Response-dependent point loss and response force as disrupting operations on behavioral resistance to change in humans.

Behavioral momentum theory (BMT) provides a theoretical and methodological framework for understanding how differentially maintained operant responding resists disruption. A common way to test operant resistance involves contingencies with suppressive effects, such as extinction or prefeeding. Other contingencies with known suppressive effects, such as response-cost procedures arranged as point-loss or increases in response force, remain untested as disruptive events within the BMT framework. In the present set of three experiments, responding of humans was maintained by point accumulation programmed according to a multiple variable-interval (VI) VI schedule with different reinforcement rates in either of two components. Subsequently, subtracting a point following each response (Experiment 1) or increasing the force required for the response to be registered (Experiments 2 and 3 decreased response rates, but responding was less disrupted in the component associated with the higher reinforcement rate. The point-loss contingency and increased response force similarly affected response rates by suppressing responding and human persistence, replicating previous findings with humans and nonhuman animals when other types of disruptive events (e.g., extinction and prefeeding) were investigated. The present findings moreover extend the generality of the effects of reinforcement rate on persistence, and thus BMT, extending the analysis of resistance to two well-known manipulations used to reduce responding in the experimental analysis of behavior.

3D radiotherapy in the parotid gland and its dosimetric relationship with salivary flow and quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer

Aim: Hyposalivation and dry mouth affect the quality of life in patients with Head and Neck Cancer, who did the treatment with radiotherapy. Thus this study has the objective to evaluate the dosimetric relationship between 3D radiotherapy and changes in salivary flow, xerostomia and quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer according to the volume of the irradiated parotid gland. Methods: 23 patients with cancer in the head and neck area and in need of 3D radiotherapy were followed up during radiotherapy treatment, and the parotid gland (PG) design was also performed in radiotherapy planning. Questionnaires were carried out to determine xerostomia and quality of life, while the salivary flow was determined through calculations regarding the collection and weighing of saliva. Such data were collected in three moments: before the beginning of the radiotherapy treatment (D0), in the middle of the treatment (D1) and at the end of it (D2). The numerical variables are represented by measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion. Results: when associating the salivary flow, the xerostomia questionnaire and the OHIP-14, a statistically significant difference was found (p-value <0.001), as well as when comparing some volumes of irradiated PG with the OHIP-14. However, no relationship was found between dosimetric data, xerostomia and hyposalivation. Conclusion: patients undergoing 3D radiotherapy for malignant neoplasms in the head and neck region had decreased salivary flow, increased complaints of dry mouth and decreased quality of life. However, it was not possible to establish a statistically significant correlation between these findings and the volumes of irradiated parotids

Effect of Dioscorea villosa extract and the phytoestrogen diosgenin on ovariectomized mice with zymosan-induced arthritis

Abstract Humans are exposed to natural compounds such as phytoestrogens primarily through diet and supplements. These compounds promote health by alleviating the symptoms and illnesses associated with menopause and arthritis. Diosgenin (DSG) occurs naturally in plants such as Dioscorea villosa (DV) and binds to estrogen receptors, so it may have similar effects to this hormone, including against arthritis. Thus, we investigated the effect of chronic treatment with dry extract of DV and its phytoestrogen DSG on ovariectomized mice with arthritis. We found that dry extract of Dioscorea villosa (DV) contains the phytoestrogen diosgenin (DSG) in its composition. Furthermore, arthritic mice treated with DV and DSG showed reduced neutrophil accumulation in the articular cartilage. Also, the dry extract of DV administered orally (v.o) did not alter the leukocyte count in the joints or promote changes in the reproductive tract. However, DSG altered these parameters, with possible beneficial effects by reducing symptoms related to reproductive aging. Thus, oral treatment with dry extract of DV and subcutaneous (s.c) treatment with DSG showed promise by acting against inflammation caused by arthritis and reducing symptoms in the reproductive tract due to menopause.

Hospitalizações por COVID-19 no Brasil: características sociodemográficas, fatores de risco e manifestações clínicas

Objetivo: Comparar as características sociodemográficas, os fatores de risco e as manifestações clínicas da COVID-19 em pessoas hospitalizadas no Brasil entre os anos de 2020 e 2021. Métodos: Estudo transversal cuja amostra foi de 1.150.041 pessoas hospitalizadas. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do teste U de Mann-Whitney e Qui-quadrado de Pearson. Resultados: Em 2020, as hospitalizações estiveram associadas ao sexo masculino, cardiopatia, diabetes, doença renal, tosse e febre (p<0,001). Em 2021, cor da pele branca, obesidade e síndrome de down foram fatores associados à hospitalização, cujos sintomas envolveram dispneia, saturação de O2 <95% e desconforto respiratório, com maior proporção de óbitos (p<0,001). Internação em UTI não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significativa. Conclusões: A hospitalização por COVID-19 no Brasil apresentou elevada frequência. No primeiro ano atingiu pessoas com mais idade e que apresentavam comorbidades prévias, e em 2021 se caracterizou pela acentuada carga de sintomas e maior gravidade clínica.

Olanzapine treatment of lactating females causes testicular atrophy in prepuberal rat offspring.

The antipsychotic drug, olanzapine, is prescribed for postpartum psychosis. Possible adverse effects on fertility of offspring are unclear. We investigated the effects of administering olanzapine via lactation on testicular development and endocrine function of prepuberal male rats. Olanzapine was administered to mothers at 2.5, 5 or 10 mg/kg. We found in male offspring increased body weight, decreased gonadosomatic index, testicular weight and epididymal weight. The volume of seminiferous tubules, seminiferous epithelium, Leydig cells, intertubule tissue and lymphatic space was reduced in rat pups exposed to olanzapine. Tubule diameter and length, seminiferous epithelium height, Leydig cell size and nuclear diameter also were reduced. Testosterone levels were reduced in the groups exposed to olanzapine, while prolactin levels were increased. We observed histopathology in testes of animals whose mothers had been treated with 2.5 mg/kg olanzapine; more severe pathology was observed in offspring whose mothers were administered higher doses. Administration of olanzapine to mothers during lactation produced testicular and endocrine pathology in prepuberal rats in a dose-dependent manner.

Effects of 3D Airway Geometry on the Airflow of Adults with Cleft Lip and Palate and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Functional Imaging Study.

Objective Individuals with cleft lip and palate (CLP) are at a high risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Hypothetically, the severity of OSA might be associated with the morphology of the upper airway (UAW) and the characteristics of the airflow. Thus, the present study aimed to assess and compare, in adults with CLP and skeletal class-III discrepancy, with or without OSA, simulations of airflow resistance and pressure according to the geometrical characteristics of the UAW and cephalometric parameters. Materials and Methods According to the results of type-I polysomnography tests, the sample ( n = 21) was allocated in 2 groups: 1) without OSA (N-OSA; n = 6); and 2) with OSA (OSA; n = 15). Cephalometric measurements were performed on the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of the groups. After three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions, the volume (V) and minimal cross-sectional area (mCSA) of the UAW were generated. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were used to assess key airflow characteristics. The results were presented at a significance level of 5%. Results The UAW pressure values and airway resistance did not differ between the groups, but there was a tendency for more negative pressures (26%) and greater resistance (19%) in the OSA group. Volume and mCSA showed a moderate negative correlation with resistance and pressure. The more inferior the hyoid bone, the more negative the pressures generated on the pharyngeal walls. Conclusion The position of the hyoid bone and the geometry of the UAW (V and mCSA) exerted effects on the airway-airflow resistance and pressure. However, key airflow characteristics did not differ among subjects with CLP, were they affected or not by OSA.

Avaliação da efetividade da esterilização por luz ultravioleta em aerossóis contaminados por Sars-Cov-2 / Evaluation of the effectiveness of ultraviolet light sterilization in aerosols contaminated by Sars-Cov-2 / Evaluación de la eficacia de la esterilización por luz ultravioleta en aerosoles contaminados por Sars-Cov-2

O contato direto e a disseminação aérea são os principais mecanismos de transmissão do SARS-CoV-2. Uma abordagem direta para limitar as transmissões virais no ar é inativá-las dentro de um curto período de tempo após sua produção é a luz ultravioleta C (UVC). Neste sentido, o objetivo do presente estudo foi de avaliar a efetividade do uso de luz ultravioleta na esterilização de aerossóis contaminados pelo SARS-CoV-2. Para o estudo foram analisados todos os pacientes que estavam internados na enfermaria COVID com resultados dos swabs positivos. O paciente escolhido para o estudo encontrava-se com resultado positivo e com 8 dias de sintomas. As medições de contaminação da deposição de aerossol na mesa de tomografia foram realizadas em triplicatas, utilizando swabs estéreis com meio de transporte viral. O paciente foi mantido sozinho dentro desta sala por 30 minutos produzindo aerossóis para que pudesse ocorrer contaminação do ar. Após, foram realizadas as medições utilizando a exposição à luz ultravioleta C, coletada nos minutos 0, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 120 e 180, após o paciente ter deixado a sala de tomografia. Esta sequência de medições foi realizada por 6 dias, sendo o primeiro dia sem a exposição da luz UVC e 5 dias com a exposição da luz UVC. Após a coleta dos dados, foi realizada a análise dos swabs para os resultados através do método RT-PCR. Os resultados encontrados das coletas desde o tempo 0 até 180 minutos foram negativos para os 6 dias de estudo. Os resultados dos swabs do paciente seguiram positivos do primeiro até o último dia de estudo. Sendo assim, conclui-se a efetividade da utilização da luz ultravioleta como uma forma de descontaminação, juntamente com a ação antimicrobiana do desinfetante, pois a ausência do vírus vivo evidencia a importância de cuidados de higienização para evitar a reincidência da contaminação após a limpeza.

Direct contact and aerial dissemination are the main transmission mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2. A direct approach to limiting airborne viral transmissions is to inactivate them within a short period of time after their production is ultraviolet C (UVC) light. In this sense, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using ultraviolet light in the sterilization of aerosols contaminated by SARS-CoV-2. For the study, all patients who were admitted to the COVID ward with positive swab results were analyzed. The patient chosen for the study had a positive result and had had 8 days of symptoms. Measurements of contamination from aerosol deposition on the CT table were performed in triplicate, using sterile swabs with viral transport medium. The patient was kept alone inside this room for 30 minutes, producing aerosols so that air contamination could occur. Afterwards, measurements were performed using exposure to ultraviolet C light, collected at 0, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes, after the patient had left the tomography room. This sequence of measurements was carried out in 6 days, the first day being without exposure to UVC light and 5 days with exposure to UVC light. After data collection, swab analysis was performed for the results using the RT-PCR method. The results found for collections from time 0 to 180 minutes were negative for the 6 days of study. The patient's swab results were positive from the first to the last day of the study. Thus, the effectiveness of using ultraviolet light as a form of decontamination is concluded, along with the antimicrobial action of the disinfectant, as the absence of the live virus highlights the importance of hygiene care to prevent the recurrence of contamination after cleaning.

El contacto directo y el contagio por vía aérea son los principales mecanismos de transmisión del SRAS-CoV-2. Un enfoque directo para limitar las transmisiones virales en el aire es inactivarlas en un corto período de tiempo después de su producción es la luz ultravioleta C (UVC). En este sentido, el objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la eficacia del uso de la luz ultravioleta en la esterilización de aerosoles contaminados con el SARS-CoV-2. Se analizaron todos los pacientes ingresados en la sala COVID con resultados positivos de los hisopos. El paciente elegido para el estudio era positivo y llevaba 8 días con síntomas. Las mediciones de la contaminación por deposición de aerosoles en la mesa de TC se realizaron por triplicado utilizando hisopos estériles con medio de transporte viral. El paciente se mantuvo solo dentro de esta habitación durante 30 minutos produciendo aerosoles para que se produjera la contaminación del aire. A continuación, se realizaron mediciones mediante la exposición a la luz ultravioleta C, recogidas a los 0, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 120 y 180 minutos después de que el paciente saliera de la sala de tomografía. Esta secuencia de mediciones se realizó durante 6 días, el primer día sin exposición a la luz UVC y 5 días con exposición a la luz UVC. Tras la recogida de datos, se realizó el análisis de los hisopos para obtener los resultados mediante el método RT-PCR. Los resultados encontrados en las recolecciones desde el tiempo 0 hasta los 180 minutos fueron negativos para los 6 días de estudio. Los resultados de los hisopos de los pacientes siguieron siendo positivos desde el primer hasta el último día del estudio. Así, se concluye la eficacia del uso de la luz ultravioleta como forma de descontaminación, junto con la acción antimicrobiana del desinfectante, ya que la ausencia de virus vivos pone de manifiesto la importancia de los cuidados higiénicos para evitar la reaparición de la contaminación tras la limpieza.

Chitosan-functionalized nanostructured lipid carriers containing chloroaluminum phthalocyanine for photodynamic therapy of skin cancer.

The objective of this study was to obtain optimized nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) functionalized with chitosan containing chloroaluminum phthalocyanine (ClAlPc) as a photosensitizer. Initially, the optimization of the preparation method of the NLC was performed, where the influence of different surfactants such as PVA and Tween 80, as well as different solid lipids such as stearic acid and Glycerol Monostearate (GM) was evaluated. The formulation containing GM and PVA (NLC10) was considered promising. Following, by the adsorption method (NLC10q), the formulation was functionalized with chitosan and characterized. NLC10 and NLC10q presented sizes of 131.5 and 231.5 nm, and ZP of -24.30 and + 19.96 mV, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency of NLC10q was 96 %, higher than NLC10 (79 %). The formulations were able to promote significant cutaneous retention of ClAlPc, after 2 h and 4 h of the study, and showed to be non-toxic to fibroblasts (biocompatible). PDT in BF16-F10 melanoma resulted in reduced cell viability to 70 % and 50 % for NLC10 and NLCq, respectively. In view of the results obtained, NLC showed to be promising in the treatment of skin cancer through PDT. NLC10q showed higher encapsulation efficiency and stability than NLC10, but, contrary to what was expected, it presented lower photodynamic efficiency.

Color alteration with ceramic veneers according to the tooth type and preparation step: A clinical analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Achieving accurate tooth color is important in esthetic dental treatments; however, clinical studies evaluating how ceramic veneer procedures affect color alterations are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to assess the color alteration during treatment with ceramic veneers and to correlate these changes with the tooth treated and veneer thickness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten patients who underwent esthetic treatment were enrolled as participants. Color analysis with the VITA spectrophotometer was performed at baseline, after tooth preparation, immediately after cementation (Final 1), and after 6 to 12 months of follow-up (Final 2). Data of L∗, a∗, b∗, shade guide unit (SGU), ΔEab, ΔE00, and variation in SGU (ΔSGU) were obtained. Thickness of the veneer was also recorded. Each participant was considered as a statistical block, and the mean results for each tooth (maxillary central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines) were presented. Data were evaluated by the mixed model for repeated measures and Tukey-Kramer post hoc test (L∗, a∗, b∗), generalized linear models (thickness, ΔEab, ΔE00, SGU), Friedman test (ΔSGU), and the Pearson test was used to correlate veneer thickness and color change (ΔEab, ΔE00, ΔSGU) (α=.05). RESULTS: Among the teeth treated, no differences were found in ceramic thicknesses. The mean thickness was 1.03 mm for central incisors, 0.96 for lateral incisors, and 0.89 for canines. The b∗ values increased significantly after preparation and decreased after cementation (P<.001). For ΔEab, ΔE00, and ΔSGU, there was no statistically significant difference between the types of tooth at each respective time of analysis (P>.05). Regardless of the tooth, a decrease in the SGU score was detected after cementation (P=.015). After tooth preparation, there was significant correlation (P<.05) between ceramic thickness and ΔSGU (r=0.36). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with ceramic veneers resulted in color change, mainly with respect to the b∗ axis (yellow), producing objective differences in the ΔE analysis. Although ceramic thickness correlated with the VITA scale change (ΔSGU) after tooth wear or preparation, ceramic thickness did not differ among tooth types and did not correlate with changes in color parameters after cementation. (P>.05).

O ensino remoto na formação médica durante a pandemia da Covid-19 / Remote teaching in medical education during the Covid-19 pandemic

Resumo: Introdução: A educação médica no contexto da pandemia da Covid-19 enfrentou dificuldades e mudanças no processo de ensino-aprendizado. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo compreender os desafios do ensino remoto na formação médica durante a pandemia da Covid-19 em uma universidade federal do Sul do país. Método: Trata-se de um estudo com abordagem qualitativa, em que os participantes foram 46 estudantes de dois cursos de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, dos campi de Florianópolis e Araranguá, durante o ano de 2021. A técnica utilizada para a coleta de dados foi o grupo focal on-line, totalizando sete encontros. Investigaram-se os dados coletados por meio da análise de conteúdo temática. Resultado: Observou-se prejuízo nas relações entre estudantes de Medicina e comunidade, principalmente em razão da restrita inserção de conhecimentos sobre a pandemia nos currículos formais dos cursos, da diminuição do convívio com pacientes, da dissolução do elemento teórico-prático no ensino remoto pela ausência de atividades práticas e do engessamento do currículo formal. Durante a formação acadêmica, houve sofrimento psicológico dos estudantes decorrente do distanciamento social e da exaustiva carga horária teórica. Conclusão: A construção do conhecimento médico e a oferta de cuidados coerentes às necessidades da população foram afetadas pela Covid-19. Tornam-se indispensáveis o reconhecimento de tal descompasso e a necessidade da constituição de estratégias para solucionar as problemáticas relacionadas às dificuldades encontradas pelos estudantes, com base em seus aprendizados, na resposta aos anseios da população e na necessidade de adaptações na educação médica diante da pandemia da Covid-19 para o processo de formação médica.

Abstract: Introduction: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, medical education has faced changes in the teaching-learning process. Objective: To understand the challenges of remote teaching in medical training during the COVID-19 pandemic at a Federal University in the south of Brazil. Method: This is a study with a qualitative approach, whose subjects comprised students from two medical courses at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis campus and Araranguá campus, during 2021. The technique used for data collection was the online focus group, totaling seven meetings. Forty-six students participated. The collected data were investigated through Thematic Content Analysis. Results: Deterioration in the relationship between medical students and the community was observed, mainly due to the restricted inclusion of knowledge about the pandemic in the formal curricula of the courses, reduced contact with patients, dissolution of the theoretical-practical element in remote teaching due to the absence of practical activities and the inflexible nature of the formal curriculum. During academic training, there was psychological overload on students due to social distancing and exhaustive theoretical workload. Conclusions: The construction of medical knowledge and the provision of care consistent with the population's needs was affected by COVID-19. It is essential to recognize such a mismatch and the need to establish strategies to solve the problems related to the difficulties encountered by students, based on their learning, in response to the population's aspirations and the need for adaptations in medical education in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic for the medical education process.

Three-dimensional tomographic assessment of the upper airway using 2 different imaging software programs: A comparison study.

INTRODUCTION: Several imaging software programs with different tools are available for upper airway (UAW) analysis by means of cone beam computed tomography. Because of this wide variability, this study aimed to compare the reproducibility of two of the most used software programs on UAW segmentation, that is, Dolphin Imaging (Dolphin Imaging and Management Solutions, Chatsworth, Calif) and Mimics Research (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). METHODS: The sample consisted of 50 scans of adult subjects with Class III malocclusion; pharyngeal volume and minimal cross-sectional area (mCSA) were assessed twice by 2 experienced evaluators using both software programs. Intra- and intersoftware and/or evaluator agreement were calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Bland-Altman analysis was used to visualize the intersoftware and interevaluator agreement. RESULTS: Using Mimics Research and Dolphin Imaging, the respective mean values of volume (cm3) were 27.1 ± 8.4 and 24.7 ± 8.1 (P < 0.05) and of mCSA (mm2) were 167.8 ± 95.5 and 176.5 ± 102.3 (P < 0.05). Although differences between software packages were observed on both the analyzed variables, the results showed a high intersoftware agreement, with ICC of 0.87 (volume) and 0.97 (mCSA) and mean bias of 24.6 (volume) and -8.8 (mCSA). A high intrasoftware agreement was also observed, with values varying from 0.83 to 0.99. Excellent intra- and interevaluator agreement was also obtained, with ICC values from 0.93 to 0.99. CONCLUSIONS: Dolphin Imaging and Mimics Research individually provide highly reproducible results, with clinically acceptable agreement between them for UAW segmentation, providing consistent values for volume and mCSA.

Reduced pharyngeal dimensions and obstructive sleep apnea in adults with cleft lip/palate and Class III malocclusion.

Objective: To three-dimensionally evaluate the upper airway of individuals with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and Class III malocclusion and the occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Methods: Twenty-one CLP individuals with Class III malocclusion, 20-29 years of age, who underwent computed tomography for orthognathic surgery planning, were prospectively evaluated. All participants underwent polysomnography, and the apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 5 events/hour was considered indicative of OSA. The total upper airway and its subdivisions volumes, as well as the minimum pharyngeal cross-sectional area (CSA), were assessed using Mimics software.Results: Among the 21 individuals analyzed, 6 (29%) presented with OSA. The total upper airway and the oropharynx mean volumes were significantly decreased in subjects with OSA when compared to individuals without OSA. Mean CSA was not statistically different between groups.Conclusion: CLP individuals with Class III malocclusion and OSA have an upper airway significantly smaller than individuals without OSA.

Nerolidol-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex enhances anti-inflammatory activity in arthritis model and improves gastric protection.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease with progressive degradation of cartilage and joints. Additionally, gastric ulcer affects many patients who make prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs widely used in the symptomatic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Nerolidol, a natural sesquiterpene, has several biological activities including anti-inflammatory and antiulcerogenic action. This study aims to develop and characterize a nerolidol ß-cyclodextrin inclusion complex and to evaluate its activity in an experimental arthritis model. Inclusion complex was prepared by the lyophilization method and characterized by NMR, term analysis, XRD and SEM. Neutrophil migration assays and histopathological analysis were performed on zymosan-induced arthritis model using Swiss mice. And the gastroprotective effect was evaluated in two models of gastric ulcers: induced by ethanol and indomethacin. Inclusion complex showed no cytotoxicity and free nerolidol at a dose of 100 mg/kg (p.o.) in the arthritis model reduced neutrophil migration in 56% in relation to vehicle, and this inhibition was more expressive in the inclusion complex (67%) at the same dose. Histopathological analysis of the joint tissue confirmed the reduction of inflammatory signs. In the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model, free nerolidol reduced the relative ulcer area more expressively (4.64%) than the inclusion complex (21.3%). However, in the indomethacin induction model, the inclusion complex showed better results in gastric protection compared to free nerolidol. The action of nerolidol complexed in beta-cyclodextrin in reducing arthritis inflammation combined with its gastroprotective action make it a potential new drug.

Monitoring the outbreak of equine glanders in Alagoas, Brazil: Clinical, immunological, molecular, and anatomopathological findings / Monitoramento de surtos de mormo nos equídeos em Alagoas, Brasil: achados clínicos, imunológicos, moleculares e anatomopatológico

ABSTRACT: Glanders is an infectious and often lethal zoonotic disease of equines caused by the bacterium, Burkholderia mallei. This condition is characterized by respiratory, lymphatic, and cutaneous lesions. In this study, we monitored the development of clinical symptoms in animals naturally infected with B. mallei across different equine breeds and also isolated and characterized the disease-causing bacteria. We studied two official glanders outbreaks in the state of Alagoas, Brazil. During the outbreaks, we performed clinical and immunological follow-up of the animals, as well as euthanasia and anatomopathological examination. We also collected diagnostic materials for isolative, phenotypic, molecular, and biological testing. We did not observe any clinical patterns of glanders among animals infected with the same strain of B. mallei. Based on our results, we suggest that early diagnosis of infection should be made through highly sensitive and specific immunoassays. In asymptomatic but positive test cases, we confirmed the importance of conducting pathological, microbiological, and molecular examinations.

RESUMO: O mormo é uma enfermidade infectocontagiosa e frequentemente letal, aguda ou crônica, caracterizada por lesões respiratórias, linfáticas e cutâneas em equídeos, porém de caráter zoonótico. Objetivou-se acompanhar o desenvolvimento dos sinais clínicos e de lesões em animais infectados naturalmente por B. mallei em diferentes propriedades de criação de equídeos, e isolar e caracterizar a bactéria causadora da doença. Foram estudados dois focos oficiais para o mormo no estado de Alagoas. Realizou-se o acompanhamento clinico e imunológico dos animais nos focos, eutanásia e exame anatomopatológico dos animais, além de colheita de material para diagnóstico através de técnicas de isolamento, fenotípicas, moleculares e prova biológica. Neste estudo não se observou um padrão clínico para o diagnóstico do mormo em animais infectados com a mesma cepa de B. mallei. O diagnóstico precoce da infecção deve ser realizado por meio de testes imunológicos de elevada sensibilidade e especificidade. Nos casos assintomáticos e positivos nos testes oficiais é importante a realização do exame anatomopatológico, microbiológico e molecular.

Bayesian modeling of COVID-19 cases with a correction to account for under-reported cases.

The novel of COVID-19 disease started in late 2019 making the worldwide governments came across a high number of critical and death cases, beyond constant fear of the collapse in their health systems. Since the beginning of the pandemic, researchers and authorities are mainly concerned with carrying out quantitative studies (modeling and predictions) overcoming the scarcity of tests that lead us to under-reporting cases. To address these issues, we introduce a Bayesian approach to the SIR model with correction for under-reporting in the analysis of COVID-19 cases in Brazil. The proposed model was enforced to obtain estimates of important quantities such as the reproductive rate and the average infection period, along with the more likely date when the pandemic peak may occur. Several under-reporting scenarios were considered in the simulation study, showing how impacting is the lack of information in the modeling.

Resistance to change as function of different physical-effort requirements in humans.

The effects of different physical-effort requirements on behavioral resistance to change were examined with undergraduate students engaging in a computer task for points exchangeable for money. In Baseline, button pressing was maintained on a multiple variable interval (VI) 45-s VI 45-s schedule of reinforcement with two physical-effort requirements: 10 N in the Low-Effort Component and 50 N in the High-Effort Component. In Test, button pressing was disrupted by a multiple extinction (EXT) EXT schedule plus anagrams as a concurrent task for five participants. For other two participants, button pressing was disrupted only by a multiple EXT EXT in one test, and both disruptors were implemented together in the second test. Baseline and Test conditions were replicated in an ABAB design. Resistance to change was greater in the presence of discriminative stimuli associated with the Low-Effort Component to six participants during the first test and to four participants during the second test. The present findings suggest differences in physical-effort can contribute to differences in resistance to change.

Bayesian modeling of COVID-19 cases with a correction to account for under-reported cases

The novel of COVID-19 disease started in late 2019 making the worldwide governments came across a high number of critical and death cases, beyond constant fear of the collapse in their health systems. Since the beginning of the pandemic, researchers and authorities are mainly concerned with carrying out quantitative studies (modeling and predictions) overcoming the scarcity of tests that lead us to under-reporting cases. To address these issues, we introduce a Bayesian approach to the SIR model with correction for under-reporting in the analysis of COVID-19 cases in Brazil. The proposed model was enforced to obtain estimates of important quantities such as the reproductive rate and the average infection period, along with the more likely date when the pandemic peak may occur. Several under-reporting scenarios were considered in the simulation study, showing how impacting is the lack of information in the modeling.

Um país de maravilhas! O infantil da utopia / A country of wonders! The infantile of utopia / Un pays de merveilles! L'enfantile de l'utopia / ¡Un país de maravillas! El infantil de la utopia

Neste ensaio procuramos construir alguns laços entre o infantil na concepção psicanalítica e o universo das utopias. A partir da versão cinematográfica de Alice no país das maravilhas de Jam Švankmajer - em que o autor consegue nos oferecer uma perspectiva do universo carroliano de Alice, aproximado do sonho e do brincar das crianças na concepção freudiana - procuramos aproximar o infantil e a utopia, relacionando o "País das maravilhas" apresentado por Švankmajer, da ilha Utopia, de Morus, no sentido de demonstrar como o infantil permite o acesso às construções utópicas a partir de um corte ou furo nas palavras-imagens do infantil, como exigência de criação, pelo brincar, de um litoral que nos dá acesso a ilhas, territórios que resistem à literalidade das formas instituídas da realidade, como utopia.

In this essay, we have aimed at building a few connections between the psychoanalytical conception of the infantile and the utopian universe. Based on Jam Švankmajer's cinematographic version of Alice in Wonderland - which offers a perspective of Lewis Carroll's universe of Alice that comes close to Freud's concept of dreams and child's play - we tried to find connections between the infantile and utopia by relating Švankmajer's "Wonderland" to Morus' island of Utopia to show how the infantile allows to access utopian constructions by a cut or hole in the word-images of the infantile, as a demand to create, through play, a coastline that gives us access to islands, territories that resist the literality of the instituted shapes of reality, such as utopia does.

Dans cet essai, nous cherchons à tisser quelques liens entre l'infantile de la notion psychanalytique et l'univers des utopies. Sur la base de la version cinématographique d'Alice au pays des Merveilles de Jam Švankmajer - dans laquelle l'auteur nous offre une perspective de l'univers carrollien d'Alice semblable au rêve et au jeu d'enfants du point de vue freudien -, nous essayons d'approcher l'infantile et l'utopie en établissant un rapport entre «Le Pays de Merveilles¼, présenté par Švankmajer et l'île «Utopia¼ de Morus. Ainsi, nous visons à montrer comment l'infantile donne accès à des constructions utopiques grâce à une coupure ou à la percée d'un trou dans les mots-images de l'infantile, menée comme une exigence de la création, par le jeu, d'une côte qui offre accès à des îles, des territoires qui résistent à la littéralité des formes établies par la réalité, c'est-à-dire l'utopie.

En este ensayo, buscamos construir algunos lazos entre lo infantil, en la concepción psicoanalítica, y el universo de las utopías. A partir de la versión cinematográfica de Alicia en el país de las maravillas, de Jam Švankmajer; en donde el autor logra ofrecernos una perspectiva del universo carroliano de Alice, alrededor del sueño y del jugar de los niños en la concepción freudiana, buscamos aproximar lo infantil y la utopía, relacionando el "País de las maravillas", presentado por Jam Švankmajer, con la isla de Utopía, de Moro, con la intención de demostrar cómo lo infantil abre el acceso a las construcciones utópicas a partir de un corte o agujero en las palabras/imágenes de lo infantil, como exigencia de la creación, por el jugar, de un litoral que nos da acceso a islas, territorios que se resisten a la literalidad de las formas instituidas de la realidad, como utopía.

In situ microemulsion-gel obtained from bioadhesive hydroxypropyl methylcellulose films for transdermal administration of zidovudine.

This study aims to develop in situ microemulsion-gel (ME-Gel) obtained from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films for transdermal administration of Zidovudine (AZT). Firstly, HPMC films containing propylene glycol (PG) and eucalyptus oil (EO) were obtained and characterized. Later, a pseudo-ternary phase diagram composed of water, EO, tween 80 and PG was obtained and one microemulsion (ME) with a similar proportion of the film components was obtained. ME was transformed in ME-Gel by the incorporation of HPMC. Finally, HPMC films were hydrated with Tween 80 solution to yield in situ ME-Gel and its effect on AZT skin permeation was compared with HPMC film hydrated with water (F5hyd). The results showed that the ME and ME-Gel presented a droplet size of 16.79 and 122.13 µm, respectively, polydispersity index (PDI) < 0.39 and pH between 5.10 and 5.40. The incorporation of HPMC resulted in viscosity about 2 times higher than the use of ME. The presence of AZT did not alter the formulation properties. The in situ ME-Gel promoted a two-fold increase in the permeated amount of AZT compared to F5hyd. The results suggest that it was possible to obtain an ME-Gel in situ from HPMC films and that its effect on transdermal permeation of AZT was significant.

Biocorrosive behavior of sulphate-reducing bacteria in kerr endodontic files: Determination of the corrosion.

AIMS: This study determined the corrosion rate by mass loss caused by oral strains of sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in Kerr endodontic files (KF), aiming the development of a biopharmaceutical that facilitates the removal of endodontic limb fragments from root canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine new KF were analyzed after immersion in the modified Postgate E culture medium inoculated with Desulfovibrio desulfuricans oral (84 days), Desulfovibrio fairfieldensis in the consortium (84 days) and environmental D. desulfuricans (119 days). RESULTS: Optical microscopy revealed corrosion suggestive areas in all files submitted to immersion in SRB cultures, presenting a statistical difference (P < 0.05) between the samples environmental D. desulfuricans and KF control and between oral D. desulfuricans and KF control. Epifluorescence microscopy revealed an active SRB biofilm over the entire metal surface of the KF, as evidenced by the SYTO® 9 fluorophore. CONCLUSION: SRB were capable of promoting biocorrosion in Kerr type endodontic files, but with low rate.