Resumo Os microRNAs (miRNAs) são reconhecidos como biomarcadores do diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2), úteis para a compreensão do metabolismo da doença, e possuem grande potencial como alvos terapêuticos. O aumento da expressão de BDNF e IGF1 está altamente envolvido nos benefícios as vias de insulina e glicose, porém, são regulados negativamente em condições de resistência à insulina, enquanto seu aumento de expressão está correlacionado com a melhora do metabolismo da glicose e da insulina. Estudos sugerem a regulação desses genes por microRNA em vários contextos diferentes, proporcionando uma nova abordagem de investigação para compreender o metabolismo do DM2 e revelar potenciais alvos terapêuticos. No presente estudo, investigamos em diferentes modelos animais (humanos, ratos e camundongos) miRNAs que têm como alvo BDNF e IGF1 em tecido muscular esquelético com condições fisiológicas de DM2. As análises foram realizadas utilizando ferramentas de bioinformática e bancos de dados para predição de miRNA, homologia molecular, validação experimental de interações, expressão na condição fisiológica estudada e interação em rede. Os resultados mostraram três candidatos a miRNAs para IGF1 (miR-29a, miR-29b e miR-29c) e um para BDNF (miR-206). As avaliações experimentais e a busca pela expressão no músculo esquelético de indivíduos com DM2 confirmaram a interação prevista entre miRNA-mRNA para miR-29b e miR-206 através de modelos humanos, ratos e camundongos. Essa interação foi reafirmada em múltiplas análises de rede. Em conclusão, nossos resultados mostram a relação de regulação entre miR-29b e miR-206 com os genes investigados, em diversos tecidos, sugerindo um padrão de inibição. Contudo, esses dados mostram um grande número de possíveis processos fisiológicos de interação para perspectivas biotecnológicas.

Abstract microRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized as diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) biomarkers useful for disease metabolism comprehension and have great potential as therapeutics targets. BDNF and IGF1 increased expression are highly involved in the benefits of insulin and glucose paths, however, they are down-regulated in insulin resistance conditions, while their expression increase is correlated to the improvement of glucose and insulin metabolism. Studies suggest the microRNA regulation of these genes in several different contexts, providing a novel investigation approach for comprehending T2DM metabolism and revealing potential therapeutic targets. In the present study, we investigate in different animal models (human, rat, and mouse) miRNAs that target BDNF and IGF1 in skeletal muscle tissue with T2DM physiological conditions. Bioinformatics tools and databases were used to miRNA prediction, molecular homology, experimental validation of interactions, expression in the studied physiological condition, and network interaction. The findings showed three miRNAs candidates for IGF1(miR-29a, miR-29b, and miR-29c) and one for BDNF (miR-206). The experimental evaluations and the search for the expression in skeletal muscle from T2DM subjects confirmed the predicted interaction between miRNA-mRNA for miR-29b and miR-206 through human, rat, and mouse models. This interaction was reaffirmed in multiple network analyses. In conclusion, our results show the regulation relationship between miR-29b and miR-206 with the investigated genes, in several tissues, suggesting an inhibition pattern. Nevertheless, these data show a large number of possible interaction physiological processes, for future biotechnological prospects.

Abstract We present the case of a healthy young woman who consulted for left peripheral facial palsy associated with fever, dry cough, dyspnea, and asthenia of two weeks’ evolution. Physical examination revealed hypoesthesia in left T6 to T12 dermatomes and bilateral galactorrhea. In the laboratory, she presented negative viral serology, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, antinuclear an tibody titers, prolactin and thyroid-stimulating hormone, with positive antiperoxidase antibodies. Computed to mography showed multiple bilateral cervical, mediastinal, and hilar adenopathies, without involvement of lung parenchyma. Cerebrospinal fluid culture was negative for common germs, mycobacteria, and Xpert MTB/RIF, and cytology did not show atypia. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance was performed on the brain without pathological findings and on the spine with alteration of the centromedullary signal from T6 to T9 of almost the entire thickness of the cord, with posterior enhancement with gadolinium. During hospitalization, she recovered sensitivity in the left trunk and did not repeat febrile or cough episodes. She was referred to another center for mediastinoscopy with lymph node biopsy revealing the presence of numerous non-caseating granulomas compatible with sarcoidosis. It was classified as probable neurosarcoidosis and started treatment with corticoste roids with improvement of the remaining neurological symptoms. A magnetic resonance was performed three months later where the signal alteration was limited from T7 to T8. Our objective is to highlight the florid neu rological presentation that made it necessary to rule out other more frequent entities and the favorable evolution even before starting a first-line scheme of treatment.

Resumen Presentamos el caso de una mujer joven sana, que consultó por parálisis facial periférica izquierda asociada a fiebre, tos seca, disnea y astenia de dos semanas de evolución. Al examen físico se evidenció hipoestesia en dermatomas D6 a D12 izquierdos y galactorrea bi lateral. En el laboratorio presentaba serologías virales negativas, eritrosedimentación, títulos de anticuerpos antinucleares, prolactina y hormona tiroestimulante elevados, con anticuerpos antiperoxidasa positivos. La tomografía computarizada mostró múltiples adenopatías cervicales, mediastinales e hiliares bilaterales, sin com promiso del parénquima pulmonar. El cultivo de líquido cefalorraquídeo fue negativo para gérmenes comunes, micobacterias (Xpert MTB/RIF), y la citología no mostró atipia. Se realizó una resonancia magnética con con traste endovenoso de cerebro sin hallazgos patológicos y de columna con alteración de la señal centromedular de D6 a D9 de casi la totalidad del espesor del cordón, con refuerzo con contraste endovenoso. Durante la in ternación recuperó la sensibilidad en tronco izquierdo y no repitió episodios febriles o tusígenos. Se realizó mediastinoscopía con biopsia ganglionar con anatomía patológica con presencia de numerosos granulomas no caseificantes compatibles con sarcoidosis. Se clasificó como neurosarcoidosis probable e inició tratamiento con corticoides con mejoría de los síntomas neurológi cos restantes, realizándose una resonancia magnética a los tres meses, donde la alteración de la señal se limitaba desde D7 a D8. Nuestro objetivo es destacar la presentación neurológica en múltiples sitios que obligó a descartar otras entidades más frecuentes, así como la evolución favorable incluso previo al inicio de un esquema de tratamiento de primera línea.

SUMMARY The objective of this work was to study the combination of Azospirillum argentinense Az39 with pre and post-emergent herbicides, Acetochlor and Dicamba, for its application both in vitro, and in germination and vegetative stage in maize plants. Az39 survival was determined in the presence of the herbicides added to the culture medium, with and without the addition of carbon or nitrogen sources. In maize seeds, treated with both herbicides, with and without bacterial inoculation, the effect on early development and morpho-physiological variables in stage V5 was evaluated. The tests determined that Az39 survived the presence of both herbicides and used Dicamba as a carbon source. The germination percentage decreased when Acetochlor was applied, while Dicamba inhibited root development. In V5, a decrease in the dry weight of the aerial and root parts of plants treated with Acetochlor was observed, even in the presence of Az39. Bacterial inoculation and/or herbicide application did not show changes in membrane damage, total chlorophylls and carotenoids. This new knowledge promotes the use of native bacterial strains that promote plant growth for their complementary benefits in the development of sustainable practices in crop production.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la combinación de Azospirillum argentinense Az39 con herbicidas pre y post-emergentes, Acetoclor y Dicamba, para su aplicación tanto in vitro como en germinación y estadio vegetativo en plantas de maíz. Se determinó la supervivencia de Az39 en presencia de los herbicidas agregados al medio de cultivo con y sin la adición de fuentes de carbono o nitrógeno. En semillas de maíz, tratadas con ambos herbicidas con y sin la inoculación bacteriana, se evaluó el efecto en el desarrollo temprano y variables morfosiológicas en estadio V5. Los ensayos determinaron que Az39 sobrevivió a la presencia de ambos herbicidas y utilizó a Dicamba como fuente de carbono. El porcentaje de germinación disminuyó con la aplicación de Acetoclor, mientras que Dicamba inhibió el desarrollo radical. En V5, se observó una disminución del peso seco de la parte aérea y radical de las plantas tratadas con Acetoclor, aun en presencia de Az39. La inoculación bacteriana y/o la aplicación de herbicidas, no evidenciaron modificaciones en el daño de membranas, clorofilas totales y carotenos. Estos nuevos hallazgos promueven el empleo de cepas bacterianas nativas promotoras del crecimiento vegetal por sus beneficios complementarios en prácticas sustentables en la producción de cultivos.

Abstract: Since 2018, the Guanacaste Archaeological Project (PRAG) has been studying the many rock art sites in the Guanacaste Mountain range, where the carved rocks in the open air dominate. In the north, we find the Pedregal, a major site of Central America. During the initial research period, the work team registered a rocky shelter with petroglyphs, less than 2 km away from Pedregal, named Las Yegüitas. In order to understand its chronology, its function, and due to the proximity to the Pedregal, the project conducted an archaeological survey there in 2019. The discovery of ceramic materials in context has made it possible to suggest a dating of the human presence in the shelter possibly during the Tempisque period (500 B. C.-300 A. D.), and more certainly during the Bagaces period (300-800 A. D.). In addition to its ritual character, Las Yegüitas could be used as a temporary shelter but in no case it served as a habitat.

Resumen: El Proyecto Arqueológicos Guanacaste (PRAG) se encarga desde el 2018 de estudiar los numerosos sitios rupestres de la cordillera de Guanacaste, donde predominan las rocas grabadas al aire libre. En el norte, se ubica el Pedregal, un sitio mayor en América Central. En 2018, a menos de 2 km del Pedregal, el equipo de trabajo registró un abrigo rocoso con petroglifos, nombrado Las Yegüitas. Con el objetivo de conocer mejor su cronología y su función, influenciada posiblemente por su proximidad con el Pedregal, el proyecto llevó a cabo un sondeo en 2019. El descubrimiento de material cerámico en contexto permitió proponer una datación de la presencia humana en el abrigo, posiblemente durante el periodo Tempisque (500 a. C.-300 d. C.), y más seguramente durante el periodo Bagaces (300-800 d. C.). Además de su carácter ritual, Las Yegüitas pudo ser utilizado como abrigo temporal, pero en ningún caso sirvió como asentamiento.

Résumé : Le Projet Archéologique Guanacaste (PRAG) a pour objectif depuis 2018 d’étudier les nombreux sites rupestres de la cordillère Guanacaste, où dominent les roches gravées à l’air libre. Dans le nord, on retrouve le Pedregal, un site majeur d’Amérique Centrale. Dès 2018, à moins de 2 km du Pedregal, l’équipe de travail a enregistré un abri sous roche avec des gravures, nommé Las Yegüitas. Afin de mieux connaître sa chronologie, sa fonction, et du fait de sa proximité avec le Pedregal, le projet y a réalisé un sondage archéologique en 2019. La découverte de matériel céramique en contexte a permis de proposer une datation de la présence humaine dans l’abri possiblement durant la période Tempisque (500 a. C-300 d. C), et plus certainement durant la période Bagaces (300-800 d. C). En plus de son caractère rituel, Las Yegüitas a pu être utilisé comme un abri provisoire mais en aucun cas d’habitat.

Abstract The geographical distribution of sand flies in Brazil has been the subject of some studies, yet there is no information about the phlebotomine fauna in João Pessoa, State of Paraíba, Brazil. The aim of this work is to evaluate the occurrence and distribution of sand flies in the Atlantic forest fragments and to evaluate a possible dispersion in 06 nearby districts. Light traps were used during three consecutive nights, supplemented by an aspirator during the dry period and rainy season. A total of 222 sand flies were found, 143 (130 males and 13 females) in the Atlantic forest, and 79 in urban areas. During the entire dry season, three species of phlebotomine sand flies were recorded in 11 forest fragments, Lutzomyia longipalpis, Lu. migonei and Lu. whitmani. During the rainy season, only Lu. longipalpis was found. This was the only species identified in the studied neighborhoods during both seasons. The differences in diversity of sand flies encountered between natural habitats and urban areas may thus be correlated mostly with adaptations to particular habitats and availability of food. One species (Lu. longipalpis) appears to be rapidly adapting to urban areas because of deforestation.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Orthodontists attempt to maximize treatment efficiency regarding time, tooth position and adverse effects. A new approach, not yet explored, is the activation frequency. Objective: The aim of this split-mouth randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of reactivation intervals on the efficiency of tooth movement. Methods: Thirty eight patients having a Class I malocclusion with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion or severe crowding, Class II with mandibular deficiency or Class III, requiring first premolar extraction and canine retraction were recruited. Elastomeric chains producing 150g were replaced every two, four, six or eight weeks. There were 36, 37, 36, and 36 quadrants randomly allocated to these groups, respectively. The canine retraction rate was the primary outcome. Canine tipping, rotation, and root resorption and pain were the secondary outcomes. Only the outcome assessors were blinded to group assignment. Results: The average total movement for the 6 months was 5.14, 5.31, 2.79 and 3.85 mm for the two-week, four-week, six-week and eight-week reactivation intervals, respectively. Root resorption was significantly higher in the two-week and four-week groups. No adverse events were observed. Conclusion: The canine retraction rate, tipping, rotation and pain were similar in 2, 4, 6 and 8-week activation intervals groups. Longer reactivation intervals show less root resorption. The trial protocol was not pre-registered. The study was self-funded.

RESUMO Introdução: Os ortodontistas buscam otimizar a eficiência do tratamento quanto ao tempo de duração, à posição dos dentes e aos efeitos adversos. Um aspecto ainda não avaliado são os diferentes intervalos entre as ativações. Objetivo: O objetivo desse estudo controlado e randomizado de boca dividida foi avaliar a influência de diferentes intervalos de reativação na eficiência da movimentação dentária. Métodos: Foram recrutados 38 pacientes com má oclusão de Classe I com biprotrusão dentoalveolar ou apinhamento severo, Classe II com deficiência mandibular ou Classe III, que necessitavam de extração do primeiro pré-molar e retração do canino. As cadeias elastoméricas gerando 150 g foram substituídas a cada duas, quatro, seis ou oito semanas, constando 36, 37, 36 e 36 quadrantes alocados aleatoriamente nesses grupos, respectivamente. O desfecho primário foi a taxa de retração do canino. Os desfechos secundários foram a inclinação, a rotação e a reabsorção radicular do canino, e a dor. Somente os avaliadores dos resultados não tinham conhecimento da alocação nos grupos. Resultados: O movimento total médio para os seis meses foi de 5,14; 5,31; 2,79 e 3,85 mm para os intervalos de reativação de duas semanas, quatro semanas, seis semanas e oito semanas, respectivamente. A reabsorção radicular foi significativamente maior nos grupos de duas e quatro semanas. Não foram observados eventos adversos. Conclusão: A taxa de retração, a inclinação e a rotação do canino e a dor foram semelhantes nos grupos com intervalos de ativação de duas, quatro, seis e oito semanas. Intervalos de reativação mais longos mostram menos reabsorção radicular. O protocolo do estudo não foi pré-registrado. O estudo foi autofinanciado.

Resumen En el presente trabajo se ha desarrollado un proceso enzimático destinado a la valorización de la okara, mediante su conversión en un producto bioestimulante agronómico/ambiental altamente biodisponible y con alto contenido en C, N, P, K.. La okara es un subproducto insoluble resultante en el proceso de obtención de la leche de soja y tofu. Aunque tiene un alto valor nutricional (proteínas, fibra y lípidos) destaca su composición en compuestos bioactivos, como isoflavonas, vitaminas y oligoelementos, presenta problemas de utilización, por su alto contenido en agua que lo convierte en un producto muy perecedero y fácilmente fermentable. Todo ello lo convierte en un sustrato idóneo para la obtención de compuestos agronómico/ambientales. El proceso se basa en el uso de diferentes enzimas hidrolíticas, que conducen a la solubilización e hidrólisis de las moléculas orgánicas (proteínas y azúcares) e inorgánicas (P y K) El proceso enzimático diseñado consiste en una hidrólisis multienzimática secuencial donde actuan proteasas, fitasas y carbohidrolasas. El extracto enzimático ha sido caracterizado químicamente, destacando su alto contenido en péptidos y aminoácidos libres (contenido orgánico soluble compuesto en un 64% por moléculas de <1 KDa, solubilización de un 61% del total de proteínas), así como en fosfato de origen orgánico (solubilización de un 79,1% del total de P), K (solubilización de un 86,6% del total de K) y glucosa libre.

Abstract In the present work, an enzymatic process has been developed for the valorization of okara, through its conversion into an agronomic/environmental biostimulant product with high bioavailability and high content in C, N, P and K. Okara is an insoluble by-product resulting from the process of obtaining soy milk and tofu. Although it has a high nutritional value (proteins, fiber and lipids), where its composition of bioactive compounds such as isoflavones, vitamins and trace elements stands out, it presents problems of utilization due to its high water content, which makes it a very perishable and easily fermented product. All this makes it an ideal substrate for obtaining agronomic/environmental compounds. The process is based on the use of different hydrolytic enzymes, which lead to the solubilization and hydrolysis of organic (proteins and sugars) and inorganic (P and K) molecules. The enzymatic process designed consists of a sequential multi-enzymatic hydrolysis involving proteases, phytases and carbohydrolases. The enzymatic extract has been chemically characterized, highlighting its high content in peptides and free amino acids (soluble organic content composed of 64% of molecules <1 KDa, solubilization of 61% of total proteins), as well as in organic phosphate (solubilization of 79.1% of total P), K (solubilization of 86.6% of total K) and free glucose.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a contribuição da inoculação de sementes com a bactéria Azospirillum brasilense para a promoção de crescimento sobre os componentes de rendimento na cultura do trigo. Para isso, foram conduzidos experimentos em distintos locais (Santa Maria e Cruz Alta, RS, Brasil), épocas de semeadura (junho e julho) e anos de cultivo (2013 e 2014). Foi utilizado o delineamento de blocos casualisados com três repetições. Os tratamentos foram compostos pela combinação de dez cultivares, três manejos nitrogenados e dois tipos de inoculação (10 x 3 x 2). A inoculação foi realizada com inoculante líquido nas sementes. Foram avaliados os componentes da produtividade de grãos. O número médio de afilhos por planta foi influenciado pela inoculação das sementes (1,63 e 1,72) quando não inoculadas e inoculadas, respectivamente. Já a massa do hectolitro respondeu inversamente reduzindo para 75,7 kg hL-1. A inoculação com A. brasilense aumenta a massa grãos (1%) e não tem influência positiva nas variáveis número de espigas e de espiguetas por espiga, produtividade de grãos e massa hectolítrica.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to verify the contribution of seed inoculation with the bacterium Azospirillum brasilense to promote growth on yield components in wheat crop. For this, experiments were carried out in different locations (Santa Maria and Cruz Alta, RS, Brazil), sowing times (June and July) and years of cultivation (2013 and 2014). A randomized block design with three replications was used. The treatments were composed by the combination of ten cultivars, three nitrogen managements and two types of inoculation (10 x 3 x 2). Inoculation was carried out with liquid inoculant in the seeds. The components of grain yield were evaluated. The average number of tillers per plant was influenced by seed inoculation (1.63 and 1.72) when uninoculated and inoculated, respectively. On the other hand, the hectoliter mass responded inversely, reducing to 75.7 kg hL-1. Inoculation with A. brasilense increased the grain mass (1%) and had no positive influence on the variables number of ears and spikelets per ear, grain yield and hectoliter weight.

Abstract Therapeutics that inhibit enzymes, receptors, ion channels, and cotransporters have long been the mainstay of cardiovascular medicine. Now, oligonucleotide therapeutics offer a modern variation on this paradigm of protein inhibition. Rather than target a protein, however, small interfering ribonucleic acids and antisense oligonucleotides target the messenger RNA (mRNA) from which a protein is translated. Endogenous, cellular mechanisms enable the oligonucleotides to bind a selected sequence on a target mRNA, leading to its degradation. The catalytic nature of the process confers an advantage over the stoichiometric binding of traditional small molecule therapeutics to their respective protein targets. Advances in nucleic acid chemistry and delivery have enabled development of oligonucleotide therapeutics against a wide range of diseases, including hyperlipidemias and hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis with polyneuropathy. While most of these therapeutics were initially designed for rare diseases, recent clinical trials highlight the potential impact of oligonucleotides on more common forms of cardiovascular disease.

Abstract Background: Agave ellemeetiana (A. sect. Choritepalae) features soft and “spineless” leaves and occurs in two disjunct and ecologically differentiated populations classified as subspecies. An incidental look at the flowers of A. ellemeetiana ssp. subdentata unveiled that these did not match those of A. ellemeetiana s. s. nor those of sect. Choritepalae. Questions: Do these disjunct populations differ in flower and fruit morphology? Do they belong to the same section within Agave? Hypotheses: The floral morphology of populations of Agave ellemeetiana ssp. subdentata from western Oaxaca places this species in A. sect. Inermes, and the set of qualitative and quantitative differences is sufficient to recognize it as a distinct species. Studied species: Agave ellemeetiana, Agave pedunculifera. Study site and dates: Putla District, western Oaxaca, December 2011 and April 2014. Methods: We conducted an alpha-taxonomic study of the Agave ellemeetiana species complex, involving two fieldwork expeditions, review of literature, online images, and herbarium specimens. Results: Differences in flower, fruit and vegetative morphology and habitat support the segregation of the populations (from the Putla District, Oaxaca) from the Agave ellemeetiana complex as a new species, A. rosalesii. The presence of an evident corolla tube places the proposed taxon close to A. pedunculifera and within A. sect. Inermes. Conclusions: The populations from the Putla District are sufficiently distinct in their morphology and ecology to merit recognition as a new species, Agave rosalesii, placed in A. sect. Inermes.

Resumen Antecedentes: Agave ellemeetiana (A. sect. Choritepalae) presenta hojas suaves e "inermes" y ocurre en dos poblaciones disyuntas, ecológicamente diferenciadas y clasificadas como subespecies. Una mirada incidental a las flores de A. ellemeetiana ssp. subdentata reveló que éstas no coincidían con las de A. ellemeetiana s. s. ni con las de sección Choritepalae. Preguntas: ¿Se diferencian estas poblaciones disyuntas en su morfología floral y frutal? ¿Corresponden a la misma sección de Agave? Hipótesis: La morfología floral de las poblaciones de Agave ellemeetiana ssp. subdentata del occidente de Oaxaca, las ubica en Agave sección Inermes, y el conjunto de diferencias cualitativas y cuantitativas son suficientes para reconocerlas como especies distintas. Especies de estudio: Agave ellemeetiana, Agave pedunculifera. Sitio y años de estudio: Distrito de Putla, Oaxaca occidental, diciembre del 2011 y abril del 2014. Métodos: Realizamos un estudio alfa-taxonómico del complejo de especies de Agave ellemeetiana, que incluyó dos expediciones de trabajo de campo, revisión de literatura, imágenes en línea y especímenes de herbario. Resultados: Las diferencias en la morfología floral, frutal, y vegetativa y en el hábitat apoyan la segregación de las poblaciones de Putla, Oaxaca, consideradas parte del complejo Agave ellemeetiana, como una nueva especie, A. rosalesii. La presencia de un tubo de corola evidente ubica al taxon propuesto cerca de A. pedunculifera, en A. sección Inermes. Conclusiones: Las poblaciones de Putla son lo suficientemente distintas en su morfología y ecología para merecer el reconocimiento como una nueva especie, Agave rosalesii, incluida en A. sección Inermes.

Resumo Fundamento: A doença cardiovascular está entre as principais causas de morte entre pacientes transplantados. Embora esses pacientes possam teoricamente se beneficiar de programas de reabilitação baseada em exercícios (RBE), sua implementação ainda é um desafio. Objetivo: Apresentamos nossa experiência inicial em diferentes modos de realização de um programa piloto de RBE em receptores de transplante de rim e fígado. Métodos: Trinta e dois pacientes transplantados renais ou hepáticos foram convidados para um programa de RBE de 6 meses realizado na academia do hospital, na academia comunitária ou em casa, de acordo com a preferência do paciente. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Resultados: Dez pacientes (31%) não completaram o programa. Entre os 22 que completaram, 7 treinaram na academia do hospital, 7 na academia comunitária e 8 em casa. O efeito geral foi um aumento de 11,4% nos METs máximos (tamanho do efeito de Hedges g = 0,39). O grupo de academia hospitalar teve um aumento nos METs de 25,5% (g = 0,58, tamanho de efeito médio) versus 10% (g = 0,25) e 6,5% (g = 0,20) para os grupos de academia comunitária e em casa, respectivamente. Houve efeito benéfico nas pressões arteriais sistólica e diastólica, maior para os grupos academia hospitalar (g= 0,51 e 0,40) e academia comunitária (g= 0,60 e 1,15) do que para os pacientes treinando em casa (g= 0,07 e 0,10). Nenhum evento adverso significativo foi relatado durante o seguimento. Conclusão: Programas de RBE em receptores de transplante de rim e fígado devem ser incentivados, mesmo que sejam realizados fora da academia do hospital, pois são seguros com efeitos positivos na capacidade de exercício e nos fatores de risco cardiovascular.

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular disease is among the leading causes of death in solid organ transplant recipients with a functional graft. Although these patients could theoretically benefit from exercise-based rehabilitation (EBR) programs, their implementation is a challenge. Objective: We present our initial experience on different delivery modes of a pilot EBR program in kidney and liver transplant recipients. Methods: Thirty-two kidney or liver transplant recipients were invited for a 6-month EBR program delivered at the hospital gym, community gym or at home, according to the patient’s preference. The significance level adopted was 5%. Results: Ten patients (31%) did not complete their program. Among the 22 who did, 7 trained at the hospital gym, 7 at the community gym, and 8 at home. The overall effect was an 11.4% increase in maximum METs (Hedges’ effect size g = 0.39). The hospital gym group had an increase in METs of 25.5% (g= 0.58, medium effect size) versus 10% (g= 0.25), and 6.5% (g= 0.20) for the community gym and home groups, respectively. There was a beneficial effect on systolic and diastolic blood pressures, greater for the hospital gym (g= 0.51 and 0.40) and community gym (g= 0.60 and 1.15) groups than for the patients training at home (g= 0.07 and 0.10). No significant adverse event was reported during the follow-up. Conclusion: EBR programs in kidney and liver transplant recipients should be encouraged, even if they are delivered outside a hospital gym, since they are safe with positive effects on exercise capacity and cardiovascular risk factors.

ABSTRACT Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, severity and presence of symptoms of respiratory tract infections and COVID-19, in patients with pre-existing thyroid dysfunction compared to individuals without thyroid diseases, during the peak month of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands. Subjects and methods: In this retrospective observational cohort study, all patients currently under follow-up at the Radboud UMC for thyroid dysfunction received a digital questionnaire. Primary outcomes were incidence of self-reported sickness and cases diagnosed with COVID-19. We compared these primary outcomes between these patients and individuals without thyroid diseases that received the same questionnaire, recruited from the Human Functional Genomics Cohort at the Radboud UMC. Results: In total, 238 patients with pre-existing thyroid dysfunction and 161 controls were included. Patients did not report more sickness (30.7% vs. 29.2%; p = 0.752) or microbiologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections (1.7% vs. 0.6%; p = 0.351). COVID-19 clinical diagnosis was more frequently made in patients with thyroid diseases (4.2% vs. 0.6%; p = 0.032), despite overall lower incidence of self-reported respiratory related symptoms (52.8% vs. 63.8%; p = 0.028), compared to controls. Sub-group analysis between patients with autoimmune and not-autoimmune thyroid dysfunction did not reveal significant associations with respect to any of the outcome measures. Conclusion: This retrospective survey of a cohort of patients with from a tertiary academic hospital suggests that pre-existing thyroid dysfunction, independent from the aetiology, does not lead to an apparent risk to develop respiratory tract infections and COVID-19 related symptoms.

RESUMEN Antecedentes Las comunidades costeras son altamente dependientes de los servicios ecosistémicos; sin embargo, los beneficios y el modo de vida de sus habitantes son afectados directa e indirectamente por el cambio climático. Por tanto, es necesario entender cómo el cambio climático se traduce en impactos medibles sobre la sociedad y los ecosistemas para implementar planes de manejo y de mitigación, pero no se cuenta con la capacidad de investigación local y regional para ello. Objetivos Investigar la capacidad de investigación de los países latinoamericanos de la costa del Pacífico, desde México hasta Chile, una región de 23,191 km de largo, que comprende 11 países con diferente grado de desarrollo socio-económico y que serán especialmente vulnerables al cambio climático. Métodos Específicamente, nos enfocamos en explorar como los efectos del cambio climático en los servicios ecosistémicos (provisión, regulación y cultural) se relacionan con la capacidad de investigación y el producto interno bruto de los países en la costa del Pacífico de Latinoamérica. Resultados Encontramos que desde 1980 el número de estudios científicos publicados relacionados con el tema se correlaciona con el PIB (r = 0.90, p< 0.05) y el esfuerzo de investigación es un orden de magnitud menor en la costa de Latinoamérica (13.8 estudios por 1,000 km) que en la vecina costa de California (103 estudios por 1,000 km). Conclusiones Nuestros resultados resaltan la necesidad de promover la investigación en la zona costera latinoamericana y de realizar más trabajos en aspectos clave de la relación entre cambio climático y servicios ecosistémicos.

ABSTRACT Background Coastal communities are highly dependent on ecosystem services, but the benefits and livelihoods people derive from natural ecosystems are directly and indirectly affected by climate change. The need for a mechanistic understanding of how components of climate change translate into measurable impacts on ecosystems and society is fundamental to the ability to manage, plan and mitigate for the most likely environmental futures, yet progress in this area in tropical and subtropical countries is frustrated by a lack of research capacity at the local and regional level. Objectives Here, we investigate the research capacity of the countries along the Pacific coast, between Mexico and Chile, a region with an extensive coastline (23,191 km) that spans 11 countries of varying socio-economic development status and anticipated to be especially vulnerable to climate change. Methods Specifically, our focus was to explore how the effects of climate change on ecosystem services (provision, regulation and cultural) may relate to research capacity and gross domestic product (GDP) in each country along the Pacific coast of the Americas. Results We find that, since 1980, the number of peer-reviewed scientific studies relevant to this topic strongly correlates with GDP (r = 0.90, p < 0.05) and that research effort is an order of magnitude lower along the Latin American Pacific coast (13.8 studies 1000 km-1) than in the neighbouring Californian coast (103 studies 1000 km-1). Conclusions Our results highlight the need to better develop the research in the Latin America Pacific, and for more work on the key links between climate change and ecosystem services.

Water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) makes up a large mass fraction of the organic carbon in the aerosol and can influence important cloud processes in the atmosphere. The capacity of WSOC to form metallic complexes with transition metals is well known; however, its influence on the aerosol of urban areas in the Amazon region is not very well known. In this study, we investigated the relationship between WSOC, black carbon (BC), levoglucosan (LEV) and transition metals (Fe, Cu and Mn) present in the PM2.5 (particles with a diameter smaller than 2.5 µm) of an urban environment during the dry season in the central Amazon. Oxalic acid (C2) was used to identify the influence of transition metals on WSOC. The mean mass concentration value of the PM2.5 was 14.72 μg m-3 (2.11-31.68 μg m-3). The WSOC made up 58.34% of the PM2.5 mass, followed by BC (20.28%), and LEV (2.62%). The WSOC showed significant correlation with the transition metals analyzed (> 0.56), especially Mn with C2 (linear coefficient (R2) = 0.74). A multiple linear regression with WSOC, BC and LEV showed a strong linear correlation between them (R2 = 0.86), indicating the influence of biomass burning and vehicle traffic on the organic aerosol.