Abstract Background: Real-world, primary data on the treatment of psoriasis are scarce, especially concerning the role of soluble biomarkers as outcome predictors. Objective: The authors evaluated the utility of Th1/Th17 serum cytokines along with clinical characteristics as predictors of drug survival in the treatment of psoriasis. Methods: The authors consecutively included participants with moderate to severe psoriasis who were followed up for 6 years. Baseline interferon-α, tumor necrosis factor-α, and inter-leukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A were measured using a cytometric bead array; clinical data were assessed. The authors calculated hazard ratios (HRs) for drug survival using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The authors included 262 patients, most of whom used systemic immunosuppressants or biologics. In the multivariate model, poor quality of life measured by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (HR = 1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.07; p = 0.012) and elevated baseline IL-6 (HR = 1.99; 95% CI 1.29–3.08; p = 0.002) were associated with treatment interruption. Study limitations: The main limitation of any cohort study is the presence of confounders that could not be detected in clinical evaluation. Conclusions: Poor quality of life and elevated baseline serum IL-6 level predicted treatment interruption in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Although IL-6 is not the most important mediator of the inflammatory pathway in the skin environment, it is an interesting biomarker candidate for predicting psoriasis treatment response.

Abstract Introduction: Chronic kidney disease is usually asymptomatic, and its diagnosis depends on laboratory tests, with emphasis on serum creatinine and proteinuria. Objective: To assess knowledge on the role of serum creatinine as a biomarker of kidney function in a sample of the Brazilian population. Method: Cross-sectional observational study conducted in São Paulo (SP, Brazil), in which a random adult population was interviewed. Results: A total of 1138 subjects were interviewed, with a median age of 36 years old (27–52); 55.1% were female. Regarding the “creatinine” biomarker, 40.6% stated they had never performed such a test. When asked about their knowledge on the usefulness of this exam, only 19.6% knew its function. The other responses were “I don’t know” (71.6%), evaluating heart function (0.9%) and liver function (7.8%). Of those who reported they had already taken a creatinine test, only 29.4% correctly identified the role of creatinine. When dividing the groups into “knows” and “does not know” the function of creatinine, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed regarding level of education, female sex, being a healthcare student/worker, having ever measured creatinine, knowing someone with kidney disease and older age. In the multivariate analysis, the main variable related to knowing the creatinine role was having previously taken the test (OR 5.16; 95% CI 3.16–8.43, p < 0.001). Conclusion: There is a significant lack of knowledge about creatinine and its use in checkups. The results indicate that greater efforts are needed from healthcare professionals to raise awareness on the role of serum creatinine.

Resumo Introdução: A doença renal crônica costuma ser assintomática e seu diagnóstico depende da realização de exames laboratoriais, com destaque para a creatinina sérica e pesquisa de proteinúria. Objetivo: Avaliar em uma amostra da população brasileira o conhecimento sobre o papel da creatinina sérica como marcador de função renal. Método: Estudo observacional transversal realizado na cidade de São Paulo (SP, Brasil), em que foi entrevistada uma população adulta aleatória. Resultados: Foram entrevistados 1138 indivíduos, com idade mediana de 36 anos (27–52); 55,1% do sexo feminino. Com relação ao marcador “creatinina”, 40,6% afirmaram que nunca realizaram tal dosagem. Quando questionados quanto ao conhecimento sobre a utilidade desse exame, somente 19,6% sabiam a sua função. As outras respostas foram “não sei” (71,6%), avaliar o funcionamento do coração (0,9%) e fígado (7,8%). Dos que afirmaram já terem realizado o exame de creatinina, somente 29,4% acertaram a função da creatinina. Ao dividir os grupos em “sabe” e “não sabe” a função da creatinina, percebeu-se diferença estatisticamente significante (p < 0,05) em relação ao grau de escolaridade, sexo feminino, ser aluno/trabalhador da saúde, ter dosado creatinina alguma vez, conhecer alguém com doença renal e maior idade. Na análise multivariada, a principal variável relacionada com conhecer a função da creatinina foi ter realizado o exame anteriormente (OR 5,16; IC 95% 3,16–8,43, p < 0,001). Conclusão: Há grande desconhecimento sobre a creatinina e seu uso em check-ups. Os resultados indicam que é necessário maior esforço por parte dos profissionais de saúde para divulgar o papel da creatinina sérica.

AIM: to describe the methodology used in the study, the sample and the prevalence of symptoms in the acute phase of the infection according to socioeconomic variables. METHODS: cross-sectional study carried out in Rio Grande with individuals infected with covid-19 from December 2020 to March 2021. Nineteen symptoms present during the acute phase of the infection were investigated and analyzed, separately and in categories of “0-4”, “5-9” and “10 or more”, according to gender, age and economic class. RESULTS: 2,919 people were part of the sample. The most prevalent symptoms were fatigue (73.7%), headache (67.2%), loss of taste (65.9%), loss of smell (63.9%) and muscle pain (62.3% ). Regarding the occurrence of symptoms stratified by gender, all symptoms, except productive cough, were statistically higher in females. Regarding age, it was found that headache, pain/discomfort to breathe, loss of taste, loss of smell, fatigue, sore throat, nasal congestion, diarrhea, joint pain and muscle pain were statistically higher among adults (18 -59 years). As for economic class, the prevalence of symptoms of shortness of breath, pain/discomfort in breathing, alteration in sensitivity and joint pain showed a linear increase with the reduction in economic class. CONCLUSION: the results of this study made it possible to identify the most frequent symptoms in the acute phase of covid-19 and their distribution in groups, providing data for the implementation of public policies by managers and support for health professionals in assisting this population.

OBJETIVO: descrever a metodologia utilizada no estudo, a amostra e a prevalência dos sintomas da fase aguda da infecção de acordo com variáveis socioeconômicas. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal realizado em Rio Grande com indivíduos infectados pela covid-19 no período de dezembro de 2020 a março de 2021. Foram investigados 19 sintomas presentes durante a fase aguda da infecção e analisados, em separado e em categorias de “0-4”, “5-9” e “10 ou mais”, de acordo com sexo, idade e classe econômica. RESULTADOS: 2.919 pessoas fizeram parte da amostra. Os sintomas mais prevalentes foram fadiga (73,7%), dor de cabeça (67,2%), perda de paladar (65,9%), perda de olfato (63,9%) e dores musculares (62,3%). Com relação a ocorrência de sintomas estratificado por sexo, todos os sintomas, exceto tosse produtiva, foram estatisticamente maiores no sexo feminino. Referente à idade, verificou-se que dor de cabeça, dor/desconforto para respirar, perda de paladar, perda de olfato, fadiga, dor de garganta, congestão nasal, diarreia, dores articulares e dores musculares foram estatisticamente maiores entre os adultos (18-59 anos). Quanto a classe econômica, a prevalência dos sintomas falta de ar, dor/desconforto para respirar, alteração de sensibilidade e dores articulares apresentaram aumento linear conforme a redução da classe econômica. CONCLUSÃO: os resultados deste estudo permitiram identificar os sintomas mais frequentes na fase aguda da covid-19 e sua distribuição nos grupos, fornecendo dados para implementação de políticas públicas pelos gestores e respaldo para os profissionais de saúde na assistência a essa população.

Abstract Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 as a prognostic factor in patients diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL). Methods: In the present study, 45 paraffin biopsies from patients up to 19 years old diagnosed with HL were used in two referral hospitals in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Risk groups were classified into favorable and unfavorable, according to Ann Arbor. The expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and their inhibitors was performed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Data were analyzed using the GraphPad Prism 5 program. Results: MMP-2 intensity pattern was stronger (> 10% of the total field) in patients with stage III/ IV and B symptoms. MMP-2 showed an association with the risk group (p = 0.0388). That is, the stronger the MMP-2 marking, the greater the unfavorable risk. However, for MMP-9 there was no difference in the stronger intensity pattern in relation to stages I/II and III/IV, only in the presence of B symptoms. MMP-9 showed an association with B Symptoms (p = 0.0411). Therefore, patients with B symptoms have higher MMP-9 expression. Conclusion: Our results suggest that MMP-2 expression is associated with HL progression. While MMP-9 expression is related to the clinical worsening of these patients. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the exact role of these proteins in hematologic malignancies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a mortalidade prematura por doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) nas capitais brasileiras e Distrito Federal (DF) após redistribuição das causas garbage, e a evolução temporal segundo estratos de privação social nos triênios 2010 a 2012 e 2017 a 2019. Métodos: Foram aplicadas correções ao Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM), sendo empregada metodologia para redistribuição das causas garbage (CG). As taxas de mortalidade prematura por DCNT padronizadas por idade foram estimadas. Foram analisadas as diferenças entre as taxas de mortalidade por DCNT segundo categorias do Índice Brasileiro de Privação (IBP) e entre os triênios. Resultados: No conjunto das capitais, as taxas aumentaram entre 8 e 12% após a redistribuição de CG, e os maiores acréscimos ocorreram em áreas de alta privação: 11,9 e 11,4%, triênios 1 e 2, respectivamente. Houve variabilidade entre as capitais. Observou-se redução das taxas em todos os estratos de privação entre os triênios, sendo maior decréscimo no estrato de baixa privação (-18,2%), e menor no estrato de alta privação (-7,5%). Conclusão: A redistribuição de CG representou aumento das taxas de mortalidade, sendo maior nos estratos de maior privação social. Via de regra, observou-se gradiente positivo de mortalidade com o aumento da privação social. A análise da evolução temporal evidenciou decréscimo da mortalidade por DCNT entre os triênios, sobretudo em áreas de menor privação social.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze premature mortality due to noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs) in Brazilian capitals and the Federal District (DF) after redistribution of garbage causes and the temporal evolution according to social deprivation strata in the 2010 to 2012 and 2017 to 2019 triennia. Methods: Corrections were applied to the Mortality Information System (Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade – SIM) data such as the redistribution of garbage codes (GC). Premature mortality rates due to NCDs were calculated and standardized by age. The differences among NCDs mortality rates were analyzed according to the Brazilian Deprivation Index (Índice Brasileiro de Privação – IBP) categories and between the three-year periods. Results: In the capitals as a whole, rates increased between 8 and 12% after GC redistribution and the greatest increases occurred in areas of high deprivation: 11.9 and 11.4%, triennia 1 and 2, respectively. There was variability between the capitals. There was a reduction in rates in all strata of deprivation between the three-year periods, with the greatest decrease in the stratum of low deprivation (-18.2%) and the lowest in the stratum of high deprivation (-7.5%). Conclusion: The redistribution of GC represented an increase in mortality rates, being higher in the strata of greater social deprivation. As a rule, a positive gradient of mortality was observed with increasing social deprivation. The analysis of the temporal evolution showed a decrease in mortality from NCDs between the triennia, especially in areas of lower social deprivation.

ABSTRACT: Pornunça (Manihot sp.) is a potential forage to feed ruminants in drylands worldwide; however, evaluations of animal diets are necessary. This study assessed intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, physiological responses, ingestive behavior, water intake, as well as hematological and biochemical responses of lambs fed diets containing increasing levels of Pornunça silage (PS) replacing Tifton-85 bermudagrass hay (Cynodon spp.). Treatments consisted of 0, 33, 66, and 100 % PS considering the roughage portion of the diet (% dry matter – DM). The experimental design was completely randomized with six replicates. Cyanide acid (HCN) levels in fresh Pornunça leaves were 207.7 mg kg−1 DM and 76.78 mg kg−1 DM in PS. Intake of DM and crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap) increased linearly with increasing levels of PS in the diet. Digestibility of DM, NDF, and CP were higher with increasing levels of PS. Idle time decreased linearly, while water balance, water intake via food, and total water in feces increased with PS. Nitrogen balance, physiological, and hematological responses were not influenced by treatments, while the final alanine aminotransferase increased for lambs fed all diets evaluated. The PS up to 100 % of the roughage portion increased DM and nutrient intake and digestibility without altering physiological responses and the hematological and biochemical parameters, resulting in greater water intake via food.

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the karyotype test and myeloid panel with next-generation sequencing findings in patients with myelofibrosis, and to compare transplant characteristics in patients referred for bone marrow transplantation. Methods Retrospective, single-center study with patients diagnosed with myelofibrosis treated at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein between 2010 and 2020. Results A total of 104 patients with myelofibrosis were examined. Patients who had not been submitted to tests in our service were excluded. The final sample comprised 69 patients. Of these 69, 56 were submitted to karyotyping and 22 to myeloid panel with next-generation sequencing. Karyotype was normal in 60% of the patients and altered in 40%. The prevalence of high-risk molecular mutations was higher in patients referred for bone marrow transplantation (100% versus 50%). The median follow-up of transplant patients was 2.4 years and the overall survival at 2 years was 80% (95%CI: 62-100%). Conclusion The molecular analysis enables estimating the patient’s risk and thus instituting more aggressive treatment such as bone marrow transplant for patients at higher risk, being a relevant tool to guide therapy. Given the significance of molecular analysis for therapeutic decision-making in myelofibrosis, collection and disclosure of data on the prevalence of cytogenetic changes and findings of next-generation sequencing in affected patients is important.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze premature mortality due to noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs) in Brazilian capitals and the Federal District (DF) after redistribution of garbage causes and the temporal evolution according to social deprivation strata in the 2010 to 2012 and 2017 to 2019 triennia. Methods: Corrections were applied to the Mortality Information System (Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade – SIM) data such as the redistribution of garbage codes (GC). Premature mortality rates due to NCDs were calculated and standardized by age. The differences among NCDs mortality rates were analyzed according to the Brazilian Deprivation Index (Índice Brasileiro de Privação – IBP) categories and between the three-year periods. Results: In the capitals as a whole, rates increased between 8 and 12% after GC redistribution and the greatest increases occurred in areas of high deprivation: 11.9 and 11.4%, triennia 1 and 2, respectively. There was variability between the capitals. There was a reduction in rates in all strata of deprivation between the three-year periods, with the greatest decrease in the stratum of low deprivation (-18.2%) and the lowest in the stratum of high deprivation (-7.5%). Conclusion: The redistribution of GC represented an increase in mortality rates, being higher in the strata of greater social deprivation. As a rule, a positive gradient of mortality was observed with increasing social deprivation. The analysis of the temporal evolution showed a decrease in mortality from NCDs between the triennia, especially in areas of lower social deprivation.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a mortalidade prematura por doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) nas capitais brasileiras e Distrito Federal (DF) após redistribuição das causas garbage, e a evolução temporal segundo estratos de privação social nos triênios 2010 a 2012 e 2017 a 2019. Métodos: Foram aplicadas correções ao Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM), sendo empregada metodologia para redistribuição das causas garbage (CG). As taxas de mortalidade prematura por DCNT padronizadas por idade foram estimadas. Foram analisadas as diferenças entre as taxas de mortalidade por DCNT segundo categorias do Índice Brasileiro de Privação (IBP) e entre os triênios. Resultados: No conjunto das capitais, as taxas aumentaram entre 8 e 12% após a redistribuição de CG, e os maiores acréscimos ocorreram em áreas de alta privação: 11,9 e 11,4%, triênios 1 e 2, respectivamente. Houve variabilidade entre as capitais. Observou-se redução das taxas em todos os estratos de privação entre os triênios, sendo maior decréscimo no estrato de baixa privação (-18,2%), e menor no estrato de alta privação (-7,5%). Conclusão: A redistribuição de CG representou aumento das taxas de mortalidade, sendo maior nos estratos de maior privação social. Via de regra, observou-se gradiente positivo de mortalidade com o aumento da privação social. A análise da evolução temporal evidenciou decréscimo da mortalidade por DCNT entre os triênios, sobretudo em áreas de menor privação social.

ABSTRACT: Gingivitis is an infectious inflammatory process that generates local and systemic conditions, compromising the masticatory capacity of animals. Virginiamycin controls and prevents gingivitis and necrotizing gingivitis in cattle. However, the interaction and effect with different sera and salivary elements remain unknown. The present 6-month longitudinal study evaluated the hematological, metabolic, and salivary buffering capacity profiles of calves with gingivitis treated with virginiamycin. Ten calves were divided into two groups: control and virginiamycin (n = 5 each). Calves in the virginiamycin group had a lower occurrence of gingivitis (P < 0.01, Student’s t-test). The animals that developed gingivitis in both experimental groups had higher salivary levels of alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.01915) and lower serum levels of albumin (P = 0.0028). Additionally, animals receiving virginiamycin had higher serum levels of magnesium (P = 0.008), albumin (P = 0.0008), urea (P = 0.008), alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.008), total proteins (P = 0.008), and plasma protein (P = 0.018). Salivary buffering capacity was negatively correlated with salivary variables such as calcium, magnesium, albumin, total protein, and aspartate aminotransferase and serum variables such as albumin and aspartate aminotransferase. Results of the present study suggested that the occurrence of periodontopathies in episodes is reflected in the local and systemic alterations in animals. In this context, clinical periodontal monitoring also showed the benefits of virginiamycin supplementation on gingival conditions and systemic health markers, in addition to controlling the two precursor forms of periodontitis.

RESUMO: Gengivites são processos infecto-inflamatórios que geram quadros locais e sistêmicos, com comprometimento da capacidade mastigatória dos animais. A virginiamicina controla e previne a gengivite e a gengivite necrosante em bovinos; no entanto, a interação e efeito com diferentes elementos séricos e salivares permanecem desconhecidos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar, em um estudo longitudinal com duração de seis meses, os perfis hematológicos, metabólicos e de capacidade tamponante salivar de bezerros com gengivite e tratados com virginiamicina. Foram utilizados 10 bezerros divididos em dois grupos: grupo controle (n = 5) e grupo virginiamicina (n = 5). Os bezerros do grupo virginiamicina apresentaram menor ocorrência de gengivite (P < 0,01, teste T - Student). Os animais que desenvolveram gengivite, de ambos os grupos experimentais, apresentaram níveis salivares mais elevados de fosfatase alcalina (P = 0,01915) e níveis séricos menores de albumina (P = 0,0028). Observou-se também que os animais que receberam virginiamicina apresentaram níveis séricos mais elevados de magnésio (P = 0,008), albumina (P = 0,0008), ureia (P = 0,008), fosfatase alcalina (P = 0,008), proteínas totais (P = 0,008) e proteína plasmática (P = 0,018). As análises de capacidade tamponante salivar foram correlacionadas negativamente às variáveis salivares como cálcio, magnésio, albumina, proteína total e aspartato aminotransferase e às variáveis séricas como a albumina e aspartato aminotransferase. Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que a ocorrência em episódios das periodontopatias refletem-se em alterações locais e sistêmicas nos animais. Neste contexto, o monitoramento clínico periodontal também evidenciou os benefícios do emprego de suplementação pela virginiamicina sobre as condições gengivais e marcadores sistêmicos de saúde, além do controle das duas formas precursoras de periodontites.

Abstract Background: Religiosity and Spirituality (R/S), despite being different entities, are multidimensional constructs, whose influence on cardiovascular health has been increasingly studied in recent decades. Objectives: To discriminate patients into subgroups according to R/S levels, in order to compare them regarding the distribution of cardiovascular comorbidities and clinical events. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional, analytical study. Two R/S scales were applied to a sample of patients seen at cardiology outpatient clinics. A cluster analysis was used to discriminate individuals into subgroups regarding R/S levels, which were subsequently compared regarding the frequencies of clinical variables related to cardiovascular health. A significance level of 5% was set for the statistical tests. Results: The sample included 237 patients with a mean age of 60.8 years (±10.7), of which 132 were female (55.7%). Cluster analysis (C) distinguished two groups: C1, with lower levels of R/S, and C2, with higher levels of R/S (p<0.001). C2 had a lower frequency of alcohol consumption (29.5% vs. 76.0%; p<0.001), smoking (12.9% vs. 51.0%; p<0.001), systemic arterial hypertension (SAH — 65.5% vs. 82.3%; p=0.005), dyslipidemia (58.3% vs. 77.1%; p=0.003), chronic coronary syndrome (36.7% vs. 58.3%; p=0.001), and prior cardiovascular events (15.8% vs. 36.5%; p<0.001) when compared to C1. There was also a higher frequency of females in C2 (82.0% vs. 17.7%; p<0.001). Conclusions: A better cardiovascular morbidity profile was observed in the group of patients with higher R/S levels, suggesting a probable positive relationship between R/S and cardiovascular health.

Abstract Objective: Compare the occurrence of choking and gagging in infants subjected to three complementary feeding (CF) methods. Methods: Randomized clinical trial with mother-infant pairs, allocated according to the following methods of CF: a) Parent-Led Weaning (PLW) — group control, b) Baby-Led Introduction to SolidS (BLISS), and c) mixed (initially BLISS and if the infant presents a lack of interest or dissatisfaction, PLW), with the last two methods guided by the infant. Mothers received nutritional intervention on CF and prevention of choking and gagging according to the method at 5.5 months of age and remained in follow-up until 12 months. Frequencies of choking and gagging were collected by questionnaire at nine and 12 months. The comparison between groups was performed using the analysis of variance test (p < 0.05). Results: 130 infants were followed, and 34 (26.2%) children presented choking between six and 12 months of age, 13 (30.2%) in PLW, 10 (22.2%) BLISS, and 11 (26.2%) mixed method, no significative difference between methods (p > 0.05). The choking was caused mainly by the semi-solid/solid consistency. Moreover, 100 (80%) infants aged from six to 12 months presented gagging and their characteristics were not statistically different among groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Infants following a baby-led feeding method that includes advice on minimizing choking risk do not seem more likely to choke than infants following traditional feeding practice that includes advice on minimizing choking risk.

ABSTRACT Purpose To demonstrate the epidemiological profile and risk factors of patients with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Methods Observational and sectional study. One eye of each patient with greater visual impairment due to AMD treated at the University Hospital Antônio Pedro was included. The main variable to be compared was the presence of AMD divided into inexpressive, initial, intermediate, and advanced stages, according to the classification of the AREDS study. The secondary variables were demographics (gender, age, race, age group), body mass index, iris color, family history of ARMD, lens status, long-term exposure to ultraviolet light and smoking. Statistical tests were performed with Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square analyses and Student’s t test. The significance level was set at 5%. Results After the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 126 patients were included in this study, 20 patients with non-expressive AMD, 30 patients with early AMD, 30 patients with intermediate AMD, and 46 patients with advanced AMD. Among all the risk factors surveyed, only smoking was statistically significant (p = 0.03). Conclusion Smoking as a risk factor for AMD had significant relevance prevalent in this research and even as a preventive factor for this ocular morbidity.

RESUMO Objetivo Demonstrar o perfil epidemiológico e fatores de riscos de pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade. Métodos Estudo observacional e seccional. Foi incluído um olho de cada paciente com maior comprometimento visual por degeneração macular relacionada à idade atendido no Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro. A variável principal a ser comparada foi a presença de degeneração macular relacionada à idade dividida nos estágios inexpressivo, inicial, intermediário e avançado, segundo classificação do estudo AREDS. As variáveis secundárias foram os dados demográficos (sexo, idade, raça, faixa etária), índice de massa corporal, cor da íris, história familiar de degeneração macular relacionada à idade, status do cristalino, longo tempo exposição à luz ultravioleta e tabagismo. Foram realizados testes estatísticos com análise de Kruskal-Wallis, do teste do qui-quadrado e teste t de Student. O nível de significância foi definido em 5%. Resultados Após os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, 126 pacientes foram incluídos neste estudo, sendo 20 pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade inexpressiva, 30 pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade inicial, 30 pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade intermediária e 46 pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade avançada. Dentre todos os fatores de risco pesquisados, apenas o tabagismo se mostrou estatisticamente significativo (p=0,03). Conclusão O tabagismo como fator de risco para degeneração macular relacionada à idade apresentou ter importância expressiva prevalente nesta pesquisa e até mesmo como fator preventivo dessa morbidade ocular.

Abstract As a result of human activities and natural dispersal, exotic species can be brought to new areas, where they become established and spread, becoming invaders. These species are responsible for the loss of biodiversity and cause ecosystemic harm throughout the world. In this paper, we report the rapid, broad geographic expansion of the invasive fly Drosophila nasuta in Brazil. An 84% increase was found in its area of occupation in the country compared to previous studies. The present data reveal its arrival to the Pantanal wetlands in a location more than one thousand kilometers from the closest previous record in the Cerrado biome. We present the first record of D. nasuta in the Atlantic Forest in the states of Paraíba and Bahia. We report its introduction in the Amazon Forest in the state of Amazonas approximately 700 kilometers from previous records. The relative abundance of D. nasuta in this biome increased fivefold in comparison to a previous study. In the first decade of invasion in Brazil, D. nasuta has already colonized more than half of the country. The present data reveal its invasive potential and underscore the importance of following up the possible negative effects of this biological invasion.

ABSTRACT This research aimed to evaluate the effect of thinning on the wood volumes per hectare on the tannin content in the bark of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia. The planting was subdivided into two plots, one thinned at 12 and 55 months of age (T1), while the other plot was kept intact (T2). The dendrometric variables were measured, and ten trees were felled, five in each plot. Subsequently, wood and bark’s volume, mass, and moisture content were determined. Then, the total solids content (TST), the Stiasny index (I), and the condensed tannin content (TTC) were quantified. Dry wood productivity was statistically different between the two treatments, with values of 26.7 and 22.8 t ha-1 for T1 and T2, respectively. The percentage of dry bark corresponded to 16% of the total biomass for both treatments. The only variable that showed a significant difference was I, with values with and without thinning, 59.83 and 79.31%, respectively. Therefore, it was verified that the way the thinning was used changed the I and how they were conducted, favoring the emission of boles and increasing the frequency in the lower diametric classes instead of favoring the increase in DBH. It is concluded that thinning interferes with the biomass volumes and the Stiasny index of M. caesalpiniifolia. However, it does not alter the concentration of tannins present in the species’ bark.

RESUMO Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito do desbaste sobre os volumes de madeira por hectare e no teor de taninos na casca de Mimosa caesalpiniifolia. O plantio foi subdividido em duas parcelas, uma que sofreu desbaste aos 12 e aos 55 meses de idade (T1), enquanto a outra foi mantida intacta (T2). Foram realizadas medições das variáveis dendrométricas e, em seguida, abatidas dez árvores, sendo cinco em cada uma das parcelas. Posteriormente, determinou-se o volume, a massa e o teor de umidade, da madeira e da casca. Em seguida, foi quantificado o teor de sólidos totais (TST), o índice de Stiasny (I) e o teor de taninos condensados (TTC) na casca. A produtividade de madeira seca foi estatisticamente diferente entre os dois tratamentos com valores de 26,7 e 22,8 t ha-1 para T1 e T2, respectivamente. A porcentagem de casca seca correspondeu a 16% da biomassa total para ambos os tratamentos. A única variável que apresentou diferença significativa foi o I, sendo os valores com e sem desbaste de 59,83 e 79,31%, respectivamente. Portanto, verificou-se que a forma em que o desbaste foi empregado altera o I e a massa de madeira seca, porém não alterou a concentração de taninos presentes na casca da espécie.

Abstract Despite the enormous paleobotanical record on different islands of the Antarctic Peninsula, the evidence of insect activity associated with fossilized plants is scarce. Here we report the first evidence of insect-plant interaction from Cretaceous deposits, more precisely from a new locality at the Rip Point area, Nelson Island (Antarctic Peninsula). The macrofossil assemblage includes isolated Nothofagus sp. leaf impressions, a common component of the Antarctic paleoflora. Two hundred leaves were examined, of which 15 showed evidence of insect activity, displaying variations in size, shape, and preservation. Two types of interaction damage, galls and mines, were identified. A single specimen retained a circular scar recognized as galling scar, while meandering tracks were considered mines. These traces of herbivore insect activity, correspond to the oldest known record of this type of interaction of West Antarctica and the oldest record of insect-plant interaction in Nothofagus sp. reported so far.