Abstract: The investigation determined the location to build a graphite commercial warehouse (GCW), derived from the fact that the only place of production of the input is the state of Sonora, the above complicates satisfying the internal and external market of consumers due to the times and the distances. The methodology applied to determine the location for the construction of the warehouse was by means of a macro and micro analysis of location, both contemplate the diagnosis of variables through the methods of critical factors and center of gravity. The results allowed obtaining the order of alternatives for the GCW are Querétaro, followed by San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, Aguascalientes, and Durango. The conclusion is that the GCW must be built in the location of georeferenced coordinates (20 ° 49´40.32 "N, 100 ° 18´32.38" W) or its equivalent (20.827, -100.308), specifically in the municipality of Marquez for have optimal communication channels and be a strategic point for the distribution of the product.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of golden mussel flour (GMSF) contaminated with increasing rates of cadmium (Cd) as a replacement for limestone as a Ca source, in broiler chicken feed from 14 to 42 days of age. A total of 60 animals were assigned to four treatments (inclusion rates of Cd: 6.94, 14.55, 22.40, and 30.00 mg Cd kg-1) with five replications in a completely randomized design. At 42 d, blood samples were collected to evaluate serum concentrations of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin, Ca, P, and Cd. After slaughter, tissues were collected to evaluate Cd concentration in bone parameters. Growth performance of broiler chickens and Cd content in the breast meat were not affected by the inclusion rates of Cd in the GMSF. However, there was an effect of Cd in GMSF on the concentration of Cd in the skin, liver, bones, feathers, and serum; ALT; and total bilirubin. Bone flexibility had a quadratic response to increasing inclusion rates of GMSF; serum Ca concentration increased linearly and there was no effect on serum P concentration. Concentrations of Cd in GMSF above 20 mg kg-1 caused high Cd contamination in broiler tissues. Therefore, it was concluded that Cd concentrations above 6.94 mg kg-i in broiler diets caused high Cd concentrations in meat and organs that are above those permitted for human consumption.

Abstract The aim was to evaluate the effect of different feeding volumes on the cut yield and meat quality of brown eggshell laying hens strain Embrapa 051 (E051) during the laying cycle, reared in an alternative system and slaughtered at 73 weeks, with reference to the lineage Lohmann Brown (LB). 600 hens E051 and 200 hens LB were used in an entirely randomized experimental design totalizing 5 replicates with 40 birds each. The treatments were: Control (LB fed with 100% of their dietary requirements), E051 fed with 93% of the control diet, E051 fed with 100% of the control diet, and E051 fed with 107% of the control diet. Birds were supplemented daily with 30g of ground grasses. Different feeding volumes did not alter the physicochemical quality of the meat and the cut yield. Body and cold carcass weight were greater in the E051 fed with 107% of the reference feed compared to the LB or the E051 fed with 7% less than the control diet. Yellow color intensity was greater in the E051 than in LB. The results demonstrated that, at the end of their productive cycle, the E051 without a restricted diet presents good carcass characteristics and potential for industrialized development.

Abstract Male broiler chickens (384), Cobb 500, were housed in metabolic cages to assess the efficacy of phytase in diets with low and high phytate-phosphorus on the performance, bone physical characteristics, tissue and serum mineral deposits. Birds were distributed in four treatments with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized block design. Experimental diets based on maize-soybean meal were T1 – diet low phytate-phosphorus; T2 – diet low phytate-phosphorus and phytase (500 FTU/kg); T3 – diet high phytate-phosphorus; T4 – diet high phytate-phosphorus and phytase (500 FTU/kg). Feed intake, body weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were assessed. Two left tibias per experimental unit were analyzed for physical characteristics and mineral concentration; a section of skinless breast muscle and blood were collected to measure the concentration of calcium, phosphorus and sodium. Results showed interaction between bone stiffness and serum calcium. The inclusion of phytase in diets with low and high phytate-phosphorus did not alter performance, bone resistance and flexibility, mineral deposits in the tibia and breast muscle, but increased bone stiffness after 22 days of age. It also provided a higher serum calcium rate in broilers fed diets with low phytate-phosphorus up to 32 days of age.

Abstract Background Chagas’ disease (CD) is an important cause of heart transplantation (HT). The main obstacle is Chagas’ disease reactivation (CDR), usually associated to high doses of immunosuppressants. Previous studies have suggested an association of mycophenolate mofetil with increased CDR. However, mortality predictors are unknown. Objectives To identify mortality risk factors in heart transplant patients with CD and the impact of antiproliferative regimen on survival. Methods Retrospective study with CD patients who underwent HT between January 2004 and September 2020, under immunosuppression protocol that prioritized azathioprine and change to mycophenolate mofetil in case of rejection. We performed univariate regression to identify mortality predictors; and compared survival, rejection and evidence of CDR between who received azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil and those who changed from azathioprine to mycophenolate mofetil after discharge (“Change” group). A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Eighty-five patients were included, 54.1% men, median age 49 (39-57) years, and 91.8% were given priority in waiting list. Nineteen (22.4%) used azathioprine, 37 (43.5%) mycophenolate mofetil and 29 (34.1%) switched therapy; survival was not different between groups, 2.9 (1.6-5.0) x 2.9 (1.8-4.8) x 4.2 (2.0-5.0) years, respectively; p=0.4. There was no difference in rejection (42%, 73% and 59% respectively; p=0.08) or in CDR (T. cruzi positive by endomyocardial biopsy 5% x 11% x 7%; p=0.7; benznidazole use 58% x 65% x 69%; p=0.8; positive PCR for T. cruzi 20% x 68% x 42% respectively; p=0.1) rates. Conclusions This retrospective study did not show difference in survival in heart transplant patients with CD receiving different antiproliferative regimens. Mycophenolate mofetil was not associated with statistically higher rates of CDR or graft rejection in this cohort. New randomized clinical trials are necessary to address this issue.

Resumo Fundamento A Doença de Chagas (DC) é uma causa importante de transplante cardíaco (TC). O principal obstáculo é a reativação da DC (RDC), normalmente associada a altas doses de imunossupressores. Estudos anteriores sugeriram uma associação do micofenolato de mofetila com aumento na RDC. No entanto, preditores de mortalidade são desconhecidos. Objetivos Identificar os fatores de risco de mortalidade em pacientes com DC após o TC e o impacto do regime antiproliferativo sobre a sobrevida. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo com pacientes chagásicos submetidos ao TC entre janeiro de 2004 e setembro de 2020, em protocolo de imunossupressão que priorizava o uso de azatioprina e sua mudança para micofenolato de mofetila em caso de rejeição. Realizamos regressão univariada para identificar preditores de mortalidade e comparamos sobrevida, rejeição, e evidência RDC entre os pacientes que usavam azatioprina, micofenolato de mofetila, e aqueles que mudaram de azatioprina para micofenolato (grupo “Mudança”) após a alta. Um valor de p<0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados Foram incluídos 85 pacientes, 54,1% homens, idade mediana 49 (39-57) anos, e 91,8% com prioridade na lista de espera. Dezenove (22,4%) usavam azatioprina, 37 (43,5%) micofenolato de mofetila, e 29 (34,1%) trocaram a terapia; a sobrevida não foi diferente entre os grupos, 2,9 (1,6-5,0) x 2,9 (1,8-4,8) x 4,2 (2,0-5,0) anos, respectivamente; p=0,4. Não houve diferença na taxa de rejeição (42%, 73% e 59% respectivamente; p=0,08) ou de RDC (T. cruzi positiva na biópsia endomiocárdica 5% x 11% x 7%; p=0,7; uso benzonidazol 58% x 65% x 69%; p=0,8; PCR positiva para T. cruzi 20% x 68% x 42% respectivamente; p=0,1). Conclusões Este estudo retrospectivo com pacientes com DC e TC não mostrou diferença na sobrevida entre os diferentes regimes antiproliferativos. O uso de micofenolato de mofetila não foi associado com taxas significativamente mais altas de RDC ou rejeição do enxerto nesta coorte. Novos ensaios randomizados são necessários para abordar essa questão.

Resumo As inovações em dispositivos ao longo das últimas décadas proporcionaram uma melhora no diagnóstico e tratamento de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca. Essas novas ferramentas progressivamente adaptaram-se a estratégias minimamente invasivas e as opções percutâneas multiplicaram-se de forma rápida. No presente artigo revisamos as direções atuais e futuras dos dispositivos utilizados como opções adjuvantes para o diagnóstico e tratamento adjuvante na insuficiência cardíaca crônica, o seu desenvolvimento, mecanismos e estudos mais recentes adaptaramse adaptaram se multiplicaramse multiplicaram rápida crônica desenvolvimento

Abstract Innovations in devices during the last decade contributed to enhanced diagnosis and treatment of patients with cardiac insufficiency. These tools progressively adapted to minimally invasive strategies with rapid, widespread use. The present article focuses on actual and future directions of device-related diagnosis and treatment of chronic heart failure. insufficiency rapid use devicerelated device related failure

ABSTRACT Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are still major health problems worldwide, affecting especially preschool children and pregnant women. The objectives of this article are: a) To describe the laboratory tests for diagnosing IDA and the factors that may influence results of the serum ferritin and the other iron biomarkers ; b) To present advances in iron metabolism, i.e. the critical regulatory role of hepcidin in the absorption and utilization of iron ; c) To describe the impact this new knowledge has had in the design of clinical investigations comparing the absorption of iron following oral supplementation given in consecutive days vs. alternate days schedules; and, d) To describe the clinical situations in which intravenous iron is indicated as secondary or first-line treatment. The concepts expressed and the suggestions made in this article are based on updated literature and the clinical experience of the authors.

RESUMEN Deficiencia de hierro (DH) y anemia ferropénica (AF) continúan siendo problemas de salud de magnitud en el mundo y afectan especialmente a niños preescolares y mujeres embarazadas. Este artículo tiene como objetivos: a) Describir las pruebas de laboratorio diagnóstico de AF y los factores que influyen en los niveles de ferritina y otros biomarcadores del estado del hierro; b) Presentar avances en el metabolismo del hierro, i.e. el rol regulador esencial de la hepcidina en la absorción y utilización del hierro; c) Describir el impacto que estos avances han tenido en el diseño de investigaciones clínicas comparando la absorción del hierro asociada con esquemas de ingesta diaria versus días alternados; d) Describir las situaciones clínicas en las cuales hierro endovenoso está indicado como tratamiento secundario o de primera línea. Los conceptos y sugerencias expresados en este artículo están basados en literatura actualizada y la experiencia clínica de los autores.

ABSTRACT Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is mainly caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) donovani and Leishmania (L.) infantum; however, other Leishmania species have been associated with VL. We report a case of a patient simultaneously diagnosed with VL caused by Leishmania (L.) amazonensis and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After treatment with liposomal amphotericin B and chemotherapy, the patient presented a clinical cure. This case report reinforces the hypothesis that other Leishmania species can cause visceral lesions mainly related to immunosuppression.

Resumo A toxocaríase é uma zoonose de distribuição mundial. A conexão entre doenças parasitárias e condições que deprimem o sistema imunológico, como o uso de drogas imunossupressoras, tem sido estudada. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da Ciclosporina A (CsA) na intensidade da infecção, resposta humoral e transcrição gênica das interleucinas IL-4, IL-10 e IL-12 em camundongos experimentalmente infectados com Toxocara canis. Para tanto, os camundongos foram divididos em dois grupos tratados com CsA (G1: 10 mg/Kg e G2: 50 mg/kg), os grupos G3 e G4 receberam PBS. Após a última administração da droga ou PBS (via oral a cada 48 horas por 15 dias), os grupos G1, G2 e G3 foram inoculados com 1200 ovos de T. canis. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue nos dias zero, 15 e 30 dias pós-inoculação (PI), para teste de ELISA e os camundongos foram eutanasiados 30 dias PI. Os órgãos e tecido muscular estriado foram coletados para a recuperação das larvas. Os esplenócitos foram analisados por RT-PCR. A intensidade da infecção nos camundongos tratados com 50 mg/kg de CsA foi 65,5% maior do que no grupo controle (p=0,001). Uma análise da cinética do anticorpo anti-Toxocara revelou que os grupos tratados com CsA apresentaram níveis médios de anticorpos significativamente maiores no dia 15 PI. A transcrição das três interleucinas testadas não apresentou diferença estatística entre G2 e G3 (controle). Concluiu-se que a imunossupressão desencadeada pela CsA (50 mg/Kg) favoreceu o estabelecimento de um maior número de larvas de T. canis sem, no entanto, alterar a produção de imunoglobulinas e a transcrição de IL-4, IL-10 e IL-12 no dia 30 PI.

Abstract Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution. The connection between parasitic diseases and conditions that depress the immune system, such as the use of immunosuppressive drugs, has been studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Cyclosporine A (CsA) on the intensity of infection, humoral response and gene transcription of interleukins IL-4, IL-10 and IL-12 in mice experimentally infected with Toxocara canis. To this end, mice were divided into two groups treated with CsA (G1: 10 mg/Kg and G2: 50 mg/kg), the G3 and G4 group received PBS. After the last administration of the drug or PBS (orally every 48 hours for 15 days), groups G1, G2 and G3 were inoculated with 1200 eggs of T. canis. Was collected blood samples on days zero, 15 and 30 days post-inoculation (PI), for ELISA test and the mice were euthanized 30 days PI. The organs and striated muscle tissue were collected for the recovery of larvae. The splenocytes were analyzed by RT-PCR. The intensity of infection in the mice treated with 50 mg/kg of CsA was 65.5% higher than in the control group (p=0.001). An analysis of the kinetics of anti-Toxocara antibody revealed that the groups treated with CsA showed significantly higher mean levels of antibodies on day 15 PI. The transcription of the three tested interleukins showed no statistical difference between G2 and G3 (control). It was concluded that the immunosuppression triggered by CsA (50 mg/Kg) favored the establishment of a larger number of T. canis larvae without, however, altering immunoglobulin production and IL-4, IL-10 and IL-12 transcription on day 30 PI.

RESUMO: Os bacteriófagos têm sido investigados como alternativa ao tratamento de infecções bacterianas em animais de produção, incluindo a mastite bovina. Nesta meta-análise, avaliamos a eficiência in vitro de fagos de Staphylococcus aureus contra S. aureus envolvidas na etiologia da mastite bovina. Dezessete estudos foram incluídos e a atividade lítica bacteriana foi extraída usando análise de proporção. A eficiência lítica dos fagos foi obtida nesta meta-análise, usando um modelo de efeitos aleatórios (diferença significativa (P <0,05)). Os gráficos de Forest plots foram usados para representar graficamente a eficiência dos fagos em isolados bacterianos. Os fagos avaliados, na sua grande maioria, (por exemplo, CS1, DW2, ΦSA011, ΦSA012, ΦSA022, ΦSA023, ΦSA024, ΦSA025, ΦSA037, ΦSA038, ΦSA039, ΦSA041, ΦSA042, ΦSA043, ΦSAf e U0f, ua04 SPW, vB_SauM_JS25, SaPh1 a SaPh6, SA, SANF, SA2, ΦSA012, ΦSA039, phi11, phiIPLA88, phiIPLA35, phiIPLA-RODI, phiIPLA-C1C, SAJK-IND, vBSP-A1, vBSP-A2, STA1.ST29, EB1.ST11, EB1.ST27, Remus, e ISP) foram eficientemente líticos ou infectaram a maioria dos isolados de S. aureus, demonstrando 80% (P < 0,05) de eficiência lítica. Os fagos SA, SANF e SA2 também demonstraram atividade lítica ou infectaram os isolados Staphylococcus não-aureus e Macrococcus caseolyticus. Nesta meta-análise, comparamos e demonstramos a eficiência in vitro e gama de hospedeiros de fagos de S. aureus. Adicionalmente, os fagos representam uma alternativa a ser pesquisada para o tratamento da mastite bovina em gado leiteiro causada pelo microrganismo prevalente, ou seja S. aureus.

ABSTRACT: Bacteriophages have been investigated as alternative to the treatment of bacterial infections, including bovine mastitis, in production animals. In this meta-analysis, we evaluated in vitro efficiency of phages of Staphylococcus aureus against S. aureus, which is involved in the etiology of bovine mastitis. Seventeen studies were included and the bacterial lytic activity was extracted using proportion analysis. The lytic efficiency of phages was obtained in this meta-analysis using a random-effects model [significant difference (P<0.05)]. Forest plots were used to graphically represent the efficiency of phages on bacterial isolates. Most phages (e.g., CS1, DW2, ΦSA011, ΦSA012, ΦSA022, ΦSA023, ΦSA024, ΦSA025, ΦSA037, ΦSA038, ΦSA039, ΦSA041, ΦSA042, ΦSA043, ΦSA044, MSA6, Ufv-aur2 to Ufv-aur11, SAH-1, SPW, vB_SauM_JS25, SaPh1 to SaPh6, SA, SANF, SA2, ΦSA012, ΦSA039, phi11, phiIPLA88, phiIPLA35, phiIPLA-RODI, phiIPLA-C1C, SAJK-IND, vBSP-A1, vBSP-A2, STA1.ST29, EB1.ST11, EB1.ST27, Remus, and ISP) were efficiently lytics or infected most S. aureus isolates, demonstrating 80% (P<0.05) lytic efficiency. The phages SA, SANF and SA2, also demonstrated lytic activity or infected the non-Staphylococcus aureus and Macrococcus caseolyticus isolates. In this meta-analysis, we compared and demonstrated the in vitro efficiency and host range of S. aureus phages. Additionally, the phages represent an alternative to be researched to treat bovine mastitis in dairy cattle caused by the prevalent microorganism, S. aureus.

Resumo Introdução As creches desempenham um importante papel social na educação e desenvolvimento inicial das crianças. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a frequência de infecções parasitárias intestinais, além de infecção por Toxocara spp. em crianças de uma creche na cidade do Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Métodos: Para o estudo, foram coletadas amostras fecais de 50 crianças de três a seis anos, analisadas pelas técnicas de Ritchie, Faust, Rugai e Kinyoun, sendo aplicado um questionário epidemiológico fechado e estruturado aos pais/responsáveis das crianças. Também foi realizada uma pesquisa sorológica de anticorpos para Toxocara spp. em 41 crianças, pelo ensaio imunoenzimático, associado ao antígeno de excreção e secreção (ES), com soros pré-adsorvidos com antígeno somático de Ascaris lumbricoides. Resultados: A frequência de enteroparasitos foi de 18%, enquanto que 43.9% das crianças foram soropositivas para Toxocara spp.. Baixa renda familiar e baixo nível de alfabetização dos pais/responsáveis foram fatores comuns entre as famílias das crianças parasitadas. A maioria dos pais ou responsáveis das crianças, com diagnóstico positivo para enteroparasitos ou para Toxocara spp., relatou utilizar apenas água para a higienização de verduras e frutas. Conclusões: As altas taxas de soropositividade para Toxocara spp. indicam que as crianças foram expostas a esse parasito, sendo importante minimizar o risco de infecção. Além disso, a positividade de 18% para enteroparasitos e os dados obtidos com as entrevistas realizadas com os pais ou responsáveis demonstram a necessidade da realização de trabalhos com a população estudada que visem a divulgação sobre as parasitoses intestinais, especialmente sobre medidas profiláticas especificas.

Abstract Introduction Day care centers play an important social role in children’s early education and development. The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of intestinal parasitic infections and infection with Toxocara spp. in children from a day care center in the city of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods: The study was conducted using fecal samples from 50 children, ages three to six years, using Ritchie, Faust, Rugai, and Kinyoun’s techniques. A closed and structured epidemiological questionnaire was used to collect data from the parents/guardians of the children. Serological studies for detection of antibodies to Toxocara spp. by immunoenzymatic assays using Toxocara excretion and secretion antigen (TES) were conducted on sera collected from 41 children. Results: The frequency of enteroparasites was 18%, with 43.9% of the children testing seropositive for Toxocara spp. Low family income and low literacy levels of parents/guardians were common factors between the families of the parasite-positive children. For the children who tested positive for Toxocara spp., most of the parents/guardians reported using only water for sanitizing raw vegetables and fruits. Conclusions: The high seropositivity rates for Toxocara spp. indicate that children were exposed to this parasite, and it is important to reduce the risk of infection. In addition, the seropositivity for enteroparasites and the interviews with the parents/guardians indicate the need to educate the studied population regarding the modes of intestinal parasite transmission and the prophylactic measures needed to prevent their dissemination.

RESUMO Objetivo Correlacionar os achados de ressonância magnética (RNM) com o diagnóstico microbiológico e anatomopatológico de infecção na coluna vertebral. Métodos Estudo de coorte retrospectivo de revisão de prontuários online (laboratório, anatomopatológico e setor de diagnóstico por imagem) de pacientes com diagnóstico de espondilodiscite, submetidos ao exame de RNM da coluna vertebral e acompanhados pelo Departamento de Ortopedia e Traumatologia da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, entre janeiro de 2014 e julho de 2018. Resultados O agente etiológico mais comum encontrado foi o S. aureus (57%). A hemocultura mostrou-se positiva em 76% dos casos e 82% dos pacientes submetidos à biópsia apresentaram diagnóstico de espondilodiscite. A dor foi o achado clínico mais prevalente e a coluna lombossacra foi o sítio mais frequente de infecção. No exame de RNM, a presença de hipossinal em T1, hipersinal em T2/STIR e destruição das placas terminais foram identificados em quase todos os casos. Conclusões Não houve correlação direta dos achados na RNM com um agente etiológico específico na espondilodiscite. A hemocultura e a biópsia são ferramentas diagnósticas importantes que devem ser utilizadas para o diagnóstico preciso do agente infeccioso. Nível de evidência IV; Estudo diagnóstico.

ABSTRACT Objective To correlate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings with the microbiological and anatomopathological diagnosis of spinal infection. Methods A retrospective, cohort review of online medical records (laboratory, anatomopathology and diagnostic imaging sector) of patients diagnosed with spondylodiscitis, who underwent a full spine MR scan between January 2014 and July 2018 at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of the Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Results Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly found etiological agent (57%). Blood culture was positive in 76% of cases and 82% of the patients who underwent biopsy had a spondylodiscitis diagnosis. Pain was the most prevalent clinical symptom and the lumbosacral spine was the most frequent site of infection. T1 hyposignal, T2/STIR hypersignal, and terminal plate destruction were verified in almost all MR scans. Conclusions No direct correlation was found between MR findings and any specific etiological agent. Blood culture and biopsy are important diagnostic tools that should be used for accurate diagnosis of the infectious agent . Level of evidence IV; Diagnostic Study.

RESUMEN Objetivo Correlacionar los hallazgos de resonancia magnética (RNM) con el diagnóstico microbiológico y anatomopatológico de infección de la columna vertebral. Métodos Un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de revisión de prontuarios en línea (laboratorio, anatomopatológico y sector de diagnóstico por imagen) de pacientes con diagnóstico de espondilodiscitis, sometidos al examen de RNM de la columna vertebral y acompañados por el Departamento de Ortopedia y Traumatología de la Universidad Federal de São Paulo, entre enero de 2014 y julio de 2018. Resultados El agente etiológico más común encontrado fue el S. aureus (57%). El hemocultivo se mostró positivo en 76% de los casos y 82% de los pacientes sometidos a biopsia presentaron diagnóstico de espondilodiscitis. El dolor fue el hallazgo clínico más prevalente y la columna lumbosacra fue el sitio más frecuente de infección. En el examen de RNM, la presencia de hiposeñal en T1, hiperseñal en T2/STIR y destrucción de las placas terminales fueron identificadas en casi todos los casos. Conclusiones No hubo correlación directa de los hallazgos de la RNM con un agente etiológico específico en la espondilodiscitis. El hemocultivo y la biopsia son herramientas diagnósticas importantes, que deben ser utilizadas para el diagnóstico preciso del agente infeccioso. Nivel de evidencia IV; Estudio Diagnóstico.

Abstract Extreme climatic events and their hazards have strong impact on society. Urban areas in Brazil are especially vulnerable to the impact of such events due to their rapid growth and inappropriate infrastructure. Viçosa is a mid-sized city in Southeastern Brazil that has been experiencing issues associated with urban expansion and population growth since the 1960s. Thus, this study aims to identify patterns of extreme climate events in Viçosa based on daily temperature and precipitation time series (1968-2017). Homogeneity tests were carried out in order to identify breaking points in these climate variables. Climate trends were analyzed through Mann-Kendall test and their magnitude was checked based on Sen’s slope. Results have evidenced statistically significant and increasing trends in annual minimum temperature since the 1990s. Moreover, statistically significant breaking points in extreme temperature indices have shown increasing number of warm days, and decreasing number of cold nights, in both annual and seasonal analyses. Extreme climatic events have been observed more often in recent years, mainly in the number of consecutive dry days and maximum and heavy precipitation days. Based on results, Viçosa experiences warmer conditions throughout the year, whereas more (less) torrential rainfall events have been occurring during Summer (Winter).

In this study, a novel type of tris(2-acyl-1,3-indandione)-aluminum(III) coordination compounds of the general formula [Al(acind)3]H2O, where 2-acyl-1,3-indandione (acind), 2-acetyl-1,3-indandione (aind), 2-benzoyl-1,3-indandione (bind), and 4-methyl-2-benzoyl-1,3-indandione (mbind), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis (CHN), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopies, thermal analysis (TG/DTG and DTA), and optical absorption spectroscopy in the UV-Vis region. These compounds present remarkably high green luminescence in powder and in thin-film forms. However, when these compounds are applied in glass/ITO/β-NPB/spiro-2CBP/[Al(acind)3]/Al and glass/ITO/β-NPB/[Al(acind)3]/LiF/Al electroluminescent devices, where spiro-2CBP is 2,7-bis(carbazol-9-yl)-9,9-spirobifluorene and β-NPB is N,N’-bis(naphthalen-2-yl)-N,N’-bis(phenyl)-benzidine, the emission color tuned from green to red, reflecting a change from the direct charge recombination in the emitting layer of the [Al(acind)3] complexes to an exciplex-based emission in which [Al(acind)3] complexes and spiro 2-CBP acted as acceptor and donor, respectively. These results suggest that [Al(acind)3] complexes have potential applications as molecular light converter materials for fabricating new electroluminescent devices.