma radiation mapping (LOHGRM). The IoSat mission aimed to provide server connectivity for a remote sensor network. The LOHGRM CubeSat was designed for sensing and mapping gamma radiation power levels in the satellite’s orbit to construct a heat map to study the gamma radiation effect on the equipment. The prototype’s performance was evaluated based on physical, mechanical, magnetic, thermal, and transmission characterization, with satisfactory results under test conditions. The LOHGRM mission test was carried out on the ground as proof of concept without flying while a stratospheric balloon launched the IoSat prototype. Due to restrictions imposed by the competition, the IoSat nanosatellite only captured and registered altitude, pressure, and temperature data without testing the communication payload. Instead, this data was sent to the ground station through the competition communication system and stored in a memory card to assess its operation during the flying. The satellite’s maximum altitude was 22.6 km, operating under –23.5 °C.

The chemical-mineralogical characterization of rupestrian paintings in red, white, black and yellow colors, which decorate the rocky walls from the archaeological sites of Ema and Furna dos Índios (Inhuma, Piauí, Brazil) was performed. The chemical analyses were performed in situ by the non-invasive analytical technique X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) as well as in laboratory using a non-destructive approach, without previous sample preparation, and Raman microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) techniques. The results, when together, allowed unequivocal identification of the main substances responsible for the color pigments, namely, hematite (red pigment), gypsum (white pigment), amorphous carbon from charcoal (black pigment) and goethite (yellow pigment).

Abstract Objective The prevalence of food allergies (FA) has increased worldwide over the last few decades. Milk, eggs, and peanuts are among the most common allergens and can cause anaphylaxis. Therefore, we aimed to identify biomarkers that could predict the persistence and/or severity of IgE-mediated allergies to milk, eggs, and peanuts via a systematic review. Methods This systematic review proceeded according to a protocol registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. Two independent authors extracted studies of interest from PubMed, SciELO, EMBASE, Scopus, and Ebsco databases and assessed their quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results We selected 14 articles describing 1,398 patients. Among eight identified biomarkers, total IgE, specific IgE (sIgE), and IgG4 were the most often cited biomarkers of persistent allergies to milk, eggs, and peanuts. Skin prick tests, endpoint tests, and sIgE cutoff levels may predict positive responses to challenges with these foods. The basophil activation test is a biomarker for the severity and/or threshold of allergic reactions to milk and peanuts. Conclusion Only a few publications identified possible prognostic indicators of the persistence or severity of FA and outcomes of oral food challenges, indicating that more accessible biomarkers are needed to determine the likelihood of having a severe food allergic reaction.

ABSTRACT The effect of using natural growth promoters (NGP) to replace traditional antimicrobials on performance, biometry of digestive and reproductive organs, sexual maturity and bone characteristics of replacement pullets was evaluated; and the relationship between these variables according to the diets was verified. Eight-week-old birds were randomly assigned to a completely randomized design and fed different diets: negative control (without growth promoters); positive control - conventional growth promoter; organic acids (OA); symbiotic (S); essential oil (EO); OA + S; and EO + S. The performance, relative weight of digestive and reproductive organs and length intestines, height and crest length, sternum length, bone quality and sexual maturity of birds were similar (p>0.05) between treatments. The heat map combined with cluster analysis showed a uniform static pattern with the formation of three horizontal groups formed by the treatments: 1) negative control, S and OA + S; 2) positive control and OE and 3) OA and OE + S. A null relationship between the treatments and the variables under study was observed. The principal components analysis revealed an association of variables in three components with 60.55% of variation. NGP can replace traditional promoters, as they do not interfere with performance, biometrics or sexual maturity. Height and length are predictive variables for the development of reproductive organs, especially the oviduct. A similarity was identified through multivariate techniques between symbiotic and organic + symbiotic acids; positive control and essential oils; and organic and symbiotic acids + essential oils.