Resumo Background: A disseção endoscópica da submucosa (DES) é uma técnica minimamente invasiva para resseção em bloco de tumores superficiais, independentemente do seu tamanho. No entanto, nas neoplasias superficiais gastrointestinais gigantes, o risco de cancro invasivo está aumentado e a DES é tipicamente desafiante. Apesar do incremento da literatura acerca de resseções gigantes, dados da sua eficácia e segurança são ainda escassos. Objetivo: Descrição de outcomes de DES de um centro português e comparação com estudos internacionais. Análise de eventuais fatores de risco influenciando os outcomes. Métodos: Revisão retrospetiva de um centro, usando a sua base de dados prospectivamente colhida, incluindo pacientes com resseções rectais por DES maiores que 10 cm, entre janeiro 2016 e dezembro 2021. Dados clínicos, endoscópicos e patológicos foram colhidos e analisados. A literatura foi revista através do PubMed, para comparação com resultados internacionais. A análise dos resultados e estatística foi realizada, utilizando o Microsoft Excel e SPSS, para a identificação de fatores de risco com impacto significativo nos outcomes. Resultados: O estudo incluiu um total de 15 resseções retais, com uma média de diâmetros de 140,9 mm (intervalo 105-270), correspondendo a lesões 125,9 mm (intervalo 87-238). A taxa de resseção em bloco foi de 100% (n = 15). Segundo os critérios da ESGE, o procedimento foi curativo em 53,3% (n = 8), não curativo com alto risco em 13,3% (n = 2) e com risco de recorrência local em 33,3% (n = 5). Eventos adversos ocorreram em 26,7% (n = 4): 1 microperfuração e 3 estenoses, a maioria geridas endoscopicamente. Os 5 casos não curativos com risco de recorrência local ficaram apenas sob vigilância. Nas ressecções não curativas de alto risco, um paciente foi submetido a cirurgia e outro a quimioradioterapia adjuvante. O follow-up (média de 16 meses) demonstrou uma taxa de recorrência de 0%. A análise estatística demonstrou o tamanho da ressecção ≥20 cm como fator de risco significativo para perfuração (p value 0.067); e envolvimento de ≥ 90% da circunferência do lúmen e tempo de procedimento ≥4h como fatores de risco significativos para estenose (p value 0.029 e 0.009, respetivamente). Conclusão: Apesar de desafiante, a DES para lesões gigantes parece eficaz e segura, com uma taxa de complicações importante, possíveis de tratamento endoscópico. A caracterização rigorosa destas lesões é crucial para predizer e evitar complicações ou a necessidade de escalada terapêutica.

Abstract Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a minimally invasive technique for en bloc resection of superficial neoplastic lesions, independent of their size. However, for giant gastrointestinal superficial neoplasia, the risk of invasive cancer is higher, and ESD is typically challenging. Despite the increasing literature on giant resections, data on their efficacy and safety are still lacking. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe ESD outcomes from a Portu-guese center, compare them with other international studies, and analyze the possible risk factors influencing outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center review using a prospectively collected database, including patients with rectal ESD resections larger than 10 cm, between January 2016 and December 2021. Clinical, procedural, and pathological data were collected and analyzed. Revision of the literature for comparison with international results was done through PubMed. Data were analyzed and statistical analysis performed, using Microsoft Excel and SPSS, to identify significant risk factors. Results: The study included 15 rectal resections, with a mean diameter of 140.9 mm (range 105-270), corresponding to lesions of 125.9 mm (87-238). The overall en bloc resection rate was 100% (n = 15). According to ESGE criteria, procedure was considered curative in 53.3% (n = 8), non-curative with high risk in 13.3% (n = 2), and local-risk recurrence in 33.3% (n = 5). Adverse events occurred in 26.7% (n = 4): 1 minor perforation and 3 stenosis, most endoscopically managed. For non-curative resections with local-risk recurrence, surveillance without adjuvant therapy was performed in all cases. For high-risk non-curative resections, surgery was performed in 1 patient and adjuvant chemoradiation therapy in another. Follow-up (mean 16 months) demonstrated a recurrence rate of 0%. Statistical analysis revealed resection size ≥20 cm as a risk factor for perforation (p value 0.067), and involvement of ≥90% of the circumference and procedural time ≥4 h as risk factors for stenosis (p value 0.029 and 0.009, respectively). Conclusions: Although challenging, ESD for giant lesions seems effective and safe, with a still relevant rate of complications, which were mostly endoscopically treated. Rigorous characterization of lesions is crucial to predict and avoid complications or the need for therapy escalation.

Resumo O menor teor de lignina em espécies de plantas com potencial energético resulta na maior facilidade de quebra da celulose, disponibilizando glicose para geração de etanol. Porém, maiores teores de lignina representa um fator de resistência ao ataque de insetos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar como importantes pragas do sorgo energia, Diatraea saccharalis e Spodoptera frugiperda, se comportam quanto à alimentação e desempenho em sorgo bmr-6, um genótipo mutante com menor concentração de lignina. Foram realizados experimentos em laboratório e casa de vegetação, avaliando o desenvolvimento destas pragas nos híbridos de sorgo biomassa bmr 007, 008, TX635 e seus respectivos genótipos isogênicos convencionais (sem o gene bmr). O teor de lignina foi maior nos híbridos não bmr, mas nos parâmetros avaliados nos insetos, houve variação entre os tratamentos, não sendo consistente em apenas um híbrido e nem por ser ou não bmr. A menor sobrevivência de S. frugiperda foi verificada no híbrido BR008 tanto bmr quanto não bmr. As notas de injúria por S. frugiperda no sorgo em casa de vegetação foram altas (>7) em todos os tratamentos. Para D. saccharalis, não houve diferença significativa para a sobrevivência larval em laboratório, mas em casa de vegetação o híbrido BR007 tanto bmr quanto não bmr proporcionaram maior sobrevivência. Diante da necessidade de diversificar a matriz energética e o fato de que não foi comprovada neste estudo maior suscetibilidade dos híbridos bmr a ambas as pragas, estes resultados são promissores para o cultivo desses híbridos de sorgo biomassa para produção de biocombustíveis.

Abstract The lower lignin content in plants species with energy potential results in easier cellulose breakdown, making glucose available for ethanol generation. However, higher lignin levels can increase resistance to insect attack. The objective of this work was to evaluate the susceptibility of a bmr-6 biomass sorghum (a mutant genotype with a lower concentration of lignin) to important pests of energy sorghum, Diatraea saccharalis and Spodoptera frugiperda. Experiments were performed in the laboratory and greenhouse to evaluate the development of these pests on the biomass sorghum bmr hybrids BR007, BR008, and TX635 and their respective conventional near-isogenic genotypes (without the bmr gene). The lignin content was higher in non-bmr hybrids, but the evaluated insect variables varied between treatments, not being consistent in just one hybrid or because it is bmr or not. The lowest survival of S. frugiperda was observed in the BR008 hybrid, both bmr and non-bmr. The S. frugiperda injury scores on plants in the greenhouse were high (>7) in all treatments. For D. saccharalis, there was no difference in larval survival in the laboratory, but in the greenhouse, the BR007 hybrid, both bmr and non-bmr, provided greater survival. Due the need to diversify the energy matrix and the fact that greater susceptibility of the bmr hybrids to either pests was not found in this study, these results hold promise for cultivation of these biomass sorghum hybrids for the production of biofuels.

Resumo As armadilhas extracelulares de neutrófilos (NETs) foram relatadas pela primeira vez como uma estratégia microbicida para neutrófilos ativados. Por meio de uma resposta imunológica contra vários estímulos, os neutrófilos liberam seu DNA ligado a proteínas de grânulos, núcleo e citoplasma (por exemplo, elastase e mieloperoxidase). Até o momento, os NETs têm sido implicadas em danos aos tecidos durante processos inflamatórios intensos, principalmente quando sua liberação depende da geração de radicais de oxigênio. Os flavonóides são agentes antioxidantes e anti-inflamatórios, e destes, a quercetina é comumente encontrada em nossa dieta diária. Portanto, a quercetina pode exercer alguma atividade protetora contra o dano tecidual induzido por NETs. Em nossos ensaios in vitro, a quercetina reduziu a liberação das NETs, mieloperoxidase (MPO) e elastase a partir de neutrófilos estimulados com forbol 12-miristato 13-acetato (PMA). A atividade dessas enzimas também foi diminuída na presença de quercetina. A quercetina também reduziu o efeito citotóxico dos NETs sobre células alveolares (linha celular A549). Além disso, os ensaios in silico indicaram interações favoráveis entre a quercetina e as proteínas da NET (MPO e elastase). No geral, nossos resultados demonstram que a quercetina diminui os efeitos deletérios das NETs, reduzindo sua liberação à partir de neutrófilos ativados e diminuindo a atividade enzimática de MPO e elastase, possivelmente por meio de interação direta.

Abstract Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were first reported as a microbicidal strategy for activated neutrophils. Through an immunologic response against several stimuli, neutrophils release their DNA together with proteins from granules, nucleus, and cytoplasm (e.g., elastase and myeloperoxidase). To date, NETs have been implicated in tissue damage during intense inflammatory processes, mainly when their release is dependent on oxygen radical generation. Flavonoids are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents; of these, quercetin is commonly found in our daily diet. Therefore, quercetin could exert some protective activity against tissue damage induced by NETs. In our in vitro assays, quercetin reduced NETs, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and elastase release from neutrophils stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). The activity of these enzymes also decreased in the presence of quercetin. Quercetin also reduced the cytotoxic effect of NETs on alveolar cells (A549 cell line). Further, in silico assays indicated favorable interactions between quercetin and NET proteins (MPO and elastase). Overall, our results demonstrate that quercetin decreases deleterious cellular effects of NETs by reducing their release from activated neutrophils, and diminishing the enzymatic activity of MPO and elastase, possibly through direct interaction.

Bio-oils from biomass pyrolysis have a highly promising potential as biofuels or sources of chemicals. The quantitative analysis of bio-oils is quite difficult and requires many standards. In this study, we developed a methodology using only 16 standards for determining the concentration of 49 compounds, representatives of the main chemical classes commons in bio-oils, using relative response factors (RRF) and analytical curves. Five Pinus sawdust bio-oils were analyzed using a GC-MS-DB-5 capillary column (60 m). SCAN mode (from 45 to 450 Daltons) and retention indices (LPTRI) were used for qualitative analysis. For quantitative analysis, SIM mode was preferred, and analytical curves were constructed from an initial solution at 400 mg g 1 of each of the 16 standards, with concentrations ranging from 1 to 150 mg g 1 added to the internal standard (methyl hexanoate) at 70 mg g 1. After the positive identification and quantification of 9 compounds (among the 16 standards used), the other compounds were quantified using the RRF obtained from a standard solution at 30 mg g 1, considering the similarities with those identified standards. 196 compounds were identified, while 49 compounds were quantified, highlighting the monoaromatic hydrocarbons, naphthalenes, benzofurans, alkyl phenols, and catechols.

Essential oils (EO) have diverse applications, such as antibacterial and antifungal activity. However, they are susceptible to oxidation in the presence of air, light, and moisture. In addition, they are thermally unstable. In this sense, it is necessary to develop techniques to increase the lifespan of EO. In this work, EO was obtained from cloves and characterized by different techniques. The major compounds found were eugenol (83%), eugenol acetate (9%), and β-caryophyllene (8%). The EO was encapsulated by extrusion using a microfluidic device. The sodium alginate was used as wall material, and the CaCl2 solution was used as a crosslinking agent. The microcapsule presented sizes of 164.7 ± 0.3 μm, with an encapsulation yield of 64 ± 14%. Functional characteristic groups of EO were observed in the microcapsule by infrared and Raman spectroscopies. The microcapsule increased the thermal decomposition of the EO from 162 to 230 °C. Release kinetics of the capsule was performed, with an equilibrium time of 72 h and release of 54% of the EO. Finally, the pure EO and encapsulated EO-microcapsules were applied in the Aedes aegypti larvae control, showing mean lethal concentration necessary to eliminate 50% (LC50) values of 74.4 and 96.9 μg mL-1 and lethal concentration necessary to eliminate 90% (LC90) of 106.2 and 133.3 μg mL-1 for pure EO and encapsulated EO, respectively. Therefore, it was concluded that these microcapsules have the potential for application in the Aedes aegypti larvae control.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to compare the dry matter intake, milk yield and quality, physiological and biochemical parameters in Holstein (n=10) and Jersey (n=10) cows under heat stress and insolation, in two treatments: CL - cooling by ventilation and sprinkling and HS - heat stress and insolation. Data were submitted to ANOVA. There was an interaction between treatment and breed and day effect for dry matter intake. For consumption in % of body weight, CL and Jersey cows consumed more. CL cows produced more milk and 3.5% fat-corrected milk. Feed efficiency was similar between treatments and breeds. Fat, lactose, total solids, and somatic cell score did not differ. The concentration of milk urea nitrogen was higher for CL cows. Milk from Holstein cows had greater stability to alcohol, and from HT cows had a greater freezing point of milk. HT cows had higher respiratory rates in the morning and surface temperatures in the afternoon. There were no differences in beta-hydroxybutyrate and glucose concentrations. Heat stress, with insulation, reduces intake, especially in Holstein cows, as well as milk production and increases the freezing point of milk, respiratory rate, and surface temperature.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar o consumo de matéria seca, a produção e a qualidade do leite, os parâmetros fisiológicos e bioquímicos em vacas das raças Holandesa (n=10) e Jersey (n=10) sob estresse calórico e insolação, em dois tratamentos: CL - resfriamento por ventilação e aspersão; HS - estresse térmico e insolação. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância. Houve interação entre tratamento e raça e efeito de dia para consumo de matéria seca. Para consumo em % de peso vivo, vacas CL e Jersey consumiram mais. Vacas CL produziram mais leite e leite corrigido a 3,5% de gordura. A eficiência alimentar foi similar entre tratamentos e raças. Teores de gordura, lactose, sólidos totais e escore de células somáticas não diferiram. A concentração de nitrogênio ureico do leite foi maior para vacas CL. O leite das vacas Holandesas apresentou maior estabilidade ao álcool, e de vacas HT maior crioscopia. Vacas HT apresentaram maior frequência respiratória de manhã e temperatura superficial à tarde. Não houve diferenças para concentração de beta-hidroxibutirato e glicose. O estresse calórico, com insolação, reduz o consumo, especialmente em vacas Holandesas, bem como a produção de leite, com aumento da crioscopia, elevando a frequência respiratória e a temperatura superficial.

RESUMO O desempenho dos subsoladores pode ser influenciado pelos restos culturais no solo através dos diferentes tipos de cobertura vegetal. Em qualquer um desses sistemas de cobertura, o uso de subsoladores para descompactação altera as propriedades físicas do solo. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os atributos físicos do solo em tipos de manejo sob diferentes velocidades de deslocamento e profundidades na operação de subsolagem. O experimento foi conduzido no IF Goiano, Campus Morrinhos, Goiás, Brasil. O delineamento inteiramente casualizado foi usado em esquema de parcelas subdivididas com 12 tratamentos e cinco repetições, totalizando 60 plarcelas. Os fatores corresponderam a duas áreas de manejo (sequeiro e pastagem), duas velocidades de operação de subsolagem (2,5 e 4,5 km h-1) e três profundidades do solo (0,00-0,015; 0,15-0,30 e 0,30-0,45 m). A parcela principal foi constituída pelas duas áreas de manejo e a subparcela a combinação dos outros dois fatores. Foram avaliados a resistência à penetração, densidade do solo, teor de água, mobilização do solo e expansão volumétrica do solo. Posteriormente, os valores encontrados foram submetidos à análise de variância e teste de Tukey p ≤ 0,05. A resistência à penetração e a densidade aparente foram diferentes antes e após a subsolagem. As velocidades de subsolagem alteraram os valores de resistência à penetração e mobilização do solo. As áreas de pastagem apresentaram maior resistência à penetração das raízes e proporcionaram menor teor de água e favoreceram maior expansão volumétrica do solo.

ABSTRACT Subsoiler performance can be influenced by crop residue in the soil through different types of vegetation cover. In any of these cover systems, the use of subsoilers for decompaction changes soil physical properties. The present study aimed to evaluate soil physical properties in different management systems using several subsoiling speeds and soil depths. The experiment was conducted at IF Goiano, Morrinhos Campus, Goiás state, Brazil. A completely randomized design was used in a split-plot scheme with 12 treatments and five replicates, totaling 60 plots. The factors corresponded to two management areas (rainfed and pasture), two subsoiling speeds (2.5 and 4.5 km h-1) and three soil depths (0.00-0.015; 0.15-0.30 and 0.30-0.45 m). The main plot consisted of the two management areas and the subplot the combination of the other two factors. Penetration resistance, bulk density, water content, soil mobilization and soil volumetric expansion were evaluated. The results were then submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey’s test (p ≤ 0.05). Penetration resistance and bulk density differed before and after subsoiling. The subsoiling speeds altered penetration resistance and soil mobilization. Pasture areas showed greater root penetration resistance, provided lower water content and favored greater soil volumetric expansion.

Resumo O reparo por excisão de nucleotídeos (NER) atua reparando danos no DNA, como lesões causadas por cisplatina. A proteína Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) está envolvida no reconhecimento de danos pela via de reparação global do genoma pelo NER (GG-NER) e tem sido estudada em diferentes organismos devido à sua importância em outros processos celulares. Neste trabalho, estudamos proteínas do NER em Trypanosoma cruzi e Trypanosoma evansi, parasitos de humanos e animais, respectivamente. Modelos tridimensionais das proteínas XPC de T. cruzi e T. evansi foram feitos e observou-se poucas diferenças estruturais entre estas proteínas. Durante testes, a inserção do gene XPC de T. evansi (TevXPC) em T. cruzi resultou em crescimento celular mais lento em condições normais. Após o tratamento com cisplatina, T. cruzi superexpressando seu próprio gene XPC (TcXPC) foi capaz de recuperar as taxas de divisão celular mais rapidamente do que T. cruzi expressando o gene TevXPC. Com base nesses testes, sugere-se que TevXPC (sendo uma proteína exógena em T. cruzi) interfere negativamente nos processos celulares em que TcXPC (a proteína endógena) está envolvida. Isso provavelmente ocorreu pois TevXPC é capaz de interagir com algumas moléculas ou proteínas endógenas de T.cruzi, mas é incapaz de interagir com outras. Isso reforça a importância do correto funcionamento de XPC dentro da célula.

Abstract Nucleotide excision repair (NER) acts repairing damages in DNA, such as lesions caused by cisplatin. Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) protein is involved in recognition of global genome DNA damages during NER (GG-NER) and it has been studied in different organisms due to its importance in other cellular processes. In this work, we studied NER proteins in Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma evansi, parasites of humans and animals respectively. We performed three-dimensional models of XPC proteins from T. cruzi and T. evansi and observed few structural differences between these proteins. In our tests, insertion of XPC gene from T. evansi (TevXPC) in T. cruzi resulted in slower cell growth under normal conditions. After cisplatin treatment, T. cruzi overexpressing its own XPC gene (TcXPC) was able to recover cell division rates faster than T. cruzi expressing TevXPC gene. Based on these tests, it is suggested that TevXPC (being an exogenous protein in T. cruzi) interferes negatively in cellular processes where TcXPC (the endogenous protein) is involved. This probably occurred due interaction of TevXPC with some endogenous molecules or proteins from T.cruzi but incapacity of interaction with others. This reinforces the importance of correctly XPC functioning within the cell.

Resumo Doru luteipes (Scudder, 1876) é um predador onívoro, que encontra na planta do milho diferentes recursos alimentares: ovos de Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797), uredósporos de Puccinia polysora (Underw, 1897) e pólen. Para definição da relevância desse predador como agente de controle biológico, conhecer a sobrevivência e preferência alimentar é essencial. Nós hipotetizamos que o comportamento de forrageamento e a capacidade de predação de D. luteipes podem ser afetados quando uma mesma planta oferece ovos, uredósporos e pólen, concomitantemente. A sobrevivência de D. luteipes na fase de ninfa e sua preferência entre os recursos alimentares, frequentemente disponíveis nas plantas de milho, foram determinados. Para verificar a sobrevivência de D. luteipes, ninfas recém eclodidas foram alimentadas exclusivamente com 1- uredósporos de P. polysora, 2- ovos de S. frugiperda, 3- pólen de milho, 4- combinação de uredósporos + ovos e 5- dieta artificial (controle). Em outro experimento, ninfas e adultos de D. luteipes com 24 e 48 horas de jejum foram liberadas individualmente, em recipientes contendo quatro dietas: 1- uredósporos de P. polysora, 2- ovos de S. frugiperda, 3- pólen de milho, 4- dieta artificial e mantidas durante 10 min, sendo avaliados a escolha pelo alimento e o tempo de alimentação. A alimentação exclusiva com ovos de S. frugiperda ocasionou baixa sobrevivência das ninfas (8%), porém a combinação de uredósporos de P. polysora + ovos de S. frugiperda possibilitou sobrevivência de 58,3%. D. luteipes preferiu se alimentar durante o período noturno e as maiores proporções de escolhas das ninfas e dos adultos ocorreram no pólen e na dieta, sendo que os adultos gastaram mais tempo se alimentando de pólen. Estas descobertas indicam que as escolhas tróficas de D. luteipes são relevantes para compreender sua contribuição como agente de controle de insetos-praga e doença fúngicas em milho.

Abstract Doru luteipes (Scudder, 1876) is an omnivorous predator that finds different food resources in the corn plant: eggs of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797), uredospores of Puccinia polysora (Underw, 1897), and pollen. Knowing the survival and food preferences of this predator is essential to define its relevance as a biological control agent. We hypothesize that the foraging behavior and predatory capacity of D. luteipes may be affected when several food resources, especially eggs of S. frugiperda, uredospores of P. polysora, and pollen are concurrently in the same plant. The survival of D. luteipes in the nymph stage and their preference among food resources, often available in corn plants, were determined. To verify the survival of D. luteipes, newly hatched nymphs were fed exclusively with 1- uredospores of P. polysora, 2- eggs of S. frugiperda, 3- corn pollen, 4- a combination of uredospores + eggs, and 5- artificial diet (control). In another experiment, nymphs and adults of D. luteipes with 24 and 48 hours of fasting were individually released in the center of a container with four diets: 1- uredospores of P. polysora, 2- eggs of S. frugiperda, 3- corn pollen, 4- artificial diet, and maintained for 10 minutes, to evaluate the food choice and feeding time. The exclusive feeding with S. frugiperda eggs caused low nymph survival (8%), but the combination of P. polysora uredospores + S. frugiperda eggs allowed 58.3% survival. D. luteipes preferred feeding during the nighttime and the most significant proportions of choices by nymphs and adults were for pollen and diet, with adults spending more time eating pollen. These findings indicate that the trophic choices of D. luteipes are relevant to understand its contribution as an agent to control pest insects and fungal diseases in corn.

Abstract Monteverdia ilicifolia (Mart. ex Reissek) Biral (basionym: Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek) (Celastraceae) is popularly known as holy thorn or “espinheira-santa” in Brazil. This herb is traditionally used for gastric and digestive problems. However, similar species are often used as adulterants. Considering the pharmacological interest and the existence of adulterants, this study was devoted to characterizing M. ilicifolia samples by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy coupled with principal component analysis (PCA) and photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) by using Citronella gongonha (Mart.) R. A. Howard as adulterant sample. Six commercial samples were purchased, and seven collected samples were obtained in the Campos Gerais region. The leaves were then dehydrated and converted to powder. The FTIR spectroscopic assay was carried out and consisted of ten different measurements for each sample with a time interval of seven days between them. The PCA was performed from these spectra. The characterization by FTIR demonstrated the presence of tannins and flavonoids in the studied samples. FTIR spectroscopy coupled with PCA was able to discriminate the commercial and the collected samples of M. ilicifolia using three principal components. The photoacoustic spectroscopy resulted in absorption bands centered at ~280, ~380, ~480, and ~630 nm. These bands presented a higher spectral resolution for the collected samples. The commercial samples showed broadening bands, which allowed the differentiation between these two sets of samples. FTIR spectroscopy coupled with PCA, and photoacoustic spectroscopy are alternative tools for the differentiation of M. ilicifolia samples.

Abstract Background Pharmacoinvasive strategy is an alternative when primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not feasible. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effects of early pharmacoinvasive strategy on the infarct size and left ventricular ejection fraction in elderly and non-elderly patients. The role of inflammatory markers was also examined. Methods Patients (n=223) with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were prospectively included and submitted to pharmacological thrombolysis in the first six hours, and underwent coronary angiogram and PCI when necessary, in the first 24 hours. Blood samples were collected in the first day (D1) and after 30 days (D30). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) was performed at D30. Significance was set at p<0.05. Results Elderly and non-elderly patients showed similar percentage of infarcted mass (13.7 [6.9-17.0] vs. 14.0 [7.3-26.0], respectively, p=0.13) (median [interquartile range]). However, elderly patients had better left ventricular ejection fraction (53 [45-62] vs. 49 [39-58], p=0.025). Titers of interleukin (IL)1beta, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 did not differ between D1 and D30, but elderly patients had higher titers for IL-18 at D1 and D30. Absolute numbers of B and T lymphocytes were similar in both groups at D1 and D30, but elderly patients had higher neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio at D30. Multivariate linear regression analysis of cMRI outcomes in the whole population showed that the independent predictors were not different between elderly and non-elderly patients. Conclusion Pharmacoinvasive strategy in elderly patients was associated with small differences in inflammatory parameters, similar infarct size and better left ventricular function than non-elderly patients.

Resumo Fundamento A estratégia farmacoinvasiva é uma alternativa na inviabilidade da intervenção coronária percutânea primária (ICP). Objetivos Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da estratégia farmacoinvasiva precoce sobre o tamanho da área infartada e a fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda em pacientes idosos e não idosos. O papel dos marcadores inflamatórios também foi avaliado. Métodos Pacientes (n=223) com infarto do miocárdio com elevação do segmento ST (IAMCSST) foram prospectivamente incluídos e submetidos à trombólise medicamentosa nas primeiras seis horas, e à angiografia coronariana e à ICP, quando necessária, nas primeiras 24 horas. As amostras de sangue foram coletadas no primeiro dia (D1) e 30 dias após (D30). A ressonância magnética cardíaca foi realizada no D30. O nível de significância estatística foi estabelecido em p<0,05. Resultados Pacientes idosos e não idosos apresentaram porcentagem similares de massa infartada [13,7 (6,9-17,0) vs. 14,0 (7,3-26,0), respectivamente p=0,13)] [mediana (intervalo interquartil)]. No entanto, os pacientes idosos apresentaram maior fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda [53 (45-62) vs. 49 (39-58), p=0,025)]. As concentrações de interleucina (IL)1beta, IL-4, IL-6, e IL-10 não foram diferentes entre D1 e D30, mas pacientes idosos apresentaram níveis mais elevados de IL-18 em D1 e D30. O número absoluto de linfócitos B e T foram similares em ambos os grupos em D1 e D30, porém, pacientes idosos apresentaram uma razão neutrófilo-linfócito mais alta em D30. A análise de regressão linear multivariada dos desfechos de RMC de toda a população do estudo mostrou que os preditores independentes não foram diferentes entre pacientes idosos e não idosos. Conclusão A estratégia farmacoinvasiva em pacientes idosos foi associada a pequenas diferenças nos parâmetros inflamatórios, tamanho do infarto similar, e melhor função ventricular esquerda em comparação a pacientes não idosos

Abstract Brazil is located between the Equator and Tropic of Capricorn, which allows diverse climates, reliefs, and habitats for arthropods, which sting represents a risk to human health and a public health issue. This manuscript updates the epidemiological data of cases of human envenoming by spiders, scorpions, and insects with medical relevance in Brazil from 2010 to 2021. Epidemiological data were taken using the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System. Statistics of non-parametric data used the Kruskal-Wallis followed by the Nemenyi test. On average, more than 145,000 envenomation and 145 deaths are recorded annually, and more than 60% of deaths are caused by scorpion bites. When the number of deaths was pondered by the number of cases with each arthropod, bees kill the most. Most stings cause mild symptoms and affect men of working age. The incidence decreases during the colder months, which is better noticeable in regions with well-defined seasons. The distribution is distinct among the regions: Southeast, Northeast, and South have the highest rate of bites. The growing number of cases of envenomation reported annually is a serious public health concern, especially involving scorpions, and highlights the importance of studying arthropod venom and improving the therapies.

The incorporation of oxygen and/or nitrogen into the titanium lattice has garnered significant attention due to the broad spectrum of intermediate properties that can be achieved between TiN and TiO2. This article delves into the investigation of surface modification of titanium through plasma-assisted thermochemical treatments employing H2-N2-O2 mixtures. The flow rate of the reducing gas (H2) remained constant at 24 sccm, while the flow rates of N2 and O2 were adjusted to yield a total flow rate of 60 sccm. Analysis using GIXRD, Raman spectroscopy, and XPS demonstrated that TiN exhibits stability exclusively in an oxygen-free atmosphere, while TiO2, in contrast, necessitates an oxygen flux equal to or exceeding 18 sccm for stability. Furthermore, it was found that the presence of nitrogen in the plasma atmosphere resulted in a greater expansion of the α-titanium lattice, although the solubility of interstitials decreased. These findings highlight the potential for a controlled approach to producing solid solutions or titanium oxynitrides.

ABSTRACT The importance of in-vitro tests using larvae and adults of the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in investigating new inputs for its biological control serves as a basis for continuation of field experiments. This article presents in-vitro efficacy data on the fungus Purpureocillium lilacinum (IBCB 130) tested using larvae and engorged females of the tick R. microplus according to modified techniques of SHAW (1966) and MONTEIRO (2014). The efficacy results from the tests on engorged females ranged from 99.6 at the highest concentration used (2x109 conidia/mL) to 51% at the lowest concentration (1x107 conidia/mL). The 50, 90 and 99% lethal concentrations found in the tests on larvae were, respectively, 5.1x108, 5.2x109, and 3.3x1011 conidia/mL. The results from this investigation have enabled field experiments to control the tick R. microplus using the IBCB 130 isolate of the fungus P. lilacinum.