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No information is currently available on the profile of producers and production process of dry-aged beef in Brazil, to the best of the authors’ knowledge. We surveyed 37 Brazilian companies that were producing dry-aged beef in 2020 to investigate this market. The absolute and relative frequency of responses was calculated to obtain the sum, average, minimum, and maximum values. From the respondents, dry-aged beef was first produced in 2009, and most producers are located in big cities. Most respondents control and monitor chamber temperature; however, humidity and air velocity only are monitored. The aging period (mostly between 22 to 60 days) was the main indicator of product readiness. The process losses (water loss and crust trimming) can reach 65%. Some producers perform microbiological analyses to ensure product safety and others use tools such as GMP and SOP. The results of this survey may help governmental institutions to develop a standardized industrial protocol for producing dry-aged beef in Brazil.

ABSTRACT The limited temporal completeness and taxonomic accuracy of species lists, made available in a traditional manner in scientific publications, has always represented a problem. These lists are invariably limited to a few taxonomic groups and do not represent up-to-date knowledge of all species and classifications. In this context, the Brazilian megadiverse fauna is no exception, and the Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil (CTFB) (http://fauna.jbrj.gov.br/), made public in 2015, represents a database on biodiversity anchored on a list of valid and expertly recognized scientific names of animals in Brazil. The CTFB is updated in near real time by a team of more than 800 specialists. By January 1, 2024, the CTFB compiled 133,691 nominal species, with 125,138 that were considered valid. Most of the valid species were arthropods (82.3%, with more than 102,000 species) and chordates (7.69%, with over 11,000 species). These taxa were followed by a cluster composed of Mollusca (3,567 species), Platyhelminthes (2,292 species), Annelida (1,833 species), and Nematoda (1,447 species). All remaining groups had less than 1,000 species reported in Brazil, with Cnidaria (831 species), Porifera (628 species), Rotifera (606 species), and Bryozoa (520 species) representing those with more than 500 species. Analysis of the CTFB database can facilitate and direct efforts towards the discovery of new species in Brazil, but it is also fundamental in providing the best available list of valid nominal species to users, including those in science, health, conservation efforts, and any initiative involving animals. The importance of the CTFB is evidenced by the elevated number of citations in the scientific literature in diverse areas of biology, law, anthropology, education, forensic science, and veterinary science, among others.

Abstract The proteasome plays key roles in synaptic plasticity and memory by regulating protein turnover, quality control, and elimination of oxidized/misfolded proteins. Here, we investigate proteasome function and localization at synapses in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) post-mortem brain tissue and in experimental models. We found a marked increase in ubiquitinylated proteins in post-mortem AD hippocampi compared to controls. Using several experimental models, we show that amyloid-β oligomers (AβOs) inhibit synaptic proteasome activity and trigger a reduction in synaptic proteasome content. We further show proteasome inhibition specifically in hippocampal synaptic fractions derived from APPswePS1ΔE9 mice. Reduced synaptic proteasome activity instigated by AβOs is corrected by treatment with rolipram, a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, in mice. Results further show that dynein inhibition blocks AβO-induced reduction in dendritic proteasome content in hippocampal neurons. Finally, proteasome inhibition induces AD-like pathological features, including reactive oxygen species and dendritic spine loss in hippocampal neurons, inhibition of hippocampal mRNA translation, and memory impairment in mice. Results suggest that proteasome inhibition may contribute to synaptic and memory deficits in AD.

Watermelon is one of the most commonly grown vegetable crops worldwide due to the economic and nutritional importance of its fruits. The yield and quality of watermelon fruits are affected by constant attacks from pests, diseases, and weeds throughout all phenological stages of the crop. Labor shortages and unevenness of pesticide applications using backpack and tractor sprayers are significant challenges. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different spray nozzles (XR110015 and MGA60015) and application rates (8, 12, and 16 L ha−1) on droplet distribution on different targets in watermelon plants using an unmanned aerial vehicle. Water-sensitive papers were used as targets to analyze the droplet coverage, deposition, density, and volume median diameter. Data were collected from targets placed on the leaf adaxial and abaxial sides, fruit, apical bud, and stem of each plant. The mean droplet coverage and density increased as the application rate was increased, with no significant interaction between the factors or statistical difference between spray nozzles, except for the leaf abaxial side. No significant differences were found for the variables analyzed at application rates of 12 and 16 L ha−1, whereas significant differences were observed at 8 L ha−1. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles in watermelon crops is efficient; however, further studies should be conducted to evaluate their effectiveness in pest control and compare them with other application methods.

Introduction/Justification: 177Lu-PSMA can be a promissor therapy in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer. Objectives: Investigate 177Lu-PSMA therapy in Brazilian patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Materials and Methods: Data for this retrospective multicentric study was collected from 9 Brazilian centers from 6 federative units (SP, PE, CE, RJ, SC and DF) that performed at least two cycles of 177Lu-PSMA therapy in mCRPC. Data with skewed distribution were reported as median (min-max). Primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes was the maximal PSA response and hematological adverse events (HAE). Results: A total of 100 males were included, median age = 74 years old (min-max: 54 - 96 years old). 177Lu-PSMA was the fifth (median) line of therapy (min-max 2-10). A total of 333 cycles were performed with a median of 4 cycles (min-max 1-10). The mean overall survival was 12.8 months. Among the 72 patients with data available for the maximal PSA response at any time, 65% presented any PSA decline. 42% presented PSA decline ≥ 50% from baseline. 89% of patients did not present HAE or presented grades 1 or 2 HAE. Only 11% of patients presented grade 3 HAE. 0% of patients presented grade 4 HAE. Conclusion: 177Lu-PSMA therapy was effective and safe in the Brazilian population even with a median of 5th line of therapy (maximum 10th line). Overall survival and PSA decline ≥ 50% from baseline were similar to the literature data. Only 11% of patients presented grades 3 or 4 hematological adverse events.

Introduction/Justification: Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive cutaneous neoplasm characterized by a high tendency for recurrence and metastasis, primarily affecting older adults with fair skin. The introduction of PET/CT with 18F-FDG has significantly enhanced the diagnosis and management of MCC, providing superior sensitivity in detecting occult disease compared to computed tomography. This advancement profoundly impacts patient staging and therapeutic decisions. Similarly, non-Hodgkin lymphomas, a heterogeneous group of neoplasms originating from B cells, T cells, or natural killer cells, also benefit from PET/CT for diagnosis and follow-up, underscoring the significance of this modality in oncological practice. Herein, we present a rare case of synchronous Merkel cell carcinoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Report: A 61-year-old male patient with a history of treated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and multiple comorbidities presented with symptoms of progressive asthenia, night sweats without fever, weight loss, and a nodular reddish lesion on the left thigh; no palpable lymph nodes were found. Initial blood work showed pancytopenia; bone marrow biopsy did not reveal infiltration by high-grade histological non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but could not rule out focal infiltration by a low-grade histological lymphoma of immunophenotype B. Further investigation included a skin nodule biopsy, histopathologically consistent with Merkel cell carcinoma. PET/CT revealed extensive neoplastic involvement, including a retroperitoneal mass, neoplastic involvement of multiple bilateral lymph node chains, diffuse hyperdensities throughout the body, and a pulmonary nodule. Biopsy of the retroperitoneal mass confirmed low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma, suggesting a follicular subtype. The patient underwent resection of the Merkel cell carcinoma lesion in his thigh. A compromised deep margin was detected, warranting adjuvant radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin + etoposide, administered concurrently with rituximab for lymphoma treatment. Conclusion: This case underscores the complexity of diagnosing and treating synchronous neoplasms, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary and individualized approach. 18F-FDG-PET/CT plays a pivotal role in detecting occult disease and assessing the extent of the conditions in this setting.

Introduction/Justification: Triple-refractory multiple myeloma (MM) has a poor prognosis. It is a neoplasm with marked genomic heterogeneity, and recently, our group demonstrated marked uptake of 68Ga-PSMA-11 in some patients, suggesting the potential theranostic use of PSMA in selected cases (1). Herein, we report the initial treatment with 177Lu-PSMA in a patient with refractory MM. Report: A 76-year-old male patient with IgA/Kappa MM refractory to 6 therapeutic lines, including daratumumab, lenalidomide, and bortezomib, underwent PET/CT with 18F-PSMA-1007, showing marked tracer uptake in multiple osteolytic lesions, several with extensive soft tissue components. A PET/CT with 18F-FDG was also performed, revealing similar findings. A first dose of 7,400 MBq (200 mCi) of 177Lu-PSMA-I&T was administered. The procedure was well tolerated, with slight clinical improvement observed in the week following the infusion. Visual analysis of whole-body scans performed at 21h, 30h, and 7 days demonstrated moderate tracer uptake, lower than that observed with 18F-PSMA-1007. There was slight washout between images at 21h and 30h and moderate/significant washout after 7 days. After 4 weeks, PET/CTs with 18F-PSMA and 18F-FDG were repeated, showing similar findings to the initial scans, with a slight reduction in tracer uptake in some lesions. There was also an increase in the volume of some soft tissue lesions, attributed to post-treatment inflammation. The patient received a second dose of 7,400 MBq (200 mCi) of 177Lu-PSMA-I&T after 6 weeks, and whole-body scans were performed at 2h and 24h, also showing visually lower uptake compared to 18F-PSMA-1007. The patient experienced an intercurrent femoral fracture, limiting mobility for clinical evaluation and subsequent procedures, ultimately leading to their passing after a few days. Conclusion: This preliminary report suggests that treatment of MM with 177Lu-PSMA is feasible and well tolerated after 2 initial doses. The uptake of 177Lu-PSMA-I&T was visually lower than that of 18F-PSMA-1007, which does not seem to be solely explained by the different resolution of images obtained from different tracers and equipment. There was a slight clinical and imaging response after the first dose, out of a total of 6 planned. A fracture complication and the severity of the case prevented imaging evaluation after the 2nd dose and further treatment continuation. PSMA-177Lu therapy in MM treatment appears to be safe with an initial favorable response, albeit slight. Studies with complete treatments (6 cycles) and in clinically less severe patients are needed to assess the effectiveness of the procedure.

Este estudo buscou investigar a aplicabilidade da talidomida no manejo da dor na endometriose induzida em animais. Foi realizada uma revisão de escopo confeccionada e organizada seguindo o método Joanna Briggs Institute, além de seguir os padrões do PRISMA – ScR. Foram feitas pesquisas em seis bases de dados eletrônicas associando descritores e as palavras chaves, por meio de busca booleana correspondente aos blocos conceituais voltados para recuperação de estudos sobre endometriose, dor, manejo da dor e talidomida. Os países dos estudos foram: Irã (n =1, 50%) e Turquia (n = 1, 50%). Todos os artigos (n = 2; 100%) foram publicados em inglês. Quanto ao ano de publicação, observa-se que todos foram publicados nos últimos 10 anos. Nos estudos onde há comparação entre talidomida e placebo observa-se que há uma alta resposta associada com a redução de fatores inflamatórios impactando diretamente na melhora clínica dos quadros álgicos com benefícios que levam até a redução de fatores de crescimento e controle do ciclo das metaloproteinases (MPP). A busca dos estudos mostrou a atividade antiangiogênica e anti-inflamatória do fármaco, o que sugere uma opção para ser utilizada como tratamento de dor, contudo poucas literaturas estão disponíveis com talidomida.

Abstract The present paper describes a new species of freshwater crayfish of the genus Parastacus Huxley, 1879 from the municipality of Amaral Ferrador in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, evaluates its conservation status according to the IUCN Red List Criteria (sub-criterion B1), and updates the identification key for the genus. Parastacus longidactylus sp. n. differs from all analyzed species by the large eyes, the prominent and wide rostral carinae, surpassing the rostral basis and extending to the proximal third of the postorbital carinae, postorbital carinae and rostral carinae prominent and with similar lengths, chelipeds carpus dorsomedial surface not divided longitudinally by groove and long dactylus, surpassing the fixed finger. The possible extent of occurrence was estimated to be 6,968 km² and the species was recorded in only one location in the Camaquã River basin. The main threats to the region are the replacement of native vegetation by crops and livestock, water pollution and soil erosion. However, because there is only one known location where Parastacus longidactylus sp. n. occurs we suggest classifying the species as Data Deficient.

Fiber-reinforced cement composites, particularly those incorporating natural fibers like cellulose, have gained attention for their potential towards more sustainable construction. However, natural fibers present inherent deficiencies in mechanical properties and can benefit from hybridization with carbon fibers. This study focuses on the incorporation of cellulose and carbon fibers, in varying contents, into fibrocement composites, employing a Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to optimize the material characteristics. The methodology involves testing, encompassing flexural tensile, compression, and fracture toughness tests. The results indicate an increasing trend in flexural strength for higher carbon fiber content, peaking near 5%. A plateau in flexural strength is observed between 1.2% and 3.6% carbon fiber content, suggesting a range where mechanical properties stabilize. Compressive strength shows a plateau between 1.2 and 3.6% and reaches its highest value (≈33 MPa) at a carbon fiber content greater than 4.8%, and fracture toughness above 320 MPa·m1/2 is achieved with carbon fiber content above 3.6%. This study offers insights into optimizing the synergistic effects of cellulose and carbon fibers in fibrocement composites.

Papain (an enzyme from the latex of Carica papaya) is an interesting natural bioactive macromolecule used as therapeutic alternative for wound healing due to debridement action in devitalized or necrotic tissues. However, its use in high doses can induce potential skin irritation and side effects. In this study, experiments explored the ability of chitosan membrane to immobilize papain, consequently improving enzymatic activity and controlling enzyme release. Papain-loading capacity was tested via experiments of force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM-FEG), and X-ray diffraction analyses. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal analyses assessed the enzyme interactions with the copolymer. The investigation of the feasibility of membranes included pH on the surface, elasticity, and breaking strength measurements. The surface wettability and swelling capacity of different formulations revealed the best formulation for in vitro papain release experiments. The membranes had a transparent, rough, crystalline characteristic, which was homogeneous with the membrane within the neutrality. The immobilization of papain in the chitosan membrane resulted in a decrease in the vibration band characteristic of pure papain, suggesting a displacement in the vibration bands in the FTIR spectrum. The presence of papain decreased hydrophobicity on the surface of the membrane and disturbed the membrane’s ability to swell. Chitosan membranes containing papain 2.5% (0.04 g) and 5.0% (0.08 g) preserved feasible properties and improved the enzymatic activity compared (0.87 ± 0.12 AU/mg and 1.59 ± 0.10 AU/mg) with a free papain sample (0.0042 ± 0.001 AU/mg). Concentrations of over 10% (0.16 g) led to phase separation into membranes. Chitosan membranes exhibited a slow papain release behavior adjusted via the Higushi model. The experimental achievements suggest a novel and promising method for the enhancement of papain. The results indicate the potential for prolonged bioactivity for use on wounds.

Developing a new type of polyurethane is essential because conventional options often exhibit shortcomings in terms of environmental sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and performance in specialized applications. A novel polyurethane adhesive derived from a simple mixture of castor oil (CO) and crude glycerin (CG) holds promise as it reduces reliance on fossil fuels and harnesses renewable resources, making it environmentally friendly. Simple CO/CG mixtures, adjusted at three different weight fractions, were used as bio-based polyester polyols to produce polyurethane adhesive for wood bonding. The resulting products are yellowish liquids with moderate-to-high viscosity, measuring 19,800–21,000 cP at 25 °C. The chemical structure of the polyester polyols was characterized using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). These polyols reacted with polymeric 4,4-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (p-MDI) at a consistent isocyanate index of 1.3, resulting in the formation of polyurethane adhesives. Crucially, all final adhesives met the adhesive strength requirements specified by ASTM D-5751 standards, underscoring their suitability for wood bonding applications. The addition of CG enhanced the surface and volumetric hydrophobicity of the cured adhesives, resulting in adhesive properties that are not only stronger but also more weather-resistant. Although the thermal stability of the adhesives decreased with the inclusion of CG, FTIR analysis confirmed proper polyurethane polymer formation. The adhesive adjusted for a 2:1 CO:CG weight ratio promoted wood–wood bonding with the highest shear strength, likely due to a higher formation of urethane linkages between hydroxyl groups from the blend of polyols and isocyanate groups from the p-MDI.

Em meio a pandemia do novo coronavírus muitas notícias falsas têm circulado pelas redes sociais e alcançado uma grande parte da população. Boa parte dos afetados pelas famosas fake news são alunos de escolas públicas do estado do Rio de Janeiro. É papel do professor discuti-las e esclarecê-las em sala de aula de forma presencial ou remota para que não se propaguem ainda mais, colaborando na formação de cidadãos com senso crítico, sem uma visão deturpada dos fatos. Este trabalho elaborou um formulário eletrônico com doze perguntas sobre conteúdos de química, ciências e atualidades envolvendo a pandemia da COVID-19 para avaliar como as fake news influenciam o pensamento dos alunos. Ele foi aplicado a 207 alunos de Ensino Médio de três escolas estaduais do Rio de Janeiro. A análise dos resultados mostrou a necessidade deste tipo de discussão em sala de aula pois, assuntos bastante debatidos ainda causam confusão, tais como escala de pH e o uso de drogas como a hidroxicloroquina. Observou-se uma boa noção dos alunos quanto ao modo de proteção ao vírus e a métodos “milagrosos” de cura ou prevenção. O trabalho reforçou a ideia de quão importante é a discussão sobre fake news durante a pandemia, pelas plataformas digitais que os professores e alunos têm acesso, mas também após o término do isolamento social, a partir de medidas didáticas no ambiente escolar. Palavras-chave: Ciências; Coronavírus; informações falsas.

Abstract Understanding habitat-level variation in community structure provides an informed basis for natural resources’ management. Reef fishes are a major component of tropical marine biodiversity, but their abundance and distribution are poorly assessed beyond conventional SCUBA diving depths. Based on a baited-video survey of fish assemblages in Southwestern Atlantic’s most biodiverse region we show that species composition responded mainly to the two major hard-bottom megahabitats (reefs and rhodolith beds) and to the amount of light reaching the bottom. Both megahabitats encompassed typical reef fish assemblages but, unexpectedly, richness in rhodolith beds and reefs was equivalent. The dissimilar fish biomass and trophic structure in reefs and rhodolith beds indicates that these systems function based on contrasting energy pathways, such as the much lower herbivory recorded in the latter. Rhodolith beds, the dominant benthic megahabitat in the tropical Southwestern Atlantic shelf, play an underrated role as fish habitats, and it is critical that they are considered in conservation planning.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to define management zones (MZs) for fertirrigated açaí cultivation, based on spatial variability of the foliar nutrients and productivity data. The work was carried out in an area of 5.75 ha of a 7-year crop, with 80 georeferenced sample points. Fresh fruit productivity and nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) contents were determined. The average contents of macronutrients were considered adequate for adult açaí plants, and their spatial dependence associated with fruit productivity allowed the representation of their distributions through maps of variability. Through multivariate analysis, three main components were highlighted. These components explained 51.5 % of the total variability of the data, where PC1 showed a higher correlation with Ca, Mg, K, and P. In addition, three MZs were obtained, out of which one with the highest productivity showed the best Ca, Mg, S, B, and Fe leaf contents. Principal component analysis and determination of MZs emphasized Ca and Mg nutrition as being more related to spatial variability and açaí fruit productivity.

Ainda que o cineasta soviético Dziga Viértov (1896-1954) não realizasse filmes-diário em um sentido estrito, este artigo investiga a forma pela qual parte de sua obra da década de 1920 pode ser vista como atravessada por uma noção, ainda que difusa, de diário. Ela se expressaria tanto por meio de menções diretas a diários em seus filmes e escritos quanto por meio de uma contínua intenção ora concretizada, ora apenas planejada, de autorrepresentação dos kinocs nos trabalhos realizados pelo grupo – uma prática que sugere a possibilidade de vermos ao longo de filmes, esboços e projetos não-realizados a construção de um fragmentário “diário profissional coletivo”. Nesse sentido, O homem com a câmera (1929) é analisado pelo prisma de seu subtítulo “Excerto do diário de um cinegrafista”, uma fórmula cuja importância, historicamente, foi relativizada talvez em demasia pelos estudos viertovianos.

Abstract: This article aims to assess the relationship between an individual’s socioeconomic status over their life-course and their body mass index (BMI) at 22 years of age, according to the hypotheses generated by risk accumulation, critical period, and social mobility models. This was a population-based prospective study based on the Pelotas (Brazil) 1993 birth cohort. The risk accumulation, critical period, and social mobility models were tested in relation to a saturated model and compared with a partial F-test. After the best model was chosen, linear regression was carried out to determine the crude and adjusted regression coefficients of the association between socioeconomic status over the life-course and BMI at 22 years of age. The sample was comprised of 3,292 individuals (53.3% women). We found dose-response effect for both men and women, although the results were opposite. Among men, a lower score in socioeconomic status accumulation model led to a lower BMI average at 22 years of age; whereas among women, a lower score in socioeconomic status accumulation model caused an increase in BMI at 22 years of age.

ABSTRACT Among a variety of hybrids produced in Brazil, tambatinga is obtained from the crossing of a tambaqui female with a pirapitinga male. Although rapid weight gain in less time is an attractive characteristic from a commercial viewpoint, the information on its nutritional requirements, especially amino acid requirements, is limited. As corn and soybean meal-based diets available for fish contain deficient levels of essential amino acid methionine, our objective was to determine the digestible methionine plus cystine to lysine ratio in diets for tambatinga fingerlings. We used 900 fish with initial weights varying from 1.49 ±0.59 to 4.14 ±1.70 g, and they were fed six types of diets with different digestible methionine plus cystine to lysine ratios (50, 55, 60, 65, 70, and 75%). Performance parameters such as food efficiency, body depositions of protein, fat, and ash, and nitrogen retention efficiency were evaluated. The increase of digestible methionine plus cystine to lysine ratio in the diet improved quadraticly the feed intake, consumption of digestible methionine plus cystine, weight gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion, protein deposition and body ash and retention efficiency nitrogen until the estimated ratios of 57%, 73%, 58%, 58% and 59%, 59%, 58% and 60%, respectively; and reduced linearly the efficiency of using methionine plus cystine for the weight gain. On the other hand, body fat deposition was not affected. We concluded that the digestible methionine plus cystine: lysine ratio in the rations for tambatinga fingerlings is 59%, for provide better performance and body protein deposition.

ABSTRACT Cross breeding of native fish species is a technique to produce hybrids that can express higher weight gain and feed efficiency compared to the parental species. The digestible threonine requirement in diets for tambatinga fingerlings (Colossoma macropomum ♀ x Piaractus brachypomus ♂) was determined in this study. For this, 700 fingerlings with an average initial weight of 2.39 ±0.02 g and average final weight of 35.96 ±2.03 g were distributed in a completely randomized design consisting of six treatments (0.600, 0.800, 1.000, 1.200, 1.400, and 1.600% digestible threonine) and five replicates per treatment, with 20 fish per experimental unit. Diets were formulated by the “diet dilution” technique using the ideal protein concept. Performance, feed efficiency, body depositions of protein, ash and fat, and nitrogen retention efficiency of the fish were evaluated. The digestible threonine levels that optimized weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio were 1.40, 1.27 and 1.10%, respectively. Body deposition of fat was reduced in a quadratic manner (p

Abstract Primary or secondary bone tumors can manifest in different ways, from simple bone pain to possible pathological fractures. Hypervascularized tumors are of greatest concern, with increased incidence of complications. Preoperative embolization of the bone tumor is an effective measure for reducing blood loss during open surgery to excise the tumor. With appropriate experience, the risks of the procedure are minimal and final outcomes are highly satisfactory. The purpose of this paper is to describe the case of a 43-year-old male patient with a metastatic renal cell tumor in the left proximal femur (seen on lower limb computed tomography) who underwent selective preoperative embolization. The procedure resulted in a remarkable absence of bleeding and successful response to subsequent onco-orthopedic surgery.

The objective of this study was to determine the appropriate ratio of methionine plus cystine to lysine in rations for tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) juveniles, with initial weights of 0.28 ± 0.08 g and 0.94 ± 0.33 g. A randomized block design consisting of six treatments, five replicates in two blocks, and 20 fish per replicate was implemented. Six isolisinic (1.45%), isoenergetic, isophosphoric, and isocalcic diets, containing different ratios of methionine plus cystine to digestible lysine (50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, and 75%) were used. Performance and feed efficiency variables, including body composition (moisture, protein, and fat), daily protein deposition rate, daily fat deposition rate, and nitrogen retention efficiency, were evaluated. The specific growth rate and feed conversion presented quadratic effects, with maximum effects from the digestible methionine plus cystine to lysine ratio of 64.4% and 64.8%, respectively. The increase in digestible methionine plus cystine intake resulted in a linear reduction in body fat content with the elevation of the digestible methionine plus cystine to lysine ratio. The digestible methionine plus cystine to lysine ratio recommended in rations for tambaqui fingerlings is 64.8%.

O artigo busca realizar uma análise sobre o conceito jurídico de dívida pública, bem como eventuais limites a ela impostos pelo ordenamento, e a posição que as transferências adquirem dentro desta definição e do orçamento público. Será identificado o posicionamento ocupado pelo BNDES dentro da Administração e as funções que ele desempenha atualmente. Em seguida, serão apontados alguns problemas nos campos jurídicos e econômicos suscitados pela concessão dos subsídios em determinado período de tempo. Por fim, serão analisadas, levando-se em conta, sempre, o trade-off existente entre gastos despendidos e riscos assumidos, as compatibilidades entre os problemas apontados e as definições e conceitos levantados, dentro de um contexto instrumental do Direito em um quadro de atuação estatal na busca pelo desenvolvimento, para que se possa chegar a algumas conclusões elucidativas, as quais poderão ser objeto de trabalhos futuros.

Abstract Cymothoa ianuariiSchioedte & Meinert, 1884 is rediscovered almost 136 years after its original description and redescribed from specimens collected in the state of São Paulo. This species is mainly characterized by adult females with cephalon with conspicuous eyes and not deeply immersed in pereonite 1, pereonites 5-6 much wider than 4, pleotelson twice as wide as long and pleopods 1-5 decreasing in size; Cymothoa excisaPerty, 1833 and C. oestrum (Linnaeus, 1758) are recorded from the state of Bahia. Illustrations and an updated distribution map for these species in Brazil are provided.

ABSTRACT Methionine is an essential amino acid, and generally, the first limiting one in the diets of tambaqui, the main native fish produced in continental aquaculture in South America. However, there is a lack of information on their amino acid requirement, especially for maintenance and efficiency of utilization. The present study aimed to determine the requirement of [methionine plus cystine] for the maintenance and efficiency of utilization using tambaqui of different body weights. Two experiments were carried out using 250 tambaqui with weights of 100 and 300 g. They were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatment groups (0.264, 0.396, 0.528, and 0.660% of digestible [Met + Cys]), five replications. The control treatment (CT) was performed with the addition of methionine at the first level (0.264%) until the second level was reached (0.396%). The maintenance requirement was determined by the regression analysis between the consumption of [Met + Cys] and protein retention equal to zero. The efficiency was determined using the value of the slope coefficient of the line obtained by the linear regression. The protein and methionine retention values of tambaqui weighing 100 to 300 g were compared by the parallelism test, and no difference was observed between the parameters of the equations indicating the need for only one equation to describe the responses to body weights. The requirement of digestible [Met + Cys] for the maintenance of tambaqui with weights from 100 to 300 g was 60.47 mg kg-0.7 day-1 and the efficiency of utilization of 42%.

This study aimed at determine the digestible lysine requirement of tambaqui juveniles using the diet dilution technique. A total of 250 juveniles tambaqui with an initial mean of 22.99 ± 1.06 g were used in a dose-response experiment with five levels of digestible lysine (0.865, 1.125, 1.383, 1.644 and 1.903%) and five replication per treatment. The digestible lysine levels evaluated did not influence the feed intake (P > 0.05), but there was a linear effect (P < 0.05) on the digestible lysine intake. Quadratic effects on weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and body protein deposition were observed, estimating the requirements at 1.39; 1.37; 1.37 and 1.58% digestible lysine, respectively. Since there was no effect on the feed intake and, consequently, on energy consumption, the improvements in feed conversion ratio and weight gain occurred owing to the better amino acid balance of the rations in the requirement of digestible lysine. The requirement for digestible lysine in the diet for tambaqui juveniles was determined at 1.58% by the body protein deposition, which corresponds to 5.76% dietary crude protein.

In the oral cavity, Candida species form mixed biofilms with Streptococcus mutans, a pathogenic bacterium that can secrete quorum sensing molecules with antifungal activity. In this study, we extracted and fractioned culture filtrate of S. mutans, seeking antifungal agents capable of inhibiting the biofilms, filamentation, and candidiasis by Candida albicans. Active S. mutans UA159 supernatant filtrate components were extracted via liquid-liquid partition and fractionated on a C-18 silica column to resolve S. mutans fraction 1 (SM-F1) and fraction 2 (SM-F2). We found anti-biofilm activity for both SM-F1 and SM-F2 in a dose dependent manner and fungal growth was reduced by 2.59 and 5.98 log for SM-F1 and SM-F2, respectively. The SM-F1 and SM-F2 fractions were also capable of reducing C. albicans filamentation, however statistically significant differences were only observed for the SM-F2 (p = 0.004). SM-F2 efficacy to inhibit C. albicans was confirmed by its capacity to downregulate filamentation genes CPH1, EFG1, HWP1, and UME6. Using Galleria mellonella as an invertebrate infection model, therapeutic treatment with SM-F2 prolonged larvae survival. Examination of the antifungal capacity was extended to a murine model of oral candidiasis that exhibited a reduction in C. albicans colonization (CFU/mL) in the oral cavity when treated with SM-F1 (2.46 log) and SM-F2 (2.34 log) compared to the control (3.25 log). Although both SM-F1 and SM-F2 fractions decreased candidiasis in mice, only SM-F2 exhibited significant quantitative differences compared to the non-treated group for macroscopic lesions, hyphae invasion, tissue lesions, and inflammatory infiltrate. Taken together, these results indicate that the SM-F2 fraction contains antifungal components, providing a promising resource in the discovery of new inhibitors for oral candidiasis.