Annual world production of sisal is estimated to be 400,000 tons, but the processing of sisal fiber generates around 160,000 tons of waste per year. The sisal bagasse is discarded, even though it is about 60% carbohydrates in its structure. Therefore, this work seeks to add value to sisal bagasse through the production of cellulose acetate membranes aimed at removing inhibitors from the fermentation process. The membrane was developed using a cellulose acetate polymer synthesized from cellulose isolated from sisal bagasse. Alkaline and acid pre-treatments resulted in 90% pure cellulose. The obtained cellulose acetate was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. In the synthesis of the membranes, the influence of agitation time and temperature of the bath on the selectivity and porosity were evaluated in four tests, the third condition stood out with porosity of 26.23% and selectivity of 94.51% in the removal of the furfural and 36.62% of the acetic acid.

Abstract Introduction: cystic fibrosis is a disease that causes inflammation, oxidative stress and metabolic changes that lead to nutrient deficiency, such as vitamin D deficiency. On the other hand, it is suggested that vitamin D has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Objective: to evaluate the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and the association between serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels with markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with cystic fibrosis. Method: a cross-sectional study was carried out with 48 patients with cystic fibrosis including children, adolescents and adults in the northeast region of Brazil. Blood collection was performed for analysis of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, parathyroid hormone, inflammatory process (C-reactive protein [CRP] and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein-A1 [A1GPA]) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity [CAOT]). The statistical analysis was performed using the "Statistical Package for the Social Sciences", adopting a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency was found in 64.6 % of patients. After multiple linear regression analysis, MDA showed an inverse association with blood values of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (p < 0.05) conditioned by the presence of inflammatory process markers. When only oxidative stress was evaluated, this association disappeared. Conclusion: in conclusion, there was a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D, with 25(OH)D levels associated with greater oxidative stress when combined with inflammatory markers. Improved vitamin D levels may be an alternative to reduce the damage caused by excess oxidative stress and inflammation in CF patients.

Resumen Introducción: la fibrosis quística es una enfermedad que cursa con inflamación, estrés oxidativo y cambios metabólicos que conducen a deficiencia de nutrientes como la vitamina D. Por otro lado, se sugiere que la vitamina D tiene acción antiinflamatoria y antioxidante. Objetivo: evaluar la prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D y la asociación entre los niveles séricos de 25 hidroxivitamina D con los marcadores de estrés oxidativo e inflamación en pacientes con fibrosis quística. Método: estudio transversal realizado con 48 pacientes con fibrosis quística, niños, adolescentes y adultos, de la región nordeste de Brasil. Se realizó una extracción de sangre para el análisis de 25-hidroxivitamina D, calcio, hormona paratiroidea, proceso inflamatorio (proteína C-reactiva [PCR] y alfa-1-glucoproteína ácida-A1 [A1GPA]) y estrés oxidativo (malondialdehído [MDA] y capacidad antioxidante total [CAOT]). El análisis estadístico se realizó utilizando el "Paquete Estadístico para las Ciencias Sociales", adoptando un nivel de significancia de p < 0,05. Resultados: se encontró insuficiencia/deficiencia de vitamina D en el 64,6 % de los pacientes. Después de un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple, la MDA mostró una asociación inversa con los valores sanguíneos de 25-hidroxivitamina D (p < 0,05) condicionado a la presencia de marcadores de proceso inflamatorio; cuando solo se evalúa el estrés oxidativo, esta asociación desaparece. Conclusión: en conclusión, hubo una alta prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D, con niveles de 25(OH)D asociados a mayor estrés oxidativo cuando se combina con marcadores inflamatorios. La mejora de los niveles de vitamina D puede ser una alternativa para reducir el daño causado por el exceso de estrés oxidativo y la inflamación en pacientes con FQ.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Fat, muscle, and bone are endocrine organs capable of affecting the metabolic profile and cardiovascular risk. Relating these components is important to the establishment of early intervention strategies for overweight patients. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of body mass components on the metabolic profile and cardiovascular risk in the preoperative period of bariatric surgery. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with patients admitted for bariatric surgery at a university hospital in the city of Recife, Brazil, between 2018 and 2019. Body composition was determined using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Cardiovascular risk was assessed using the Framingham risk score. Data were collected on anthropometric, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics. The lipid profile (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides), blood glucose, and vitamin D were determined using the standard methods of the hospital laboratory. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were analyzed, 86.7% of whom had comorbidities, 33.3% had moderate/high cardiovascular risk, and 71.4% had vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency. Lower lean body mass (adjusted PR 3.24; 95%CI 1.19–5.77) was independently associated with the severity of obesity. The body mass index and waist circumference were negatively correlated with lean body mass (r=-0.52; p<0.01)/r=-0.36; p<0.01). Lean body mass was negatively correlated with fat mass (r=-0.26; p<0.05), trunk fat (r=-0.29; p<0.05), fasting glucose (r=-0.26; p<0.05), and bone mineral density (r=-0.26; p<0.05). A total of 84.2% of individuals with less trunk fat tended to have low cardiovascular risk (p=0.05). However, physical inactivity (adjusted PR 2.14; 95%CI 1.19–5.54) and the risk of alcohol dependence (adjusted PR 2.41; 95%CI 1.76–4.15) were the only variables independently associated with cardiovascular risk. CONCLUSION: Obese patients in the preoperative period of bariatric surgery with less trunk fat tended to have low cardiovascular risk. However, the other components of body mass were also not associated with cardiovascular risk.

RESUMO RACIONAL: O tecido adiposo, músculos e ossos representam órgãos endócrinos, capazes de interferir no perfil metabólico e risco cardiovascular. Relacionar esses componentes será importante para estratégias de intervenção precoce, em obesos. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a influência dos compartimentos da massa corporal, sobre o perfil metabólico e risco cardiovascular, no pré-operatório de cirurgia bariátrica. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, com pacientes admitidos para cirurgia bariátrica, em hospital universitário. A composição corporal foi avaliada pela absortometria radiológica de dupla energia e o risco cardiovascular pelo escore de risco de Framingham. Foram analisadas variáveis antropométricas, clínicas e de estilo de vida. Foi avaliado perfil lipídico (colesterol total, HDL-c, LDL-c, triglicerídeos), glicemia e vitamina D, utilizando a metodologia padrão. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 60 pacientes, 86,7% apresentavam comorbidades, 33,3% risco cardiovascular moderado/elevado e 71,4% insuficiência/deficiência de vitamina D. Menor massa corporal magra associou-se à gravidade da obesidade. O índice de massa corpórea e a circunferência da cintura correlacionaram-se negativamente com a massa corporal magra (r=-0,52; p<0,01)/r=-0,36; p<0,01). A massa corporal magra correlacionou-se negativamente com a massa gorda (r=-0,26; p<0,05), gordura troncular (r=-0,29; p<0,05), glicemia de jejum (r=-0,26; p<0,05) e densidade mineral óssea (r=-0,26; p<0,05). Ao todo, 84,2% dos indivíduos com menos gordura troncular apresentaram tendência a baixo risco cardiovascular (p=0,05). Contudo, inatividade física (razão de prevalência ajustada 2,14; IC95% 1,19–5,54) e risco de dependência alcoólica foram as únicas variáveis independentemente associadas ao risco cardiovascular. CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes obesos em pré-operatório de cirurgia bariátrica com menos gordura troncular, apresentaram tendência a baixo risco cadiovascular. Contudo, o risco cardiovascular também não foi associado aos demais componentes da massa corporal.

Medicinal products based on the Cannabis sativa plant are available in Brazil, among them, drug, cannabis products, individual import products, and those provided by patient associations. Despite this, there is no monograph for the evaluation of cannabinoids in Brazilian Pharmacopoeia (BP) or other compendia accepted. Therefore, this work aimed to develop a quick and easy method to quantify cannabinoids in authorized products for medicinal purposes. The method was developed by HPLC-UV, gradient elution composed of formic acid in acetonitrile and water, the flow rate of 0.6 mL min-1 and 220 nm detection. It was possible to resolve the peaks of cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiolic acid and cannabinol and to quantify CBD (105.35%; 104.07%) and THC (106.62%). The developed method was applied to two products and met the established requirements of precision, accuracy, linearity, and selectivity. This procedure has been tested on four cannabis-based products to attest to its effectiveness. Considering the importance of establishing minimum quality requirements for medicinal products and considering the available products in Brazil, it was found that it is important to evaluate the implementation of other products in the method developed for future validation and later inclusion in the BP.

Abstract Healthcare workers present an increased risk of contagion for the SARS-CoV-2 virus due to their labor exposure. Here, we describe the clinical, laboratory, and immunological characteristics of healthcare workers, before vaccine application, exposed to SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. We collected sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory information from 50 professionals who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Clinical Hospital of the Northwest in Brazil. The results showed that most workers are women, over 50 years old, and worked as nursing technicians. Approximately 56% of workers were positive for a previous infection by RT-PCR and/or anti-SARS-CoV-2-immunoglobulin tests. Increased levels of hematocrit, neutrophils, NK lymphocytes, and fibrinogen, were found in positive healthcare workers, suggesting a light inflammatory status. The immunological findings showed an increase in IL-17 production and a Th2/Th17/Th22 profile followed by high serology for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG. Those data reveal the importance of studies with healthcare workers to investigate if the continuous exposition to the virus may result in chronic activation of the immune system and/or pulmonary inflammation in this target group.

The demand for new advanced high strength steels (AHSS) has been increasing in the last few decades. A large part of this demand comes from automotive companies. We have produced a new complex-phase (CP) steel with 1200 MPa of mechanical resistance and 8% of elongation, called CP1200. In this paper the dilatometric and microstructural characterization of a newly produced CP1200 steel is presented. The new steel was produced by making changes to the heat treatment of the already industrially available CP1100. The microstructure was quantified using light optical microscopy (LOM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The microstructure of both steels was compared to identify the origin of the mechanical properties improvement. A new microstructure distribution, with higher amount of bainite and smaller concentration of ferrite and martensite was identified.

Abstract: The primary objective of this study is to propose the use of nonlinear functions to find a feasible interior point in a region defined by the constraints of linear programming problems with the advantage of not having to use slack or surplus variables. The feasible region of linear programming problems is defined by convex sets named polyhedra that have the form Ax ≤ b and that can be bounded or unbounded. Finding an interior point (even extreme or frontier point) is not a trivial issue but is a necessary condition to initialize algorithms for solving a linear programming problem. To achieve this, unrestricted nonlinear penalty functions are applied and optimized. As a result, it is demonstrated that the optimal solution point corresponds to an interior point of the original polyhedron. It is concluded that the proposed algorithmic procedure possesses features that provide advantages for solving linear programming problems.

Resumen: El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo presentar una propuesta para encontrar un punto interior factible en la región definida por las restricciones de problemas de programación lineal, con la ventaja de no tener que recurrir al empleo de variables de holgura o exceso. La región factible en los problemas de programación lineal es el conjunto solución del sistema de desigualdades lineales Ax ≤ b, las cuales definen un poliedro que puede ser acotado o no acotado. Encontrar un punto interior o en la frontera de esta no es trivial y es un aspecto necesario para iniciar los algoritmos de solución de problemas de programación lineal. Para lograrlo, se recurre a funciones irrestrictas de penalización no lineales que deben ser optimizadas. Como resultado se demuestra que la propuesta converge a un punto interior del poliedro original o se establece que el mismo no es factible. Se concluye que el procedimiento algorítmico propuesto tiene características ventajosas para resolver problemas de programación lineal.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Systemic Mastocytosis comprises a group of neoplastic diseases characterized by clonal expansion and infiltration of mast cells into several organs. The diagnosis and treatment of this disease may be challenging for non-specialists. Objective: Make suggestions or recommendations in Systemic Mastocytosis based in a panel of Brazilian specialists. Method and results: An online expert panel with 18 multidisciplinary specialists was convened to propose recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of Systemic Mastocytosis in Brazil. Recommendations were based on discussions of topics and multiple-choice questions and were graded using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence Chart. Conclusion: Twenty-two recommendations or suggestions were proposed based on a literature review and graded according to the findings.

Resumo A injúria renal aguda (IRA) é uma das complicações da dengue menos estudadas, mas que acarreta altas taxas de mortalidade e prolongamento do tempo de internação. Devido à gravidade dessa complicação, ao risco de desenvolvimento de doença renal crônica (DRC) e ao número crescente de casos de dengue relatados no mundo, particularmente nas regiões tropicais e subtropicais da África, Sudeste Asiático e América do Sul, incluindo o Brasil, foi proposta esta revisão narrativa que objetivou atualizar a epidemiologia da IRA associada à dengue, elucidar os principais mecanismos fisiopatológicos da IRA causada pela infecção do vírus da dengue, assim como discutir informações úteis sobre a prevenção e o manejo da IRA em pacientes com dengue.

Abstract Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the least studied complications of dengue, but it carries high mortality rates and prolonged hospital stay. Due to the severity of this complication, the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the increasing number of dengue cases reported worldwide, particularly in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Southeast Asia and South America, including Brazil, we embarked on this narrative review, aimed to update the epidemiology of AKI associated with dengue, elucidate the main pathophysiological mechanisms of AKI caused by the dengue virus infection, as well as discuss useful information on the prevention and management of AKI in patients with dengue.

ABSTRACT: The term rickets refers to insufficient or retarded mineralization of the osteoide matrix. X-linked hypophosphatemic (XLH) rickets is a rare genetic disorder characterized by biochemical changes in bone mineralization due to inactivation of the phosphate regulating gene and primary defect of the osteoblasts. The aim of this article was to report a clinical case of XLH, its oral manifestations, periapical changes and dental management. A 31-year old woman female patient was referred to the school of dentistry with pain and sensitivity in the teeth. She had a childhood history of rickets, hypophosphatemia and alteration in Vitamin D. In the oral exam, enamel hypoplasia, microdontia, fistula, caries and periapical lesions and periodontal disease were diagnosed. The radiographic and tomographic exams exhibited the presence of periapical lesions involving various teeth with radiolucent images, suggestive of granuloma or periapical cysts. The treatme nt prioritized the urgency of eliminating pain and removing the foci of infection. Endodontic treatment began in the teeth that had fistula or periapical lesions and in parallel, oral hygiene guidance was provided and periodontal treatment was performed. There was an improvement in the clinical condition with reduction in inflammation and mobility of the teeth. Dentists and health professionals must evaluate the patient as a whole, considering the relations between systemic and oral health. Knowledge of systemic diseases associated with rickets and their characteristics is essential for making a correct oral diagnosis and planning the dental treatment.

RESUMEN: El término raquitismo se refiere a la mineralización insuficiente o retardada de la matriz osteoide. El raquitismo hipofosfatémico ligado al cromosoma X (XLH) es un trastorno genético caracterizado por cambios bioquímicos en la mineralización ósea debido a la inactivación del gen regulador del fosfato y al defecto primario de los osteoblastos. El objetivo de este artículo fue reportar un caso clínico de XLH, sus manifestaciones orales, cambios periapicales y manejo dental. La paciente, una mujer de 31 años, acudió a la Clínica de Semiología de la UFPR con dolor y sensibilidad en varios dientes. Tenía antecedentes infantiles de raquitismo, hipofosfatemia y alteración de la vitamina D. En el examen oral se diagnosticó hipoplasia del esmalte, microdoontia, fístula, caries y lesiones periapicales y enfermedad periodontal. Los exámenes radiográficos y tomográficos mostraron la presencia de lesiones periapicales en varios dientes con imágenes radiolúcidas, sugestivas de granuloma o quistes periapicales. El tratamiento priorizó la urgencia de eliminar el dolor y remover los focos de infección. Se inició tratamiento de endodoncia en los dientes que presentaban fístula o lesiones periapicales y paralelamente se brindó orientación de higiene oral y se realizó tratamiento periodontal. Hubo una mejoría en la condición clínica con reducción de la inflamación y movilidad de los dientes. Los odontólogos y profesionales de la salud deben evaluar al paciente como un todo, teniendo en cuenta las relaciones entre salud sistémica y oral. El conocimiento de las enfermedades sistémicas asociadas al raquitismo y sus características es fundamental para realizar un correcto diagnóstico oral y planificar el tratamiento odontológico.

Abstract Background: Patients using immunosuppressive drugs may have unfavorable results after infections. However, there is a lack of information regarding COVID 19 in these patients, especially in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with COVID 19 hospitalizations in patients with RA. Methods: This multicenter, prospective cohort study is within the ReumaCoV Brazil registry and included 489 patients with RA. In this context, 269 patients who tested positive for COVID 19 were compared to 220 patients who tested negative for COVID 19 (control group). All patient data were collected from the Research Electronic Data Capture database. Results: The participants were predominantly female (90.6%) with a mean age of 53 ±12 years. Of the patients with COVID 19, 54 (20.1%) required hospitalization. After multiple adjustments, the final regression model showed that heart disease (OR =4.61, 95% CI 1.06–20.02. P < 0.001) and current use of glucocorticoids (OR =20.66, 95% CI 3.09–138. P < 0.002) were the risk factors associated with hospitalization. In addition, anosmia was associated with a lower chance of hospitalization (OR =0.26; 95% CI 0.10–0.67, P < 0.005). Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that heart disease and the use of glucocorticoids were associated with a higher number of hospital admissions for COVID 19 in patients with RA. Trial registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials RBR 33YTQC.

Abstract Health professionals working to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic are one of the main risk groups for the disease, being prioritized for vaccination. Considering this, the aim of this study was to analyze the immune response of these professionals immunized with CoronaVac in the first and second doses. Blood samples were collected after the first and second doses of the vaccine (CoronaVac) and used to investigate hematological and biochemical parameters, analysis of immunoglobulin production, cytokines, and gene expression profile, as well as the identification of subsets of immune cells. Post-first dose immunological phenotypic memory (CD27+) profiles (T CD4+, TCD8+ and CD19+) showed a significant increase, as did Monocyte APCs (CD80+HLA-DR+) in relation to the second dose. The cytokines IL-2, IL-6 and IFN-° showed increased values in relation to the other analyzed cytokines. The Th2/Th17 profile in the second dose was characterized by gene expression analysis. The production of IgM and IgG after vaccination showed statistically significant values in the comparison between doses. CoronaVac showed activation of APCs monocytes, memory response of T and B lymphocytes, with immunoglobulins production. This set of responses is characterized by the Th2/Th17 immunological profile.

Resumo Os mamíferos são organismos carismáticos que desempenham um papel fundamental na função ecológica e nos serviços ecossistêmicos, como polinização, dispersão de sementes, ciclagem de nutrientes e controle de pragas. O Estado de São Paulo representa apenas 3% do território brasileiro, mas detém 33% da diversidade de mamíferos. A maior parte de seu território é dominado pela agricultura, pastagens e áreas urbanas que afetam diretamente a diversidade e a persistência dos mamíferos na paisagem. Além disso, São Paulo possui o maior porto da América Latina e o maior reservatório de petróleo costeiro do Brasil, com 600 km de extensão de litoral com diversas espécies de mamíferos marinhos. Essas infraestruturas afetam a diversidade, distribuição, ecologia e o futuro dos mamíferos no estado. Aqui, respondemos cinco perguntas principais: 1) Qual é a diversidade de mamíferos silvestres no Estado de São Paulo? 2) Onde eles ocorrem? 3) Qual é o seu impacto positivo e negativo no bem-estar humano? 4) Como os mamíferos persistem em paisagens modificadas pelo homem? 5) Qual é o futuro dos mamíferos no estado? O estado de São Paulo possui 255 espécies de mamíferos nativos, com quatro espécies endêmicas, duas delas globalmente ameaçadas de extinção. Pelo menos seis espécies (dois marsupiais, ariranha, veado-campeiro, veado-cambuta e tatu-canastra) foram extirpadas do estado devido à caça e perda de habitat. O intenso uso humano da terra no estado forçou muitas espécies de mamíferos a mudar sua dieta para lidar com a intensa fragmentação e agricultura. A monocultura em larga escala facilitou a invasão de espécies exóticas, como porcos selvagens (javaporco) e a lebre europeia. Várias espécies de áreas abertas estão expandindo suas áreas de distribuição (lobo-guará, veado-catingueiro) sobre áreas desmatadas e provavelmente refletem mudanças em direção a um clima mais seco. Como o estado possui o maior sistema rodoviário do Brasil, cerca de 40 mil mamíferos de 33 espécies são mortos por ano em colisões, causando um prejuízo econômico de 12 milhões de dólares/ano. A diversidade de mamíferos está concentrada nos maiores remanescentes florestais da Serra do Mar e no interior do Estado, principalmente nas regiões de Ribeirão Preto e Jundiaí. As lacunas amostrais estão concentradas em todo o interior do estado, principalmente na região noroeste. Os mamíferos silvestres desempenham um papel fundamental em muitos serviços ecossistêmicos, mas também podem ser uma preocupação em trazer novas doenças emergentes para as populações humanas. Embora a taxonomia de mamíferos pareça ser bem conhecida, mostramos que novas espécies estão sendo continuamente descobertas no estado. Portanto, pesquisas usando tecnologias tradicionais e novas (eDNA, iDNA, drones), monitoramento populacional de longo prazo, a investigação da interface do conflito homem-vida selvagem e a compreensão do papel único no ecossistema desempenhado pelos mamíferos são um caminho futuro para promover uma paisagem verde sustentável aliada ao bem-estar humano no estado. O plantio de corredores florestais ou de cerrado, principalmente junto aos principais sistemas fluviais, no planalto, o controle da caça ilegal nas áreas costeiras, o manejo dos regimes de fogo no Cerrado e a mitigação dos atropelamentos devem ser uma prioridade para proteger essa notável diversidade de mamíferos.

Abstract Mammals are charismatic organisms that play a fundamental role in ecological functions and ecosystem services, such as pollination, seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and pest control. The state of São Paulo represents only 3% of the Brazilian territory but holds 33% of its mammalian diversity. Most of its territory is dominated by agriculture, pastures, and urban areas which directly affect the diversity and persistence of mammals in the landscape. In addition, São Paulo has the largest port in Latin America and the largest offshore oil reservoir in Brazil, with a 600 km stretch of coastline with several marine mammal species. These human-made infrastructures affect the diversity, distribution, ecology, and the future of mammals in the state. Here, we answer five main questions: 1) What is the diversity of wild mammals in São Paulo state? 2) Where are they? 3) What is their positive and negative impact on human well-being? 4) How do mammals thrive in human-modified landscapes? 5) What is the future of mammals in the state? The state of São Paulo holds 255 species of native mammals, with four endemic species, two of them globally endangered. At least six species (two marsupials, Giant otter, Pampas deer, Brazilian dwarf brocket deer, and Giant armadillo) were extirpated from the state due to hunting and habitat loss. The intense human land use in the state forced many mammalian species to change their diet to cope with the intense fragmentation and agriculture. Large-scale monoculture has facilitated the invasion of exotic species such as wild boars (javali) and the European hare. Several “savanna-dwelling” species are expanding their ranges (Maned wolf, Brocket deer) over deforested areas and probably reflect changes towards a drier climate. Because the state has the largest road system, about 40,000 mammals from 33 species are killed per year in collisions causing an economic loss of 12 million dollars/year. The diversity of mammals is concentrated in the largest forest remnants of Serra do Mar and in the interior of the State, mainly in the regions of Ribeirão Preto and Jundiaí. Sampling gaps are concentrated throughout the interior of the state, particularly in the northwest region. Wild mammals play a fundamental role in many ecosystem services, but they can also be a concern in bringing new emergent diseases to humans. Although the taxonomy of mammals seems to be well known, we show that new species are continuously being discovered in the state. Therefore, continuous surveys using traditional and new technologies (eDNA, iDNA, drones), long-term population monitoring, investigation of the interface of human-wildlife conflict, and understanding of the unique ecosystem role played by mammals are future avenues for promoting sustainable green landscapes allied to human well-being in the state. The planting of forest or savanna corridors, particularly along with major river systems, in the plateau, controlling illegal hunting in the coastal areas, managing fire regimes in the Cerrado, and mitigating roadkill must be prioritized to protect this outstanding mammal diversity.

RESUMO Plasma de argônio a baixa pressão a uma temperatura controlada de 40ºC foi utilizado para superar a dormência de sementes de Desmanthus virgatus L. Willd. Os tempos de tratamento foram de 1, 3 e 5 minutos. A análise de infravermelho confirmou a presença de lipídios, proteínas e carboidratos, sem a formação de novos grupos funcionais. O ambiente controlado a baixa pressão e o plasma do gás inerte alteraram a intensidade dos grupos polares e apolares presentes na superfície da semente. Essas alterações influenciaram diretamente os testes de absorção de água, nos quais todas as sementes tratadas iniciaram o processo de germinação em 24, 36 e 312 horas, para os tratamentos de um, três e cinco minutos, respectivamente. A germinação não ocorreu entre as sementes não tratadas, comprovando a eficiência do plasma em superar a dormência Os resultados de pH e condutividade mostraram que o tratamento com plasma resultou em germinação mais rápida e menor liberação de nutrientes para o meio. Além disso, sementes tratadas por um e três minutos apresentaram resultados superiores quanto ao potencial e taxa de germinação e índice de germinação, demonstrando a eficiência do plasma a baixa pressão como técnica limpa e uma ferramenta alternativa para a redução do impacto ambiental na modificação superficial de sementes de D. virgatus L. Willd.

ABSTRACT Low-pressure argon plasma at a controlled temperature of 40 ºC was used to overcome seed dormancy in Desmanthus virgatus (L.) Willd. Treatment times were 1, 3, and 5 minutes. Infrared analysis confirmed the presence of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates without the formation of new functional groups. The low-pressure controlled environment and the inert gas plasma changed the intensity of polar and nonpolar groups present on the seed surface. These changes directly influenced the water absorption tests because all treated seeds germinated after 24, 36, and 312 hours in the treatments of one, three, and five minutes, respectively. Germination did not occur among untreated seeds, proving the effectiveness of plasma in overcoming dormancy. The pH and conductivity results showed that plasma treatment resulted in faster germination and lower nutrient release to the medium. In addition, the seeds treated for one and three minutes showed superior results for the germination potential, germination rate, and germination index, demonstrating the effectiveness of low-pressure plasma as a clean technique and an alternative tool for reducing environmental impacts in the surface modification of D. virgatus L. Willd seeds.

RESUMO Objectivo. Avaliar ferramentas moleculares para detectar parasitemia de baixo nível e as cinco espécies de Plasmodium que infectam humanos, para utilização em programas de controlo e eliminação e em laboratórios de referência. Métodos. Avaliámos 145 amostras de sangue de doentes que testaram positivo por reacção em cadeia da polimerase aninhada (nPCR), de indivíduos assintomáticos, e do Programa Global de Paludismo da Organização Mundial de Saúde/Serviço Nacional de Avaliação da Qualidade Externa do Reino Unido. As amostras foram ensaiadas utilizando o RealStar® Malaria PCR Kit 1.0 (alt-Gen; altona Diagnostics) e o RealStar® Malaria Screen & Type PCR Kit (alt-S&T; altona Diagnostics). Os resultados dos testes moleculares foram comparados com os resultados da PCR quantitativa (qPCR), nPCR e exame da gota espessa. Resultados. Os níveis de parasitemia variaram de 1 a 518 000 parasitas/µL, dependendo da espécie. Em comparação com a nPCR, alt-S&T tinha uma sensibilidade de 100%, excepto na identificação de P. falciparum, para a qual a sensibilidade era de 93,94%. Todas as amostras positivas por alt-Gen foram também positivas por nPCR. Ao comparar alt-Gen com qPCR, a sensibilidade foi de 100% para P. vivax, P. malariae e P. falciparum. Para todas as espécies Plasmodium, a correlação entre os valores limiares de ciclo de alt-S&T e alt-Gen comparados com qPCR foi significativa (P < 0,0001, teste de Spearman), com r = 0,8621 para alt-S&T e r = 0,9371 para alt-Gen. Quando todas as espécies de Plasmodium foram consideradas, houve uma correlação negativa entre o nível de parasitemia e os valores limiares do ciclo de PCR em tempo real (P < 0,0001). Neste estudo, apenas 2 de 28 amostras de indivíduos assintomáticos foram positivas por exame da gota espessa; no entanto, todas estas 28 amostras foram positivas por alt-S&T. Conclusões. Os ensaios alt-Gen e alt-S&T são adequados para a detecção de infecções submicroscópicas para fins epidemiológicos distintos, tais como para utilização em inquéritos e laboratórios de referência e o rastreio em bancos de sangue, o que contribuirá para os esforços globais de eliminação da malária.

ABSTRACT Objective. To evaluate molecular tools to detect low-level parasitemia and the five species of Plasmodium that infect humans for use in control and elimination programs, and in reference laboratories. Methods. We evaluated 145 blood samples from patients who tested positive by nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR), from asymptomatic individuals and from the WHO Global Malaria Programme/United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Service. Samples were assayed using the genus-specific RealStar® Malaria PCR Kit 1.0 (alt-Gen; altona Diagnostics) and the RealStar® Malaria Screen & Type PCR Kit (alt-S&T; altona Diagnostics). The results from the molecular tests were compared with those from quantitative PCR (qPCR), nPCR and thick blood smear. Results. The levels of parasitemia ranged from 1 to 518 000 parasites/µL, depending on the species. Compared with nPCR, alt-S&T had a sensitivity of 100%, except for identifying P. falciparum, for which the sensitivity was 93.94%. All samples positive by alt-Gen were also positive by nPCR. When comparing alt-Gen to qPCR, the sensitivity was 100% for P. vivax, P. malariae and P. falciparum. For all Plasmodium species, the correlation between cycle threshold values of alt-S&T and alt-Gen compared with qPCR was significant (P < 0.0001, Spearman’s test), with r = 0.8621 for alt-S&T and r = 0.9371 for alt-Gen. When all Plasmodium species were considered, there was a negative correlation between the level of parasitemia and real-time PCR cycle threshold values (P < 0.0001). In this study, only 2 of 28 samples from asymptomatic individuals were positive by thick blood smear; however, all 28 of these samples were positive by alt-S&T. Conclusions. The alt-Gen and alt-S&T assays are suitable for detecting submicroscopic infections for distinct epidemiological purposes, such as for use in surveys and reference laboratories, and screening in blood banks, which will contribute to global efforts to eliminate malaria.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Evaluar herramientas moleculares para detectar bajos niveles de parasitemia y las cinco especies de Plasmodium que infectan a los seres humanos, a fin de emplearlas en los programas de control y eliminación y en los laboratorios de referencia. Métodos. Se evaluaron 145 muestras de sangre de pacientes positivos por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa anidada (nPCR), de individuos asintomáticos y de muestras del Programa Mundial de Malaria de la Organización Mundial de la Salud/Servicio Nacional de Evaluación Externa de Calidad del Reino Unido. Las muestras se analizaron con el kit de PCR RealStar® Malaria 1.0 (alt-Gen; altona Diagnostics), específico para cada género, y con el kit de PCR RealStar® Malaria Screen & Type (alt-S&T; altona Diagnostics). Se compararon los resultados de las pruebas moleculares con los de la PCR cuantitativa (qPCR), la nPCR y el frotis de gota gruesa. Resultados. Los niveles de parasitemia oscilaron entre 1 y 518 000 parásitos/µl, según la especie. En comparación con la nPCR, la prueba alt-S&T tuvo una sensibilidad del 100%, excepto para la identificación de P. falciparum, para el cual la sensibilidad fue del 93,94%. Todas las muestras positivas por alt-Gen lo fueron también por nPCR. Al comparar alt-Gen con la qPCR, la sensibilidad fue del 100% para P. vivax, P. malariae y P. falciparum. Para todas las especies de Plasmodium, la correlación entre los valores del umbral de ciclo de alt-S&T y alt-Gen en comparación con la qPCR fue significativa (P < 0,0001, prueba de Spearman), con r = 0,8621 para alt-S&T y r = 0,9371 para alt-Gen. Cuando se consideraron todas las especies de Plasmodium hubo una correlación negativa entre el nivel de parasitemia y los valores de umbral de ciclo de PCR en tiempo real (P < 0,0001). En este estudio, solo 2 de las 28 muestras de individuos asintomáticos fueron positivas por frotis de gota gruesa; sin embargo, las 28 muestras fueron positivas por alt-S&T. Conclusiones. Los ensayos alt-Gen y alt-S&T son adecuados para detectar infecciones submicroscópicas con distintos fines epidemiológicos, como su uso en investigaciones y laboratorios de referencia y el cribado en bancos de sangre, lo que contribuirá a los esfuerzos mundiales para eliminar la malaria.