Abstract: The aim of this study was to use microscopic and molecular techniques to evaluate the effects of a single session of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on the alveolar repair process after tooth extraction in rats. The study sample included 84 rats divided into four groups, as follows: a) Control - untreated socket; b) Laser - socket treated using photobiomodulation; c) TBO - socket treated with topic application of the photosensitizer agent, toluidine blue O (TBO); and d) aPDT - socket treated with TBO and laser irradiation. An additional rat was used for thermal mapping during socket irradiation. The animals were euthanatized at 6, 15, and 28 days after unilateral extraction of the upper incisor. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of the connective and bone tissues, blood clot, blood vessel, and inflammatory infiltrate were performed, and real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to study the expression of genes (collagen type I, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase [ALP], runt-related transcription factor 2 [RUNX2], and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) involved in the bone healing process. No statistically significant differences in microscopic and molecular outcomes were observed between the groups (p > 0.05). A positive correlation was seen to exist between blood clot and VEGF (p = 0.000), and a negative correlation was observed between bone tissue and ALP (p = 0.028) and blood vessel and VEGF (p = 0.018). A single session of aPDT in the dental extraction site did not influence the alveolar repair process in rats.

ABSTRACT This study aims to analyze the impact of knowledge and socioeconomic dimensions on entrepreneurial ecosystem dynamics when addressing the emergence of green and ‘traditional’ knowledge-intensive entrepreneurship (KIE). The methodological approach used in the study was quantitative, using structural equation modeling. Our empirical analysis comprises data from 645 municipalities in the state of São Paulo and 1,372 companies participating in the Innovative Research in Small Businesses (PIPE) program administered by the São Paulo Research Foundation (Fapesp). Of these projects, 343 represent green KIE (25% of the total), and 1,029 are traditional KIE, thus allowing a sound comparative analysis. Results confirmed the positive impact of knowledge and socioeconomic dimensions on entrepreneurial ecosystem dynamics. Moreover, findings show a homogeneous pattern in this relationship for cities that do contain green KIE and cities that do not. Hence, it does not seem necessary to promote different ecosystems configurations in order to foster sustainable transitions in entrepreneurial ecosystems. Rather, policies and initiatives targeting technological generation and diffusion in green technologies can likely represent an effective transformational strategy to achieve environment-friendly productive systems.

ABSTRACT We aimed to evaluate the effects of the addition of oregano (Origanum vulgare) or green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) extracts (separately and associated) on feed intake, milk production, and hematological and antioxidant profiles of dairy cows. For that purpose, 16 Holstein and 16 Holstein-Gyr cows with 526.3±10.2 kg and within the first third of lactation were distributed according to a complete block design with measurements repeated in time. Treatments were control (CON), addition of 0.056% of oregano extract (OR), addition of 0.028% of green tea extract (GT), addition of a mixture of OR and GT extract (0.056% each) in the diet (MIX). Hematological and antioxidant profiles were monitored. Data were subjected to ANOVA, with block, treatment, days, and their interactions considered as fixed effects and animal and the residue as random effects. In Holstein cows, GT increased feed intake and milk yield compared with CON; in Holstein-Gyr crossbred cows, OR showed increased intake and GT increased milk yield compared with CON. Compared with CON, GT and OR decreased eosinophils concentration; OR showed the highest neutrophils concentration and neutrophils to leukocyte ratio. Compared with CON, OR presented increased catalase (CAT) activity, while GT increased the reduced glutathione concentration. The MIX treatment reduced CAT activity compared with OR, presented the lowest concentration of oxidized dichlorofluorescein in the erythrocytes (DCFER) and plasma (DCFPLA), and increased eosinophils concentration compared with GT and OR. Extracts differently affected feed intake and milk yield depending on genetic group. Feeding green tea and oregano extracts separately or associated distinctly affects the antioxidant indicators of lactating dairy cows.

Abstract Research on the concept of entrepreneurial universities has dedicated significant attention to understand how academic ecosystems shape the propensity of its members to establish new ventures. In this article we look at a prior step of the entrepreneurial event, i.e., how universities’ dynamics and initiatives related to entrepreneurship affect the proclivity of faculty to engage in entrepreneurship support. We propose and validate a conceptual model that directly relates the university ecosystem with faculty engagement, having entrepreneurial experience of faculty as a moderator and analyzing differences between public and private institutions. Data comprises information from 680 faculty members of over 70 higher education institutions from all regions of Brazil. Analyses were performed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equations Modeling. Results point to a strong positive relation between developed university ecosystems and the engagement of faculty with entrepreneurial activities, especially for individuals with stronger entrepreneurial experience. No differences were found between private and public institutions. From a practical standpoint, it is possible to identify more effective, innovative, and systematic ways to implement intrapreneurial practices in universities.

ABSTRACT: Florid osseous dysplasia (FOD) is an extensive form of osseous dysplasia where normal trabecular bone is substituted by fibrous connective tissue and amorphous mineralized tissue. Usually, the lesions are mainly asymptomatic and the patients should be followed with clinical and imaging examination, requiring no intervention. Nevertheless, due to the poor vascularization of the lesion and local trauma, secondary infections and osteomyelitis may occur. Patients may present with pain, mucosal ulceration, and lesion exposure in the oral cavity, fistula and swelling. In such cases, correct diagnosis and management of the lesion is decisive to reestablish patient’s health and quality of life. The aim of this article is to present a case of complicating secondary chronic osteomyelitis treated successfully with conservative intervention. A 68-year-old black female patient reported a “swelling of the gums” that was present for eleven years, with episodes of periodic pain and swelling. On physical examination, a papule with suppuration in the alveolar mucosa in the right side of the mandible was observed. Panoramic radiography and CBCT showed a mixed lesion surrounded by sclerotic bone. The patient was diagnosed with chronic osteomyelitis in association with FOD and treated with antibiotic therapy together with surgical curettage. The incidence, etiophatology, differential diagnosis, treatment and prevention of secondary osteomyelitis associated with FOD are discussed in the light of literature. This information might assist the dentists while choosing the best treatment options for similar cases.

RESUMEN: La displasia ósea florida (DOF) es una forma de displasia del tejido óseo donde el hueso trabecular normal es sustituido por tejido conectivo fibroso y por tejido mineralizado amorfo. En general, las lesiones son de origen asintomático y los pacientes deben ser controlados con exámenes clínicos. Sin embargo, debido a la vascularización deficiente de la lesión y el trauma local, pueden ocurrir lesiones secundarias y osteomielitis. Los pacientes pueden presentar dolor, ulceración de la mucosa, lesión expuesta en la cavidad oral, fístula y edema. En estos casos, el diagnóstico adecuado y el tratamiento de la lesión es decisivo para estabilizar la salud y la calidad de la vida. El objetivo de este artículo fue presentar un caso de complicación secundaria crónica de la osteomielitis tratada con tratamiento conservador. Una paciente de 68 años de edad, negra, informa de "hinchazón de las encías" que presentaba durante once años, con episodios de dolor. En el examen intra-oral se observó una pápula con supuración en la mucosa alveolar del lado derecho de la mandíbula. Además de la radiografía panorámica y tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (TCHC) se tomaron muestras de la lesión debido a observación de hueso esclerótico. El paciente fue diagnosticado con una infección por osteomielitis en asociación con DOF y fue tratada con antibióticos, además de una cirugía curativa. En este artículo se presentaron la incidencia, el diagnóstico diferencial, el tratamiento y la prevención de los efectos secundarios de osteomielitis asociados con el DOF. La información de este trabajo podría ayudar a los dentistas en la aplicación del tratamiento indicado en casos similares.

ABSTRACT Background: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a curative treatment for many patients with hematological disorders. Donor–recipient genetic disparity, especially involving the human leukocyte antigen system is a critical factor for transplant outcome. Objective: To evaluate retrospectively donor characteristics and correlations with the occurrence of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease, disease-free survival and overall survival in a Brazilian population submitted to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation between 1994 and 2012 in a single center. Results: Three hundred and forty-seven consecutive transplantations were included. Related transplants (81.2%) were significantly more common than unrelated transplants (18.7%); donor and recipient median ages were 34 (range: 1–61) and 33 (range: 3–65) years respectively with donor HLAs being matched for 333 (95.9%) patients. Donor gender, cytomegalovirus status and ABO incompatibility did not influence the five-year overall survival. In univariate analyses, overall survival was negatively influenced by the presence of acute graft-versus-host disease (33% vs. 47%, respectively; p-value = 0.04), unrelated transplant (41.5% vs. 50.9%, respectively; p-value = 0.045) and donors aged over 40 years (41% vs. 52%, respectively; p-value = 0.03). Older donors were associated with a higher rate of acute (52% vs. 65.8%; p-value = 0.03) and chronic graft-versus-host disease (60% vs. 43%, respectively; p-value = 0.015). In multivariate analyses, acute graft-versus-host disease [relative risk (RR): 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1–29; p-value = 0.008] and older donors (RR: 1.6; 95% CI 1.11–2.24; p-value = 0.013) were associated with higher transplant-related mortality. Conclusions: In transplant patients, to have a donor older than 40 years of age seems to significantly increase the incidence of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease and transplant-related mortality with no impact on disease-free survival and overall survival. In spite of the rather small cohort of patients, these findings are similar to what is described in the literature suggesting that a younger donor should be chosen whenever possible.

Introduction: The use of breast expander, prior to the final prosthetic reconstruction, is not exempt from complications. They not only relate to the presence of peri-operative radiation therapy, or patient-related issues; but also related to the muscle integrate coverage of the breast expander. Material and methods: Retrospective review of patients undergoing deferred breast reconstruction using a modification of the technique of sub muscular pocket closing with oxidized regenerated cellulose NU-KNIT TM for the breast expander. Between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015 one plastic surgeon (J.V.), from the Breast Pathology Unit at Clínica Alemana de Santiago, performed reconstruction surgeries with this technique in 31 patients. In the present article, the technique modification, demographic data, histological data and the complications which arose during the expansion phase of the same, will be described. Results: 40 breast reconstructions were performed in 31 patients. 11 seromas (27.5% of total expanders), 2 sufferings of skin flap wound dehiscence (5% expanders) and 1 wound infection (2.5% of expanders) were presented. Two patients required surgical debridement due to surgical dehiscence and infection. One patient required explantation of the expander (2.5% of total expanders). Discussion: The modification of the surgical technique represents a safe and reproducible alternative to achieve a complete closure of the muscular pocket and thus a complete coverage of the expander, consequently; avoiding some of the secondary complications drawn from an insufficient coverage of the expander.

Introducción: El uso de expansor mamario, previo a la reconstrucción definitiva con prótesis, no está exento de complicaciones. Las mismas no solo tienen relación con la presencia de radioterapia perioperatoria, o factores propios de las pacientes, sino que también guardan relación con la cobertura muscular íntegra del expansor mamario. Material y métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de pacientes sometidas a reconstrucción mamaria diferida utilizando una modificación de la técnica del cierre de bolsillo submuscular con celulosa oxidada regenerada NU-KNIT® de expansor mamario. Entre el 1 de enero de 2014 y el 31 de diciembre de 2015 un solo cirujano plástico (J.V.) de la Unidad de Patología Mamaria de la Clínica Alemana de Santiago realizó reconstrucción con dicha técnica en 31 pacientes. Se describe la modificación de la técnica, así como los datos demográficos, histológicos y complicaciones de la fase de expansión de las mismas. Resultados: Se realizaron 40 reconstrucciones mamarias en 31 pacientes. Se presentaron 11 seromas (27,5% del total de los expansores), 2 sufrimientos de colgajo cutáneo con dehiscencia de la herida (5% de los expansores) y una infección de la herida operatoria (2,5% de los expansores). Dos pacientes requirieron aseo quirúrgico por dehiscencia e infección. Una paciente requirió explantación del expansor (2,5% del total de los expansores). Discusión: La modificación de la técnica quirúrgica representa una alternativa segura y reproducible para lograr un cierre total del bolsillo muscular y con ello la cobertura completa del expansor, evitando así algunas de las complicaciones descritas secundarias a una cobertura insuficiente del mismo.

RESUMO: A presença de anticorpos contra Neospora caninum, Sarcocystis spp. e Toxoplasma gondii foi avaliada em búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) no estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Região Sul do Brasil. Amostras de soro de 220 bubalinos foi analisada para presença de anticorpos, através de reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI). Foram consideradas positivas as amostras que apresentaram títulos de anticorpos maiores ou iguais a 100, para os protozoários estudados. Um total de 60,5% (133/220) das amostras sorológicas dos búfalos foram positivas para pelo menos um dos parasitas pesquisados. Anticorpos para N. caninum, Sarcocystis spp. e T. gondii foram encontrados em 36,4% (80/220); 25,5% (56/220) e 16,8% (37/220) dos búfalos respectivamente, indicando que houve uma maior frequência de infecção de N. caninum em relação aos demais protozoários (p=0.0133). A RIFI é um método adequado para o diagnóstico sorológico da infecção por N. caninum, Sarcocystis spp. e T. gondii em búfalos. Este estudo demonstrou a presença destes três protozoários em bubalinos no RS, Brasil, que pode ser fonte de infecção para outros animais. A elevada ocorrência de animais positivos para N. caninum é importante e pode estar relacionada a problemas reprodutivos. Adicionalmente, a presença de Sarcocystis spp. e T. gondii em búfalos, pode significar um possível problema de saúde pública.

ABSTRACT: The presence of antibodies against Neospora caninum, Sarcocystis spp. and Toxoplasma gondii was evaluated in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from Rio Grande do Sul state (RS), southern Brazil. Serum samples (n=220) were analyzed for antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Antibody presence was considered when the titers were equal or higher than 100 for these protozoa. A total of 60.5% (133/220) buffalo serum samples were positive for at least one of the protozoa evaluated in this study. Antibodies for N. caninum, Sarcocystis spp. and T. gondii were found in 36.4% (80/220), 25.5% (56/220) and 16.8% (37/220) of the buffaloes respectively, indicating a higher frequency of N. caninum infection (p=0.0133). The IFAT is a suitable method to diagnose N. caninum, Sarcocystis spp. and T. gondii infection in buffaloes for detecting IgG antibodies. This study demonstrates the presence of these three protozoa in buffalo herds in RS, Brazil, which may be source of infection to other animals. The high frequency of animals positive for N. caninum is important and could be related to reproductive problems. Additionally, the presence of Sarcocystis spp. and T. gondii in buffaloes can be a possible public health issue.

Objetivo Estimar a prevalência de hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) e fatores associados em idosos de Campina Grande/Paraíba. Métodos Estudo transversal, de base populacional. Foram verificadas prevalências de HAS diagnosticada, referida, controlada e associações com variáveis sociodemográficas. Resultados Foram avaliados 806 idosos. A HAS diagnosticada associou‐se ao sexo feminino, grupo etário 70‐79 anos e menos de 8 anos de estudo. A HAS referida associou‐se ao sexo feminino e à etnia não branca. A HAS controlada associou‐se à etnia branca e a 8 anos ou mais de estudo. Conclusão Idosos apresentaram elevadas prevalências de HAS e baixo controle da doença.

Objective To estimate the prevalence of high blood pressure (HBP) and associated factors in older subjects of Campina Grande/Paraíba. Methods This is a cross‐sectional population‐based study. Prevalence of diagnosed, self‐reported and controlled HBP and associations with sociodemographic variables were observe. Results This study included 806 older subjects. Diagnosed HBP was associated with female gender, age group 70‐79 years and schooling less than 8 years of study. Self‐reported HBP was associated with female gender and nonwhite ethnicity. Controlled hypertension was associated with white ethnicity and schooling of eight years or more. Conclusion Elderly subjects in this study showed high prevalence of hypertension and poor control of the disease.

Background: Cyclosporine and tacrolimus are limited by a narrow therapeutic window. Maintaining immunosuppressive drugs at desired levels may be difficult. Pharmaceutical care emerges as a philosophy of practice that enhances medication use and leads to a better control of serum concentration. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the impact of pharmaceutical care in the maintaining of proper serum levels of immunosuppressive medications in patients who have undergone allo-HSCT. Methods: The study had a quasi-experimental design that included a comparison group. The service model used was pharmacotherapy follow-up, according to an adaptation of the Dader method. The pharmacist consultation was carried out at a day-hospital or at the outpatient hematology clinic as needed. The intervention group consisted of 22 patients seen by a clinical pharmacist. The control group consisted of 44 patients that received standard care. This study aims to evaluate the impact of pharmaceutical care on keeping patient serum levels of cyclosporine and tacrolimus within the desired range. Results: Control group displayed 65% of the proper serum levels of immunosuppressive agents. While In intervention group, the figure was 82% (p = 0.004). Conclusion: The role of the pharmacist in the multidisciplinary team may contribute to a greater success in attaining the patients' therapeutic targets with regard to the use of immunosuppressant.

La poda en el cultivo de lulo ha sido poco estudiada en procura de aumentar la producción, siendo esta una de las especies frutales con mayor potencialidad en Colombia. Con el fin de encontrar la poda que origina el mayor número de frutos, rendimiento e ingreso bruto se evaluaron plantas en el municipio de San Antonio del Tequendama (Cundinamarca, Colombia). Se utilizó un diseño experimental de bloques completos al azar con arreglo factorial 3x3+1, en donde el primer factor correspondió al número de tallos por planta (3, 4 y 5) y el segundo fue el número de racimos por planta (20, 30 y 40), más un testigo sin poda. Se evaluaron las variables número y peso de frutos (rendimiento) en las diferentes categorías de calidad (extra, primera a quinta), establecidas para este cultivo. Se encontró que las plantas con 20 racimos desarrollaron el menor número de frutos y producción por planta, pero compensado con una proporción alta de frutos en la categoría extra. El testigo produjo el número de frutos más alto (213/planta), pero con la mayor proporción en las categorías de calidades inferiores (tercera a quinta) y, además, el rendimiento de las plantas sin poda (38,6 t ha-1) fue significativamente menor que en las plantas con 30 o 40 racimos, independiente del número de tallos. Podando las plantas a 40 racimos y dejando 4 o 5 tallos, se produjo no solamente el mayor rendimiento de frutos (53,8 y 53,9 t ha-1, respectivamente), sino también el valor comercial más alto de la producción.

Pruning in lulo crops has been little studied in terms of increasing production, especially since this species is one of the fruits with higher potential in Colombia. To find out if pruning causes the greatest number of fruits, the yield and gross income of plants were evaluated in the municipality of San Antonio del Tequendama (Cundinamarca, Colombia). The experimental design used completely randomized blocks with a factorial arrangement of 3x3+1, where the first factor corresponded to the number of stems per plant (3, 4, and 5) and the second factor was the number of clusters per plant (20, 30, 40), along with a control without pruning. The measured variables were number of fruits, fruit weight (yield) and different categories of fruit quality (extra, first to fifth category). It was found that the treatments with 20 clusters per plant developed the lowest number of fruits and total fruit production per plant, but this was compensated for by having the highest proportion of fruits in the extra category. The control produced the highest fruit number (213/plant), but it also had the highest proportion of fruits in the lower categories (third to fifth). Also, the yield of the plants without pruning (38.6 t ha-1) was significantly lower than that of the plants with 30 or 40 clusters, irrespective of the number of stems. Pruning the plants to 40 clusters, leaving 4 to 5 stems, not only produced the highest fruit yield (53.8 and 53.9 t ha-1, respectively), but also had the highest commercial production value.

La feijoa es una planta con un alto grado de adaptación a las condiciones agroecológicas de la zona andina y, a pesar del aumento de la demanda nacional e internacional, son muchos los aspectos que faltan por conocer acerca de su fisiología. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar la tasa de transpiración, la densidad estomática y los factores ambientales asociados, en los estratos superior e inferior de la copa de árboles de feijoa, en un cultivo localizado en Tibaná (Boyacá, Colombia), bajo condiciones de campo. Se realizaron mediciones de la temperatura foliar, la tasa de transpiración, la irradiancia y la humedad relativa (HR) en los dos estratos, durante 7 horas, del día (8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 am, 12:00 m, 1:00 y 2:00 pm). En el estrato superior, se observó mayor tasa de transpiración y mayor número promedio de estomas, 91/mm² vs. 78/mm² del inferior. La transpiración foliar aumentó de manera directa con el incremento de la temperatura (siendo mayor en el estrato superior que en el inferior) y con la irradiancia, en tanto que aumentó a medida que disminuyó la humedad relativa.

Pineapple guava is a plant with a high adaptation to environmental conditions of the Andean region. Although there exists an increased national and international demand, there are many physiological aspects that still need to be known. This study aimed to evaluate the transpiration rate, the density of stomata, and the associated environmental factors in the upper and lower stratum of the tree crown of the pineapple guava crop in Tibaná municipality (Boyacá, Colombia), under open air conditions. Measurements were made of leaf temperature, transpiration rate, irradiance and relative humidity (RH) in two strata during 7 daily hours (8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 and 14:00 h). The upper stratum showed a higher transpiration rate and a major average number of stomata, 91/mm² vs. 78/mm² in the lower stratum. Leaf transpiration increased directly with increasing temperature (more in the upper stratum than in the lower stratum) and with the irradiance; while transpiration increased as the relative humidity decreased.

FUNDAMENTO: No atendimento ao episódio sincopal é necessário estratificar o risco para melhor diferenciar pacientes que necessitam de internação hospitalar daqueles que podem ser liberados. Os critérios utilizados pelos médicos avaliadores desses pacientes em emergências cardiológicas em nosso meio são desconhecidos. OBJETIVOS: Analisar quais os critérios adotados para internação hospitalar, diferenciá-los dos utilizados nos pacientes liberados e compará-los com os preditores de alto risco definidos pelo escore de OESIL já validado para esse fim. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal em pacientes diagnosticados com síncope na emergência em nossa instituição no ano de 2011. RESULTADOS: Dos 46.476 atendimentos realizados naquele ano, 216 foram descritos como síncope. Dos 216 pacientes analisados, 39% foram internados, sendo que as principais variáveis associadas à admissão foram síncope prévia, doença cardíaca conhecida, história negativa para acidente vascular encefálico no passado, ECG alterado e possuir plano de súde. Na comparação internação contra não internação, os escores OESIL 0-1 foram associados a maior chance de liberação hospitalar; os escores 2-3 apresentaram maior associação com internação. Um escore OESIL >2 demonstrou razão de chances 7,8 vezes maior de internação comparado com o escore 0 (p < 0,001; IC95%: 4,03-15,11). Aproximadamente 39% dos pacientes não tiveram definição etiológica e em 18% foi identificada uma causa cardiológica. CONCLUSÕES: Fatores como doença cardiovascular conhecida, história sincopal prévia, ausência de AVC prévio, possuir seguro de saúde e eletrocardiograma alterado foram os critérios utilizados pelos médicos em emergência para indicar internação hospitalar. Houve boa correlação entre os critérios clínicos e os critérios de risco do OESIL descritos na literatura.

BACKGROUND: Risk stratification of a syncopal episode is necessary to better differentiate patients needing hospitalization of those who can be safely set home from the emergency department. Currently there are no strict guidelines from our Brazilian medical societies to guide the cardiologist that evaluate patients in an emergency setting. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the criteria adopted for defining the need for hospitalization and compare them with the predictors of high risk for adverse outcome defined by the OESIL score that is already validated in the medical literature for assessing syncope. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of patients diagnosed with syncope during emergency department evaluation at our institution in the year 2011. RESULTS: Of the 46,476 emergency visits made in that year, 216 were due to syncope. Of the 216 patients analyzed, 39% were hospitalized. The variables associated with the need of hospital admission were - having health care insurance, previous known cardiovascular disease, no history of prior stroke, previous syncope and abnormal electrocardiograms during the presentation. In comparison with those not admitted OESIL scores of 0-1 were associated with a greater chance of emergency discharge; 2-3 scores showed greater association with the need of hospitalization. A score > 2 OESIL provided an odds ratio 7.8 times higher for hospitalization compared to score 0 (p <0.001, 95% CI:4,03-15,11). In approximately 39% no etiological cause for syncope was found and in 18% cardiac cause was identified. CONCLUSIONS: Factors such as cardiovascular disease, prior history of syncope, health insurance, no previous stroke and abnormal electrocardiograms, were the criteria used by doctors to indicate hospital admission. There was a good correlation between the clinical judgment and the OESIL criteria for high risk described in literature.

FUNDAMENTO: A avaliação da função Ventricular Direita (VD) pelo ecocardiograma em pacientes com Tromboembolismo Pulmonar (TEP) é complexa, frequentemente qualitativa; o Doppler tecidual tem sido utilizado para avaliação semiquantitativa dessa câmara, com algumas limitações. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a função do VD no TEP pelo ecocardiograma com Doppler tecidual, complementando com o peptídeo atrial natriurético (BNP). MÉTODOS: Foram estudados pacientes com TEP pelo ecocardiograma com Doppler tecidual e BNP até 24 horas do diagnóstico, obtendo-se as velocidades miocárdicas (s'), strain, strain rate e índice de performance miocárdica do VD; disfunção do VD foi iagnosticada por hipocinesia da câmara, movimento anormal septal e relação VD/VE >1. De acordo com o BNP os pacientes foram divididos em Grupo I, BNP < 50 pg/mL e Grupo II, BNP > 50 pg/mL. RESULTADOS: De 118 pacientes, 100 (60 homens, idade = 55 ± 17 anos) foram analisados; observou-se disfunção do VD em 28%, mais frequentemente no grupo II (19 vs. 9 pacientes, p < 0,001). O grupo II era mais idoso (64 ± 19 vs. 50 ± 15 anos), apresentava menor velocidade de s' (10,5 ± 3,5 vs. 13,2 ± 3,1 cm/s) e maior pressão pulmonar (48 ± 11 vs. 35 ± 11 mmHg), p < 0,001 para todos. O ponto de corte de s' para disfunção do VD foi de 10,8 cm/s (especificidade = 85%, sensibilidade = 54%), com moderada correlação entre o BNP e a onda s'(r = -0,39). CONCLUSÃO: No TEP, a disfunção do VD pelo ecocardiograma se acompanha de elevação do BNP; apesar confirmar adequadamente a presença de disfunção do VD, o Doppler tecidual apresenta sensibilidade limitada para este diagnóstico.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of the right ventricular (RV) function by echocardiography in patients with pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is complex and frequently qualitative. Tissue Doppler has been used for the semiquantitative assessment of this chamber, although with some limitations. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate RV function in PTE using tissue-Doppler echocardiography, in addition to atrial natriuretic peptide (BNP). METHODS: Patients with PTE were studied using tissue-Doppler echocardiography and BNP up to 24 hours after diagnosis; myocardial velocities (s'), strain, strain rate and RV myocardial performance index were obtained. RV dysfunction was diagnosed by chamber hypokinesia, abnormal septal motion and a RV/LV ratio >1. According to their BNP levels, the patients were divided into Group I, BNP < 50 pg/mL and Group II, BNP > 50 pg/mL. RESULTS: Of 118 patients, 100 (60 men, age = 55 ± 17 years) were analyzed; RV dysfunction was observed in 28%, more frequently in group II (19 vs. 9 patients, p < 0.001). Patients in group II were older (64 ± 19 vs. 50 ± 15 years), and had lower s' velocity (10.5 ± 3.5 vs. 13.2 ± 3.1 cm/s), and higher pulmonary pressure (48 ± 11 vs. 35 ± 11 mmHg), p < 0.001. The cut-off point of s' for RV dysfunction was 10.8 cm/s (specificity = 85%, sensitivity = 54%), with moderate correlation between BNP and s' wave (r = -0.39). CONCLUSION: In PTE, RV dysfunction on echocardiography is accompanied by BNP elevation; although tissue-Doppler imaging adequately confirms the presence of RV dysfunction, it has a limited sensitivity for this diagnosis.

A conversão de biomassas agroindustriais em bioetanol com consequente valorização de rejeitos e resíduos, tem sido objeto de estudos de várias pesquisas realizadas no Brasil e no mundo. Neste trabalho foi avaliada a potencialidade do uso da polpa e da casca da banana (Musa cavendishii ), tanto in natura como previamente hidrolisada por ácido e enzimas, como substrato da fermentação alcoólica. Os rendimentos médios em bioetanol (em base úmida de biomassa) obtidos com a polpa (0,48 ± 0,05 g g-1) e com a casca (0,34 ± 0,11 g g-1), ambos in natura, possibilitaram a eficiência do processo de conversão, da ordem de 95% do rendimento teórico. A produtividade máxima alcançada em bioetanol foi de 3,0 ± 0,7 g L-1 h-1 com o uso da polpa e de 1,32 ± 0,03 g L-1 h-1 com a casca. Nas condições operacionais avaliadas o pretratamento dos resíduos com ácido sulfúrico não é recomendado para a produção de bioetanol.

The conversion of agroindustrial biomasses in bioethanol with consequent enrichment of wastes has been the object of various research projects conducted in Brazil and around the world. This study evaluated the potential of the Musa cavendishii banana pulp and peels using in natural state and also waste previously hydrolyzed by acid and enzimes, as substrate of alcoholic fermentation. The mean bioethanol yields (on wet biomass base), obtained with the pulp (0.48 ± 0.05 g g-1) and with the peels (0.34 ± 0.11 g g-1), both in natural state, enabled a conversion process efficiency to the order of 95% of theoretical yield. Maximum value reached in bioethanol was 3.0 ± 0.7 g L-1 h-1 with pulp and 1.32 ± 0.03 g L-1 h-1 with peels. Under the evaluated operating conditions, the pre-treatment of wastes with sulfuric acid is not recommended for bioethanol production.