Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate semen cryopreservation with ACP-Lact® diluent, which consists of coconut water powder (ACP) added to goat milk powder. After thawing, the samples were evaluated for sperm kinetics, membrane evaluation and in vivo insemination. For cryopreservation, a pool was made with the ejaculate of six goats, diluted in four equal aliquots for the respective treatments: T1 (ACP-Lact®); T2 (ACP-Lact® 50%); T3 (ACP + 2.5% egg yolk) and T4 (Tris + 2.5% egg yolk). After dilution of the treatments, the samples were placed in 0.5 ml straws and chilled at a rate of -1.07°C/min. After reaching 4°C and stabilizing for one hour, the straws were placed in nitrogen vapour at -60°C for 15 minutes and then immersed in liquid nitrogen (-196ºC). The straws were thawed in a 37°C water bath and kinetic assessments were performed immediately using a computerized semen analysis program (CSA), viability (EN), membrane functionality (HOST), mitochondrial activity (DAB) and DNA integrity assessment of spermatozoa. For the in vivo experiment, ten goats were inseminated, divided into two groups of five goats each, G1 inseminated with ACP-Lact® and G2 with ACP, by fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). Regarding the kinetic parameters, the ACP-Lact® treatment showed higher progressive motility (PM) and sperm velocity than the other treatments (36.77%). In the VSL parameter the ACP-Lact diluent was superior to ACP and Tris. In viability the treatment with ACP-Lact® was superior to the treatment with Tris, 95% and 83% respectively. In FTAI two goats were born out of the 5 goats inseminated with ACP-Lact®. It was concluded that the use of ACP-Lact® for cryopreservation of caprine semen is efficient in maintaining seminal parameters during thawing in vitro and in vivo and proved to be a good alternative extender for the caprine species.

RESUMO Introdução: Síndrome de Guillain-Barré (SGB), uma polirradiculoneuropatia aguda que ocorre devido a uma resposta inflamatória anormal no sistema nervoso periférico, é caracterizada clinicamente por paralisia flácida aguda e arreflexia, com ou sem sintomas sensitivos. Essa síndrome pode deixar sequelas incapacitantes ou até ameaçar a vida. Objetivo: Apresentar os aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos da SGB em pacientes internados em um hospital terciário do Distrito Federal, no período de janeiro/2013 a junho/2019. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal e retrospectivo, no qual pacientes com diagnóstico de polirradiculoneuropatia desmielinizante inflamatória aguda, neuropatia axonal motora aguda ou neuropatia axonal sensitivo motora aguda a partir dos achados eletroneuromiográficos foram selecionados e seus dados clínicos coletados retrospectivamente em seus prontuários. Resultados: Um total de 100 pacientes (63 homens e 37 mulheres; proporção de 1,7:1), com idades entre 2–86 anos (média, 36,4 anos), foram incluídos. A taxa média anual de incidência de SGB foi de 0,54 casos/100.000 habitantes, com 52 e 49% dos casos ocorrendo entre outubro e março (período chuvoso) e entre abril e setembro (período seco), respectivamente. A proporção de pacientes que apresentaram cada variante de SGB foi a seguinte: formas desmielinizantes, 57%; formas axonais, 39%; e indeterminado, 4%. A duração média da hospitalização foi de 8‒15 dias para a maioria dos pacientes (38%). Durante a hospitalização, 14% dos pacientes necessitaram de ventilação mecânica e 20% apresentaram complicações infecciosas. Conclusão: Os resultados indicam aumento na incidência de GBS durante a estação chuvosa. Além disso, não observamos a distribuição bimodal típica em relação à idade de início.

Abstract Background: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an acute polyradiculoneuropathy that occurs because of an abnormal inflammatory response in the peripheral nervous system, is clinically characterized by acute flaccid paresis and areflexia with or without sensory symptoms. This syndrome can lead to disabling or even life-threatening sequelae. Objective: This study aimed to present the clinical and epidemiological aspects of GBS in patients admitted to a tertiary-level hospital in the Federal District between January 2013 and June 2019. Methods: In this observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study, medical records of patients diagnosed with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, acute motor axonal neuropathy or acute axonal motor-sensitive neuropathy based on electromyographic findings were included, and clinical data were collected retrospectively. Results: A total of 100 patients (63 males and 37 females; ratio, 1.7:1) aged 2–86 years (mean, 36.4 years) were included. The mean annual incidence rate of GBS was 0.54 cases/100,000 inhabitants, with 52 and 49% of the cases occurring between October and March (rainy season) and between April and September (dry season), respectively. The proportions of patients showing each GBS variant were as follows: demyelinating forms, 57%; axonal forms, 39%; and undetermined, 4%. The mean duration of hospitalization was 8–15 days for most patients (38%). During hospitalization, 14% of the patients required mechanical ventilation and 20% experienced infectious complications. Conclusion: The findings indicate that there was an increase in the incidence of GBS during the rainy season. Moreover, we did not observe the typical bimodal distribution regarding age at onset.

Abstract Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of chronic inflammatory systemic diseases characterized by axial and/or peripheral joints inflammation, as well as extra-articular manifestations. Over some decades, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been the basis for the pharmacological treatment of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). However, the emergence of the immunobiologic agents brought up the discussion about the role of NSAIDs in the management of these patients. The objective of this guideline is to provide recommendations for the use of NSAIDs for the treatment of axSpA. A panel of experts from the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials for 15 predefined questions. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology to assess the quality of evidence and formulate recommendations were used, and at least 70% agreement of the voting panel was needed. Fourteen recommendations for the use of NSAIDs in the treatment of patients with axSpA were elaborated. The purpose of these recommendations is to support clinicians’ decision making, without taking out his/her autonomy when prescribing for an individual patient.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito da aplicação de um complexo vitamínico e mineral, aplicado junto com a administração de um anti-helmíntico eficiente, em cordeiros parasitados, com sinais característicos de infecção por nematóide gastrointestinal, sobre os parâmetros clínicos hematológicos de melhora clínica e ganho de peso. Foram utilizados 60 cordeiros da raça Merino Australiano, com 8 e 9 meses de idade, segregados em quatro grupos: controle (não suplementado); fórmula 1 (Ferro Dextrano, Fósforo Orgânico, Cianocobalamina e Vitamina k); fórmula 2 (Ferro Dextrano, Fósforo Orgânico e Cianocobalamina); e fórmula 3 (Vitamina k). Foram analisados hematócrito, tempo de protrombina, proteínas plasmáticas totais (PPT), coloração da conjuntiva e ganho de peso. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) através do teste de medidas repetidas. Não houve diferença estatísticas entre os tratamentos para as variáveis de hematócrito (P=0,564), tempo de protrombina (P=0,911) e PPT (P=0,6), para a variável de coloração da conjuntiva houve diferença (P=0,052), com resultados superiores para os grupos suplementados com Vitamina K, Butafosfan, Cianocobalamina e Ferro (grupos F1 e F3), assim como esses mesmos grupos atingiram peso vivo no D35 superior (P=0,023). Podendo concluir que a administração de complexo vitamínico e mineral, administrado em conjunto com anti-helmíntico eficiente, promoveu um melhor desempenho em cordeiros parasitados.

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a vitamin and mineral complex, associated with the application of an efficient anthelmintic, in parasitized lambs, with characteristic signs of gastrointestinal nematode infection, on hematological clinical parameters of clinical improvementand weight gain. 60 lambs Australian Merino breed, with 8 and 9 months of age, were segregated in four groups: control (no supplemetation); formula 1 (Iron Dextran, Organic Phosphorus, Cyanocobalamin and Vitamin k); formula 2 (Iron Dextran, Organic Phosphorus and Cyanocobalamin); and formula 3 (Vitamin k). Hematocrit, prothrombin time, total plasma proteins, color of the conjunctiva and weight gain were analyzed. The results were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) through the repeated measures test. There was no statistical difference between treatments for the variables of hematocrit (P = 0.564), prothrombin time (P = 0.911) and plasma proteins (P = 0.6), for the conjunctiva color variable there was a difference (P = 0.052 ), with greater results for the groups supplemented with Vitamin K, Butafosfan, Cyanocobalamin and Iron (groups F1 and F3), as well as those same groups reached higher body weight at D35 (P = 0.023). It can be concluded that the administration of vitamin and mineral complex, associated with efficient anthelmintic, promoted a better performance in parasitized lambs.

Abstract Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic and systemic immune disease characterized by inflammation of peripheral and/ or axial joints and entheses in patients with psoriasis (PsO). Extra-articular and extracutaneous manifestations and numerous comorbidities can also be present. These recommendations replace the previous version published in May 2013. A systematic review of the literature retrieved 191 articles that were used to formulate 12 recommendations in response to 12 clinical questions, divided into 4 sections: diagnosis, non-pharmacological treatment, conventional drug therapy and biologic therapy. These guidelines provide evidence-based information on the clinical management for PsA patients. For each recommendation, the level of evidence (highest available), degree of strength (Oxford) and degree of expert agreement (interrater reliability) are reported.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar indicadores hemogasométricos e metabólicos nas primeiras horas pós-parto de vacas leiteiras, que receberam diferentes dietas cátion-aniônica no pré-parto. Vacas da raça Holandesa Preta e Branca (HPB) (n=14), multíparas, foram divididas em dois grupos: dieta acidogênica (DA -27,13 mEq/100g de MS) (n=7) e dieta neutra (DN -3,25 mEq/100g de MS) (n=7), fornecidas a partir de 30 dias antes da previsão do parto. Amostras de urina foram coletadas a cada três dias após o início da suplementação até o dia do parto, para a verificação do pH. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas às 0, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 e 72 horas pós-parto, para análises hemogasométricas e bioquímicas. Os animais que receberam DA apresentaram pH urinário menor. A concentração sérica de cálcio total, cálcio ionizado e a incidência de hipocalcemia subclínica não diferiram entre os grupos. Animais que receberam DA apresentaram redução nos níveis sanguíneos de proteínas plasmáticas totais, globulinas, bicarbonato e pH sanguíneo, além de aumento na atividade de paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) e redução na concentração de haptoglobina em relação aos animais da DN. Como conclusão podemos inferir que, dietas acidogênicas podem alterar o pH sanguíneo, interferir na síntese de proteínas, e provavelmente melhorar a capacidade antioxidante.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate hemogasometric and metabolic indicators in the first postpartum hours of dairy cows that received different cation-anion diets in the prepartum period. Holstein cows (n=14), multiparous, were divided into two groups: (1) acidogenic diet (DA -27.13 mEq/100 g of DM) (n=7) and (2) neutral diet (DN -3.25 mEq/100 g of DM) (n=7), provided from 30 days before the expected calving. Urine samples were collected every three days from the beginning of supplementation until the day of delivery for pH verification. Blood samples were collected at 0, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 h postpartum for hemogasometric and biochemical analyses. The animals that received DA presented lower urinary pH. The serum concentration of total calcium, ionized calcium and the incidence of subclinical hypocalcemia did not differ between groups. Animals that received DA presented reduction in blood levels of total plasma proteins, globulins, bicarbonate and blood pH, in addition to increased activity of paraoxone-1 and reduction in the concentration of haptoglobin from animals of DN. In conclusion, we can infer that, anionic diets can alter blood pH, interfere with protein synthesis, and probably improve antioxidant capacity.

Resumen: El objetivo fue analizar la severidad de la condición periodontal y la aparición de microorganismos patógenos en la cavidad oral de una población adulta de una comunidad afrodescente del noreste de Brasil. Este es un estudio observacional y transversal realizado a través de un examen clínico oral, utilizando un registro clínico estandarizado. Para los sujetos con enfermedad periodontal, la biopelícula bacteriana se recogió en una placa de Petri que contenía una solución fisiológica al 0,9% para detectar la presencia de microorganismos Entamoeba gingivalis y Trichomonas tenax, y luego se observó bajo un microscopio óptico. El análisis estadístico se realizó calculando la prevalencia de la enfermedad periodontal y la frecuencia de los protozoos en la biopelícula bacteriana. La significación estadística de las relaciones investigadas se verificó mediante la prueba exacta de Fisher. Se evaluaron 29 sujetos pertenecientes a la comunidad Quilombola Patioba, de 35 a 44 años. Los resultados mostraron que entre los adultos de la comunidad, hubo una alta prevalencia de enfermedad periodontal (75.86%), siendo mayor en el sexto sexto y sexto del Índice periodontal comunitario (IPC). La positividad de E. gingivalis se produjo en la mayoría de los sextantes afectados por gingivitis, mientras que en la condición de periodontitis, este microorganismo no estaba presente en los sextantes tercero, cuarto y sexto. En todos los sextantes afectados por enfermedad periodontal, se observó T. Tenax cuando se asoció con gingivitis. Vale la pena mencionar el inicio de la elaboración de políticas de salud, compromiso social y profesional que promuevan una mayor promoción de la salud oral y la calidad de vida de las quilombolas del noreste de Brasil.

Abstract: The objective was to analyze the periodontal condition severity and the occurrence of pathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity of an adult population of an Afrodescent Community of northeastern Brazil. This is an observational and cross- sectional study performed through an oral clinical examination, using a standardized clinical record. For the subjects with periodontal disease, the bacterial biofilm was collected in a Petri dish containing 0.9% physiological solution to detect the presence of microorganisms Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax, and later observed under an optical microscope. Statistical analysis was performed by calculating the prevalence of periodontal disease and the frequency of the protozoa in the bacterial biofilm. Statistical significance of the relationships researched was verified by Fisher's exact test. It was evaluated 29 subjects pertaining to the Quilombola Patioba community, aged 35 to 44 years. The results showed that among the adults of the community, there was a high prevalence of periodontal disease (75.86%), being higher in the 1st and 6th sextants of the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). E. gingivalis positivity occurred in most sextants affected by gingivitis, while in the condition of periodontitis, this microorganism was not present in the 3rd, 4th and 6th sextants. In all sextants affected by periodontal disease, T. Tenax was observed when associated with gingivitis. It is worth mentioning the begging of the elaboration of health policies, social and professional commitment that foster a greater promotion of oral health and quality of life for the quilombolas of northeastern Brazil.

Abstract Spondyloarthritis is a group of chronic inflammatory systemic diseases characterized by axial and/or peripheral joints inflammation, as well as extra-articular manifestations. The classification axial spondyloarthritis is adopted when the spine and/or the sacroiliac joints are predominantly involved. This version of recommendations replaces the previous guidelines published in May 2013. A systematic literature review was performed, and two hundred thirty-seven studies were selected and used to formulate 29 recommendations answering 15 clinical questions, which were divided into four sections: diagnosis, non-pharmacological therapy, conventional drug therapy and biological therapy. For each recommendation the level of evidence supporting (highest available), the strength grade according to Oxford, and the degree of expert agreement (inter-rater reliability) is informed. These guidelines bring evidence-based information on clinical management of axial SpA patients, including, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Resumo: Introdução: Possuir diploma de médico é o suficiente para o exercício profissional na maioria dos estados brasileiros. A avaliação do desempenho do aluno pelas escolas médicas é, certamente, o mais importante filtro de proficiência profissional em vigência. Assim, é fundamental a utilização de instrumentos de avaliação adequados. Competência é o conjunto de conhecimentos, habilidades e atitudes que permitem uma prática médica de excelência. Diferentemente, performance pode ser definida como o que o indivíduo realmente produz em seu cotidiano. O internato é uma inigualável oportunidade para o acompanhamento preciso dos atributos esperados de um estudante em formação. Quando avaliamos a competência, buscamos medir o quanto o aluno sabe, concebe ou realiza procedimentos em um contexto objetivo de avaliação. Performance é o que efetivamente o indivíduo utiliza de suas competências. Há, portanto, uma maior dificuldade de avaliar performance, pois motivação, disciplina, condições físicas e psíquicas, e outros aspectos vivenciais estão em jogo. Além disso, é necessária uma avaliação constante, o que implica acompanhamento e monitoramento próximos. A Nota de Conceito Global (NCG) é uma das modalidades que permitem, não obstante sua implícita subjetividade, avaliar o desempenho do aluno/estagiário. Para isso, é estratégico que seja construída por meio de nomenclatura padronizada, parâmetros definidos que possibilitem quantificação, levando em conta diferenças existentes entre os diversos projetos políticos pedagógicos. Pela heterogeneidade dos estágios, diferentes contextos da prática da medicina e grande número de sujeitos envolvidos seriam os critérios estabelecidos para a constituição da NCG devidamente padronizados e adequados para avaliar alunos no internato? Método: Neste trabalho, estudamos, por meio dos planos de ensino, como a NCG está estruturada na avaliação de internos de uma instituição e o que pode ser aperfeiçoado e contribuir para o conhecimento do assunto. Resultados: Constatamos que a NCG compõe 30% (quinto ano) e 40% (sexto ano) da Nota Global do Aluno (NGA), que corresponde a uma nota única ao final de cada ano de graduação e leva em conta o desempenho e a carga horária das disciplinas. Adicionalmente, avaliamos os termos utilizados como critérios a serem utilizados para a NCG. A análise dos planos de ensino mostrou que a NCG se mostrou irregular e sem padronização institucional entre as disciplinas; há uma ausência de uniformidade na composição da nota final ou nos critérios a serem avaliados, bem como na aplicação diferenciada dos itens em cada cenário de aprendizado. Conclusões: A falta de uma metodologia uniforme impede o acompanhamento do aluno de forma global, inclusive o quanto a cultura e os valores institucionais poderiam influenciar o desempenho estudantil. Perde-se a oportunidade de realizar uma avaliação efetivamente construtiva. Contudo, a NCG, pela sua natureza subjetiva, poderia, se adequadamente aplicada, ser instrumento fundamental para o diálogo entre professores e alunos em uma avaliação formativa. Dessa forma, pela inserção inadequada, dentro de uma avaliação somativa, perde-se uma grande oportunidade de crescimento do aluno e da própria instituição.

Abstract: Introduction: Having a medical degree is enough documentation for professional practice in most Brazilian states. In fact, the evaluation of academic achievement by medical schools is certainly the most important filter of professional proficiency. Thus, the use of appropriate assessment instruments is essential. Competence is the set of knowledge, skills and attitudes that enable a medical practice of excellence. Differently, Performance can be defined as what the individual actually produces in their daily lives. The internship is the best opportunity for the precise monitoring of the expected achievements of a student in training. When we evaluate competence, we seek to measure how much the student knows, conceives or performs procedures, in an objective evaluation context. Performance is what the individual effectively uses of their skills. There is, therefore, a greater difficulty in evaluating performance, since motivation, discipline, physical and psychic conditions, as well as other experiential aspects are involved. In addition, continuous assessment is required, which implies close monitoring. The “Global Rating Scale” (GRS) is one of the modalities that allows, despite its subjectivity, evaluating the performance of the intern student. For that purpose, it is strategic that it be constructed through standardized nomenclature, defined parameters that allow the quantification, considering the differences between several pedagogical political projects. Due to the heterogeneity of the different settings of the practice of medicine, and the large number of subjects involved, would the criteria established for the structuring of the GRS be properly standardized and adequate to evaluate medical internship students? Method: In this work, we study, through the teaching plans, how GRS is structured in the evaluation of students of an institution regarding practical activities, and what can be improved and contribute to the knowledge on the subject. Results: We find that the GRS comprises 30% (fifth year) and 40% (sixth year) of the Student Global Rating (SGR), which corresponds to a single grade at the end of each graduation year and takes into account the performance and the workload of disciplines. Additionally, we evaluate the terms used as criteria to be used for the GRS. The analysis of the Teaching Plans showed that the GRS was irregular and lacked institutional standardization among the Disciplines; there is an absence of uniformity regarding the composition of the final grade or in the criteria to be evaluated, as well as in the differentiated application of the items in each learning scenario. Conclusion: The lack of a uniform methodology precludes an overall student follow-up, including how much culture and institutional values could influence student performance. The opportunity to conduct an effectively constructive evaluation is lost. On the other hand, the GRS, considering its subjective nature, could, if properly applied, be a fundamental instrument for the dialogue between teachers and students in a formative evaluation. Thus, due to inadequate inclusion, within a summative evaluation, a great opportunity for development of the student, as well as of the institution, is wasted.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um aplicativo (APP) para manejo da irrigação com base no clima, por meio de redes neurais artificiais (ANNs), além de validá-lo em um cultivo de milho (Zea mays) verde. Desenvolveu-se um APP (IrriMobile) que utiliza ANNs com base em temperatura e umidade relativa, ou apenas em temperatura, para estimar a evapotranspiração de referência (ETo). O aplicativo e a metodologia de manejo da irrigação de Bernardo, com a ETo estimada pela equação FAO-56 Penman-Monteith, foram utilizados para manejar a irrigação na cultura do milho verde. Avaliou-se também o desempenho de equações empíricas para estimar a ETo. Avaliaram-se diversas características morfológicas e agronômicas do milho. O APP foi utilizado no experimento com dados de temperatura, umidade relativa e precipitação. Simulou-se, também, seu uso apenas com dados de temperatura e precipitação. Não houve diferença para nenhuma das características do milho avaliadas. A estimação de ETo pelo APP mostrou desempenho superior à das equações avaliadas. O aplicativo superestima os requisitos de irrigação em 8 e 19%, ao usar temperatura e umidade relativa, e apenas temperatura, respectivamente.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to develop a smartphone application (APP) for a weather-based irrigation scheduling using artificial neural networks (ANNs), as well as to validate it in a green corn (Zea mays) crop. An APP (IrriMobile) that uses ANNs based on temperature and relative humidity, or on temperature only, was developed to estimate the reference evapotranspiration (ETo). The APP and Bernardo’s methodology for irrigation scheduling, with the ETo estimated by the FAO-56 Penman-Monteith equation, were used to schedule the irrigation for a green corn crop. The performance of empirical equations to estimate ETo was also assessed. Several corn morphological and agronomic characteristics were evaluated. The APP was used in the experiment with temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall data. Its use was also simulated with temperature and rainfall data only. There was no difference for any of the green corn characteristics evaluated. ETo estimation through the APP showed a higher performance than that by the evaluated equations. The APP overestimates the irrigation requirements by 8 and 19% when using temperature and relative humidity, and temperature only, respectively.

RESUMO A irrigação tem grande importância para a produção de alimentos, sendo responsável por consumir grande parcela da água usada nas atividades humanas. Isto torna fundamental o manejo racional do uso da água. Para tal, a determinação da densidade do solo é importante e precisa ser realizada de forma simples e menos honerosa possível, mantendo-se a precisão e exatidão. Desta forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o uso de tubos de PVC de diferentes dimensões para determinação da densidade do solo. Para comparação, foram utilizados também os métodos do anel volumétrico, torrão parafinado, proveta e escavação. Amostras deformadas e indeformadas de solos de diferentes granulometrias foram coletadas nas profundidades de 0,025-0,075; 0,050-0,100; 0,075-0,125 e 0,100 a 0,150 m. Os tubos de PVC utilizados tinham diâmetros de 0,040; 0,050; 0,060 e 0,075 m e alturas de 0,10; 0,15; 0,20 e 0,25 m. Os resultados da densidade do solo de cada dimensão de tubo de PVC foram comparados com os dos métodos tradicionais pelo teste t não pareado, a 5% de significância. Para solos de textura argilosa ou muito argilosa, o tubo de PVC de 0,040 m de diâmetro e 0,15 m de altura foi o que apresentou os melhores resultados, com valores mais próximos ao método padrão. Já para solos de textura média e arenosa, os melhores resultados foram encontrados quando se utilizou o tubo de PVC de 0,060 m de diâmetro e 0,15 m de altura.

ABSTRACT Irrigation has a great importance in the production of food, and it is responsible for consuming a large part of the water used by human activities. This makes the rational management of water use fundamental for sustainable food production. For this purpose, the determination of bulk density is important and needs to be obtained with the simplest, least onerous methods possible, while maintaining precision and accuracy. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the use of PVC pipes of different dimensions to determine bulk density. For comparison purposes, the volumetric ring, paraffin clod, beaker and excavation methods were also used. Deformed and undisturbed soil samples of different granulometries were collected at the depths of 0.025-0.075, 0.050-0.100, 0.075-0.125 and 0.100-0.150 m. The PVC pipes had diameters of 0.040, 0.050, 0.060 and 0.075 m and heights of 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25 m. The bulk density results for each PVC pipe dimension were compared with those of the traditional methods by the unpaired t-test at 5% significance. For soils with a clayey or very clayey texture, the 0.040 m diameter and 0.15 m high PVC pipe presented the best results, with values closer to those of the standard method. For soils with a medium and sandy texture, the best results were found when a PVC pipe with a diameter of 0.060 m and a height of 0.15 m was used.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate adherence to the therapeutic prophylaxis protocol for venous thromboembolism (VTE) as well as the costs of this practice. METHODS: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted at a State General Hospital in Brazil through reports of drug dispensions, prescriptions and risk stratification of patients. Adherence to the VTE prophylaxis protocol was monitored. The tests for VTE diagnosis measured the adherence to therapeutic prophylaxis treatment, and the purchase prices of the drugs went into the calculation of drug therapy costs. The level of adherence to prescriptions for VTE prophylaxis in the hospital was classified as “adherence”, “non-adherence” and “justified non-adherence” when compared with the protocol. RESULTS: Protocol adherence was observed for 50 (30.9%) patients, and non-adherence was observed for 63 (38.9%) patients, generating an additional cost of $180.40/month. Justified non-adherence in 49 (30.2%) patients generated $514.71/month in savings due to a reduction in the number of daily administrations of unfractionated heparin while still providing an effective method for preventing VTE. Twenty-six patients stratified as having medium to high risk of VTE who did not receive prophylaxis were identified, generating $154.41 in savings. However, these data should be evaluated with caution since the risks and outcomes associated with not preventing VTE outweigh the economy achieved from not prescribing a drug when a patient needs it. The only case of VTE identified during the study period was related to justified non-adherence to the protocol. CONCLUSION: The protocol is based on scientific evidence that describes an effective therapy to prevent VTE. However, the protocol should be updated because the justifications for non-adherence are based on scientific evidence, and this justified non-adherence generates savings and yields effective disease prevention.

This study aimed to obtain a bifunctional fabric from the point of view of hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity for biomedical applications. To achieve this, both sides of a fabric of polylactic acid (PLA) were subjected to a plasma treatment. While in a side the oxygen was introduced to the other side, simultaneously, was added methane. The plasma treatment was performed at 100 W, 1.8 mbar, during 30 minutes. By Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) morphological analysis, it became evident that the fabric side facing the oxygen inlet showed micropittings, while the reverse side had smooth surfaces. Analysis by X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed an increase in the amount of oxygen in the surface of the PLA on both sides of the fabric. The surface function was characterized by measurements of water absorption rate, where it was determined that one fabric side was more hydrophilic than the other side. The results indicated achievement of a bifunctional fabric through orientation of working gases during a plasma treatment.

RESUMO O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do estádio de maturação dos frutos na qualidade fisiológica das sementes de J. curcas L. durante o armazenamento. Assim, sementes foram extraídas de frutos colhidos em três estádios de maturação com base na coloração externa da casca, ou seja, amarelo, amarelo-marrom e marrom (frutos secos). Após secagem natural, as sementes foram armazenadas por 18 meses em sacos de papel Kraft, em ambiente de laboratório. Inicialmente e a cada três meses, as sementes foram avaliadas quanto ao grau de umidade, germinação, primeira contagem de germinação, envelhecimento acelerado, teste de frio, condutividade elétrica e emergência. Houve redução da qualidade fisiológica das sementes durante o armazenamento, com queda na germinação e no vigor, principalmente a partir de nove meses de armazenamento. As sementes extraídas de frutos com coloração externa da casca amarela e amarelo-marrom são mais vigorosas e podem ser armazenadas por até nove meses sem perda da qualidade fisiológica.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fruit maturation stage on the physiological quality of J. curcas seeds during storage. Thus, seeds were extracted from fruits harvested at different maturity stages based on external color, i.e., yellow, yellow-brown and brown (dry fruits). After natural drying, the seeds were packed in Kraft paper bag and stored for 18 months at laboratory environment. Initially and every three months, the seeds were evaluated for moisture content, germination, first count of germination, accelerated aging, cold test, electrical conductivity and emergence. There was reduction in seed physiological quality, with decrease in germination and vigor, especially after nine months of storage. The seeds extracted from yellow and yellow-brown fruits are the most vigorous and can be stored for up to nine months without loss of physiological quality.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar o efeito agudo do exercício de flexibilidade no desempenho em salto vertical. Participaram do estudo 18 homens, alocados aleatoriamente em grupos, Facilitação Neuromuscular Proprioceptiva (TFNP - 23 ± 6.8 anos), Ativo (TA - 23.3 ± 4.2 anos) e Passivo (TP - 28.5 ± 12.9 anos). Para verificar a potência nos membros inferiores foi utilizado o Sargent Jump Test antes e após a intervenção. Uma Anova Two way para medidas repetidas foi aplicada, o qual comparou os valores do Salto Vertical antes e após o exercício de flexibilidade. Todos os grupos apresentaram redução no desempenho do salto vertical, no entanto os resultados foram significativos apenas nos grupos TA (Pré = 0.43 vs Pós = 0.41 cm; Δ% = - 4.99%; p = .007) e TP (Pré = 0.46 vs Pós = 0.43 cm, Δ% = -7.01%; p = .012). No grupo TFNP, os valores não foram significativos (Pré = 0.47 vs Pós = 0.46 cm; Δ% = - 3.27%; p = .709). Foi possível verificar que os diferentes protocolos de exercícios de flexibilidade exerceram influência negativa no desempenho da potência muscular de membros inferiores, sendo que, o treinamento de facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva promoveu índices menores de redução média na altura do salto.

This study aimed to verify the acute effect of flexibility exercise in the power of the lower limbs. Eighteen men were included, randomly assigned to groups, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (FNP, 23 ± 6.8 years), active (TA, 23.3 ± 4.2 years) and Passive (TP, 28.5 ± 12.9 years). To verify the strength in the lower limbs was used Sargent Jump Test before and post intervention. The Anova Two way for repeated measures was applied, which compared the values of Vertical Jump before and after flexibility exercises. All groups showed a reduction in vertical jump performance, however the results were significant only in TA groups (pre = 0.43 versus post = 0.41 cm; Δ% = - 4.99%; p = .007) and TP (Pre = 0.46 = 0.43 cm vs Post, Δ% = -7.01%, p = .012). In FNP group, the values were not significant (pre = 0.47 versus post = 0.46 cm; Δ% = - 3.27%; p = .709). It was possible to verify that the flexibility exercise exerted a negative influence on the performance of the muscular power of the lower limbs, and the training of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation promoted lower rates of reduction in the average height of the jump.