Abstract Pitaya is a rich source of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and betalains. Moreover, these compounds has been associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of this fruit on glycemia and oxidative stress in aloxan-induced diabetic mice. Thus, considering that In the in vivo assays, the mice were divided into 5 groups (n = 6): (a) healthy group treated with water; (b) diabetic mice treated with metformin at 200 mg/kg body weight diluted in water; (c) untreated diabetic mice; (d) diabetic mice treated with pitaya at 200 mg/kg and (e) diabetic mice treated with pitaya at 400 mg/kg of body weight diluted in water. The results shows that pitaya was able significantly to reduce blood glucose (p < 0.05) (200 mg/kg); significantly reduce cholesterol (200 and 400 mg/kg) and significantly increase HDL-c (400 mg/kg) levels. In the oxidative stress experiment, Malondialdehyde levels in the liver were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in the groups treated with pitaya, when compared to the other groups, suggesting lower lipid peroxidation. The consumption of pitaya reduced the blood glucose and cholesterol and increase the HDL, in addition, the lipid peroxidation - which is common in diabetic patients, was reduced.

Abstract Objective Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare chronic granulomatous vasculitis that affects large vessels and usually begins in women of childbearing age, so it is not uncommon for pregnancies to occur in these patients. However, there is limited information about these pregnancies, with reports of adverse maternal and obstetric outcomes. The objective of this study is to evaluate adverse maternal, fetal and neonatal events in pregnant patients with TA. Methods This is a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection. We reviewed 22 pregnancies in 18 patients with TAK, according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria, that were followed up in a high-risk prenatal clinic specialized in systemic autoimmune diseases and thrombophilia (PrAT) at Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, from 1998 to 2021. Results In twenty-two pregnancies, the mean age of patients was 28.09 years and the mean duration disease was 10.9 years. Of the 18 patients with TAK studied, only one had the diagnosis during pregnancy and had active disease. All other patients had a previous diagnosis of TAK and only 3 had disease activity during pregnancy. Twelve patients (66.6%) had previous systemic arterial hypertension and eleven (61.1%) had renal involvement. Among maternal complications, eight patients (36.3%) developed preeclampsia and six (27.2%) had uncontrolled blood pressure without proteinuria, while 10 (45%) had puerperal complications. Four (18.1%) births were premature, all due to severe preeclampsia and eight newborns (34.7%) were small for gestational age. When all maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes included in this study were considered, only 6 (27.2%) pregnancies were uneventful. Conclusion Although there were no maternal deaths or pregnancy losses in this study, the number of adverse events was considerably high. Hypertensive disorders and small for gestational age newborns were more common than general population, while the number of patients with active disease was low. These findings suggest that pregnancies in patients with TAK still have several complications and a high-risk prenatal care and delivery are necessary for these patients.

Abstract Background: Theory of Mind (ToM) is the ability to attribute mental states to oneself and others. Individuals with a brain lesion following a stroke exhibit a compromised ability to perform ToM tasks. Objective: To analyze studies that evaluated ToM in stroke survivors considering the lesion localization and performance on ToM tests. Methods: The searches were carried out until November 28, 2018, using the following search terms: “social cognition” or “Theory of Mind” and “stroke”. Searches were conducted in the PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science and Scopus data bases. The initial search led to the retrieval of 425 articles. After the exclusion of duplicates and the analysis of the titles, abstracts and full texts, 20 articles were selected for the present review. Results: The studies showed that patients with lesion in the right hemisphere present lower performance on ToM tasks compared to those with lesion in the left hemisphere. In addition, patients with lesion in the right hemisphere presented significant impairment in the performance on ToM tasks compared to healthy individuals. Furthermore, the studies that evaluated lesions in specific regions such as temporal lobe, prefrontal cortex, posterior parietal cortex, and temporo-parietal junction, indicated a significant deficit in ToM performance of these patients compared to healthy individuals. Discussion: This review showed that stroke survivors have a poor performance on ToM tasks. The right hemisphere and prefrontal cortex seem to be associated with the deficit of this ability.

Resumo O contexto brasileiro de desigualdades sociais e barreiras no acesso aos serviços de saúde pode agravar a situação da pandemia de COVID-19, que já afeta todos os estados da federação, com a curva crescente de aumento de casos confirmados e mortes. O governo dos países e os agentes do campo científico têm buscado evidências para as melhores práticas de prevenção e controle da transmissão, e cuidado da infecção e doença, incluindo medidas de diagnóstico, tratamento e de atenção à saúde. A estratégia de testagem em larga escala, visando o diagnóstico precoce, quarentena dos casos leves identificados, bem como dos contactantes, e cuidado adequado dos casos graves, tem sido revisada e indicada como uma das medidas eficientes para o controle da pandemia em vários países do mundo. O artigo tem como objetivo discutir os desafios da testagem e do diagnóstico de COVID-19 no Brasil.

Abstract The Brazilian context of social inequalities and barriers in accessing health services may deteriorate the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, which already affects all Brazilian federative states, with the growing curve of increasing confirmed cases and deaths. National governments and scientific field agents have been looking for evidence for the best practices of prevention and control of transmission, and care of infection and disease, including diagnosis, treatment, and health care measures. The large-scale testing strategy, aimed at early diagnosis, quarantine of the mild cases identified, as well as those of the contacts, and adequate care of severe cases, has been revised and indicated as one of the efficient pandemic control measures in several countries in the world. This paper aims to discuss the challenges of COVID-19 testing and diagnosis in Brazil.

Resumo O contexto brasileiro de desigualdades sociais e barreiras no acesso aos serviços de saúde pode agravar a situação da pandemia de COVID-19, que já afeta todos os estados da federação, com a curva crescente de aumento de casos confirmados e mortes. O governo dos países e os agentes do campo científico têm buscado evidências para as melhores práticas de prevenção e controle da transmissão, e cuidado da infecção e doença, incluindo medidas de diagnóstico, tratamento e de atenção à saúde. A estratégia de testagem em larga escala, visando o diagnóstico precoce, quarentena dos casos leves identificados, bem como dos contactantes, e cuidado adequado dos casos graves, tem sido revisada e indicada como uma das medidas eficientes para o controle da pandemia em vários países do mundo. O artigo tem como objetivo discutir os desafios da testagem e do diagnóstico de COVID-19 no Brasil.

Abstract The Brazilian context of social inequalities and barriers in accessing health services may deteriorate the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, which already affects all Brazilian federative states, with the growing curve of increasing confirmed cases and deaths. National governments and scientific field agents have been looking for evidence for the best practices of prevention and control of transmission, and care of infection and disease, including diagnosis, treatment, and health care measures. The large-scale testing strategy, aimed at early diagnosis, quarantine of the mild cases identified, as well as those of the contacts, and adequate care of severe cases, has been revised and indicated as one of the efficient pandemic control measures in several countries in the world. This paper aims to discuss the challenges of COVID-19 testing and diagnosis in Brazil.

Resumo: Introdução: Este trabalho aborda a utilização do mecanismo de feedback na avaliação formativa durante a formação médica, visto que esse instrumento é de grande importância para o estímulo dessa formação que se pauta pelas metodologias ativas de ensino. O estudo tem como objetivos caracterizar a aplicação dessa ferramenta e identificar possíveis falhas na utilização dela no cotidiano do módulo Pinesc, no curso de Medicina da Universidade Anhanguera (Uniderp). Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa quantitativa e seccional que abrange alunos do primeiro ao oitavo semestre inseridos no módulo longitudinal Pinesc. Na coleta dos dados, utilizou-se um questionário com perguntas relativas à avaliação formativa que é realizada pelos preceptores, o qual é repassado aos acadêmicos de acordo com o cálculo de amostragem. O feedback é a atividade central da avaliação formativa e possibilita o desenvolvimento da capacidade reflexiva e autoavaliativa e de habilidades. Contudo, a utilização do feedback ainda encontra obstáculos principalmente pela dificuldade de os avaliadores elencarem os pontos negativos e as facilidades dos avaliados. Resultado: Neste estudo, foram relatadas algumas falhas e pontos positivos no processo de aplicação desse instrumento. Por conta disso, elencam-se e sugerem-se aperfeiçoamentos para uma melhor utilização do feedback e um aproveitamento acadêmico mais favorável. Conclusão: Como base da avaliação formativa, o feedback ainda demonstra possuir muitas fragilidades quanto à sua forma e aplicação.

Abstract: Introduction: This present study assesses the use of the feedback mechanism in the formative assessment during medical training, considering this instrument is of great importance for this training stimulation, which is based on active teaching methodologies. The study aims to characterize the application of this tool and to identify possible failures in its application in the daily routine of the PINESC module in the Anhanguera University (Uniderp) medical course. Method: This is a quantitative, sectional research, including students from the first to the eighth semesters of the medical course, attending the PINESC longitudinal module. In the data collection, a questionnaire was used with questions related to the formative assessment performed by the preceptors, which is reported to the students according to the sample calculation. The feedback is the core activity of the formative assessment and allows the development of reflective and self-evaluation capacities and the development of skills. However, the use of feedback still faces barriers, mainly due to the difficulty of the evaluators in listing negative points and capabilities of the evaluated individuals. Result: In this study, some shortcomings and positive points were reported regarding the application process of this tool, listing and suggesting improvements for a better use of feedback and thus a more favorable academic achievement. Conclusion: In conclusion, as the basis of formative evaluation, the feedback still shows many weaknesses regarding its form and application.

RESUMO A presença de compostos orgânicos contendo enxofre nos combustíveis é um dos contribuintes da poluição atmosférica, pois quando entram em combustão nos motores, emitem poluentes derivados do enxofre, como os óxidos (SOx), que afetam negativamente a saúde humana e o meio ambiente. A remoção do excesso de enxofre presente na gasolina pode ser realizada pelo processo de adsorção, em que um material adsorvente captura o composto de enxofre de modo seletivo. O desenvolvimento de adsorventes mais eficientes e de baixo custo de produção para a remoção de compostos sulfurosos tem contribuído, por exemplo, nos processos referentes ao refino do petróleo. A eficiência da dessulfurizarão está correlacionada às características apresentadas pelo adsorvente como: a capacidade de adsorção, durabilidade e regenerabilidade. Esse estudo tem como finalidade o preparo da fibra do coco impregnada com níquel para avaliar a sua capacidade adsortiva frente a compostos sulfurosos como o tiofeno presente nos combustíveis. O adsorvente utilizado foi a fibra do coco (mesocarpo) obtido na cidade de Quixadá/CE e o adsorbato utilizado foi o tiofeno, em solução de n-hexano. Em teste de caracterização do adsorvente, observou-se que a quantidade de cargas protônicas na superfície da fibra in natura e na fibra modificada é função do pH. Os materiais apresentaram capacidade adsortiva de 35,0 mg.g-1 para o composto sulfuroso. No estudo de equilíbrio, isoterma, foi melhor representado pelo modelo matemático de Redlich-Peterson, indicando heterogeneidade nos sítios de adsorção. A cinética de adsorção se mostrou mais adequada com o modelo de pseudo-segunda ordem.

Abstract The development of more efficient and low-cost adsorbents to remove sulfur compounds has been improving, for instance, processes used in oil refining. Efficiency of desulfurization is correlated to the characteristics found in the adsorbent such as adsorption capacity, durability and regenerateness. This study aims to prepare coconut fiber impregnated with nickel and evaluate its adsorptive capacity of sulfur compounds such as the thiophene present in fuels. The utilized adsorbent was coconut fiber (mesocarp) obtained in the city of Quixadá, state of Ceará, and the adsorbate was thiophene in n-hexane solution. During an adsorbent characterization test it could be observed that the number of proton charges in the surface of both natural and modified fibers is a function of pH. The materials showed adsorptive capacity of 35,0 mg.g-1 of the sulfur compound. In the balance study, isotherm was best represented by the math model of Redlich-Peterson, which indicates heterogeneity in the adsorption sites. Adsorption kinetics was more adequate with the pseudo-second order model.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a eficácia do extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia no tratamento de fístulas anais em ratos. Métodos: vinte ratos Wistar machos foram submetidos à confecção de fístula anal e, após 30 dias, foram distribuídos em três grupos: Grupo Controle, com cinco animais; Grupo Carbopol, com cinco animais; e Grupo Baccharis dracunculifolia, com dez animais. No Grupo Controle, não se realizou nenhum tratamento. No Grupo Carbopol, realizou-se infusão diária de carbopol, e no Grupo Baccharis dracunculifolia, infusão de extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia com carbopol, ambos por 30 dias. Foram retirados espécimes para análise histológica após a eutanásia. Resultados: não houve fechamento completo do trajeto fistuloso em nenhum dos animais. A média da área do trajeto resultante foi de 847,2µm2, 565,6µm2 e 372,7µm2, respectivamente, nos Grupos Controle, Carbopol e Baccharis dracunculifolia (p=0,001). A média do escore de processo inflamatório foi de 2,4, 2,4 e 2,1, respectivamente, nos Grupos Controle, Carbopol e Baccharis dracunculifolia (p=0,285), enquanto a média de congestão vascular foi de 1,6, 1,4 e 1,1, respectivamente, nos Grupos Controle, Carbopol e Baccharis dracunculifolia (p=0,031). Conclusão: o extrato de Baccharis dracunculifolia foi capaz de reduzir o lúmen dos trajetos fistulosos e a congestão vascular, sem reduzir, no entanto, o processo inflamatório local ou fechar totalmente os trajetos fistulosos.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of Baccharis dracunculifolia extract in the treatment of anal fistulas in rats. Methods: twenty male Wistar rats were submitted to anal fistula and, after 30 days, were divided into three groups: Control Group, with five animals; Carbopol Group, with five animals; and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, with ten animals. In the Control Group, no treatment was performed. In the Carbopol Group, a daily infusion of Carbopol was performed for 30 days. In the Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, a daily infusion of Carbopol plus Baccharis dracunculifolia extract was performed for 30 days. Specimens were taken for histological analysis after euthanasia. Results: there was no complete closure of the fistulous tract in any of the animals. The mean area of the remaining tract was of 847.2µm2, 565.6µm2 and 372.7µm2, in the Control Group, Carbopol Group, and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, respectively, (p=0.001). The mean of the inflammatory process score was of 2.4, 2.4, and 2.1, in the Control Group, Carbopol Group, and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, respectively, (p=0.285), while the mean values of vascular congestion were of 1.6, 1.4, and 1.1, in the Control Group, Carbopol Group, and Baccharis dracunculifolia Group, respectively, (p=0.031). Conclusion: Baccharis dracunculifolia extract was able to reduce the lumen of the fistulous tracts and the degree of vascular congestion, without, however, reducing the local inflammatory process or totally closing the fistulous tracts.

Resumo A Gestão de Resíduos Sólidos Urbanos (GRSU) é um desafio mundial. Com o rápido processo de urbanização, crescimento populacional e econômico nos países pertencentes ao BRICS (Brasil, Rússia, Índia, China e África do Sul) o desafio é ainda maior, decorrente do aumento do volume de Resíduos Sólidos Urbanos (RSU) gerados por esses processos. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho tem por objetivo analisar o status da gestão dos RSU nos países do BRICS, bem como promover um intercâmbio de experiência e estratégias de gestão, apontando possíveis caminhos para melhorar os sistemas de GRSU, cuja a implementação deve ser adaptada à realidade de cada país. Para isso, foi realizada uma revisão sistemática de literatura a partir de uma análise bibliométrica. Os resultados mostraram que os sistemas de gestão de RSU nos países membros do BRICS não apresentam uma estrutura bem desenvolvida, muitas vezes a coleta não é eficiente, os resíduos são armazenados de maneira imprópria e destinados em áreas irregulares. A participação do setor informal é característica marcante na GRSU dos países do BRICS, notando-se, portanto, a necessidade de integração do setor informal ao sistema formal de coleta destes resíduos. Devido à alta fração orgânica, é notória as vantagens da compostagem como forma de aproveitamento dos resíduos orgânicos e como meio de reduzir a quantidade de resíduos enviados a aterros. O conhecimento da geração de RSU e a descentralização dos serviços oferecidos de GRSU possibilitaria um maior êxito no atendimento à população.

Abstract Urban Solid Waste Management (USWM) is a worldwide challenge. The problems faced are even greater due to the disproportional increase of Urban Solid Waste (USW) generation in volume, especially in a context of increased urbanization, population growth and economic globalization in the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). In this context, the objective of this work is to analyze the status of MSW management in the BRICS countries, as well as to promote an exchange of experience and management strategies, pointing out possible ways to improve USWM systems that have to be adapted to each local reality. Focusing on this, a systematic literature revision was carried out through a bibliometric analysis. Results showed that the management system of these BRICS countries does not possess well-developed structures. The collection stage is quite often inefficient, the solid waste being stored in inappropriate ways and also disposed of in irregular locations. The participation of the informal sector is a trademark characteristic in USWM for BRICS countries, highlighting the need to integrate and formalize these activities for USW collection. Due to the high organic fraction, it is known that composting offers advantages as a way to promote a better use of organic waste and also as a means of reducing the amount of waste sent to sanitary landfills. Finally, with a better knowledge about solid waste generation and decentralization of the offered services, the decision makers will be able to successfully provide this essential public service.

Abstract The aim of this study was to perform chromosome counts and nuclear DNA quantification of the unconventional vegetables species: bertalha (Basella alba L.), vinagreira verde (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), azedinha (Rumex acetosa L.), peixinho (Stachys byzantina K. Koch), and capuchinha (Tropaeolum majus L.). Metaphase chromosomes were obtained from the pre-treatment of root meristem with 8-hydroxyquinoline or colchicine and lides were prepared by the flame-drying technique and stained with 5% Giemsa. DNA quantification was performed by flow cytometry. Chromosome number and DNA content (pg) estimated for each species were: Rumex acetosa: 2n=2x=14 and 7.04 pg; Basella alba: 2n=2x=44 and 7.05 pg; Tropaeolum majus: 2n=2x=28 and 2.08 pg; Stachys byzantine: 2n=2x=30 and 1.54 pg, and Hibiscus sabdariffa: 2n=4x=72 and 5.12 pg.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o número de cromossomos e o conteúdo de DNA nuclear em cinco espécies do gênero Amaranthus, de ocorrência comum no Brasil. Cromossomos metafásicos foram obtidos pela técnica de secagem à chama e corados com Giemsa 5%, e o conteúdo de DNA foi determinado por citometria de fluxo. Observou-se 2n=32 cromossomos em A. hybridus e 2n=34 nas demais espécies estudadas, o que é indicativo de ocorrência de disploidia descendente. O conteúdo de DNA nuclear variou de 1,28 a 1,79 pg, e A. deflexus apresentou o maior valor.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to determine the chromosome number and nuclear DNA content of five species of the genus Amaranthus, which commonly occur in Brazil. Metaphase chromosomes were obtained through the flame drying technique and stained with 5% Giemsa, and DNA content was determined by flow cytometry. 2n=32 chromosomes were observed in A. hybridus and 2n=34 in the other studied species, indicating the occurrence of descendant dysploidy. The nuclear DNA content ranged from 1.28 to 1.79 pg, and A. deflexus had the highest value.

SUMMARY Trichomonas vaginalis infections have been associated with other diseases so that epidemiological studies of the parasite are important and help to prevent the spread of the disease. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of T. vaginalis in female patients of 19 counties in southwestern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. For diagnosis, was used direct examination, followed by applying a socio-epidemiological questionnaire. We analyzed 300 women and 9% were infected by Trichomonas vaginalis. The highest frequency occurred in women between 18 and 39 years old, single/divorced/widowed, whose family income was at one minimum wage or less, and they had not completed the primary school. Statistically significant risk factors were: women reporting two or more sexual partners in the last year were 3.3 times more likely to acquire the parasite, and those in use of oral contraceptives were 2.7 times more likely to have T. vaginalis. Importantly, 33% of the asymptomatic women were infected, and most of the negative results were from women presenting symptoms consistent with the infection. The findings emphasize that it is necessary to expand the knowledge of individuals about the disease, especially among women with the above mentioned risk factors and also to include the regular screening of Trichomonas vaginalis infections in health centers.

Objetivo Descrever e analisar a técnica empregada para a cateterização bilateral dos seios petrosos inferiores (SPI) em nosso serviço, discutindo as dificuldades e as taxas de sucesso encontradas. Sujeitos e métodos Entre 2009 e 2012, foram submetidos ao cateterismo bilateral dos SPI 14 pacientes com suspeita de síndrome de Cushing, sendo descrita a técnica empregada para o cateterismo e para a análise hormonal. Resultados O procedimento foi bem tolerado por todos os pacientes, sendo alcançada a cateterização adequada dos SPI em 92,85% dos casos. O diagnóstico de doença de Cushing foi firmado em 10 casos, sendo o resultado do cateterismo dos SPI após estímulo com CRH coerente em todos, não havendo falso-negativos. Conclusão O cateterismo dos SPI, apesar de ser uma técnica invasiva, é um procedimento seguro. A sua realização pode ser feita de forma adequada na maioria dos casos e, quando bem indicada, permanece como padrão-ouro na distinção da forma hipofisária da ectópica na síndrome de Cushing.

Objective To describe and analyze technique for bilateral catheterization of inferior petrosal sinus in our service, discussing the difficulties and success rates found. Subjects and methods Fourteen patients with suspected Cushing’s syndrome underwent bilateral inferior petrosal sinuses (IPS) catheterization between 2009 and 2012. The technique for catheterization and for hormone analysis were described. Results The procedure was well tolerated by all patients, and adequate catheterization was achieved in 92.85% of cases. The diagnosis of Cushing’s disease was confirmed in 10 cases. The result of IPS catheterization after CRH infusion was coherent in all cases, without false negatives. Conclusion The catheterization of IPS, despite being an invasive technique, is a safe procedure. The objectives can be done properly in most cases. When well indicated, this procedure remains the gold standard in distinguishing the ectopic form to pituitary source in Cushing’s syndrome.