ABSTRACT: Skin grafting is a simple and very useful surgical technique for wound repair, especially where there is difficulty in performing direct synthesis or other reconstructive techniques. low-intensity laser (LIL) has already been used successfully in cases where the graft was applied to wounds shortly after its creation. However, LIL still lacks standardization due to conflicting studies on its results. Thus, this study compared the effectiveness of continuous wave LIL with pulsed wave LIL in stimulating the healing of skin grafts, applied to newly created wounds in rabbits. For this purpose, 31 rabbits were distributed into: control group (CG, n = 10), continuous wave laser group (GLC; n = 10) and pulsed wave laser group (GLP; n = 11). Postoperative management was similar between all groups, with the exception of laser application, as indicated by the group. The GLC and GLP groups showed similar evolution, with a satisfactory healing process of the graft, unlike the GC group. These results were maintained in the microscopic evaluation, as the groups treated with laser showed less inflammation, better integration with the receptor area, greater re-epithelialization and collagenization. There was no difference in vascular density between the treatment groups on immunohistochemical analysis. The newly created wound was not able to provide nutrition for the skin graft in rabbits, but LIL is an efficient adjuvant therapy in stimulating healing between the recipient area and the graft, promoting full integration. However; although, statistically there was no difference in the form of light emission, pulsed or continuous, patients who received continuous wave LIL showed superior microscopic evolution.

RESUMO: A enxertia cutânea é uma técnica cirúrgica simples e bastante útil para o reparo de feridas, principalmente, quando há dificuldade em realizar a síntese direta ou outras técnicas reconstrutivas. O laser de baixa intensidade (LBI) já foi utilizado com sucesso em casos em que o enxerto foi aplicado em feridas logo após a sua criação. No entanto, a LBI ainda carece de padronizações, mediante estudos conflitantes sobre seus resultados. Desta forma, este trabalho objetivou comparar a eficácia da LBI de onda contínua com onda pulsada na estimulação da cicatrização de enxertos cutâneos, aplicados em feridas recém-criadas em coelhos. Para tanto, foram utilizados 31 coelhos distribuídos em: grupo controle (GC, n = 10), grupo laser onda contínua (GLC; n = 10) e grupo laser onda pulsada (GLP; n = 11). O manejo pós operatório foi semelhante entre todos os grupos, com exceção da aplicação do laser, conforme o grupo indicado. Os grupos GLC e GLP apresentaram evolução semelhante, com processo cicatricial satisfatório do enxerto, ao contrário do grupo GC. Tais resultados se mantiveram na avaliação microscópica, pois os grupos tratados com laser apresentaram menor inflamação, melhor integração à área receptora, maior reepitelização e colagenização. Não houve diferença na densidade vascular entre os grupos de tratamento na análise imuno-histoquímica. A ferida recém-criada não é capaz de fornecer nutrição para o enxerto cutâneo nos coelhos, mas a LBI é uma terapia adjuvante eficiente em estimular a cicatrização entre a área receptora e o enxerto, promovendo integração total. Entretanto, embora não houve diferença estatística na forma de emissão de luz, pulsada ou contínua, os pacientes que receberam LBI em onda contínua apresentam evolução microscópica superior.

Abstract Introduction: Management of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a challenging endeavor with several factors contruibuting to treatment failure. Calcimimetic therapy has revolutionized the management of SHPT, leading to changes in indications and appropriate timing of parathyroidectomy (PTX) around the world. Methods: We compared response rates to clinical vs. surgical approaches to SHPT in patients on maintenance dialysis (CKD 5D) and in kidney transplant patients (Ktx). A retrospective analysis of the one-year follow-up findings was carried out. CKD 5D patients were divided into 3 groups according to treatment strategy: parathyroidectomy, clinical management without cinacalcet (named standard - STD) and with cinacalcet (STD + CIN). Ktx patients were divided into 3 groups: PTX, CIN (cinacalcet use), and observation (OBS). Results: In CKD 5D we found a significant parathormone (PTH) decrease in all groups. Despite all groups had a higher PTH at baseline, we identified a more pronounced reduction in the PTX group. Regarding severe SHPT, the difference among groups was evidently wider: 31%, 14% and 80% of STD, STD + CIN, and PTX groups reached adequate PTH levels, respectively (p<0.0001). Concerning the Ktx population, although the difference was not so impressive, a higher rate of success in the PTX group was also observed. Conclusion: PTX still seems to be the best treatment choice for SHPT, especially in patients with prolonged diseases in unresourceful scenarios.

Resumo Introdução: O manejo do hiperparat-ireoidismo secundário (HPTS) é uma tarefa desafiadora com diversos fatores que contribuem para o fracasso do tratamento. A terapia calcimimética revolucionou o manejo do HPTS, levando a alterações nas indicações e no momento apropriado da paratireoidectomia (PTX) em todo o mundo. Métodos: Comparamos taxas de resposta às abordagens clínica vs. cirúrgica do HPTS em pacientes em diálise de manutenção (DRC 5D) e pacientes transplantados renais (TxR). Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva dos achados de um ano de acompanhamento. Pacientes com DRC 5D foram divididos em 3 grupos de acordo com a estratégia de tratamento: paratireoidectomia, manejo clínico sem cinacalcete (denominado padrão - P) e com cinacalcete (P + CIN). Os pacientes com TxR foram divididos em 3 grupos: PTX, CIN (uso de cinacalcete) e observação (OBS). Resultados: Na DRC 5D, encontramos uma redução significativa do paratormônio (PTH) em todos os grupos. Apesar de todos os grupos apresentarem um PTH mais elevado no início do estudo, identificamos uma redução mais acentuada no grupo PTX. Com relação ao HPTS grave, a diferença entre os grupos foi evidentemente maior: 31%, 14% e 80% dos grupos P, P + CIN e PTX atingiram níveis adequados de PTH, respectivamente (p< 0,0001). Com relação à população TxR, embora a diferença não tenha sido tão impressionante, também foi observada uma taxa maior de sucesso no grupo PTX. Conclusão: A PTX ainda parece ser a melhor escolha de tratamento para o HPTS, especialmente em pacientes com doenças prolongadas em cenários sem recursos.

ABSTRACT Several studies have shown that the survival and reproduction of lacewings varies depending on the type of prey they consumed, especially during the first instar. In this study, we evaluated the effect of a diet consisting of Ephestia kuehniella (EK) and/or Planococcus-citri (PC) eggs offered to first instar Chrysoperla externa on subsequent development and survival. Larvae supplied only with P. citri (PC) nymphs had extended immature development, low survival, adults with lower weight and longevity, low fecundity and egg viability, and lower net reproduction rate (R0). Larvae submitted to the treatment EK+PC responded positively to the diet, showing results similar to those obtained in the control-EK treatment. Therefore, this mealybug supports suitable development and reproduction of C. externa when it is provided to second instar larvae after they fed on E. kuehniella eggs as first instars. As far as we know, this is the first report that demonstrates the effect of natural prey and alternatives on different larval stages of lacewings. This information is valuable in developing protocols for use of C. externaas a pest control agent.

Abstract The use of cocaine and its main derivative, crack, can cause some systemic effects that may lead to the development of some oral disorders. Objective To assess the oral health of people with a crack cocaine use disorder and identify salivary protein candidates for biomarkers of oral disorders. Methodology A total of 40 volunteers hospitalized for rehabilitation for crack cocaine addiction were enrolled; nine were randomly selected for proteomic analysis. Intraoral examination, report of DMFT, gingival and plaque index, xerostomia, and non-stimulated saliva collection were performed. A list of proteins identified was generated from the UniProt database and manually revised. Results The mean age (n=40) was 32 (±8.88; 18–51) years; the mean DMFT index was 16±7.70; the mean plaque and gingival index were 2.07±0.65 and 2.12±0.64, respectively; and 20 (50%) volunteers reported xerostomia. We identified 305 salivary proteins (n=9), of which 23 were classified as candidate for biomarkers associated with 14 oral disorders. The highest number of candidates for biomarkers was associated with carcinoma of head and neck (n=7) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (n=7), followed by periodontitis (n=6). Conclusions People with a crack cocaine use disorder had an increased risk of dental caries and gingival inflammation; less than half had oral mucosal alterations, and half experienced xerostomia. As possible biomarkers for 14 oral disorders, 23 salivary proteins were identified. Oral cancer and periodontal disease were the most often associated disorders with biomarkers.

Abstract Background: The Toxoplasma gondii, an obligatory intracellular parasite, is the etiological agent of toxoplasmosis, which affects approximately one third of the world's population. Objective: To analyze the frequency of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women in Foz do Iguaçu and possible factors associated with the infection. Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study (2017 data) was carried out, which evaluated serological tests, IgG and IgM antibodies for T. gondii during pregnancy and possible factors associated the infection, based on the prenatal records of pregnant women in health units, Foz do Iguaçu/PR. The χ2 test for trend was used for data analysis, and the odds ratio (OR) to estimate the chance of association between variables. Results: Of the 1,000 prenatal records analyzed, 781 (78.1%) had serology records for T. gondii, of which 265 (34.0%) were immune to T. gondii, 31 (3.9%) had IgG and IgM antibodies, and 516 (66.0%) were susceptible. Most pregnant women started prenatal care in the first trimester 467 (60.0%). There was a predominance of pregnant women with more than one pregnancy 200 (44.0% — p=0.00001), Brazilian 259 (35.1% — p=0.0112), aged >41 years old 7 (63.6%), complete high school 125 (37.8% — p<0.05), and of white skin color 140 (38.5% — p=0.0164). Conclusions: An average frequency of infection was identified among pregnant women. The associated factors evidenced should be considered during prenatal care, along with educational actions to prevent infection.

Resumo Introdução: O Toxoplasma gondii, parasito intracelular obrigatório, é o agente etiológico da toxoplasmose, a qual acomete cerca de um terço da população mundial. Objetivo: Analisar a frequência da infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em gestantes em Foz do Iguaçu e verificar possíveis fatores de associação a infecção. Método: Foi realizado um estudo transversal retrospectivo (dados de 2017) que avaliou exames sorológicos, pesquisa de anticorpos IgG e IgM para T. gondii durante a gestação e possíveis fatores de associação a infecção, a partir das fichas de pré-natal das gestantes em unidades de saúde, Foz do Iguaçu/PR. O teste do χ2 para tendência foi utilizado para análise dos dados e, o odds ratio (OR) para estimar a chance de associação entre as variáveis. Resultados: Das 1.000 fichas de pré-natal analisadas, 78,1% apresentaram registro de sorologia para T. gondii, das quais, 34,0% eram imunes ao T. gondii, 3,9% apresentaram anticorpos IgG e IgM e 66,0% eram suscetíveis. A maioria das gestantes iniciaram o pré-natal no primeiro trimestre 467 (60,0%). Houve predominância de gestantes com mais de uma gestação 200 (44,0% — p=0,00001), brasileiras 259 (35,1% — p=0,0112), idade >41 anos 7 (63,6%), ensino médio completo 125 (37,8% — p<0,05) e de cor da pele branca 140 (38,5% — p=0,0164). Conclusões: Os fatores associados a frequência da infecção nas gestantes devem ser considerados durante o pré-natal para a prevenção da infecção.

Recycled crumb rubber can be sustainable used in mortar both to mitigate nature aggregate consumption, reducing environmental pollution, as well, to improve the acoustic and thermal performance of buildings, without damaging its mechanical properties. This paper explores workability, microstructure, mechanical, thermal and acoustic properties considering increasing contents of crumb rubber (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% replacement, by volume, of fine aggregate). Mortar characterization tests were carried out in the fresh and hardened state. It has been found that replacing the aggregate with scrap tyre rubber reduced the compressive strength on average 12% and 67% and for tensile strength 35% and 53%, for the contents of 10% and 20% respectively, compared to the reference. Furthermore, it was found that the reductions in thermal conductivity reached 16% and 29% and an increase in acoustic attenuation on average 12% and 13%. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy images were analyzed, justifying the mechanical results obtained. Although the experimental results indicated that the workability and mechanical strengths decreased with the increase of rubber replacement rate, the studied mixtures met the standard specifications, and thus suitable for walls and ceilings coating applications, improve the acoustic and thermal performance of buildings and as a sustainable material.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (B. lactis) HN019 in drinking water on the development of apical periodontitis (AP) in rats. In total 60 animals were divided into a control group (sound teeth); Group I - regular water without AP; Group II - probiotic water without AP; Group III - regular water with AP; Group IV - probiotic water with AP. AP was induced after 3 days in the control groups and after 7, 21, and 42 days in groups III and IV. The animals were euthanized, and the mandibles were subjected to histotechnical processing. Samples were stained with hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) to identify root canal features, apical and periapical regions. Additionally, histoenzymology was performed to detect osteoclasts, immunohistochemistry was used to identify osteoclastogenesis markers, and the Brown & Brenn technique was applied for microbiological analysis. The data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 8.0.1 with a significance level of 5%. Although no statistical differences were observed, the groups administered with probiotics showed better conditions in terms of histological aspects seen microscopically. Furthermore, there were no differences in the number of osteoclasts (p > 0.05). The RANKL marker was not found in the probiotic group at 42 days, unlike in group III.

Abstract Mineral coal is a fuel that can be used by thermoelectric plants to generate electricity, however, the solid residues of its combustion, so-called ash, cause erosion and corrosion in the internal components of boilers that operate at high temperatures, causing failures in the system. This study proposes a metallic coating based on Fe-Cr-Si, obtained using the electric arc thermal spray technique as an alternative for protecting the most affected parts of boiler tubes by the ash impact. Optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), semi-quantitative chemical analysis by Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), roughness measurements, pull-off adhesion tests were used. Thermal diffusivity measurements and mathematical modelling were elaborated to evaluate the thermal exchange efficiency impact of the coating in thermoelectric plant boiler tubes. The results showed that the chemical components of the sprayed wire were well incorporated into a coating with a hardness of 730.54 ± 164.28 HV, approximately three times greater than the hardness of boiler pipes and only 11% less than the hardness of ash. XRD identified the presence of crystalline phases in the coating and adhesion tests showed that the failures were cohesive without substrate exposure. The presence of the coating reduced heat exchange of approximately 0.64% / tube length. These results showed that the proposed coating, which has a lower cost compared to others, be a promising solution to avoid unscheduled shutdowns in thermoelectric boilers.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar as evidências disponíveis na literatura sobre os fatores associados ao tratamento inadequado da sífilis em gestantes. Métodos: revisão integrativa, realizada nas bases de dados LILACS, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed e EMBASE, com os descritores controlados sífilis gestantes terapêutica e pré-natal. Resultados: nove publicações compuseram a análise interpretativa, nas quais baixa escolaridade, renda e idade materna, falta temporária do medicamento e infecção por HIV foram associadas ao tratamento inadequado da sífilis na gestação, além do atraso ou ausência do pré-natal e no recebimento da 1ª dose de penicilina, falta de exames ou tratamento com menos de 30 dias antes do parto, e a baixa adesão do parceiro ao tratamento. Considerações Finais: dentre os principais fatores associados ao tratamento inadequado, destacam-se os aspectos clínicos da gestante, sociodemográficos, além de falhas na dispensação do medicamento, prescrição e acompanhamento do tratamento da gestante e do parceiro pelo sistema de saúde.

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the evidence available in literature on factors associated with inadequate treatment of syphilis in pregnant women. Methods: an integrative review, carried out in the LILACS, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and EMBASE databases, with controlled descriptors therapeutic and prenatal syphilis. Results: nine publications composed the interpretative analysis, in which low education, income and maternal age, temporary lack of medication and HIV infection were associated with inadequate treatment of syphilis during pregnancy, in addition to delay or absence of prenatal care and receiving the 1st dose of penicillin, lack of tests or treatment less than 30 days before childbirth, and partners’ low compliance with treatment. Final Considerations: among the main factors associated with inadequate treatment, clinical and sociodemographic aspects stand out, as well as failures in drug dispensing, prescription and monitoring of treatment of pregnant women and their partners by the health system.

RESUMEN Objetivos: analizar la evidencia disponible en la literatura sobre factores asociados al tratamiento inadecuado de la sífilis en gestantes. Métodos: revisión integradora, realizada en las bases de datos LILACS, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed y EMBASE, con los descriptores controlados sífilis terapéutica embarazada y prenatal. Resultados: nueve publicaciones componían el análisis interpretativo, en el que la baja escolaridad, renta y edad materna, la falta temporal de medicación y la infección por VIH se asociaron con el tratamiento inadecuado de la sífilis durante el embarazo, además de la demora o ausencia de control prenatal y de recibir la 1a dosis de penicilina, falta de exámenes o tratamiento menos de 30 días antes del parto, y baja adherencia al tratamiento por parte de la pareja. Consideraciones Finales: entre los principales factores asociados al tratamiento inadecuado se destacan los aspectos clínicos y sociodemográficos de la gestante, así como las fallas en la dispensación, prescripción y seguimiento del tratamiento de la gestante y su pareja por parte del sistema de salud.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar evidências científicas sobre materiais educativos relativos ao cateterismo uretral intermitente em crianças. Metodo Revisão de escopo, baseada no método proposto pelo Joana Briggs Institute, realizada em nove etapas, no período de julho a dezembro de 2021, com a pergunta norteadora: “Quais as evidências disponíveis acerca de materiais educativos sobre cateterismo uretral intermitente em crianças?”. Analisaram-se artigos das bases de dados: National Library of Medicine's,Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scientific Electronic Library Online e SciVerse Scopus. Resultados Dos 3.323 artigos recuperados, foram mantidos seis artigos após aplicação dos critérios de elegibilidade e exclusão dos duplicados. As datas de publicação variaram de 2009 a 2019; cinco foram publicados no Brasil e um nos Estados Unidos. Quanto ao desenho, um era estudo transversal, dois estudos descritivos, dois estudos metodológicos e um estudo de caso. Os dados foram apresentados com base nas variáveis: tipo de material, meio de disponibilização, público-alvo e referencial teórico dos materiais educativos. Conclusão Os estudos analisados nesta revisão apresentaram diversos materiais educativos, como a construção de software educativo, manual de tele-enfermagem, vídeo educativo para orientação de pais e fórum virtual. Estes materiais são, portanto, úteis como estratégias de ensino e aprendizagem para cuidadores de crianças em cateterismo uretral intermitente.

ABSTRACT Objective to analyze diverse scientific evidence about educational materials related to intermittent urethral catheterization in children. Method a scoping review based on the method proposed by the Joana Briggs Institute and conducted in nine stages from July to December 2021, with the following guiding question: “Which is the available evidence about educational materials on intermittent urethral catheterization in children?”. Articles from the following databases were analyzed: National Library of Medicine, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scientific Electronic Library Online and SciVerse Scopus. Results six of the 3,323 articles retrieved were kept after applying the eligibility criteria and excluding the duplicates. The publication dates varied from 2009 to 2019; five were published in Brazil and one in the United States. Regarding the design, one was a cross-sectional study and there were two descriptive studies, two methodological studies and one case study. The data were presented considering the following variables: type of material, means of dissemination, target audience, and theoretical framework of the educational materials. Conclusion the studies analyzed in this review presented several educational materials, such as elaboration of educational software, a Telenursing manual, an educational video to guide parents and an online forum. Therefore, these materials are useful as teaching and learning strategies for caregivers of children undergoing intermittent urethral catheterization.

RESUMEN Objetivo analizar diversas evidencias científicas sobre materiales educativos relacionados con cateterismo uretral intermitente en niños. Metodo revisão de alcance basada en el método propuesto por el Joana Briggs Institute y realizada en nueve etapas entre julio y diciembre de 2021, con la siguiente pregunta guía: “¿De qué evidencias se dispone acerca de materiales educativos sobre cateterismo uretral intermitente en niños?”. Se analizaron artículos de las siguientes bases de datos: National Library of Medicine, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scientific Electronic Library Online y SciVerse Scopus. Resultados seis de los 3.323 artículos recuperados se mantuvieron después de aplicar los criterios de elegibilidad y de excluir los duplicados. Las fechas de publicación variaron entre los años 2009 y 2019; cinco se publicaron en Brasil y uno en Estados Unidos. En relación co el diseño, uno era un estudio transversal y había dos estudios descriptivos, dos estudios metodológicos y un estudio de caso. Los datos se presentaron sobre la base de las siguientes variables: tipo de material, vehiculo de diseminación, público objetivo y referencial teórico de los materiais educativos. Conclusión los estudios que se analizaron en esta revisión presentaron diversos materiales educativos, como ser la elaboración de un programa de software educativo, un manual de Tele-Enfermería, un video educativo para orientar a los padres y foro virtual. EN consecuencia, estos materiales sirven com estrategias de enseñanza y aprendizaje para cuidadores de niños sometidos a cateterismo uretral intermitente.

RESUMO Objetivos: desenvolver e testar um jogo de tabuleiro para prevenção de quedas em idosos da comunidade. Métodos: estudo descritivo, realizado através da utilização dos elementos do design de jogos (narrativa, mecânica, estética e tecnologia), do Modelo de Promoção da Saúde, da avaliação por especialistas e testagem com pessoas idosas. Para avaliação, utilizou-se o Índice de Concordância, considerando-o maior que 80%. Resultados: desenvolveram-se três protótipos e a versão final. A narrativa do jogo foi embasada no modelo de promoção, compreendendo aspectos individuais, benefícios e barreiras no comportamento para prevenção de quedas. A mecânica delineou objetivos e regras. A estética abrangeu layout e ilustrações. A tecnologia envolveu tabuleiro, cartas, pino, roleta e manual de instrução. O jogo foi avaliado por 36 especialistas e 31 idosas da comunidade, com índice de concordância de 93,22% e 99%, respectivamente. Conclusões: o jogo desenvolvido e testado foi considerado uma estratégia educacional adequada para prevenção de quedas.

ABSTRACT Objectives: to develop and test a board game for fall prevention in older adults in the community. Methods: a descriptive study, carried out through the use of game design elements (narrative, mechanics, aesthetics and technology), the Health Promotion Model, assessment by experts and testing with older adults. For assessment, the Concordance Index was used, considering it greater than 80%. Results: three prototypes and the final version were developed. The game’s narrative was based on promotion model, comprising individual aspects, benefits and barriers in behavior to prevent falls. The mechanics outlined goals and rules. Aesthetics encompassed layout and illustrations. The technology involved board, cards, pin, roulette and instruction manual. The game was assessed by 36 experts and 31 older women from the community, with a Concordance Index of 93.22% and 99%, respectively. Conclusions: the game developed and tested was considered an adequate educational strategy for fall prevention.

RESUMEN Objetivos: desarrollar y probar un juego de mesa para la prevención de caídas en ancianos de la comunidad. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, realizado mediante el uso de elementos de diseño de juegos (narrativa, mecánica, estética y tecnología), el Modelo de Promoción de la Salud, evaluación por expertos y testeo con ancianos. Para la evaluación se utilizó el Índice de Concordancia, considerándose mayor al 80%. Resultados: se desarrollaron tres prototipos y la versión final. La narrativa del juego se basó en el modelo de promoción, que comprende aspectos individuales, beneficios y barreras en el comportamiento para prevenir caídas. La mecánica delineó objetivos y reglas. La estética abarcó el diseño y las ilustraciones. La tecnología involucró tablero, cartas, pin, ruleta y manual de instrucciones. El juego fue evaluado por 36 expertos y 31 ancianas de la comunidad, con un Índice de Concordancia de 93,22% y 99%, respectivamente. Conclusiones: el juego desarrollado y probado fue considerado una estrategia educativa adecuada para la prevención de caídas.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the consumption of Planococcus citri (Risso, 1813) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) nymphs and the predator:prey ratio required for high predatory efficacy and survival of Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) larvae under different densities of prey, reared in rose bushes. Consumption by first-, second-, and third-instar larvae of C. externa was assessed. The predatory efficiency and survival of the predator were calculated for larvae in the second instar under densities of 20, 40, 80, 120, and 160 nymphs of P. citri and predator:prey ratios of 1:5, 1:10, and 1:20. The assessments were performed after 24 and 48 hours of exposure between species. There was increasing consumption throughout the larval development of C. externa. The predator:prey ratios 1:5 and 1:10 were the most efficient for P. citri population reduction, but the 1:5 ratio led to lower survival of larvae than the 1:10 and 1:20 ratios. There was a positive correlation between C. externa larval density and cannibalism (ρ = 0.45) and a negative correlation between predator density and P. citri population density (ρ = -0.81). Third-instar larvae consume more P. citri nymphs than second-instar larvae. Second-instar larvae of this lacewing released at a 1:20 ratio caused total mortality of mealybug nymphs within 48 hours, regardless the density of P. citri, with high larvae survival of C. externa.

RESUMO Os doseamentos séricos de anticorpos específicos para o Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) são úteis para a orientação diagnóstica de aspergilose broncopulmonar alérgica (ABPA). Objetivo: Avaliar a sensibilização aos componentes purificados do A. fumigatus por quantificação de anticorpos específicos IgE e IgG no soro de doentes com ABPA ou com asma e sensibilização a fungos, usando como comparadores doentes com asma alérgica não sensibilizados a fungos, doentes com fibrose quística (FQ) sem critérios de ABPA e doentes com aspergiloma pulmonar. Métodos: Avaliação transversal de 57 doentes com os diagnósticos de ABPA (n=13), FQ (n=9), asma sensibilizada a fungos (ASF, n=10), asma alérgica sem sensibilização a fungos (AA, n=18) e aspergiloma (n=7). A determinação das concentrações séricas de IgE e IgG específica (sIgE e sIgG) para A. fumigatus (m3) e cinco dos seus componentes antigénicos recombinantes (rAsp f) rAsp f 1, rAsp f 2, rAsp f 3, rAsp f 4 e rAsp f 6 foi realizada por ImmunoCAP. Resultados: A ABPA diferiu significativamente da ASF, pela sensibilização (sIgE>0,10 kUA/L) ao antigénio intracelular rAsp f 6 (64% versus 0% Qui2=6,2, p=0,013) e pelo aumento significativo da sIgE para o antigénio extracelular rAsp f 1 (45,3; 0,2-33,7kUA/L versus 0,3; 0,1-0,3kUA/L, p=0,041). Os níveis de sIgG para A. fumigatus foram significativamente diferentes entre os grupos (p=0,002). No entanto, os níveis de sIgG para os rAsp f testados não diferiram entre ABPA, ASF, FQ e aspergiloma. Conclusão: A avaliação da resposta IgE ao A. fumigatus para alguns dos seus antigénios excretados (rAsp f 1) e intracelulares (rAsp f 6) parece útil na distinção serológica da ABPA em relação à ASF, permitindo melhorar a classificação dos doentes. Os níveis séricos de IgG para os rAsp f não distinguem os diferentes grupos de doentes sensibilizados, não melhorando a descriminação diagnóstica obtidautilizando o extrato total do A. fumigatus.

ABSTRACT The serum assays of specific antibodies to Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) are useful for the diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Objective: To evaluate the sensitization to purified components of A. fumigatus, quantifying specific IgE and IgG antibodies to its recombinant allergens in the serum of patients with ABPA or with asthma and sensitization to molds, using as comparators patients with allergic asthma not sensitized to molds, patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) without ABPA criteria and patients with pulmonary aspergilloma. Methods: Cross-sectional evaluation of 57 patients diagnosed with ABPA (n = 13), CF (n = 9), asthma with fungal sensitization (AFS, n = 10), allergic asthma without fungal sensitization (AA, n = 18) or aspergilloma (n = 7). The quantification of serum specific IgE and IgG specific (sIgE and sIgG) to A. fumigatus (m3) and five of its recombinant antigenic components (rAsp f), rAsp f 1, rAsp f 2, rAsp f 3, rAsp f 4 and rAsp f 6 was performed by ImmunoCAP. Results: ABPA significantly differed from ASF in terms of sensitization (sIgE> 0.10 kUA/L) to its intra-cellular antigens (rAsp f 6 64% versus 0% Qui2 = 6.2, p=0.013) and higher levels of sIgE to its extra-cellular antigen rAsp f 1 (45.3; 0.2-33.7kUA/L versus 0.3; 0.1-0.3kUA/L, p=0.041). The levels of sIgG for A. fumigatus were significantly different between groups (p=0.002). However, the sIgG levels for the rAsp f tested did not differ between ABPA, ASF, FC and aspergilloma. Conclusion: The evaluation of the IgE response to A. fumigatus for some of its excreted (rAsp f 1) and intracellular (rAsp f 6) antigens seems to be useful in the serologic distinction of ABPA and asthmatic patients sensitized to molds. Serum IgG levels for rAsp f do not distinguish between different groups of sensitized patients, and do not improve diagnostic discrimination regarding the total extract of A. fumigatus.

RESUMO A recente detecção de material genético (RNA) do novo coronavírus em amostras de fezes e no esgoto aponta para a possibilidade de se identificar a circulação do vírus e até mesmo estimar o número de pessoas infectadas em determinada região pelo monitoramento sistemático do esgoto, configurando-se em importante ferramenta epidemiológica de testagem massiva indireta, incluindo portadores sintomáticos e assintomáticos. Nesse sentido, concebeu-se um projeto para a detecção e a quantificação do novo coronavírus em amostras de esgoto coletadas em 15 sub-bacias de esgotamento sanitário dos ribeirões Arrudas e Onça, visando entender a dinâmica de circulação e a prevalência do vírus nas regiões investigadas. Tais sub-bacias esgotam os efluentes gerados por uma população da ordem de 1,5 milhão de pessoas no município de Belo Horizonte e parte de Contagem. O plano de amostragem contemplou 17 pontos (15 sub-bacias + afluente às 2 estações de tratamento de esgoto) de monitoramento semanal, com coletas compostas durante todo o período da manhã. A detecção e a quantificação do RNA viral efetuaram-se em laboratório por meio de ensaios de RT-qPCR. Os resultados obtidos em quatro semanas de monitoramento (semanas epidemiológicas 21 a 24) mostraram um incremento da ocorrência do vírus, atingindo 100% das regiões investigadas na semana epidemiológica 24. A estimativa da população infectada pelo novo coronavírus pelo monitoramento do esgoto em Belo Horizonte apresentou tendência de crescimento exponencial, sendo até 20 vezes maior do que o número de casos confirmados acumulados. Quanto à circulação do vírus, as concentrações do RNA viral têm se mostrado bastante variáveis nas regiões monitoradas, com maiores porcentagens de população infectada estimada ao norte e nordeste da capital mineira.

ABSTRACT The recent detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in stool and sewage samples highlights the possibility of mapping the circulation of the virus and even estimating the number of infected people through the systematic monitoring of sewage in a specific region. Therefore, this is an important epidemiological tool for large-scale indirect testing, including symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers. This project was conceived for the detection and quantification of the SARS-CoV-2 in sewage samples collected in 15 watersheds of the Arrudas and Onça streams, aiming to understand the dynamics of spread and the prevalence of the virus in these regions/watersheds. These sub-basins exhaust the effluents generated by a population of approximately 1.5 million people in the municipality of Belo Horizonte and part of Contagem. Weekly composite samples were collected during the morning periods in seventeen monitoring points (15 water sheds + influent to 2 sewage treatment plants). RNA detection and quantification were performed in the laboratory using RT-qPCR. The results obtained in four weeks of monitoring (epidemiological weeks 21 to 24) showed an increase in the occurrence of the virus, reaching 100% of the monitored regions investigated in epidemiological week 24. The infected population, estimated by sewage monitoring in Belo Horizonte, showed exponential growth, being up to 20 times higher than those of accumulated confirmed cases. As for the dynamics of virus spread, RNA concentrations have shown to be quite variable in the monitored regions with higher percentages of the estimated infected population in the northern and north-eastern portions of Belo Horizonte.