Does sorghum phenolic extract have antifungal effect?

This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal effect of SC319 sorghum phenolic extract (SPE) on the Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Stenocarpella, Colletotrichum, and Macrophomina genera. SPE was extracted by 20% ethanol and used in four assays: (1) against Fusarium verticillioides in solid (PDA) and liquid (PD) potato dextrose media; (2) Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assay with 16 fungi isolates; (3) Conidial Germination Rate (CGR) with 14 fungi isolates and (4) Growth Curve (GC) with 11 fungi isolates. There was no reduction in the mycelial growth (colony diameter and dry weight) and in the number of Fusarium verticillioides spores in assay 1 (PDA and PD). The colony's dry weight was almost six times higher in the presence than in the absence of SPE. All SPE samples presented MIC (assay 1) above the maximum concentration tested (5000 µg.mL-1) for the 16 isolates. Also, there was no inhibitory effect of SPE on conidia germination rate (CGR). Oppositely, in GC assay, the control had a higher CFU count than the samples with SPE in 24 h. This result suggests that SPE can delay the fungal growth in the first hours of incubation, which is an important finding that may help reduce the severity of fungal diseases in plants. However, further studies are needed to confirm these results, including sorghum genotypes with different profiles of phenolic compounds. Although the SC319 SPE was not effective as an antifungal agent, it may have potential as a growth promoter of beneficial fungi in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Improving access to cancer clinical research in Brazil: recent advances and new opportunities. Expert opinions from the 4th CURA meeting, São Paulo, 2023.

Clinical research is the cornerstone of improvements in cancer care. However, it has been conducted predominantly in high-income countries with few clinical trials available in Brazil and other low-and-middle-income countries (LMIC). Of note, less than one-third of registered clinical trials addressing some of the most commonly diagnosed cancers (breast, lung and cervical) recruited patients from LMIC in the last years. The Institute Project CURA promoted the fourth CURA meeting, discussing barriers to cancer clinical research and proposing potential solutions. A meeting was held in São Paulo, Brazil, in June 2023 with representatives from different sectors: Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa), National Commission of Ethics in Research (CONEP), non-governmental organisations, such as the Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group, the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology (SBOC), Contract Research Organisations, pharmaceutical companies and investigators. A total of 16 experts pointed out achievements as shortening the time of regulatory processes involving Anvisa and CONEP, development of staff training programs, maintenance of the National Program of Oncological Attention (PRONON), and the foundation of qualified centres in North and Northeast Brazilian regions. Participants also highlighted the need to be more competitive in the field, which requires optimising ongoing policies and implementing new strategies as decentralisation of clinical research centres, public awareness campaigns, community-centered approaches, collaborations and partnerships, expansion of physicians-directed policies, exploring the role of the steering committee. Active and consistent reporting of the initiatives might help to propagate ongoing advances, increasing Brazilian participation in clinical cancer research. Engagement of all players is crucial to maintain continuous progress with further improvements in critical points including regulatory timelines and increments in qualified human resources which aligned with new educational initiatives focused on physicians and the general population will expand access to cancer clinical trials in Brazil.

Antimicrobial action, cytotoxicity and erosive potential of hypochlorous acid obtained from an electrolytic device compared with sodium hypochlorite.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial action, cytotoxicity, cleaning ability, and erosion of dentine of hypochlorous acid (HClO) obtained from an electrolytic device at two different concentrations (Dentaqua) and three concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). METHODS: Microbiological test-The root canals of sixty single-rooted extracted human teeth were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and divided into 6 groups (n = 10), according to decontamination protocol: DW (control); 1% NaOCl; 2.5% NaOCl; 5.25% NaOCl; 250 ppm HClO and 500 ppm HClO. The colony-forming units were counted to evaluate the decontamination potential of each group, calculating the reduction in bacterial percentage. Cytotoxicity test-Cytotoxicity was evaluated after inoculation of the same tested protocols in fibroblastic cells for 3 min, calculating the cell viability percentages. Specifical statistical analysis was performed (α = 5%). Cleaning ability and erosion-Fifty-six single-rooted bovine lower incisors were divided into seven groups of 8 roots each, being the test groups 1% NaOCl; 2.5% NaOCl; 5,25% NaOCl; 250 ppm HClO and 500 ppm HClO, and a negative and positive control. Negative control was not contaminated, and the other groups were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis. SEM images were ranked as from the cleanest to the least clean. Erosion was also assessed, being ranked from the least to the most eroded dentine. RESULTS: The highest bacterial reduction was observed in experimental groups, with no statistical differences between them (p > 0.05). The highest number of viable cells was observed in control group, followed by 250 ppm HClO and 500 ppm HClO groups, with statistical differences between them (p < 0.05). 1% NaOCl; 2.5% NaOCl; 5.25% NaOCl and 500 ppm HClO displayed the cleanest areas. All sodium hypochlorite groups displayed erosion with higher ranks with greater concentration, while hypochlorous acid did not display any erosion regardless the concentration. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to conclude that HClO obtained from an electrolytic device presented high antimicrobial activity and low cytotoxicity in both tested concentrations. 500 ppm HClO did not display erosion and showed great cleaning ability. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of 500 ppm hypochlorous acid may reduce unfavorable behavior of sodium hypochlorite whilst maintaining its antimicrobial action.

Promoting Effect of Ball Milling on the Functionalization and Catalytic Performance of Carbon Nanotubes in Glycerol Etherification.

A facile and eco-friendly approach using in situ-generated 4-benzenediazonium sulfonate (BDS) was applied to prepare highly functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The effectiveness of this functionalization was additionally enhanced by a green and short-time ball milling process applied beforehand. The obtained BDS-modified CNTs presented significant activity in glycerol etherification, producing tert-butyl glycerol ethers, which are considered promising fuel additives. Excellent results of ~56% glycerol conversion and ~10% yield of higher-substituted tert-butyl glycerol ethers were obtained within just 1 h of reaction at 120 °C using a low catalyst loading of only 2.5 wt.%. Furthermore, the sulfonated CNTs were reusable over several reaction cycles, with only a minor decrease in activity. Additionally, the sample activity could be restored by a simple regeneration approach. Finally, a clear correlation was found between the content of -SO3H groups on the surface of CNTs and the catalytic performances of these materials in glycerol etherification. Improved interaction between functionalized ball-milled CNTs and the reactants was also suggested to positively affect the activity of these catalysts in the tested process.

Antimicrobial action and cytotoxicity of hypochlorous acid obtained from an innovative electrolytic device - An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the antimicrobial effect and cytotoxicity of hypochlorous acid(HClO) obtained from an innovative electrolytic device. DESIGN: The root canals of fifty extracted human teeth were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and divided into 5 groups (n = 10): DW (control); 2% chlorhexidine gel(CHX); 2.5% sodium hypochlorite(NaOCl); 250 ppm HClO and 500 ppm HClO. The counting of colony forming units evaluated the decontamination potential of each group. Cytotoxicity was evaluated after inoculation of tested protocols in fibroblastic cells for 3 min, calculating the cell viability. Specific statistical analysis was performed (α = 5%). RESULTS: The highest bacterial reduction was observed in experimental groups, with no statistical differences from each other (p > 0.05). The highest number of viable cells was observed in control group, followed by 250 ppm HClO and 500 ppm HClO groups, with statistical differences from each other (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It could be concluded that HClO presented high antimicrobial activity and low cytotoxicity at both tested concentrations.

Activation of a Rhythmic Lower Limb Movement Pattern during the Use of a Multimodal Brain-Computer Interface: A Case Study of a Clinically Complete Spinal Cord Injury.

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that integrate virtual reality with tactile feedback are increasingly relevant for neurorehabilitation in spinal cord injury (SCI). In our previous case study employing a BCI-based virtual reality neurorehabilitation protocol, a patient with complete T4 SCI experienced reduced pain and emergence of non-spastic lower limb movements after 10 sessions. However, it is still unclear whether these effects can be sustained, enhanced, and replicated, as well as the neural mechanisms that underlie them. The present report outlines the outcomes of extending the previous protocol with 24 more sessions (14 months, in total). Clinical, behavioral, and neurophysiological data were analyzed. The protocol maintained or reduced pain levels, increased self-reported quality of life, and was frequently associated with the appearance of non-spastic lower limb movements when the patient was engaged and not experiencing stressful events. Neural activity analysis revealed that changes in pain were encoded in the theta frequency band by the left frontal electrode F3. Examination of the lower limbs revealed alternating movements resembling a gait pattern. These results suggest that sustained use of this BCI protocol leads to enhanced quality of life, reduced and stable pain levels, and may result in the emergence of rhythmic patterns of lower limb muscle activity reminiscent of gait.

Parameter evaluation for developing phosphate-solubilizing Bacillus inoculants.

Bacterial inoculants have been used in agriculture to improve plant performance. However, laboratory and field requirements must be completed before a candidate can be employed as an inoculant. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the parameters for inoculant formulation and the potential of Bacillus subtilis (B70) and B. pumilus (B32) to improve phosphorus availability in maize (Zea mays L.) crops. In vitro experiments assessed the bacterial ability to solubilize and mineralize phosphate, their adherence to roots, and shelf life in cassava starch (CS), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), peat, and activated charcoal (AC) stored at 4 °C and room temperature for 6 months. A field experiment evaluated the effectiveness of strains to increase the P availability to plants growing with rock phosphate (RP) and a mixture of RP and triple superphosphate (TS) and their contribution to improving maize yield and P accumulation in grains. The B70 was outstanding in solubilizing RP and phytate mineralization and more stable in carriers and storage conditions than B32. However, root adherence was more noticeable in B32. Among carriers, AC was the most effective for preserving viable cell counts, closely similar to those of the initial inoculum of both strains. Maize productivity using the mixture RPTS was similar for B70 and B32. The best combination was B70 with RP, which improved the maize yield (6532 kg ha-1) and P accumulation in grains (15.95 kg ha-1). Our results indicated that the inoculant formulation with AC carrier and B70 is a feasible strategy for improving phosphorus mobilization in the soil and maize productivity.

Prevalência e fatores associados ao uso de cigarro eletrônico por estudantes universitários / Prevalence and factors associated with electronic cigarette use by university students / Prevalencia y factores asociados al uso de cigarrillos electrónicos por estudiantes universitarios

Este estudo objetivou estimar a prevalência do uso do cigarro eletrônico e a associação com fatores preditores. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, analítico, com amostra probabilística de universitários matriculados em um Centro Universitário de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil no segundo semestre de 2022. A variável dependente referiu-se ao uso do cigarro eletrônico. As variáveis independentes referiram a fatores sociodemográficas, laborais e comportamentais. A associação entre as variáveis investigadas e a prevalência do uso do CE foi verificada pela análise bivariada e a regressão de Poisson. Foram entrevistados 730 universitários, com a média de idade de anos 22,56 (±6,25). Destes, 21,8 % faziam o uso cigarro eletrônico e após a análise multivariada manteve-se associado ao desfecho não ter companheiro (RP= 3,31; IC95% 1,04-10,48), morar com amigos/sozinho (RP=1,53; IC95% 1,07-2,18), ter histórico de usuários de cigarro eletrônico na residência (RP= 1,76; IC95%: 1,17- 1,89), consumir bebida alcoólica (RP= 3,07; IC95%: 1,72-5,49) e não praticar atividade física (RP= 3,37; IC95% 2,35-4,83). Conhecer sobre o cigarro eletrônico foi fator protetor (RP= 0,31 IC95% 0,20-0,46). Registrou-se elevada prevalência do uso do cigarro eletrônico, e manteve associados a fatores sociodemográficos e comportamentais. Esses achados chamam a atenção para a necessidade de novas medidas regulatórias, a fim de reduzir o uso desse dispositivo.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of e-cigarette use and the association with predictors. This is a cross-sectional, analytical study with a probabilistic sample of university students enrolled in a University Center of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil in the second half of 2022. The dependent variable referred to the use of electronic cigarettes. The independent variables referred to sociodemographic, labor and behavioral factors. The association between the variables investigated and the prevalence of EC use was verified by bivariate analysis and Poisson regression. A total of 730 university students were interviewed, with a mean age of 22.56 (±6.25). Of these, 21.8% used electronic cigarettes and after multivariate analysis, it remained associated with the outcome of not having a partner (PR= 3.31; CI95% 1.04-10.48), living with friends/alone (PR=1.53; CI95% 1.07-2.18), having a history of e-cigarette users in the residence (PR= 1.76; CI95%: 1.17- 1.89), alcohol consumption (PR= 3.07; CI95%: 1.72-5.49) and not practicing physical activity (PR= 3.37; IC95% 2.35-4.83). Knowing about electronic cigarettes was a protective factor (PR= 0.31 CI95% 0.20-0.46). There was a high prevalence of e-cigarette use, and it was associated with sociodemographic and behavioral factors. These findings draw attention to the need for new regulatory measures in order to reduce the use of this device.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo estimar la prevalencia del uso de cigarrillos electrónicos y la asociación con predictores. Se trata de un estudio analítico transversal con una muestra probabilística de estudiantes universitarios matriculados en un Centro Universitario de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil, en el segundo semestre de 2022. La variable dependiente se refería al uso de cigarrillos electrónicos. Las variables independientes se refirieron a factores sociodemográficos, laborales y conductuales. La asociación entre las variables investigadas y la prevalencia de uso de CE fue verificada por análisis bivariado y regresión de Poisson. Fueron entrevistados 730 estudiantes universitarios, con una edad promedio de 22,56 (±6,25). De estos, 21,8% utilizaron cigarrillos electrónicos y después del análisis multivariado, se mantuvo asociado con el resultado de no tener pareja (RP= 3,31; IC95% 1,04-10,48), vivir con amigos/solo (RP=1,53; IC95% 1,07-2,18), con antecedentes de usuarios de cigarrillos electrónicos en la residencia (RP= 1,76; IC95%: 1,17- 1,89), consumo de alcohol (RP= 3,07; IC95%: 1,72-5,49) y no practicar actividad física (RP= 3,37; IC95% 2,35-4,83). El conocimiento de los cigarrillos electrónicos fue un factor protector (RP= 0,31 IC95% 0,20-0,46). Hubo una alta prevalencia de uso de cigarrillos electrónicos, y se asoció con factores sociodemográficos y de comportamiento. Estos hallazgos llaman la atención sobre la necesidad de nuevas medidas regulatorias para reducir el uso de este dispositivo.

How Do Phages Disrupt the Structure of Enterococcus faecalis Biofilm?

Biofilms are composed of multicellular communities of microbial cells and their self-secreted extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The viruses named bacteriophages can infect and lyze bacterial cells, leading to efficient biofilm eradication. The aim of this study was to analyze how bacteriophages disrupt the biofilm structure by killing bacterial cells and/or by damaging extracellular polysaccharides, proteins, and DNA. The use of colorimetric and spectrofluorimetric methods and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) enabled a comprehensive assessment of phage activity against E. faecalis biofilms. The impact of the phages vB_Efa29212_2e and vB_Efa29212_3e was investigated. They were applied separately or in combination on 1-day and 7-day-old biofilms. Phages 2e effectively inhibited the growth of planktonic cells with a limited effect on the biofilm. They did not notably affect extracellular polysaccharides and proteins; however, they increased DNA levels. Phages 3e demonstrated a potent and dispersing impact on E. faecalis biofilms, despite being slightly less effective than bacteriophages 2e against planktonic cells. Phages 3e reduced the amount of extracellular polysaccharides and increased eDNA levels in both 1-day-old and 7-day-old biofilm cultures. Phage cocktails had a strong antimicrobial effect on both planktonic and biofilm-associated bacteria. A significant reduction in the levels of polysaccharides, proteins, and eDNA in 1-day-old biofilm samples was noted, which confirms that phages interfere with the structure of E. faecalis biofilm by killing bacterial cells and affecting extracellular polymer levels.

Temporomandibular trauma and reflections on personal evaluation.

The International Consortium Network/Orofacial Pain Special Interest Group focuses on temporomandibular disease diagnosis procedure guidelines as a reference iQAn this scope. Concerning this reference, the aim of this study was to comprehensively analyze injury and sequela frames within European and American approaches to personal damage. A quasiexperimental pilot study of Portuguese orofacial trauma cases in a medico-legal evaluation database was performed with an interrupted time series design. The clinical data were recorded following five criteria of TMJ diagnosis (jaw opening, pain, anatomical deficit, functional deficit, clinical sounds, and occlusal deficit) under three degrees of severity. The injury frame evaluation was recorded in the first-degree stage in all criteria. Pain, as a sequela, was the criterion present in 45% of the sample as spontaneous (20%) or stimulated (25%). Temporomandibular trauma damage evaluation emphasizes the accurate injury diagnosis and sequela framework. Orofacial trauma analysis should focus on the inclusion or exclusion of a TMD diagnosis. This study suggests revising the reference tables on personal damage, considering the inclusion of TMD and its categorization and impact.

Trimethylation profile of histones H3 lysine 4 and 9 in late preantral and early antral caprine follicles grown in vivo versus in vitro in the presence of anethole.

This study assessed the histones methylation profile (H3K4me3 and H3K9me3) in late preantral (PA) and early antral (EA) caprine follicles grown in vivo and in vitro, and the anethole effect during in vitro culture of PA follicles. Uncultured in vivo-grown follicles (PA, n = 64; EA, n = 73) were used as controls to assess the methylation profile and genes' expression related to apoptosis cascade (BAX, proapoptotic; BCL2, antiapoptotic), steroidogenesis (CYP17, CYP19A1), and demethylation (KDM1AX1, KDM1AX2, KDM3A). The isolated PA follicles (n = 174) were cultured in vitro for 6 days in α-MEM+ in either absence (control) or presence of anethole. After culture, EA follicles were evaluated for methylation, mRNA abundance, and morphometry. Follicle diameter increased after culture, regardless of treatment. The methylation profile and the mRNA abundance were similar between in vivo-grown PA and EA follicles. Anethole treatment led to higher H3K4me3 fluorescence intensity in EA follicles. The mRNA abundances of BAX, CYP17, and CYP19A1 were higher, and BCL2 and KDM3A were lower in in vitro-grown EA follicles than in vivo-grown follicles. In conclusion, in vitro follicle culture affected H3K4me3 fluorescence intensity, mRNA abundance of apoptotic genes, and steroidogenic and demethylase enzymes compared with in vivo-grown follicles.

Speed limitations of resonant tunneling diode-based photodetectors.

In this work, we study multiple epitaxial layer structures incorporating a resonant tunneling diode photodetector utilizing the In0.53Ga0.47As/InP material system for operation at the near-infrared region of 1.55 and 1.31 micrometers. We study the photodetection speed of response for these devices and the physical limitations affecting their bandwidth. We show that resonant tunneling diode-based photodetectors have bandwidth limitations due to the charge accumulation near the barriers and report on an operating bandwidth reaching up to 1.75 GHz in particular structures, which is the highest number reported for such detectors to the authors' best knowledge.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles functionalized with curcumin supplementation during in vitro embryo culture impaired in a concentration-dependent-manner blastocyst production in cattle.

This work investigated the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles functionalized with curcumin (ZnO(np) + CUR) supplementation during the in vitro embryo culture (IVC) on the bovine in vitro embryo production, and the cellular antioxidant response. The cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured, fertilized and then the presumptive zygotes were cultured in the medium in the absence (0 µM-control) or presence of different concentrations of ZnO(np) + CUR (3, 6 or 12 µM). After IVC, the embryos were destined either to assay intracellular ROS levels and mitochondrial membrane potential. The results demonstrated that only the addition of 12 µM ZnO(np) + CUR during IVC decreased intracellular ROS production and the rate of blastocyst production when compared to the control (p < .05). In conclusion, ZnO(np) + CUR addition during the IVC impaired in concentration-dependent-manner bovine in vitro embryo production.

Enhanced Clinical Decision-Making and Delivery of Minimally Invasive Care Using the ICCMS4D Integrated with Hands-Free Fluorescence-Based Loupes and a Chemomechanical Caries Removal Agent.

The purpose of this case report was to evaluate an approach for enhanced clinical decision-making while providing minimally invasive treatment, using the combined International Caries Classification and Management System (ICCMS 4D) with hands-free fluorescence-enhanced loupes (Reveal, Designs for Vision Inc., New York City, NY, United States) and a chemo-mechanical caries removal agent (Papacárie Duo Gel, Formula & Acao, Sao Paulo, Brazil). In recent decades, a shift towards a conservative approach to caries management has developed. The use of adequate operative techniques and correct decision-making are of paramount importance for early caries detection and tooth-preserving operative care. The use of noninvasive fluorescence-based adjuncts for enhanced diagnostic accuracy has gained popularity. Fluorescence describes the absorption of photons by a molecule, followed by its partial emission at a longer wavelength. Fluorescence detection of bacterial activity is largely based on the red/orange fluorescence emanating from bacterial metabolism, and has been shown to be found particularly in active caries and mature anaerobic plaque. The combined approach of using the standardized visual International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) with fluorescence as an operative adjunct was shown to enhance the advantages of both systems. The approach may potentially increase detection sensitivity without compromising the specificity of the visual tactile method. A recent hands-free device is aimed to combine simultaneous diagnosis and therapy (theragnosis) using fluorescence, while overcoming possible obstacles to workflow continuity. The "Reveal" fluorescence-enhanced loupes are fitted with a dual white light/fluorescence light, and are said to allow the clinician to conduct any operational procedure with optional fluorescence guidance, from detection to caries removal, to treatment completion. Using the described method, a comprehensive pathway that emphasizes evidence-based information, correct clinical decision-making, and a minimally invasive therapeutic approach was proposed. The approach may represent a potential advancement in providing minimally invasive caries care.

Artificial optoelectronic spiking neuron based on a resonant tunnelling diode coupled to a vertical cavity surface emitting laser.

Excitable optoelectronic devices represent one of the key building blocks for implementation of artificial spiking neurons in neuromorphic (brain-inspired) photonic systems. This work introduces and experimentally investigates an opto-electro-optical (O/E/O) artificial neuron built with a resonant tunnelling diode (RTD) coupled to a photodetector as a receiver and a vertical cavity surface emitting laser as a transmitter. We demonstrate a well-defined excitability threshold, above which the neuron produces optical spiking responses with characteristic neural-like refractory period. We utilise its fan-in capability to perform in-device coincidence detection (logical AND) and exclusive logical OR (XOR) tasks. These results provide first experimental validation of deterministic triggering and tasks in an RTD-based spiking optoelectronic neuron with both input and output optical (I/O) terminals. Furthermore, we also investigate in simulation the prospects of the proposed system for nanophotonic implementation in a monolithic design combining a nanoscale RTD element and a nanolaser; therefore demonstrating the potential of integrated RTD-based excitable nodes for low footprint, high-speed optoelectronic spiking neurons in future neuromorphic photonic hardware.

Traffic accident mortality of motorcyclists, pedestrians and hospital costs in the city of São Paulo

Introduction: the United Nations recognizes traffic accidents as a serious public health problem all over the world, because they are accompanied by a high morbidity and mortality rate. Traffic causes the death of approximately 1.3 million people and the disability of millions more.Objective: to evaluate mortality from traffic accidents among motorcyclists, pedestrians and hospital costs that occurred in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, from 1999 to 2019.Methods: this is a retrospective time series study with official micro data, collected by place of occurrence among motorcycle drivers, pedestrians and hospital costs from 1999 to 2019, in the city of São Paulo, SP, Brazil.Results: in the city of São Paulo, from 1999 to 2019, there were 144,186 thousand deaths resulting from land transport accidents, projecting 5,293 thousand deaths specifically with motorcyclists. Proportional mortality from was higher in the mean age group of 29 years, predominantly in males, with emphasis on white race/skin color. The costs per death stand out for motorcyclists with an average of R$: 49,078.18, with regard to deaths by sex, male predominated in relation to female.Conclusion: there was a high death rate, both in motorcyclists and pedestrians, with the latter having a higher average. Thus, these findings provide relevant information on the magnitude of the public health problem to guide us on control strategies for these causes.

Challenges in the surgical treatment of a 8-year old child living with Prune Belly syndrome: case report / Desafios no tratamento tardio da síndrome de Prune Belly: relato de caso

Prune Belly syndrome, also known as Eagle-Barret syndrome, is a rare disease, with a prevalence of 3.8 live births per 100,000 births. Its main characteristic is the hypoplasia of the abdominal muscles, giving rise to the name "prune belly syndrome". The gold standard treatment is surgery, ideally with correction of cryptorchidism and phimosis between 6 to 18 months of life. Correction of urinary malformations and abdominoplasty should be performed up to 4 years of age. Little evidence exists in the literature about late treatment and its implications for prognosis. The context mentioned above led us to present an uncommon case of a six years old child in which a surgical approach was performed later than usual.

Introdução: A síndrome de Prune Belly é uma doença rara, com prevalência de 3,8 nascidos vivos a cada 100 mil nascimentos. Tem como principal caraterística a hipoplasia da musculatura abdominal gerando a origem do nome "síndrome da barriga de ameixa". O tratamento padrão ouro é cirúrgico, idealmente com correção da criptorquidia e fimose entre 6 a 18 meses e a correção das malformações urinárias e abdominoplastia devem ser realizadas até os 4 anos. Aqui descreve-se um caso ainda menos comum, em que foi realizada abordagem cirúrgica de forma mais tardia que o habitual. Há pouca evidência na literatura acerca do tratamento tardio e suas implicações em relação ao prognóstico.

Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Docking Studies of Open-Chain Carbohydrate Amides as Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors.

INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease is a multifactorial syndrome, which is not yet fully understood, causing memory loss, dementia, and, ultimately, death. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are the mainstay drugs that are used in disease-symptomatic treatment. In this work, we report a new synthetic route yielding sugar amides as low to moderate acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. METHODS: Commercially available diacetone glucose was converted into perbenzyl D-glucono-1,4- lactone, which reacted with aromatic or aliphatic amines to afford the corresponding new amides in a high isolated yield. Docking studies of the most promising hydroxybutylamide and benzylamide were performed to assign binding interactions with acetylcholinesterase and determine the key features for bioactivity. RESULTS: The inhibitors are accommodated in enzyme gorge, blocking the access to Ser203 mainly due to π-π stacking interactions of sugar benzyl groups with the aromatic gorge residues, Tyr337 and Tyr341 for both inhibitors and Trp439 only for the hydroxybutylamide. CONCLUSION: Bonding is also significant through sugar interaction with the residues Tyr124 and Ser125-OH in both inhibitors. Flexibility of these open-chain structures seems to be quite relevant for the observed binding to acetylcholinesterase.

Comprehensive proteomic profiling of early antral follicles from sheep.

The present study evaluates the proteome of early antral follicles from Ovis aries. Fifty follicles were collected from ovaries of adult ewes and extracted proteins were trypsin-digested, desalted and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Genes were screened for potential modulation by miRNAs and protein data, subjected to functional enrichment analysis. Label-free mass spectrometry allowed the identification of 2503 follicle proteins, confirming vimentin, actin, lamin, heat shock proteins and histones as the most abundant ones. In silico analyses indicated that miRNAs modulate the expression of genes coding proteins of the sheep follicles involved in cell cycle, cell differentiation, aging, apoptosis, cell death, adipocyte differentiation, cell division. The most important biological processes associated with the follicle proteins were innate immune response, translation, adaptive immune response and protein folding, while molecular functions linked to the proteome of sheep antral follicles related to metal ion binding, ATP binding, oxygen binding, RNA binding and GTP binding, among others. Upload of 2503 Uniport accession codes through DAVID platform matched 1274 genes, associated with translation, metabolic process, proteolysis involved in cellular protein catabolic process, zona pellucida receptor complex and others. KEEG pathways analysis indicated genes correlated with ovine follicular development, with major pathways listed as carbon metabolism, biosynthesis of amino acids, glutathione metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid degradation and oocyte meiosis. This represents a comprehensive atlas of proteins expressed in sheep early antral follicles and will contribute to future identification of biomarkers for follicular development and oocyte maturation.