An overview of secretion in floral bracts of Tillandsioideae (Bromeliaceae), with emphasis on the secretory scales.

Bromeliaceae display many water-use strategies, from leaf impounding tanks to Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis and absorbing trichomes. Recent studies show that trichomes in inflorescences of bromeliads can exude viscous secretions, protecting against various stresses, including excessive water loss. In light of this, and considering the knowledge gap regarding inflorescence trichomes in bromeliads, we aimed to investigate the presence, source and chemical nature of inflorescence secretions in species of the Tillandsioideae (Bromeliaceae) and to describe the anatomy of their floral bracts focusing on trichome structure and position. We conducted a prospection of secretory activity and anatomy in floral bracts in 52 species of Tillandsioideae and 1 early divergent Bromeliaceae species. We used histochemical tests to investigate the presence and nature of secretion combined with standard light microscopy methods. Secretion appears in all studied species of tribe Vrieseeae, in Guzmania species, Wallisia cyanea, Tillandsia streptopylla (Tillandsieae) and Catopsis morreniana (Catopsideae). It is absent in Vriesea guttata (Vrieseeae), Racinaea crispa and various Tillandsia species (Tillandsieae). Secretion is produced by peltate trichomes on the adaxial surface of young bracts and comprises hydrophilic and lipophilic substances. Bract anatomy revealed an internal mucilage-secreting tissue with wide distribution within the subtribe Vrieseinae. Our results point to a broad occurrence of secretion associated with bracteal scales in inflorescences of Tillandsioideae. Secretory function is strongly related to trichomes of the adaxial surface, whereas the indumentum of the abaxial side is lacking or likely associated with water absorption; the latter case is especially related to small, xeric plants. Exudates might engage in colleter-like roles, protecting against desiccation, high-radiation and herbivores. Directions for future research are presented.

First Report of Colleters in Araceae: A Case Study in Anthurium andraeanum Reveals Diverse Mucilage Glands Associated with the Developing Shoot.

Araceae comprises a diverse group of plants that grow in various habitats, ranging from submerged aquatics to lithophytes. Thus, aroids are likely to show diverse glands acting in several plant-environment interactions, including colleters that protect young shoots. Based on this premise and the lack of studies regarding secretory structures in Araceae, we employed standard light and electron microscopy methods to test the hypothesis that colleters are present in Anthurium. Our main goals were to identify mucilage glands in A. andraeanum by conducting a detailed anatomical study of their structure, ultrastructure, and secretory activity. We found finger-like colleters in the apex of young leaves, spathes, and unexpanded cataphylls as well as secreting zones at the apex of expanded cataphylls, at the margins of non-fused cataphylls, and throughout the keels in two-keeled cataphylls. The colleters develop precociously and senesce shortly afterwards. Ultrastructural data and histochemistry confirmed the production of a polysaccharide-rich secretion that fills the spaces within the developing shoot. As far we know, this is the first time that colleters have been reported for Araceae. The functional roles of the secretion and the position of finger-like colleters concerning the 'precursor tip' of monocotyledons are discussed. Future research correlating secretory activity in colleters of species from different habitats might reveal a great diversity of mucilage glands with ecological and evolutionary significance to the family.

A unified view of homology.

As it spread through time and into distinct areas of science-from comparative anatomy to evolutionary biology, cladistics, developmental and molecular biology-the homology concept has changed considerably, presenting various meanings. Despite many attempts at developing a comprehensive understanding of the concept, this context-sensitive notion of homology has been a subject of an ongoing debate. Inspired by that and following Kevin de Queiroz and Richard Mayden's view on species concept and delimitation, we presented in this article an attempt to systematize and advance the understanding of the homology problem. Our main goals were: (i) to present a comprehensive checklist of 'concepts of homology'; (ii) to identify which are really concepts with ontological definitions (theoretically rooted in structural correspondence and common ancestry), and which are, in fact, not concepts, but epistemological (empirical and methodological) criteria of homology delimitation; (iii) to provide a synonymy of the concepts and criteria of homology delimitation; (iv) to present a hierarchy of homology concepts within Hennig's hologenetic system; and (v) to endorse the adoption of a unified view of homology by treating homology as a correspondence of spatio-temporal properties (genetic, epigenetic, developmental and positional) at the level of the individual, species or monophyletic group. We found 59 'concepts of homology' in the literature, from which 34 were categorically treated as concepts, 17 as criteria of homology delimitation, Four were excluded from our treatment, and Müller's five concepts were rather treated as approaches to homology. Homology concepts and criteria were synonymized based on structural correspondence, replicability, common ancestry, genetic and epigenetic developmental causes, position and optimization. Regarding the synonymy, we conclusively recognized 21 different concepts of homology, and five empirical and four methodological criteria. Hierarchical ontological aspects of homology were systematized under Hennig's hologenetic system, based on the existence of ontogenetic, tokogenetic and phylogenetic levels of homology. The delimitation of tokogenetic and phylogenetic homologies depends on optimization criteria. The unified view of homology is discussed in the context of the ancestral angiosperm flower.

4-Nerolidylcatechol (4-NC) and Docetaxel Synergize in Controlling Androgen- independent Prostate Cancer Cells.

BACKGROUND: Effective cancer treatment still challenges medicine since the strategies employed so far are not sufficiently safe and capable of specifically eliminating tumor cells. Prostate cancer (PCa) is a highly incident malignant neoplasm, and the outcome of patients, especially those with advanced castration-resistant PCa (CRPC), depends directly on the efficacy of the therapeutic agents, such as docetaxel (DOC). OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the synergistic potentiation of 4-nerolidylcatechol (4-NC) with DOC in inhibiting androgen-independent PCa cells. METHODS: The cytotoxic effect of 4-NC was evaluated against non-tumorigenic (RWPE-01) and PCa cell lines (LNCaP and PC-3), and the antiproliferative potential of 4-NC was assessed by flow cytometry and colony formation. The Chou-Talalay method was applied to detect the synergistic effect of 4-NC and DOC, and the mechanism of anticancer activities of this combination was investigated by analyzing players in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). RESULTS: 4-NC significantly reduced the viability of PC-3 cells in a dose-dependent manner, decreasing colony formation and proliferation. The combination of 4-NC and DOC was synergistic in the androgen-independent cells and allowed the reduction of DOC concentration, with increased cytotoxicity and induction of apoptosis when compared to compounds alone. Furthermore, when 4- NC was co-administered with DOC, higher expression levels of proteins associated with the epithelial phenotype were observed, controlling EMT in PC-3 cells. CONCLUSION: Collectively, these data demonstrated, for the first time, that the combination of 4-NC with reduced doses of DOC could be especially valuable in the suppression of oncogenic mechanisms of androgen-independent PCa cells.

Lazer e musculação: um estudo de caso em uma academia na região periférica na cidade de Belo Horizonte / Leisure and weight-training: a study case at a gym in peripherial area in the city of Belo Horizonte

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar, em uma academia da região do Barreiro, zona periférica de Belo Horizonte, se a musculação pode ser considerada como uma atividade de lazer para os seus praticantes. Como estratégia foi realizado um estudo de caso, com abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa. Para coleta de dados, utilizamos de um questionário padronizado e observação participante. Participaram da pesquisa, ao todo, 145 voluntários. Constatou-se que a maioria dos participantes da pesquisa consideram a prática de musculação como uma atividade de lazer, possibilitando espaços de sociabilidade e confraternizações. Não obstante, observamos que, para esses praticantes, o principal motivo para o ingresso e permanência na atividade é a estética corporal (hipertrofia muscular), podendo a musculação ser considerada um estilo de vida prazeroso que possui uma relevância fundamental para os sujeitos pesquisados.

This study aimed to investigate, in a gym of Barreiro's region, peripheral zone of Belo Horizonte, if the weight-training can be considered as a leisure activity to your practitioners. As strategy a study case was conducted, with a qualitative and quantitative approach. In order to collect data, we used a standardized questionnaire and participant observation. 145 volunteers participated in the research. It was found that most research participants consider the practice of weight-training as a leisure activity, which enables spaces for sociability and confraternization. Nevertheless, we observed that, for these practitioners, the main reason for entering and remaining in the activity is body aesthetics (muscular hypertrophy), and weight-training can be considered a pleasant lifestyle that has a fundamental relevance for the researched subjects.

Extranuptial nectaries in bromeliads: a new record for Pitcairnia burchellii and perspectives for Bromeliaceae.

Nectar plays important roles in the relationship between plants and other organisms, both within pollination systems and as a defense mechanism. In the latter case, extranuptial nectaries (ENNs) usually attract patrolling arthropods that reduce herbivory. ENNs have been frequently reported within the "xeric clade" of Bromeliaceae, but their occurrence in other groups of bromeliads is largely unexplored, especially considering their position, secretory activity and structure. After observing the presence of ants constantly patrolling the inflorescences of Pitcairnia burchellii Mez, we searched for the presence, secretory activity, and structure of ENNs in this species. We also provide a brief review of the occurrence ENNs in Bromeliaceae. The distribution of nectaries was assessed using ant-exclusion experiments, while structural analysis was performed using standard methods for light and scanning electron microscopy. The presence of sugars in the secretion was assessed by thin-layer chromatography and glucose strip tests. Nectaries in P. burchelli are non-structured glands on the adaxial surface of floral bracts and sepals. Bracts and sepals are distinct spatial units that act over time in the same strategy of floral bud protection. Literature data reveals that ENNs might be more common within Bromeliaceae than previously considered, comprising a homoplastic feature in the family. Future perspectives and evolutionary and taxonomic implications are discussed.

Colleters, Extrafloral Nectaries, and Resin Glands Protect Buds and Young Leaves of Ouratea castaneifolia (DC.) Engl. (Ochnaceae).

Buds usually possess mechanical or chemical protection and may also have secretory structures. We discovered an intricate secretory system in Ouratea castaneifolia (Ochnaceae) related to the protection of buds and young leaves. We studied this system, focusing on the distribution, morphology, histochemistry, and ultrastructure of glands during sprouting. Samples of buds and leaves were processed following the usual procedures for light and electron microscopy. Overlapping bud scales protect dormant buds, and each young leaf is covered with a pair of stipules. Stipules and scales possess a resin gland, while the former also possess an extrafloral nectary. Despite their distinct secretions, these glands are similar and comprise secreting palisade epidermis. Young leaves also possess marginal colleters. All the studied glands shared some structural traits, including palisade secretory epidermis and the absence of stomata. Secretory activity is carried out by epidermal cells. Functionally, the activity of these glands is synchronous with the young and vulnerable stage of vegetative organs. This is the first report of colleters and resin glands for O. castaneifolia. We found evidence that these glands are correlated with protection against herbivores and/or abiotic agents during a developmental stage that precedes the establishment of mechanical defenses.

A Vulnerability Analysis for the Management of and Response to the COVID-19 Epidemic in the Second Most Populous State in Brazil.

The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to affect all individuals, however in a heterogeneous way. In this sense, identifying specificities of each location is essential to minimize the damage caused by the disease. Therefore, the aim of this research was to assess the vulnerability of 853 municipalities in the second most populous state in Brazil, Minas Gerais (MG), in order to direct public policies. An epidemiological study was carried out based on Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) using indicators with some relation to the process of illness and death caused by COVID-19. The indicators were selected by a literature search and categorized into: demographic, social, economic, health infrastructure, population at risk and epidemiological. The variables were collected in Brazilian government databases at the municipal level and evaluated according to MCDA, through the Program to Support Decision Making based on Indicators (PRADIN). Based on this approach, the study performed simulations by category of indicators and a general simulation that allowed to divide the municipalities into groups of 1-5, with 1 being the least vulnerable and 5 being the most vulnerable. The groupings of municipalities were exposed in their respective mesoregions of MG in a thematic map, using the software Tabwin 32. The results revealed that the mesoregion of Norte de Minas stands out with more than 40% of its municipalities belonging to group 5, according to economic, social and health infrastructure indicators. Similarly, the Jequitinhonha mesoregion exhibited almost 60% of the municipalities in this group for economic and health infrastructure indicators. For demographic and epidemiological criteria, the Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte was the most vulnerable mesoregion, with 42.9 and 26.7% of the municipalities in group 5, respectively. Considering the presence of a population at risk, Zona da Mata reported 42.3% of the municipalities in the most vulnerable group. In the joint analysis of data, the Jequitinhonha, Vale do Mucuri and Vale do Rio Doce mesoregions were the most vulnerable in the state of MG. Thus, through the outlined profile, the present study proved how socioeconomic diversity affects the vulnerability of the municipalities to face COVID-19 outbreak, highlighting the need for interventions directed to each reality.

True nectar or stigmatic secretion? Structural evidence elucidates an old controversy regarding nectaries in Anthurium.

PREMISE: Floral rewards are essential in understanding floral function and evolution of the relationships between flowers and pollinators. Whether sugars are present in stigmatic exudates in Anthurium and whether it has floral nectaries have remained controversial because of the scarcity of structural studies. To solve these questions, we investigated the floral anatomy of A. andraeanum to elucidate whether (1) tepals are secretory organs, (2) tepals possess a structurally recognizable nectary, and (3) tepalar secretion differs from stigmatic secretion. METHODS: Floral structure was assessed through light and electron microscopy of samples of immature, pistillate, and staminate flowers. The dynamics of the starch reserve was investigated using histochemical tests, and the sugar content in the floral exudates was assessed using thin-layer chromatography. RESULTS: Sugar analysis did not detect sucrose, glucose, or fructose in stigmatic secretions, but confirmed their presence in tepalar secretions. Stigmatic secretion was produced by secretory stigmatic papillae; tepalar exudates were produced by nonvascularized nectaries in the apex of tepals. These nectaries were characterized by modified stomata and cells with cytoplasm rich in organelles, and a high content of calcium oxalate crystals. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed for the first time nectaries on tepals and true nectar secretion for A. andraeanum. Stigmatic secretion appears to be a distinct substance, and its often-reported sugar content seems to be a result of sample contamination. Nectar and stigmatic secretions have been often mistaken in other Anthurium species and deserve a revision for this genus.

Promoção da saúde e redução de vulnerabilidades por meio da prática da atividade física / Promoting health and reducing vulnerability through physical activity

Resumo: Introdução: Diante da pandemia da Covid-19, os(as) estudantes de Medicina tornaram-se ainda mais fragilizados(as) e vulnerabilizados(as) pelo contexto de isolamento social, uma vez que tiveram suas rotinas alteradas. Assim, a Associação Atlética Acadêmica Marcel Resende Davi (AAAMRD), visando cumprir com a sua responsabilidade social de promoção da saúde, buscou incentivar a prática desportiva ao valorizar esse hábito em prol do bem-estar físico e mental dos(as) estudantes. Desse modo, este artigo objetiva relatar a experiência da atlética com a realização de um desafio esportivo virtual entre suas equipes. Relato de experiência: O desafio foi elaborado e executado remotamente para 112 atletas de 14 equipes esportivas. Nos grupos de WhatsApp®, particulares de cada time, os(as) atletas deveriam enviar mídias dos exercícios físicos realizados e contabilizá-los em uma lista. Ressalta-se que foram disponibilizados treinos nas redes sociais da atlética, em parceria com profissional capacitado, como forma de proporcionar treinos seguros. Ao final das 11 semanas de desafio, as três melhores equipes foram premiadas. Aplicou-se também um formulário de feedback para verificar a efetividade da ação. Discussão: A tecnologia, importante aliada na organização do desafio, permitiu que a promoção da saúde ocorresse remotamente, respeitando o distanciamento social. Ao estimular a constância de treinos, a atlética contribuiu para a manutenção de parte da rotina dos(as) graduandos(as), prejudicada pelo contexto pandêmico. Além disso, o espírito de coletividade e a interação entre os(as) atletas dentro dos grupos contribuíram para que esse distanciamento não fosse total, formando uma rede de apoio ao compartilharem também seus medos, inseguranças e saudades. Conclusão: Os resultados alcançados com o desafio e os feedbacks positivos confirmaram a efetividade da promoção da saúde proposta pela AAAMRD. Ademais, em conformidade com as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais e apesar do momento adverso, a instituição mostrou-se presente na formação pessoal e profissional dos(as) estudantes.

Abstract: Introduction: In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, medical students have become even more fragile and vulnerable due to social isolation, since their routines have been altered. Thus, the Marcel Resende Davi Academic Athletic Association (AAAMRD), fulfilling its social responsibility to promote health, sought to encourage the practice of sports, highlighting the benefit of this habit for students' physical and mental well-being. This article aims to report the institution's experience of organising a virtual sports challenge among its teams. Experience report: The challenge was designed and executed remotely for 112 athletes from 14 sports teams. In Whatsapp® groups, private to each team, athletes were asked to send media of the physical exercises they performed and count them in a list. It is noteworthy that training was made available on the AAAMRD social networks, in partnership with a trained professional, as a way to provide safe training. At the end of the 11-week challenge, the top three teams were awarded. A feedback form was also applied to verify the effectiveness of the action. Discussion: Technology, an important ally in organizing the challenge, allowed health promotion to take place remotely, respecting social distance. By encouraging constant training, the AAAMRD helped maintain part of the undergraduate students' routine, hampered by the pandemic. Moreover, the collective spirit and interaction between athletes, within their respective groups, corroborated to reduce the distance between them, forming a support network in which they could also share their fears and insecurities. Conclusion: The results achieved through the challenge and the positive feedback confirmed the effectiveness of the health promotion proposed by AAAMRD. Furthermore, in accordance with the Brazilian National Guidelines for Undergraduate Medical Education and, despite the adverse moment, the institution remained present in the students' personal and professional development.

Association between physical functioning with cognition among community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study / Associação entre função física e cognição em idosos da comunidade: estudo transversal

OBJECTIVE: Declines in physical and cognitive functioning often co-exist through aging. Gait-related parameters have been related to cognitive function, although it is unclear whether other measures of physical functioning are similarly related to cognition. Here, we analyzed the relationship between physical functioning with cognition in older adults. METHODS: In total, baseline data of 116 dementia-free older adults recruited from two separated clinical trials (RCT) were included (M age = 69 years, SD = 6; 71% women). We quantified cognitive functioning using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and executive functioning tasks (Digit Span Forward minus Backward and verbal fluency ­ FAS and animal naming). Physical function measures included gait speed, Short-physical Performance Battery (SPPB), five-times Sit-to-Stand Test, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the Six-minute Walk Test (6MWT), and lower extremity muscle strength. We used multiple linear regression analyses to explore the association between cognitive measures and each measure of physical functioning, adjusting for age, sex, education, and RCT. Regression coeficients (b), standard error (SE) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to summarize main results. RESULTS: We observed a positive association between muscle strength and the MoCA (b = 0.84, SE = 0.40, 95%CI 0.05­1.64) after controlling for covariates. Significant associations were also found between the five-times-sit-to-stand test (b = -0.63, SE = 0.26, 95%CI -1.15­-0.12), TUG (b = -1.13, SE = 0.57, 95%CI -2.26­-0.01), 6MWT (b = 0.04, SE = 0.02, 95%CI 0.01­0.07), and lower extremity muscle strength (b = 1.92, SE = 0.93, 95%CI 0.09­3.77) with the FAS verbal fluency test, and between the TUG (b = -0.62, SE = 0.24, 95%CI -1.11­-0.14) with animal naming. CONCLUSION: In community-dwelling older adults, higher levels of muscle strength, dynamic balance and cardiorespiratory fitness were positively related with global cognition and executive control measures.

More than Scales: Evidence for the Production and Exudation of Mucilage by the Peltate Trichomes of Tillandsia cyanea (Bromeliaceae: Tillandsioideae).

Bromeliad scales have been investigated extensively due to their recognition as a key ecological and evolutionary feature of Bromeliaceae. However, much remains unknown about such trichomes and only recently mucilage exudation was described for them in a species of the subfamily Bromelioideae. The present study aimed to investigate the secretion present in inflorescences of Tillandsia cyanea Linden ex K. Koch (Tillandsioideae) to determine whether the scales of this species also produce and release secretions. Samples of young and mature portions of inflorescences were collected and prepared according to standard methods for light and electron microscopy. Anatomical and ultrastructural results indicate that the secretion is produced by the wing portion of typical peltate trichomes on the adaxial surface of bracts. The secretory activity begins in the early stages of trichome expansion and characteristically occurs in cells exhibiting a porous cuticle and dense cytoplasm with numerous mitochondria and dictyosomes. Histochemical tests confirmed mucilage secretion and revealed proteins in the exudate. These data comprise the first record of mucilage exudation by trichomes within Tillandsioideae and indicate that this capacity may be more relevant to bromeliad biology than previously considered. Functional aspects and colleter-like activity are also discussed.

Parthenolide and its Analogues: A New Potential Strategy for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Tumors.

Triple Negative Breast Cancers (TNBC) are heterogeneous and aggressive pathologies, with distinct morphological and clinical characteristics associated with their genetic diversity, epigenetics, transcriptional changes and aberrant molecular patterns. Treatment with anti-neoplastic drugs exerts systemic effects with low specificity, and incipient improvement in overall survival due to chemoresistance and recurrence. New alternatives for TNBC treatment are urgent and parthenolide or its analogues have been explored. Parthenolide is a sesquiterpene lactone with promising antitumor effects against TNBC cell lines. This review highlights the importance of parthenolide and its analogue drugs in TNBC treatment.

HOPX homeobox methylation in differentiated thyroid cancer and its clinical relevance.

BACKGROUND: The inactivation of the tumor-suppressor homeodomain-only protein X (HOPX) usually involves promoter methylation in several cancer types. This study aimed to investigate the HOPX-ß mRNA expression and promoter methylation and their clinical relevance in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinicopathological data and paraffin-embedded thyroid tumor tissues from 21 patients with DTC and 6 with benign tumors (T) and their non-tumor parenchyma (NT) were investigated. Tumor cell lines (FTC238, FTC236 and WRO) were treated with demethylating agent. HOPX-ß mRNA expression was assessed by qRT-PCR and methylation status by Q-MSP. Thyroid cancer data from Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was also collected. RESULTS: HOPX-ß mRNA re-expression in two cell lines treated with demethylating agent was observed concomitantly with reduced promoter methylation. Reduced mRNA expression in T group compared to their NT was observed, and reduced protein expression in T compared to NT was observed in three cases. Low mRNA expression with high methylation status was detected in 6/14 DTC samples. High methylation status was associated with older age at diagnosis, recurrent or progressive disease and with the presence of new neoplasm event post initial therapy while hyper-methylation correlated with worse overall survival, worse disease-free status and older age. CONCLUSION: A moderate coupling of downregulation of HOPX-ß mRNA expression in DTC followed by high HOPX-ß promoter methylation was observed however; high HOPX promoter methylation status was associated with the worse prognosis of DTC patients.

When calcium helps: percutaneous coronary intervention without contrast medium in an elderly female patient with renal insufficiency and unstable angina

The use of iodinated contrast media in coronary procedures may lead to contrastinduced nephropathy - particularly in older adults, diabetic individuals and patients with previous renal disease ­ and increase morbidity and mortality. There is no specific treatment for this condition; therefore, use of low contrast volumes and previous hydration remain the best prevention strategies. A case of percutaneous coronary intervention without contrast agent administration, involving an elderly female patient with chronic renal insufficiency and stable angina, is described. Intravascular ultrasound was used for optimal stent deployment. (AU)

Blood Transfusion and Increased Perioperative Risk in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate blood transfusions and clinical outcomes during hospitalization in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG). METHODS: Transfusion, clinical and hematological data were collected for 1,378 patients undergoing isolated or combined CABG between January 2011 and December 2012. The effect of blood transfusions was evaluated through multivariate analysis to predict three co-primary outcomes: composite ischemic events, composite infectious complications and hospital mortality. Because higher risk patients receive more transfusions, the hospital mortality outcome was also tested on a stratum of low-risk patients to isolate the effect of preoperative risk on the results. RESULTS: The transfusion rate was 63.9%. The use of blood products was associated with a higher incidence of the three coprimary outcomes: composite infectious complications (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.70 to 4.19; P<0.001), composite ischemic events (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.70 to 3.46; P<0.001) and hospital mortality (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.53 to 6.13; P<0.001). When only patients with logistic EuroSCORE ≤ 2% were evaluated, i.e., low-risk individuals, the mortality rate and the incidence of ischemic events and infectious complications composites remained higher among the transfused patients [6% vs. 0.4% (P<0.001), 11.7% vs. 24,3% (P<0.001) and 6.5% vs. 12.7% (P=0.002), respectively]. CONCLUSION: The use of blood components in patients undergoing CABG was associated with ischemic events, infectious complications and hospital mortality, even in low-risk patients.

Blood transfusion and increased perioperative risk in coronary artery bypass grafts

Abstract Objective: To correlate blood transfusions and clinical outcomes during hospitalization in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG). Methods: Transfusion, clinical and hematological data were collected for 1,378 patients undergoing isolated or combined CABG between January 2011 and December 2012. The effect of blood transfusions was evaluated through multivariate analysis to predict three co-primary outcomes: composite ischemic events, composite infectious complications and hospital mortality. Because higher risk patients receive more transfusions, the hospital mortality outcome was also tested on a stratum of low-risk patients to isolate the effect of preoperative risk on the results. Results: The transfusion rate was 63.9%. The use of blood products was associated with a higher incidence of the three coprimary outcomes: composite infectious complications (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.70 to 4.19; P<0.001), composite ischemic events (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.70 to 3.46; P<0.001) and hospital mortality (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.53 to 6.13; P<0.001). When only patients with logistic EuroSCORE ≤ 2% were evaluated, i.e., low-risk individuals, the mortality rate and the incidence of ischemic events and infectious complications composites remained higher among the transfused patients [6% vs. 0.4% (P<0.001), 11.7% vs. 24,3% (P<0.001) and 6.5% vs. 12.7% (P=0.002), respectively]. Conclusion: The use of blood components in patients undergoing CABG was associated with ischemic events, infectious complications and hospital mortality, even in low-risk patients.

A Height Estimation Approach for Terrain Following Flights from Monocular Vision.

In this paper, we present a monocular vision-based height estimation algorithm for terrain following flights. The impressive growth of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) usage, notably in mapping applications, will soon require the creation of new technologies to enable these systems to better perceive their surroundings. Specifically, we chose to tackle the terrain following problem, as it is still unresolved for consumer available systems. Virtually every mapping aircraft carries a camera; therefore, we chose to exploit this in order to use presently available hardware to extract the height information toward performing terrain following flights. The proposed methodology consists of using optical flow to track features from videos obtained by the UAV, as well as its motion information to estimate the flying height. To determine if the height estimation is reliable, we trained a decision tree that takes the optical flow information as input and classifies whether the output is trustworthy or not. The classifier achieved accuracies of 80 % for positives and 90 % for negatives, while the height estimation algorithm presented good accuracy.

Seleção de pacientes para implante transcateter de prótese valva aórtica / Selection of patients for transcatheter implantation of aortic valve prosthesis

Nas últimas décadas, a estenose aórtica tem emergido com grande expressão dentro do espectro das doenças crônico-degenerativas, acompanhando o envelhecimento populacional. Considerando tratar-se de doença de curso insidioso, o apareciemnto dos sintomas ocorre em uma fase avançada, na qual a troca valvar é o único tratamento efetivo. Apesar do reconhecido benefício do tratamento circúrgico em pacientes com estenose aórtica grave, até um terço destes são recusados para cirurgia. O implante transcateter de valva aórtica tem-se mostrado alternativa segura nesses indivíduos, com aumento da sobrevida e melhora da qualidade de vida. Da mesma forma que a curva de aprendizado técnica entre os intervencionistas assegura a qualidade do procedimento, a adequada seleção de pacientes por meio de abordagem multidisciplar é essencial ao sucesso do tratamento...

Seleção de pacientes para o implante transcateter de prótese valvar aórtica / Selection of patients for implantation of transcatheter aortic valve prosthesis

Nas últimas décadas, a EA tem emergido com grande expressão dentro do espectro das doenças crônico-degenerativas, acompanhando o envelhecimento populacional. Considerando se tratar de doença de curso insidiosos, o aparecimento dos sintomas ocorre em uma fase avançada, na qual a troca valvar é o único tratamento efetivo. Apesar do reconhecido benefício do tratamento cirúrgico nos pacientes com EA grave, até um terço destes são recusados para cirurgia. O implante transcateter de valva aórtica (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation - TAVI) vem mostrando ser alternativa segura nesses indivíduos com aumento na sobrevida e melhora na qualidade de vida dos mesmos...