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Plantago major leaf extract against bacteria and fungi of medical importance
No full textAntimicrobial drug resistance is a challenge to public health. Various microorganisms, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pythium insidiosum, and Candida auris, have developed resistance to commonly used antimicrobials in infection disease treatments. Consequently, there is an urgent need to explore and develop novel therapeutic drugs. Natural products, particularly medicinal plants, have received attention in the quest for innovative treatments for various diseases. Plantago major is a plant endowed with several biological properties, such as antibacterial, antifungal, and healing actions. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activities of the methanolic extract obtained from the leaves of P. major. Microdilution assays were conducted to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal and fungicidal concentration. Additionally, synergism with antimicrobial drugs was assessed using a time-kill curve analysis. A synergistic bactericidal interaction between the extract and imipenem was observed against carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae. For MRSA, a bacteriostatic synergism was noted in combinations of the extract with cephalotin and oxacillin. For C. auris, a fungistatic interaction was observed between the extract and amphotericin B. These results suggest the presence of bioactive compounds within the extract with therapeutic potential for combating infections caused by these microorganisms.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Júlio de Mesquita Filho State University of São Paulo (UNESP) Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences Microbiology and Immunology Sector, São PauloAdolfo Lutz InstituteFederal University of Uberlandia Institute of Chemistry Federal University of Uberlândia, Santa Mônica Campus, MG, Minas GeraisFaculdade Galileu, São PauloJúlio de Mesquita Filho State University of São Paulo (UNESP) Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences Microbiology and Immunology Sector, São PauloFAPESP: 2019/24850-0FAPESP: 2020/04211-
Predicción del umbral anaeróbico a partir del rendimiento en natación de 100 y 200 metros
No full textA utilização de parâmetros fisiológicos é fundamental para o controle, prescrição e acompanhamento do treinamento de alto rendimento na natação, pois fornece informações objetivas sobre o estado físico dos atletas e suas respostas ao treinamento. Entre esses parâmetros, destacam-se o Limiar Anaeróbio (LAn), a Frequência Cardíaca (FC) e o consumo de oxigênio (VO₂), que têm sido amplamente estudados e utilizados para otimizar o desempenho esportivo. O presente estudo teve como objetivo elaborar uma equação de predição para determinar o LAn a partir do desempenho em provas de 100 e 200 metros (V100 e V200) na natação, além de testar sua validade e sensibilidade em diferentes fases da periodização do treinamento. A pesquisa caracteriza-se como um estudo primário, analítico, descritivo e de intervenção, envolvendo 229 nadadores com média de idade de 22 ± 1,9 anos, sendo 121 do sexo masculino e 108 do feminino, integrantes da equipe de natação da UNAERP e filiados à Federação Aquática Paulista (FAP). Os participantes possuíam, no mínimo, dois anos de prática competitiva e apresentavam pontuação no sistema World Aquatics Point Scoring (AQUA). Foram utilizados dados de tempos nos testes V100 e V200, além de valores de LAn obtidos por método direto e predição indireta. Os resultados indicaram elevados coeficientes de determinação entre as velocidades e a intensidade do LAn, sugerindo que as equações de predição geradas são confiáveis para estimar o LAn de forma indireta. Além disso, as velocidades de LAn obtidas por método direto não diferiram significativamente das velocidades preditas, apresentando correlações fortes (r=0,87 e 0,94; p<0,001). Essas evidências demonstram que as equações de predição são eficazes e aplicáveis em diferentes fases da periodização, tanto para nadadores velocistas quanto para atletas de meio fundo e fundo, independentemente do momento de avaliação. Conclui-se que os dados dos testes V100, V200 e do lactato mínimo foram consistentes na elaboração das equações de predição do LAn, cuja validade foi confirmada pela forte correlação e ausência de diferenças significativas em relação às medições diretas. Assim, as equações demonstraram sensibilidade e praticidade na prescrição, controle e acompanhamento das intensidades de treinamento na natação.The use of physiological parameters is essential for controlling, prescribing, and monitoring high-performance training in swimming, as they provide objective information about athletes' physical condition and their responses to training. Among these parameters, the Anaerobic Threshold (AT), Heart Rate (HR), and oxygen consumption (VO₂) stand out, having been widely studied and used to optimize athletic performance.This study aimed to develop a prediction equation to determine the AT based on performance in 100 and 200-meter races (V100 and V200) in swimming, as well as to test its validity and sensitivity across different phases of training periodization. The research is characterized as a primary, analytical, descriptive, and intervention study involving 229 swimmers with an average age of 22 ± 1.9 years, including 121 males and 108 females, members of UNAERP's swimming team and affiliated with the Paulista Aquatic Federation (FAP). Participants had at least two years of competitive experience and scored in the World Aquatics Point Scoring system (AQUA). Data from V100 and V200 times, along with AT values obtained through direct methods and indirect prediction, were used. The results showed high coefficients of determination between swimming speeds and AT intensity, suggesting that the generated prediction equations are reliable for estimating the AT indirectly. Additionally, the AT speeds obtained via direct methods did not significantly differ from the predicted speeds, with strong correlations (r=0.87 and 0.94; p<0.001). These findings demonstrate that the prediction equations are effective and applicable across different phases of training periodization, for sprinters as well as middle- and long-distance athletes, regardless of the assessment timing. In conclusion, the data from V100, V200, and the minimal lactate tests were consistent in developing the AT prediction equations, whose validity was confirmed by the strong correlation and the lack of significant differences compared to direct measurements. Thus, these equations proved to be sensitive and practical tools for prescribing, controlling, and monitoring training intensities in swimming.El uso de parámetros fisiológicos es fundamental para el control, la prescripción y el seguimiento del entrenamiento de alto rendimiento en natación, ya que proporciona información objetiva sobre el estado físico de los atletas y sus respuestas al entrenamiento. Entre estos parámetros, destacan el Umbral Anaeróbico (UAn), la Frecuencia Cardíaca (FC) y el consumo de oxígeno (VO₂), que han sido ampliamente estudiados y utilizados para optimizar el rendimiento deportivo. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo elaborar una ecuación de predicción para determinar el UAn a partir del rendimiento en pruebas de 100 y 200 metros (V100 y V200) en natación, además de probar su validez y sensibilidad en diferentes fases de la periodización del entrenamiento. La investigación se caracteriza como un estudio primario, analítico, descriptivo y de intervención, que involucra a 229 nadadores con una edad media de 22 ± 1,9 años, de los cuales 121 son del sexo masculino y 108 del femenino, integrantes del equipo de natación de la UNAERP y afiliados a la Federación Acuática de São Paulo (FAP). Los participantes tenían, como mínimo, dos años de práctica competitiva y presentaban puntuación en el sistema World Aquatics Point Scoring (AQUA). Se utilizaron datos de tiempos en las pruebas V100 y V200, además de los valores de UAn obtenidos por método directo y predicción indirecta. Los resultados indicaron elevados coeficientes de determinación entre las velocidades y la intensidad del UAn, sugiriendo que las ecuaciones de predicción generadas son confiables para estimar el UAn de forma indirecta. Además, las velocidades de UAn obtenidas por método directo no difirieron significativamente de las velocidades predichas, presentando correlaciones fuertes (r=0,87 y 0,94; p<0,001). Estas evidencias demuestran que las ecuaciones de predicción son eficaces y aplicables en diferentes fases de la periodización, tanto para nadadores velocistas como para atletas de medio fondo y fondo, independientemente del momento de la evaluación. Se concluye que los datos de las pruebas V100, V200 y del lactato mínimo fueron consistentes en la elaboración de las ecuaciones de predicción del UAn, cuya validez fue confirmada por la fuerte correlación y la ausencia de diferencias significativas en relación con las mediciones directas. Así, las ecuaciones demostraron sensibilidad y practicidad en la prescripción, control y seguimiento de las intensidades de entrenamiento en natación.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)CAPES: 001
Analysis of agreement between specialists for the evaluation of radiological findings of necrotizing enterocolitis
No full textObjective: The analysis of abdominal radiography is essential for the diagnosis and management of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in newborns (NB). Studies, however, show a lack of agreement among physicians in the interpretation of images. This study aims to evaluate the agreement in the radiological interpretation of the NEC between examiners from different specialties (interexaminer analysis) and between the same examiner at different times (intraexaminer analysis). Methods: Cross-sectional study for concordance analysis using plain radiographs of the abdomen of NB with suspected or confirmed NEC. The study included two neonatologists (Neo), two surgeons (SU), and two radiologists (RD). The participants filled out a form with questions about the radiographic findings; regarding the presence of intestinal loop distension, the specialists answered subjectively (yes or no) and objectively (calculation of the ratio between loop diameter and lumbar vertebrae measurements). Kappa coefficients were calculated for agreement analysis. Results: A total of 90 radiological images were analyzed. For the interexaminer evaluation, the agreement was low (kappa<0.4) in 30 % of the answers (Neo versus SU), 38 % (Neo versus RD), and 46 % (SU versus RD). In the intraexaminer evaluation, the neonatologist and the surgeon presented substantial or almost perfect agreement in 92 % of the answers, and the radiologist in 77 %. In the evaluation of intestinal loop distention, the greatest agreement between the specialties occurred when done objectively. Conclusion: The results confirmed the low intra- and interexaminer agreement in the radiological analysis of the NEC, reinforcing the importance of standardizing the methods of radiological interpretation of the disease.Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu Departamento de Pediatria Divisão de Neonatologia, SPUniversidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu Departamento de Cirurgia e Ortopedia - Divisão de Cirurgia Pediátrica, SPHospital Israelita Albert Einstein, SPMega Imagem Clinic, SPUniversidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu Departamento de Pediatria Divisão de Neonatologia, SPUniversidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu Departamento de Cirurgia e Ortopedia - Divisão de Cirurgia Pediátrica, S
Biomechanically induced regulation of Damage-Regulated Autophagy Modulator 1 in periodontal cells and tissues
No full textPurpose: Autophagy is an important adaptive process for mechanotransduction, in which Damage-Regulated Autophagy Modulator 1 (DRAM1) has a key function in cell fate determination. This study aimed to analyze the influence of biomechanical loading on DRAM1 expression in periodontal cells and tissues. Methods: Human periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts were stimulated with different pressure protocols, physiological load and overload, in the presence and absence of autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and compared with untreated cells. DRAM1 expression was measured using real-time PCR and ELISA after 1 d and 2 d. DRAM1 expression was determined in gingival biopsies of rats, and gene expression of DRAM1 was analyzed after 1 d, 7 d, and 15 d of orthodontic treatment. Statistical analysis was carried out using ANOVA and post-hoc tests. Results: Overload led to increased DRAM1 gene expression after 1 d, while physiological load did not change DRAM1 expression. After 2 d, DRAM1 expression was increased in both groups. Protein levels were elevated after 2 d of pressure application of both magnitudes, while no significant increase was evident after 1 d. Treatment with 3-MA led to a significant reduction in DRAM1 gene expression in both pressure groups, while it remained unchanged in the control group. In vivo, DRAM1 was located in the periodontal ligament, and we could determine an orthodontic force-mediated increase in DRAM1 gene expression at 7 d and 15 d. Conclusion: This study indicates a dependence of DRAM1 regulation on the duration and magnitude of bio-mechanical loading and on autophagy-associated pathways.Deutsche ForschungsgemeinschaftRheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität BonnCorona-StiftungDepartment of Orthodontics University Hospital Medical Faculty University of Bonn, Welschnonnenstr. 17Department of Periodontology and Operative Dentistry University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University MainzInstitute of Pathobiochemistry The Autophagy Lab University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University MainzDepartment of Diagnosis and Surgery School of Dentistry at Araraquara São Paulo State University – UNESPDepartment of Diagnosis and Surgery School of Dentistry at Araraquara São Paulo State University – UNES
Harvesters’ productivity prediction in Brazilian Eucalyptus plantations: development of a model from machine learning
No full textProductivity analysis in mechanized harvesting has traditionally relied on statistical expertise and mathematical modeling. However, machine learning tools have emerged as a viable alternative, as they serve the same purpose, utilizing a combination of varied attributes (quantitative and qualitative) and handling large datasets. This study aimed to determine whether the inherent attributes of mechanized timber harvesting of Eucalyptus spp. plantations enable the creation of a high-performance model that can accurately predict productivity from machine learning. For the modeling, we considered five attributes concerning forest inventory, in addition to working hours and the operator experience level. We considered the productivity, timber harvested per working hour, as the target attribute of the modeling. We subjected the database to 17 common algorithms in default mode and compared them according to error metrics and accuracy. We also determined the relative importance of each attribute in the predictive model. The inherent attributes concerning mechanized timber harvesting of Eucalyptus spp. plantations evaluated in this study enable the creation of a high-performance model that can accurately predict productivity from machine learning. The Gradient boosting model in ensemble mode can predict the productivity of harvesters in Eucalyptus spp. plantations with an R2 of 0.81. The attributes that have greater relative importance are operator experience level, average individual tree volume, and stand density with 100%, 76.3%, and 65.8%, respectively.Department of Forest Science Soils and Environment School of Agriculture São Paulo State University (UNESP)Federal Institute of Education Science and Technology - Southeast of Minas GeraisDepartment of Forest Science Soils and Environment School of Agriculture São Paulo State University (UNESP
Soil fertility matters! A new conceptual model for carbon stewardship in neotropical croplands taking climate-smart agricultural practices into account
No full textMismanagement of agroecosystems in Neotropical regions threatens global security, accelerating the transgression of planetary boundaries. Therefore, understanding carbon (C) stewardship and how climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices change nutrient availability plays a central role. Here, we analyzed nutrient availability, nitrogen (N) inputs, climate, and soil texture influence C flow into particulate (POC) and mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) pools to support sustainable C management in neotropical agroecosystems. To test our hypothesis data were collected from three field experimental agroecosystem sites and a literature overview. Our machine learning models estimated that nutrient availability, notably zinc (Zn), and soil texture, regulate C flow into POC and MAOC pools in agroecosystems. The climate variables exhibited minimal effects. There was no MAOC C saturation in neotropical agroecosystems, with an upper boundary of 36 g C kg-1. This demonstrates the potential of nature-based solutions for C storage in tropical soils. Synthetic N fertilization was not a key driver of C flow into POC and MAOC pools in these agroecosystems; however, organic N inputs, such as those from legumes, showed significant potential in increasing soil C and reducing carbon-to‑nitrogen ratio. Our main finding reveals soil fertility as a key regulator of C flow into POC and MAOC pools in Neotropical agroecosystems. Additionally, nature-based solutions from CSA are viable for atmospheric carbon removal strategies in Neotropical areas. Thus, by integrating experimental and simulated insights, we propose a new conceptual model linking nutrient availability to C stewardship in neotropical agroecosystems, outlining existing knowledge gaps and suggesting directions for future research toward climate-smart agriculture.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação AgrisusConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)São Paulo State University UNESP Crop Science Department School of Agricultural Sciences, São PauloRothamsted Research Sustainable Soils and Crops, HertsSão Paulo State University UNESP Crop Science Department School of Agricultural Sciences, São PauloFAPESP: 2019/09561-1FAPESP: 2020/15230-5FAPESP: 2021/05167-7FAPESP: 2022/01234-4Fundação Agrisus: 3103/21CNPq: 406635/2022-
Organic–inorganic hybrid silica systems: synthesis strategies and optical applications
No full textThe integration of organic components into inorganic silica systems through sol–gel synthesis has significantly expanded the potential applications of these materials by enhancing features such as transparency, crack resistance, flexibility, and the introduction of new functional groups. Understanding the influence of organic groups on the sol–gel process and exploring various approaches to crafting organic-inorganic hybrid (OIH) silica systems are essential endeavors. This review aims to provide a comprehensive guide, particularly targeted towards researchers new to OIH synthesis. It delineates the key parameters of the sol–gel process, presents five distinct synthesis strategies, and provides exemplary applications. Beyond traditional methods like co-condensation with organoalkoxysilanes and bridged-organoalkoxysilanes, alternative strategies are elucidated, including biopolymer functionalization, photopolymerization enabling 3D printing, and utilization of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS). Furthermore, recent literature exploration has uncovered promising optical applications for OIH materials. These materials serve as excellent hosts for luminophores due to their inherent transparency and the synergistic interactions between the organic functional groups and luminophores, which can enhance properties such as quantum yield, particularly with lanthanides, and even improve the photochromic performance of polyoxometalates. Consequently, OIH materials find extensive utilization in optical technologies, encompassing luminescent solar concentrators, light-emitting diodes, photochromism, random lasers, optical sensing, and various optical components, as we aim to demonstrate comprehensively herein.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)São Paulo State University (UNESP) Institute of Chemistry, SPSchool of Science Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797Department of Physics and CICECO—Aveiro Institute of Materials University of AveiroDepartment of Chemistry Federal University of Santa Cantarina—UFSC, SCSão Paulo State University (UNESP) Institute of Chemistry, SPCAPES: 001CNPq: 140851/2021-6CNPq: 407747/2022-
Methodologies for Agricultural Gypsum Application Recommendations in No-Tillage Systems on Tropical Sandy Soils †
No full textThis study aimed to evaluate which of five commonly used methodologies for agricultural gypsum application in no-tillage systems under tropical agricultural conditions is the most efficient in sandy soils. The evaluation focused on soil chemical and physical properties, nutrient movement through the soil profile, and crop productivity. Methods: Soil layers of 0–0.20 m and 0.20–0.40 m were analyzed. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and means were compared using Student’s t-test (p < 0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) and multivariate analysis were also performed. Results: An increase in calcium (Ca), potassium (K), and sulfur (S) contents was observed at the analyzed soil depths, along with a reduction in subsurface aluminum saturation (m%). Gypsum application also increased the dry matter yield of cover crops. Conclusions: For sandy soils under no-tillage systems with high nutrient export, aiming to improve soil fertility and aggregation, the gypsum application methodologies proposed by Caires and Guimarães or Raij and collaborators are recommended. According to multivariate analysis, these methodologies showed the best correlation with base saturation (V%), a key indicator of soil fertility. Additionally, the Caires and Guimarães method demonstrated a stronger correlation with maize productivity. However, none of the evaluated methodologies increased soybean yields.Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Universidade Federal de Viçosa, MGAdvanced Research Center for Rubber Tree and Agroforestry Systems Agronomic Institute (IAC), SPPostgraduate Program in Agronomy—Soil Science School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences Department of Soils and Fertilizers São Paulo State University (UNESP), SPDepartment of Plant Health Rural Engineering and Soils College of Engineering São Paulo State University—UNESP-FEIS, SPDepartament of Plant Production College of Agricultural and Technological Sciences São Paulo State University—UNESP—FCA, SPPostgraduate Program in Agronomy—Soil Science School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences Department of Soils and Fertilizers São Paulo State University (UNESP), SPDepartment of Plant Health Rural Engineering and Soils College of Engineering São Paulo State University—UNESP-FEIS, SPDepartament of Plant Production College of Agricultural and Technological Sciences São Paulo State University—UNESP—FCA, S
Critical digital citizenship amid the political challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic
No full textThe aim of this article is to promote a theoretical reflection on the concept of citizenship, taking as context the digital culture and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a theoretical-conceptual study that, based on some concepts present in the current literature on the subject, used classic texts of political philosophy to dimension the meaning of the concept of digital citizenship and its use in educational policies from a broader theoretical-philosophical perspective. In this sense, it is assumed that the ubiquity of digital communication technologies presents problems that require critical reflection from the entire society, in a broader historical perspective. In a world increasingly organized economically around digital algorithms, access to information for all citizens has become a central problem in democratic societies. However, the study demonstrates that guaranteeing access to information technologies is not enough for a democratic education in this context. The result of the theoretical reflection presented here demonstrates that it is also necessary to promote critical self- reflection on the processes of content manipulation and induction of thoughtless consumption of information. This requires incisive educational action, as a way of clarifying and discerning the elements that make up the universe of information, which reaches us through various channels. The conclusion advocates that the democratic participation of citizens will only be effective politically if they are guaranteed a full cultural education, with a real possibility of cultural inclusion and ethical-political engagement in issues involving social life in digital culture.Univ Estadual Paulista, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Carlos, Sao Carlos, SP, BrazilUniv Estadual Paulista, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazi
Comprehensive inventory and initial assessment of landslides triggered by autumn 2024 rainfall in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
No full textFinanciadora de Estudos e ProjetosConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters (CEMADEN)Graduate Program in Natural Disasters UNESP/CEMADENInstitute of Hydraulic Research Federal University of Rio Grande do SulDepartment of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering Fluminense Federal UniversityFederal University of Rio Grande do SulInstitute of Science and Technology Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), SPGraduate Program in Natural Disasters UNESP/CEMADENInstitute of Science and Technology Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), SPFinanciadora de Estudos e Projetos: 01.16.0068.00CNPq: 446162/2023-