The impact of nintedanib and pirfenidone on lung function and survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in real-life setting.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown cause that is associated with radiological and/or histological features of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). A mean survival of 2-5 years was reported previously to the advent of antifibrotics. According to clinical trials, nintedanib and pirfenidone induce a significant delay in functional decline, with a favorable impact on survival. METHODS: A real-life retrospective and longitudinal study was conducted to assess the efficacy and tolerability of antifibrotics in IPF patients, between January 2014 and December 2020. Two groups (under nintedanib or pirfenidone) were analyzed at diagnosis through their clinical features and radiological patterns. Lung function was assessed at diagnosis (time 0) and after 6, 12 and 24 months of treatment. We also compared this antifibrotic cohort with an older naïve antifibrotic cohort, mainly treated with immunosuppressive drugs and/or N- acetylcysteine. Survival was analyzed and prognostic features were also studied. Statistical analysis was performed with IBM® SPSS®. RESULTS: A cohort of 108 patients under antifibrotics (nintedanib n = 54; pirfenidone n = 54) was assessed. Lung function analysis showed an overall stabilization in FVC and DLCO mean predicted percentages at 6, 12 and 24 months of treatment. The mean decline in FVC and DLCO, at 12 months, was -40.95 ± 438.26 mL and -0.626 ± 1.31 mL/min/mmHg, respectively. However, during this period, 34.2% of the patients died mostly due to acute exacerbation associated with a poorer lung function at diagnosis. Mean survival in the naïve antifibrotic cohort was significantly lower than in the antifibrotic cohort (39.9 months versus 58.2 months; p < 0.005). Regarding lung function evolution and survival, we found no differences between definitive or probable UIP radiological patterns, both on patients under nintedanib and pirfenidone (p = 0.656). CONCLUSIONS: In this real-life observational study, the positive impact of antifibrotic therapy on the IPF clinical course and on survival was corroborated. Regarding efficacy, there was no difference between patients taking nintedanib or pirfenidone. The need for an early treatment was also demonstrated, since a worse outcome is clearly associated with lower lung volumes and lower diffusing capacity at diagnosis.

Effect of virgin coconut oil on body weight, white fat depots, and biochemical and morphological parameters in mice fed standard or high-fat diets.

This study investigated the effects of virgin coconut oil (VCO) on body weight, white fat depots, and biochemical and morphological parameters in male Swiss mice fed standard (SD) or high-fat (HFD) diets. Thirty-three adult animals were assigned to one of four groups, as follows: SD, SD plus VCO (SDCO), HFD, and HFD plus VCO (HFDCO). VCO had no effects on the Lee index, subcutaneous fat, periepididymal fat, retroperitoneal fat, area under the curve for glucose, or pancreas weight, all of which were increased by HFD. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased in the SDCO group compared with the SD group and decreased in the HFDCO group compared with the HFD group. VCO increased total cholesterol only in the SDCO group compared with the SD group, with no differences between the HFD and HFDCO groups. In conclusion, low-dose VCO supplementation did not improve obesity, had no effects on hepatic or renal function, and had beneficial effects on the lipid profile only in animals fed HFD.

Effects of cold plasma on chlorophylls, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and betalains.

Plasma is considered by several researchers to be the fourth state of matter. Cold plasma has been highlighted as an alternative to thermal treatments because heat induces less degradation of thermolabile bioactive compounds, such as natural pigments. In this review, we provide a compilation of the current information about the effects of cold plasma on natural pigments, such as the changes caused by plasma to the molecules of chlorophylls, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and betalains. As a result of the literature review, it is noted that can degrade cell membrane and promote damage to pigment storage sites; thereby releasing pigments and increasing their content in the extracellular space. However, the reactive species contained in the cold plasma can cause degradation of the pigments. Cold plasma is a promising technology for extracting pigments; however, case-by-case optimization of the extraction process is required.

Influence of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Cold Plasma Treatment on Starch, Gelatin, and Bacterial Cellulose Biodegradable Polymeric Films.

The environmental damage caused by plastic packaging and the need to reduce pollution requires actions to substitute plastic materials for more sustainable and biodegradable materials. Starch, gelatin, and bacterial cellulose films are three potential biodegradable polymeric films for use in packaging. However, these materials need improvements in their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties to be used in packaging. In this work, these films were treated with cold plasma to evaluate the effects of treatment conditions on several physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. The dielectric barrier discharge plasma technology was applied with varying treatment times (0 to 20 min) and excitation frequencies (50 to 900 Hz) at 20 kV. The optimal excitation frequency for starch films (50 Hz) was different from the optimal frequency for gelatin and bacterial cellulose films (900 Hz), indicating a high dependency on the treatment in this variable that is often neglected. Plasma treatment improved the hydrophobicity, surface morphology, water resistance, and mechanical properties of all three films, with the advantage of not recurring to chemical or biological additives.

Influence of biochar on the sorption and leaching of thiamethoxan in soil.

This study evaluated the long-term effect of biochar application on the sorption and desorption of thiamethoxam in a Haplic Plinthosol. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with combination of doses of mineral fertilizer NPK (0 and 300 kg·ha-1 formula 05-25-15) and biochar (0, 16 and 32 Mg ha-1). Deformed soil samples were collected in the field from the 0-0.10 m layer of all plots to determine the sorption and desorption of the thiamethoxam insecticide in the soil; fulvic acid (FA), humic acid (AH) and humin (HUM) carbon contents; and total organic carbon. The Batch slurry method was used to evaluate sorption and desorption. The Freundlich isotherm adequately described thiamethoxam sorption in all treatments. The application of biochar increased the sorption (Kfs) and decreased the desorption (Kfd) of thiamethoxam. The sorption intensity (1/n) showed reduction characteristics as the soil concentration of thiamethoxam increased. Biochar has a sorption effect on the soil through covalent bonds and H-bonds with the insecticide molecules, thereby indirectly increasing the sorption potential in the chemical fractions of the organic matter of soil. The application of 32 Mg ha-1 of biochar significantly reduced thiamethoxam in the soil solution. Altogether, the present study reveals that biochar application in soil is a promising tool for mitigating the contaminant potential of thiamethoxam in subsurface waters.

Corn starch based films treated by dielectric barrier discharge plasma.

Cold plasma is an innovative strategy to strengthen the polysaccharide-based films characteristics. This study evaluated the effects of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma on the hydrophilic character, water vapor permeability (WVP), and tensile properties of corn starch-based films. Starch films were exposed to plasma processing operating at an excitation frequency of 200 Hz for 10, 15, and 20 min. DBD plasma resulted in further enhanced tensile strength and stiffness, and lower hydrophilicity and water solubility; however, it did not present significant effects on the WVP of the resulting films within the ranges studied. Higher hydrophobicity, strength, and stiffness were verified after 20 min. The results presented in this work suggest that the DBD plasma has the potential to make starch-based films a more suitable packaging material.

Presentación atípica de nocardiosis pulmonar como pioneumotórax en un paciente en tratamiento con corticoides / Unusual presentation of pulmonary nocardiosis as pyopneumothorax in a patient under corticotherapy

Nocardiosis is a rare opportunistic infection caused by the bacteria Nocardia spp. It may present as a localized infection or as an invasive infection (pulmonary, central nervous system or disseminated). The authors describe a 76-year-old woman under corticotherapy for the last month because of a recent diagnosis of cryptogenic organising pneumonia. She presented to the emergency department with one-week evolution of pleuritic chest pain and shortness of breath. Chest radiograph showed a left hydropneumothorax. A chest tube was inserted, and the drained pleural effusion was purulent, compatible with a pyopneumothorax. The pleural fluid culture came positive for Nocardia cyriacigeorgica. Nocardiosis is a serious infection with non-specific presentation making its diagnosis a challenge. (AU)

Dielectric barrier atmospheric cold plasma applied to the modification of Ariá (Goeppertia allouia) starch: Effect of plasma generation voltage.

The goal of this paper was to evaluate the influence of a range of plasma generation voltages on the physicochemical, structural, and technological properties of Aria (Goeppertia allouia) starch. Untreated (0 kV) and high voltages of cold plasma generation (7, 10, 14, and 20 kV) treated samples were evaluated according to their amylose content, pH, groups carbonyl/carboxyl, molecular size distribution, structure and technological properties (empirical viscosity, hydration properties, thermal analysis and gel strength). The applied voltage of 14 kV resulted in the greatest depolymerization of the starch chains, while 20 kV allowed the formation of oxidized complexes, promoting crosslinking of the starches chain. The cold plasma technique did not affect the levels of resistant starches, but increased the starch digestibility. The increased carbonyl and carboxyl groups also influenced the paste viscosity, improved hydration properties. This study suggests that the cold plasma technique can be useful in the controlled modification of starches, producing starches with different technological properties.

An integrated analytical approach based on NMR, LC-MS and GC-MS to evaluate thermal and non-thermal processing of cashew apple juice.

Innovative chemometric approaches by NMR and LC-MS data fusion (multiblock analysis) and decomposition of the GC-MS raw data by PARADISe were applied to evaluate the influence of thermal and non-thermal processing on the composition of cashew apple juices. Comparative investigations by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlighted pronounced effect of thermal processing on juice compared to non-thermal processing, as decreases of anacardic acids, sucrose, malic acid, tyrosine, phenylalanine, and important flavor compounds (esters, aldehydes, and ketones). Ultrasound presented relevant influence on increase of anacardic acids concentration. Non-thermal processing carried out at more intense conditions (10 min of ultrasound, 5 min of ozone, and pulsed light at 10 V) showed pronounced effect compared to other non-thermal processing. Although individual PCA enables to detect the influence of different processing technologies, data fusion and PARADISe presented advantages, since a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship among chemical changes from different analytical techniques were established.

Chemometric evaluation of the volatile profile of probiotic melon and probiotic cashew juice.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the lactic acid fermentation on volatile compounds of melon and cashew apple juices. The effect of the fermentation processing on the volatile profile of probiotic juices was assessed by HS-SPME/GC-MS coupled to chemometrics with 67.9% and 81.0% of the variance in the first principal component for melon and cashew juices, respectively. The Lactobacillus casei fermentation imparted a reduction of ethyl butanoate, ethyl-2-methylbutirate, and ethyl hexanoate for melon juice; and of ethyl acetate, ethyl-2-methyl butanoate, ethyl crotonate, ethyl isovalerate, benzaldehyde, and ethyl hexanoate for cashew juice. Measurements of the stability of these compounds and the formation of the component 3-methyl-2-butenyl in melon juice may be used as a volatile marker to follow the juice fermentation. These findings suggested that even though it is not a dairy product the lactic acid fermentation of fruits developed a volatile profile combining the fruit and lactic acid fermentation volatiles with mildly formation or degradation of aroma compounds.

Effect of ultrasound followed by high pressure processing on prebiotic cranberry juice.

This work evaluated the effect of high pressure processing (HPP) and ultrasound (US) on the quality of prebiotic cranberry juice fortified with fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). The juice was subjected to HPP for 5min (450MPa) and to ultrasonic treatment for 5min (600 and 1200W/L) followed by HPP for 5min (450MPa). Chemical analyses were carried out to identify and quantify the anthocyanins, and to quantify FOS, organic acids, instrumental color, soluble solids, pH and antioxidant capacity. Both non-thermal treatments preserved the FOS content maintaining the prebiotic property of the juice. The retention of organic acids was high (>90%) and an increase in anthocyanin content (up to 24%) was observed when ultrasound was followed by HPP. The changes in instrumental color, soluble solids content and pH were negligible. The use of HPP and ultrasound processing has been proven satisfactory to treat prebiotic cranberry juice.

Ultrasound processing to enhance drying of cashew apple bagasse puree: Influence on antioxidant properties and in vitro bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds.

The present study has evaluated the effects of power ultrasound pre-treatment on air-drying and bioactive compounds of cashew apple bagasse. The sonication induced the disruption of cashew bagasse parenchyma, which resulted in lower resistance to water diffusion, less hysteresis, and increased rehydration rate. The processing did not affect the lignocellulose fibers or the sclerenchyma cells. For sonicated samples, water activity reached values below 0.4, after 2h of drying, which is appropriate to prevent bacterial and fungi growth. The sorption isotherms of cashew apple bagasse presented sigmoid-shape for all samples and followed the type II according to BET classification. Sonicated cashew apple bagasse showed higher antioxidant activity, higher total phenolic compounds (TPC) and higher vitamin C content when compared to the non-sonicated sample. The increase in TPC and vitamin C contributed to the product antioxidant activity. A slight reduction on Vitamin C bioaccessibility was observed, but the TPC bioaccessibility has increased. Sonication reduced the quality loss of conventional drying treatments improving the quality of the dried product.

Impact of biochar on nitrous oxide emissions from upland rice.

The objective of this research was to assess the emission of nitrous oxide (N2O) from soil amended with biochar in the culture of upland rice. The experiment was conducted in the field in a Cerrado Haplic Plinthosol under randomized block experimental design. The treatments consisted of fertilization with 100 kg N ha(-1) split into two applications, 60% at sowing and 40% at 45 days after crop emergence, combined with four doses of biochar (0, 8, 16 and 32 Mg ha(-1)), with four replications. The application of N and the emission of N2O, moisture retention and soil temperature, respiration (C-CO2), microbial biomass carbon in the soil (C-SMB), total nitrogen (TN), pH and agronomic efficiency in N use (AENu) were evaluated five years after the application of biochar. There was a significant correlation of the application of biochar with moisture retention (r = 0.94**), N2O emission (r = 0.86**) and soil pH (r = 0.65*), and N2O emissions showed a positive correlation (p < 0.05) with soil moisture (r = 0.77**) and pH (r = 0.66*). Thus the highest N2O emissions were observed shortly after N fertilization and in the treatments with 32 Mg ha(-1) of biochar. Despite the higher N2O emissions from the application of 32 Mg ha(-1) of biochar, the emission factor was lower (0.81%) than the maximum recommended by the IPCC. The higher N2O emissions with application of biochar are offset by more efficient use of N and consequently the possibility of reduction of applied doses.

Ultrasound-assisted production of biodiesel and ethanol from spent coffee grounds.

This study evaluates the production of biodiesel and ethanol from spent coffee grounds (SCG). The extraction of oil from SCG, biodiesel production and ethanol production processes were studied. The liquid-to-solid ratio and temperature were evaluated in the ultrasound-assisted extraction of the oil from SCG. The highest yield (12%) was obtained using 4 mL g(-1) liquid-to-solid ratio at 60°C for 45 min. The process to produce biodiesel showed a yield of 97% into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). The highest glucose yield (192 mg g SCG(-1)) was obtained by hydrolysis with 0.4 mol L(-1) sulfuric acid at 121°C for 15 min. The hydrolysate was used as fermentation medium for ethanol production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae obtaining 19.0 g L(-1) at 10h of process of ethanol with a yield of ethanol and productivity of 0.50 g g(-1) and 1.90 g L(-1)h(-1), respectively. Spent coffee grounds were considered a potential feedstock for biodiesel and ethanol production.

The interpretation of the figure of the prophet Jonah by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel: anatomical urological vision.

PURPOSE: A detailed analysis in the iconography and pictorial appearance of the scene of the "Prophet Jonah" painted by the artist Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel between the years 1508 and 1512. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature review on the Italian Renaissance period and the life of Michelangelo Buonarroti and analysis of historical aspects of the evolution of studies of human anatomy in this period and the works of the artist. RESULTS: A comparative analysis of the representation of the figure of the fish on the left thigh of "Jonah " with a cross section of penis shows a curious similarity. The pictorial and iconographic analysis reveals an intensity of light on the pubic area and the position of the prophet with the legs spread apart and left hand placed on this region. A tube-shaped cloth covers the region and the angel at the side seems to be looking at this anatomical region of "Jonah". In fact, sets of iconographic and pictorial relate to the deciphered code. CONCLUSIONS: This description helps to confirm the relationship of the Renaissance art with the human anatomy; science has been much studied in this period. The design of a cross section of the penis is revealed with the two cavernous bodies with the septum between them and the spongy body. Considering the circumstances in which Michelangelo had painted, subjectivity was fundamental due to religious motivations added to the vigorous implications of a limited scientific knowledge typical of that era.

The interpretation of the figure of the prophet Jonah by Michelangelo on the ceiling of the sistine chapel: anatomical urological vision

PURPOSE:A detailed analysis in the iconography and pictorial appearance of the scene of the "Prophet Jonah" painted by the artist Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel between the years 1508 and 1512. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Literature review on the Italian Renaissance period and the life of Michelangelo Buonarroti and analysis of historical aspects of the evolution of studies of human anatomy in this period and the works of the artist. RESULTS:A comparative analysis of the representation of the figure of the fish on the left thigh of "Jonah" with a cross section of penis shows a curious similarity. The pictorial and iconographic analysis reveals an intensity of light on the pubic area and the position of the prophet with the legs spread apart and left hand placed on this region. A tube-shaped cloth covers the region and the angel at the side seems to be looking at this anatomical region of "Jonah". In fact, sets of iconographic and pictorial relate to the deciphered code. CONCLUSIONS: This description helps to confirm the relationship of the Renaissance art with the human anatomy; science has been much studied in this period. The design of a cross section of the penis is revealed with the two cavernous bodies with the septum between them and the spongy body. Considering the circumstances in which Michelangelo had painted, subjectivity was fundamental due to religious motivations added to the vigorous implications of a limited scientific knowledge typical of that era.

Disfunção erétil / Erectile dysfunction

Uma grande revolução no tratamento da disfunção erétil, especialmente após o desenvolvimento dos primeiros inibidores da 5-fosfodiesterase (5-PDE), no final dos anos 90, marcou profundamente a história da sexualidade humana, repercutindo sobretudo na população de difícil tratamento (diabetes mellitus, prostatectomizados por câncer e outros casos de disfunção orgânica). Respeitando a estratégia de tratamento de cada urologista, os pacientes devem ser estimulados a experimentar todos os tipos de inibidores da 5-PDE disponíveis. Na falha da farmacoterapia oral, ou quando houver contraindicação para ela, dever-se-á considerar a injeção intracavernosa e, finalmente, implante cirúrgico de prótese peniana.

[Right axillary artery occlusion associated with stroke as manifestation of Takayasu's arteritis--case report and literature review]. / Oclusão de artéria axilar direita associada a acidente vascular cerebral como manifestação de arterite de Takayasu--relato de caso e revisão de literatura.

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is an inflammatory chronic disease which damages large and medium caliber arteries, particularly aorta and its branches, and is more frequent in young women, usually starting in those who are less than 40 years old. The uncommon case reported herein concerns a 39-year-old female patient with damage of the right axillary artery only and stroke, emphasizing the need of arterial investigation in regions not usually affected by the disease.

Profundidade de semeadura e crescimento inicial de espécies forrageiras utilizadas para cobertura do solo / Depth of sowing and initial growth of forage species used for soil coverage

O uso do consórcio entre plantas de cobertura e culturas anuais, no Cerrado, tem sido prática cada vez mais difundida, pela possibilidade de implantação das forrageiras durante o desenvolvimento das culturas anuais, através da diferença de profundidade e sistema de semeadura. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho avaliar a emergência e algumas características agronômicas de quatro espécies de plantas de cobertura, em diferentes profundidades, visando ao seu emprego na consorciação e sobressemeadura em culturas anuais. O experimento foi conduzido em casa-de-vegetação, no delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 4 x 7, composto pelas plantas de cobertura Brachiaria brizantha, B. decumbens, B. ruziziensis e Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia, e por seis profundidades de semeadura e um sistema de cobertura de sementes (0 sem cobertura, 0 com cobertura, 1, 4, 8, 10 e 15 cm). As sementes foram semeadas em vasos e as plantas cultivadas por 40 dias. Avaliou-se o índice e o tempo de emergência, a altura de plantas, a fitomassa verde e seca da parte aérea, a área foliar, a fitomassa seca radicular e a densidade de comprimento radicular. O maior desenvolvimento das plantas estudadas foi detectado nas semeaduras até 1 cm de profundidade. O P. maximum não apresentou aptidão para uso em consórcio com culturas anuais.Não se recomenda a semeadura das plantas de cobertura a partir de 10 cm.

The use of the consortium between cover crops and annual crops in the Cerrado, is an increasingly widespread practice, because of the possibility of deployment of cover crops during the development of annual crops by the difference in depth and seeding system. The objective was to evaluate the emergency and some agronomic characteristics of four species of cover crops at different seeding depths, to use them in consortium and oversown in annual crops. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, and the experimental design of randomized blocks in factorial arranged 4 x 7, where it was four cover crops: Brachiaria brizantha, B. decumbens, B. ruziziensis and Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania, and six depths of sowing and a cover of seed system (0 cm without any mulch, 0 cm with a mulch of soybean leaves, 1, 4, 8, 10 and 15 cm). The cover crops were cropped in vase for 40 days. We evaluated emergence index, emergence time, plant height, green biomass and dry biomass of the above-ground part, leaf area, root dry biomass and root length density. The largest development of the cover crops was detected in the sowing up to 1 cm of depth. The P. maximum showed no ability to use in consortium with annual crops. The sowing of the cover crops from 10 cm is not recommended.