Scoliosis is a condition that affects the spine and causes chest rotation and trunk distortion. Individuals with severe deformities may experience dyspnea on exertion and develop respiratory failure. Respiratory oscillometry is a simple and non-invasive method that provides detailed information on lung mechanics. This work aims to investigate the potential of oscillometry in the evaluation of respiratory mechanics in patients with scoliosis and its association with physical performance. We analyzed 32 volunteers in the control group and 32 in the scoliosis group. The volunteers underwent traditional pulmonary function tests, oscillometry, and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Oscillometric analysis showed increased values of resistance at 4 Hz (R4, P<0.01), 12 Hz (R12, P<0.0001), and 20 Hz (R20, P<0.01). Similar analysis showed reductions in dynamic compliance (Cdyn, P<0.001) and ventilation homogeneity, as evaluated by resonance frequency (fr, P<0.001) and reactance area (Ax, P<0.001). Respiratory work, described by the impedance modulus, also showed increased values (Z4, P<0.01). Functional capacity was reduced in the group with scoliosis (P<0.001). A significant direct correlation was found between Cobb angle and R12, AX, and Z4 (P=0.0237, P=0.0338, and P=0.0147, respectively), and an inverse correlation was found between Cdyn and Cobb angle (P=0.0190). These results provided new information on respiratory mechanics in scoliosis and are consistent with the involved pathophysiology, suggesting that oscillometry may improve lung function tests for patients with scoliosis.

Abstract Introduction: Capsule endoscopy has revolutionized the management of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Nevertheless, reading capsule endoscopy images is time-consuming and prone to overlooking significant lesions, thus limiting its diagnostic yield. We aimed to create a deep learning algorithm for automatic detection of blood and hematic residues in the enteric lumen in capsule endoscopy exams. Methods: A convolutional neural network was developed based on a total pool of 22,095 capsule endoscopy images (13,510 images containing luminal blood and 8,585 of normal mucosa or other findings). A training dataset comprising 80% of the total pool of images was defined. The performance of the network was compared to a consensus classification provided by 2 specialists in capsule endoscopy. Subsequently, we evaluated the performance of the network using an independent validation dataset (20% of total image pool), calculating its sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and precision. Results: Our convolutional neural network detected blood and hematic residues in the small bowel lumen with an accuracy and precision of 98.5 and 98.7%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity were 98.6 and 98.9%, respectively. The analysis of the testing dataset was completed in 24 s (approximately 184 frames/s). Discussion/Conclusion: We have developed an artificial intelligence tool capable of effectively detecting luminal blood. The development of these tools may enhance the diagnostic accuracy of capsule endoscopy when evaluating patients presenting with obscure small bowel bleeding.

Resumo Introdução: A endoscopia por cápsula revolucionou a abordagem a doentes com hemorragia digestiva obscura. No entanto, a leitura de imagens de endoscopia por cápsula é morosa, havendo suscetibilidade para a perda de lesões significativas, limitando desta forma a sua eficácia diagnóstica. Este estudo visou a criação de um algoritmo de deep learning para deteção automática de sangue e resíduos hemáticos no lúmen entérico usando imagens de endoscopia por cápsula. Métodos: Foi desenvolvida uma rede neural convolucional com base num conjunto de 22,095 imagens de endoscopia de cápsula (13,510 imagens contendo sangue e 8,585 mucosa normal ou outros achados). Foi construído um grupo de imagens para treino, compreendendo 80% do total de imagens. O desempenho da rede foi comparado com a classificação consenso de dois especialistas em endoscopia por cápsula. Posteriormente, o desempenho da rede foi avaliado usando os restantes 20% de imagens. Foi calculada a sua sensibilidade, especificidade, exatidão e precisão. Resultados: O algoritmo detetou sangue e resíduos hemáticos no lúmen do intestino delgado com uma exatidão e precisão de 98.5% e 98.7%, respetivamente. A sensibilidade e especificidade foram 98.6% e 98.9%, respetivamente. A análise do conjunto de usado para teste da rede foi concluída em 24 segundos (aproximadamente 184 frames/s). Discussão/Conclusão: Foi desenvolvida uma ferramenta de inteligência artificial capaz de detetar efetivamente o sangue luminal. O desenvolvimento dessas ferramentas pode aumentar a precisão do diagnóstico da endoscopia por cápsula ao avaliar pacientes que apresentam sangramento obscuro do intestino delgado.

Abstract Regular exercise is beneficial to health. This study evaluated the effects of moderate and intense physical exercise modalities on intradermal infection by Staphylococcus aureus in a murine model. Mice that practiced moderate exercise had lower bacterial load on lymph nodes and less inflammatory infiltrate in dermis. They presented greater weight, however, less amount of epididymal fat: the weight was increased while they had fat diminished. A positive correlation was observed between lipid content and bacterial load in mice trained at moderate intensity. Animals that were under high intensity exercises presented superior bacterial load on the lymph nodes, increased neutrophil count and circulating lymphocytes, and had leukocyte recruitment to the dermis augmented, when compared to the ones in moderate exercise. These findings suggest that moderate physical activity modulates the immune response in dermal infection caused by S. aureus in a murine model.

RESUMO O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar os efeitos da administração em dose única de progestágenos em fêmeas caninas hígidas, as quais nunca haviam recebido tais fármacos. Foram selecionadas 20 cadelas, que foram examinadas clinicamente e por meio de exames complementares. Nessas cadelas, foi aplicado medroxiprogesterona por via subcutânea. Noventa dias após, as fêmeas foram esterilizadas cirurgicamente, sendo os tecidos reprodutivos encaminhados para histopatologia. Foi possível verificar que, aos 30 dias, 12 animais (60%) apresentaram hiperplasia mamária. Aos 90 dias, 18 animais (90%) apresentavam sinais de hiperplasia endometrial cística, tendo cinco (27,77%) destes animais apresentado conteúdo purulento no lúmen uterino. No exame microscópico, apenas uma fêmea não demonstrou alterações patológicas, sendo a única que recebeu o contraceptivo na fase correta (anestro). As demais fêmeas apresentaram alterações que variaram entre alterações circulatórias a hiperplasia endometrial cística grave. Assim, foi possível concluir que uma única aplicação de anticoncepcional em fêmeas hígidas pode causar complicações leves a graves.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a variabilidade genética de larvas e alevinos de piracanjuba em programa de repovoamento. Foram coletadas 180 larvas de piracanjuba de três dias e 90 alevinos de três meses de idade. Foram avaliados cinco loci microssatélites, os quais produziram 19 alelos. Não houve presença de alelos raros nem perdas de alelos ao longo do período. A heterozigosidade observada foi superior nas larvas em relação aos alevinos. Houve desvio no equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg na maioria dos loci em ambos os grupos. O coeficiente de endogamia foi positivo em ambos os grupos, sendo a média dos alevinos superior em relação às larvas. O excesso de heterozigotos foi significativo no modelo Stepwise Mutation Model para os alevinos, indicando a possibilidade de efeito gargalo recente. Conclui-se que, apesar da adequada variabilidade genética encontrada, os valores do coeficiente de endogamia e a possibilidade de efeito gargalo nos alevinos atentam para a necessidade de constante monitoramento genético desses estoques antes da liberação no ambiente.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic variability of Piracanjuba larvae and fingerlings in restocking program. A total of 180 three-day Piracanjuba larvae and 90 three-month-old fish were sampled. Five microsatellite loci were evaluated, which produced 19 alleles. There were no rare alleles or loss of alleles over the period. The observed heterozygosity was higher in larvae compared to fingerlings. There was a deviation in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in most loci in both groups. The inbreeding coefficient was positive in both groups, with the average of the fingerlings superior to the larvae. The excess heterozygotes were significant in the Stepwise Mutation Model for the fingerlings, indicating the possibility of a recent bottleneck effect. Despite the adequate genetic variability found, the values of the inbreeding coefficient and the possibility of bottleneck effect in the fingerlings show the need for constant genetic monitoring of these stocks prior to release into the environment.

RESUMO Esta pesquisa avaliou a TIP e a dinâmica de anticorpos (ACs) específicos em bezerros naturalmente expostos aos agentes causadores da doença respiratória bovina (DRB). Foram selecionados 19 bezerros Holandeses alimentados com colostro proveniente de doadoras vacinadas para DRB. Amostras de soro foram obtidas antes e após a ingestão do colostro (48h) para a soroneutralização (SN). Os valores médios (log2) detectados após colostragem foram de 11,5±1,6 (BVDV), 8,8±1,3 (BoHV-1), 5,5±1,6 (BRSV) e 8,4±1,5 (BPIV-3). Cinco bezerros foram criados do nascimento aos 240 dias de vida, observando-se decréscimo nos títulos de ACs para BVDV, BoHV-1 e BPIV-3 ao longo do tempo (P≤0,001). As taxas de infecções detectadas entre o D14 e o D240 foram de 40% (2/5), 20% (1/5), 80% (4/5), e 60% (3/5), respectivamente, para BVDV, BoHV-1, BRSV e BPIV-3. A maioria dos bezerros manifestou broncopneumonia após as infecções virais. Os bezerros apresentaram ACs para todas as viroses às 48 horas de vida, porém os títulos adquiridos para o BRSV foram baixos. A susceptibilidade para as infecções variou de acordo com os níveis e a duração dos títulos de ACs maternos.

ABSTRACT This research evaluated the PIT and the dynamics of specific antibody (Ab) for calves naturally exposed to the viral agents involved in Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD). Nineteen Holstein calves fed colostrum from vaccinated donors for DRB. Serum samples were obtained before and after colostrum intake (48h) for serum neutralization (SN). Mean values (log2) detected after colostrum feeding were 11.5±1.6 (BVDV), 8.8 ±1.3 (BoHV-1) 5.5±1.6 (BRSV) and 8.4±1.5 (BPIV-3). Five calves were raised from birth to 240 days of life and presented a decrease in Ab titers for BVDV, BoHV-1 and BPIV-3 over time (P≤ 0.001). Infection rates from D14 to D240 were of 40% (2/5), 20% (1/5), 80% (4/5) and 60% (3/5), respectively for BVDV, BoHV-1, BRSV and BPIV-3. Most of the calves presented bronchopneumonia after seroconversion to the virus. Calves presented Ab for all viruses at 48 hours of life, however BRSV Ab titer were low. Levels and persistence of maternal antibody titers determined the susceptibility to viral infections.

ABSTRACT Amburana cearensis (Allemão) A.C. Sm., Fabaceae, has been widely studied for its medicinal activities. Many neurodegenerative disorders are caused by oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, excitotoxicity induced by glutamate and ultimately cell death. This study describes the chemical profile of the ethanolic, hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate extracts obtained from seeds of A. cearensis. The objective of this study was to investigate the chemical profile of extracts obtained from seeds of A. cearensis, as well as their cytotoxicity and neuroprotective effects in cultures of neural PC12 cells. Metabolite profile was performed by GC–MS. PC12 cells were treated with increasing concentrations of the extracts (0.01–2000 µg/ml) and the cell viability was analyzed after 24 and 72 h using an MTT test. For the excitotoxicity assay, PC12 cells were pre-treated with glutamate (1 mM) for 6 h and treated with increasing concentrations (0.1–1000 µg/ml) of the extracts. The chromatographic analysis of the extracts detected various compounds with antioxidant properties, with the majority of peaks corresponding to the isoflavone coumarin. Only the hexane extract showed toxicity after 72 h exposure at the highest concentration (1000 µg/ml). By contrast, all extracts increased the cellular viability of PC12 cells against the toxicity caused by glutamate. Therefore, the extracts from the seeds of A. cearensis showed no toxicity and have neuroprotective potential against neuronal damage induced by glutamate, which may be related to their antioxidant properties.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a diversidade e a estrutura genética de seis populações naturais de Prochilodus lineatus em usinas hidrelétricas (UHE) dos rios Pardo (UHE Limoeiro - LMO), Mogi-Guaçu (UHE Mogi-Guaçu - MOG) e Tietê (UHE Promissão - PRO, UHE Barra Bonita - BAB, UHE Nova Avanhandava - NAV e UHE Bariri - BAR). Foi encontrado um total de 47 alelos, com tamanhos entre 118pb e 330pb. Os resultados de heterozigosidade média observada (0,490 a 0,625) refletiram uma alta variabilidade genética intrapopulacional. Os valores de distância genética (0,149 a 0,773), Fst (0,006 a 0,218) e Nm (1,2 a 4,2) mostraram a presença de similaridade genética entre as populações. De acordo com a AMOVA, houve maior variação dentro das populações do que entre elas. O dendograma mostrou a formação de dois agrupamentos (LMO-PRO-MOG e BAR-BAB-NAV). Concluiu-se que as populações naturais apresentaram alta variabilidade genética, com similaridade genética entre elas, possivelmente causada pelo programa de repovoamento realizado nesses rios.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the genetic diversity and structure of six wild populations of Prochilodus lineatus in Hydroelectric Power Plants (HPP) of the Pardo (HPP Limoeiro - LMO), Mogi Guacu (HPP Mogi-Guaçu - MOG), and Tiete (HPP Promissão - PRO, HPP Barra Bonita - BAB, HPP Nova Avanhandava - NAV and HPP Bariri - BAR) rivers. A total of 47 alleles, ranging in size from 118bp to 330bp were found. The results of observed heterozygosity average (0.490 to 0.625) reflected a high intra-population genetic variability. The values of genetic distance (0.149 to 0.773), Fst (0.006 to 0.218), and Nm (1.2 to 4.2) showed that between the populations there is genetic similarity. According to AMOVA there was higher variation within populations than between them. The dendrogram demonstrated the formation of two groups (LMO-PRO-MOG and BAR-BAB-NAV). It was concluded that wild populations had high genetic variability with genetic similarity between them, possibly caused by the restocking program performed in these rivers.

The growth of the Brazilian economy in recent years has created an atmosphere of optimism in various segments of Brazilian society, with several important international repercussions. In this paper, we analyze in detail how this economic growth is reflected in investments in science and technology made by major academic funding agencies. As a result, we observed a discrepancy in the growth of funding input and the growth of the Brazilian gross domestic product. This fact associated with an increased academic output entails negative consequences for the system. This may be a symptom of an academic community not fully understood by society and vice versa. Finally, we believe that a long-lasting important change in investment policy in science is necessary in order to ensure financial security for the academic system as a whole.

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo realizar o levantamento das dificuldades encontradas pelos pecuaristas que aderiram ao Serviço de Rastreabilidade da Cadeia Produtiva de Bovinos e Bubalinos (Novo SISBOV). Elaborou-se um formulário qualitativo semiestruturado, contendo 37 questões. Foram entrevistados 130 produtores de gado de corte em três grandes exposições agropecuárias durante o ano de 2009. Desses, aproximadamente 17% (22 produtores) haviam aderido ao novo SISBOV. Foram entrevistados mais 49 pecuaristas em suas respectivas fazendas rastreadas, totalizando assim 179 entrevistas. As principais dificuldades encontradas pelos pecuaristas foram: mudanças frequentes nas normas do novo SISBOV, perda de elemento de identificação, remuneração inadequada pelos animais rastreados por parte dos frigoríficos e instabilidade de mercado.

This research aimed to conduct a survey of the difficulties encountered by farmers who joined the Service of Supply Chain Traceability of Cattle and Buffaloes (New SISBOV). A semi-structured qualitative form containing thirty-seven questions was elaborated. We interviewed 130 beef cattle farmers farming in three major exhibitions during year 2009, among which 17% (22 farmers) had joined the new SISBOV. We interviewed over 49 farmers in their screened farms, thus totaling 179 interviews. The main difficulties encountered by farmers were: frequent changes in new SISBOV rules, loss of proof of identity, inadequate remuneration for animals tracked by the stores and market instability.

Gamma irradiator facilities can be used in a wide range of applications such as biological and chemical researches, sterilization of medical devices and products. Dose mapping must be performed in these equipments in order to establish plant operational parameters, as dose uniformity, source utilization efficiency and maximum and minimum dose positions. The isodoses curves are measured using dosimeters or computer simulations. This work evaluates the absorbed dose in the CDTN/CNEN GammaCell Irradiation Facility, using the Monte Carlo N-Particles (MCNP) code.