Abstract The campos rupestres (rupestrian grasslands) of the Brazilian Espinhaço Range are renowned for harboring extraordinary plant diversity and endemism, yet many groups representative of this habitat remain taxonomically understudied. Sauvagesia, a predominantly neotropical genus of Sauvagesieae (Ochnaceae), is a classic example. In this study, we refine the long-neglected and problematic taxonomy of the Espinhaço-Range-inhabiting species of Sauvagesia. Our taxonomic treatment includes 24 species of which seven are derived from recently described taxa or new combinations presented herein. For each of the three new combinations from variety into species status, we also provide new lectotypifications. The studied species are remarkably variable in habit, leaf, and floral architectures, and their distribution is often narrowly restricted to particular mountains across the Espinhaço Range, a pattern especially observed in the highly endemic S. subsect. Vellozianae. We provide an updated identification key, distribution maps, photographs, and a discussion of diagnostic morphological features.

Resumo Os campos rupestres da Cadeia do Espinhaço são marcados por possuírem uma extraordinária diversidade vegetal e endemismo, onde grande quantidade de grupos ainda são pouco estudados do ponto de vista taxonômico. É o caso do gênero Sauvagesia, predominantemente neotropical, o maior e mais heterogêneo de Sauvagesieae (Ochnaceae). Neste estudo, tentamos desvendar a taxonomia problemática, há muito negligenciada, das espécies de Sauvagesia no Espinhaço. Nosso tratamento taxonômico registrou 24 espécies, das quais sete provêm de táxons recentemente descritos ou novas combinações aqui apresentadas. Para cada uma das três novas combinações de status de variedade em espécie, nós também fornecemos novas lectotipificações. As espécies estudadas são notavelmente variáveis no hábito, folhas e arquitetura floral e sua distribuição é restrita a algumas montanhas do Espinhaço, um padrão observado especialmente na endêmica S. subseção Vellozianae. Nós fornecemos uma chave de identificação atualizada, mapas de distribuição, fotos e uma discussão de características morfológicas diagnósticas.

ABSTRACT The control of Conyza spp. can be conducted at different times in the soybean crop. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of controlling Conyza spp. by positioning herbicides at different times and their selectivity in the soybean crop. The experiment was conducted under field conditions in a randomized block design with four replications. A first application of 2.4-D + glyphosate (975 + 1500 g of active ingredient [a.i.] ha-1) was conducted, followed by the following treatments: glufosinate (500 g i.a. ha-1), diquat (400 g a.i. ha-1), and saflufenacil + glyphosate (50 + 1500 g a.i. ha-1 ) and a third application of the pre-emergents flumioxazin + imazethapyr (60 + 127 g i. a. ha-1), sulfentrazone + diuron (210 + 420 g a.i. ha-1), diclosulam (35 g a.i. ha-1), and s-metolaclhor (1440 g a.i. ha-1), in addition to the control treatment. High percentages of control were obtained with saflufenacil + glyphosate and diquat. Glufosinate provided satisfactory control seven days after the treatment (DAT) application, with regrowth throughout the evaluations, except when diclosulam was applied. The pre-emergent herbicides reduced the emergence of Conyza spp. resulting in 0.25 plants m-2 when flumioxazin + imazethapyr was applied at 28 DAT. Regardless of the treatment, the soybean crop had no significant phytotoxicity. The management of Conyza spp. with the positioning of herbicides at different times proved to be more efficient when the sequential use of diquat and/or saflufenacil + glyphosate and flumioxazin + imazethapyr in pre-emergence was carried out.

RESUMO O controle de espécies de Conyza spp., pode ser efetuado em diferentes períodos na cultura da soja. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência no controle de Conyza spp. através do posicionamento de herbicidas em diferentes momentos, e sua seletividade na cultura da soja. O experimento foi realizado em campo no delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Foi realizada uma primeira aplicação de 2,4-D + glyphosate (975 + 1500 g de ingrediente ativo [i.a.] ha-1) e na sequencial os tratamentos: glufosinate (500 g i.a. ha-1), diquat (400 g i.a. ha-1) e saflufenacil + glyphosate (50 + 1500 g i.a. ha-1 ) e uma terceira aplicação dos préemergentes flumioxazin + imazethapyr (60 + 127 g i.a. ha-1), sulfentrazone + diuron (210 + 420 g i.a. ha-1), diclosulam (35 g i.a. ha-1) e s-metolaclhor (1440 g i.a. ha-1), além das testemunhas. Altas porcentagens de controle foram obtidas com saflufenacil + glyphosate ou diquat. O glufosinate, proporcionou controle satisfatório 7 dias após a aplicação dos tratamentos (DAT), com rebrotas ao longo das avaliações, exceto quando ocorreu aplicação do diclosulam. Os herbicidas pré-emergentes diminuíram a emergência de Conyza spp. resultando em 0,25 plantas m-2, na aplicação de flumioxazin + imazethapyr aos 28 DAT. Não houve fitotoxicidade significativa na cultura da soja independente do tratamento. O manejo de Conyza spp. através do posicionamento de herbicidas em diferentes momentos, mostrou-se mais eficiente quando realizado a sequencial de diquat e/ou saflufenacil + glyphosate e flumioxazin + imazethapyr em pré-emergência.

ABSTRACT Cabo Delgado, a province that houses one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world, has been the scene of armed attacks by insurgents since 2017, a situation recently classified by the National Defense and Security Council (CNDS) of Mozambique as “external aggression perpetrated by terrorists from the Islamic state". With the present article, we intend to analyze, in fact, the real causes and implications that are behind this war and to bring a reflexive and pragmatic contribution, with theoretical developments related to this situation that we consider problematic. As a methodology, we gave priority to bibliographic and documentary research, aided by semi-structured interviews with refugees sheltered in the neighboring Province of Nampula - Namicopo neighborhood, with a qualitative approach based on a comprehensive and interpretive paradigm, supported by some empirical knowledge. The study shows that internal problems are the genesis of this aggression, contradicting the various narratives that point to the primacy of external factors. The erosion of the family unit, cultural practices, the increase in (extreme) poverty and trauma are the most felt implications. We conclude, based on our analysis, that the insurgency in Cabo Delgado depends primarily on the Government investing in the community, addressing systemic poverty issues and respecting the economic, social and cultural rights of residents.

RESUMO Cabo Delgado, província que alberga uma das maiores reservas de gás natural do mundo é, desde 2017, palco de ataques armados por insurgentes, situação recentemente classificada pelo Conselho Nacional de Defesa e Segurança (CNDS) de Moçambique como “agressão externa perpetrada por terroristas do Estado Islâmico”. Com o presente artigo, pretendemos analisar, de facto, as reais causas e implicações que estão por detrás dessa guerra e trazer um contributo reflexivo e pragmático, com desdobramentos teóricos relativos a essa situação que consideramos problemática. Como metodologia, demos primazia às pesquisas bibliográfica e documental, auxiliadas por entrevistas semiestruturadas aos refugiados acolhidos na vizinha Província de Nampula - bairro de Namicopo, com uma abordagem qualitativa baseada no paradigma compreensivo e interpretativo, suportada por alguns conhecimentos empíricos. O estudo evidencia que os problemas internos são a génese desta agressão, contrariando as diversas narrativas que apontam a primazia de fatores externos. A erosão da unidade familiar, das práticas culturais, o aumento da pobreza (extrema) e o trauma, são as implicações mais sentidas. Concluímos, com base na nossa análise, que a insurgência em Cabo Delgado depende sobretudo do Governo investir na comunidade, dar resposta às questões da pobreza sistémica e respeitar os direitos económicos, sociais e culturais dos residentes.

A chemical investigation of the stem of Waltheria indica (Malvaceae) yielded twelve 4-quinolone alkaloids, which were primarily waltheriones. These were waltherione A (1), waltherione B (2), waltherione C (3), waltherione G (4), waltherione H (5), waltherione J (6), waltherione L (7), waltherione P (8), chamaedrone (9), 8-deoxy-antidesmone (10), antidesmone (11), and the previously unreported alkaloid N-methoxy-waltherione A (12). These alkaloids belong to an unusual class of 4-quinolones and therefore, have chemosystematic significance for distinguishing the Waltheria and Melochia genera from the rest of the Malvaceae family. The ability of the alkaloid isolates to reverse the phenotypic expression of fluconazole-resistance was tested by using a mutant strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that expressed a Candida albicans transporter. Of the isolates tested, waltherione G afforded a positive result. Leishmanicidal activity and bactericidal tests were also performed using the isolated alkaloids, which showed promising results.

RESUMO Introdução: As fístulas arteriovenosas (FAV) são a primeira escolha de acesso vascular para hemodiálise. No entanto, elas apresentam uma alta incidência de estenoses venosas levando à trombose. Embora o treinamento em nefrologia intervencionista possa melhorar a acessibilidade para o tratamento das estenoses venosas, há dados limitados sobre a segurança e a eficácia desta abordagem realizada por nefrologistas treinados em países em desenvolvimento e de baixa renda. Métodos: Este estudo apresenta os resultados retrospectivos de angioplastias de FAV realizadas por nefrologistas treinados em um centro ambulatorial brasileiro de nefrologia intervencionista. O desfecho primário foi a taxa de sucesso técnico (conclusão do procedimento com angioplastia de todas as estenoses) e os desfechos secundários foram taxas de complicação e a patência geral das FAV. Achados: Duzentas e cinquenta e seis angioplastias foram realizadas em 160 FAV. A taxa de sucesso técnico foi de 88,77% e a principal causa de falha técnica foi a oclusão venosa (10%). A incidência de complicações foi de 13,67%, com apenas um paciente necessitando de internação e quatro acessos perdidos devido à presença de hematomas e/ou trombose. Hematomas de grau 1 foram a complicação mais frequente (8,2%). A patência geral encontrada foi de 88,2 e 80,9% a 180 e 360 dias após o procedimento, respectivamente. Conclusão: Nossos achados sugerem que a angioplastia de FAV realizada por nefrologistas treinados tem taxas de sucesso e patência aceitáveis, com uma baixa incidência de complicações maiores, bem como uma baixa necessidade de hospitalização.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) are the first choice vascular access for hemodialysis. However, they present a high incidence of venous stenosis leading to thrombosis. Although training in interventional nephrology may improve accessibility for treatment of venous stenosis, there is limited data on the safety and efficacy of this approach performed by trained nephrologists in low-income and developing countries. Methods: This study presents the retrospective results of AVF angioplasties performed by trained nephrologists in a Brazilian outpatient interventional nephrology center. The primary outcome was technical success rate (completion of the procedure with angioplasty of all stenoses) and secondary outcomes were complication rates and overall AVF patency. Findings: Two hundred fifty-six angioplasties were performed in 160 AVF. The technical success rate was 88.77% and the main cause of technical failure was venous occlusion (10%). The incidence of complications was 13.67%, with only one patient needing hospitalization and four accesses lost due to the presence of hematomas and/or thrombosis. Grade 1 hematomas were the most frequent complication (8.2%). The overall patency found was 88.2 and 80.9% at 180 and 360 days after the procedure, respectively. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that AVF angioplasty performed by trained nephrologists has acceptable success rates and patency, with a low incidence of major complications as well as a low need for hospitalization.

RESUMO: A cigarrinha das raízes, Mahanarva fimbriolata (Stål) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae), é uma das mais importantes pragas da cana-de-açúcar no Brasil. A grandeza de seus danos depende da população, do tamanho da planta ao sofrer o ataque e da tolerância da cultivar. O conhecimento sobre esses parâmetros permite a elaboração da matriz de manejo de cigarrinha das raízes, na qual canaviais de plantas pouco desenvolvidas e cultivares não tolerantes são priorizados para amostragem e controle em relação a canaviais de plantas mais desenvolvidas e variedades tolerantes. Portanto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a reação de cultivares de cana-de-açúcar à M. fimbriolata, para que elas possam ser adequadamente locadas na matriz de manejo. Dois experimentos foram conduzidos em condições de laboratório, usando o delineamento de blocos casualizados com seis (experimento 1) ou cinco (experimento 2) repetições e tratamentos em arranjo fatorial 2×11 (experimento 1) e 2×21 (experimento 2). O primeiro fator foi representado pelos dois níveis de infestação de cigarrinha (infestado e não infestado), enquanto o segundo, pelas cultivares em estudo. As cultivares IACSP01-5503, CTC 9004 e RB925211 foram consideradas tolerantes a M. fimbriolata, visto que a praga não causou redução significativa da massa verde da parte aérea, apesar de ter provocado alguns sintomas de ataque, como amarelecimento de folhas, enquanto CV6654 e IACSP01-3127 foram as cultivares menos tolerantes, pois mostraram as mais altas reduções na massa verde da parte aérea das plantas. Assim, CV6654 e IACSP01-3127 deveriam ser priorizadas na amostragem e controle em relação às demais. Na média, a cigarrinha das raízes provocou 30,9 % de redução na massa verde da parte aérea das plantas.

ABSTRACT: Mahanarva fimbriolata (Stål) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae), the sugarcane spittlebug, is one of the most important pests of this crop in Brazil. The magnitude of its damage depends on the pest population, the plants size when they are infested and the cultivar tolerance. The knowledge about those parameters allows the elaboration of the spittlebug management matrix, in which small plants and less tolerant varieties fields are prioritized for sampling and controlling in relation to developed plants and tolerant varieties fields. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the response of sugarcane genotypes to M. fimbriolata, so that they can be correctly allocated in the management matrix. Two experiments were carried out under laboratory conditions using a randomized block design with treatments in a factorial arrangement of 2×11 (experiment 1) and 2×21 (experiment 2), with six (experiment 1) or five replicates (experiment 2). The first factor included two levels of infestation (infested and noninfested plants with spittlebugs), while the second consisted of the cultivars. Cultivars IACSP01-5503, CTC 9004 and RB925211 were considered tolerant to spittlebug, they did not show significant reductions in aboveground biomass, despite showing symptoms of pest attack, as leaves yellowing, while CV6654 and IACSP01-3127 were the least tolerant cultivars, showing the highest reduction in aboveground biomass due to M. fimbriolata infestation. Thus, CV6654 and IACSP01-3127 should be prioritized for sampling and control over the others. On average, spittlebug infestations caused 30.9 % of reduction of aboveground biomass.

ABSTRACT Phosphorus concentration is one of the main attributes determined in laboratory analyses of soil samples collected in the field. The objective is to develop a soil phosphorus test using a low-cost spectrophotometer and a machine learning technique. For reflectance measurements, a low-cost system consisting of a Sparkfun AS7625x spectrophotometer and an Arduino Uno is used. Ion exchange resins under standard saturated solutions and modified conditions are used to extract phosphorus ions from the soil samples. Reflectance and phosphorus concentrations determined by the reference method are used in the training and testing of a machine learning. A modification procedure of the ion-exchange resin saturation solution allows the establishment of a strong correlation between the reflectance in 18 spectral bands and P concentration of the soil samples. The obtained model uses five reflectance of the modified resins at wavelengths of 410, 460, 560, 705, and 645 nm to predict the phosphorus concentration. This model presents an R2t accuracy of 0.97 in the training stage with an R2v of 0.96, RMSEv of 9.05, and ratio of prediction to deviation) of 3.81 in the test step.

ABSTRACT Mirinaba cadeadensis Lange de Morretes, 1952 is restricted to the Paraná state, and found at the municipalities of Morretes, São José dos Pinhais, Paranaguá, Matinhos, and Guaratuba, associated to the Serra do Mar mountains. In this paper, we report the first record of this species in an anthropogenic shell mound. Two shells of M. cadeadensis were located in the internal stratigraphic layers of the Boguaçu shell mound. This is also the first shell mound record for Mirinaba.

ABSTRACT This study concerns the millipede genus Leptherpum Attems, 1931, which contains nine valid species distributed across the Amazonian rainforest of northeastern South America. The type species L. carinovatum (Attems, 1898) is reexamined based on the type material and high-resolution photographs, including the first scanning electron micrographs of this species. The following three new species are described: Leptherpum tialaura sp. nov. from the state of Pará, Brazil; Leptherpum battirolai sp. nov. from the state of Amazonas, Brazil; and Leptherpum buenovillegasi sp. nov. from the commune of Maripasoula, French Guiana. A brief review of Leptherpum taxonomy and geographic distribution is provided, along with a key to males.

Abstract Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are the latest class of drugs approved to treat type 2 DM (T2DM). Although adverse effects are often caused by a metabolite rather than the drug itself, only the safety assessment of disproportionate drug metabolites is usually performed, which is of particular concern for drugs of chronic use, such as SGLT2i. Bearing this in mind, in silico tools are efficient strategies to reveal the risk assessment of metabolites, being endorsed by many regulatory agencies. Thereby, the goal of this study was to apply in silico methods to provide the metabolites toxicity assessment of the SGLT2i. Toxicological assessment from SGLT2i metabolites retrieved from the literature was estimated using the structure and/or statistical-based alert implemented in DataWarrior and ADMET predictorTM softwares. The drugs and their metabolites displayed no mutagenic, tumorigenic or cardiotoxic risks. Still, M1-2 and M3-1 were recognized as potential hepatotoxic compounds and M1-2, M1-3, M3-1, M3-2, M3-3 and M4-3, were estimated to have very toxic LD50 values in rats. All SGLT2i and the metabolites M3-4, M4-1 and M4-2, were predicted to have reproductive toxicity. These results support the awareness that metabolites may be potential mediators of drug-induced toxicities of the therapeutic agents.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Coronary artery disease has progressively increased among Angolans due to the epidemiological transition resulting from new lifestyles unfavorable to cardiovascular health. Objective: To perform a clinical-angiographic characterization of patients suspected of coronary artery disease undergoing coronary angiography. Method: Retrospective observational study, conducted at Clínica Girassol, with 450 patients who underwent coronary angiography from January 2012 to December 2018. Clinical variables such as sex, age, type of procedure, risk factors, clinical indication, and angiographic features (access route, vessels involved, coronary dominance, treatment strategy and complications) were included. Results: Male sex predominated (71.6%) with a mean age of 59.7±11.2 years. Hypertension was the predominant risk factor (76.0%). Emergency procedures accounted for 56.2% of the interventions; ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (37.3%) was the most frequent. Most of the procedures (81.1%) were performed via the femoral artery. The left anterior descending artery was involved in 37.6% of the cases and right dominance was the most prevalent (94.0%). Femoral hematoma was the most frequent complication (0.9%). Conclusions: The patients who underwent surgery were predominantly male, older, hypertensive, and required urgent procedures, mostly for ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes, with very low rates of complications.

RESUMEN Introducción: La enfermedad arterial coronaria ha experimentado un aumento entre los angolanos debido a la transición epidemiológica resultante de los nuevos estilos de vidas desfavorables para la salud cardiovascular. Objetivo: Realizar una caracterización clínico-angiográfica de los pacientes con sospecha de enfermedad arterial coronaria llevados a coronariografía. Método: Estudio observacional retrospectivo, realizado en la Clínica Girassol, con 450 pacientes llevados a coronariografía durante enero del 2012 a diciembre del 2018. Se incluyeron variables clínicas (sexo, edad, tipo de procedimiento, factores de riesgo, indicación clínica) y angiográficas (vía de acceso, vasos afectados, dominancia coronaria, estrategia de tratamiento y complicaciones). Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino (71,6%) con edad media de 59,7(11,2 años. La hipertensión arterial fue el factor de riesgo predominante (76,0%). El 56,2% de los procedimientos fueron realizados de urgencia siendo el síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del ST (37,3%) el más frecuente. La mayoría de los procedimientos (81,1%) fueron por vía femoral. La descendente anterior estuvo afectada en el 37,6% de los casos y la dominancia derecha fue la más prevalente (94,0%). El hematoma femoral constituyó la complicación más frecuente (0,9%). Conclusiones: En los pacientes intervenidos predominó el sexo masculino, las edades avanzadas, la hipertensión arterial y la realización urgente del procedimiento, mayoritariamente por síndromes coronarios agudos con elevación del segmento ST, con muy baja incidencia de complicaciones.

RESUMO Os mecanismos de defesa bioquímica dos anfíbios envolvem secreções cutâneas de moléculas bioativas com atividade antimicrobiana. Este estudo avaliou a atividade in vitro de extratos metanólicos da secreção cutânea de duas espécies de anfíbios da família Bufonidae, Rhaebo guttatus e Rhinella marina, no controle dos patógenos Fusarium udum, Fusarium solani, Colletotrichum truncatum, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizoctonia solani, Macrophomina phaseolina e Calonectria pseudometrosideri. O extrato de R. guttatus inibiu o crescimento micelial de F. udum, F. solani, A. flavus e M. phaseolina em algumas concentrações testadas. O extrato de R. marina inibiu o crescimento micelial de C. truncatum na concentração de 0,5 mg mL-¹, e inibiu o crescimento micelial de A. flavus nas concentrações de 0,1 e 0,5 mg mL-¹, que foi semelhante à inibição pelo controle positivo. O extrato de R. marina também diminuiu a produção de microescleródios de R. solani nas concentrações de 0,2 e 0,3 mg mL-¹. Além disso, os extratos inibiram a esporulação e germinação de conídios em graus variados. A inibição da formação de apressórios em C. truncatum pelos extratos de R. guttatus e R. marina foi de 85%-99% e 63%-100%, respectivamente. Nossos resultados demonstraram que o tratamento com extratos da secreção cutânea de R. guttatus e R. marina apresentou atividade antifúngica sobre os fitopatógenos estudados.

ABSTRACT The biochemical defense mechanisms of amphibians involve cutaneous secretions of bioactive molecules with antimicrobial activity. This study evaluated the in vitro activity of methanolic extracts from cutaneous secretions of two amphibian species of the Bufonidae family, Rhaebo guttatus and Rhinella marina, in the control of the phytopathogens Fusarium udum, Fusarium solani, Colletotrichum truncatum, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizoctonia solani, Macrophomina phaseolina, and Calonectria pseudometrosideri. The R. guttatus extract decreased the mycelial growth of F. udum, F. solani, A. flavus, and M. phaseolina at some tested concentrations. The R. marina extract decreased the mycelial growth of C. truncatum at the concentration of 0.5 mg mL-¹, and inhibited the mycelial growth of A. flavus at concentrations of 0.1 and 0.5 mg mL-¹, which was similar to the inhibition by the positive control. The R. marina extract also decreased the microsclerotia production by R. solani at concentrations of 0.2 and 0.3 mg mL-¹. In addition, the extracts inhibited conidial sporulation and germination at varying degrees. The inhibition of appressoria formation in C. truncatum by the R. guttatus and R. marina extracts was 85-99% and 63-100%, respectively. Our results demonstrated that treatment with extracts from R. guttatus and R. marina cutaneous secretions showed antifungal activity against the studied phytopathogens.

RESUMO Os índices de vegetação são importantes indicadores da saúde e produtividade das culturas agrícolas. Dentre os tipos de sensores, os sensores proximais podem ser utilizados para tomada de decisão em tempo real. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver um sistema sensor proximal, com base em fototransistor, para obtenção e armazenamento dos índices de vegetação: NDVI (Índice de Vegetação da Diferença Normalizada), SR (Razão Simples), WDRVI (Índice de Vegetação de Larga Escala Dinâmica), SAVI (Índice de Vegetação Ajustado ao Solo) e OSAVI (Índice de Vegetação Ajustado ao Solo Otimizado). O sistema sensor foi desenvolvido utilizando um circuito analógico para realizar a aquisição de dados de reflectância das bandas do vermelho e infravermelho próximo. O sistema sensor foi calibrado, utilizando grama Zoysia japonica, para ajustar seus valores aos de um espectroradiômetro. Desenvolveu-se um algoritmo que calcula os índices de vegetação e armazena os resultados em um arquivo. Avaliou-se a correlação de Pearson entre os índices de vegetação obtidos com o sistema sensor e o espectroradiômetro. Os índices de vegetação apresentaram correlação de Pearson superiores a 0,92 com os valores estimados pelo espectroradiômetro. Nas condições analisadas, o sistema sensor proposto pode ser utilizado na determinação de todos os índices de vegetação abordados.

ABSTRACT Vegetation indexes are important indicators of the health and yield of agricultural crops. Among the sensors used to evaluate vegetation indexes, proximal sensors can be used for real-time decision-making. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop a proximal sensor system based on phototransistors to acquire and store the following vegetation indexes: normalized difference vegetation index, simple ratio, wide dynamic range vegetation index, soil-adjusted vegetation index, and optimized soil-adjusted vegetation index. The sensor system was developed using an analog circuit to acquire reflectance data from red and near-infrared bands. The sensor system was calibrated according to the results of a spectroradiometer, using Zoysia japonica grass as the target. An algorithm that calculates and stores vegetation indexes in a file was developed. The Pearson correlation between the vegetation indexes obtained with the sensor system and the spectroradiometer was evaluated. The vegetation indexes presented a Pearson correlation higher than 0.92 to the estimated values by the spectroradiometer. Under the evaluation conditions, the proposed sensor system could be used to determine all vegetation indexes evaluated.

ABSTRACT Background: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been introduced as useful inflammatory markers to predict the outcome of a wide spectrum of diseases, such as malignancies and cardiovascular pathologies. Limited evidence is available for their role in end-stage renal disease and dialysis patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate NLR and PLR as predictors of mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods: In this retrospective study 122 incident PD patients between 2004 and 2019 were included. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected. Relationships between NLR, PLR and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were evaluated by Spearman correlation test. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis were performed to determine the association of NLR and PLR with all-cause mortality. Results: Mean levels of NLR and PLR were 3.99±2.6 and 195.5±101.7, respectively. Both NLR and PLR were significantly and positively correlated with serum hs-CRP levels (r=0.340, p<0.001 and r=0.360, p<0.001, respectively). The overall mortality rate was 18.9% after a mean follow-up of 30.2±24.0 months. On multivariable modeling, we found that higher NLR (HR=1.662, 95%CI 1.117-2.472) and higher PLR (HR=1.010, 95%CI 1.004-1.015), in addition to lower residual renal function and higher Charlson comorbidity index were significant independent predictors of poor survival, when adjusted for nutritional status. Discussion: In this study, NLR and PLR were validated as inflammatory markers and predicted survival in our PD patients. Our results suggest that NLR might be a better indicator of mortality than PLR.

ABSTRACT There exist two options for digital cameras that can capture the near-infrared (NIR) band. Conventional red–green–blue (RGB, visible bands) cameras with a single sensor provide NIR band visibility based on the removal of the internal NIR-blocking filter. Alternatively, multisensor cameras exist that have a specific sensor for each band. The modified RGB cameras are of a lower price. In this context, the objective of this study was to compare the performance of a modified RGB camera with that of a multisensor camera for obtaining the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in an area with coffee cultivations. A multispectral camera with five sensors and another camera with only one sensor were used. The NDVI of the coffee field was also measured using the GreenSeeker handheld NDVI sensor manufactured by Trimble. The images were calibrated radiometrically based on the targets in shades of gray made of napa, and the NDVI was calculated after image calibration. The calibration curves showed a high coefficient of determination. The NDVI value obtained with the calibrated images from the cameras showed a significant correlation with the values obtained by the GreenSeeker NDVI sensor, making it possible to obtain the variability pattern of the vegetation index. However, the NDVI obtained using the multisensor camera was closer to the NDVI obtained by the GreenSeeker NDVI sensor.