Abstract Introduction: The expansion of higher education in Brazil is recent. In the medical field, with the advent of the “Mais Médicos” Program, this expansion became feasible and culminated with the publication of new National Curricular Guidelines (DCN, Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais) for undergraduate medical courses. The Pedagogical Course Project (PCP) translates what is accomplished in the course and works as an instrument of communication between the institution and society. The analysis of the PCPs of Higher Education Institutions provides the identification of elements that point to the convergence or move away from the changes proposed by the DCN 2014. Objective: To describe demographically in Brazil the number of public and private medical courses by state and region of the federation, the number of available vacancies, and access to the PCPs of these schools through a systematized methodology. Method: A study was carried out in all institutions with medical courses in Brazil by the year 2021. The search for the PCPs was carried out in the institutional website. In case of lack of information, an electronic message was sent to the medical course coordination. When it was not possible to contact the coordinator directly through the institutional website, a message was sent to the coordinator by accessing their curriculum lattes. Results: A total of 336 medical schools were identified, 115 (34.2%) of which were public and 226 (65.8%) private ones. A higher concentration of courses was observed in the southeast region (41.3%), followed by the northeast region (24.6%). Of the public institutions, the northeast region has the highest concentration of schools (35.6%), followed by the southeast region (26%). The opposite was observed regarding the private institutions. A total of 134 PCPs were obtained (39.8% of the total), 83% from public schools and 17% from private ones. Conclusion: Although the availability of the pedagogical information document on the institution’s website is an obligation, this was not verified in reality, which makes it necessary to implement policies for valuing and monitoring PCP availability, thus facilitating its access by the most interested parties: students, the academic community and researchers in the field of medical education.

Resumo: Introdução: A ampliação da educação superior no Brasil é recente. Na área médica, com o advento do Programa Mais Médicos, essa expansão tornou-se viável e culminou com a publicação de novas Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais (DCN) para o curso de graduação em Medicina. O projeto pedagógico do curso (PPC) traduz o que se realiza no curso e funciona como instrumento de comunicação entre a instituição e a sociedade. A análise dos PPC das instituições de ensino superior propicia a identificação de elementos que apontam para convergência ou se afastam do preconizado nas mudanças pretendidas pelas DCN de 2014. Objetivo: Este estudo descreve demograficamente no Brasil o número de cursos de Medicina públicos e privados por estado e região da Federação, o número de vagas disponíveis e o acesso aos PPC dessas escolas por meio de metodologia sistematizada. Método: Realizou-se um levantamento de todas as faculdades com curso de Medicina no Brasil, no ano de 2021. A procura dos PPC foi realizada no site institucional. Em caso de ausência da informação, encaminhamos mensagem eletrônica à coordenação do curso de Medicina. Na indisponibilidade de contato direto com a coordenação pelo site institucional, encaminhamos mensagem ao coordenador por meio do acesso ao seu Currículo Lattes. Resultado: Foram identificadas 336 escolas médicas, 115 (34,2%) públicas e 226 (65,8%) privadas. Observamos a maior concentração de cursos na Região Sudeste (41,3%), seguida da Região Nordeste (24,6%). Das instituições públicas, o Nordeste é a região que mais concentra as escolas (35,6%), seguida da Região Sudeste (26%). Quanto às instituições privadas, ocorre o inverso. Obteve-se um total de 134 PPC (39,8%), sendo 111 (83%) das escolas públicas e 23 (17%) das privadas. Conclusão: Embora a disponibilização do documento de informação pedagógica no site da instituição seja obrigatória, isso não foi verificado em realidade, o que corrobora a necessidade de políticas de valorização e fiscalização da disponibilidade do PPC para facilitar o seu acesso pelos maiores interessados: alunos, comunidade acadêmica e pesquisadores da área da educação médica.

This article explores the magnetic field sensor embedded in mobile phones, and presents some ways to use it together with straightforward software applications. Measurements are processed with features such as averages, georeferencing coordinates, data exporting, visualization, etc, by means of an open-source tool. Covering the hardware part, the sensor magnitude calibration and also its frequency response are discussed. All materials and elements are affordable and easily available. Results show the high potential of its use in class and also for research applications. phones applications averages coordinates exporting visualization etc opensource open source tool part discussed available

Abstract: Changes in the diversity (richness and abundance) and types of diet of the bat community are a response to the impact of habitat fragmentation and disturbance; its evaluation is necessary to understand the local adaptation or extinction of bats due to changes in the structure of the original landscape of the Cloud Forest (CF). The objective of the study was to compare the diversity and diet types of a community of bats in different types of edge with different disturbance condition of the CF. During a seven-month monitoring period, three mist nets per sampling unit (SU) were placed to capture bats at four edge sites with different disturbance conditions of the CF; bats were identified to the species level, their diversity was described and compared between SU based on the effective number of species, and also, bats were classified by type of diet and by their response to the disturbance condition. A total of 561 individuals of 26 bat species were recorded, showing no differences in the effective number of species per MU. The type of frugivorous diet was represented by 38% of the bat species, while 50% of the recorded species had a vulnerable response to the CF edge disturbance condition. The observed diversity of bats is a bioindicator that despite the disturbance conditions of the CF, the species have been adapting to current and changing landscape conditions.

Resumen: Los cambios en la diversidad (riqueza y abundancia) y tipos de dieta de la comunidad de murciélagos son una respuesta ante el impacto de la fragmentación y perturbación del hábitat; su evaluación es necesaria para entender la adaptación o extinción local de los murciélagos debido a los cambios en la estructura del paisaje original del bosque mesófilo de montaña (BMM). El objetivo del estudio fue comparar la diversidad y los tipos de dieta de una comunidad de murciélagos en diferentes tipos de borde del BMM. Durante un periodo de siete meses de monitoreo, se colocaron tres redes de niebla por unidad de muestreo (UM) para la captura de murciélagos en cuatro sitios de borde del BMM; los murciélagos fueron identificados a nivel de especie, su diversidad se describió y comparó entre UM con base en el número efectivo de especies, y también, los murciélagos se clasificaron por tipo de dieta y por su respuesta a la condición de perturbación. Se registraron 561 individuos de 26 especies de murciélagos, que no mostraron diferencias en el número efectivo de especies por UM. El tipo de dieta frugívora estuvo representado por el 38% de las especies de murciélagos, mientras que el 50% de las especies registradas tuvieron una respuesta vulnerable ante la condición de perturbación del borde del BMM. La diversidad de murciélagos observada es un bioindicador de que a pesar de la perturbación de los bordes del BMM, las especies se han estado adaptando a las condiciones actuales y cambiantes del paisaje.

ABSTRACT Fungal virulence is multifaceted and dependent on multiple factors including the pH of the spore suspension. In this study, we accessed effects of six pH values of Beauveria bassiana, and Metarhizium anisopliae medium for the growth, sporulation, and mortality on sugarcane stalk borer Diatraea saccharalis. The culture of fungi was performed onplates containing the PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) medium. Virulence was tested in D. saccharalis larvae distributed in four replicates of 15 larvae. To evaluate the performance of the isolates, they were grown at different pH values in an artificial chitin medium to confirm the degradation capacity of the fungi at each pH. No significant difference was observed for the sporulation at pH ranged from 4 to 9 for both fungi. In the mortality assay, larval mortality was higher at pH 7 and 8 for both fungi, reaching 87% for B. bassiana and 81% for M. anisopliae.

Resumo Aneurismas infecciosos, anteriormente chamados de aneurismas micóticos, são raros; acometem com maior frequência a aorta de pacientes jovens e apresentam maior tendência à rotura do que aneurismas de outras etiologias. O formato sacular é o mais característico, e os agentes etiológicos mais comuns são Staphylococcus sp e Salmonella sp. A literatura fornece informações limitadas e imprecisas sobre a correta nomenclatura, diagnóstico e tratamento da doença. Os autores reuniram três casos cujos procedimentos diagnósticos e terapêuticos foram documentados. Além de relatar essa série de casos, realiza-se uma revisão sobre o tema, a fim de estabelecer estratégias diagnósticas e terapêuticas pertinentes.

Abstract Infectious aneurysms, formerly known as mycotic aneurysms, are rare, most often involve the aorta in young patients, and have a greater tendency to rupture than aneurysms of other etiologies. The most characteristic shape is saccular and the most common etiologic agents are Staphylococcus sp. and Salmonella sp. There is scant and imprecise information in the literature about correct nomenclature, diagnosis, and treatment. The authors present three cases in which diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were documented. In addition to reporting this case series, the authors also present a review of the subject, outlining pertinent diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To establish a microcephaly cut-off size in adults using head circumference as an indirect measure of brain size, as well as to explore factors associated with microcephaly via data mining. METHODS In autopsy studies, head circumference was measured with an inelastic tape placed around the skull. Total brain volume was also directly measured. A linear regression was used to determine the association of head circumference with brain volume and clinical variables. Microcephaly was defined as head circumference that were two standard deviations below the mean of significant clinical variables. We further applied an association rule mining to find rules associating microcephaly with several sociodemographic and clinical variables. RESULTS In our sample of 2,508 adults, the mean head circumference was 55.3 ± 2.7cm. Head circumference was related to height, cerebral volume, and sex (p < 0.001 for all). Microcephaly was present in 4.7% of the sample (n = 119). Out of 34,355 association rules, we found significant relationships between microcephaly and a clinical dementia rating (CDR) > 0.5 with an informant questionnaire on cognitive decline in the elderly (IQCODE) ≥ 3.4 (confidence: 100% and lift: 5.6), between microcephaly and a CDR > 0.5 with age over 70 years (confidence: 42% and lift: 2.4), and microcephaly and males (confidence: 68.1% and lift: 1.3). CONCLUSION Head circumference was related to cerebral volume. Due to its low cost and easy use, head circumference can be used as a screening test for microcephaly, adjusting it for gender and height. Microcephaly was associated with dementia at old age.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To establish a microcephaly cut-off size in adults using head circumference as an indirect measure of brain size, as well as to explore factors associated with microcephaly via data mining. METHODS In autopsy studies, head circumference was measured with an inelastic tape placed around the skull. Total brain volume was also directly measured. A linear regression was used to determine the association of head circumference with brain volume and clinical variables. Microcephaly was defined as head circumference that were two standard deviations below the mean of significant clinical variables. We further applied an association rule mining to find rules associating microcephaly with several sociodemographic and clinical variables. RESULTS In our sample of 2,508 adults, the mean head circumference was 55.3 ± 2.7cm. Head circumference was related to height, cerebral volume, and sex (p < 0.001 for all). Microcephaly was present in 4.7% of the sample (n = 119). Out of 34,355 association rules, we found significant relationships between microcephaly and a clinical dementia rating (CDR) > 0.5 with an informant questionnaire on cognitive decline in the elderly (IQCODE) ≥ 3.4 (confidence: 100% and lift: 5.6), between microcephaly and a CDR > 0.5 with age over 70 years (confidence: 42% and lift: 2.4), and microcephaly and males (confidence: 68.1% and lift: 1.3). CONCLUSION Head circumference was related to cerebral volume. Due to its low cost and easy use, head circumference can be used as a screening test for microcephaly, adjusting it for gender and height. Microcephaly was associated with dementia at old age.

Abstract This paper is aimed at evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, measured through the fatality index, on the gasoline and natural gas prices in the main Latin American economies: Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile and Uruguay. These economies are not only the largest in the region, but also the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Likewise, these countries have shown, in the last decades, a growing demand for gasoline and natural gas. This research uses several panel data models with weekly data (February 2020 - February 2021). Two-way random-effects panel data models suggest empirical evidence that mortality rate growth rates, for all sample countries, have negative effects only on gasoline price growth rates; without any effect on the price of gas. In this research, the exchange rate is used as a control variable due to its relationship with hydrocarbon prices. Data used in the analysis are official without considering the mortality excess by specific cause of COVID-19. This type of analysis in Latin America, as far as the authors know, is novel and contributes to the discussion of the conjuncture between the health crisis and its relationship with volatility of energy prices.

Resumen El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar el impacto de la pandemia COVID-19, medida a través del índice de fatalidad, en los precios de la gasolina y el gas natural en las principales economías en Latinoamérica: Brasil, México, Colombia, Perú, Chile y Uruguay. Estas economías no sólo son las más grandes de la región, sino también las más afectadas por la pandemia de COVID-19. Asimismo, estos países han mostrado, en las últimas décadas, una demanda ascendente de gasolina y gas natural. Esta investigación utiliza diversos modelos de datos panel con datos semanales (febrero 2020-febrero 2021). Los modelos de datos panel de efectos aleatorios a dos vías sugieren evidencia empírica de que las tasas de crecimiento de los índices de fatalidad, para todos los países en la muestra, tienen efectos negativos únicamente en las tasas de crecimiento de los precios de gasolina; sin ningún efecto en el precio del gas. En esta investigación, el tipo de cambio es utilizado como variable de control por su relación con los precios de los hidrocarburos. Los datos empleados en el análisis son oficiales sin considerar el exceso de mortalidad por la causa específica del COVID-19. Este tipo de análisis en Latinoamérica, hasta donde los autores saben, es novedoso y contribuye a la discusión de coyuntura entre la crisis de salud y su relación con la volatilidad de los precios de los energéticos.

An alternative green method was developed for the synthesis of thio-and selenoflavones by the ring closure of 2-chlorophenyl ethynyl ketone with NaHY (Y = S, Se). These nucleophilic chalcogen species were generated in situ using NaBH4 to reduce the elemental chalcogen in the presence of polyethylene glycol-400 (PEG-400). The efficiency of this reaction is strongly dependent on the PEG-400 solvent, acting like a crown ether, complexing with the sodium atom of NaHY species, making the chalcogen nucleophile more active. The synthetic protocol proceeded efficiently at 100 °C under argon, using a range of 2-chlorophenyl ethynyl ketone containing alkyl, aryl, or vinyl groups and the sulfur and selenium chalcogen. By this efficient and simple approach, 18 chalcogenoflavones were obtained in good to excellent yields after 2 h.

Abstract Mother-to-child transmission in Toxoplasma gondii infection occurs only when the infection is acquired for the first time during pregnancy. Diag nosis of maternal infection and the newborn is achieved by a combination of serological tests, clinical features and ultrasound images. An early diagnosis of maternal infection allows treatment that offers a reduction both in transmission rate and risk of congenital damage. The aim of this expert consensus was to review the scientific literature which would enable an update of the clinical practice guideline of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of congenital toxoplasmosis in our country.

Resumen La transmisión vertical de la infección por Toxoplasma gondii ocurre cuando la madre se infecta por primera vez en el transcurso del embarazo. El diagnóstico de la infección materna y la del re cién nacido se logra con el conjunto de pruebas serológicas, hallazgos clínicos y ecográficos. El reconocimiento temprano de la infección materna permite un tratamiento que reduce la tasa de transmisión y el riesgo de daño en el producto de la concepción. El objetivo de este consenso de expertos fue revisar la literatura científica para actualizar las recomendaciones de práctica clínica respecto de la prevención, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la toxoplasmosis congénita en nuestro país.

RESUMO. Estudos dos efeitos da atividade física relataram melhora nos sintomas e na qualidade de vida de pacientes com doença de Parkinson (DP). Além disso, alterações morfológicas do cérebro após o exercício físico foram relatadas em modelos animais da DP. No entanto, essas mudanças relacionadas ao estilo de vida não foram avaliadas em tecido cerebral post-mortem. Objetivo: Avaliar a expressão de astrócitos, tirosina hidroxilase (TH) e a expressão de proteínas estruturais (neurofilamentos e microtúbulos — MAP2) por imuno-histoquímica, em amostras cerebrais post-mortem de indivíduos com corpos de Lewy. Métodos: Amostras com estágio de Braak para DP≥III, classificação neuropatológica, fornecidas pelo biobanco de estudos do envelhecimento foram classificadas em grupos ativos (n=12) e não ativos (n=12), de acordo com o estilo de vida (atividade física), e pareados por idade, sexo e estadiamento de Braak. Analisou-se a substância negra e gânglios da base. Resultados: Idade, sexo e classificação para DP foram semelhantes (p=1,00). Observou-se maior expressão de TH no grupo ativo (p=0,04). Amostras de não ativos revelaram maior expressão de astrócitos no mesencéfalo (p=0,03) e nos gânglios da base (p=0,0004); MAP2 nos gânglios da base (p=0,003); os níveis de neurofilamentos foram maiores na substância negra (p=0,006). Conclusão: O estilo de vida ativo parece promover efeitos positivos no cérebro, mantendo a síntese de dopamina e a expressão estrutural de proteínas no sistema nigrostriatal e com diminuição da ativação de astrócitos em indivíduos com a mesma classificação neuropatológica para a DP.

ABSTRACT. Clinical trials of the effects of physical activity have reported improvements in symptoms and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Additionally, morphological brain changes after exercising were reported in PD animal models. However, these lifestyle-related changes were not evaluated in postmortem brain tissue. Objective: We aimed to evaluate, by immunohistochemistry, astrocytes, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and structural proteins expression (neurofilaments and microtubules — MAP2) changes in postmortem brain samples of individuals with Lewy body pathology. Methods: Braak PD stage≥III samples, classified by neuropathology analysis, from The Biobank for Aging Studies were classified into active (n=12) and non-active (n=12) groups, according to physical activity lifestyle, and paired by age, sex and Braak staging. Substantia nigra and basal ganglia were evaluated. Results: Groups were not different in terms of age or gender and had similar PD neuropathological burden (p=1.00). We observed higher TH expression in the active group in the substantia nigra and the basal ganglia (p=0.04). Astrocytes was greater in the non-active subjects in the midbrain (p=0.03) and basal ganglia (p=0.0004). MAP2 levels were higher for non-active participants in the basal ganglia (p=0.003) and similar between groups in the substantia nigra (p=0.46). Neurofilament levels for non-active participants were higher in the substantia nigra (p=0.006) but not in the basal ganglia (p=0.24). Conclusion: Active lifestyle seems to promote positive effects on brain by maintaining dopamine synthesis and structural protein expression in the nigrostriatal system and decrease astrogliosis in subjects with the same PD neuropathology burden.

Abstract We present briefly the LLAMA sub-mm radiotelescope, a joint project of Argentina and Brazil, being mounted in the Andes, Argentina, at 4800 m altitude. Here we focus on the activities that are going on mostly under the responsibility of Brazil, like the high frequency receivers, parts of the back-end and electronics, the optical system of the telescope to bring the radiation to the receivers, the equipment needed for the integration and verification phase (optical telescope and holography) and the computation system.The main scientific applications that are planned are dscribed. We also report on a joint program with BRICS countries approved in 2019, which will involve the use of LLAMA for testing high-frequency receivers.

Abstract This research aims to capture the risk-performance exposure of 4 of the most popular leveraged energy ETFs: GUSH, DRIP, DGAZ, and UGAZ, which are an attractive investment option when the capital market (shares and bonds specifically) do not perform well due to the inherent uncertainty of the market. We use a rolling window mean-standard deviation model to study the dynamics of three of the principal investment components: volatility, return and market beta (β) over varying horizons of bull and bear Oil & Gas leveraged Exchange Traded Fund (ETF). Leveraged energy ETF provides from 200% to 300% (for bull) and -200% to -300% (for bear) return based on their benchmark index every single day, allowing to implement strategies where high profits (as well as high losses) can yield tremendous benefit for both parties from market volatility. The results enable the characterization of the dynamics of risk-return of bull and bear leveraged energy ETFs and suggest a more accurate measure for risk compensation. In general, ETFs are a mechanism for investors to foresee the future structure of energy prices to make decisions about an efficient allocation of resources.

Resumen El objetivo de esta investigación es capturar la exposición riesgo-rendimiento de 4 ETFs de energía apalancados populares: GUSH, DRIP, DGAZ y UGAZ, que son una opción de inversión atractiva cuando el mercado de capitales (acciones y bonos específicamente) no presenta un buen desempeño debido a la incertidumbre inherente del mercado. Se utiliza un modelo de riesgo-rendimiento de ventanas móviles para estudiar la dinámica de tres de los principales componentes de inversión: volatilidad, rendimiento y beta del mercado (β) en diferentes horizontes de tiempo sobre ETF alcistas (bull) y bajistas (bear) que replican índices y commodities basadas en petróleo y gas. El ETF de energía apalancado proporciona de 200% a 300% (para bull) y -200% a -300% (para bear) de rendimiento diario a partir de su índice de referencia, permitiendo implementar estrategias donde se pueden obtener altos rendimientos (así como las altas pérdidas) a partir de la volatilidad del mercado. Los resultados permiten caracterizar la dinámica riesgo-rendimiento de los ETFs energéticos apalancados (bull y bear). En general, los ETF son un mecanismo para que los inversionistas puedan prever la estructura de precios de los energéticos, con el fin de tomar decisiones sobre una asignación eficiente de los recursos.