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Total sugar content of soft drinks was determined in a 3D-printed chamber equipped with an USB camera attached to the smartphone to take pictures directly from the vessels used for the reaction of monosaccharides with cupric ion from Benedict's reagent. The freely available PhotoMetrix UVC application was used to control the device and process images. Reaction time, total volume of solution and illumination were evaluated. Images were captured before and after centrifugation and the results were compared with official method (AOAC 923.09, Lane-Eynon titration). Partial least squares calibration was used reaching suitable values (R2 above 0.99; Root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) and Root mean square error in cross-validation (RMSECV) values lower than 0.07 and 0.23 mg mL−1, respectively). The proposed methods presented agreements from 95.3 to 108.7% to the official one. Hundreds of samples can be analyzed in one hour and reductions in energy expenditure by 5.5 times and waste volume by 78 times were obtained in relation to the AOAC method.

The objective of this work was to develop a free access exploratory data analysis software application for academic use that is easy to install and can be handled without user-level programming due to extensive use of chemometrics and its association with applications that require purchased licenses or routines. The developed software, called Chemostat, employs Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), intervals Principal Component Analysis (iPCA), as well as correction methods, data transformation and outlier detection. The data can be imported from the clipboard, text files, ASCII or FT-IR Perkin-Elmer “.sp” files. It generates a variety of charts and tables that allow the analysis of results that can be exported in several formats. The main features of the software were tested using midinfrared and near-infrared spectra in vegetable oils and digital images obtained from different types of commercial diesel. In order to validate the software results, the same sets of data were analyzed using Matlab© and the results in both applications matched in various combinations. In addition to the desktop version, the reuse of algorithms allowed an online version to be provided that offers a unique experience on the web. Both applications are available in English.

The study of environmental pathways and human exposure to Manganese (Mn) in Southern Brazil was performed using two steps. The first step consisted of taking water samples from the surface of the Pardinho River. The average results from this technique showed a significant increase of pollutants, including increased levels of Mn, above the environmentally acceptable standard recommended by the Brazilian National Environment Council. Additionally, 64 soil samples were taken from areas with and without agricultural activity. Many results were above the mean crust and did not indicate significant differences of Mn levels between the sampled areas. For the second step, 12 families were selected and assessed for exposure to Mn in a region with high levels of Mn in the soil. Most of the analyzed foods contained amounts of Mn above the reference values, indicating that food can be an important source of exposure. The Mn content from the hair of most subjects studied was also high compared to reference values from non-exposed populations. Although the contamination appeared to come from a natural origin, the results found in the present study showed that the Mn levels present in the Pardinho River Basin are a relevant public health issue.

Na Mata Atlântica área correspondente ao espaço geopolítico do Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, entre outubro de 2005 e outubro de 2007, 160 pequenos mamíferos foram capturados, sendo 64 pequenos roedores e 96 marsupiais. Nestes hospedeiros, foram coletadas seis espécies de pulgas relacionadas a três famílias (Ctenophthalmidae, Rhopalopsyllidae e Pulicidae), totalizando 162 espécimes. Adoratopsylla (Tritopsylla) intermedia intermedia foi a espécie mais freqüente, seguida por Polygenis (Polygenis) occidentalis occidentalis. Novos hospedeiros foram registrados, Philander frenatus e Micoureus paraguayanus para Adoratopsylla (Tritopsylla) intermedia intermedia, bem como a ocorrência de algumas espécies de Siphonaptera encontrados em novo espaço geopolítico, P. o. occidentalis e no município do Rio de Janeiro.In an region of Atlantic Rainforest corresponding to the geopolitical area of the Pedra Branca State Park, Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, 160 small mammals were captured, of which 64 rodents and 96 marsupials from October 2005 to October 2007. There were collected in these hosts six flea species from three families (Ctenophthalmidae, Rhopalopsyllidae and Pulicidae), totalizing 162 specimens. Adoratopsylla (Tritopsylla) intermedia intermedia was the most common species found, followed by Polygenis (Polygenis) occidentalis occidentalis. Philander frenatus and Micoureus paraguayanus were reported as new hosts to Adoratopsylla (Tritopsylla) intermedia intermedia and P. o. occidentalis was reported for the first time in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

A simple and miniaturized protocol was developed for chloride extraction from Brazilian pre-salt crude oil for further salt determination by colorimetry. In this protocol, the colorimetric analysis of chloride using digital images was carried out in an aqueous phase obtained after a simple and miniaturized extraction carefully developed for this purpose. A portable device composed of a homemade 3D-printed chamber with a USB camera was used. The PhotoMetrix app converted the images into RGB histograms, and a partial least squares (PLS) model was obtained from chemometric treatment. The sample preparation was performed by extraction after defining the best conditions for the main parameters (e.g., extraction time, temperature, type and volume of solvent, and sample mass). The PLS model was evaluated considering the coefficient of determination (R2) and the root mean square errors (RMSEs)—calibration (RMSEC), cross-validation (RMSECV), and prediction (RMSEP). Under the optimized conditions, an extraction efficiency higher than 84% was achieved, and the limit of quantification was 1.6 mg g−1. The chloride content obtained in the pre-salt crude oils ranged from 3 to 15 mg g−1, and no differences (ANOVA, 95%) were observed between the results and the reference values by direct solid sampling elemental analysis (DSS-EA) or the ASTM D 6470 standard method. The easy-to-use colorimetric analysis combined with the extraction method's simplicity offered a high-throughput, low-cost, and environmentally friendly method, with the possibility of portability. Additionally, the decrease in energy consumption and waste generation, increasing the sample throughput and operators' safety, makes the proposed method a greener approach. Furthermore, the cost savings make this a suitable option for routine quality control, which can be attractive in the crude oil industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early soybean yield estimation has become a fundamental tool for market policy and food security. Considering a heterogeneous crop, this study investigates the spatial and spectral variability in soybean canopy reflectance to achieve grain yield estimation. Besides allowing crop mapping, remote sensing data also provide spectral evidence that can be used as a priori knowledge to guide sample collection for prediction models. In this context, this study proposes a sampling design method that distributes sample plots based on the spatial and spectral variability in vegetation spectral indices observed in the field. Random forest (RF) and multiple linear regression (MLR) approaches were applied to a set of spectral bands and six vegetation indices to assess their contributions to the soybean yield estimates. Experiments were conducted with a hyperspectral sensor of 25 contiguous spectral bands, ranging from 500 to 900 nm, carried by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to collect images during the R5 soybean growth stage. The tests showed that spectral indices specially designed from some bands could be adopted instead of using multiple bands with MLR. However, the best result was obtained with RF using spectral bands and the height attribute extracted from the photogrammetric height model. In this case, Pearson’s correlation coefficient was 0.91. The difference between the grain yield productivity estimated with the RF model and the weight collected at harvest was 1.5%, indicating high accuracy for yield prediction.

Article highlights - Inga edulis offer potential for biotechnological and environmental applications. - High protein and carbohydrate content in seeds support diverse agro-industrial uses. - edulis seeds enhance environmental education via forest nurseries schools. - Biotechnological potential of I. edulis seeds extends to ecosystem services. Abstract Inga edulis Martius is a native species of the Amazon Forest with great potential for urban afforestation in the cities of the Brazilian Amazon and widely used for the recovery of degraded areas. It is commonly cultivated by the Amazonian population for its edible fruit, quality wood, and excellent agroforestry components. This study aimed to select the matrices and obtain information about the behavior of the seeds in terms of drying, biometry, purity and germination, and chemical composition. The seeds collected in the environmental education action were recognized about potentialities of use for biotechnological products and environmental protection. The seed exploitation of this species is attractive due to its composition (protein and carbohydrates) and forest integration. I. edulis seedlings in the schools contribute to environmental education as a sustainable practice with biotechnological potential for the Amazon region.

Abstract Aim This study aims to analyze the scientific literature on phytoplankton in assessing lake water quality, based on bibliometric and network techniques. Methods PRISMA criteria were adopted to produce reliable results. The Scopus and Web of Science databases were consulted to retrieve the documents to be studied. The number of publications, citations and bibliographic coupling were techniques used to identify relevant journals, countries, authors, and articles. The conceptual evolution was analyzed by keywords co-occurrence and thematic mapping. Results Based on 2429 documents selected from the 1973-2023 annual period, the main results indicated 519 journals, 6450 authors, 54907 references, and 4844 keyword authors, among others. The annual growth index was 10.27%, reflecting the upward trend at the time. Erick Jeppesen resulted as the top influential author, China leaded in publications and collaborations with The United States of America. Hydrobiologia was the top journal. Top influential articles content theme related to cyanobacterial blooms. According to the results of the analysis of the conceptual framework, phytoplankton, water quality, eutrophication, and cyanobacteria were the most relevant themes. Furthermore, the trending topics were mainly climate change and degradation. Conclusions This comprehensive analysis allowed us to interpret the development of research related to the subject of assessing lake water quality.

Abstract This article analyzes the operational variables of a catalytic cracking plant that affect the catalytic circulation and conversion results. It is considered that the analysis of the impact of these variables on the catalytic circulation is essential for the refiner to determine the best operational strategies, without loss of profitability and to minimize friction mechanisms, which reduce particulate emissions. The Analysis of Variance revealed how, statistically, the parameters are related, presenting equal, opposite directions and with different magnitudes. The results of R2, F significances and analysis of residuals showed an excellent fit of the model, therefore, validating the design of the experiments carried out. The application model demonstrated a reduction capacity of 25% in the circulation of the catalyst, with no impact on the conversion of the unit. This result demonstrates the refiner's ability to act, improving its unit optimization techniques from an environmental and economic bias.

The use of fabric in reinforcing cement-based materials expands their applications for various types of construction elements. Additionally, employing renewable sources of plant-based fabrics contributes to reducing the environmental impact of the construction industry. However, the variability in the properties of plant fibers and fabrics necessitates prior studies to confirm their effectiveness as reinforcement materials. In this study, a new sisal fabric was produced and utilized as reinforcement in cement-based matrix composites. The sisal fibers, yarns, and fabrics produced were tested under direct tension. Five composites were manufactured by manual lamination, with reinforcement ranging from one to five layers, and were subjected to direct tension and flexural testing. The results indicate that, while the fiber shows brittle failure, the yarn and fabric exhibit a gradual loss of strength after reaching the maximum tension. All composites display strain-hardening and deflection-hardening behavior, with multiple cracking and an increase in tension and deformation before rupture. The mechanical properties exhibited improvement with an increase in the number of layers, and composites with four and five layers displayed distinct behavior, demonstrating increased stiffness after the occurrence of multiple cracking and a better mechanical performance, qualifying them for use as a construction element.

In this review, a thorough approach was taken to the therapeutic potential of CBD and the possibilities of heterologous expression for its synthesis. Synthesizes the most recent discoveries on the medicinal benefits of CBD, its mode of action, and different methodologies that aim to maximize CBD production using heterologous expression systems. This review contributes to increasing knowledge about the wide range of uses of CBD and its potential in industries, including biotechnology and medicine.

Abstract In pursuit of potential agents to treat Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, we report the design, synthesis, and identification novel naphthoquinone hydrazide-based molecular hybrids. The compounds were subjected to in vitro trypanocide and leishmanicidal activities. N’-(1,4-Dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)-3,5-dimethoxybenzohydrazide (13) showed the best performance against Trypanosoma cruzi (IC50 1.83 µM) and Leishmania amazonensis (IC50 9.65 µM). 4-Bromo-N’-(1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)benzohydrazide (16) exhibited leishmanicidal activity (IC50 12.16 µM). Regarding trypanocide activity, compound 13 was low cytotoxic to LLC-MK2 cells (SI = 95.28). Furthermore, through molecular modeling studies, the cysteine proteases cruzain, rhodesain and CPB2.8 were identified as the potential biological targets.

Abstract In this paper, we report an eco-friendly approach for the C(sp 2)–H bond selenylation of imidazopyridines and other N-heteroarenes as well as simple arenes at ambient temperature. This new protocol consists of the reaction between (N-hetero)-arenes and the diorganyl-diselenides and trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA)-ethanol reagent system. In a short reaction time, the desired selenylated products were obtained regioselectively in good yields, with tolerance for a wide range of functional groups.

The Hereditary Pyropoikilocytosis is a rare and severe form of Elliptocytosis, characterized by an alteration in the skeleton of the red blood cell membrane. It is an autosomal dominant condition with variable penetration in elliptocytosis, which may be in homozygosity or double heterozygosity in Pyropoikilocytosis, starting from the neonatal period, with clinical manifestations of persistent jaundice. We report here a case of a newborn with persistent jaundice, associated with anemia requiring blood transfusion. The clinical evolution and laboratory findings were conclusive for the diagnosis of Hereditary Pyropoikilocytosis.

Natural fibers as reinforcement of cementitious matrices have become a material with greater toughness, strength, and sustainability for the construction industry. However, their use can generate some inconveniences due to the high-water absorption of the natural fiber, which affects the production and durability of composites. In this work, the autoclave treatment of sisal fibers was carried out in order to determine time and pressure values that result in a lower water absorption of the fibers. The fibers were exposed to 1.0 or 1.5 atm of vapor pressure for 30, 60 and 90 min and their structures were evaluated by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscope. The effect of treatment on fiber dimensional variation, fiber mechanical properties, and fiber-matrix bond was investigated. Composites reinforced with treated fibers were produced and subjected to bending tests. The results indicate that the autoclave treatment with 30 min and 1.5 atm reduced the water absorption from 134% to 90% and the dimensional variation from 63% to 18%. However, structural modification of the fibers reduced the fiber’s tensile strength and bond strength. Composites reinforced with treated fibers showed lower flexural strength and toughness than those reinforced with natural fibers.

Leptospirosis has worldwide occurrence and shows higher incidence in tropical areas. Equines can present several serovars according to geographic region and it is important analyze de possible contribution of animal displacement on the Leptospira spp. strains occurrence. This research aimed to conduct a serological investigation in an equine regiment belonging to the Brazilian Army Guard Cavalry, resident in an urban area of Rio de Janeiro municipality, but with history of displacement between different regions in Brazil. A microscopic agglutination test was performed in a serum bank of 197 horses using 29 Leptospira spp. strains. The test showed 94.92% positivity, with 90.36% of the animals presenting a positive result for two or more serovars. Higher titers (?1:400) could be detected in 54.31% of horses for at least one serovar, whereas seropositivity for more than one bacterial type occurred mostly at lower titers (

Due to their asynchronous interactions, testing reactive systems is a laborious activity present in any software development project. In this setting, the finite memory formalism of Labeled Transition Systems has been used to generate test suites that can be applied to check ioco conformance of implementations to a given specification. In this work we turn to a more complex scenario where a stronger formalism is considered, the Visibly Pushdown Labeled Transition System (VPTS), which allows access to a potentially infinite pushdown memory. We study an extension of the ioco conformance relation to VPTS models and develop polynomial time algorithms to verify conformance for VPTS models in a white-box testing scenario.

Since 1998, the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has become a public health problem regarding sporotrichosis, a disease caused by Sporothrix spp. involving contact with infected cats. Efforts to isolate these species from environmental sources are not always successful. In our study, soil from residences situated in cities of Rio de Janeiro where cats with sporotrichosis live was collected and cultured an attempt to isolate Sporothrix spp. but it was not successful. However, other saprophytic fungal species were isolated from soil and identified and among them Purpureocillium lilacinum was the most frequent. From there, we decided to study the in vitro interaction of this species with S. brasiliensis, the principal agent that causes sporotrichosis in this state. The results showed that ten isolates of P. lilacinum inhibited the radial mycelial growth of S. brasiliensis with different percentage of inhibition. The interaction between them revealed the pattern described as overgrowth by antagonist. In conclusion, our data suggest that fungal species with very fast growth and capable of producing metabolites could hinder the growth of Sporothrix spp., it also opens the way for the identification of secondary metabolites with biological activity that could be tested against pathogenic fungi.

Purpose The objective was to evaluate the agronomic performance of black wattle seedlings (Acacia mearnsii) grown on substrates with increasing proportions of biochar based on anaerobic sewage sludge (ASS-biochar). In addition, the present study proposed appropriate ranges for the main physical-hydraulic and chemical attributes of these substrates. Method The evaluated substrates included ten substrates with increasing proportions of ASS-biochar, combined with a “standard” mixture (organic compost, carbonized rice husk and vermiculite), in addition to three commercial substrates (references). The experimental design was randomized blocks, with four replications and eight plants per repetition. The physical-hydraulic and chemical attributes evaluated in all substrate formulations were: wet and dry density, total porosity, aeration space, easily available water, buffering water, available water, remaining water, pH and electrical conductivity (EC). The agronomic performance of the black wattle seedlings was evaluated through plant height, length of the root system, neck diameter, dry mass of aerial parts, dry mass of roots and Dickson's quality index. Results Biochar from anaerobic sewage sludge increased the chemical and physical-hydraulic quality of the substrates, particularly within the proportion of 45-50% of the substrate formulations, and thus positively affected the growth parameters of the black wattle plants. Conclusion The biochar produced from anaerobic sewage sludge is an efficient raw material to compose substrates for the production of seedlings. Transformation of anaerobic sewage sludge into biochar and its combination with other locally available raw materials can be considered a safe way of reusing this residue in agriculture.

This research developed a Water Quality Index (WQI) for public supply in the Vale do Rio Pardo Region, RS, Brazil (WQI-VRP), from the database of the 13th Regional Health Coordination, totaling 1175 samples. A filtration process resulted in 285 samples with the variables free residual chlorine, turbidity, apparent color, pH, fluoride, total coliforms and Escherichia coli. For water consumption purposes, the Water Quality Index developed by the Sanitation Company of Goiás, Brazil, was used. A multivariate calibration of the weights of importance of the parameters included in the original index was performed, resulting in the WQI-VRP. Comparing the medians of the two indexes, it was found that there were significant differences (p

This analysis applied systematic review as a methodology for identifying, analyzing and interpreting data on the use of water quality indices for human consumption. Scientific articles were searched in the “PubMed”, “Scielo”, “ScienceDirect” and “Web of Science" databases, using the keywords “drinking water” and “water quality index”, with a custom interval between 2000 and 2020. The results indicated 82,573 published articles, with 16 of them being selected after a filtering process. The occurrence of 11 water quality indices was verified, including 47 water quality parameters used to assess the quality of drinking water, highlighting that the parameters pH, Nitrate, Turbidity, Chloride and Sulfate were the most used, cited in 10 of the 16 articles selected (62,5%). We suggest that future studies seek to propose regionalized water quality indicators for consumption, in order to consider local aspects in the evaluation process and to determine intervention priorities by health surveillance agencies.

Colon cancer incidence rates are increasing annually, a scenario aggravated by genetic and epigenetic alterations that promote drug resistance. Recent studies showed that novel synthetic selenium compounds are more efficient and less toxic than conventional drugs, demonstrating biocompatibility and pro-oxidant effects on tumor cells. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effect of MRK-107, an imidazo [1,2- a]pyridine derivative, in 2D and 3D cell culture models of colon cancer (Caco-2 and HT-29). Sulforhodamine B results revealed a GI50 of 2.4 µM for Caco-2, 1.1 µM for HT-29, and 22.19 µM for NIH/3T3 in 2D cultures after 48 h of treatment. Cell recovery, migration, clonogenic, and Ki-67 results corroborated that MRK-107 inhibits cell proliferation and prevents cell regeneration and metastatic transition by selectively reducing migratory and clonogenic capacity; non-tumor cells (NIH/3T3) re-established proliferation in less than 18 h. The oxidative stress markers DCFH-DA and TBARS revealed increased ROS generation and oxidative damage. Caspases-3/7 are activated and induce apoptosis as the main mode of cell death in both cell models, as assessed by annexin V-FITC and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. MRK-107 is a selective, redox-active compound with pro-oxidant and pro-apoptotic properties and the capacity to activate antiproliferative pathways, showing promise in anticancer drug research.

The standard style of Orbital should be followed. Prospective authors should consult any current issue of Orbital for examples of this style. The manuscript shall be prepared in accordance with the template available at: Template (New 2021)

The recent development of lightweight and relatively low-cost hyperspectral sensors has created new perspectives for remote sensing applications. This study aimed to investigate the geometric calibration of a hyperspectral frame camera based on a tuneable Fabry–Pérot interferometer (FPI) and two sensors. The radiation passes through the optics and then through the FPI, where it is redirected to two sensors using a beam-splitting prism. Previous studies have shown significant variations between the interior orientation parameters for the different bands, both between bands of the same sensor and between different sensors, and that these variations are due to the principle of image acquisition. Discrepancies of tens of pixels were obtained by comparing image coordinates measured in different bands. In this research, it was proposed to calibrate this camera in a static mode with changes in the mathematical calibration model. The restriction of obtaining only one set of exterior orientation parameters by hypercube was applied, adding parameters related to the misalignment between the sensors and parameters of a linear function relating the camera principal distance to the wavelength values. The application of the parameters estimated with this approach reduced the discrepancies between image coordinates measured in different bands to values smaller than one pixel. Using the sensor calibration parameters in the mobile UAV operation in an aerial bundle adjustment reduced the root mean square error (RMSE) on checkpoints by approximately 20% compared to the traditional model in which the interior orientation parameters and lens distortions were calibrated for each band separately. Thus, it was possible to obtain accurate results that make the use of this camera more practical since only one set of calibration parameters for all bands is needed.

A series of xanthone derivatives containing different side chains, including ω-bromo and ω-aminoalkoxylxanthones (with linear alkoxy chains of 3, 4 and 5 carbon atoms and methyl, propyl, tert-butylamino and piperidinyl moieties), synthesized from the natural xanthone lichexanthone were tested for their antiprotozoal activities against Leishamania braziliensis, L. major and Trypanosoma cruzi (extra and intracellular forms). The ω-aminoalkoxylxanthones showed good antileishmanial activity, with IC50 ranging from 62.8 to 0.1 µM for promastigotes and 119.3 to 2.4 µM for amastigotes. In general, compounds with longer alkyl chains and tert-butylamino moiety showed better activity. The cytotoxicity on VERO cells was also described for some derivatives. Compound 15 (tert-butylaminobutyloxy side chain) was the most active on promastigote forms (IC50 0.1 µM), compound 16 (tert-butylaminopentyloxy side chain) sowed the best activity for amastigotes (IC50 2.4 µM) and derivative 13 (dipropylaminopentyloxy side chain) was the most selective (selectivity index of 9.4). Regarding trypanocidal activity, 16 and other groups of derivatives, (ω-bromoalkoxylxanthones, prenyl and epoxyl side chains) had moderate to good activity on T. cruzi trypomastigotes, with IC50 ranging from 30.6 to 4.1 µM, while only two ω-aminoalkoxylxanthones (10 and 11) were weakly active against T. cruzi amastigotes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v12i3.1460

Neste trabalho, foi planejada a síntese de lipídeos resorcinólicos análogos as citosporonas utilizando métodos clássicos de síntese orgânica. O objetivo principal foi à preparação dos compostos: ácido 2,4-dihidróxi-6-octil-benzóico (6) e 2,4-diidróxi-6-(8-oxooctil)-benzóico (7). Foram estudadas rotas de síntese visando à produção desses compostos, foi possível obtenção de três intermediários avançados, com sucesso: 2,4 dimetóxi-6-octil-benzoato de etila (8), 2-hidróxi-4-metóxi-6-octil-benzoato de etila (9) e ácido 2-hidróxi-4-metóxi-6-octil-benzóico (10), os quais tiveram suas estruturas determinadas por técnicas de espectroscopia de RMN de 1H e de 13C, e no caso de (10) incluindo técnicas bidimensionais (HSQC e HMBC).

Objetivo: traçar o perfil de prescritores e usuários de psicofármacos e verificar possíveis interações medicamentosas. Método: estudo retrospectivo e transversal. A amostra foi composta por prescrições de medicamentos sujeitos a controle especial, das listas C e B, dispensados no período de janeiro a março de 2017, para um total de 1344 pacientes atendidos em uma farmácia privada do município de Cascavel, Paraná. Resultados: as prescrições eram em sua maioria para o sexo feminino. Em relação à especialidade do prescritor, 423 (31,5%) eram psiquiatras. As possíveis interações medicamentosas foram encontradas em 335 (24,9%) pacientes, 206 (61,5%) eram do tipo moderada e 129 (38,5%) do tipo grave. Daqueles pacientes com interações potencialmente graves, 90 (70%) utilizavam mais de um medicamento da mesma classe, no mesmo período. Em contrapartida, somente 12 (5,83%) dos pacientes com interações moderadas tinham duplicidade terapêutica. Conclusão: o presente estudo identificou alta frequência de interações medicamentosas envolvendo psicofármacos e associação entre a duplicidade terapêutica e possíveis interações do tipo grave, também, alta prevalência de interações graves em prescrições de psiquiatras e uso de psicotrópicos por mulheres.

O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar a satisfação e a contribuição do curso de Especialização em Educação Física Escolar da ESEF/UFPel para a prática pedagógica dos professores(as) da rede escolar pública e privada de Pelotas/RS. Trata-se de um estudo de caso de cunho qualitativo e descritivo. Participaram do estudo 8 professores(as) que foram acadêmicos(as) no curso edição 2017/2018. Como instrumento de coleta utilizou-se um questionário com escala Likert. Foram encontrados níveis elevados de satisfação nos tópicos referentes ao processo de ensino-aprendizagem, relação teoria e prática pedagógica, organização e infraestrutura do curso bem com nas relações pessoais. Nesses tópicos, encontrou-se baixos índices de insatisfação nos itens calendário de eventos, organização dos conteúdos e relação entre aulas teóricas e práticas. Sendo assim, concluímos que a partir da compreensão dos professores/acadêmicos que os mesmos percebem o curso de Especialização em Educação Física Escolar da ESEF/UFPEL como importante no processo de formação continuada e conseqüente qualificação de seu trabalho pedagógico.

A reconstrução 3D do dossel de florestas para estudos retrospectivos em longas datas é possível a partir de fotografias aéreas históricas, usando modernos algoritmos fotogramétricos. Isto permite a análise de mudanças estruturais em florestas e o monitoramento do status de conservação ou de regeneração em áreas degradadas ao longo do tempo. Nesse contexto, este artigo realiza a aplicação de técnicas fotogramétricas, combinadas com um modelo de terreno, obtido pelo processamento de uma nuvem LASER, para a geração de modelos de alturas de árvores. Dois modelos, um datado de 1978 e outro de 2017, foram produzidos para avaliar a regeneração de uma floresta tropical de Mata Atlântica. Em seguida, uma segmentação em superpixels foi feita em ambos os modelos de alturas para formar sub-regiões homogêneas no dossel, coincidentes entre as duas datas, e permitir análises estatísticas locais, viabilizando uma classificação em três níveis de altura, a qual foi validada com dados de campo. Como resultado, verificou-se que as áreas desmatadas estão se regenerando, porém apresentam dificuldades para atingir o dossel mais alto. O erro estimado em altura no modelo de superfície histórico foi de 0,55 m, o que é aceitável para os estudos em floresta e é comparável aos resultados obtidos em floresta boreal.

3-heptylidene-4,6-dimethoxy-3H-isobenzofuran-1-one (Phthalide 1) is the precursor of three resorcinol lipids that have been described as potential chemotherapeutic agents and capable of potentiating the effects of cyclophosphamide. In this study, we evaluated the genotoxic potential, cell-killing potential, and interactions with cyclophosphamide and cisplatin of phthalide 1. Twelve groups were created from 120 mice: Negative Control, cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg), cisplatin (6 mg/kg), Phthalide 1 (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg), and associations of 1 with cyclophosphamide and 1 with cisplatin. The results demonstrate that 1 increases (p < 0.05) the frequency of chromosomal damage, liver and kidney cell death, and splenic phagocytosis. The association of 1 with cyclophosphamide and cisplatin demonstrated a chemopreventive effect and, therefore, a reduction (p < 0.05) in the frequency of chromosomal damage. However, cell death and splenic phagocytosis did not suffer significant variations. As a result of the above, 1 has potential chemotherapeutic application and may be a candidate for developing a new generation of chemotherapeutics. In addition, it has characteristics to be used as a chemotherapy adjuvant in association with cyclophosphamide and cisplatin since it increases the frequency of cell death induced by chemotherapy. We also reported that the chemopreventive effect of 1, in association with cyclophosphamide and cisplatin, can prevent adverse effects (induction of DNA damage in non-tumor cells) without interfering with the mode of action of chemotherapy drugs and, therefore, without reducing the induction of cell death.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease, affecting more than 350 million people globally. However, there is currently no vaccine available against human leishmaniasis, and current treatment is hampered by high cost, side-effects, and painful administration routes. It has become a United Nations goal to end leishmaniasis epidemics by 2030, and multitarget drug strategy emerges as a promising alternative. Among the multitarget compounds, flavonoids are a renowned class of natural products, and a structurally diverse library can be prepared through organic synthesis, which can be tested for biological effectiveness. In this study, we synthesised 17 flavonoid analogues using a scalable, easy-to-reproduce, and inexpensive method. All synthesised compounds presented an impressive inhibition capacity against rCPB2.8, rCPB3, and rH84Y enzymes, which are highly expressed in the amastigote stage, the target form of the parasite. Compounds 3c, f12a, and f12b were found to be effective against all isoforms. Furthermore, their intermolecular interactions were also investigated through a molecular modelling study. These compounds were highly potent against the parasite and demonstrated low cytotoxic action against mammalian cells. These results are pioneering, representing an advance in the investigation of the mechanisms behind the antileishmanial action of flavonoid derivatives. Moreover, compounds have been shown to be promising leads for the design of other cysteine protease inhibitors for the treatment of leishmaniasis diseases.

Research conducted on an area of the deciduous seasonal forest at 20 sampling sites (headwaters and riparian areas), belonging to Project “Water Guardian” in the Andreas Stream Hydrographic Basin, RS, Brazil, and established the Payment for Environmental Services (PES). The research aimed at determing the floristic groups that characterize the study area, quantifying the species phytosociological parameters and their relationship with the studied areas. At each sampling site, we allocated a 10 × 10 m permanent sampling units (plots) and counting individuals until the species/plots curve stabilization. All forest individuals with a circumference ≥ 15 cm at 1.40 m above the ground level were inventoried. Statistical differences established using the nonparametric Kruskall-Wallis statistical test, followed by the Mann-Whitney paired comparisons test for multiple comparisons (α = 5%). Aiming at grouping the species according to their Importance Value Index (IVI) similarities, we applied the cluster analysis based on Ward's method. The results indicated 170 significative plots, which sampled 3,774 individuals distributed in 101 species, including 84 genera and 36 families. Three ecological groups detected, being group 1 (G-1) characterized by presenting the highest mean (±standard deviation) value of IVI equal to 4.5 ± 1.9%, and showing significant differences when compared to the other groups (p

Manual testing can be rather time consuming and prone to errors specially when testing asynchronous reactive systems. Model based testing is a well-established approach to verify reactive systems specified by input output labeled transition systems (IOLTSs). One of the challenges stemming from model based testing is verifying conformance and, also, generating test suites, primarily when completeness is a required property. In order to check whether an implementation under test is in compliance with its respective specification one resorts to some form of conformance relation that guarantees the expected behavior of the implementations, given the behavior of the specification. The ioco relation is an example of such a conformance relation. In this work we study another conformance relation based on formal languages. We also investigate how to generate finite and complete test suites for IOLTS models, and discuss the complexity of the test generation mechanism under this new conformance relation. We also show that ioco is a special case of this new conformance relation. Further, we relate our contributions to more recent works, accommodating the restrictions of their classes of fault models as special cases, and we expose the complexity of generating any complete test suite that must satisfy their restrictions.

Canopy height is an important attribute that allows characterizing the forest vertical structure and analyze changes in vegetation cover over time. The objective of this study is to develop an approach for a spatio-temporal analysis of the tropical forest canopy using multi-temporal photogrammetric images. The datasets based on film and digital cameras are used to generate canopy height models and extract structural variables (tree height, relative variance between tree heights, and density of higher trees in the upper canopy). The combination of these variables is used in the analysis. Each variable is segmented into ordinal categorical classes in its respective dataset with temporal class gradients being obtained between the periods of the multi-temporal datasets. Experiments were conducted in a tropical forest under regeneration and with diversity of tree species in different successional stages. Three sets of images (years 1978, 2010, and 2017) were used for analyzing canopy cover changes. A classification based on histograms of gradient classes indicated and quantified the most frequent behavior of the canopy over time. The results showed that the most significant variations in cover changes could be explained by 13 classes of temporal gradients, which described 88% of the canopy. This classification was validated with field data collected in sample plots. From the results, it can be concluded that the proposed approach provides accurate assessments of the spatio-temporal canopy cover changes for forest management.

Atualmente a identificação da maioria dos elementos encontrados no solo possuem métodos de análise atualizados e eficientes, porém a quantificação de matéria orgânica ainda é realizada através de métodos morosos e que resultam em grande quantidade de resíduos químicos. Desta maneira, surge a necessidade de tornar essa análise mais ágil e sustentável. Nos últimos tempos, o uso da espectroscopia molecular associada à quimiometria tem se destacado na avaliação qualitativa e quantitativa de diferentes tipos de materiais. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi o desenvolvimento de um software, que a partir dos espectros infravermelhos das amostras de solo, seja capaz de analisar e gerar um modelo preditivo para amostras futuras, reduzindo o tempo de análise e a geração de resíduos. O software foi desenvolvido num ambiente de desenvolvimento integrado (IDE, Integrated Development Environment) cuja função é reunir características e ferramentas de apoio à construção de sistemas. Para isso, utilizou-se a IDE Microsoft Visual Studio 2015, versão Profissional, com alto nível de abstração de controles e classes, incluindo bibliotecas para gráficos. Além de eficiente, o Software mostrou-se capaz de analisar amostras de forma rápida e com pequena variação de resultados gerados por métodos atuais, permitindo o armazenamento das informações coletadas para criação de sistemas de predição.

This research evaluated the effectiveness of the implementation of water resource preservation areas in the Hydrographical Basin of Andreas Stream, county of Vera Cruz, RS, Brazil, established through Payment for Environmental Services (PES), using an environmental monitoring program to assess physical, chemical and microbiological variables. The PES is linked to the "Water Guardian" project, which aims to ensure the preservation of water resources by paying farmers for providing the environmental services to protect the springs and riparian areas that lie within their properties. Twenty sampling stations were selected for collecting water samples monthly during the period July 2012 to June 2014 (460 samples) to evaluate the following variables: water temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate, ammonia nitrogen, phosphate, total dissolved solids and thermotolerant coliforms. The evaluation was made based on decree 357/2005 of the National Environmental Council (CONAMA) and by applying the Water Quality Index (WQI). The results indicated a significant improvement in the water quality when comparisons were made between the periods before and after the installation of the preservation areas. The sampling points classified as “good” (CONAMA and WQI), which indicates water of good quality that is appropriate for multiple uses, increased from 52.0% to 72.0%. In this sense, promoting the preservation of headwaters and riparian zones becomes of fundamental importance and highlights the role of PES as an operational tool for water resource preservation.