Abstract The Santos Basin (SB) is the main petroliferous basin in the Brazilian continental margin and one of the most studied marine areas in Brazil. However, historical data suggest that new ...efforts should be carried out to acquire quantitative biological data, especially in the deep sea, to establish the baseline of essential ocean variables in different ecosystems for future monitoring programs. The Brazilian energy company Petrobras planned and executed 24 oceanographic cruises over a period of 2 years to assess the benthic (SANSED cruise) and pelagic (SANAGU cruise) systems of the SB (356 days at sea in 2019 and 2021/2022). These efforts were part of the Santos Project, which comprised a comprehensive environmental study aimed at investigating benthic and pelagic variables to characterize ecology, biogeochemistry, thermohaline properties of water masses, and ocean circulation patterns, geomorphology, and sedimentology, as well as organic and inorganic chemistry. Here we present the detailed sampling designs and the field methods employed on board, during the SB scientific cruises. All sampling protocols were based on standardized approaches. For the benthos analyses, triplicate sediment samples were performed using a GOMEX-type box corer (0.25 m²) or a large modified Van Veen grab (0.75 m²) at 100 stations ranging from 25 to 2400 m depth. At each station, 25 geochemical and physico-chemical parameters were analyzed in addition to micro-, meio-, and macrofauna and living foraminifera samples. For the pelagic system, 60 stations were selected to investigate the plankton community, ranging in size from pico- to macroplankton, through vertical, horizontal, and oblique net hauls (20, 200, and 500 μm mesh size), as well as 25 biogeochemical parameters collected with an aid of a CTD-rosette sampler. Part of this scientific information also serves the Regional Environmental Characterization Project (PCR-BS) in support of Petrobras’ Santos Basin drilling licensing process led by the Brazilian Environmental Agency – IBAMA. This project contributes to the sustainable development of the SB, in line with the guidelines of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
To evaluate the epidemiological profile of motorcycle accident victims in a metropolis with more than one million inhabitants attended in a university hospital of reference in 2017.
a retrospective ...study through the analysis of medical records of 105 motorcycle accident victims in Campinas (SP) attended in a university hospital of reference and who needed surgical procedure in 2017.
87 patients (82.9%) were men. Multiple fractures were observed in 61 patients (58.1%) and polytrauma was found in 14 patients (13.3%). Tibial fracture was the most frequent, present in 65 cases (61.9%). Exposed fractures occurred in 68 patients (64.7%). Among the polytrauma victims, the most frequent injury was traumatic brain injury (TBI), present in seven patients (6.6%). The mean age was 29.8 years (range 6-63 years). The average length of hospital stay was 14 days (1-87).
It is essential to investigate and evaluate the victims' epidemiological profile, as well as the resulting injuries, in order to provide adequate support for the implementation of measures aimed at primary prevention and awareness of the most affected groups.
ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the loss of correction after treatment of spine deformities with the technique of isolated posterior vertebrectomy. Methods: Twenty-one patients were followed-up for ...three years after surgery with panoramic X-rays, CT scans, SF-36 and Oswestry questionnaires. We evaluated the loss of correction, CAGE subsidence and the evolution of the pelvis-T1 angle during follow-up. The correlation among the radiographic changes and functional and quality of life scores was also assessed. Results: All patients had some degree of loss of correction and subsidence of CAGE, especially in the first year of follow-up. Such losses exerted negative impact on the function, pain and self-image of the patients. Factors such as the stiffness of the fusion mass and size of implant used appear to have contributed to the occurrence of subsidence, regardless of age and bone mineral density. Conclusions: The use of spacers with larger cross-sectional diameter and more rigid rods can reduce the overloading on the anterior column of Denis, reducing the subsidence and loss of correction. Additional stabilization strategies such as the use of orthoses postoperatively can also be useful, and should be evaluated in subsequent studies.
RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la pérdida de corrección después del tratamiento de las deformidades de la columna vertebral mediante la técnica de vertebrectomía posterior aislada. Métodos: Veintiún pacientes fueron seguidos durante tres años después de la cirugía mediante radiografías panorámicas, tomografías computarizadas y con el uso de los cuestionarios SF-36 y Oswestry. Se evaluó la pérdida de la corrección, la subsidencia del CAGE y la evolución del ángulo pelvis-T1 durante el seguimiento. También se evaluó la corrección entre las alteraciones radiográficas y los índices funcionales y de calidad de vida. Resultados: Todos los pacientes presentaron algún grado de pérdida de corrección y subsidencia del espaciador intersomático, especialmente en el primer año de seguimiento. Estas pérdidas ejercen impacto negativo sobre la función, el dolor y la autoimagen de los pacientes. Factores como la rigidez de la masa de artrodesis y el tamaño del implante usado parecen haber contribuido a la aparición de subsidencia, independientemente de la edad y la densidad mineral ósea. Conclusiones: El uso de espaciadores con diámetro de la sección transversal mayor y barras más rígidas pueden reducir la sobrecarga de la columna anterior de Denis, reduciendo la ocurrencia de subsidencia y pérdida de la corrección. Las estrategias de estabilización adicionales, tales como el uso de ortesis en el postoperatorio también pueden ser útiles, y deben ser evaluadas en estudios posteriores.
RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a perda de correção após o tratamento de deformidades da coluna vertebral pela técnica de vertebrectomia posterior isolada. Métodos: Vinte e um pacientes foram acompanhados durante três anos após o tratamento cirúrgico com radiografias panorâmicas, tomografias computadorizadas e através dos questionários SF-36 e Oswestry. Foram avaliadas perda de correção, subsidência do CAGE e evolução do ângulo pelve-T1 durante o acompanhamento. Também foi avaliada a correlação entre as alterações radiológicas e os índices funcionais e de qualidade de vida. Resultados: Todos os pacientes apresentaram algum grau de perda de correção e subsidência do espaçador intersomático, especialmente no primeiro ano de acompanhamento. Tais perdas exerceram impacto negativo sobre função, dor e autoimagem dos pacientes. Fatores como a rigidez da massa de artrodese e as dimensões do implante utilizado parecem ter contribuído com a ocorrência de subsidência, a despeito de faixa etária e densidade mineral óssea. Conclusões: O uso de espaçadores com maior diâmetro seccional e hastes mais rígidas podem reduzir a sobrecarga da coluna anterior de Denis, diminuindo a ocorrência de subsidência e perda de correção. Estratégias de estabilização adicionais, como o uso de órteses no pós-operatório também podem ser úteis, e devem ser avaliadas em estudos subsequentes.
Roots of Pothomorphe umbellata (L.) Miq. are used in traditional medicine of Africa and South America for the treatment of malaria and helminthiasis. However, neither P. umbellata nor its isolated ...compounds have been evaluated against Schistosoma species.
To investigate the antischistosomal effects of P. umbellata root extracts and the isolated compound 4-nerolidylcatechol (4-NC) against Schistosoma mansoni ex vivo and in murine models of schistosomiasis.
The crude hydroalcoholic (PuE) and hexane (PuH) extracts of P. umbellata roots were prepared and initially submitted to an ex vivo phenotypic screening against adult S. mansoni. PuH was analyzed by HPLC-DAD, characterized by UHPLC-HRMS/MS, and submitted to chromatographic fractionation, leading to the isolation of 4-NC. The anthelmintic properties of 4-NC were assayed ex vivo against adult schistosomes and in murine models of schistosomiasis for both patent and prepatent S. mansoni infections. Praziquantel (PZQ) was used as a reference compound.
PuE (EC50: 18.7 μg/mL) and PuH (EC50: 9.2 μg/mL) kill adult schistosomes ex vivo. The UHPLC–HRMS/MS analysis of PuH, the most active extract, revealed the presence of 4-NC, peltatol A, and peltatol B or C. After isolation from PuH, 4-NC presented remarkable in vitro schistosomicidal activity with EC50 of 2.9 μM (0.91 μg/mL) and a selectivity index higher than 68 against Vero mammalian cells, without affecting viability of nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. In patent S. mansoni infection, the oral treatment with 4-NC decreased worm burden and egg production in 52.1% and 52.3%, respectively, also reducing splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. 4-NC, unlike PZQ, showed in vivo efficacy against juvenile S. mansoni, decreasing worm burden in 52.4%.
This study demonstrates that P. umbellata roots possess antischistosomal activity, giving support for the medicinal use of this plant against parasites. 4-NC was identified from P. umbellata roots as one of the effective in vitro and in vivo antischistosomal compound and as a potential lead for the development of novel anthelmintics.
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•P. umbellata root extracts showed in vitro schistosomicidal properties.•4-nerolidylcatechol, with high in vitro antischistosomal effects, was isolated.•4-nerolidylcatechol was not toxic to mammalian cells or Caenorhabditis elegans.•4-nerolidylcatechol was in vivo active against juvenile and adult S. mansoni.•The activity supports the medicinal use of P. umbellata roots in treating parasites.
The scientific basis for the statement that plants and their active constituents play an important role in the prevention of chronic and degenerative diseases is continuously advancing. In fact, the ...origin of many therapeutic substances is due to secondary metabolism in the plant. The genus
Hibiscus contains 220 species distributed around the world. It is an interesting source of potential bioactive molecules, as phenolic compounds, triterpene derivatives, phytosteroids, with antioxidant, cardioprotective, antihypertensive and antiproliferative activities. This work reviews the pharmacological evidence of extracts of plants from the genus
Hibiscus, giving an overview of the most studied biological effects and the known phytochemical composition. Although more studies are necessary,
Hibiscus spp. exhibits proven potential to become of important pharmacological interest.
A single method modified for monitoring of emerging contaminants in river water was developed for large sample volumes. Water samples from rivers of the lagoon system in the city of Rio de Janeiro ...(Brazil) were analyzed by the SPE-HPLC-MS-TOF analytical method. Acetaminophen was detected in four rivers in the concentration range of 0.09μgL−1 to 0.14μgL−1. Salicylic acid was also found in the four rivers in the concentration range of 1.65μgL−1 to 4.81μgL−1. Bisphenol-A was detected in all rivers in the concentration range of 1.37μgL−1 to 39.86μgL−1. Diclofenac was found in only one river, with concentration of 0.22μgL−1. The levels of emerging organic pollutants in the water samples of the Jacarepaguá hydrographical basin are significant. The compounds are not routinely monitored and present potential risks to environmental health.
•A method was developed for the analysis of emerging pollutants by SPE-HPLC-MS-TOF.•An alternative is proposed to improve the effectiveness of the preconcentration of large sample volumes.•The automated SPE extraction system presents significant advantages.•Emerging pollutants were quantified to four Brazilian rivers.
This study aimed to evaluate the toxicities and response rate of a modified TPF (docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil) protocol in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer (ECOG ...performance status ≤1).
Induction treatment consisted of cisplatin 25 mg/m
/day as a 90 min infusion for three consecutive days, leucovorin 20 mg/m
/day as a bolus for four consecutive days, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 370 mg/m
/day as a bolus for four consecutive days, and paclitaxel 60 mg/m
as a 1-h infusion on Days 1, 8, and 15, repeated every 3-4 weeks (twelve cycles to 6 patients).
The main toxicities were grade 1 neuropathy, mucositis, and fatigue. There were four episodes of severe toxicities (grade ≥3). There was one early death, and 2 patients were discontinued due to hematological toxicity. Other side effects included neutropenia, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Induction therapy with cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and paclitaxel in head and neck cancer is not feasible because of severe toxicity.
This study explores the potential inhibitory activity of alkaloids, a class of natural compounds isolated from Brazilian biodiversity, against the mJHBP enzyme of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This ...mosquito is a significant vector of diseases such as dengue, zika, and chikungunya. The interactions between the ligands and the enzyme at the molecular level were evaluated using computational techniques such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD), and molecular mechanics with generalized Born surface area (MMGBSA) free energy calculation. The findings suggest that these compounds exhibit a high binding affinity with the enzyme, as confirmed by the binding free energies obtained in the simulation. Furthermore, the specific enzyme residues that contribute the most to the stability of the complex with the compounds were identified: specifically, Tyr33, Trp53, Tyr64, and Tyr129. Notably, Tyr129 residues were previously identified as crucial in the enzyme inhibition process. This observation underscores the significance of the research findings and the potential of the evaluated compounds as natural insecticides against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. These results could stimulate the development of new vector control agents that are more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are the active compounds of a variety of tradionally used medicinal plants from the Asteraceae family. They are known to possess a considerable antiinflammatory activity ...in different inflammation models. They inhibit the transcription factor NF-κB probably by alkylating cysteine38 in the DNA binding domain of the p65 subunit. Here we investigate a set of 103 different sesquiterpene lactones representing 6 structural groups (44 germacranolides, 16 heliangolides, 22 guaianolides, 9 pseudoguaianolides, 2 hypocretenolides, 10 eudesmanolides) for their NF-κB inhibiting properties and the resulting IC100-values were submitted to a QSAR study. Properties important for the inhibition potency are discussed for the whole data set and for subsets of the different structural classes.
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