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Abstract To produce pitaya (Hylocereus spp.), it is essential that pollination occur, either artificially or by pollinating agents. This study evaluated the viability of self-pollination, cross-pollination, and natural pollination, as well as pollen viability, stigma receptivity and ideal pollination window in pitaya flowers (Hylocereus spp.). An experiment was conducted with a randomized block design consisting of four treatments: T1: manual self-pollination; T2: nocturnal open pollination; T3: diurnal open pollination; and T4: manual cross-pollination - red-fleshed pitaya [ Hylocereus polyrhizus] pollen placed on white-fleshed pitaya [ Hylocereus undatus] stigma. The experiment had four replicates, with two plants per replicate (two flowers per plant), totaling 16 flowers per treatment. The analyzed variables were fruit weight, length, diameter, titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids, and SS/TA ratio; the germination percentage of pollen grains; and the receptivity of stigmas. Artificial pollination (self- and cross-pollination) of white-fleshed pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) is viable, resulting in larger fruits than natural pollination, with cross-pollination being the most recommended. Throughout the floral opening period, the pitaya flower (Hylocereus spp.) has receptive stigma capable of receiving pollen. The flowers exhibit the highest pollen germination rate at 7 p.m, which is the ideal pollination window for pitaya.

RESUMO Objetivo verificar os efeitos imediatos da oscilação oral de alta frequência sonorizada utilizando o dispositivo Shaker® Classic, nas medidas acústicas, perceptivo-auditivas e autopercepção vocal, em adultos com e sem sintomas vocais. Método participaram 50 indivíduos, distribuídos em quatro grupos - homens com sintomas vocais, homens sem sintomas vocais, mulheres com sintomas vocais e mulheres sem sintomas vocais. Os participantes preencheram a Escala de Sintomas Vocais, uma escala visual numérica quanto ao nível de desconforto vocal e foram submetidos à gravação da voz antes e após a execução do exercício testado, o qual consistiu em soprar o bocal do Shaker® - modelo Classic, ao mesmo tempo em que emitiam a vogal U, durante três minutos. As gravações foram submetidas à análise acústica e análise perceptivo-auditiva. Foram utilizados os testes T-pareado e de Wilcoxon, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados após o exercício houve diminuição do jitter no grupo de homens com sintomas vocais e do shimmer no de homens sem sintomas vocais. Mulheres com sintomas vocais apresentaram aumento da frequência fundamental, da proporção harmônico-ruído, dos valores de CPP e CPPS e diminuição do jitter; mulheres sem sintomas vocais apresentaram aumento de GNE. A avaliação perceptivo-auditiva não indicou mudanças após a realização do exercício. Observou-se redução do desconforto vocal em todos os grupos, após o exercício. Conclusão o exercício de oscilação oral de alta frequência sonorizada, utilizando o Shaker®, foi capaz de promover melhora em parâmetros acústicos e diminuição de desconforto vocal autorreferido nos quatro grupos avaliados.

Domestic and wild felids are frequently parasitized by apicomplexan protozoa in the genus Cytauxzoon. Expanding species diversity has recently been described within this genus, with potential implications for epidemiology and pathogenesis. In light of these findings, this study assessed the genetic diversity of Cytauxzoon spp. in wild felids (n = 66) from different eco-regions of Brazil and Argentina. Of the 66 blood samples analyzed, 53 (80.3%) were 18S rRNA gene PCR-positive for Cytauxzoon spp., including 43 jaguars (Panthera onca) and 10 ocelots (Leopardus pardalis). Panthera onca specimens (100%, 43/43) were most frequently infected, followed by Leopardus pardalis (76.9%; 10/13). Cytauxzoon spp. were not detected in Leopardus braccatus (n = 1) or Puma concolor (n = 9). Phylogenetic analyses of fragments of the 18S rRNA, cytB, and cox-1 gene sequences from jaguars were closely related to Cytauxzoon felis. In contrast, sequences from ocelots were more closely associated with Cytauxzoon brasiliensis. Distance and haplotype analysis further confirmed the circulation of at least two distinct genovariants of C. felis among jaguars, as evidenced by their close positioning and low genetic divergence (0–0.14% for 18S rRNA, 0.37–0.56% for cytB, and 0.08–0.74% for cox-1). Additionally, sequence data from ocelots suggested that multiple genovariants of C. brasiliensis are circulating among these cats in different Brazilian eco-regions. Our study provides evidence of two distinct Cytauxzoon organisms parasitizing free-ranging and captive jaguars and ocelots, respectively, in Brazil and Argentina.

RESUMO Objetivo verificar a associação entre a percepção das mães de prematuros a respeito dos fatores que podem interferir no aleitamento e as características socioeconômicas da mãe, da gestação e clínicas do recém-nascido. Método estudo qualiquantitativo observacional, descritivo e analítico do tipo transversal. Foram incluídas 114 mães de prematuros. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionários, aplicados à alta hospitalar e análise dos prontuários. As respostas maternas sobre as interferências observadas no processo do aleitamento foram categorizadas por análise de conteúdo e associadas aos dados socioeconômicos, da gestação e do recém-nascido (RN). Resultados as percepções das mães quanto aos fatores que interferem na alimentação do RN ao seio materno foram divididas em quatro categorias semânticas: condições clínicas e/ou físicas do RN; condições clínicas, físicas e/ou psicoemocionais da mãe; rede de apoio; e estratégias para iniciar e/ou manter o aleitamento materno. Escolaridade, presença paterna, possuir outros filhos e tê-los amamentado apresentaram associação com a percepção materna de que suas condições clínicas, físicas e ou psicoemocionais interferem no aleitamento. Além disso, a rede de apoio esteve associada ao aleitamento materno exclusivo à alta. Conclusão escolaridade, presença paterna, multiparidade e ter amamentado filhos anteriores influenciaram a percepção materna de que suas condições clínicas, físicas e ou psicoemocionais apresentam interferência no aleitamento. Além disso, a menção à rede de apoio esteve associada com o aleitamento materno exclusivo à alta.

RESUMO Objetivo analisar como os fatores socioeconômicos, da gestação e do parto se relacionam com a situação da alimentação no sexto mês de vida de bebês nascidos a termo. Método estudo observacional longitudinal, com 98 mães de bebês termos. A coleta de dados foi estruturada pela captação das informações referentes à história clínica e ao momento do parto nos prontuários dos bebês, seguida da aplicação de dois questionários, com questões referentes a dados sociodemográficos, dados pré e pós-gestacionais e da alimentação do bebê, sendo o primeiro respondido durante a internação hospitalar e o segundo, por contato telefônico, no 6° mês de vida. Foi realizada análise descritiva dos dados, por meio da distribuição de frequência das variáveis categóricas, análise inferencial utilizando o teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson e análise multivariada por regressão logística binária, adotando-se, para inclusão no modelo final, o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados houve associação entre aleitamento materno exclusivo no 6º mês e escolaridade materna e entre o início da introdução alimentar e a renda familiar. Mães com ensino superior apresentaram 4,82 vezes mais chances de amamentarem os filhos de forma exclusiva até o sexto mês. Famílias de menor renda (até um salário mínimo) tiveram 2,54 vezes mais chances de iniciarem a introdução alimentar antes do sexto mês do que as famílias de maior renda. Conclusão maior escolaridade materna foi fator preditor para o aleitamento materno exclusivo ao 6º mês e maior renda familiar foi fator preditor para introdução alimentar após o 6º mês.

Abstract ParSCo (Parasitology Summer Course) is an intense, 1-week-long summer course organized by the Parasitology Unit of the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Italy, with the support of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP), the European Veterinary Parasitology College (EVPC) and Parasites and Vectors. The course, which is conducted in southern Italy, is planned for parasitologists and post-graduate students working in the field of parasitology. The course consists of theoretical and practical lessons, which include the collection, identification and diagnosis of parasites of pets, livestock and wildlife. The participants in ParSCo are afforded the opportunity to be involved in clinical examination and sample collection for the diagnosis of parasitic diseases (e.g. leishmaniosis, thelaziosis and many tick-borne diseases) present in the Mediterranean Basin. The course is conducted at Casa di Caccia, a hunting lodge situated in the Gallipoli Cognato Forest near the Basento River in the Basilicata region in southern Italy. In addition to the training purpose, ParSCo is a great opportunity for sharing knowledge and expertise while becoming part of the parasitology community in a pleasant environment. In this editorial, we share some information and celebrate 10 years of ParSCo, looking forward to forthcoming sessions of this unique parasitology summer course. Graphical Abstract

Aluminum (Al) can cause endocrine disruption in aquatic animals, but assessments of animal social behavior in neotropical teleost fish species with importance for Brazilian aquaculture have still not been addressed so far, which can further complete this ecotoxicological knowledge. In order to evaluate the social behavior and plasma cortisol concentration of fish exposed to Al, we performed a 1 h acute exposure with Astyanax lacustris couples in three different experimental groups: control in neutral pH (CTL/n group), acid pH (pH/ac group), and aluminum in acid pH (Al/ac group; 2.0 mg L−1). An ethogram of social interactions between males and females and swimming activities were performed. Furthermore, the cortisol plasma concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent, and the gonadal maturation stage of the animals was evaluated by histology. Adult and mature females in the CTL/n and pH/ac groups were more aggressive and active than mature males, including several attacks on the male. Moreover, males did not present attack behavior in these groups at any time, but did show submission behavior and constant avoidance of female attacks. In the Al/ac, females did not attack males, couple decreased swimming activity, a repetitive movement toward the aquarium surface, and high mucus production were observed, making the water cloudy. Regarding cortisol plasma concentration, males had higher cortisol plasma concentrations than females in the CTL/n and pH/ac groups, which was not observed in the Al/ac group. Therefore, Al in addition to being described in the literature as an endocrine disruptor, it can be considered as behavioral disrupter in A. lacustris in this important freshwater species cultivated in South America.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar a sensação de dor e amplitude dos movimentos mandibulares de indivíduos adultos com disfunção temporomandibular, antes e após aplicação da bandagem elástica por 24 horas. Método Trata-se de um ensaio clínico randomizado duplo-cego, do qual participaram 22 sujeitos adultos com disfunção temporomandibular, alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos, sendo grupo A composto por 10 mulheres e um homem (média de idade de 28,2±8,3 anos) e grupo B por nove mulheres e dois homens (média de idade de 26,2±3,9 anos). Todos os participantes foram submetidos à aplicação do Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). Foi realizada a avaliação do limiar da dor, com uso de um algômetro, para aplicação da pressão no masseter e temporal e medição dos movimentos mandibulares, com paquímetro. O grupo A foi submetido à aplicação da bandagem sobre o músculo masseter com estiramento de 40% e o grupo B sem estiramento. A colagem da bandagem foi realizada, com corte em “I”, com ponto fixo sobre a inserção e ponto móvel sobre a origem do músculo masseter. Os participantes permaneceram com a bandagem por 24 horas e foram reavaliados. Resultados Houve alívio da dor no grupo A na articulação temporomandibular à direita e na origem do masseter à esquerda. O grupo B apresentou redução da dor em região de temporal anterior à esquerda. Não foram encontradas diferenças nos movimentos mandibulares após intervenção, bem como não houve diferença na comparação entre os grupos. Conclusão O uso da bandagem sobre o masseter, por 24 horas, com estiramento, produziu alívio da dor na origem do masseter direito e na região da articulação temporomandibular direita e, sem estiramento, no temporal anterior esquerdo. Não houve diferença na amplitude de movimentos mandibulares.

RESUMO O presente estudo tem por objetivo descrever uma experiência de promoção, prevenção e apoio ao aleitamento materno desenvolvida por profissionais de uma unidade básica de saúde. Trata-se de um ambulatório de amamentação, implementado em um centro de saúde, em Belo Horizonte, em agosto de 2019. O ambulatório foi instituído a partir da percepção da equipe da unidade de que muitas mães tinham dificuldade com o processo de amamentação, no entanto, em função da sobrecarga de trabalho desta equipe, esta assistência não ocorria em tempo hábil, resultando no desmame precoce. Inicialmente realizou-se uma reunião para sensibilização da equipe sobre os indicadores de aleitamento materno da unidade. A partir desse conhecimento foi proposta a implementação de um ambulatório de amamentação, destinado não apenas às puérperas com dificuldade no manejo do aleitamento materno, mas à todas da área de abrangência daquela Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS). Para captação das puérperas, foi estabelecido um fluxo, por meio do qual ficou estabelecido que todas as puérperas que trouxessem seus filhos para realização do teste do pezinho na unidade, seriam encaminhadas ao ambulatório para a realização deste atendimento. Com a melhora da assistência, as usuárias da unidade básica de saúde passaram a amamentar por mais tempo, o que refletiu na melhora dos indicadores da unidade.

RESUMO Objetivo Propor uma metodologia de análise dos dados gerados por um instrumento de medição da pressão de sucção não-nutritiva do recém-nascido. Método Estudo observacional analítico, transversal com dados de 24 recém-nascidos a termo sem comprometimentos. Após a avaliação clínica foram analisadas três coletas de cada neonato empregando-se o referido instrumento, com duração de 2 minutos e intervalo de 2 minutos entre elas. Os parâmetros definidos foram extraídos por meio de um programa desenvolvido em Matlab®. Os resultados foram obtidos pela análise e comparação de 12 variáveis ao nível de confiança de 5%. Foi realizada ainda comparação das análises manual e computadorizada por meio do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse. Resultados A comparação múltipla entre os três momentos de coleta, mostrou que as diferenças estatísticas significantes ocorreram entre as coletas um e dois e dois e três. Ao se analisar e comparar cada variável separadamente, notou-se que a segunda coleta apresentou: maior número de grupos de sucção, maior número de sucções, menor tempo para iniciar os grupos de sucção, maior tempo de grupos de sucção, menor número de sucções esporádicas, valores de pressão média maiores e com menor desvio padrão, maior número de pausas com tempo de pausas menor. O coeficiente de correlação intraclasse revelou concordância quase perfeita para os 12 parâmetros avaliados. Conclusão As 12 variáveis analisadas mostram-se relevantes, especialmente na segunda coleta. O programa em Matlab® mostrou-se viável e eficaz na extração e análise dos parâmetros, apresentando alta concordância quando comparado à avaliação manual.

The eyeworms of the subgenus Thelaziella infect orbital cavities, conjunctival sacs and lachrymal ducts of many wild birds, being able to cause conjunctivitis. In Brazil, at least 10 species of Thelaziella have been described. Here we present a brief review of cases of Thelazia (Thelaziella) aquilina and describe the infection of this parasite in Harpia harpyja, as a new host record. Two nematodes were collected from the surface of the cornea of an adult female H. harpyja in the Amazon region (Brazil) and were morphologically identified as two males of T. (T.) aquilina. This data demonstrated the need for further studies focused on elucidating the transmission, biological cycle, and phylogenetic positioning of Thelaziella as subgenus.

RESUMO Objetivo Apresentar um método de análise do modo respiratório por meio da termografia infravermelha. Método Estudo transversal exploratório de 38 imagens térmicas que representavam o momento da inspiração e da expiração durante a respiração nasal e durante a simulação da respiração oral de quatro voluntárias respiradoras nasais sem queixas respiratórias. Para a extração da temperatura das regiões de interesse (nariz e boca) foram utilizadas três formas de seleção distintas de dados (linha, retângulo e elipse) e três medidas de temperatura (mínima, média e máxima) por meio do software FLIR Tools®. Resultados Dentre as três formas de seleção houve maior variabilidade nas medidas obtidas pela linha, revelando limitações nessa medida. Não houve diferenças entre as medidas do retângulo e elipse, mostrando que ambas as formas de seleção apresentam resultados semelhantes para a extração das temperaturas. Na comparação entre as temperaturas do nariz e da boca na inspiração e expiração, os resultados indicaram que houve diferença com relevância estatística em todas as medidas realizadas, exceto para as medidas de temperatura média da inspiração, usando o retângulo e a elipse. Percebe-se diferenciação do modo respiratório tanto na inspiração quanto na expiração quando utilizada a temperatura média da boca com o retângulo e a elipse. Conclusão Sugere-se para avaliação do modo respiratório a avaliação da boca, por meio da elipse, com análise da temperatura média durante a inspiração.

ABSTRACT Purpose: to present a scoping review protocol to identify and analyze free applications available for Android and iOS operating systems to assist nursing mothers in terms of breastfeeding. Methods: the methodological structure of this scoping review has nine stages: developing the research question; defining descriptors; establishing application inclusion and exclusion criteria; locating applications; listing applications; selecting them by title and icon analysis; collecting application data; selecting them by application data analysis and quality assessment. The research question was developed based on the participants-concept-context strategy. Breastfeeding mobile applications assistance will be searched in Google Play and Apple Store. Two independent raters will select applications, collect data, and assess their quality. Quality assessment will use the Mobile App Rating Scale, which will be correlated with user ratings. Final Considerations: this research presented a nine-stage scoping review protocol aimed at identifying and analyzing free applications available for Android and iOS operating systems to help nursing mothers in terms of breastfeeding. The protocol is ready to be implemented.

This study summarizes new data on induced spawning of Steindachneridion parahybae, focusing on the aggressive behavior of females. This study characterizes the vasotocinergic system using immunohistochemistry, highlighting the potential influence of arginine-vasotocin (AVT) on reproductive physiology. Two experimental groups were proposed: (A) control, with one female in the aquarium, and (B) experimental, with two females in the same aquarium. Dominant (D) females presented a more aggressive behavior and did not show any injury. They apparently had a length and body mass higher than injured nondominant (ND) females. The analysis identified positive AVT immunoreactive (ir) neurons exclusively within the preoptic area, including parvocellular, magnocellular, and gigantocellular subpopulations, containing fibers-ir extending into the pituitary gland. Cellular and nuclear areas were greater in D compared to ND in the magnocellular subpopulation. There were no differences between parvocellular and gigantocellular subpopulations. There was a difference on the steroid plasma profile of cortisol (more in ND than in D) and 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (more in D than in ND). Furthermore, control and D females presented higher optical densities for AVT-ir, gonadotropin-releasing hormone-ir, and luteinizing hormone-ir than ND. In general, there were no differences in the results of female (control group) with D females. The AVT system is highly complex, possibly counting multiple sites of action during artificial reproduction and acting directly and/or indirectly associated with behavioral and physiological changes in S. parahybae females when induced to spawning.

Water deficiency has been recognized as a major abiotic stress that causes losses in maize crops around the world. The maize crop is very important due to the range of products that are derived from this plant. A potential way to reduce the damages caused by water deficiency in maize crops is through the association with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). To define the mechanisms developed by associative PGPB and AMF in maize that are involved in protection against moderate drought (MD), this study evaluated the biometrical, anatomical, biochemical, and physiological parameters of maize grown under MD and inoculated with different PGPB (Azospirillum brasilense strain Ab-V5 and Bacillus sp. strain ZK) and with AMF. The relative water content did not change in the treatments. The association with ZK increased the shoot:total ratio, total dry weight, maximum quantum yield of photosystem II, vascular cylinder thickness, and vascular cylinder area. The Ab-V5 inoculation led to an increment in root dry weight, the area of metaxylem vessel elements, and nitrate reductase activity. The AMF association did not lead to changes in the measured parameters. The results indicate that the association with PGPB is a relevant alternative to contribute to reducing losses in maize crops under drought. However, AMF is not indicated for this crop under drought.

The vitrification of ovarian follicles is a strategic tool that may contribute to advances in aquaculture and the conservation of many important species. Despite the difficulties inherent to the cryopreservation of oocytes, some successful protocols have been developed for different species, but little is known about the capacity of oocytes to develop after thawing. Therefore, the profiles of the reproductive pathway genes and fatty acid membrane composition during the initial stages of development were analyzed in fresh ovarian follicles and follicles after the vitrification process. There were differences in the expression of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonad axis genes during the follicular development in the control group as well as in the vitrified group. Similarly, alterations in the composition of fatty acids were observed after vitrification. Despite this, many alterations were observed in the vitrified group; more than half of the stage III ovarian follicles were able to grow and mature in vitro. Therefore, the vitrification of ovarian follicles may impact them at molecular and membrane levels, but it does not compromise their capability for in vitro maturation, which indicates that the technique can be a strategic tool for aquaculture.

An 8-week trial was performed to evaluate the influence of docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ratios and temperature on the fatty acid (FA) metabolism and liver morphology of Epinephelus marginatus. A basal diet was manufactured, and DHA (D1:0.5%; D2:0.75%; D3:1%; and D4:1.5%) and EPA (D1:1.0%; D2:0.75%; D3:0.5%; and D4:0%) levels were added. E. marginatus were kept in twelve tanks with a lower temperature (LT, 23.17 ± 0.12 °C) and twelve with a higher temperature (HT, 28.63 ± 0.06 °C). The DHA/EPA ratio did not affect performance, regardless of the temperature, but the animals fed with the D4 diet showed better growth at HT. A higher lipid deposition and a large lipid vacuole area in the hepatocytes at HT were observed, regardless of the diet. Triacylglycerol (TG) in reflected the diet FA profile mainly in the muscle and liver, whereas the phospholipid (PL) was less influenced by the diet. The same DHA content in the TG fraction of muscle (D3 and D4) were observed at LT; however, only the DHA/EPA ratio of D4 could be differentially stored in the TG fraction of muscle (HT). Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FA increased in the PL of the eyes at HT, whereas saturated FA was reduced in the TG and PL fractions at LT. These results evidence the importance of temperature and a balanced DHA/EPA ratio in the diet of marine fish.

ABSTRACT Purpose: to verify the effects of tongue pressure exercises against the incisive papilla, used both alone and in combination with functional swallowing training, on the electrical activity of the suprahyoid muscles and the self-perception of aesthetic changes in the submandibular region. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal Wallis, and Wilcoxon tests were used. The significance level was set at 5%. Methods: an experimental, analytical, prospective study on 27 women, aged 30 to 78 years, divided into two treatment groups (G1 and G2), and a control group (CG). Individuals were submitted to 8 weeks of training, in which G1 performed only tongue pressure exercises against the incisive papilla, and G2 performed the same exercises in combination with swallowing training, while CG was not submitted to any intervention. The suprahyoid muscle electrical activity was obtained with surface electromyography at the beginning and end of the study when subjects also answered a self-perception questionnaire on possible aesthetic results. Pearson’s chi-square, Fisher’s exact, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal Wallis, and Wilcoxon tests were used. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: statistically significant differences were found between the initial and final electrical activity in both G1 and G2, which was not found in CG. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding their self-perception of visual or muscle improvements. Conclusion: both strategies analyzed were equally effective to increase suprahyoid muscle recruitment, though with no impact on the self-perception of aesthetic changes in the submandibular region.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a set of conditions associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. Several serum fatty acids (FAs) seem to play an essential role in the development of cardiometabolic diseases and mortality. Thus, it is imperative to explore the impact of FAs on MetS parameters, using an early MetS screening tool such as MetScore, which is readily available in clinical practice. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the potential correlation between serum FAs and cardiovascular risk using a MetScore. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 41 women with severe obesity. The MetScore was calculated, and participants were categorized into high- and low-cardiovascular-risk groups based on the median MetScore value. Gas chromatography was used to quantify serum FAs. Generalized Linear Models were used to compare group means. The association was assessed through simple logistic regression, and an adjusted logistic regression was conducted to validate the association between Metscore and serum FAs. Results: The high-cardiovascular-risk group exhibited elevated values of HOMA-IR, palmitic, oleic, cis-vaccenic, and monounsaturated fatty acids, as well as the SCD-18C, indicating a heightened cardiovascular risk. Conversely, HDL-c, QUICK, gamma-linolenic, and eicosatetraenoic fatty acids showed lower values compared to the low-risk group. Conclusions: Women with severe obesity and high cardiovascular risk have lower values of some omega-3 and omega-6 FAs, considered cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory, and have higher lipogenic activity and FAs, correlated with high cardiovascular risk. These findings emphasize the need to address lipid metabolism in this population as a therapeutic target to reduce cardiovascular risk. Future research should explore clinical interventions that modulate fatty acid metabolism to mitigate cardiometabolic complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Purpose: to verify, in the literature, the effects of using the stimulating palatal plate on lip and tongue posture in children with trisomy 21. Methods: a search was conducted in Medline, LILACS, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Original articles designed as clinical trials, longitudinal studies, or case-control studies, approaching stimulating palatal plate in the treatment of children with trisomy 21 and assessing habitual lip and tongue posture as an outcome, were included. Literature Review: a total of 376 studies were found, of which 10 met the selection criteria. They were published between 1996 and 2007 and carried out mostly in Europe, with small samples. The age when they began wearing the plate ranged from 1 month to 5 years, and intervention lasted from 4 to 58 months; in most cases, it was combined with orofacial muscle stimulation. Use frequency ranged from two to four times a day, each period lasting from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The children’s tongue and lip posture improved in most pieces of research. Conclusion: studies suggest that using the stimulating palatal plate in combination with orofacial muscle stimulation brings benefits to tongue and lip posture in children presented with trisomy 21.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar os efeitos imediatos da fotobiomodulação sobre a pressão máxima dos lábios para diferentes doses. Método Estudo experimental, randomizado e triplo cego. A amostra foi composta por 23 mulheres e 17 homens com idade entre 18 e 33 anos (média 23,18 anos, DP=2,1), divididos em quatro grupos: GC (grupo controle), G1, G4 e G7. A pressão máxima foi avaliada com o Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI). O bulbo foi posicionado entre os lábios e os participantes foram orientados a pressioná-lo com a maior força possível. Aplicou-se o LASER infravermelho (808 nm) da marca DMC, modelo Therapy EC, 100 mW de potência. As doses testadas foram 1 J (G1), 4 J (G4) e 7 J (G7) aplicadas em seis pontos do músculo orbicular da boca. No GC não houve intervenção. Após a aplicação do LASER, foram repetidos os procedimentos de avaliação. Os resultados foram analisados com nível de significância de 95%. Resultados A pressão máxima de lábios aumentou significativamente apenas no grupo irradiado com 7 joules. Conclusão O LASER de baixa intensidade na dose de 7 J promoveu mudanças no desempenho do músculo orbicular da boca em tarefa de pressão máxima.

RESUMO Objetivo pesquisar a atividade elétrica do músculo orbicular da boca em quatro diferentes tarefas isométricas e indicar a mais apropriada para utilização como referência na normalização do sinal elétrico do músculo orbicular da boca pela contração voluntária máxima. Métodos participaram do estudo 22 indivíduos, sendo dez do sexo masculino e 12 do feminino, com idades entre 20 e 33 anos. A atividade elétrica das porções superior e inferior do músculo orbicular da boca foi registrada durante a realização das seguintes tarefas isométricas: protrusão labial com fechamento, protrusão labial sem fechamento, contrarresistência com a placa de resistência labial e preensão de lábios. A ordem de realização das tarefas foi randomizada entre os participantes. Os dados foram comparados entre as tarefas, para cada seguimento labial. Resultados no segmento marginal superior, a tarefa com maior média e mediana de amplitude foi preensão labial, embora sem diferença significativa entre tarefas. O menor coeficiente de variação foi obtido na tarefa de contrarresistência com a placa de resistência labial. No segmento marginal inferior, a tarefa com maior média e mediana de amplitude foi protrusão labial com fechamento, que também teve o menor coeficiente de variação e diferença significativa entre as tarefas protrusão labial com fechamento e preensão, sendo os maiores valores obtidos na primeira. Conclusão indica-se como referência para a normalização do sinal elétrico do músculo orbicular da boca, pela contração voluntária máxima, a tarefa de protrusão labial com fechamento.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the viability of the micrografting of yellow dragon fruit (Selenicereus megalanthus) on different rootstocks, based on DNA content and anatomical analyses. The used rootstocks were: yellow dragon fruit, white dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus), Saborosa (Selenicereus setaceus) dragon fruit, and the Cebra and Orejona red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) varieties. The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments and four replicates of five plants. After 30 days of cultivation, the following traits were evaluated: length and diameter of the micrografts and microrootstocks; and root length, percentage of setting, and fresh mass of the micrografts. Flow cytometry analyzes were performed before and after micrografting to verify genetic stability and the occurrence of endoreduplication. In addition, histological sections were made in the micrografting region to verify the connections of vessels and tissues between the graft and the rootstock. Endoreduplication was observed in all treatments. The amount of DNA in the yellow dragon fruit micrograft increased on the red Orejona variety. The presence of vessel connections was verified between the micrografts and microrootstocks. The yellow dragon fruit was also more vigorous when grafted on Orejona. Based on DNA content and anatomical analyses, in vitro yellow dragon fruit micrografting is feasible in all used rootstocks.

ABSTRACT Purpose: to assess the acoustic and self-perceived voice changes in women with and without voice symptoms after 1, 3, 5, and 7 minutes of straw phonation exercises. Methods: a total of 30 women aged 18 to 39 years participated in the study - 17 with and 13 without voice symptoms. The participants filled in the visual analog scale on self-perceived voice discomfort. The sustained vowel /ɛ/ was recorded in maximum phonation time before (m0) and after the first, third, fifth, and seventh minute performing straw phonation exercises. The maximum phonation time was measured, and an acoustic analysis was made, encompassing the following parameters: the number of harmonics, fundamental frequency, noise, glottal-to-noise excitation ratio (GNE), jitter, and shimmer. The Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were used to compare each parameter at the different moments, and the Mann-Whitney test, to compare the groups. The 5% significance level was set for the analyses. Results: no changes were found in either the acoustic variables or the self-perception of voice comparing the moments before and after the exercises in either group. The comparison between the groups revealed that the one with voice symptoms had lower GNE and higher noise values at the second moment performing the technique. Conclusion: the straw phonation did not cause acoustic or self-perceived voice changes in women with and without voice symptoms. The comparison between the groups showed that the women with symptoms had lower GNE and higher noise values than those without symptoms, after 1 minute performing straw phonation.

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze the content and construct validity of an instrument for tongue performance assessment in activities associated with digital games. Methods: to analyze content validity, ten speech-language pathologists answered a questionnaire in which each item of the instrument and the set of items were judged as to its representativeness. The content validity index and the modified Kappa statistics were calculated. To analyze construct validity, 20 participants, with age between 8 and 13 years, (10 children with weak tongues and 10 children with normal tongue strength) performed a game activity with the T-Station, involving 12 targets with 2 N of strength and 5 s of time for sustained contraction for each target. The performance was compared, for each item of the instrument, between groups. Results: most of the items obtained satisfactory score according to the speech-language pathologist’s evaluation. Children with reduced tongue force had a poorer performance than those with normal tongue force, with a statistically significant difference in three items of the instrument. Conclusion: the instrument proved to be valid as a method for evaluating performance in activities associated with the T-Station.

RESUMO Objetivo comparar os efeitos imediatos da fotobiomodulação com laser nos comprimentos de onda 660 nm e 808 nm na fadiga do músculo orbicular da boca. Métodos trata-se de um estudo experimental randomizado, com 60 mulheres, com idade entre 19 e 43 anos. As participantes foram divididas em quatro grupos. O grupo GV recebeu irradiação com laser de comprimento de onda de 660 nm em quatro pontos do orbicular da boca; o grupo GIV recebeu irradiação com laser de comprimento de onda de 808 nm nos mesmos pontos; o grupo controle não recebeu irradiação e o grupo placebo passou pelos mesmos procedimentos dos grupos GV e GIV, porém o equipamento não foi acionado. A irradiação foi realizada com laser de 100 mW de potência, 4 J de energia por ponto e 133,3 J/cm2 de fluência. Avaliação eletromiográfica foi realizada antes e após a irradiação, concomitantemente ao exercício de protrusão labial sustentada até a sensação de fadiga. O índice de fadiga eletromiográfica foi calculado a partir da frequência mediana. A amplitude do sinal foi avaliada, examinando o RMS, e os valores normalizados pelo pico. A diferença na amplitude entre lábios superiores e inferiores também foi analisada. Todas as variáveis foram comparadas antes e após a irradiação. Resultados não foram encontradas diferenças significativas nas medidas antes e após a irradiação. Conclusão a fotobiomodulação, com os parâmetros investigados neste estudo, não resultou em efeitos imediatos sobre a fadiga do músculo orbicular da boca.

Purpose – This article approaches the legal and economic dimensions of the fine and the so-called obligation to do as alternative sanction methods within the Brazilian regulatory framework and the latter´s relative potentials regarding the full exercise of economic functions by the regulator. Furthermore, it highlights the relative advantages and challenges of the obligation to do and how it can maximize the allocative efficiency of administrative sanctions. Methodology/approach/design – A critical analysis of a pioneering application of the obligation to do, carried out by the telecommunication’s regulatory agency, allows to elucidate the essential requirements for its use and governance. Findings – Conclusions suggest that the obligation to do allows the fulfillment of the allocation, stabilization and distribution functions by regulator while potentially increasing both the society expectation towards sanctioning and investment in the sector. Originality – It presents a pioneering perspective on the exercise of the obligation to do as sanction in the Brazilian telecommunications sector.

The electrical conductivity test indirectly evaluates cell membrane disorganization by quantifying the electrolytes released into the water after tissue imbibing. The objective of this work was to evaluate methodological variations in the electrical conductivity test, for it to serve as an indicator of low temperature-induced damages and estimate the cold tolerance of bean plants. Cultivar IPR Uirapuru plants were subjected to minimum temperatures of 4 °C, 2 °C, 0 °C, -1 °C, -2 °C, -3 °C, and -4 °C for 1 h in a growth chamber under controlled conditions. After the treatment period, the response of plants to cold stress was evaluated by determination of the total protein content, and catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzymatic activities, and evaluation of photosystem II (Fm/Fv) efficiency and leaf anatomy. These results were compared with those obtained in the electrical conductivity test, which was performed in plants under cold stress as well as under a non-stress environment, with 2, 4, 6, and 8 leaf discs immersed in 30 mL of distilled water for 24 h in BOD, at temperatures of 25 °C, 30 °C, and 35°C. Analysis of variance was performed using a completely randomized design, and for electrical conductivity, a number of discs × cold stress temperature combinations were used for each soak temperature. The averages were compared using the Turkey's test at 5% and 10% probability. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between the conductivity averages and other cold stress evaluation data was also performed. The results showed a marked reduction in the ratio (Fv/Fm) only in the treatments at -3 °C and -4°C, which indicated tissue death. At temperatures below 0°C, there was a collapse of the leaf blade tissues, and it was not possible to differentiate the palisade parenchyma from the spongy parenchyma in the treatments at -2°C, -3°C, and -4°C. There was an increase in the protein content since the temperature -3°C. The enzyme activity of CAT decrease at -4°C whereas that of APX increased. In the electrical conductivity test, there was a significant interaction between soak temperature and the number of discs, and an increase in conductivity of the solution with a decrease in temperature was verified in several treatments, among which, the combination that best correlated with the other tests was 25°C with six leaf discs. It was concluded that the electrical conductivity test presents results similar to those obtained from other physiological, biochemical, and anatomical tests, and therefore, it can be used to evaluate the damage caused by low temperatures in bean plants.

We describe key production-related traits of trahira (Hoplias malabaricus), an aquaculture candidate species, in a semi-intensive fish farming system. We quantified growth from hatch through grow-out at two stocking densities and evaluated fillet protein, lipids and fatty-acid content. We made 2430 observations of growth and morphometrics on 270 juvenile fish allocated to four fish ponds, two at 5 fish/m2 (90 animals) and two at 10 fish/m2 (180 animals) through 11 months. The fish reached an average length of 27.5 cm (±0.38) and 27.0 cm (±0.24), and weight of 263.0 g (±10.54) and 246.7 g (±6.89), respectively, at the low and high densities. There was no significant difference in weight (P > 0.05) between the densities for any of the parameters assessed, and hence the same growth curve applied to both densities (A = 292.9; B = 28.1; and K = 0.65). Standard length, however, differed significantly (P

Abstract Dermatobia hominis is a parasite widely distributed in neotropical regions. The parasitic phase of the cycle is characterized by the formation of a subcutaneous nodule in the host, which can promote infestation by other dipterans and skin infections. The aim of this report is to register parasitism by D. hominis in free-ranging Panthera onca captured in the Brazilian wetland and to determine significant biological and meteorological factors that are likely to influence the presence of larval parasitism in captured wild jaguars. Between 2011 to 2020, 34 jaguars were captured and examined manually by searching for lesions characteristic of myiasis. By manual compression in the subcutaneous nodules, larvae morphologically identified as D. hominis (first and third instars) were collected from 13 jaguars. A multinomial logistic regression showed that adult jaguars had 16.49-fold higher odds of being parasitized than subadults. Thus, jaguars captured in the season of July–September have 34.01- and 11.42-fold higher odds of being parasitized compared to the seasons of October–December and April–June, respectively, which is associated with high total monthly precipitation in the previous season. The present study is the first to describe parasitism by D. hominis larvae in jaguars.

Em virtude do impacto da pandemia o Brasil suspendeu, em meados de março de 2020, as aulas e atividades presenciais em toda a rede de ensino municipal, estadual e federal. Diante desse cenário repleto de desafios que o Programa de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE) teve que se apropriar, os Centros Colaboradores em Alimentação e Nutrição (CECANEs) se tornaram importantes prestadores de serviços para viabilizar a distribuição adequada dos gêneros alimentícios obtidos por meio de recursos financeiros recebidos. Com isso, este trabalho pretende relatar as ações remotas realizadas pelo CECANE/UFRN com 167 municípios do Rio Grande do Norte apoiando a distribuição da alimentação escolar no estado. Foi observado o panorama do serviço, destacando as diferentes situações e dificuldades enfrentadas durante a execução. Foram realizadas ações de orientação acerca da montagem e distribuição da alimentação escolar, prestação de contas e participação do controle social. Este trabalho objetiva firmar e legitimar o papel do CECANE para a defesa do Direito Humano à Alimentação Adequada (DHAA) e da Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (SAN) no cenário da alimentação escolar e reforça a importância de investigações acerca da logística de montagem e distribuição dos alimentos no território nacional, evidenciando a diversidade e dificuldades locais.