Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of spineless cactus (SC) [Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm Dyck] on nutrient intake, ingestive behaviour, and performance of lambs in a feedlot. Thirty-two male (non-castrated) Santa Inês lambs with a mean initial body weight (BW) of 20.4 ± 2.60 kg were distributed across four levels of spineless cactus: zero, 24, 52, and 75% of total diet dry matter (DM). Over 56 days, the animals had their intake and performance monitored. The inclusion of SC influenced (p<0.05) in a quadratic way the dry matter intake and total digestible nutrients, but linearly decreased (p<0.05) the neutral detergent fiber intake. Drinking water intake decreased linearly (p<0.05) with the inclusion of SC in the diet. The inclusion of SC influenced (p<0.05) in a quadratic way the digestibility of organic matter in the diet. The increase in the level of SC in the diet increased linearly (p<0.05) the feeding and rumination efficiencies of the lambs. The maximum daily gain of 0.237 kg/day was achieved with 44% SC in the diet. It is recommended to include up to 40% of spineless cactus in the diet of lambs.

ABSTRACT. In no-till (NT), liming and urea fertilization are performed on the soil surface, which can increase nitrogen (N) losses via ammonia volatilization. On the basis of N fertilization management, gypsum application provides a promising alternative for improving N uptake by plants. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the N behavior loss by NH3-N volatilization, the soil pH at a depth of 0 - 0.05 m, leaf N content, and N uptake by second-season corn after lime and gypsum application in a Rhodic Ferralsol under NT. Overall, the treatments consisted of a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement with four lime rates (0, 2.6, 5.4, and 8.1 Mg ha-1) and four gypsum rates (0, 4, 8, and 12 Mg ha-1). During the study period, second-season corn was cultivated for two years and fertilized with urea, for which the N losses through ammonia volatilization, soil pH, leaf N content, and N uptake values were quantified. The losses through ammonia volatilization were subjected to nonlinear regression using a logistic model, and the other variables were subjected to linear regressions. The lime applied by broadcasting on the soil surface in the NT increased the pH of the topsoil and increased N losses via NH3-N volatilization in the second-season corn. Further, the N losses in the NT treated with lime accounted for 58% of the applied N, which increased by 2.3 to 2.5% for each Mg ha-1 of lime applied. Therefore, lime or gypsum application did not improve the status of N in second-season corn in soils with low acidity and no S deficiency.

Abstract The aberrant right subclavian artery, also known as the arteria lusoria, is the most common aortic arch anomaly, occurring in 0.5 to 1% of the population. There is a higher prevalence in women and it is usually associated with other anatomical variations, such as the non-recurrent laryngeal nerve, present in 86.7% of cases. In the majority of cases, the aberrant right subclavian artery causes no symptoms. We describe this anomaly in an 82-year-old, hypertensive, and asymptomatic patient who had undergone a thoracoabdominal angiography to investigate a chronic DeBakey type III aortic dissection with dilation of the descending aorta. The aberrant right subclavian artery followed a retroesophageal course and was associated with a Kommerell diverticulum. In view of its rarity, we conducted an integrative bibliographic review of literature from the last 6 years indexed on the Medline, UpToDate, Lilacs, Scielo, and Portal Capes databases and discuss the most frequent anatomical changes, symptomatology, and therapeutic management adopted.

Resumo A artéria subclávia direita aberrante, também conhecida como artéria lusória, é a anomalia do arco aórtico mais comum, ocorrendo entre 0,5 e 1% da população. Possui prevalência em mulheres e normalmente está associada a outras variações anatômicas, como o nervo laríngeo não recorrente, presente em 86,7% dos casos. Em sua maioria, a artéria subclávia direita aberrante não apresenta sintomas. Descrevemos essa alteração em uma paciente de 82 anos, hipertensa e assintomática, que havia sido submetida a uma angiotomografia toracoabdominal para a avaliação de uma dissecção crônica tipo III (DeBakey) associada à dilatação de aorta descendente. No achado, a artéria subclávia direita aberrante apresentava percurso retroesofágico associado a um divertículo de Kommerell. Devido à raridade, realizamos revisão bibliográfica integrativa das bases de dados MEDLINE, UpToDate, LILACS, SciELO e Portal CAPES dos últimos 6 anos e discutimos as alterações anatômicas mais frequentes, a sintomatologia e as condutas terapêuticas adotadas.

Abstract A high frequency of feline leishmaniasis has been reported in several countries. However, much information about disease progression in cats still needs to be clarified. This study aimed to verify the occurrence of clinicopathological changes in cats infected with Leishmania infantum. A total of 60 cats were divided into three groups of 20 animals each: control, suspects, and infected. All 60 cats underwent blood count and biochemical analyses. Serum samples from 20 animals with leishmaniasis were also used to diagnose feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus. A total of five of the infected animals underwent necropsy for a histopathological study. The main clinical findings in cats with leishmaniasis were lymphadenomegaly (65%), alopecia (55%), ulcerative skin lesions and weight loss (40%), skin nodules (25%), a significant reduction in red blood cells (p=0.0005) and hematocrit (p=0.0007), hyperplasia in spleen 4/5(80%), presence of Leishmania in the spleen 2/5(40%), hepatitis 3/5(60%), liver degeneration 4/5(80%) and inflammatory nephropathy 3/5(60%). It was concluded that cats with leishmaniasis presented significant clinical, hematological, and histopathological alterations compatible with L. infantum infection. The observation of lymphadenomegaly, weight loss, skin lesions and low concentration of red blood cells, contributes significantly to the diagnosis and analysis of progression of feline leishmaniasis.

Resumo Uma alta frequência de leishmaniose felina tem sido relatada em vários países. No entanto, muitas informações sobre a progressão da doença em gatos ainda precisam ser esclarecidas. Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a ocorrência de alterações clinicopatológicas em gatos infectados por Leishmania infantum. Um total de 60 gatos foi dividido em três grupos de 20 animais cada: controle, suspeitos e infectados. Todos os 60 gatos foram submetidos à hemograma e testes bioquímicos. Amostras de soro de 20 animais com leishmaniose também foram utilizadas para diagnosticar o vírus da imunodeficiência felina e o vírus da leucemia felina. Um total de cinco dos animais infectados foram necropsiados para estudo histopatológico. Os principais achados clínicos nos gatos com leishmaniose foram linfadenomegalia (65%), alopecia (55%), lesões ulcerativas na pele e emagrecimento (40%), nódulos cutâneos (25%), redução significativa de hemácias (p=0,0005) e hematócrito (p=0,0007), hiperplasia no baço 4/5(80%), presença de Leishmania no baço 2/5(40%), hepatite 3/5(60%), degeneração hepática 4/5(80%) e nefropatia inflamatória 3/5(60%). Concluiu-se que gatos com leishmaniose apresentaram alterações clínicas, hematológicas e histopatológicas significativas compatíveis com infecção por L. infantum. A observação de linfadenomegalia, emagrecimento, lesões cutâneas e baixa concentração de hemácias, contribui significativamente para o diagnóstico e análise da progressão da leishmaniose felina.

This paper presents and analyzes the methodology for teaching the concept of entropy supported by a science fiction text. In previous publications, we have presented ways of articulating Ausubel’s Meaningful Learning and Matthew Lipman’s Education theories, the object of his Philosophy Program. We show how this articulation considers the prerogatives of meaningful learning, linking it to higher-order thinking established by research communities and suggesting aggregating methods. As a theoretical-methodological expansion of these references, we transferred the notion of didactic transposition, via science fiction texts, to reinforce these postulates about teaching and cognition. The translational research involved researchers from the field of Physics teaching and 58 second-year high school students from a public institution. In the pedagogical mediation, as a basis for the discussion of the concept of entropy in the Second Law of Thermodynamics, we use one of the most acclaimed short stories by the popular Russian-American author, Isaac Asimov, entitled “The Last Question”. For data analysis, we resorted to techniques of semantic frequency and medium order of evocation as constructs of a taxonomy for the investigation of social representations arising from the implemented proposition. The results indicated consistency with the perspective of meaningful learning, consolidating reflections for similar interventions and contiguous research.

Este artigo apresenta e analisa metodologia para ensino do conceito de entropia suportada por texto de ficção científica. Em publicações anteriores, apresentamos maneiras de articular as teorias da Aprendizagem Significativa de Ausubel e da Educação de Matthew Lipman, objeto de seu Programa de Filosofia. Mostramos como tal articulação considera prerrogativas da aprendizagem significativa, vinculando-a a pensamento de ordem superior estabelecido por comunidades de investigação e sugerindo métodos agregadores. Como ampliação teórico-metodológica desses referenciais, transladamos a noção de transposição didática, via textos de ficção científica, para reforçar esses postulados acerca do ensino e da cognição. A pesquisa translacional envolveu investigadores da área de ensino de Física e 58 estudantes do segundo ano do Ensino Médio de instituição pública. Na mediação pedagógica, como base à discussão do conceito de entropia da Segunda Lei da Termodinâmica, valemo-nos de um dos mais aclamados contos do popular autor russo-americano, Isaac Asimov, intitulado “A última pergunta”. Para a análise dos dados, recorremos a técnicas de frequência semântica e de ordem média de evocação como construtos de uma taxonomia para a investigação das representações sociais advindas da proposição implementada. Os resultados indicaram coerência à perspectiva da aprendizagem significativa, consubstanciando reflexões para intervenções análogas e pesquisas contíguas.

Resumen: El estrés salino origina una reducción signif icativa en las producciones agrícolas a nivel mundial, por lo que es una prioridad el desarrollo de investigaciones que contribuyan a mitigar sus efectos negativos de manera eco-amigable. Por ello, el objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de dinamizaciones homeopáticas de Natrum muriaticum (NaM) en el índice de tolerancia relativa al estrés salino (ITR) y la ganancia de biomasa vegetal, como tasa de crecimiento (TC) en etapa de desarrollo vegetativo inicial de plantas de frijol común Phaseolus vulgaris L. variedad Quivicán (FC-Q) y frijol Yorimón Vigna unguiculata L., Walp variedad Paceño (FY-P). El experimento se desarrolló en condiciones semi-controladas, con un diseño completamente al azar de arreglo factorial de 2A × 2B × 4C [(A: dos especies-variedad de frijol (Común-Quivicán; Yorimón-Paceño), B: dos niveles de NaCl (0;75mM), C: tres tratamientos homeopáticos (NaM-7CH; NaM-13CH; NaM-7CH+13CH) y agua destilada como tratamiento control (AD)], con cinco réplicas por tratamiento. Se observó una mayor TC en el frijol Común-Q; todos los tratamientos homeopáticos aplicados incrementaron TC con respecto al tratamiento control AD, siendo mayor la respuesta con NaM-7CH. El ITR se incrementó en ambas especies cuando recibieron NaM, siendo mayor en FC-Quivicán, superando al FY-P en biomasa seca de hojas (18%), de tallos (14%) y de raíces (12%). Este estudio demostró que la homeopatía agrícola es una alternativa viable, eco-amigable y de bajo costo, para incrementar la producción de frijol común-Quivican (P. vulgaris L.) y frijol Yorimón-Paceño (V. unguiculata L.) en áreas salinizadas por NaCl.

Summary: Saline stress causes a signif icant reduction in agricultural production worldwide, which is why it is a priority to develop research that contributes to mitigating its negative ef fects in an eco-friendly way. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the ef fect of homeopathic dynamizations of Natrum muriaticum (NaM) on the tolerance index relative to saline stress (ITR) and the gain of plant biomass as growth rate (TC) in the development stage. Initial vegetative stage of common bean plants Phaseolus vulgaris L. variety Quivicán (FC-Q) and bean Yorimón Vigna unguiculata L., Walp variety Paceño (FY-P). The experiment was developed under semi-controlled conditions, with a completely randomized design of factorial arrangement of 2A × 2B × 4C [(A: two bean species-variety (Común-Quivicán; Yorimón-Paceño), B: two levels of NaCl (0; 75mM), C: three homeopathic treatments (NaM-7CH; NaM-13CH; NaM-7CH + 13CH) and distilled water as control treatment (AD)], with f ive replications per treatment. A higher TC was observed in Common-Q beans; All homeopathic treatments applied increased TC with respect to the control AD treatment, the response being greater with NaM-7CH. The ITR increased in both species when they received NaM, being higher in FC-Quivicán, surpassing the FY-P in dry biomass of leaves (18%), stems (14%) and roots (12%). This study demonstrated that agricultural homeopathy is a viable, eco-friendly and low-cost alternative to increase the production of common beans-Quivican (P. vulgaris L.) and Yorimón-Paceño beans (V. unguiculata L.) in areas salinized by NaCl.

Abstract: Biostimulants contain substances that regulate the secondary metabolism of plants. In addition to stimulating plant growth and development, they activate physiological and biochemical functions that help mitigate salt stress in plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mitigating effect of a commercial biostimulant on proline content, total protein and antioxidant enzymatic activity of three varieties of basil subjected to salinity stress with sodium chloride (NaCl). The design used was completely randomized with a factorial arrangement. Factor A were the varieties (Napoletano, Nufar and Emily), factor B the NaCl concentrations (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM) and factor C, the doses of the biostimulant (0 and 0.5 mL L-1) with four repetitions. Proline content, total protein, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity were determined in leaves and roots. The results showed that basil varieties increased proline, CAT, SOD and GPX concentrations as NaCl concentrations were moderate to severe (100 and 150 mM). The plants treated with 0.5 mL L-1 of the biostimulant significantly increased the variables studied, even in the presence of NaCl stress, determining the mitigating action of the biostimulant by promoting greater antioxidant enzymatic activity and an increase in osmoregulatory substances.

Resumen: Los bioestimulantes contienen sustancias que regulan el metabolismo secundario de las plantas. Además de estimular el crecimiento y el desarrollo vegetal, activan funciones fisiológicas y bioquímicas que ayudan a mitigar el estrés salino en las plantas. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto mitigador de un bioestimulante comercial en el contenido de prolina, proteínas totales y actividad enzimática antioxidante de tres variedades de albahaca sometidas a estrés por salinidad con cloruro de sodio (NaCl). El diseño utilizado fue completamente al azar con arreglo factorial. El factor A fueron las variedades (Napoletano, Nufar y Emily), el factor B las concentraciones de NaCl (0, 50, 100 y 150 mM) y el factor C, las dosis del bioestimulante (0 y 0.5 mL L-1) con cuatro repeticiones. El contenido de prolina, proteínas totales y la actividad de superóxido dismutasa (SOD), catalasa (CAT) y glutatión peroxidasa (GPX) se determinaron en hojas y raíces. Los resultados mostraron que las variedades de albahaca aumentaron las concentraciones de prolina, CAT, SOD y GPX conforme las concentraciones de NaCl fueron de moderadas a severas (100 y 150 mM). Las plantas tratadas con 0.5 mL L-1 del bioestimulante, incrementaron significativamente las variables estudiadas, aún en presencia del estrés por NaCl, determinándose la acción mitigadora del bioestimulante al promover una mayor actividad enzimática antioxidante y un aumento de sustancias osmorreguladoras.

Resumo Introdução A estabilidade primária é um dos objetivos da implantodontia moderna e, caso atingida, reduz o tempo de tratamento para a reabilitação protéticas e o número de intervenções realizadas. Diversas empresas preconizam a posição subcrestal no uso de implantes com conexão cônica interna. Objetivo Este estudo in vitro avaliou o efeito do posicionamento de implantes de conexão conica interna sub e equicrestal sob condições estáticas e em função, considerando dois tipos de densidades ósseas. Material e método um total de 200 espécimes de osso extraído do femur de suínos e padronizados por meio de radiografias e microtomografias computadorizadas foram separados em densidade alta e baixa. Implantes foram instalados no centro dos especimes e for a avaliados por meio de microCT e histomorfometria. Resultado Os resultados demonstraram que a colocação de implante subcrestalmente promoveu melhor estabilidade primária e performance em todas as situações, irrespectivamente à densidade óssea. Conclusão A colocação de implantes subcrestalmente melhora a estabilidade primária em todas as situações, sendo indicada quando da utilização de conexões cônicas internas.

Abstract Introduction Primary stability is one of the goals of modern implant dentistry and if achieved, reduces treatment time for prosthetic rehabilitation and the number of interventions made in patients mouth. Several companies state as protocol for connical conection implants, a subcrestally positioning. Objective This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of placing a conical connection implant equicrestally and subcrestally on static and loading condition in two types of bone density. Material and method A total of 200 bone cylinders were extracted from femur of pigs, standardized by means of x-rays and computerized microtomography scan (microCT) and separated in low and high density specimens. The implants were placed on the center of the bone cylinders and were evaluated before and after loading by means of microCT and histomorphometry. Result The results showed that placing the evaluated implant subcrestally provided better primary stability and performance on static and loading situations on low and high density bone. Conclusion Placing implant subcrestally improve primary stability outcomes under loading and static situations.

Abstract A Brazilian Tensile Strength (BTS) laboratory test for meta-andesite was modeled using a Finite/Discrete Element Method (FDEM or FEM-DEM). These hybrid methodologies allow modeling the transition from continuous to discontinuous that happens on mechanical tests of rock samples. This article presents the calibration and the simulation of BTS tests using some parameters previously calibrated on UCS modeling of the same material. Irazu, a two-dimensional software developed by Geomechanica, was used to simulate the tests based on the tensile strength and the fracture pattern. The model shows that, in BTS test simulation, the mode II (shear) happens mainly on the rock-platen contact. The mode I (traction) rules the fractures on the BTS test as observed in laboratory tests. The model represents, with great fidelity, the results obtained in the physical test.

RESUMO Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar de que maneira as práticas corporais podem servir como instrumentos de controle dos corpos na Atenção Primária à Saúde, avaliando os discursos de profissionais da saúde que compõem uma Unidade Básica de Saúde, a partir dos conceitos de biopoder e biopolítica levantados por Michel Foucault. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, caracterizado como um estudo de caso. Foram realizados cinco grupos focais, um com a equipe do Núcleo Ampliado de Saúde da Família e Atenção Básica e quatro com as equipes de Saúde da Família. Para a apreciação dos dados foi utilizada a Análise Temática. A pesquisa revela uma aplicação das práticas corporais ainda pautada em uma matriz biomédica, voltadas para a prevenção, o controle e o tratamento de doenças, com foco nas crônicas não transmissíveis. Tais práticas acabam por configurar dispositivos do biopoder e da biopolítica na Atenção Primária à Saúde, como controladoras dos corpos e como componentes estratégicos de uma medicalização social. No entanto, ao fim, também aponta para as possibilidades de exercícios de resistência e fissuras nas relações de poder estabelecidas nas práticas corporais, tomando-as potências de recriação de outros sentidos, para além daqueles hegemônicos, calcados em discursos biologicistas.

ABSTRACT This work aimed to analyze how body practices can serve as instruments to control bodies in Primary Health Care, evaluating the speeches of health professionals of a Basic Health Unit based on the concepts of biopower and biopolitics raised by Michel Foucault. This is a qualitative study, characterized as a case study. Five focal groups were carried out, with the Extended Family Health and Primary Care Center team and four as Family Health Teams. Thematic Analysis was used to approve the data. The research reveals that body practices continue to be a biomedical tool, aimed at prevention, control and treatment of diseases, focusing on chronic non-communicable diseases. Such practices end up configuring biopower and biopolitics devices in Primary Health Care, as body control and as strategic components of a social medicalization. However, in the end, it also points to the possibilities of resistance exercises and fissures of power relations established in body practices, taking these as a power to recreate other senses in addition to those hegemonic ones based on biologicist discourses.

RESUMO Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar de que maneira as práticas corporais podem servir como instrumentos de controle dos corpos na Atenção Primária à Saúde, avaliando os discursos de profissionais da saúde que compõem uma Unidade Básica de Saúde, a partir dos conceitos de biopoder e biopolítica levantados por Michel Foucault. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, caracterizado como um estudo de caso. Foram realizados cinco grupos focais, um com a equipe do Núcleo Ampliado de Saúde da Família e Atenção Básica e quatro com as equipes de Saúde da Família. Para a apreciação dos dados foi utilizada a Análise Temática. A pesquisa revela uma aplicação das práticas corporais ainda pautada em uma matriz biomédica, voltadas para a prevenção, o controle e o tratamento de doenças, com foco nas crônicas não transmissíveis. Tais práticas acabam por configurar dispositivos do biopoder e da biopolítica na Atenção Primária à Saúde, como controladoras dos corpos e como componentes estratégicos de uma medicalização social. No entanto, ao fim, também aponta para as possibilidades de exercícios de resistência e fissuras nas relações de poder estabelecidas nas práticas corporais, tomando-as potências de recriação de outros sentidos, para além daqueles hegemônicos, calcados em discursos biologicistas.

ABSTRACT This work aimed to analyze how body practices can serve as instruments to control bodies in Primary Health Care, evaluating the speeches of health professionals of a Basic Health Unit based on the concepts of biopower and biopolitics raised by Michel Foucault. This is a qualitative study, characterized as a case study. Five focal groups were carried out, with the Extended Family Health and Primary Care Center team and four as Family Health Teams. Thematic Analysis was used to approve the data. The research reveals that body practices continue to be a biomedical tool, aimed at prevention, control and treatment of diseases, focusing on chronic non-communicable diseases. Such practices end up configuring biopower and biopolitics devices in Primary Health Care, as body control and as strategic components of a social medicalization. However, in the end, it also points to the possibilities of resistance exercises and fissures of power relations established in body practices, taking these as a power to recreate other senses in addition to those hegemonic ones based on biologicist discourses.

RESUMO Introdução: Simulações são amplamente utilizadas na educação médica, mas há pouca evidência de sua eficácia no tratamento de pacientes neurocríticos. Como o acidente vascular cerebral agudo (AVC) é uma patologia que requer atendimento imediato, o uso de simulação pode ser uma ferramenta útil no treinamento do manejo desses pacientes. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto do uso de simulação realística na autopercepção de segurança no atendimento a pacientes vítimas de AVC agudo. Métodos: Estudo antes-depois controlado. No grupo da intervenção, 17 profissionais da área de saúde participaram de um curso de simulação realística de atendimento a pacientes com AVC. Como controles, os participantes foram escolhidos a partir de uma amostra de conveniência composta por 18 participantes do curso Emergency Neurologic Life Support (ENLS) e 20 participantes de um curso de Neurossonologia. Foram respondidos questionários antes e após o curso para avaliar a autopercepção de segurança no atendimento a pacientes vítimas de AVC agudo, variando de 10 a 50 pontos. Foi avaliada a variação entre os resultados pré- e pós-teste, para avaliar a mudança na autopercepção de confiança do trainee no manejo do AVC agudo. Análise multivariada foi realizada para controlar possíveis fatores de confusão. Resultados: Quarenta e seis (83,63%) participantes responderam aos questionários. A pontuação no questionário pós-curso foi maior do que a obtida no questionário pré-curso no grupo de participantes do curso de simulação realística em AVC [mediana do questionário pré-curso: 41,5 (36,7-46,5) e mediana do questionário pós-curso: 47,0 (44,7-48,0); p=0,033]. Essa diferença não foi observada no curso de Neurossonologia [mediana pré-curso (IQR): 46,0 (44,0-47,00), mediana pós-curso (IQR): 46,0 (44,0-47,0); p=0,739] nem no ENLS [mediana pré-curso (IQR): 46,5 (39,0-48,2) mediana pós-curso (IQR): 47,0 (40,2-49,0); p=0,317]. Esses resultados persistiram após ajuste das variáveis. Conclusão: O curso de simulação realística em AVC foi associado a um aumento na autopercepção de segurança dos participantes em atender pacientes vítimas de AVC agudo.

ABSTRACT Background: Simulations are becoming widely used in medical education, but there is little evidence of their effectiveness on neurocritical care. Because acute stroke is a neurological emergency demanding prompt attention, it is a promising candidate for simulation training. Objective: To assess the impact of a stroke realistic simulation course on clinicians’ self-perception of confidence in the management of acute stroke. Methods: We conducted a controlled, before-after study. For our intervention, 17 healthcare professionals participated in a stroke realistic simulation course. As controls, participants were chosen from a convenience sample of attendees to the courses Emergency Neurologic Life Support (ENLS) (18 participants) and Neurosonology (20 participants). All participants responded pre- and post-test questionnaires evaluating their self-perception of confidence in acute stroke care, ranging from 10 to 50 points. We evaluated the variation between pre- and post-test results to assess the change on trainees’ self-perception of confidence in the management of acute stroke. Multivariate analysis was performed to control for potential confounders. Results: Forty-six (83.63%) subjects completed both questionnaires. The post-test scores were higher than those from the pretests in the stroke realistic simulation course group [pretest median (interquartile range - IQR): 41.5 (36.7-46.5) and post-test median (IQR): 47 (44.7-48); p=0.033], but not in the neurosonology [pretest median (IQR): 46 (44-47) and post-test median (IQR): 46 (44-47); p=0.739] or the ENLS [pretest median (IQR): 46.5 (39-48.2), post-test median (IQR): 47 (40.2-49); p=0.317] groups. Results were maintained after adjustment for covariates. Conclusions: This stroke realistic simulation course was associated with an improvement on trainees’ self-perception of confidence in providing acute stroke care.

Abstract Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare malignancy that accounts for about 1.8% of all breast cancer cases. In contrast to the high number of the “omics” studies in breast cancer in women, only recently molecular approaches have been performed in MBC research. High-throughput proteomics based methodologies are promisor strategies to characterize the MBC proteomic signatures and their association with clinico-pathological parameters. In this study, the label-free quantification-mass spectrometry and bioinformatics approaches were applied to analyze the proteomic profiling of a MBC case using the primary breast tumor and the corresponding axillary metastatic lymph nodes and adjacent non-tumor breast tissues. The differentially expressed proteins were identified in the signaling pathways of granzyme B, sirtuins, eIF2, actin cytoskeleton, eNOS, acute phase response and calcium and were connected to the upstream regulators MYC, PI3K SMARCA4 and cancer-related chemical drugs. An additional proteomic comparative analysis was performed with a primary breast tumor of a female patient and revealed an interesting set of proteins, which were mainly involved in cancer biology. Together, our data provide a relevant data source for the MBC research that can help the therapeutic strategies for its management.

Abstract COVID-19 comprises clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection and is highly heterogeneous, ranging from asymptomatic individuals to deceased young adults without comorbidities. There is growing evidence that host genetics play an important role in COVID-19 severity, including inborn errors of immunity, age-related inflammation and immunosenescence. Here we present a brief review on the known order of events from infection to severe system-wide disturbance due to COVID-19 and summarize potential candidate genes and pathways. Finally, we propose a strategy of subject’s ascertainment based on phenotypic extremes to take part in genomic studies and elucidate intrinsic risk factors involved in COVID-19 severe outcomes.