Produtividade de cana-de-açúcar de segundo corte fertilizada com organomineral de lodo de esgoto e bioestimulante/ Sugarcane sugarcane productivity fertilized with sewage sludge organomineral and bioestimulant

Objetivou-se avaliar a produtividade de cana-de-açúcar fertilizada com organomineral a base de lodo de esgoto com e sem bioestimulante. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições, consistindo: 100 % com fonte mineral; e 0; 60; 80; 100 e 120 % fonte organomineral (Sem e Com bioestimulante) a base de biossólido. Foram avaliados: perfilhamento e produtividade. Os resultados apontaram que o uso do bioestimulante não promoveram ganho em produtividade. As fontes organomineral de lodo de esgoto e mineral 100% não diferem. Não houve resposta aos diferentes percentuais de recomendação na produtividade da cana-de-açúcar aos 370 após o primeiro corte (DAPc)

Caracterização morfológica de nanocristais de celulose por microscopia de força atômica

O isolamento de nanocristais de celulose (CNCs) de fibras vegetais é uma alternativa promissora para suaaplicação como reforço em matrizes poliméricas. A caracterização dos CNCs é fundamental para a confiabilidadeda técnica, além de determinar as aplicações possíveis a partir de cada tipo de fibra. A partir da técnicade microscopia de força atômica, um estudo da morfologia e distribuição dos CNCs de semente de manga,vagem de algaroba, pseudocaule da bananeira e fibra do mesocarpo de dendê foi realizado neste trabalho. OsCNCs foram obtidos via reação hidrolítica com ácido sulfúrico em concentrações que variaram de acordocom a fonte da fibra. Os resultados obtidos revelaram dimensões variando de 300 a 500 nm em comprimentoe 4 a 16 nm em diâmetro. A apresentação morfológica em forma de agulha demonstrou que o isolamento dasfibras de celulose em CNCs foi efetiva. A razão de aspecto associada à formação cilíndrica em agulha dosCNCs isolados evidenciou o alto potencial das fontes de dendê e de vagem de algaroba para o reforço de bionanocompósitos

The effect of different interfaces during virtual game practice on motor performance of individuals with genetic ataxia: A cross-sectional study

Purpose: Reaching and coordination tasks are widely used in traditional physical rehabilitation programs for individuals with Ataxia. Virtual reality interventions could optimize the motor performance of these individuals; however, the type of virtual interface may influence performance during virtual practice. We aimed to estimate the extent of the effect of different interfaces (webcam and touchscreen) on the motor performance of individuals with various types of genetic ataxia, compared to a control group, during virtual computer game tasks. Methods: Repeated exposure quasi-experimental design, which included seventeen volunteers diagnosed with progressive ataxia between 21 and 64 years of age and sixteen age-matched controls. The virtual game tasks were based on the MoveHero software, performed using different interfaces (webcam or touchscreen). Subgroups of participants with genetic ataxia performed the virtual games using the interfaces in different orders (webcam interface followed by touchscreen interface, or vice-versa). The absolute error (AE), variable error (VE), number of hits, and anticipation were used to reflect the motor performance during the virtual task. Results: Participants with ataxia presented more variable and absolute errors, a lower number of hits, and greater anticipation error than controls (p<0.05). For participants with ataxia, a greater AE was found only in the sequence touchscreen followed by webcam interface (i.e., the sequence webcam before touchscreen presented lower AE). Conclusion: The group of participants with genetic ataxia presented lower performance than the control group regardless of the interface (webcam or touchscreen). The most interesting observation was that although practicing with the webcam interface offers features that make the task more complex than the touchscreen interface, resulting in lower performance, this interface facilitated performance in a subsequent touchscreen task only in individuals with ataxia, suggesting that a virtual interface engenders greater transfer to other tasks. Registered at Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (ReBEC) database number identifier: RBR-3q685r5

Effect of combined therapy of virtual reality and transcranial direct current stimulation in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: A study protocol for a triple-blinded randomized controlled crossover trial

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and therapy-based virtual reality (VR) have been investigated separately. They have shown promise as efficient and engaging new tools in the neurological rehabilitation of individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). However, the recent literature encourages investigation of the combination of therapy tools in order to potentiate clinic effects and its mechanisms. Methods: A triple-blinded randomised sham-controlled crossover trial will be performed. Thirty-six individuals with gross motor function of levels I to IV (aged 4–14 years old) will be recruited. Individuals will be randomly assigned to Group A (active first) or S (sham first): Group A will start with ten sessions of active tDSC combined with VR tasks. After a 1-month washout, this group will be reallocated to another ten sessions with sham tDCS combined with VR tasks. In contrast, Group S will carry out the opposite protocol, starting with sham tDCS. For the active tDCS the protocol will use low frequency tDCS [intensity of 1 milliampere (mA)] over the primary cortex (M1) area on the dominant side of the brain. Clinical evaluations (reaction times and coincident timing through VR, functional scales: Abilhand-Kids, ACTIVLIM-CP, Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-PEDI- and heart rate variability-HRV) will be performed at baseline, during, and after active and sham tDCS. Conclusion: tDCS has produced positive results in treating individuals with CP; thus, its combination with new technologies shows promise as a potential mechanism for improving neurological functioning. The results of this study may provide new insights into motor rehabilitation, thereby contributing to the better use of combined tDCS and VR in people with CP

ANÁLISE COMPARATIVA DO USO DE INIBIDORES DA ALFA-GLUCOSIDASE E DE INIBIDORES DA DPP-4 NO TRATAMENTO DA DIABETES TIPO 2

Considering the growing impact of type 2 diabetes on global public health, there is a justified need to explore effective therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis between alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and DPP-4 inhibitors, both used in the management of type 2 diabetes. To this end, a qualitative bibliographic review was conducted, covering multiple languages, using databases such as Scielo, Google Scholar, scientific journals, repositories, and virtual libraries. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select relevant studies that addressed the efficacy, side effects, mechanisms of action, and impact on glycemic control of these inhibitors. It was observed that DPP-4 inhibitors, such as Sitagliptin and Saxagliptin, are effective in reducing fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), in addition to presenting a favorable safety profile. On the other hand, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, such as Acarbose, stand out in reducing postprandial glucose but are frequently associated with adverse gastrointestinal effects such as flatulence and diarrhea. It is concluded that both classes of drugs have their specific advantages, with DPP-4 inhibitors being more effective in reducing HbA1C and better tolerated, while alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are particularly useful for controlling postprandial glucose. The choice of treatment should be individualized, considering the efficacy, tolerability, and specific needs of patients. Future studies may explore therapeutic combinations to maximize benefits and minimize adverse effects, as well as investigate treatments based on genetic characteristics and specific biomarkers for a more personalized management of type 2 diabetes.Considerando o crescente impacto da diabetes tipo 2 na saúde pública global, justifica-se a necessidade de explorar abordagens terapêuticas eficazes. Este estudo objetivou realizar uma análise comparativa entre inibidores da alfa-glucosidase e inibidores da DPP-4, ambos utilizados no manejo da diabetes tipo 2. Para tanto, procedeu-se a uma revisão bibliográfica qualitativa, abrangendo múltiplos idiomas, utilizando bases de dados como Scielo, Google Acadêmico, revistas científicas, repositórios e bibliotecas virtuais. Critérios de inclusão e exclusão foram aplicados para selecionar estudos relevantes que abordassem a eficácia, efeitos colaterais, mecanismos de ação e impacto no controle glicêmico desses inibidores. Observou-se que os inibidores da DPP-4, como Sitagliptina e Saxagliptina, são eficazes na redução da glicemia de jejum e na hemoglobina glicada (HbA1C), além de apresentarem um perfil de segurança favorável. Por outro lado, os inibidores da alfa-glucosidase, como a Acarbose, destacam-se na redução da glicemia pós-prandial, mas são frequentemente associados a efeitos gastrointestinais adversos, como flatulência e diarreia. Conclui-se que ambas as classes de medicamentos têm suas vantagens específicas, sendo os inibidores da DPP-4 mais eficazes na redução da HbA1C e melhor tolerados, enquanto os inibidores da alfa-glucosidase são particularmente úteis para controlar a glicemia pós-prandial. A escolha do tratamento deve ser individualizada, considerando a eficácia, a tolerabilidade e as necessidades específicas dos pacientes. Estudos futuros podem explorar combinações terapêuticas para maximizar os benefícios e minimizar os efeitos adversos, bem como investigar tratamentos baseados em características genéticas e biomarcadores específicos para um manejo mais personalizado da diabetes tipo 2. &nbsp

Caracterização morfológica de nanocristais de celulose por microscopia de força atômica

RESUMO O isolamento de nanocristais de celulose (CNCs) de fibras vegetais é uma alternativa promissora para sua aplicação como reforço em matrizes poliméricas. A caracterização dos CNCs é fundamental para a confiabilidade da técnica, além de determinar as aplicações possíveis a partir de cada tipo de fibra. A partir da técnica de microscopia de força atômica, um estudo da morfologia e distribuição dos CNCs de semente de manga, vagem de algaroba, pseudocaule da bananeira e fibra do mesocarpo de dendê foi realizado neste trabalho. Os CNCs foram obtidos via reação hidrolítica com ácido sulfúrico em concentrações que variaram de acordo com a fonte da fibra. Os resultados obtidos revelaram dimensões variando de 300 a 500 nm em comprimento e 4 a 16 nm em diâmetro. A apresentação morfológica em forma de agulha demonstrou que o isolamento das fibras de celulose em CNCs foi efetiva. A razão de aspecto associada à formação cilíndrica em agulha dos CNCs isolados evidenciou o alto potencial das fontes de dendê e de vagem de algaroba para o reforço de bionanocompósitos

Development of the nanoimmunosensor-AQP461-70 for the highly specific and sensitive diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders

As doenças do espectro da neuromielite óptica (ENMO) são caracterizadas por uma síndrome inflamatória do sistema nervoso central, caracterizada por neurite óptica e mielite transversa que afeta principalmente a medula espinal e os nervos ópticos. Estas síndromes têm forte indicativo de mecanismo de ação humoral (envolvendo anticorpos). O diagnóstico correto para ENMO é extremamente importante para melhorar o prognóstico dos pacientes acometidos por esta síndrome, por isso requer métodos altamente específicos e sensíveis. O teste CBA, método atual altamente recomendado para o diagnóstico do ENMO na detecção do anticorpo anti-AQP4, possui 100% de especificidade e 76% de sensibilidade. Neste trabalho, foram testados peptídeos das alças externas da proteína AQP4 (AQP461-70, AQP4131-140, AQP4141-150, e AQP4201-210), potenciais alvos do anti-AQP4, utilizando um nanoimunossensor de microscopia de força atômica para o desenvolvimento de um método de diagnóstico. Os resultados mostraram alta especificidade do nanoimunossensor-AQP461-70, tendo sido capaz de detectar o anti-AQP4 em amostras de IgGs purificadas do soro de pacientes do ENMO soropositivos com 100% de especificidade (95% IC 63,06-100,00), determinado pelo ponto de corte da força de adesão de 241,30 pN. Além disso, o nanoimunossensor distinguiu os pacientes do ENMO soropositivos dos indivíduos saudáveis, pacientes de esclerose múltipla e ENMO anti-AQP4 soronegativos, com sensibilidade de 81,25% (95% IC 56,50-99,43); resultado mais significante do que aquele obtido pelo método CBA. Os resultados indicam que as diferenças entre os fenótipos do ENMO estudados (anti-AQP4 soropositivo e anti-AQP4 soronegativo) se referem à epítopos específicos da doença. A ausência do anti-AQP4 em pacientes soronegativos pode ser devido à existência de uma sequência peptídica da proteína AQP4 diferente da AQP461-70 ou, ainda, à presença antígenos-alvo em outras proteínas que devem ser explorados para o diagnóstico deste fenótipo do ENMO.Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are inflammatory syndromes of the central nervous system, characterized by myelitis and optic neuritis events, which affect predominantly spinal cords and optic nerves. A precise diagnosis for NMOSD is crucial to improve patients\' prognostic, which requires highly specific and sensitive tests. The cell-based assay with a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 100% is the most recommended test to detect anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-Ab). Here, four AQP4 external loop peptides (AQP461-70, AQP4131-140, AQP4141-150, and AQP4201-210) were tested with an atomic force microscopy nanoimmunosensor to develop a diagnostic assay. The results show the highest reactivity with AQP461-70-nanoimunosensor. This assay was effective in detecting AQP4-Ab in sera of NMOSD patients with 100% specificity (95% CI 63.06-100.00), determined by the cut-off adhesion force value of 241.3 pN. NMOSD patients were successfully discriminated from a set of healthy volunteers, patients with multiple sclerosis, and AQP4-Ab-negative patients. AQP461-70 sensitivity was 81.25% (95% CI 56.50-99.43). This sensitivity value was higher than the obtained by CBA method. The results with the AQP461-70-nanoimmunosensor indicate that the differences between NMOSD seropositive and seronegative phenotypes are related to disease-specific epitopes. The absence of AQP4-Ab in sera of NMOSD AQP4-Ab-negative patients may be interpreted by assuming the existence of another potential AQP4 peptide sequence or non-AQP4 antigens for NMOSD diagnosis purposes

In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Plant-Derived Diterpenes against Bovine Mastitis Bacteria

We evaluated the antibacterial activity of three diterpenes isolated from natural sources against a panel of microorganisms responsible for bovine mastitis. ent-Copalic acid (CA) was the most active metabolite, with promising MIC values (from 1.56 to 6.25 µg mL−1) against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC and clinical isolate), Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Streptococcus dysgalactiae. We conducted time-kill assays of CA against S. aureus, a commensal organism considered to be a ubiquitous etiological agent of bovine mastitis in dairy farms worldwide. In the first 12 h, CA only inhibited the growth of the inoculums (bacteriostatic effect), but its bactericidal effect was clearly noted thereafter (between 12 and 24 h). In conclusion, CA should be considered for the control of several Gram-positive bacteria related to bovine mastitis

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with paediatric cancer in low-income, middle-income and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, observational cohort study

OBJECTIVES: Paediatric cancer is a leading cause of death for children. Children in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) were four times more likely to die than children in high-income countries (HICs). This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the COVID-19 pandemic had affected the delivery of healthcare services worldwide, and exacerbated the disparity in paediatric cancer outcomes between LMICs and HICs. DESIGN: A multicentre, international, collaborative cohort study. SETTING: 91 hospitals and cancer centres in 39 countries providing cancer treatment to paediatric patients between March and December 2020. PARTICIPANTS: Patients were included if they were under the age of 18 years, and newly diagnosed with or undergoing active cancer treatment for Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, Wilms' tumour, sarcoma, retinoblastoma, gliomas, medulloblastomas or neuroblastomas, in keeping with the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: All-cause mortality at 30 days and 90 days. RESULTS: 1660 patients were recruited. 219 children had changes to their treatment due to the pandemic. Patients in LMICs were primarily affected (n=182/219, 83.1%). Relative to patients with paediatric cancer in HICs, patients with paediatric cancer in LMICs had 12.1 (95% CI 2.93 to 50.3) and 7.9 (95% CI 3.2 to 19.7) times the odds of death at 30 days and 90 days, respectively, after presentation during the COVID-19 pandemic (p<0.001). After adjusting for confounders, patients with paediatric cancer in LMICs had 15.6 (95% CI 3.7 to 65.8) times the odds of death at 30 days (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected paediatric oncology service provision. It has disproportionately affected patients in LMICs, highlighting and compounding existing disparities in healthcare systems globally that need addressing urgently. However, many patients with paediatric cancer continued to receive their normal standard of care. This speaks to the adaptability and resilience of healthcare systems and healthcare workers globally