Abstract In recent years the environment has been affected by pollution produced by vehicles. The objective of this research project was to determine the incidence of air conditioning (A/C) in the vehicular fuel consumption index in the Shushufindi canton, through real traffic tests, Efficient driving mode and the use of Extra and Super gasoline, for the selection of the best alternative. The study was carried out on a route with a greater flow of vehicles, especially during normal (9:00 am) and beak (5:00 pm) hours, which comprises 16.17 km; for which used gasoline Extra (85 octane) and Super (92 octane). Data collection was carried out using an OBD2 ELM 327 system. The results obtained in the characterization of the representative mixed cycle at 9:00 am, a maximum speed of 81 km/h and an average speed of 39 km/h were obtained in a time of 1446 s route; while the mixed cycle at 5:00 pm the maximum speed is 70 km/h and an average speed of 37 km/h with a travel time of 1632 s. The lowest fuel consumption index was evidenced in normal hours, without A/C and Extra fuel (T3) with values between 0.0584 - 0.060 (L/km), and in normal hours, without A/C and super fuel (T7) that are between 0.0561-0.0585 (L/km).

Resumen En los últimos años, el ambiente se ha visto afectado a causa de la contaminación producida por los vehículos. El presente proyecto de investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar la incidencia del aire acondicionado (A/C) en el índice de consumo de combustible vehicular en el cantón Shushufindi, por medio de pruebas reales de tráfico, modo de conducción eficiente y empleo de gasolina extra y súper, para la selección de la mejor alternativa. El estudio se realizó en una ruta de mayor flujo de vehículos, especialmente en la hora normal (9 a. m.) y pico (5 p. m.) que comprende 16.17 km, para ello se utilizó el combustible Extra (85 octanos) y Súper (92 octanos). La toma de datos se ejecutó mediante un sistema OBD2 ELM 327. Los resultados obtenidos en la caracterización del ciclo mixto representativo de 9 a. m. se obtuvo una velocidad máxima de 81 km/h y una velocidad media de 39 km/h en un tiempo de recorrido de 1446 s; mientras que el ciclo mixto de 5 p. m. la velocidad máxima es de 70 km/h y una velocidad media de 37 km/h con un tiempo de recorrido de 1632 s. El menor índice de consumo de combustible se evidenció en el horario normal, sin A/C y combustible extra (T3) siendo sus valores entre 0.0584 - 0.060 (L/km), y en el horario normal, sin A/C y combustible súper (T7) que se encuentran entre 0.0561-0.0585 (L/km).

Abstract Introduction: The femoropopliteal biomechanical characteristics make the endovascular treatment of complex lesions particularly challenging. Despite several studies reporting longer patency of femoropopliteal stenting when compared to balloon angioplasty, long-term outcomes are still marginal due to the high rate of restenosis, stent fracture, and thrombosis. This study aims to review the current literature on the outcomes of the endovascular treatment of the femoropopliteal sector with the Supera® stent. Materials and methods: A literature search was carried on the PubMed database using the search terms [“Supera” AND “femoropopliteal”]. Prospective and retrospective original studies were selected after title and abstract analysis. A comprehensive narrative review was constructed using the selected publications as references. Results: Thirteen studies were analyzed, comprising a total of 1441 limbs with femoropopliteal obstructive disease treated with the Supera® stent. The 12-month primary-patency rate (PPR) ranged from 72.6% to 94.1%, the 24-month PPR ranged from 60.8% to 83.1% and the 36-month PPR ranged from 69.5% to 76.7%. For high-complexity anatomies, including TASC C and D lesions, the 12-month PPR was >64%. There were no stent fractures reported in any of the included studies. Conclusion: The Supera® stent showed promising results for the endovascular treatment of the femoropopliteal sector, highlighting its performance in high-complexity anatomic patterns.

ABSTRACT Background: Approximately 71 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide. A significant number of these individuals will develop liver cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Beyond the liver, there is a sizeable body of scientific evidence linking cardiovascular disease and chronic hepatitis C (CHC); however, the biological mechanisms behind the concurrence of these conditions have not been completely clarified yet. Objective: To evaluate associations between hepatic histology, clinical comorbidities and lipid profile in patients with CHC. To investigate associations between liver histology and demographic, nutritional, biochemical and virological parameters. Methods: Eight-five patients with CHC prospectively underwent hepatic biopsy. Liver fragments were obtained from each patient by percutaneous route using a Menghini needle. Fibrosis was evaluated according to the METAVIR scoring system, as follows: F0, no fibrosis; F1, fibrous portal expansion; F2, fibrous portal widening with few septa; F3, bridging fibrosis with architectural distortion; and F4, liver cirrhosis. The activity was classified based on the degree of lymphocyte infiltration and hepatocyte necrosis, from A0 to A3. The diagnosis of liver disease was based on clinical, biochemical, histological, and radiological methods. The data were analyzed by logistic regression models. Results: This cross-sectional study included 85 outpatients followed at the tertiary care ambulatory centre with a mean age of 57.2±10.7 years and 45 (52.9%) were females. There were 10 patients with cirrhosis. Patients with a METAVIR F3-F4 were significantly older (P=0.02) and had higher levels of ALT (P=0.0006), AST (P<0.0001), γ-GT (P=0.03) and bilirubin (P=0.001) and higher prothrombin time than patients with F0-F2 score. Albumin levels (P=0.01) were significantly lower in METAVIR F3-F4. Age (OR=1.09; 95%CI=1.02-1.16; P=0.02), steatosis (OR=4.03; 95%CI=1.05-15.45; P=0.04) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) <60 mg/dL (OR=7.67; 95%CI=1.71-34.49; P=0.008) were independently associated with fibrosis. Hypertension (OR=6.36; 95%CI=1.31-30.85; P=0.02) and HDL-C <60 mg/dL (OR=9.85; 95%CI=2.35-41.39; P=0.002) were independently associated with necroinflammatory activity. Hypertension (OR=6.94; 95%CI=1.92-25.05; P=0.003) and HDL-C <60 mg/dL (OR=3.94; 95%CI=1.27-12.3; P=0.02) were associated with interface inflammatory activity. Triglycerides (TG ≥150 mg/dL) remained associated with lobular inflammatory activity. Conclusion: cholesterol levels <60 mg/dL were independently associated with necroinflammatory activity in chronic hepatitis C. Patients with hypertension are at an increased risk of developing necroinflammatory activity.

RESUMO Contexto: Aproximadamente 71 milhões de pessoas estão infectadas pelo vírus da hepatite C em todo o mundo. Um número significativo desses indivíduos desenvolverá cirrose hepática e/ou carcinoma hepatocelular. Além do fígado, há evidências científicas que associam doenças cardiovasculares e hepatite C crônica; no entanto, os mecanismos biológicos implicados na ocorrência dessas condições ainda não foram completamente esclarecidos. Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre histologia hepática, comorbidades clínicas e perfil lipídico em pacientes com hepatite C crônica. Investigar associações entre histologia hepática e parâmetros demográficos, nutricionais, bioquímicos e virológicos. Métodos: Oitenta e cinco pacientes com hepatite C crônica foram prospectivamente submetidos à biópsia hepática. Biópsias hepáticas foram obtidas de cada paciente por via percutânea com agulha de Menghini. A fibrose foi avaliada de acordo com o sistema de pontuação METAVIR, como segue: F0, sem fibrose; F1, expansão portal fibrosa; F2, alargamento portal fibroso com poucos septos; F3, fibrose em ponte com distorção arquitetônica; e F4, cirrose hepática. A atividade foi classificada com base no grau de infiltração de linfócitos e necrose de hepatócitos, de A0 a A3. O diagnóstico da doença hepática foi baseado em métodos clínicos, bioquímicos, histológicos e radiológicos. Os dados foram analisados por modelos de regressão logística. Resultados: Neste estudo transversal, realizado em um ambulatório do hospital universitário, foram incluídos 85 pacientes que tinham média de idade de 57,2±10,7 anos, sendo 45 (52,9%) do sexo feminino. Havia 10 pacientes com cirrose. Os pacientes com METAVIR F3-F4 eram significativamente mais velhos (P=0,02) e tinham níveis mais elevados de ALT (P=0,0006), AST (P<0,0001), γ-GT (P=0,03) e bilirrubina (P=0,001) e, maior tempo de protrombina do que pacientes com escore F0-F2. Os níveis de albumina (P=0,01) foram significativamente mais baixos naqueles classificados como METAVIR F3-F4. Idade (OR=1,09; IC95%=1,02-1,16; P=0,02), esteatose (OR=4,03; IC95%=1,05-15,45; P=0,04) e HDL-C <60 mg/dL (OR=7,67; 95%IC=1,71-34,49; P=0,008) foram independentemente associados à fibrose. Hipertensão (OR=6,36; IC95%=1,31-30,85; P=0,02) e HDL-C <60 mg/dL (OR=9,85; IC95%=2,35-41,39; P=0,002) foram independentemente associados à atividade necroinflamatória. Hipertensão (OR=6,94; IC 95%=1,92-25,05; P=0,003) e HDL-C <60 mg/dL (OR=3,94; IC95%=1,27-12,3; P=0,02) foram associados à atividade inflamatória de interface. Os triglicerídeos (TG >150 mg/dL) permaneceram associados à atividade inflamatória lobular. Conclusão: Níveis de coleterol HDL <60 mg/dL foram independentemente associados à atividade necroinflamatória na hepatite C crônica. Pacientes com hipertensão têm risco aumentado de desenvolver atividade necroinflamatória.

Resumen. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto de cuatro extractos metanólicos de plantas del Semidesierto del Noreste Mexicano: Rhus muelleri, R. virens, Flourensia microphylla y F. retinophylla, como bioestimulantes de crecimiento, rendimiento y calidad de fruto en pimiento morrón, comparados con los biorreguladores ácido gieberélico, ácido indolacético y 6-bencilaminopurina. Las dosis utilizadas de extractos y biorreguladores fueron de 75 mg L-1, aplicándose al trasplante y, a los 33 y 46 días después del trasplante (DDT). Además, los extractos también se aplicaron a los 17 y 96 DDT. Las variables evaluadas en las plantas fueron crecimiento longitudinal y diámetro de tallo, materia seca total, longitud y volumen de raíz, número de frutos y rendimiento. En los frutos se evaluaron peso, diámetros longitudinal y ecuatorial, volumen, firmeza, acidez titulable, sólidos solubles totales (SST), contenido de fenoles totales, antocianinas, licopeno y vitamina C; así como peso seco de semillas. El experimento se estableció bajo un diseño completamente al azar con ocho tratamientos y 12 repeticiones. El extracto de F. retinophylla promovió mayor peso de frutos por planta (212.9 g), volumen de fruto (404.2 cm3) y rendimiento (1.57 kg planta-1). Además, en frutos se observaron incrementos en contenido de vitamina C (100.1 mg 100 g-1) y SST (8.6 °Brix) con F. microphylla y R. muelleri, respectivamente. Los resultados fueron estadísticamente iguales o superiores a los de los biorreguladores. En general, los extractos promovieron mayor crecimiento, rendimiento y calidad de fruto de pimiento morrón var. Cannon, que los biorreguladores.

Abstract. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of four methanolic plant extracts from the Northeast Mexican Semidesert: Rhus muelleri, R. virens, Flourensia microphylla and F. retinophylla, as biostimulants for growth, yield and fruit quality in bell pepper; compared with the bioregulators gibberellic acid, indoleacetic acid and 6-benzylaminopurine. The dose utilized of extracts and bioregulators was 75 mg L-1, applying them at transplant and, at 33 and 46 days after transplant (DAT). Besides, the extracts were also applied at 17 and 96 DAT. The evaluated variables in plants were longitudinal growth and stem diameter, total dry matter, root length and volume, number of fruits and yield. In fruits were evaluated weight, longitudinal and equatorial diameters, volume, firmness, titratable acidity, total soluble solids (TSS), total phenolic content, anthocyanins, lycopene and vitamin C; as well as dry weight of seeds. The experiment was established under a completely randomized design with eight treatments and 12 repetitions. The F. retinophylla extract promoted higher fruit weight per plant (212.9 g), fruit volume (404.2 cm3) and yield (1.57 kg plant-1). Moreover, in fruits were observed increments on vitamin C content (100.1 mg 100 g-1) and TSS (8.6 °Brix) with F microphylla and R. muelleri, respectively. These results were statistically equals or superior to those of bioregulators. In general, the extracts promoted a higher growth, yield and fruit quality of bell pepper var. Cannon, than the bioregulators.

ABSTRACT Background: Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic diseases that result from the deregulation of the mucosal immune system of the gastrointestinal tract. The use of biological therapies, including infliximab (IFX), is one of the strategies to treat both CD and UC. The IFX treatment is monitored by complementary tests, namely: fecal calprotectin (FC); C-reactive protein (CRP); and endoscopic and cross-sectional imaging. Besides, serum IFX evaluation and antibody detection are also used. Objective: To evaluate trough levels (TL) and antibodies in a population with inflammatory bowel (IBD) disease undergoing treatment with IFX, and the factors that might impact the treatment effectiveness. Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional study with patients with IBD that were assessed for TL and antibody (ATI) levels in a southern Brazilian hospital, from June 2014 to July 2016. Results: The study assessed 55 patients (52.7% female) submitted to serum IFX and antibody evaluations (95 blood samples, 55 first test; 30 second test, and 10 as third testing. Forty-five (47.3%) cases were diagnosed with CD (81.8%), and ten with UC (18.2%). Serum levels were adequate in 30 samples (31.57%), subtherapeutic in 41 (43.15%), and supratherapeutic in 24 (25.26%). IFX dosages were optimized for 40 patients (42.10%), maintained for 31 (32.63%), and discontinued for 7 (7.60%). The intervals between infusions were shortened in 17.85% of the cases. In 55 tests (55.79%), the therapeutic approach was exclusively defined according to IFX and/or serum antibody levels. The assessment of patients one year later indicated that: the approach was maintained with IFX for thirty-eight patients (69.09%); the class of biological agent was changed for eight (14.54%); changes using the same class of biological agent occurred for two patients (3.63%); the medication was discontinued and not replaced for three patients (5.45%), and four patients (7.27%) were lost to follow-up. Conclusion: There were no differences in TL between groups with or without immunosuppressants, serum albumin (ALB), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), FC, CRP, and endoscopic and imaging examinations. Current therapeutic approach could be maintained for almost 70% of patients. Thus, serum and antibody levels are a useful tool in the follow-up of patients undergoing maintenance therapy and after treatment induction in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

RESUMO Contexto: A doença de Crohn e a colite ulcerativa são doenças crônicas nas quais existem desregulação do sistema imune da mucosa do trato gastrointestinal. Uma das terapias usadas no tratamento dessas doenças são as medicações biológicas, entre elas o Infliximabe. A monitorização do tratamento dos pacientes com Iinfliximabe é feita por exames complementares: calprotectina fecal, pesquisa de atividade inflamatória, exames endoscópicos e imagem. Utiliza-se, também a dosagem do nível sérico do Infliximabe e a pesquisa de anticorpos. Objetivo: Analisar uma população com doenças inflamatórias intestinais, em tratamento com Infliximabe, submetida a avaliação do nível sérico do Infliximabe e do anticorpo, além de possíveis fatores que possam alterar ou contribuir no tratamento. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo retrospectivo, transversal, realizado por meio da revisão dos prontuários dos pacientes com doença inflamatória intestinal, em um hospital sul-brasileiro, no período de junho de 2014 até julho de 2016, que foram submetidos a avaliação dos níveis séricos de Infliximabe e do anticorpo. Resultados: Foram incluídos 55 pacientes, submetidos a dosagem do Infliximabe e do anticorpo, totalizando 95 coletas sanguíneas. Destes, 55 realizaram uma primeira coleta, 30 tiveram uma segunda amostra coletada e 10 coletaram uma terceira vez. Vinte e nove pacientes eram do sexo feminino (52,7%) e vinte e seis do sexo masculino (43.2%). Quarenta e cinco (47,3%) casos tinham diagnóstico de doença de Crohn (81,8%) e 10 de colite ulcerativa (18,2%). Em relação ao nível sérico encontrou-se nível adequado em 30 coletas (31,57%), subterapêutico em 41 coletas (43,15%) e supraterapêutico em 24 coletas (25,26%). A prescrição foi otimizada em 40 (42,10%) casos, mantida em 31 (32,63%) pacientes, suspensa em 7 (7,60%) ou que o intervalo entre as infusões fosse aumentado (17,85%). Na análise geral, em 53 coletas (55,79%) a conduta foi definida em função exclusivamente da dosagem sérica do Infliximabe e/ou do anticorpo, já em relação, apenas a primeira coleta obteve-se 33 (60%) pacientes. Avaliando-se os pacientes um ano após, obteve-se: em 38 (69,09%) pacientes a conduta foi mantida com Infliximabe e, em 8 (14,54%) foi optado por troca de classe, em 2 (3,63%) foi optado por troca da medicação na mesma classe, em 3 (5,45%) pacientes a medicação foi suspensa e não foi substituída e, em 4 (7,27%), perdeu-se o seguimento. Conclusão: Não encontrou-se diferença entre os níveis de Infliximabe entre os grupos com ou sem imunossupressor, albumina sérica, velocidade de hemossedimentação, Calprotectina, Proteína C reativa, exames endoscópicos e exames de imagem. A conduta atual pode ser mantida em quase 70% dos pacientes. Concluindo, a dosagem do nível sérico e do anticorpo é ferramenta útil no acompanhamento dos pacientes em terapia de manutenção e após a indução de tratamento em pacientes com Doença Inflamatória Intestinal.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar o desempenho de indicadores antropométricos para identificar o excesso de gordura corporal (GC) em adolescentes. Métodos: Estudo metodológico com amostragem probabilística por conglomerados, por sorteio das escolas e turmas. A coleta de dados incluiu características sociodemográficas e medidas antropométricas. O índice de massa corporal (IMC), a relação cintura-estatura (RCE), o índice de conicidade (IC) e a circunferência da cintura (CC) foram calculados. O percentual de gordura corporal (%GC) foi calculado com base na espessura das dobras cutâneas e utilizado como padrão-ouro. Para analisar os dados, foram utilizadas estatísticas descritivas, teste t de Student, curva Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) e índice de Youden. Foi calculado o coeficiente de correlação entre os indicadores e o %GC. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 997 adolescentes de escolas municipais. Identificou-se, pelo IMC, que 10,6% dos adolescentes apresentavam sobrepeso e 4,7%, obesidade. O IMC, a CC e a RCE apresentaram a maior acurácia para predizer a gordura corporal. Todos os indicadores antropométricos apresentaram especificidade superior à sensibilidade para diagnosticar excesso de GC no sexo masculino. A CC apresentou a maior sensibilidade em ambos os sexos. O IC apresentou a menor área sob a curva ROC e a menor sensibilidade em ambos os sexos, mas especificidade equivalente aos demais indicadores. Conclusões: IMC, RCE e CC apresentaram a melhor capacidade de predizer excesso de GC em adolescentes e os melhores coeficientes de correlação. Essas ferramentas podem ser consideradas formas de rastreamento na identificação do excesso de GC em adolescentes.

Abstract Objective: To compare the performance of anthropometric indicators that identify excess body fat (BF) in adolescents. Methods: This is a methodological study that used probability cluster sampling through school and class draws. Data collection included sociodemographic characteristics and anthropometric measures. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), conicity index (C index), and waist circumference (WC) were calculated. Body fat percentage (BF%) was calculated from skinfold thickness and used as the gold standard. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, and Youden’s index were used, in addition to correlation coefficient calculation between the indicators and BF%. Results: A total of 997 adolescents enrolled in municipal secondary schools participated in the study. By calculating the BMI, we found that 10.6% of adolescents were overweight, and 4.7% were obese. BMI, WC, and WtHR had the highest accuracy to predict body fatness. All the anthropometric indicators had higher specificity than sensitivity to diagnose excess BF in males. WC had the highest sensitivity in both genders. C index had the smallest area under the ROC curve and the lowest sensitivity in both genders, but its specificity was equivalent to that of the other indicators. Conclusions: BMI, WtHR, and WC were the best anthropometric indicators to predict excess BF in adolescents and had the best correlation coefficients. These tools can be considered in the screening to detect excess BF in adolescents.

Abstract: The aim of this study is to comparatively evaluate the eco-efficient performance of the only two mandatory thermal regulations applied in Chile: The General Urban Planning and Construction Ordinance (OGUC), and the Atmospheric Decontamination Plans (PDA). Considering the PDA of the communes of Temuco and Padre las Casas, and the system limits of UNE-EN 15978:2012 for the "product" and "use" stages, this study covered the indicators of energy, carbon footprint, economic cost and emissions of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), on thermal envelopes of a house. Applying the PDA over the OGUC, the results indicate that: First, the contained energy increases by 12.4%, the carbon footprint by 8.1% and the economic cost by 7.8% in the stage of product; and second, it reduces the demand for heating, fuel consumption, carbon footprint, and PM2.5 emissions, by 19.4%, in the use stage. Finally, the study concludes that, for Chilean homes to improve their eco-efficient performance, an evaluation with a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) approach, which allows analyzing their evolution over time, must be included in the mandatory thermal regulations that regulate them.

Abstract The objective of this study was to reduce the effects of cryoinjury caused in bovine semen by cryopreservation. Ejaculates were collected from Nellore bulls and subjected to freezing in C (control), ozone (15, 30, and 60 µg mL-1 of ozone), quercetin (25, 50, and 100 µg mL-1 of quercetin), and carnosine groups (100, 200, and 300 ng mL-1 of carnosine). Samples were evaluated post-thaw (M0) and post-rapid thermoresistance test (M30) for sperm kinetics (total motility, progressive motility, curvilinear speed, linearity and amplitude of lateral head displacement) and cell structure viability (plasma membrane integrity, acrosomal integrity, mitochondrial potential, membrane fluidity, and lipid peroxidation). There were no differences (P > 0.05) between the control, quercetin, and carnosine-treated groups for the parameters evaluated at M0 and M30. In turn, supplementation with ozone resulted in lower values for sperm kinetics (P < 0.05) and lower mitochondrial potential at M30 (P < 0.05). Quercetin and carnosine at the concentrations used did not promote significant gains in frozen semen, nor did they demonstrate cytotoxicity. We expected to obtain positive results with the use of ozone. Nonetheless, the addition was harmful to the parameters of sperm kinetics, and its effect was not observed as a possible pro-antioxidant. We believe that the fact that the gas did not harm the sperm structure opens avenues for tests with lower dosages, since, by reducing its concentration, we could minimize the damage to sperm kinetics.

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluate the neurological recovery with a follow-up of 06 (six) months in victims of thoracic and lumbar fractures who underwent spinal decompression in less than 24 hours, between 24 and 48 hours, and more than 48 hours after the trauma. Methods: Data were collected on patients seen at a large public hospital in Belo Horizonte, between 2014 and 2018, who were victims of SCI who presented with neurological deficits at initial care, and the neurological recovery presented. Results: 41 SCI patients were evaluated, whose mean age was 34 years. There was a predominance of thoracic spine fractures (65.9% of the cases) and classified as AO Spine type C (75%). Regarding the time variable, about 68% of the patients were submitted to surgical treatment more than 48 hours after the trauma. It was observed that both the patients submitted to surgical decompression within less than 24 hours, and those operated on more than 48 hours after the trauma showed a slight neurological improvement at the 6-month follow-up. However, no statistical significance was found. It is worth noting that even when analyzing the 41 patients of the study, regardless of the surgical interval, it was impossible to observe a statistically significant neurological improvement at the 6-month follow-up. Conclusion: Our study could not demonstrate significant differences between those patients who operated early in less than 24 hours and those who operated after more than 48 hours. Level of Evidence III; Comparative retrospective study.

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar la recuperación neurológica con un acompañamiento de 06 meses en víctimas de fracturas torácicas y lumbares sometidos a la descompresión medular en menos de 24 horas, entre 24 y 48 horas y en más de 48 horas del trauma. Métodos: Se recogieron datos de pacientes atendidos en un gran hospital público de Belo Horizonte, en el período de 2014 y 2018, víctimas de TRM que presentaban déficits neurológicos en el atendimiento inicial y la recuperación neurológica presentada. Resultados: Fueron evaluados 41 pacientes víctimas de TRM, cuya edad media fue de 34 años. Se ha observado una preponderancia de fracturas en la columna torácica (65.9% de los casos) y clasificadas como AO Spine tipo C (75%). En relación a la variable tiempo, un 68% de los pacientes fueron sometidos al tratamiento quirúrgico con más de 48h transcurridas del trauma. Se ha observado que tanto en los pacientes sometidos a la descompresión quirúrgica con menos de 24 horas cuanto en los operados con más de 48h tras el trauma hubo discreta mejora neurológica en “follow-up” de 6 meses. No fue averiguada, sin embargo, significancia estadística. Conviene resaltar todavía que, aunque analizando el conjunto de los 41 pacientes de estudio, independiente del intervalo quirúrgico, no fue posible observar mejora neurológica con significancia estadística en la revaluación de 6 meses. Conclusión: Nuestro trabajo no consiguió demostrar diferencias significativas entre aquellos pacientes operados tempranamente en menos de 24 horas de aquellos operados en más de 48 horas. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudio retrospectivo comparativo.

Resumo: Objetivo: Avaliar a recuperação neurológica com um acompanhamento de 06 (seis) meses em vítimas de fraturas torácicas e lombares submetidos a descompressão medular em menos de 24 horas, entre 24 e 48 horas e em mais de 48 horas do trauma. Métodos: Foram coletados dados relativos a pacientes atendidos em hospital público de grande porte de Belo Horizonte, no período de 2014 e 2018, vítimas de TRM que apresentavam déficits neurológicos no atendimento inicial, e a recuperação neurológica apresentada. Resultados: Foram avaliados 41 pacientes vítimas de TRM, cuja idade média foi de 34 anos. Observou-se predomínio de fraturas na coluna torácica (65.9% dos casos) e classificadas como AO Spine tipo C (75%). Em relação a variável tempo cerca de 68% dos pacientes foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico com mais de 48h decorridas do trauma. Observou-se que tanto nos pacientes submetidos a descompressão cirúrgica com menos de 24h quanto nos operados com mais de 48h após o trauma houve discreta melhora neurológica no follow-up de 6 meses. Não foi constatada, todavia, significância estatística. Cabe destacar ainda que mesmo analisando o conjunto dos 41 pacientes do estudo, independente do intervalo cirúrgico, não foi possível constatar melhora neurológica com significância estatística na reavaliação de 6 meses. Conclusão: Nosso trabalho não conseguiu demonstrar diferenças significativas entre aqueles pacientes operados precocemente em menos de 24 horas daqueles operados em mais de 48 horas. Nível de evidência III; Estudo retrospectivo comparativo.

ABSTRACT Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) indicates advanced stage cancer, which is generally associated with a poor outcome and a 6 to 12 months. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an option for treating patients with primary PC, such as mesothelioma, or secondary PC, such as colorectal cancer (CRC) or pseudomixoma. Until recently, such patients were deemed untreatable. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the results of CRS + HIPEC in patients with PC. Postoperative complications, mortality and survival rates were evaluated according to the diagnosis. Results: Fifty-six patients with PC, undergoing full CRS + HIPEC between October 2004 and January 2020, were enrolled. The mortality rate was 3.8% and the morbidity rate was 61.5%. Complications were significantly higher in proportion to the duration of surgery (p<0.001). The overall survival rates, as shown in the Kaplan-Meyer curve, were respectively 81%, 74% and 53% at 12, 24 and 60 months. Survival rates according to each diagnosis for the same periods were 87%, 82% and 47% in patients with pseudomixoma, and 77%, 72% and 57% in patients with CRC (log-rank 0.371, p=0.543). Conclusion: CRS with HIPEC is an option for pacients with primary or secondary PC. Although complication rates are high, a longer survival rate may be attained compared to those seen in previously published results; in some cases, patients may even be cured.

RESUMO O diagnóstico de carcinomatose peritoneal (CP), indica um estágio avançado do câncer e em geral está associado a um mau prognóstico com sobrevida média variando de 6 a 12 meses. A cirurgia citorredutora (CRS) associada à quimioterapia intraperitoneal hipertérmica (HIPEC) tem sido descrita como uma opção de tratamento para os pacientes portadores de CP primária como nos portadores de mesotelioma, ou secundária como em portadores de cancer colorretal ou pseudomixoma, até recentemente considerados sem possibilidade terapêutica. Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados do tratamento de pacientes portadores de CP submetidos a CRS + HIPEC. Foram analisadas as taxas complicações pós-operatórias, mortalidade e a sobrevida desses pacientes. Resultados: Foram incluídos 56 pacientes com CP, submetidos a c CRS + HIPEC, no período de Outubro 2004 a Janeiro 2020. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 3,8% e taxa de morbidade de 61,5%, sendo a ocorrência de complicações significativamente maior quanto maior o tempo cirúrgico (p<0,001). A sobrevida global pela curva de Kaplan-Meyer foi de 81%, 74% e 53% em 12, 24 e 60 meses respectivamente. Já a sobrevida por diagnóstico nos mesmos períodos foi de 87%, 82%, 47% para os pacientes portadores de pseudomixoma e de 77%, 72% e 57% para pacientes portadores de câncer colorretal (Log -RANK 0,371, p=0,543). Conclusão: A CRS + HIPEC é uma opção de tratamento para pacientes portadores de CP primária ou secundária. Embora com taxa de complicações elevadas, pode proporcionar aumento da sobrevida quando comparado com resultados prévios da literatura e em alguns casos até a cura.

To evaluate the risks of hair dye exposure, we investigated cellular and molecular effects of Arianor Ebony dye, which is a mixture of azo and anthraquinone dyes, used in the composition of the black color. Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and gene expression of relevant molecules of apoptotic and oxidative stress mechanisms were investigated in HepG2 cells exposed to Arianor Ebony. Results showed that the dye did not induce cytotoxicity to exposed cells at a concentration up to 50 µg/mL compared to the negative control. However, genotoxic assays indicated that the dye was able to damage the genetic material at a concentration of 25 µg/mL, with induction factor values of exposed cells two- to five-fold higher than those recorded for the negative control. Moreover, the lowest observed effect concentration was 12.5 µg/mL. For gene expression, relevant changes were observed in cytochrome c and caspase 9, which decreased in cells incubated with the dye in a dose-dependent manner when compared with the negative control. In parallel, the expression of genes for antioxidant enzymes was increased in exposed cells, suggesting the presence of metabolic routes that protect cells against the toxic effect of the dye, avoiding exacerbated cellular death. Results suggested that the dye disrupted cellular homeostasis through mitochondrial dysfunction, which may be hazardous to human health. Thus, further investigations are necessary to deeply understand the mechanisms of action of the dye, considering its toxic potential found in our ex vivo assays.

ABSTRACT. In Maranhão State, Brazil, soils are naturally acidic, nutrient-deficient, and prone to cohesion and erosion. Removing the natural cover to establish pastures causes physical, chemical, and biological changes in the soil. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the contents and stocks of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and particle-size fractions of soil organic matter (SOM) in pastures with different years of recovery, and compare them with a secondary forest in the Legal Amazon. Four treatments were evaluated: secondary forest, perennial pasture, and perennial pastures recovered for five years and eight years, both of the latter through corn + brachiaria intercropping. The contents and stocks of total organic carbon, total nitrogen, C, and N from the soil organic matter particle-size fractions, as well as the carbon management indexes (CMI) of the 0.00-0.10, 0.10-0.20, 0.20-0.30, and 0.30-0.40 m layers were evaluated. The perennial pasture environment presented the highest total soil C and N contents; however, when observing the granulometric fractions and CMI, these increases were qualitative in relation to the secondary forest. Pasture recovery over eight years contributed to an improvement of soil quality similar to secondary forest, indicating that an increase in SOM quality, quantity, and recovery time related to increased pasture capacity to accumulate C and N in the soil.

L-Arginine and chronic exercise reduce oxidative stress. However, it is unclear how they affect cardiomyocytes during cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. The aim of this research was to investigate the possible effects of L-arginine supplementation and aerobic training on systemic oxidative stress and their consequences on cardiomyocytes during cardiometabolic disease onset caused by excess fructose. Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: control (C), fructose (F, 10% fructose in water), fructose training (FT; moderate running, 50-70% of the maximal velocity), and fructose arginine (FA; 880 mg/kg/day). Fructose was given for two weeks and fructose plus treatments for the subsequent eight weeks. Body composition, blood glucose, insulin, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, nitrite, metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity, left ventricle histological changes, microRNA-126, -195, and -146, eNOS, p-eNOS, and TNF-α expressions were analyzed. Higher abdominal fat mass, triacylglycerol level, and insulin level were observed in the F group, and both treatments reversed these alterations. Myocardial vascularization was impaired in fructose-fed groups, except in FT. Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was observed in all fructose-fed groups. TNF-α levels were higher in fructose-fed groups than in the C group, and p-eNOS levels were higher in the FA than in the C and F groups. Lipid peroxidation was higher in the F group than in the FT and C groups. During CVD onset, moderate aerobic exercise reduced lipid peroxidation, and both training and L-arginine prevented metabolic changes caused by excessive fructose. Myocardial vascularization was impaired by fructose, and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy appeared to be influenced by pro-inflammatory and oxidative environments.

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this randomized study was to compare the complications and perioperative outcome of three different techniques of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Changes in the liver function test after LC techniques were investigated. Also, we compared the degree of postoperative adhesions and histopathological changes of the liver bed. Methods: Thirty rabbits were divided into three groups: group A) Fundus-first technique by Hook dissecting instrument and Roeder Slipknot applied for cystic duct (CD) ligation; group B) conventional technique by Maryland dissecting forceps and electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing (EBVS) for CD seal; group C) conventional technique by EBVS for gallbladder (GB) dissection and CD seal. Results: Group A presented a longer GB dissection time than groups B and C. GB perforation and bleeding from tissues adjacent to GB were similar among tested groups. Gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase levels increased (p ≤ 0.05) on day 3 postoperatively in group A. By the 15th postoperative day, the enzymes returned to the preoperative values. Transient elevation of hepatic transaminases occurred after LC in all groups. Group A had a higher adherence score than groups B and C and was associated with the least predictable technique. Conclusions: LC can be performed using different techniques, although the use of EBVS is highly recommended.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of cover plants in reducing the population of the two-spotted spider mite, Te t r a n y c h u s urticae, in soybean. Seven host plants – cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), Urochloa ruziziensis, crotalaria (Crotalaria juncea), corn (Zea mays), radish (Raphanus sativus), soybean (Glycine max), and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) – were evaluated for their effect on T. urticae biological parameters (oviposition, development stages, and survival) and preference for volatile odors (using a Y-tube olfactometer). Tetranychus urticae preferred cotton and showed a higher population growth rate on this host plant. The survival and oviposition of T. urticae was prolonged in radish and crotalaria plants, whereas juveniles did not complete their immature development on U. ruziziensis leaves. No preference was observed between the volatile odors of U. ruziziensis, radish, and crotalaria. Urochloa ruziziensis can reduce T. urticae populations in soybean plants.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial de plantas de cobertura na redução da população do ácaro-rajado, Tetranychus urticae, em soja. Foram avaliadas sete plantas hospedeiras – algodão (Gossypium hirsutum), braquiária (Urochloa ruziziensis), crotalária (Crotalaria juncea), milho (Zea mays), rabanete (Raphanus sativus), soja (Glycine max) e sorgo (Sorghum bicolor) – quanto ao seu efeito nos parâmetros biológicos (oviposição, estágios de desenvolvimento e sobrevivência) e na preferência por odores voláteis (com uso de olfatômetro em forma de Y) de T. urticae. Tet ranychu s urticae preferiu o algodão e apresentou taxa de crescimento populacional mais alta nesta planta hospedeira. A sobrevivência e a oviposição de T. urticae foram prolongadas nas plantas de rabanete e crotalária, enquanto os juvenis não completaram seu desenvolvimento imaturo nas folhas de braquiária. Nenhuma preferência foi observada entre os odores voláteis de braquiária, rabanete e crotalária. A braquiária pode reduzir as populações de T. urticae em soja.