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New psychoactive substances (NPS) are often synthesized via small changes in the molecular structure, producing drugs whose effect and potency are not yet fully known. Ketamine is one of the oldest NPS, with therapeutic use in human and veterinary medicine authorized in several countries, being metabolized mainly into norketamine and 6-hydroxy-norketamine. Furthermore, two structural analogues of ketamine have recently been identified, deschloroketamine and 2-fluorodeschloroketamine, marketed as drugs of abuse. To comply with Green Analytical Toxicology (GAT) fundamentals, miniaturized techniques such as dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) were employed to determine toxicants in biological fluids. An analytical method for determining ketamine, its metabolites and its analogues in oral fluid was fully developed and validated by using DLLME and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). The extraction parameters were optimized by multivariate analysis, obtaining the best conditions with 200 µL of sample, 100 µL of methanol as dispersive solvent and 50 µL of chloroform as extractor solvent. Linearity was obtained from 10 to 1,000 ng/mL, with limit of detection (LOD) and lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) at 10 ng/mL. Imprecision (% relative standard deviation) and bias (%) were less than 8.2% and 9.5%, respectively. The matrix effect did not exceed 10.6%, and the recovery values varied from 24% to 42%. No matrix interference and good selectivity in the evaluation of 10 different sources of oral fluid and 42 drugs at 500 ng/mL, respectively, were observed. The method was applied in the analysis of 29 authentic oral fluid samples and had its green characteristic evaluated by three different tools: the Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI), the Analytical Eco-Scale and the Analytical GREEnness (AGREE) metrics.

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BACKGROUND: classical models of microsurgical anastomosis training are expensive and have ethical implications. Some alternatives join low cost and easiness to store. However, the translation of knowledge acquired by training in these methods into the traditional ones is not clear. This project aims to assess the feasibility of konjac noodles as a reliable microsurgery-training model. METHODS: 10 neurosurgery residents performed an end-to-end anastomosis in a 2-3mm placenta artery. The anastomoses were evaluated quantitatively, recording time; and qualitatively, applying a validated score (Anastomosis Lapse Index - ALI) by three experienced neurosurgeons and verifying the presence of gross leakage through the infusion of fluorescein. Subsequently, they performed 10 non-consecutive sessions of anastomosis training in the konjac noodle. Eventually, a final anastomosis in the placenta model was performed and the same parameters were scored. RESULTS: we observed a 17min reduction in the mean time to perform the anastomosis in the placenta model after the training in the konjac (p<0.05). There was a non-significant 20% reduction in gross leakage, but the training sessions were not able to consistently improve the ALI score. CONCLUSIONS: we demonstrate a reduction in anastomosis performing time in placental arteries after training sessions in the konjac noodle model, which can be regarded as a feasible low-cost method, particularly useful in centers with surgical microscopes only in the operation room.

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Background and objectives: due to the increase in the number of cases of the new coronavirus in the city of Codó-MA, there was a need to carry out a study on the spread of COVID-19 in the municipality in order to have a better knowledge and understanding of the problem. A study was carried out on the spread of COVID-19 in the city of Codó-MA, comparing the quantitative data on the number of cases in 2020 and 2021 between May and July and using the epidemiological model Susceptible-Infectious-Isolated-Recovered (SIQR). Methods: we collected daily data from the epidemiological bulletins made available by the Municipal Health Department of Codó (SEMUS-Codó), we chose the SIQR compartmental model to carry out the simulations, we assumed hypotheses and estimated the parameters in order to design the scenarios. We simulated scenarios such as social distancing of healthy individuals and social isolation of infected individuals. Results: in early 2020, cases increased more frequently than in early 2021, and approximately 20% of those infected were in social isolation. According to projections, more than 80% of cases of COVID-19 were not accounted for in Codó. In 2021, there was greater underreporting than in 2020, approximately 82% and 85%, respectively. Conclusion: from the results, the authors conclude that the social isolation of those infected is a more efficient method to contain an epidemic than the total blockade of the population and that the high number of underreported cases is because most of these cases are asymptomatic.(AU)

Justificativa e objetivos: devido ao aumento do número de casos do novo coronavírus na cidade de Codó-MA, viu-se a necessidade para fazer um estudo sobre a propagação da COVID-19 no município para a ter melhor conhecimento e entendimento do problema. Foi realizado um estudo sobre a disseminação da COVID-19 na cidade de Codó-MA, sendo comparados os dados quantitativos dos números de casos nos anos de 2020 e 2021 entre os meses de maio e julho e utilizando o modelo epidemiológico Suscetíveis-Infecciosos-Isolados-Recuperados (SIQR). Métodos: coletamos os dados diários dos boletins epidemiológicos disponibilizados pela Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Codó (SEMUS- Codó), escolhemos o modelo compartimental SIQR para a realização das simulações, supomos hipóteses e estimamos os parâmetros para podermos projetar os cenários. Simulamos cenários, tais como distanciamento social dos indivíduos sadios e isolamento social dos indivíduos infectados. Resultados: no início de 2020, os casos aumentaram com mais frequência do que no início de 2021, e aproximadamente 20% dos infectados estavam em isolamento social. De acordo com as projeções, mais de 80% dos casos de COVID-19 não foram contabilizados em Codó. Em 2021, houve maior subnotificação do que em 2020, aproximadamente 82% e 85%, respectivamente. Conclusão: a partir dos resultados, os autores concluem que o isolamento social dos infectados é um método mais eficiente para conter uma epidemia do que o bloqueio total da população e que o alto número de casos subnotificados são porque a maioria desses casos são assintomáticos.(AU)

Antecedentes y objetivos debido al incremento en el número de casos del nuevo coronavirus en la ciudad de Codó-MA, surgió la necesidad de realizar un estudio sobre la propagación del COVID-19 en el municipio con el fin de tener un mejor conocimiento y comprensión de el problema. Se realizó un estudio sobre la propagación del COVID-19 en la ciudad de Codó-MA, comparando datos cuantitativos del número de casos en 2020 y 2021 entre mayo y julio y utilizando el modelo epidemiológico Susceptible-Infeccioso-Aislado-Recuperado (SIQR). Métodos: recolectamos datos diarios de los boletines epidemiológicos que pone a disposición la Secretaría Municipal de Salud de Codó (SEMUS-Codó), elegimos el modelo compartimental SIQR para realizar las simulaciones, asumimos hipótesis y estimamos los parámetros para poder diseñar los escenarios. Simulamos escenarios como el distanciamiento social de personas sanas y el aislamiento social de personas infectadas. Resultados: a principios de 2020, los casos aumentaron con más frecuencia que a principios de 2021, y aproximadamente el 20% de los infectados se encontraban en aislamiento social. Según proyecciones, en Codó no se contabilizaron más del 80% de los casos de COVID-19. En 2021 hubo mayor subregistro que en 2020, aproximadamente 82% y 85%, respectivamente. Conclusión: de los resultados, los autores concluyen que el aislamiento social de los contagiados es un método más eficiente para contener una epidemia que el bloqueo total de la población y que el alto número de casos subregistrados se debe a que la mayoría de estos casos son asintomáticos.(AU)

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Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is one of the most important crops in human food production. The occurrence of diseases, such as white mold, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum can limit the production of this legume. The use of Trichoderma has become an important strategy in the suppression of this disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by Trichoderma azevedoi CEN1241 in five different growth periods on the severity of white mold in common bean. The in vitro assays were carried out in double-plate and split-plate, and the in vivo assays, through the exposure of the mycelia of S. sclerotiorum to the VOCs of T. azevedoi CEN1241 and subsequent inoculation in bean plants. Chemical analysis by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry detected 37 VOCs produced by T. azevedoi CEN1241, covering six major chemical classes. The profile of VOCs produced by T. azevedoi CEN1241 varied according to colony age and was shown to be related to the ability of the biocontrol agent to suppress S. sclerotiorum. T. azevedoi CEN1241 VOCs reduced the size of S. sclerotiorum lesions on bean fragments in vitro and reduced disease severity in a greenhouse. This study demonstrated in a more applied way that the mechanism of antibiosis through the production of volatile compounds exerted by Trichoderma can complement other mechanisms, such as parasitism and competition, thus contributing to a better efficiency in the control of white mold in bean plants.

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ABSTRACT Background: classical models of microsurgical anastomosis training are expensive and have ethical implications. Some alternatives join low cost and easiness to store. However, the translation of knowledge acquired by training in these methods into the traditional ones is not clear. This project aims to assess the feasibility of konjac noodles as a reliable microsurgery-training model. Methods: 10 neurosurgery residents performed an end-to-end anastomosis in a 2-3mm placenta artery. The anastomoses were evaluated quantitatively, recording time; and qualitatively, applying a validated score (Anastomosis Lapse Index - ALI) by three experienced neurosurgeons and verifying the presence of gross leakage through the infusion of fluorescein. Subsequently, they performed 10 non-consecutive sessions of anastomosis training in the konjac noodle. Eventually, a final anastomosis in the placenta model was performed and the same parameters were scored. Results: we observed a 17min reduction in the mean time to perform the anastomosis in the placenta model after the training in the konjac (p<0.05). There was a non-significant 20% reduction in gross leakage, but the training sessions were not able to consistently improve the ALI score. Conclusions: we demonstrate a reduction in anastomosis performing time in placental arteries after training sessions in the konjac noodle model, which can be regarded as a feasible low-cost method, particularly useful in centers with surgical microscopes only in the operation room.

ABSTRACT Introdução: modelos tradicionais de treinamento de anastomose microcirúrgica costumam ter custos elevados e implicações éticas de aquisição e manutenção, buscando-se alternativas que reúnam baixo custo e facilidade de armazenamento. Existem diferentes propostas, porém há poucas evidências de que conhecimentos adquiridos com o treinamento nessas plataformas se traduza em melhora na performance, quando estes são comparados a modelos consagrados. Este projeto objetiva avaliar a viabilidade do macarrão de konjac como modelo confiável de treinamento microcirúrgico. Métodos: 10 residentes de neurocirurgia realizaram uma anastomose término-terminal em artéria placentária humana de 2-3mm. As anastomoses foram avaliadas quantitativamente, registrando-se o tempo de confecção e qualitativamente, aplicando-se um escore validado (Anastomosis Lapse Index - ALI) por neurocirurgiões experientes e verificando-se a presença de vazamento grosseiro através da visualização no modo fluorescente injetando-se fluoresceína. Subsequentemente, realizaram 10 sessões de treinamento não consecutivos de anastomose términoterminal no modelo de konjac. Por fim, uma anastomose final foi realizada no modelo placentário e os mesmo parâmetros reavaliados. Resultados: observamos uma redução de 17 min no tempo médio de confecção da anastomose no modelo de placenta após os treinos no modelo do macarrão (p<0.05). Houve uma redução não significativa de 20% no vazamento grosseiro. As sessões de treino no macarrão não foram capazes de melhorar consistentemente o score ALI. Conclusão: o treinamento em modelo de macarrão konjac é capaz de reduzir o tempo para realização das anastomoses no modelo em placenta humana, mostrando-se alternativa viável de baixo custo e manutenção, útil em serviços que disponham de microscópio apenas no ambiente cirúrgico.

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Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disease characterized by an increase in the opening pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) associated with symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). The condition is more prevalent in women and typically managed clinically. Surgical treatment is reserved for select refractory cases. The well-established surgical procedures for the management of IIH are CSF shunting and fenestration of the optic nerve sheath. These procedures, however, are associated with high rates of complication and recurrence. More recently, venous sinus angioplasty with stents has been employed in cases with documented narrowing of the sigmoid-transverse sinuses. This technique is associated with a significant reduction in the venous pressure gradient at the stenosis site, alleviating the symptoms of intracranial hypertension. We report a case of a previously healthy 12-year-old patient who presented with 10-day history of headaches, blurring of vision, nausea and vomiting, which evolved with worsening of the visual acuity and papilledema. Imaging scans disclosed stenosis of the right transverse and sigmoid sinuses. The patient underwent stenting of the stenotic venous segments and showed good evolution, with significant clinical improvement within 24 hours of the procedure.

A hipertensão intracraniana idiopática (HII) é uma doença caracterizada pelo aumento da pressão de abertura do líquido cefalorraquidiano associado a sintomas de aumento da pressão intracraniana. É mais frequente em mulheres, sendo habitualmente tratada com medidas clínicas. O tratamento cirúrgico é reservado a uma minoria de casos que se mostram refratários. Os procedimentos cirúrgicos consagrados para este fim são a derivação liquórica e a fenestração de bainha do nervo óptico. Entretanto, eles estão associados a altos índices de complicações e recorrência. Mais recentemente, a angioplastia de seio venoso com uso do stent vem sendo utilizada em casos em que há redução documentada no calibre dos seios transverso-sigmoide com repercussão comprovada no gradiente pressórico. Essa técnica está associada a uma redução significativa no gradiente de pressão venosa no local da estenose. Consequentemente, resulta em alívio dos sintomas da hipertensão intracraniana. Neste trabalho, descrevemos o caso de um paciente de 12 anos de idade, sem doenças prévias, que apresentava quadro de cefaleia, turvação visual, náuseas e vômitos de início havia dez dias, tendo evoluído com piora da acuidade visual e papiledema. Realizou exame de imagem que identificou estenose dos seios transversos e sigmoide à direita. O paciente foi submetido a angioplastia dos segmentos venosos estenosados, apresentando boa evolução, com melhora clínica significativa já nas primeiras 24 horas após o procedimento.

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Coffea canephora (2n = 2x = 22 chromosomes) is a species with extensive genetic diversity and desirable agronomic traits for coffee breeding programs. However, obtaining a new coffee cultivar through conventional breeding techniques may require more than 30 years of crossing cycles and selection, which hampers the effort of keeping up with market demands and rapidly proposing more resilient to climate change varieties. Although, the application of modern biotechnology tools such as precision genetic engineering technologies may enable a faster cultivar development process. Therefore, we aimed to validate the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate mutations on a selected genotype of C. canephora, the clone 14. Embryogenic calli and a multiplex binary vector containing two sgRNAs targeting different exons of the CcPDS gene were used. The sgRNAs were under the C. canephora U6 promoter regulation. The target gene encodes phytoene desaturase, an enzyme essential for photosynthesis involved in ß-carotene biosynthesis. Somatic seedlings and embryos with albino, variegated and green phenotypes regenerated after Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation were analyzed by verifying the insertion of the Cas9 gene and later by sequencing the sgRNAs target regions in the genome of Robusta modified seedlings. Among them, 77% had the expected mutations, and of which, 50% of them had at least one target with a homozygous mutation. The genotype, temperature of co-cultivation with the bacteria, and light intensity used for subsequent embryo regeneration appeared to strongly influence the successful regeneration of plants with a mutated CcPDS gene in the Coffea genus.

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The aim of this study was to develop a quantitative method for the analysis of methylphenidate, the analog ethylphenidate and their metabolite ritalinic acid in oral fluid, using micro-QuEChERS extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Oral fluid samples were collected with Quantisal™ device, extracted by micro-QuEChERS technique and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. The developed method met the validation criteria of Academy Standards Board (ASB) Standard Practices for Method Validation in Forensic Toxicology (Standard 036, 2019) with limits of detection and quantification of 0.5 ng/mL and calibration curve from 0.5 to 50 ng/mL. Within-run imprecision was greater than 18.7% while between-run imprecision was greater than 17.0 % for all analytes. Bias did not vary more than 7.7 %. No evidence of carryover was found. Stability studies presented satisfactory results for 24 h on autosampler (10 °C), after 3 cycles of freeze/thaw, 7 days on freezer (-20 °C) and until 7 days on refrigerator (4 °C) for methylphenidate. The validated method was further successfully applied to the analysis of 5 authentic oral fluid samples collected from volunteers at parties and music festivals from different cities in Brazil. Four samples had positive results for methylphenidate and ritalinic acid, and only one sample was positive for methylphenidate. Ethylphenidate was not detected in the samples. The method showed acceptable analytical performance and is environmentally friendly, requiring reduced use of solvents and reagents, with potential to be applied to clinical and forensic analyses.

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BACKGROUND: The rise in mental health problems in the population directly or indirectly because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a major concern. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare independent predictors of symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Brazilians one month after the implementation of measures of social distancing. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed using a web-based survey. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) were the outcomes. Data were gathered regarding demographics, social distancing, economic problems, exposure to the news of the pandemic, psychiatric history, sleep disturbances, traumatic situations, and substance use. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption (AUDIT-C) was also administered. The predictors of the symptoms were investigated using hierarchical multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Of a sample of 3587 participants, approximately two-thirds considered that their mental health worsened after the beginning of the social restriction measures. The most important predictors of the symptoms investigated were the intensity of the distress related to the news of the pandemic, younger age, current psychiatric diagnosis, trouble sleeping, emotional abuse or violence, and economic problems. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirmed the hypothesis that the pandemic impacted the mental health of the population and indicated that the level of distress related to the news was the most important predictor of psychological suffering.

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The cocoa bean shell is a residue rich in bioactive compounds and its use as an ingredient in the food industry has been studied. This work had the objective of proposing the elaboration of chocolate cake with substitution of wheat flour by cocoa bean shell powder (CSp). Five formulations with different percentages of CSp were used: 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% and 0% (control). The cakes were evaluated by technological characteristics (volume, texture profile, firmness and colour), antioxidant profile (DPPH, ß-carotene/linoleic acid system, phenolic compounds, anthocyanins and tannins) and sensory tests (TDS and acceptance). The technological characteristics and antioxidant activity of the cakes were influenced by the different concentrations of CSp compared to the control sample. The cakes containing up to 75% CSp presented satisfactory sensory acceptance. Therefore, CSp has been revealed to be a prominent alternative substitute ingredient to be used promisingly in the food industry.

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