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INTRODUÇÃO: Os processos de identificação e seleção de talento no futebol podem ser influenciados por variáveis ambientais e individuais. As variáveis ambientais têm relação com o ambiente no qual os atletas nasceram e foram criados. Já as variáveis individuais dizem respeito a aspectos singulares de cada pessoa. É importante entender como essas variáveis podem influenciar na participação de jogadoras de futebol feminino a nível profissional no Brasil. OBJETIVO: Analisar a influência do local de nascimento (Índice de desenvolvimento humano e taxa demográfica) e da data de nascimento na participação de jogadoras de futebol na Série A1 do futebol feminino no Brasil. MÉTODO: A amostra foi composta por 876 jogadoras da série A1 do campeonato brasileiro feminino entre os anos de 2003 e 2020. Os dados referentes ao local de nascimento foram coletados dos sites do PNUD e do IBGE. Os dados do índice de desenvolvimento humano foram divididos em 3 tercis e os da taxa demográfica em 17 intervalos populacionais. Os dados referentes a data de nascimento foram coletados de três diferentes sites e comparados para verificação da sua veracidade. Eles foram divididos em 4 quartis do ano. Foi realizada a estatística descritiva, e o teste Qui-quadrado para verificar as diferentes distribuições das jogadoras entre os intervalos populacionais, os quartis de nascimento e os tercis do IDH. RESULTADOS: Em relação ao local de nascimento, os resultados indicaram que 36,1% das jogadoras da amostra vieram de cidades com taxa demográfica inferior a 100.000 habitantes; e que 79,5% delas vieram de cidades com índice de desenvolvimento humano superior a 0.701. Com relação a data de nascimento, não houve diferenças significativas para a frequência de nascimento das jogadoras em diferentes quartis. Uma diferença significativa só é constatada em relação aos valores absolutos quando comparados os quartis Q1 e Q4. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: Com base nos resultados do presente estudo, é possível inferir que as variáveis ambientais e individuais parecem influenciar de maneiras diferentes na presença de jogadoras na série A1 do campeonato brasileiro feminino de futebol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Increasing levels of wet distillers grains can shift propionate concentration in ruminal fluid. • Results showed WDG can be fed in finishing diets to improve energy intake with optimum level at 300 g/kg dietary inclusion. • We observed a tendency to increase S. ruminantium population with increasing levels of wet distillers grains. The supply of wet distillers grains (WDG) has been growing in Brazil, with the increase in corn ethanol production. However, little is known about de-oiled corn WDG on nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation and microbiology of beef cattle. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the increasing levels of de-oiled WDG replacing soybean meal and corn on dry matter (DM) intake, total tract digestibility, ruminal short chain fatty acids and microbiology. Eight ruminally cannulated Nellore bulls (BW = 453 ± 32 kg) were allocated on individual pens and distributed in 4 treatments with 0, 150, 300 and 450 g de-oiled WDG/kg DM in a 4 × 4 replicated Latin square design. The experimental period lasted 112 days, divided into 4 periods of 28 days (14 days of adaptation plus 14 days of sampling). The DM, organic matter and ether extract intake increased quadratically (P < 0.05), and were greater in animals fed 300 g/kg WDG. Intake and digestibility of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber increased, however, intake and digestibility of non-fiber carbohydrates decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of de-oiled WDG.Gross energy (GE) and digestible energy (DE) intake were quadratically affected by the treatments, whereby animals fed 300 g/kg WDG in the diet showed greater (P < 0.05) GE and DE intake. Moreover, propionate and butyrate concentration increased linearly (P < 0.05) in animals fed de-oiled WDG, which could be associated to greater (P < 0.10) relative abundance of Selonomonas ruminantium , resulting in higher ruminal pH in these animals. Therefore, the inclusion of de-oiled WDG might be used as replacement of soybean meal and ground corn in high concentrate diets of Nellore cattle without compromising ruminal fermentation and nutrient digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• De-oiled wet distillers grains improve performance in F1 Angus-Nellore cattle. • Rumen-undegradable protein overfeeding increases hot carcass weight and, consequently, ribeye area. • Muscle protein metabolism genes are down-regulated by increasing levels of crude protein. The supply of wet distillers grains (WDG) has been growing in Brazil, with the increase in corn ethanol production. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of de-oiled corn WDG in the diet of feedlot cattle on DMI, performance, carcass traits, meat quality and expression of genes involved in the muscle protein metabolism. One hundred non-castrated F1 Angus-Nellore bulls, aged 20–24 months, with average IBW of 369.58 ± 49.17 kg, were used in a randomized complete block design. The animals were fed diets containing 0, 150, 300 and 450 g/kg de-oiled WDG (40 g/kg ofEE) replacing corn and soybean meal. After 129 days on feed, the animals were slaughtered and LT muscle samples were collected for molecular biology assays. Muscle protein metabolism genes such as eIF4, IGFR1, mTOR, GSK3β and P70S6K were investigated by RTq-PCR. Data were analyzed using polynomial contrasts (linear, quadratic and control versus WDG). The inclusion of by-product improved DMI and FBW (P < 0.05). A tendency (P < 0.10) to a quadratic effect was observed on DMI and FBW, with greater values for animals fed diet with 150 and 300 g/kg of WDG. The animals fed WDG presented greater HCW and CCW (P < 0.05), and there was a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) for the REA, with greater values for the animals fed diet with 300 g/kg of WDG. Moreover, no differences were observed in BFT and carcass pH, and the meat quality traits were similar (P > 0.05) among treatments (SF, CL, ILC, MFI, and WHC). However, the inclusion of WDG led to a reduction in the expression of eIF4, mTOR and IGFR1 genes (P < 0.05). Overall, meat quality traits were not affected by nutritional treatments. Although increased levels of de-oiled WDG influenced DMI, FBW, carcass weights and REA (an indicator of muscle deposition) in response to feeding, it did not produce concerted changes in genes of LT related to muscle protein metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With widespread cultivation, Cucurbita moschata stands out for the carotenoid content of its fruits such as β and α-carotene, components with pronounced provitamin A function and antioxidant activity. C. moschata seed oil has a high monounsaturated fatty acid content and vitamin E, constituting a lipid source of high chemical-nutritional quality. The present study evaluates the agronomic and chemical-nutritional aspects of 91 accessions of C. moschata kept at the BGH-UFV and propose the establishment of a core collection based on multivariate approaches and on the implementation of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). ANNs was more efficient in identifying similarity patterns and in organizing the distance between the genotypes in the groups. The averages and variances of traits in the CC formed using a 15% sampling of accessions, were closer to those of the complete collection, particularly for accumulated degree days for flowering, the mass of seeds per fruit, and seed and oil productivity. Establishing the 15% CC, based on the broad characterization of this germplasm, will be crucial to optimize the evaluation and use of promising accessions from this collection in C. moschata breeding programs, especially for traits of high chemical-nutritional importance such as the carotenoid content and the fatty acid profile., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Here, we evaluated the influence of outdoor environmental conditions (synoptic weather conditions) on human thermal discomfort in the five macro-regions of Pelotas city, located in the southernmost region of Brazil. To do this, meteorological sensors (HOBO MX2301A) were installed outside the residences to measure the air temperature, dew point temperature, and relative humidity between 18 January and 20 August 2019. Two well-established simplified biometeorological indices were examined seasonally: (i) humidex for the summer months and (ii) effective temperature as a function of wind for the autumn and winter months. Our findings showed seasonal differences related to human thermal discomfort and outdoor environmental conditions. The thermal discomfort was highest in the afternoons during the summer months and at night during the winter months. The seasonal variation in human thermal discomfort was highly associated with the meteorological conditions. In summer, the presence of the South Atlantic Subtropical Anticyclone (SASA) contributed to heat stress. The SASA combined with the continent's low humidity contributed to the perceived sensation of thermal discomfort. In the winter, thermal discomfort was associated with the decrease in air humidity caused by high atmospheric pressure systems, which led to a decrease in both air temperature and air moisture content. Our findings suggest that a better understanding of the complex interplay between outdoor environmental factors and human thermal comfort is needed in order to mitigate the negative effects of thermal discomfort., (© 2024. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to International Society of Biometeorology.)

Background: Brazil´s case fatality rate (CFR) of pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and adolescents (MIS-C) is among the highest worldwide. Despite these concerns, limited hospital-based and comprehensive pediatric data have been published on MIS-C in Brazilian children., Methods: We performed a descriptive analysis of the MIS-C scores in 16 public and private hospitals providing secondary and tertiary care in the metropolitan area of São Paulo, Brazil. Clinical and demographic information were systematically extracted from the electronic medical records of each patient. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the combined effects of MIS-C phenotype, disease severity and comorbidity as dependent variables., Results: A total of 101 patients met the MIS-C criteria and were evaluated. The median age was 67 months, 60% were male, 28.7% were black or afrodescendant and 62.3% were admitted to public hospitals. Underlying medical conditions were observed in 16.8% of patients and were associated with a longer duration of hospitalization. A Kawasaki disease-like phenotype was observed in 43.5% of patients, and they demonstrated a trend of lower median age. Children with severe MIS-C were older (median age 91 months vs. 36 months) and had a nonspecific phenotype, more cardiovascular and respiratory involvement and kidney injury; 73.3% required intensive care, 20.8% required mechanical ventilation and 35.6% required inotropic support. Four deaths occurred (CFR = 3.9%), three of which were in healthy participants., Conclusion: We identified a lower median age, particularly among children with Kawasaki disease-like phenotypes, those with a significant need for intensive care, and a high CFR in MIS-C. Our findings confirmed the increased severity of the disease in the selected Brazilian population., Competing Interests: The authors have no funding or conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Malnutrition affects billions of individuals worldwide and represents a global health challenge. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malnutrition (undernutrition or overweight) among mother-child dyads in children under 5 years old in Brazil in 2019 and to estimate changes in this prevalence from 2006 to 2019. Individual-level data from the Brazilian National Survey on Child Nutrition (ENANI-2019) and the Brazilian National Survey of Demography and Health of Women and Children carried out in 2006 (PNDS 2006) were analyzed. Malnutrition outcomes in mother-child dyads included overweight mother and child, undernourished mother and child, and the double burden of malnutrition, i.e., overweight mother and child having any form of undernourishment (stunting, wasting, or underweight). Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated. Most women (58.2%) and 9.7% of the children were overweight, 6.9% were stunted, and 3.1% of mothers and 2.9% of the children were underweight. The prevalence of overweight in the mother-child dyad was 7.8% and was statistically higher in Southern Brazil (9.7%; 95%CI: 7.5; 11.9) than in the Central-West (5.4%; 95%CI: 4.3; 6.6). The prevalence of overweight mother and stunted child was 3.5%, with statistically significant difference between the extremes of the mother's education [0-7 vs. ≥ 12 years, 4.8% (95%CI: 3.2; 6.5) and 2.1%, (95%CI: 1.2; 3.0), respectively]. Overweight in the dyad increased from 5.2% to 7.8%, and the double burden of malnutrition increased from 2.7% to 5.2% since 2006. Malnutrition in Brazilian mother-child dyads seems to be a growing problem, and dyads with lower formal education, higher maternal age, and from the South Region of Brazil were more vulnerable.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) composite disease activity indices have become handy tools in daily clinical practice and crucial in defining remission or low disease activity, the main target of the RA treatment. However, there is no definition of the best index to assess disease activity in clinical practice., Objectives: To compare the residual activity among the indices with the ACR/EULAR remission criteria (Boolean method) to identify the most feasible for assessing remission in daily practice, also considering correlation and concordance, sensibility, and specificity., Patients and Methods: We selected 1116 patients with established RA from the real-life rheumatoid arthritis study database-REAL. The composite disease activity indices-DAS28-ESR, DAS28-CRP, SDAI, and CDAI-and their components were compared to the Boolean method to identify residual activity using binomial regression. The indices were analyzed for correlation and agreement using the Spearman index and weighted kappa. The chi-square test evaluated sensibility and specificity for remission based on the Boolean method., Results: DAS28-CRP overestimated remission and confirmed higher residual activity than SDAI and CDAI. The indices showed good correlation and agreement, with a better relationship between SDAI and CDAI (k:0,88). CDAI and SDAI showed higher sensitivity and specificity for remission based on the Boolean method. CDAI was performed in 99% of patients, while DAS28 and SDAI were completed in approximately 85%., Conclusions: Although all composite indices of activity can be used in clinical practice and showed good agreement, CDAI and SDAI have better performance in evaluating remission based on the Boolean method, showing less residual activity and higher sensibility and specificity. In addition, CDAI seems to be more feasible for disease activity evaluation in daily clinical practice, especially in developing countries., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Plastic is one of the most commonly found residues in the marine environment, which can cause several impacts. This study evaluated the interaction of marine litter with surf-zone trammel nets in Southern Brazil. Fifty fishing operations were sampled, where 4213 items were captured: 1500 discarded fish, 1384 fragments of marine litter, and 1329 utilized fishes. Plastics were the most abundant items (n = 1363), representing 98.4% of the registered marine litter, especially plastic bags (n = 1191). 94.5% of registered marine litter is considered as single-use waste. The interaction with marine litter can cause negative impacts to small-scale fisheries (e.g. economic and damage to fishing nets). We highlight the urgency in implementing actions for urban solid waste management and public policies to reduce single-use plastics and educational campaigns on the environmental theme., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Salmonella Typhimurium (ST313) has caused an epidemic of invasive disease in sub-Saharan Africa and has been recently identified in Brazil. As the virulence of this ST is poorly understood, the present study aimed to (i) perform the RNA-seq in vitro of S. Typhimurium STm30 (ST313) grown in Luria-Bertani medium at 37°C; (ii) compare it with the RNA-seq of the S. Typhimurium SL1344 (ST19) and S. Typhimurium STm11 (ST19) strains under the same growing conditions; and (iii) examine the colonization capacity and expression of virulence genes and cytokines in murine colon. The STm30 (ST313) strain exhibited stronger virulence and was associated with a more inflammatory profile than the strains SL1344 (ST19) and STm11 (ST19), as demonstrated by transcriptome and in vivo assay. The expression levels of the hilA, sopD2, pipB, and ssaS virulence genes, other Salmonella pathogenicity islands SPI-1 and SPI-2 genes or effectors, and genes of the cytokines IL-1β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-12 were increased during ST313 infection in C57BL/6J mice. In conclusion, S. Typhimurium STm30 (ST313) isolated from human feces in Brazil express higher levels of pathogenesis-related genes at 37°C and has stronger colonization and invasion capacity in murine colon due to its high expression levels of virulence genes, when compared with the S. Typhimurium SL1344 (ST19) and STm11 (ST19) strains. STm30 (ST313) also induces stronger expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in this organ, suggesting that it causes more extensive tissue damage., (© 2021. The Microbiological Society of Korea.)

The Solimões Formation is a southwest geological unit of the Brazilian Amazon, being well-known for the Cenozoic giant eusuchian fossils. Among the eight species of Crocodylia described for this formation, the alligatoroid Purussaurus brasiliensis is the best known worldwide due to its enormous size. The holotype was described in 1892 by Barbosa-Rodrigues, composed by a right hemimandible. Later, two other species were assigned to the genus, but the loss of the type specimen brought a series of doubts and discussions about genus and species validity. Here, we provide a historical reconstruction of the genus Purussaurus, especially with a new description of the specimen DGM 527-R, which was first described by L. I. Price. We also provide a review of Purussaurus brasiliensis as a valid species, highlighting the importance of the paleontologist Diogenes de Almeida Campos to the preservation, study availability and divulgation of the specimen. From the six mandibular features discussed, at least two are putative synapomorphies for the genus: the false ziphodont teeth and the thinning of the medial surface of the mandible posterior to the fourteen alveoli, while the lateral surface become laterally expanded from ninth alveoli to behind. The review of the other species of the genus was aggravated due to little sampling of photos and low quality of those contributions. Finally, the curatorial efforts initiated by Price and kept for decades by Campos turned possible the revision of DGM 527-R, an important specimen for understanding the paleobiology and evolution of the genus, and, consequently P. brasiliensis. Such importance was recognized here scientifically and by Campos when considered this specimen as the center-piece of the exhibition in honor of the centenary anniversary of Price.

Plants continue to lose water from their leaves even after complete stomatal closure. Although this minimum conductance (g leaf-res ) has substantial impacts on strategies of water use and conservation, little is known about the potential drivers underlying the variability of this trait across species. We thus untangled the relative contribution of water leaks from the cuticle and stomata in order to investigate how the variability in leaf morphological and anatomical traits is related to the variation in g leaf-res and carbon assimilation capacity across 30 diverse species from the Brazilian Cerrado. In addition to cuticle permeance, water leaks from stomata had a significant impact on g leaf-res . The differential pattern of stomata distribution in the epidermis was a key factor driving this variation, suggesting the existence of a trade-off between carbon assimilation and water loss through g leaf-res . For instance, higher g leaf-res , observed in fast-growing species, was associated with the investment in small and numerous stomata, which allowed higher carbon assimilation rates but also increased water leaks, with negative impacts on leaf survival under drought. Variation in cuticle structural properties was not linked to g leaf-res . Our results therefore suggest the existence of a trade-off between carbon assimilation efficiency and dehydration tolerance at foliar level., (© 2020 The Authors New Phytologist © 2020 New Phytologist Foundation.)

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) convalescent plasma (CCP) collection began in two Brazilian hospitals for treatment of severe/critical patients., Methods and Materials: Mild/moderate COVID-19 convalescents were selected as CCP donors after reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and absence of symptoms for ≥14 days plus (a) age (18-60 years), body weight greater than 55 kg; (b) immunohematological studies; (c) no infectious markers of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, human T-lymphotropic virus-1/2, Chagas and syphilis infection; (d) no HLA antibodies (multiparous); (e) second RT-PCR (nasopharyngeal swab and/or blood) negativity; (f) virus neutralization test (cytopathic effect-based virus neutralization test neutralizing antibody) and anti-nucleocapsid protein SARS-CoV-2 IgM, IgG, and IgA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays., Results: Among 271 donors (41 females, 230 males), 250 presented with neutralizing antibodies. Final RT-PCR was negative on swab (77.0%) or blood (88.4%; P = .46). Final definition of RT-PCR was only defined at more than 28 days after full recovery in 59 of 174 (33.9%) RT-PCR -ve, and 25/69 RT-PCR +ve (36.2%; 13 between 35 and 48 days). Neutralizing antibody titers of 160 or greater were found in 63.6%. Correlation between IgG signal/cutoff of 5.0 or greater and neutralizing antibody of 160 or greater was 82.4%. Combination of final RT-PCR -ve with neutralizing antibody ≥160 was 41.3% (112/271). Serial plasma collection showed decline in neutralizing antibody titers and IgA levels (P < .05), probably denoting a "golden period" for CCP collection (≤28 days after joining the program); IgA might have an important role as neutralizing antibody. Donor's weight, days between disease onset and serial plasma collection, and IgG and IgM levels are important predictors for neutralizing antibody titer., Conclusions: RT-PCR +ve cases are still detected in 36.2% within 28 to 48 days after recovery. High anti-nucleocapsid protein IgG levels may be used as a surrogate marker to neutralizing antibody., (© 2020 The Authors. Transfusion published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of AABB.)

We present estimates of the seasonal and spatial occupation by pinnipeds of the Wildlife Refuge of Ilha dos Lobos (WRIL), based on aerial photographic censuses. Twenty aerial photographic censuses were analysed between July 2010 and November 2018. To assess monthly differences in the numbers of pinnipeds in the WRIL we used a Generalized Linear Mixed Model. Spatial analysis was carried out using Kernel density analysis of the pinnipeds on a grid plotted along the WRIL. Subadult male South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) were the most abundant pinniped in the WRIL. Potential females of this species were also recorded during half of the census. The maximum number of pinnipeds observed in the WRIL was 304 in September 2018, including an unexpected individual southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina), and a high number of South American fur seal yearlings (Arctocephalus australis). However, there was no statistically significant difference in counts between months. In all months analysed, pinnipeds were most often found concentrated in the northern portion of the island, with the highest abundances reported in September. This study confirms the importance of the WRIL as a haulout site for pinnipeds in Brazil, recommends that land research and recreational activities occur in months when no pinnipeds are present, and encourages a regulated marine mammal-based tourism during winter and spring months.

This study describes a recreational fishing method focused on marine catfish, Genidens barbus (Endangered-EN), through the adoption of its eggs as a natural bait during its reproductive period in southern Brazilian ecosystems. Male G. barbus perform parental care, collecting eggs released by females after the fertilization process. Owing to this male behavioural pattern during the reproductive period, these individuals are easily caught in recreational fisheries that use eggs of the same species as a natural bait. The current adoption of G. barbus eggs as bait may intensify the fishing pressure on its populations., (© 2020 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.)

Objective: Understand the health promotion practices developed by primary health care nurses in a southern county of Brazil, in the care of people with chronic non-communicable diseases., Method: Qualitactive research, developed by multiple speeches, in twenty three health centers of a southern county of Brazil., Results: According to speeches, the health promotion practices developed by nurses refer to two main fields, of the five action fields proposed by the Ottawa Letter: reorientation of the health system and developing personal abilities. It appeared as a speech, related to the central idea about the limits to developing fields of the Ottawa letter., Conclusions: Besides the efforts spent to develop health promotion practices, these appear in some moments in an amplified way, thinking in a new logic to Health promotion and in other situations it shows itself in a more restrictive way, returning to a more traditional practice.

This study assessed occupational radiation doses in Santa Catarina, Brazil, from 2014 to 2017. Data were collected from Sistema de Informação Estadual de Radiações Ionizantes (SIERI), a compulsory occupational dose registration system established in Santa Catarina in 2014. Most doses were registered as lower than the dosemeter recording level (RL; 99.12%). Diagnostic radiology workers registered doses higher than the RL (61.13%) more frequently than nuclear medicine workers; however, the former received lower doses. Nuclear medicine workers represented 38.87% of dosemeter values higher than the RL, but their mean doses were higher. The professionals who registered the highest doses across both categories were radiology technologists/technicians and nursing workers. Establishment of a compulsory information system is important for monitoring the safety of workers. This study compiled data from the first few years of the SIERI program. Here, we report the current status of exposure in Santa Catarina., (© The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

One of the most recognized anthropogenic impacts in marine environments is solid waste pollution, especially plastic, which can be ingested by fish, thus interfering with their health. In this context, the aim of this study is to describe the ingestion of plastic fragments and to identify the possible effect of this contamination in the condition factor of Genidens genidens in the Laguna Estuarine System. The stomach contents of 92 G. genidens (26 juveniles and 66 adults) were analyzed. The Index of Relative Importance was performed to identify the contribution of each prey item. Condition factor (CF) was used to analyze the effect of plastic ingestion on the fish's body condition (by comparing individuals in the same ontogenetic phase). For the juveniles, eight items were observed, the most important of which were Penaeidae, followed by Portunidae and plastic. For the adults, 12 items were observed, the most important of which were Penaeidae, Portunidae, Polychaeta, and plastic. The analysis of CF demonstrated higher values for individuals without plastic in the stomach, which indicated a better health condition. The CF of a fish may be affected by variations in the physiological condition, environmental stresses, and nutritional and biological variations, and could be used to compare the body condition or health of a fish species. The ingestion of plastic could significantly influence the worst body condition of the individuals that were analyzed in the present study. The plastic pollution in marine coastal waters is associated with the appropriate waste management levels.

Characterized by fluvio-alluvial sedimentation processes, the heterogeneity in the Pantanal Basin allows its division in several sub-regions, which present natural characteristics of their own. It is possible to find in the literature different proposals to subdivide the Pantanal plain, which vary in total area and number of sub-regions. Each author uses specific criteria - mainly vegetation, soil and humidity - in his delimitation, but does not consider the tectonic aspects of the basin. In this sense, we intend to analyze three Pantanal delimitations from the literature and to relate them to the neotectonic context of the Pantanal plain by comparing the boundaries proposed in the delimitations to structural lineaments present in the basin. As a result, we observe that the comparison of the Pantanal boundaries with the lineaments shows a high compatibility between them, suggesting the influence of these structures in the development of the sub-regions.

The genus Kogia, which comprises only two extant species, Kogia sima and Kogia breviceps, represents one of the least known groups of cetaceans in the global ocean. In some coastal regions, however, stranding events of these species have been relatively common over the last decades. Stranding provides the opportunity to investigate the biology of these cetaceans and to explore the epidemiological aspects associated with the mortality of the organisms found on the beach. A number of disturbances (including pelagic fisheries, chemical pollution, boat strikes, and noise pollution) have been confirmed to pose a particular threat to the Kogia species. However, no study has yet investigated potential relationships between environmental conditions and stranding events. Here we analyse how a collection of environmental, physical, and biological variables, such as wind, sea surface temperature (SST), water depth, and chlorophyll-a, correlate to Kogia stranding events along the Brazilian coast. The results of our statistical analyses suggest that K. sima is more likely found in warm tropical waters, which provide an explanation for the high frequency of stranding in northeastern Brazilian coast. In contrast, K. breviceps appears to have a preference for temperate and productive waters. Wind speed results to be also an important factor for predicting Kogia strandings in Brazilian coast. Additionally, literature information in combination with our own data and analyses of stomach contents confirms that oceanic cephalopods constitute the primary nutritional source of both Kogia species. By using the available information as a qualitative proxy for habitat preference and feeding ecology, our study provides a novel and comprehensive assessment of Kogia stranding data in relation to environmental conditions along the Brazilian coast.

Genetic susceptibility is a well-recognized factor in the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of oligoclonal bands (OCB) restricted to the cerebrospinal fluid, in an ethnically mixed group of MS patients in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Techniques used to detect OCB consisted of isoelectric focusing followed by immunoblotting. OCB were found in 49 (54.4%) out of 90 patients with clinically definite MS; out of the 23 brown/black patients, 17 (73.9%) were OCB+; out of the 66 white patients, 32 (48.5%) were OCB+; and the only patient yellow was OCB+ (p = 0.05). Analysis of the IgG index was also consistent with the findings, but with lower statistical significance. The data presented in our study show that the ethnic differences in MS extend to the immune response.

Background: The hippocampus has been highly implicated in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD). Nevertheless, no study has longitudinally evaluated hippocampal metabolite levels in bipolar depression under treatment with lithium., Methods: Nineteen medication-free BD patients (78.9% treatment-naïve and 73.7% with BD type II) presenting an acute depressive episode and 17 healthy controls were studied. Patients were treated for 6 weeks with lithium in an open-label trial. N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), creatine, choline, myo-Inositol, and glutamate levels were assessed in the left hippocampus before (week 0) and after (week 6) lithium treatment using 3T proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). The metabolite concentrations were estimated using internal water as reference and voxel segmentation for partial volume correction., Results: At baseline, acutely depressed BD patients and healthy controls exhibited similar hippocampal metabolites concentrations, with no changes after 6 weeks of lithium monotherapy. A significant correlation between antidepressant efficacy and increases in NAA concentration over time was observed. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between the changes in glutamate concentrations over follow-up and plasma lithium levels at endpoint. Mixed effects model analysis revealed a bimodal effect of lithium plasma levels in hippocampal glutamate concentrations: levels of 0.2 to 0.49 mmol/L (n=9) were associated with a decrease in glutamate concentrations, whereas the subgroup of BD subjects with "standard" lithium levels (≥ 0.50 mmol/L; n = 10) showed an overall increase in glutamate concentrations over time., Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that lithium has a bimodal action in hippocampal glutamate concentration depending on the plasma levels., (© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of CINP.)

Analysis on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in neurological diagnosis has always been considered to be a strong point among the main complementary examinations in Brazil. The present paper reviews the main events in the history of CSF in the neurological sciences, with emphasis on the founders of several CSF schools in our country from the beginning of the 20th century to the present time.

Lipid droplets, subspecies (Bos taurus indicus vs. Bos taurus taurus), and in vitro culture are known to influence cryopreservation of bovine embryos. Limited information is available regarding differences in membrane lipids in embryo, such as phosphatidylcholines (PC) and sphingomyelins (SM). The objective of the present study was to compare the profiles of several PC and SM species and relate this information to cytoplasmic lipid levels present in Nellore (B. taurus indicus) and Simmental (B. taurus taurus) blastocysts produced in vitro (IVP) or in vivo (ET). Simmental and IVP embryos had more cytoplasmic lipid content than Nellore and ET embryos (n = 30). Blastocysts were submitted to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. Differences in the PC profile were addressed by principal component analysis. The lipid species with PC (32:1) and PC (34:1) had higher ion abundances in Nellore embryos, whereas PC (34:2) was higher in Simmental embryos. IVP embryos had less abundant ions of PC (32:1), PC (34:2), and PC (36:5) compared to ET embryos. Moreover, ion abundance of PC (32:0) was higher in both Nellore and Simmental IVP embryos compared to ET embryos. Therefore, mass spectrometry profiles of PC and SM species significantly differ with regard to unsaturation level and carbon chain composition in bovine blastocysts due to subspecies and in vitro culture conditions. Because PC abundances of Nellore and Simmental embryos were distinct (34:1 vs. 34:2), as were those of IVP and ET embryos (32:0 vs. 36:5), they are potential markers of postcryopreservation embryonic survival.

Objectives: The Clinical Global Impression-Schizophrenia Scale was designed to assess severity and treatment response in subjects with schizophrenia involved in naturalistic studies and daily clinical practice. The objective of this study is to validate the Portuguese version of the Clinical Global Impression-Schizophrenia Scale in Brazil by assessing its psychometric properties., Method: Cross-sectional validation study of the Portuguese version of the Clinical Global Impression-Schizophrenia Scale, tested in outpatients and inpatients with schizophrenia (DSM-IV, ICD-10) from 6 centers in Brazil. Concurrent validity and sensitivity to change were assessed by comparison with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, which is considered the gold standard tool to evaluate patients with schizophrenia. Interrater reliability was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) calculated based on the scoring of two concomitant raters., Results: 70 inpatients and 70 outpatients were evaluated. Total Clinical Global Impression-Schizophrenia Scale and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale scores were highly correlated (r=0.79; p<0.01). Positive (r=0.86), negative (r=0.79), depressive (r=0.66) and cognitive (r=0.75) symptoms subscale scores were also correlated between both scales (p<0.01). Sensitivity to change was significantly correlated between the Clinical Global Impression-Schizophrenia Scale and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (r=0.73; p<0.01). Interrater reliability was substantial for positive symptoms and total scores of the Clinical Global Impression-Schizophrenia Scale (ICC=0.81 and 0.73), and moderate for negative, depressive, and cognitive symptoms score (0.64, 0.67 and 0.63, respectively)., Conclusions: The Brazilian version of the Clinical Global Impression-Schizophrenia Scale is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of severity and treatment response in schizophrenic inpatient and outpatients.

The Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Scientific Department of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology (SD-BAN) suggests the use of consent inform for patients submitted to lumbar puncture. It should be explained to the patients the possible complications related to CSF puncture. The laws related to the research in human beings have also been discussed by the CSF SD-BAN.

Background: The antihypertensive efficacy of drug therapy and of some nonpharmacologic recommendations has been demonstrated in controlled clinical trials, but not in a clinical setting., Objective: To assess the antihypertensive effectiveness of drug therapy and of three nonpharmacologic recommendations (loss of weight, salt-intake restriction, and physical exercise)., Design: A prospectively planned cohort study., Setting: A hospital-based hypertensive outpatient clinic., Patients: We studied 637 patients (65.5% women) with systolic blood pressures above 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressures above 90 mmHg, corresponding to 76% of 839 patients who were administered a prescription for hypertension and who returned for the first follow-up visit 3.5 months later on average., Methods: The nonpharmacologic prescription consisted of salt-intake restriction for all, weight reduction for overweight patients, and practice of aerobic physical exercise for those for whom it was not contraindicated; 60% of the patients were treated with drugs according to standard recommendations. Patients treated with drugs were compared with untreated subjects; for the nonpharmacologic interventions, the groups were compared according to their reported compliances with the recommendations (at least some compliance versus none). The main outcome measures were variations in systolic and diastolic blood pressures between the baseline evaluation and the first follow-up visit and an improvement in prognosis, represented by a favorable change in the classification of the blood pressure (according to Joint National Committee V criteria)., Results: The cohort constituted predominantly low-income, middle-aged, overweight white women, with low-to-moderate hypertension of long duration. The group treated with drugs exhibited the greatest reduction in blood pressure, with clinical significance even discounting the losses in follow-up; the group of patients who reported compliance with the low-energy-intake diet also showed a consistent antihypertensive effect, which was still detectable on the occasion of the third follow-up visit 9 months after the first prescription; reported compliance with a low-sodium diet and practice of physical exercise were not associated with a reduction in blood pressure; among a subset of the patients, reported compliance with the salt-intake-restricted diet did not reduce the amount of sodium to the theoretical antihypertensive threshold. It was not possible to determine whether the lack of an antihypertensive effect of physical exercise for this cohort was secondary to a misreport of the extent of compliance or to an absence of effect of the intensity of training prescribed. The effects of drug therapy and compliance with a low-energy-intake diet were shown to be independent of other interventions or confounders., Conclusion: The antihypertensive effect of drugs demonstrated in well-controlled clinical trials is achievable in clinical practice. The recommendation to lose weight was the only nonpharmacologic intervention with a detectable antihypertensive effect in this cohort. The absence of effect of a low-sodium diet is probably secondary to the insufficient reduction in the amount of salt consumed. The lack of an antihypertensive effect of physical exercise could reflect either a misreported compliance or an absence of effect of the intensity of training recommended in this study.