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The qualifications of those involved in municipal environmental management are essential for implementing public environmental policies, and universities, through extension, have the opportunity to share knowledge with several sectors of society, contributing to its improvement. Thus, an extension project was developed, covering a training course with editions in 2020 and 2021. The article aimed to report the experience of the extension project and diagnose the management and local environmental issues from the perception of the managers involved in training. Experience reports and questionnaires were used to evaluate the course and collect information on local environmental management. The positive evaluation of the participants led to the conclusion that university extension successfully fulfilled its role of spreading knowledge to strengthen society's organizations and contribute to socio-environmental development. Concerning municipal environmental issues, the main problems pointed out were irregular occupations and water pollution. All municipalities involved had a Municipal Council for the Environment. The results obtained are expected to bring reflections on local environmental management and contribute to developing new actions to strengthen it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on teaching Impact Assessment plays an important role in seeking improvements in the quality of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This article analyzes EIA teaching from the perspective of lecturers who teach EIA in Brazilian Environmental Engineering Programs. Using an online questionnaire for data collection and content analysis as a method for data analysis, the results are based on the perceptions of 37 lecturers. The lecturers participating in the survey are predominantly female, relatively young (mostly between 35 and 45 years old), and almost all of them hold a doctorate. Results indicate that the content taught, and the methods used are aligned with best teaching practices in EIA to varying extents. In addition, lecturers' perceptions of EIA teaching and practice align with results of scientific research on practitioners perception and EIA effectiveness in Brazil, which point out, for example, lack or limitations in participation, but also the presence of good practices. We hope that the results can contribute to reflections and improvements on EIA teaching specifically in Brazil. HIGHLIGHTS: ⁠The study identifies that Brazilian EIA lecturers in Environmental Engineering are predominantly female, aged 35–45, with 92% holding doctoral degrees. However, their advanced degrees often focus on other topics, indicating a need for more specialized training in EIA. ⁠Teaching methods and content align with international EIA practices, adhering to best practice principles. ⁠The perceptions of Brazilian lecturers on EIA confirm previous findings in the field, highlighting consistent challenges and views. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The article aims to diagnose the water supply system of the municipality of Conceição das Pedras - State of Minas Gerais, from the evaluation of the user's perception, in order to evaluate the quality of the service provided. Methodology: The population's perception was raised through the application of a data collection form on the water supply system, containing 17 closed questions and 3 open questions. The form was applied via Google Forms in March 2022 and 108 responses were obtained. Relevance: The users' perception is essential for the management and planning of actions to meet the water supply. Still, the provision of public sanitation services, especially in municipalities operated by local institutions, needs research and greater attention. Main Results: Important information was collected, such as notes that water sometimes has color, taste and odor. There are also complaints of greasy water. From the users' perception, the system has a low number of interruptions in the water supply and a brief resolution of the issue. With this, it can be pointed out that, even with the water supply system presenting some possible problems, the majority of the population considers the water quality to be good or regular, which is extremely important for the population's quality of life. Contributions: We hope that the information gathered by this research can contribute to a better management of the city's water supply system, as well as the applied methodology can serve as a guide for other papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why mergers and acquisitions occur in waves is still a subject little explored in the financial literature, especially in the context of markets outside the USA and UK. Therefore, this study investigates whether agents' optimism could lead to an M&A wave, using Brazilian data from 2007 to 2017 of transactions and the Business Confidence Index, which measures the optimism of the entrepreneurs about the current and future economic scenario. We used Harford's (2005) definition for an M&A wave. Using a Logit binary response model, the study pointed out that optimism increases the probability of an M&A wave. Ibovespa was the variable that had the greater effect on the probabilities of an M&A wave. The results were significant for different lags. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Live single-cell metabolomic studies encounter inherent difficulties attributed to the limited sample volume, minimal compound quantity, and insufficient sensitivity in the Mass Spectrometry (MS) method used to obtain single-cell data. However, understanding cellular heterogeneity, functional diversity, and metabolic processes within individual cells is essential. Exploring how individual cells respond to stimuli, including drugs, environmental changes, or signaling molecules, offers insights into biology, oncology, and drug discovery. Efficient release of cell contents (lysis) is vital for accurate metabolite detection at the single-cell level. Despite this, traditional approaches in live single cell metabolomics methods do not emphasize efficient lysis to prevent sample dilution. Instead, current live single cell metabolomics methods use direct infusion to introduce the cell into the mass spectrometry without prior chromatographic separation or a lysis step, which adversely affects sensitivity and metabolic coverage. To address this, we developed an integrated single-cell electrical lysis and nano spray (SCEL-nS) platform coupled to an Orbitrap MS capable of efficiently lysing a single cell after being sampled with specially manufactured micropipettes. Lysis efficiency was validated by comparing live cell stain fluorescent intensities of intact and electrically lysed cells through microscopy imaging. The SCEL-nS platform successfully induced the breakdown of a single cell, significantly reducing the live cell stain's fluorescent intensity indicating cell membrane breakdown. Additionally, SCEL-nS was validated by measuring single cells spiked with the anti-cancer drug tamoxifen by MS. SCEL-nS use resulted in statistically significant increase in the peak measured by the method compared to the traditional non-lysis method. Overall, our results demonstrate that the newly incorporated SCEL-nS platform achieved higher sensitivities compared to traditional live single cell analysis methods. A dilution-free integrated single-cell electrical lysis and nano spray (SCEL-nS) platform coupled to an Orbitrap MS. Created with BioRender.com , accessed on GP24IQ5WB0, October 13th, 2022). [Display omitted] • The development of the SCEL-nS platform, which integrates single-cell electrical lysis and nano spray techniques. • Significant reduction in fluorescent intensity post-lysis indicates successful breakdown of the cell membrane. • Measurement of a single cell spiked with tamoxifen show significant increase in measured peaks compared to non-lysis method. • Improvement of sensitivity without the need for additional sample dilution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teaching Impact Assessment (IA) is both important and challenging. In this context, international literature presents a set of Best Practice Principles for IA Teaching and Training. This paper proposes and applies a framework of 14 indicators to analyse the content of IA teaching. It focuses on the Brazilian Environmental Engineering Programs, and the methodological process involved examining the literature as well as content analysis. The framework application showed to be practical and objective. Results indicate that the capacity to incorporate the specifics of the IA system is a strength of IA teaching in Brazil. On the other hand, the results highlight many weaknesses, e.g. the focus on teaching only IA applied to projects (in spite of the many IA types present in IA literature and international practice), focus on impact assessment statement (instead of the whole IA process) and gaps related to study of alternatives, cumulative impacts and public participation. Suggestions to improve IA teaching in Brazil include presenting IA as a process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: increased supination and pronation movements was associating with more number of muscles and tendons and could explain the formation of extensors carpal muscles. Case report: The objective of this study was to describe the anatomical variation not yet described in the tendon of the accessory extensor muscle of the finger index and of the radial accessory carpal extensor muscle, which occurred simultaneously in the same individual, the clinical and surgical repercussions of this and other variations of the extensor muscles of the wrist. Level of Evidence: IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermography is a non-destructive technique that allows the visualization of infrared radiation through visible thermal images. It may take place at great distances from the surfaces under analysis and it may be quite advantageous in sustainability issues of urban rehabilitation. This technique allows, based on the results obtained, the development of new efficient solutions, such as more durable coatings and/or greater insulation capacity, allowing the identification of pathologies that can hardly be detected by other methods. This also allows maintenance to be done timely, without the risk of deterioration. This measurement depends on different parameters that can influence its results, such as emissivity, the camera-surface distance, the observation angle, reflectivity and color. In this case, for building facades, it is also added to the above-mentioned parameters some environmental conditions, as solar radiation and wind predominate. The development of this exploratory study stands out fundamental ly for its practice, from the collection, interpretation and justification of the thermal buildings data. Regardless of the different conditions present on different days, it was possible to identify the constituent materials and record the different temperature patterns, such as the thermal transition between the same materials over the hours, orientation, exposure and different colors, as well as the passage of masses of hot and cold air from inside of buildings to its exterior. This work is relevant to a study of implementing measures for greater urban efficiency in the existent building portfolio and, consequently, achieving greater urban sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant inheritance disease that affects connective tissue with phenotypic manifestations involving the skeletal, cardiovascular and ocular systems. The main ocular manifestations are the subluxation of the lens, myopia and retinal detachment. The aim of this article was to report the clinical and surgical management of a patient with Marfan syndrome with luxated lens for the vitreous cavity and who developed a severe phacoanaphylactic reaction characterized by severe secondary glaucoma and corneal decompensation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproductive output parameters (fecundity and egg volume) of Lysmata vittata were examined in a population in northeastern Brazil. Effect of maturation diets on the reproductive output of these shrimp under laboratory conditions was evaluated. Reproductive output was estimated for 25 shrimp collected in the wild. Another 45 pairs of shrimp were used for diet experiments, 15 pairs per treatment (T1: industrialized food, T2: fresh food, T3: mixed diets). For wild population, mean fecundity and egg volume were differed between developmental stages of the eggs. Fecundity was significantly lower in the specimens subjected to T1 diet (267 ± 141 eggs) compared with shrimp from the wild population (393 ± 183 eggs). Egg volume was significantly lower in shrimp subjected to three diets tested compared with those from wild population. Egg loss during embryonic development in L. vittata may be caused by several factors (e.g. aborted development and maternal cannibalism). Fresh food proved to be important for improving reproductive output in L. vittata reared in culture. We emphasize the significance of improving nutritional value and palatability of diets to improve cultivation efficiency. Lysmata vittata can be used as a model organism for future studies aiming to improve the cultivation techniques for shrimp of the genus. Abbreviations PSH: protandric simultaneous hermaphroditism; ARS: artificial refuge structures; CL: carapace length; EV: egg volume; L: largest diameter of the egg; S: smallest diameter of the egg; T1: industrialized pellets; T2: fresh ingredients; T3: mixed diets; ANCOVA: analysis of covariancr; SD: standard deviation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Inocybe (Inocybaceae) has a wide distribution, with species occurring in both temperate and tropical zones. Despite being a well known ectomycorrhizal genus, descriptions of species are infrequent in the Neotropics and poorly documented. Only five species are well documented from Brazil and studies on this genus are needed. This report describes I. lepidosparta as a new species from tropical montane forest (‘brejo de altitude’) of Pernambuco, Brazil. The usual methodology for analysis of agaric fungi was followed and colour codes are annotated based on a standard colour chart; the microscopic examinations were made using 3%-5% KOH and stained with Congo red, and 30 basidiospores were measured for statistics. The new species is characterised by its brownish squamulose pileus, scattered squamulose-fibrillose stipe, nodulose basidiospores 9-11.5 × (5.8-) 6.5-8.5 µm, large metuloid pleurocystidia 68-93 × 13-25 µm and absence of caulocystidia. Inocybe amazonensis, I. epidendron and I. paralanuginosa are compared with our new species and differ in several features; for example, pileus surface (fibrillose or squamulose), stipe colour, basidiospores size and characteristics of the metuloids (size, shape and wall thickness). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to identify the knowledges and achievements of the stallholders and customers who "make the fair" of the Major Prates neighborhood, in Montes Claros, the northern region of Minas Gerais. Through the observation of the relationships woven in that space, we developed an investigation about the daily practices in the Free Fair’s context, from the analysis of the arts of saying, nourishing and making ethnomathematics. We made a qualitative analysis of the gestures and voices of the subjects who "make the fair" that shows an efficient use of mathematical concepts in their daily commercial practice. We have verified that the Major Prates’ Fair has been consolidated by its vocation markedly “hortifrutigranjeira”, as well as by the possibility of familiar coexistence of the people who attend it to nourish, have fun and work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some great writers from Minas Gerais have a little-known literary trajectory, despite their great value and the wide range of other fellow citizens that appear as exponents of Brazilian literature. One of these forgotten names is Lindolfo Rocha. He, along with Afrânio Peixoto, Hermam Lima and Heberto Sales, is part of the regionalist literary tradition which emerged in 1890 with the works of Coelho Neto, Afonso Arinos and Valdomiro Silveira. Few studies have problematized the production of this writer and one of the densest was Homem de Maria Dusa (1953), written by Nile Bruzzi. However, it was still not enough to make known the legacy of Lindolfo Rocha. Considering this context, this work aims to increase the visibility of the Maria Dusa (1910) author's, for him to find a legitimate way of being received by the community of readers. In this bibliographic research guided by theories of authors such as Antonio Candido (2000), Alfredo Bosi (1973), Nelson Werneck Sodré (1969), Nicolau Sevcenko (1983), Epitácio Pereira de Cerqueira (1995), Múcio Leão (1953) and Nilo Bruzzi (1953), seeks to reflect on the need for new readings of authors who have not yet found space in classrooms and libraries, as Lindolfo Rocha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the possible effects on the capital markets that occurred before, during and after the merger between Sadia and Perdigão (new BRF) announced on May 19, 2009. Through event study analysis this research reports, analyzes and presents the behavior of abnormal returns in eight selected events in different periods, both for the two companies included in the merger process as well as for their main competitors in the market. The events were divided into six related to the merger and acquisition and two unrelated to the M&A. The most statistically and economically significant results came from the events related to the merger. There were positive and statistically significant abnormal returns for both the acquiring company and the acquired company. Returns for the acquired firm were higher than the returns of the acquiring company. Another result that this study showed was that the merger resulted in higher stock prices for rival firms in all periods analyzed, showing positive and significant abnormal returns. This result is in line with the acquisition probability hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we have assessed the impact in vivo of the evasion gene A238L of African swine fever virus, an inhibitor of both NF-κB- and NFAT-mediated transcription. The A238L gene was selectively expressed in mouse B lymphocytes using the promoter and enhancer sequences of the mouse Ig μ heavy chain. The IgM primary and IgG2b secondary serological responses and the number of splenic germinal centres in response to the TD antigens DNP-keyhole limpet hemocyanin and sheep red blood cells, respectively, were both lower in the transgenic mice, whereas the response to the TI type-1 and type-2 antigens DNP-Ficoll and DNP-LPS, respectively, were normal, except for the increased levels of IgG3 at day 14 in the DNP-LPS-immunized mice. Thus, it appears that neither p65 (NF-κB) nor NFAT is essential for B-cell development but, in a manner that is still unclear, may be relevant for their function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a process that makes environmental issues be considered in strategic decisions. After 2000, there was a global spread of this practice, and many countries already have regulations. Brazil is still in the stage of implementation proposals of this instrument. Thus, this study aims to investigate whether the guidelines formulated for SEA practice meet a set of factors that make the system to be deployed point to a more conducive way to the effectiveness of its action. To this end, we used the Fischer (2007) method with adaptations. The results indicate, as positive aspects of the proposal, the definition of the SEA goal and the predicted society participation in the process and, as its weaknesses, the lack of definition of responsibilities and procedures to be followed. From the conclusion that the text of the draft needs to be improved, international experience must be considered to avoid mistakes and maximise SEA gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geotechnical monitoring of tailings dams combined with a suitable application of geophysical electrical methods can improve their structure evaluation, allowing several correlations between direct analyses and the resistivity anomaly pattern. Considering this synergy, twenty-three electrical resistivity sections (ERT) were acquired along the beach, abutments, and central part of a dam, totalizing 10,776 m of dataset. After the interpretation of each ERT section, comparing the anomaly ranges with the water level meters measurements, three resistivity zones were defined: Zones of low resistivity (<64 ohm-m), correlated to regions of high humidity; zones of high resistivity (> 357 ohm-m), interpreted as dry zones, and regions with intermediate resistivity values, located between these limits. The groundwater surface generated from the interpretation of the electrical resistivity dataset and the groundwater surface acquired from the water level gauges were almost coincident. On the right abutment, the conductive anomalies showed remarkable continuity, suggesting a high moisture content in this region with strong gradients (200 mV) directed towards the zone of low resistivity values identified in the sections. The analysis showed a robust correlation of the ERT data with localized physical geotechnical measurements, valuable for monitoring dam integrity, overseeing the structure's response to climate and operational changes, and ultimately mitigating the risks of failure. The results of this study support the adoption of a seasonal 4D electrical resistivity survey as an effective tool to monitor and manage surface and high humidity zones, key indicators of dam integrity throughout the entire structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article jointly examines the differences of laboratory versions of the Dutch clock open auction, a sealed-bid auction to represent book building, and a two-stage sealed bid auction to proxy for the "competitive IPO", a recent innovation used in a few European equity initial public offerings. We investigate pricing, seller allocation, and buyer welfare allocation efficiency and conclude that the book building emulation seems to be as price efficient as the Dutch auction, even after investor learning, whereas the competitive IPO is not price efficient, regardless of learning. The competitive IPO is the most seller allocative efficient method because it maximizes offer proceeds. The Dutch auction emerges as the most buyer welfare allocative efficient method. Underwriters are probably seeking pricing efficiency rather than seller or buyer welfare allocative efficiency and their discretionary pricing and allocation must be important since book building is prominent worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article conducts a quantitative and qualitative appraisal of the bibliography of financial articles published in 11 Brazilian scientific journals, through surveys into the question of co-authorships and other priority areas, together with an analysis of the productivity of authors. The issue of co-authorships became a dominant feature of the inquiry. The most common areas were corporate finance and investment management, and this reflects the large amount of data supplied by publicly traded companies, although it means that others were neglected. The production of literature is concentrated in the hands of a few people in the Southeast of the country and is lower than what was predicted by the bibliometric theory. A large majority of authors only published one article and only 5% published five or more. The international articles of the most prolific authors are largely found in "low impact" periodicals. The lack of innovation, either of a theoretical or methodological kind, prevents international publications from having a significant effect. The assessments of seems to stimulate the formation of partnerships, but new incentives are recommended to ensure the level of development is aligned with that of more advanced countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is shown that the Riemannian curvature of the 3-dimensional hypersurfaces in space-time, described by the Wilson loop integral, can be represented by a quaternion quantum operator induced by the SU(2) gauge potential, thus providing a justification for quaternion quantum gravity at the Tev energy scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although councils are built on the pillars of representative democracy and legally have the function of bringing civil society and governmental spheres closer to decision-making, the practical transposition of these assumptions needs verification. This article aimed to analyze participation carried out in the Municipal Council for the Defense of the Environment (COMDEMA) of Ribeirão Preto, SP, concerning the proposal theorized for councils and the determinations provided by law. To this end, a documental analysis of the minutes of ordinary meetings of COMDEMA (2016-2020) was carried out, considering the perspectives of the composition of the board, the participation of members, and the nature of the agendas. Concerning the composition of the board, with the exception of two vacancies, all the chairs of entities provided for in the Internal Regulations were filled; in terms of attendance, 12.8% of meetings were canceled due to lack of quorum. The interventions of the councilors in meetings are carried out more frequently by specific representatives, which can be attributed to the formation of parallel Technical Chambers for previous discussion of matters that will be taken to ordinary meetings. Thus, by the performed analyzes, it can be observed that COMDEMA operates in line with the provisions set forth in law and presents the involvement of its members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For over 150 years, researchers have studied the (patho)physiology of the endocrine pancreas and devised treatment options for diabetes mellitus (DM). However, no cure has been developed so far. In dogs, diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) is the most common presentation. Treatment consists of twice daily insulin injections, monitored by spatial blood glucose measurements. Even though dogs were instrumental in the discovery of insulin and islet transplantations, the treatment in diabetic dogs has remained unchanged for decades. Providing twice daily insulin injections is demanding for both owners and dogs and may result in hypoglycaemic events, creating the need for new treatment strategies. Novel regenerative medicine-based tools, such as improved β-cell culture protocols and artificial devices, have sparked hope for a cure. In human medicine, emerging technologies such as the transplantation of insulin-producing β-cells, generated by stem cell differentiation, with or without an encapsulation device, are currently tested in phase I/II clinical trials. As the pathogenesis of T1DM is remarkably similar between humans and dogs, novel treatment methods could be implemented in canine medicine. This review briefly summarises the physiology of the canine endocrine pancreas and the pathophysiology of canine DM before exploring current and possible future treatment options for canine DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this research is to analyze the effect of the insertion of a geogrid reinforcement in the mechanical behavior of the hot mix asphalt (HMA) and the cold mix asphalt (CMA). For this purpose, an experimental program was developed, in which HMA and CMA were designed by the Marshall mix design method and specimens with and without a geogrid were molded. The mechanical properties were investigated through tensile strength (Brazilian test), resilient modulus and Marshall Stability tests. The insertion of the geogrid into the HMA provide an increase in the responses of reinforced specimens for the three analyzed tests, which is not observed in the CMA. The adhesion between the asphalt mixture and the geogrid is observed only in the hot asphalt mixture. Therefore, its mobilization shows to be dependent on the temperature of the asphalt mixture, which alters the viscosity of the asphalt binder. It is assumed that the geogrid reinforcement is mobilized due to the adhesion between this geosynthetic element and the hot asphalt mixture. Additionally, the trapping of the asphalt mixture in the geogrid mesh openings provides the formation of a structural system with higher interlocking, lower susceptibility to deformations and as a consequence greater mechanical strength and stiffness, in comparison to unreinforced systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pituitary adenoma is a tumor of slow evolution and has important visual disturbances such as low visual acuity and field defects. These symptoms lead patients to seek often ophthalmologists. In this case, we will analyze a patient with glaucoma who had an associated pituitary macroadenoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Findings in regenerative medicine applied to the sinus lift procedures. Purpose: Evaluate the effectiveness of regenerative medicine in sinus lift. Materials and Methods: An extensive search for manuscripts were performed by using different combinations of keywords and MeSH terms (Pub‐med; Embase; Scopus; Web of Science Core Collection; Medline; Current Contents Connect; Derwent Innovations Index; Scielo Citation Index; Cochrane library). The full text selected articles are written in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, German, or French, and published until 28 of November 2016. Inclusion criteria were: implant osteointegration, radiographic, histologic, and/or histomorphometric analysis, clinical studies in humans using of regenerative medicine. This systematic review was performed by selecting only randomized controlled clinical trials and controlled clinical trials. Results: Eighteen published studies (11 CT and 7 RCT) were considered eligible for inclusion in the present systematic review. These studies demonstrated considerable variation of biomaterial and cell technics used, study design, sinus lift technic, outcomes, follow‐up, and results. Conclusion: Only few studies have demonstrated potential of regenerative medicine in sinus lift; further randomized clinical trials are needed to achieve more accurate results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poncirus trifoliate is a rootstock that reduces size of some citrus varieties and may allow high-density plantings under specifics environments and management. The aim of this work was to evaluate P. trifoliata as rootstock for sweet orange 'Lima' when grown under irrigation in environmental conditions on Brazil, in the Northwest of State of Rio de Janeiro. 'Lima' orange budded on 'Rangpur' lime (Citrus limonia Osbeck) was used as control. The experiment was carried out under completely randomized experimental design, which treatments were constituted by rootstocks varieties and evaluations times. Plant size, fruit yield, and yield efficiency were evaluated in two harvests seasons. Fruit quality was assessed at four times during 2011 harvest. Canopy volume of 'Lima' onto Trifoliate reduces over 56% and fruits were smaller in size but they have greatest values of total solid soluble. Yield efficiency in these plants was 39% higher in contrast with plants grafted on 'Rangpur' lime. This scion/rootstock combination may allow high-density plantings in irrigated system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a review on the range of the endemic and near-threatened Rio de Janeiro Antbird Cercomacra brasiliana, based on new field records and extensive search in literature, museums and bird sound databases. Our records extend the species' known range over 200 km westwards to the hinterlands of Minas Gerais state. Nevertheless, no records were done within federal or state reserves, and the conservation of the remaining forest fragments where the species was recorded is urgent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae) trees have a wide distribution in the cerrado. This plant is protected by federal laws and is left in deforested areas of the cerrado. This situation increases the damage to leaves, flowers, and fruits from chewing insects. We studied the effect of habitat complexity and plant architecture on the diversity and abundance of the Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera herbivores and their predators on trees of C. brasiliense in cerrado, pasture, and on the Campus of the Federal University of Minas Gerais. We observed 13 rare, 2 common, and 1 constant species of herbivores insects; and 3 rare, 8 common, and 1 constant species of predators on trees. Higher diversities and number of species of herbivores insects and their predators were observed in pasture than in the cerrado and on the campus of the Federal University of Minas Gerais. Herbivorous insects were most abundant in pasture and least abundant on the university campus. Predators were most abundant in pasture and least abundant in the cerrado. Ants, spiders, and predatory bugs are important in the reduction of the defoliators and leaf miners insects. The percentages of defoliation and populations of defoliators and ants were higher on C. brasiliense trees with wider crowns. We found a positive correlation of soil aluminum concentration with percent defoliation and numbers of lepidopteran leaf miners. On the other hand, increased soil pH was correlated with reduction in percent defoliation and numbers of lepidopteran leaf miners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Twenty-three naphthoimidazoles and six naphthoxazoles were synthesised and evaluated against susceptible and rifampicin- and isoniazid-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Among all the compounds evaluated, fourteen presented MIC values in the range of 0.78 to 6.25μg/mL against susceptible and resistant strains of M. tuberculosis. Five structures were solved by X-ray crystallographic analysis. These substances are promising antimycobacterial prototypes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We present new records of four open-habitat birds in the southern Espinhaço Range, state of Minas Gerais, also known as the Quadrilátero Ferrífero. Three of these species (Micropygia schomburgkii, Veniliornis mixtus and Coryphaspiza melanotis) are inedit occurrences for the region and two are globally threatened (C. melanotis and Culicivora caudacuta), what draws attention for the preservation of native open-habitats within the Quadrilátero Ferrífero region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The wide variability of responses to corticotherapy suggests a role for individual recognition of steroid sensitivity in order to customize treatment. Oral dexamethasone (DEX) administration may be hindered by the rate of its intestinal absorption and the liver first-passage effect. In this study we suggest that an intravenous very low dose DEX suppression test (VLD IV-DST) can be used as an index for glucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity. Methods: We evaluated 87 normal subjects: 44 prepubertal children, 23 adolescents and 20 adults with a VLD IV-DST using 20 μg/m2 of DEX (dose able to recognize GC sensitivity). Cortisol was initially measured at several time-points after DEX prompting us to establish its nadir and subsequent simplification of the test by measuring cortisol at baseline and after 120 min. Results: Baseline cortisol was similar in adolescents and in adults, but lower in children. There was a spectrum of individual responses in all age groups. The percent reduction of cortisol after 120 min was different in these three age groups, with median values of 44.4% in children, 25.9% in adolescents and 61.6% in adults. Conclusion: This simplified VLD IV-DST using 20 μg/m2 of DEX is useful to evaluate individual sensitivity to GC in different age groups. Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]