Six-minute walk test and incremental shuttle walk test in the evaluation of functional capacity in Chagas heart disease

Henrique Silveira Costa,Márcia Maria Oliveira Lima,Susan Martins Lage,Fábio Silva Martins da Costa,Pedro Henrique Scheidt Figueiredo,Manoel Otávio da Costa Rocha 한국운동재활학회 2018 JER Vol.14 No.5

Selection of new sweet potato genotypes based on production parameters, physical root characteristics and resistance to Euscepes postfasciatus

Murilo Henrique Souza Leal,André Ricardo Zeist,Nilson Rodrigues Júnior,André Dutra Silva Júnior,José Henrique Verhalem Arantes,Jair Garcia Neto,Julia Roberta Sanches de Pieri,Amanda Carvalho Perrud 한국작물학회 2021 Journal of crop science and biotechnology Vol.24 No.3

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is a root that allows healthy eating and combats malnutrition. There is a need for more productive sweet potato genotypes displaying good resistance and a favorable appearance and shape. New genotypes that are more productive, resistant to the main soil pests and with good physical characteristics would contribute to meet the needs of producers and the demands of consumers. The aim of this study was to develop and select sweet potato genotypes regarding agronomic and physical root parameters. The new genotypes were obtained through the cross-linking of 22 parents with commercial characteristics. Subsequently, 386 experimental genotypes were conducted in the feld in an experimental design consisting of augmented blocks with intercalated controls. Aspects related to agronomic, physical root characteristics and resistance to Euscepes postfasciatus were explored. Genotypes with higher performance than the controls were identifed for all assessed parameters. The genotypes UZBD-K-09, UZBD-K-56 and UZBD-K-78, with purple fesh roots, UZBD-F-15 and UZBD-F-34, with orange fesh, and UZBD-K-70, with a white fesh were selected.

tufA gene as molecular marker for freshwater Chlorophyceae

Helena Henriques Vieira,Inessa Lacativa Bagatini,Carla Marques Guinart,Armando Augusto Henriques Vieira 한국조류학회I 2016 ALGAE Vol.31 No.2

Green microalgae from the class Chlorophyceae represent a major biodiversity component of eukaryotic algae in continental water. Identification and classification of this group through morphology is a hard task, since it may present cryptic species and phenotypic plasticity. Despite the increasing use of molecular methods for identification of microorganisms, no single standard barcode marker is yet established for this important group of green microalgae. Some available studies present results with a limited number of chlorophycean genera or using markers that require many different primers for different groups within the class. Thus, we aimed to find a single marker easily amplified and with wide coverage within Chlorophyceae using only one pair of primers. Here, we tested the universality of primers for different genes (tufA, ITS, rbcL, and UCP4) in 22 strains, comprising 18 different species from different orders of Chlorophyceae. The ITS primers sequenced only 3 strains and the UCP primer failed to amplify any strain. We tested two pairs of primers for rbcL and the best pair provided sequences for 10 strains whereas the second one provided sequences for only 7 strains. The pair of primers for the tufA gene presented good results for Chlorophyceae, successfully sequencing 21 strains and recovering the expected phylogeny relationships within the class. Thus, the tufA marker stands out as a good choice to be used as molecular marker for the class.

Can a spontaneous smile invalidate facial identification by photo-anthropometry?

Pinto, Paulo Henrique Viana,Rodrigues, Caio Henrique Pinke,Rozatto, Juliana Rodrigues,da Silva, Ana Maria Bettoni Rodrigues,Bruni, Aline Thais,da Silva, Marco Antonio Moreira Rodrigues,da Silva, Ricar Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology 2021 Imaging Science in Dentistry Vol.51 No.3

Purpose: Using images in the facial image comparison process poses a challenge for forensic experts due to limitations such as the presence of facial expressions. The aims of this study were to analyze how morphometric changes in the face during a spontaneous smile influence the facial image comparison process and to evaluate the reproducibility of measurements obtained by digital stereophotogrammetry in these situations. Materials and Methods: Three examiners used digital stereophotogrammetry to obtain 3-dimensional images of the faces of 10 female participants(aged between 23 and 45 years). Photographs of the participants' faces were captured with their faces at rest (group 1) and with a spontaneous smile (group 2), resulting in a total of 60 3-dimensional images. The digital stereophotogrammetry device obtained the images with a 3.5-ms capture time, which prevented undesirable movements of the participants. Linear measurements between facial landmarks were made, in units of millimeters, and the data were subjected to multivariate and univariate statistical analyses using Pirouette^® version 4.5 (InfoMetrix Inc., Woodinville, WA, USA) and Microsoft Excel^® (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, USA), respectively. Results: The measurements that most strongly influenced the separation of the groups were related to the labial/buccal region. In general, the data showed low standard deviations, which differed by less than 10% from the measured mean values, demonstrating that the digital stereophotogrammetry technique was reproducible. Conclusion: The impact of spontaneous smiles on the facial image comparison process should be considered, and digital stereophotogrammetry provided good reproducibility.

tufA gene as molecular marker for freshwater Chlorophyceae

Vieira, Helena Henriques,Bagatini, Inessa Lacativa,Guinart, Carla Marques,Vieira, Armando Augusto Henriques The Korean Society of Phycology 2016 ALGAE Vol.31 No.2

Green microalgae from the class Chlorophyceae represent a major biodiversity component of eukaryotic algae in continental water. Identification and classification of this group through morphology is a hard task, since it may present cryptic species and phenotypic plasticity. Despite the increasing use of molecular methods for identification of microorganisms, no single standard barcode marker is yet established for this important group of green microalgae. Some available studies present results with a limited number of chlorophycean genera or using markers that require many different primers for different groups within the class. Thus, we aimed to find a single marker easily amplified and with wide coverage within Chlorophyceae using only one pair of primers. Here, we tested the universality of primers for different genes (tufA, ITS, rbcL, and UCP4) in 22 strains, comprising 18 different species from different orders of Chlorophyceae. The ITS primers sequenced only 3 strains and the UCP primer failed to amplify any strain. We tested two pairs of primers for rbcL and the best pair provided sequences for 10 strains whereas the second one provided sequences for only 7 strains. The pair of primers for the tufA gene presented good results for Chlorophyceae, successfully sequencing 21 strains and recovering the expected phylogeny relationships within the class. Thus, the tufA marker stands out as a good choice to be used as molecular marker for the class.

Effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide as auxiliary treatment for hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Brazil: preliminary results of a randomized double-blind clinical trial

Marielle Bazzo Di Domê,nico,Henrique Cesca,Thales Henrique Jincziwski Ponciano,Renan Brandenburg dos Santos,Ulysses Lenz,Viní,cius Picoli Antunes,Vinicius Webber Godinho,Kauê, Collares,Pedro Henrique 한국역학회 2021 Epidemiology and Health Vol.43 No.-

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the form of mouthwash and nasal spray as an auxiliary treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: Forty hospitalized patients who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 using a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction test were evaluated. They were randomly divided into an experimental group (n=20; gargling with 1.0% H2O2 and nasal wash with 0.5% H2O2) or a control group (n=20). The solutions were used for 7 days and the patients were monitored every 2 days, for a total of 8 days. At check-ups, patients were asked about their symptoms and possible adverse effects of the solutions. The presence and severity (mild, moderate, or severe) of symptoms were recorded. Data were compared using the Student test and the Fisher exact test (α=0.05). RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the length of hospital stay (p=0.65). The most frequent symptom on day 0 was coughing (72.0% in the experimental group and 76.5% in the control group), which abated over time. There was no significant difference between the groups in the evaluated symptoms. Most (75.0%) of the patients in the experimental group presented a reduction in dyspnea between days 0 and 2. Few patients reported adverse effects from the use of the solutions. CONCLUSIONS: H2O2 as a mouthwash and nasal spray is safe to use. There is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that H2O2 is effective as an auxiliary treatment for hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Hydrogen peroxide as an auxiliary treatment for COVID-19 in Brazil: a randomized double-blind clinical trial

Marielle Bazzo Di Domê,nico,Kauê, Collares,Renan Brandenburg dos Santos,Ulysses Lenz,Viní,cius Picoli Antunes,Vinicius Webber Godinho,Henrique Cesca,Thales Henrique Jincziwski Ponciano,Pedro Henrique 한국역학회 2021 Epidemiology and Health Vol.43 No.-

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as mouthwash and nasal spray on symptom relief in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. METHODS: Patients positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), who were treated in a hos-pital or at home, and patients’ family members (not positive for SARS-CoV-2), were randomized into 2 groups: experimental (1% H2O2 for gargling, 0.5% H2O2 for nasal wash), and control. Patients gargled the solution 3 times a day, and applied the nasal spray twice a day, for a 7-day period. Family members received the same treatment as the treated COVID-19 patient. The re-searchers contacted patients every 2 days over an 8-day period. An average post-treatment interval of 8 days passed before test-ing family members. RESULTS: The most frequent symptoms on day 0 were cough, loss of taste, and hyposmia; there were no significant differences between groups, independent of the period. The symptom of dyspnea presented a significant difference between days 2 and 4 (p< 0.05). Among family members, 86.0% had no antibodies, 2.3% had antibodies, and 11.6% had active infections (4 in the ex-perimental group and 6 in the control group). The most frequent adverse effects in the H2O2 group were a burning throat and nose. CONCLUSIONS: H2O2 was not effective for the relief of COVID-19 symptoms and was associated with reports of transient adverse effects.

Amorphous nasal powder advanced performance: in vitro/ex vivo studies and correlation with in vivo pharmacokinetics

Henriques Patrícia,Bicker Joana,Carona Andreia,Miranda Margarida,Vitorino Carla,Doktorovová Slavomíra,Fortuna Ana 한국약제학회 2023 Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation Vol.53 No.5

Purpose Amorphous solid dispersions (ASD) for nasal delivery offer the opportunity to increase drug release performance, while using polymers with mucoadhesive properties. The aim of the present study was to apply this solubility enhancement technique to a poorly soluble drug for nasal delivery, while comparing two particle engineering strategies, namely spray dried microparticles and chimeral agglomerates, with the corresponding physical blends with crystalline drug. Methods Formulations of piroxicam were manufactured using varied polymer and particle engineering strategies and evaluated through in vitro drug release and ex vivo permeation studies, as well as nasal deposition and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies. Results ASD with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) showed enhanced drug release and permeation, compared to polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate formulations and blends. Nasal deposition of HPMC chimeral agglomerates suggested off-target deposition. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies revealed that spray-dried HPMC-containing microparticles exhibited the highest maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and the lowest time to attain it (tmax). In vitro release rate and in vivo absorption rate were correlated as well as tmax and in vitro performance. When excluding the formulation with least nasal targeted deposition, in vitro release and ex vivo permeation performance were also correlated with Cmax and area under the drug concentration-time curve (AUC) from 0 to 1 h, with R2 > 0.89. Conclusion ASD for nasal delivery provide fast drug absorption, which depends on the supersaturation ability of the polymer employed. In vitro-in vivo correlations suggested that in vitro release and ex vivo permeation studies are predictive tools regarding nasal absorption.

Prediction of Parental Combination for Introduction of Stay-Green Associated Loci in Wheat

Henrique de Souza Luche, Jose Antonio Gonzalez da Silva, Rafael Nornbe 한국작물학회 2017 Journal of crop science and biotechnology Vol.20 No.2

In wheat, the increase of yield and stability associated traits can be achieved by combining parents containing the stay-green trait and favorable alleles for grain yield. The aim of this work was to analyze the genetic dissimilarity between wheat lines from stay-green and synchronized maturation groups and elite cultivars. Moreover, to propose promising combinations seeking the selection of high-grain yield and high bread-making quality genotypes containing stay-green trait. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three replications in 2003, 2004, and 2005, using sister-lines with the presence and absence of stay-green trait and elite cultivars. Genetic variability exists among wheat strains from the synchronized stay-green maturation group and elite cultivars. Genotypes of maturation group stay-green obtained an average performance superior to the synchronized group. Crosses between stay-green lines and the CEP 29 and BRS 177 cultivars are promising in the selection of genotypes carrying the stay-green trait with high yield and bread-making quality

Potentiation of Antibiotic Activity by Eugenia uniflora and Eugenia jambolanum

Henrique D.M. Coutinho,Jose´ G.M. Costa,Vivyanne S. Falca˜o-Silva,Jose´ P. Siqueira-Ju´nior,Edeltrudes O. Lima 한국식품영양과학회 2010 Journal of medicinal food Vol.13 No.4

This is the first report about the modifying antibiotic activity of Eugenia uniflora L. and Eugenia jambolanum L. In this study the ethanol extract of E. uniflora and E. jambolanum was tested for their antimicrobial activity against strains of Escherichia coli. The growth of the two strains of E. coli bacteria tested was not inhibited in a clinically relevant form by the extract. The minimal inhibitory concentration was ≥1,024μg/mL for both strains of E. coli assayed. Synergism between this extract and gentamicin was demonstrated. In the same extract synergism was observed between chlorpromazine and kanamycin and between amikacin and tobramycin, indicating the involvement of an efflux system in the resistance to these aminoglycosides. It is therefore suggested that extracts from E. uniflora L. and E. jambolanum L. could be used as a source of plant-derived natural products with modifying antibiotic activity to gentamicin.