Federal University of Pampa

The Caryocar brasiliense Camb. is a native Brazilian Cerrado species, considered the symbol of this biome. This tree produces a fruit known as pequi, which is much appreciated in Brazilian traditional culinary and is also used in popular medicine. However, there is still limited knowledge about the pharmaceutical potential of the fruit of C. brasiliense. In this study, we evaluated the bioactive compounds present in the lyophilized fruit pulp of C. brasiliense (CBFP) and investigated its antioxidant properties in vitro and in vivo, as well as its effects on models of Alzheimer's disease and longevity. As a main result, we revealed that CBFP presented phenolic and flavonoid constituents, lipophilic compounds, and ascorbic acid. The in vitro antioxidant activity was observed through free radical scavenging and DNA protection against oxidative damage. In the in vivo life quality assay, no signs of CBFP‐induced toxicity were observed, and nematode viability and reproductive capacity remained unaltered. Furthermore, CBFP treatment delayed paralysis in the Alzheimer's disease mutant strain and improved locomotor capacity during aging in the wild‐type strain. CBFP increased the lifespan of C. elegans and enhanced resistance to oxidative and heat stresses. Together, our findings demonstrate that CBFP exhibited beneficial effects on healthspan, attributed to its antioxidant properties and the regulation of oxidative stress.

This paper describes the design of a new compact circuit for Butler Matrix using few lumped elements to operate at 2.4 GHz. It is demonstrated that acceptable performance could be only achieved by proper electromagnetic modeling of the lumped components using metallic pads and resistor, inductor, and/or capacitor surfaces in Ansys HFSS, to allow compensating for parasitic and coupling effects. The input selection of the proposed architecture is realized digitally using an absorptive switch. The designed circuit has been used to feed a microstrip antenna array to demonstrate the beam switching capability. Very good agreement between the expected and measured results has been verified.

The cost of recycled glass is strongly influenced by its color. Colorless glass is usually more expensive than other glass, then, products generated from recycled glass are costlier if the requirement of colorless cullet is required. Particularly, glass beads (GB) used in horizontal road marks are usually produced from recycled glass, and the standards that regulate GB production for this application emphasize that they must be colorless to guarantee high retrorefletivity. Thus, this work aims to evaluate the effect of GB produced from different cullet colors on the retroreflectivity measurements. The horizontal flame method was used to produce the GB in a granulometry classified as Type-IB. Results demonstrate that physical, chemical and optical properties do not change when microspheres of same characteristics but different colors are used, showing that other sources of glasses can be applied in road marking materials, reducing the overall production costs and consequently, trade costs.

This study utilizes gamma-ray spectrometry to identify source areas of gold recognized in geochemical prospecting work in stream sediments. The local geological context is represented by the Passo Feio Metamorphic Complex, which contains gold deposits possibly hosted in quartz veins concordant with metamorphic foliation, composed of quartzites, schists, and amphibolites. The study followed the sequence: geological reconnaissance, drone survey, and gamma-ray spectrometric acquisition. Field reconnaissance indicated an alternation of rocks oriented in a WNW/ENE direction, with recognition of quartz veins embedded concordantly with the foliation of quartzites. The drone data enabled the generation of a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and served as a basis for planning the gamma-ray spectrometry work. A total of 715 gamma-ray spectrometric readings were taken, with an average spacing of 40 m between points, followed by data processing and the generation of maps of K (0.5–2.5%) concentrations, eU (0.9–3.9 ppm), and eTh (2.8–24.4 ppm). The data obtained regarding the K (%) concentration values reveal a clear anomaly in the central region with WNW/ENE orientation. The concentration data obtained for U (ppm) and Th (ppm) show a similar pattern concerning the WNW/ENE anomaly in the center of the area. The overlap of positive anomalies served as an indication of gold source areas in two river valleys. The combination of detailed gamma-ray spectrometry and precision digital terrain modeling has enabled the delineation of primary targets potentially mineralized in gold, in a versatile and fast way, compared to traditional soil sampling techniques.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons caused by several factors, including oxidative stress. Quinoa has an important source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. In this work, the action of quinoa extract (alcoholic) on locomotor damage and rotenone-induced neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster was evaluated. Male and female fruit flies from 1 to 4 days old were exposed to a diet containing rotenone and/or quinoa extract for 7 days. Analyses of survival percentage, negative geotaxis, open field, memory, and food consumption were performed in vivo. After the behavioral tests, dopamine levels, tyrosine hydroxylase and AChE activities, and oxidative stress indicators were evaluated. Our results show that the exposure of flies to quinoa extract protected against mortality, locomotor impairment, and memory deficit induced by rotenone. Furthermore, quinoa extract restored dopamine levels, tyrosine hydroxylase and AChE activities, and oxidative stress indicators (ROS, TBARS, CAT, and SOD) after exposure to rotenone. The results suggest that the protective effect of quinoa extract in a model such as PD in Drosophila melanogaster may be related to its antioxidant potential and its ability to modulate enzymes. Graphical abstract

Ketosis is a significant metabolic disorder caused by negative energy balance (NEB). β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) is the most abundant circulating ketone body and is known to accumulate within follicular fluid. Although NEB and metabolic stress conditions have been associated with reduced fertility in cows, the effect of increased BHBA on the viability and functionality of bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of BHBA on expansion, oxidative status, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in cumulus cells, oocyte nuclear maturation, and in vitro embryo production (IVP) in cattle. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were treated with 0, 2, or 4 mM of BHBA for 6, 12, 18, or 24 h during oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM.) Cumulus expansion and mRNA levels of genes related to cumulus expansion, oxidative status, ER stress, and autophagy were evaluated. The oocytes were fixed for nuclear maturation analysis at 24 h of IVM. In addition, after IVM with BHBA for 24 hours, cleavage and blastocyst rates were examined. No difference was observed in the rates of oocytes reaching metaphase II, cleavage, and blastocysts. Furthermore, the oxidative status and relative abundance of mRNA for genes associated with antioxidant enzymes and autophagy were not altered by BHBA in cumulus cells. However, BHBA altered the total area of the COC and increased the mRNA levels of genes associated with ER. In conclusion, BHBA affects the expansion and induces ER stress in bovine cumulus cells during IVM without compromising oocyte nuclear maturation, oxidative status, cleavage, and blastocyst rates.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance and ingestive behavior of singleton and twin lambs after weaning under different feeding systems on tropical pasture. Studies were carried out over three years with castrated and weaned males of Texel x Corriedale lambs. In the first year, the treatments were: grass; grass and supplementation with concentrate (1.5% or 2.5% of live weight); grass and controlled legume grazing. In the second and third years, the treatments were: either grass or legume; mixed, this is, contiguous area of both grass and legume. On tropical pasture system, twin lambs fed with high levels of concentrate can gain more live weight than singletons, showing a compensatory growth and reaching the singletons live weight. Sheep litter size does not affect weaned lambs’ grazing behaviour under different feeding systems on tropical grassland. The use of concentrate supplementation changes lambs’ ingestive behavior by reducing grazing time and increasing idling time. Pigeon pea, as a monoculture or associated with grass, can be an important source of nutrients for lambs; however, it is not sufficient to ensure the same performance of twin and singleton lambs.

Volcanic reservoirs represent an important target for CO 2 storage and large-scale deployment. We accessed the volcanic stra-tigraphy of the Paraná-Etendeka Large Igneous Province (PELIP) in South America through the analysis of petrophysical data from 9 exploration wells and regional seismic data. This approach enables the development of a refined geological model of the subsurface, offering new insights into facies distribution and reservoir characteristics. Stratigraphically, the PELIP consists of two major volcanic sequences: an older low-Ti (LT) sequence in the southern region and a younger high-Ti (HT) sequence in the central-northern area. Seven distinct lava formations have been identified based on their architecture and geochemical signatures , with the Vale do Sol, Pitanga and Paranapanema formations accounting for over 80% of the stratigraphy. The province is formed by thick (c. 25 m) tabular lavas with well-developed vesicular and brecciated upper crusts and subordinately compound lavas and volcaniclastic/siliciclastic deposits. Petrophysical analyses reveal a strong correlation between rock facies and reservoir properties (i.e., porosity and permeability). Lava flow tops exhibit high porosities comprising c. 10%-40% of the total flow thickness and represent viable targets for CO 2 injection. In contrast, massive flow cores are low in porosity and may act as effective seals. The PELIP is geologically similar to other large igneous provinces currently hosting CCS (carbon capture and storage) projects (Carbfix, Iceland and Wallula, USA). The large volume of basaltic rocks, along with high porosity facies and reactive compositions, makes the Paraná-Etendeka LIP a potential target for CCS developments in South America.

Background Running biomechanics can influence injury risk, but whether the combined effect of different biomechanical factors can be identified by individual running profiles remains unclear. Here, we identified distinct biomechanical profiles among healthy runners, examined lower limb mechanical load characteristics, and evaluated potential implications for injury risk. Hypothesis Multiple factors would serve as a common denominator allowing identification of specific patterns. Study Design Cross-sectional. Level of Evidence Level 2. Methods Step cadence, stance time, vertical oscillation, duty factor, vertical stiffness, peak ground reaction force (GRF), and anteroposterior, lateral, and vertical smoothness were determined from 3-dimensional kinematic data from 79 healthy runners using a treadmill at 2.92 m/s. Principal component analysis, self-organizing maps, and K-means clustering techniques delineated distinct biomechanical running profiles. Mutual information analysis, Kruskal-Wallis, and Pearson’s Chi-squared tests were conducted. Results Five biomechanical profiles (P1-P5) demonstrated different running mechanical characteristics: P1 exhibited low cumulative and peak mechanical load due to a combination of high duty factor, low step cadence, and longer stance time; P2 showed characteristics associated with the lowest peak mechanical load due to reduced peak GRF and greater smoothness; P3 and P5 showed contrasting running patterns, but maintained moderate smoothness and peak GRF; and P4 exhibited the highest peak mechanical load, driven by high GRF, low duty factor, and high vertical oscillation. Conclusion The 5 profiles appear to be associated with different lower limb load patterns, highlighting previously unrecognized connections between biomechanical variables during running. Some variables contribute to increased peak and cumulative load, whereas others help reduce it, underscoring the complex interplay of biomechanical factors in running. Clinical Relevance Identifying distinct running profiles can help clinicians better understand individual variations in mechanical load and injury risk, thus informing targeted interventions, such as personalized training adjustments or rehabilitation programs, to prevent injuries and enhance performance in runners.

This article presents the design of a top-loaded quartercylinder dielectric resonator antenna (TL-QCDRA). The approach to reduce the antenna dimensions is based on the use of E and H-walls to impose Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions to the fields inside the dielectric resonator. The proposed antenna was modeled and optimized with the electromagnetic simulator ANSYS HFSS and was designed to operate at 1.575 GHz (L1- band of the global positioning system - GPS). The excitation is achieved by a coaxial probe along with a series inductor, whichis used to compensate the capacitive input reactance. A prototype was manufactured and measured in an anechoic chamber and good agreement was obtained between numerical and experimental results. In comparison to previously published papers, the proposed design yields higher compactness, which is an important feature for space applications.

Iron ore resource modeling is challenging due to the multivariate characteristics of the deposit, particularly the need to integrate chemical composition and granulometric size fractions while ensuring mass and stoichiometric balance. This research investigates the potential to simplify the estimation of Brazilian iron ore resources while preserving modeling accuracy. Ordinary kriging (OK), intrinsic coregionalization model (ICM), and linear coregionalization model (LCM) were applied to chemical (Fe, SiO 2 , P, Al 2 O 3 , Mn, PF) and granulometric (G1–G4) data from drill hole samples. All three approaches yielded robust and internally consistent block models. Validation using swath plots, grade-tonnage curves, and misclassification rates showed strong agreement between models, though discrepancies increased at upper grade ranges, especially for Mn, PF, and P. The OK method demonstrated superior adaptability to local spatial continuity, while ICM and LCM maintained inter-variable correlation structures more effectively. Mass and stoichiometric balance checks validated the models, with closure ranges of 97%–103% for chemistry and 99%–101% for granulometry. The results suggest that model selection should align with project priorities—favoring OK for spatial resolution and ICM/LCM when correlation fidelity is paramount. The study's novelty lies in demonstrating that simplified models emphasizing mass distribution over granulochemical detail can still guide effective mine planning and processing without major losses in accuracy.

Climate change significantly impacts child health, with Brazilian children facing unique vulnerabilities due to the country’s environmental and socioeconomic landscape. This article explores how rising temperatures, pollution, and extreme weather amplify respiratory, neurological, and psychological issues, spread vector-borne diseases, and reduce food security, disproportionately impacting children and adolescents. We also discuss mitigation strategies and recommendations for climate adaptation, including initiatives for sustainable land-use, expanded educational and health programs, and enhanced support for biodiversity conservation. These actions are essential to safeguarding child health and addressing the growing climate crisis nationally and internationally.

This research examines the effect of thermal power plant desulfurization by-products on pipeline carbon steel alloy corrosion dynamics in soil aqueous solutions to improve soil properties and decrease carbon steel pipeline corrosion rates. Electrochemical tests such as chronopotentiometry, potentiostatic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) assessed corrosion behavior. Adding desulfurization by-products to soil solutions (DBS) created a transpassive layer during potentiostatic polarization, with a passive current density of about 10μA.cm-2. EIS measurements showed a substantial increase in polarization resistance, with the DBS exhibiting nearly 700 times higher resistance than the standard soil solution (SSS) at 0V (OCP). Raman spectroscopy identified lepidocrocite (γ−FeOOH) in the DBS-treated coupons, while maghemite and akaganeite were found in chloride-enriched conditions. AFM analysis indicated heightened surface roughness with DBS addition, especially with NaCl. XRF and FTIR spectroscopy of the waste products identified them as primarily composed of silica, aluminosilicates, and oxides of calcium, magnesium, and aluminum. The results elucidate DBS's impact on soil corrosion and suggest methods to mitigate corrosion in industrial and environmental contexts. This study enhances the understanding of buried pipeline corrosion mechanisms and presents a new use of thermal power plant waste for corrosion protection.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a conformidade do Indicador de Qualidade em Terapia Nutricional “volume prescrito versus infundido”. Método: Análise secundária de dados, realizada em quatro enfermarias adultas (clínica e cirúrgica) de um hospital universitário brasileiro. Os dados foram coletados prospectivamente em dois períodos sequenciais - entre junho e novembro de 2017 (coorte 1) e de maio de 2018 a maio de 2019 (coorte 2). A diferença entre o volume de dieta prescrito e o infundido foi avaliada por meio de teste de Wilcoxon; e para aferir a relação entre a diferença e a média da diferença entre os volumes prescrito e infundido foi empregado o método sugerido por Bland e Altman. Resultados: Foram incluídos 494 pacientes. Evidenciou-se que os pacientes receberam, em média, menos dieta enteral do que o prescrito (-601,3±430ml/dia), o que representou cerca de 46% a menos de dieta; apenas 17,7% dos pacientes conseguiram atingir a meta para este indicador (infusão de ≥80% do volume prescrito). Ademais, não houve pacientes que receberam a totalidade do volume prescrito durante o período estabelecido. Conclusão: O volume de dieta infundido foi substancialmente menor que o prescrito, resultando em uma baixa conformidade do indicador monitorado nas enfermarias.

Objective: To assess the compliance with the Nutrition Therapy Quality Indicator “prescribed versus infused volume”. Method: Secondary data analysis, performed in four adult wards (clinical and surgical) of a Brazilian university hospital. Data were prospectively collected in two sequential periods - between June and November 2017 (cohort 1) and from May 2018 to May 2019 (cohort 2). The difference between the prescribed and infused diet volume was assessed using the Wilcoxon test; and to measure the relationship between the difference and the mean difference of the prescribed and infused volumes, the method suggested by Bland and Altman was applied. Results: A total of 494 patients were included. It was observed that patients received, on average, less enteral nutrition than prescribed (-601.3±430ml/day), which represented approximately 46% less diet; only 17.7% of patients were able to reach the target for this indicator (infusion of ≥80% of the prescribed volume). Furthermore, no patients received the entire prescribed volume during the established period. Conclusion: The volume of diet infused was substantially lower than that prescribed, resulting in low compliance of the indicator monitored in the wards.

Brazilian natural landscapes are recognized as maintaining high biodiversity. Moreover, anthropogenic ecosystems can also contribute to society achieving sustainable development objectives, promoting the sustainable use of ecosystems and halting biodiversity loss. In this context, we analyzed the presence of bird species in six rural environments to support dialogue on environmental conservation and rural tourism. We observed 127 species, of which, 46 species were recorded in both open and forested environments. The greatest species richness was verified in the environments of Open/Agricultural (69 species) and Forest/Riparian (57 species). Species residing in the Rio Grande do Sul and summer residents predominated over summer visiting (such as Mycteria americana and Petrochelidon pyrrhonota). Xanthopsar flavus, considered threatened with extinction for Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and globally by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), was observed on a single occasion in the Open/Agricultural environment. In ordering the environments, forests differed from open environments, partially due to food sources (diets), the presence of isolated trees (perches), and places for shelter and breeding. Our results suggest that maintaining heterogeneous habitats on rural areas supports a high richness of bird species, contributing to bird biodiversity in agricultural environments. This diversity of birds may be part of environmental education actions and provide cultural ecosystem services, especially bird watching associated with rural ecotourism.

The increasing prevalence of immunosuppressive diseases, the increase in the elderly population, and globalization have led to the urgent need for research on the epidemiology and prevalence of fungi that cause mycoses in Brazil and worldwide. This is especially important, in the case of Brazil, for the South region, which currently lacks updated data on the subject. To this end, the objective was to investigate fungi diagnosed in mycoses by a laboratory in the city of Pelotas, South of Brazil. An observational and analytical survey was conducted for three years to analyze fungal diagnoses in the laboratory. Statistical analyses were performed by using SPPS and Joinpoint software. In total, 1220 fungal diagnoses were conducted, with 169 (13,8%) in 2020, 399 (32,7%) in 2021, 470 (38,5%) in 2022, and 182 (15,0%) in 2023, showing an increase in diagnoses over the years, with women seeking more diagnoses than men. Spring and summer were the seasons with the most diagnoses, and cutaneous and opportunistic mycoses were the most prevalent. Dermatophytes were the most diagnosed, followed by Candida spp. However, there was an increase in non-dermatophyte fungi diagnosed for onychomycosis. Therefore, despite the increase in the number of diagnoses over the years, it is important and necessary to establish standards for diagnosis in Brazil and worldwide for fungal diseases, especially the mandatory notification of serious mycoses. This will raise awareness in the healthcare sector and the public about the importance of diagnosing and treating fungal infections, which cause many fatalities every day.

Sulfentrazone (SULF) is an herbicide that inhibits protoporphyrinogen oxidase, which is essential for the biosynthesis of chlorophyll and heme. Its prolonged soil half-life, low effective concentration, and the conserved nature of the heme biosynthesis pathway suggest that SULF might significantly affect non-target organisms. This study evaluated the impact of the commercial formulation Boral® 500 SC (SULF) on Drosophila melanogaster when exposed to acute concentrations. Fruit flies were exposed to 10–300 mg/L of the herbicide for seven days, which resulted in dose- and time-dependent increases in mortality. Following these results, further evaluations were conducted on flies exposed to 30 and 150 mg/L on the fourth day of treatment. The exposed flies exhibited decreased climbing locomotor capacity (negative geotaxis assay) and reduced exploratory locomotor capacity (open field assay), suggesting an increased energy demand to counteract the herbicide's effects. This was evidenced by decreased weight, reduced energy-rich molecules, and increased total protein levels. Activation of the heme biosynthesis pathway was indicated by the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX, increased total heme in the head, and induction of the porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS) enzyme (δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, δ-ALA-D, in mammals). Biochemical analysis showed increased thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in flies exposed to 150 mg/L, and higher glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity in the 150 mg/L Top group. Additionally, there was an increase in MTT reduction assay in flies from the 150 mg/L Bottom group. The study highlights that species with significant diurnal activity, such as pollinators, might be especially susceptible to SULF exposure due to accumulated protoporphyrin IX and pro-oxidative activity under light conditions.