Federal University of Uberlândia

Resumo Introdução: Pesquisa multicêntrica em centros de diálise brasileiros são escassas. Descrevemos as fases de recrutamento e implementação do estudo SARC-HD, visando investigar a sarcopenia e seu impacto em desfechos clínicos adversos. Métodos: O SARC-HD é um estudo de coorte realizado com pacientes em hemodiálise no Brasil. A fase de recrutamento foi considerada o período entre convite ao centro e início da inclusão de pacientes, enquanto a fase de implementação durou a partir de então até a conclusão do recrutamento e coleta de dados basais. Após a implementação, um questionário estruturado foi distribuído para coletar feedback dos principais pesquisadores. Resultados: 21 centros de três regiões brasileiras consentiram em participar, com duas desistências. Dez pesquisadores principais supervisionaram 19 locais. Nove centros (47%) eram totalmente financiados por planos de saúde. 1525 pacientes foram avaliados para elegibilidade e 1008 foram incluídos, com taxa de recrutamento de 66,1%. Recrutamento e coleta de dados basais levaram 12 semanas [intervalo interquartil: 5–15]. A análise qualitativa de conteúdo identificou barreiras como falta de infraestrutura e logística para pesquisa. Os facilitadores incluíram gestão e organização do comitê gestor. Os desafios da coleta de dados foram relatados principalmente quanto à avaliação global subjetiva de 7 pontos e o questionário internacional de atividade física. O principal desafio para a fase de manutenção será a falta de informações padronizadas nos prontuários eletrônicos. Conclusões: As fases de recrutamento e implementação do estudo multicêntrico SARC-HD foram viáveis. Barreiras e facilitadores identificados pelos pesquisadores principais podem auxiliar futuras iniciativas multicêntricas a integrar tarefas relacionadas à pesquisa na rotina clínica, facilitando experiências bem-sucedidas.

Introduction: Multicenter research initiatives in Brazilian dialysis centers are scarce. We described the recruitment and implementation phases of the SARC-HD study, aimed at investigating sarcopenia and its impact on adverse clinical outcomes. Methods: The SARC-HD is a cohort study being conducted with patients on hemodialysis in Brazil. The recruitment phase was defined as the period from the invitation to the center until the start of patient enrollment, whereas the implementation phase lasted from then until the completion of enrollment and baseline data collection. Upon implementation, a structured questionnaire was distributed to collect feedback from principal investigators. Results: 21 centers from three Brazilian regions consented to participate, with two dropping out. Ten principal investigators oversaw the 19 sites. Nine centers (47%) were funded entirely by health insurance companies. A total of 1525 patients were screened for eligibility and 1008 were enrolled, with a 66.1% recruitment rate. Recruitment and baseline data collection took 12 [interquartile range: 5–15] weeks. Qualitative content analysis identified barriers such as a lack of infrastructure and logistics for research. Facilitators included the management and organization of the steering committee. Data collection challenges were mainly reported with the subjective 7-point global assessment and the international physical activity questionnaire. The main challenge for the ongoing maintenance phase will be the lack of standardized information in electronic health records. Conclusions: The recruitment and implementation phases of the multicenter SARC-HD study were feasible. Barriers and facilitators identified by principal investigators may help future multicenter initiatives to integrate research-related tasks into clinical routine, facilitating successful experiences.

Understanding the behavior of foundations resting on collapsible soils is essential to prevent building issues such as cracks, fissures, and performance deficiencies. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior of short bored piles installed in tropical, collapsible soils in the region of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. To assess the performance of these foundations, two identical bored piles, 6 m in length and 0.25 m in diameter, were instrumented. Under both in-situ and flooded moisture conditions, the piles were subjected to static and slow load tests (SLT) under both compression and tension. Finite element numerical models were validated through two-dimensional and three-dimensional analyses using experimental parameters. To establish consolidated average parameters, other bored piles of varying lengths, tested by different authors in the same experimental field, were compared. The results indicated that the unit lateral skin friction under tension exceeded that under compression by more than twice. Soil flooding reduced the pile’s compression load capacity by approximately 50% compared to in-situ moisture conditions. Load transfer analysis showed an increasing contribution of the pile tip in compression as loading stages advanced, and full mobilization of the pile under tension. Furthermore, a correction was proposed for a parameter in a widely used Brazilian method for estimating the load capacity of piles.

The present research focuses on the flow and heat transfer of Newtonian and viscoplastic liquids flowing through a heated tube row. It investigates the evolution of the system configurations to improve its performance based on the constructal design method (CDM). The method's implementation is associated with the design of experiments and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Viscoplastic fluids with rheology predicted by a biviscosity equation based on the Bingham model were considered. The Plastic number gave the fluids' viscoplasticity degree, which varied between 0 and 0.75. The Bejan number gave the flow intensity, which ranged between 104 and 105. Three levels of evolution of the system were treated with one, two, and four degrees of freedom. A central composite design of simulations was performed. The results were fitted into polynomial curves for the one degree of freedom system and response surfaces with quadratic functions for the two and four degrees of freedom systems as functions of the distances between tubes and the diameter ratios between the main tubes and the additional tubes. As the system’s complexity was increased by adding smaller diameter tubes, increases between 20.82 and 41.16% in heat transfer density could be achieved for Bejan number cases 104 and 32.27–63.67% for Bejan number 105. The viscoplasticity impairs the convective process by forming unyielded and high viscosity zones. Through design evolution, it has been possible to obtain heat transfer densities for high-yield stress fluids comparable to those of Newtonian or low-yield stress fluids.

Failures in endodontic treatments are common due to microbial resistance in the pulp canal. The study evaluated the in vitro activity of polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (PHMGH) against endodontic strains, as well as in vivo toxicity. Using minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration techniques, PHMGH was effective against all microorganisms, even at low concentrations. At 50.0 µg/mL, it inhibited Enterococcus faecalis; furthermore, when compared to chlorhexidine (CLX), it demonstrated values 19 times lower against Candida albicans. The polymer’s activity was also determined by agar diffusion, evaluating products A (calcium hydroxide - Ca(OH)2, as a reference), B (Ca(OH)2 combined with physiological solution, reference with a vehicle), C (PHMGH 6.25%), D (PHMGH 3.125%), E (PHMGH 1.5625%), F (PHMGH 0.78125%), G (PHMGH 6.25% and Ca(OH)2), H (PHMGH 3.125% and Ca(OH)2), I (PHMGH 1.5625% and Ca(OH)2), J (PHMGH 0.78125% and Ca(OH)2), and K (positive control, CLX 0.12%). Products containing PHMGH were more effective than the references against all strains, and C, D, and G were more effective than CLX against Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Actinomyces naeslundii, and Actinomyces viscosus. According to the fractional inhibitory concentration index, the combination of PHMGH and CLX showed indifference for Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Actinomyces naeslundii, Actinomyces viscosus and Escherichia coli, antagonism for Candida albicans, and synergy for Enterococcus faecalis. The toxicity of PHMGH at different concentrations was tested in Caenorhabditis elegans and did not show lethality in nematodes, with the LC50 observed only at the highest concentration (100 µg/mL) after two days of exposure. It is suggested that PHMGH exhibited antimicrobial activity against endodontic strains and low toxicity, raising expectations for new preventive and therapeutic products in endodontics.

Background Preferred walking speed (PWS), maximal walking speed (MWS), and walking speed reserve (WSR)—the difference between MWS and PWS—can be easily obtained from the 10-m walk test (10MWT) to assess walking ability and function. However, their test-retest reliability has not been determined in persons with unilateral lower-limb amputation (LLA). Objectives To determine the reliability of the PWS, MWS, and WSR obtained from the 10MWT in persons with LLA. Study design Test-retest with a 48- to 120-h interval between test days. Methods Test-retest relative and absolute reliability was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the %change in mean (%CM) and coefficient of variation (CV), respectively. Results Preferred walking speed showed excellent reliability between day 1 (familiarization day) and day 2 (ICC = 0.97; %CM = −1.8; CV = 7.7) and a significant speed increase from day 2 to day 3 (ICC = 0.96; %CM = 8.5, p < 0.003; CV = 7.4). Maximal walking speed showed excellent reliability between day 1 and day 2 (ICC = 0.94; %CM = 2.9; CV = 8.3) and between day 2 and day 3 (ICC = 0.94; %CM = 1.8; CV = 8.6). Overall, WSR was poorly reliable between day 1 and day 2 (ICC = 0.65; %CM = 39.2; CV = 39.2) and between day 2 and day 3 (ICC = 0.74; %CM = 30.0; CV = 30.0). Conclusions Preferred walking speed obtained from a single 10MWT and MWS obtained after a 10MWT familiarization day are reliable walking speed measures for persons with LLA with similar characteristics to those of our sample. Nonetheless, it is critical that both PWS and MWS are obtained after a 10MWT familiarization to obtain a reliable WSR.

Attention has been given to increasing the sense of belonging of students from disadvantaged socioeconomic groups in higher education (HE). Research in belonging has focused on objective indicators of socioeconomic status (SES; i.e., educational status, household income), yet focus on subjective socioeconomic status (SSS) is more limited. We address this gap in two studies, including a cross‐sectional survey ( N = 503) and semi‐structured interviews ( N = 16), to address two questions: (a) to what extent SSS and a sense of belonging are associated; and (b) what are the social identity processes that might help to explain the relationship between SSS and belonging. As expected, SSS was positively associated with a sense of belonging, such that higher SSS was associated with higher levels of a sense of belonging. Together, these studies illustrate that SSS (a) is yet another way that SES operates to benefit some and disadvantage others; (b) provides an opportunity to analyse the role of intergroup relations in individuals' experiences and (c) is interlocked with intersectional identities, such as ethnicity and race.

Mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria are agents of spoilage in aquatic organisms. Aquaculture aims to provide safe and nutritious foods from microbiological, physico–chemical, and sensory perspectives. Ozone (O3) is a gas used as an efficient antimicrobial agent for inactivating microorganisms in various foods. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether O3 is effective in reducing or eliminating mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria in fish and seafood. To this end, a systematic review was performed to evaluate the data obtained from published primary studies. Articles were retrieved from the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and SciELO databases, and papers published between 2002 and 2024 were considered. A total of 1415 studies were identified, 11 of which met all eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that O3 reduced mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria counts by 0.31 log CFU g−1 in fish and seafood. Significant heterogeneity persisted in the data set even after separation into subgroups, indicating that the studies were significantly diverse in terms of methodology. Therefore, the data obtained in this meta-analysis indicates low inactivation of the microorganisms studied using O3. However, more research into the O3 treatment of aquatic organisms should be encouraged, since the included studies had methodological variations in the forms of O3 used, and investigated species, since all species have their own specificities.

Tannery industries contribute significantly to economic growth but generate highly toxic effluents, posing severe threats to aquatic ecosystems. This study assessed the ecotoxicological impacts of tannery effluents on Scinax fuscovarius tadpoles and Poecilia reticulata fish. Tadpoles and fish were exposed to environmentally relevant dilutions (0.3%) of raw tannery effluent (RTE) and effluent treated with mercerized microcrystalline cellulose particles (TTE) for 15 days. RTE exposure caused a 74.9% reduction in catalase (CAT) activity and a 50% increase in micronucleated erythrocytes in tadpoles, alongside heightened oxidative stress and inflammation. In fish, RTE exposure led to a 30% increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and moderate cytogenotoxic effects, reflecting their lower chromium (Cr) accumulation (0.5 mg/g in fish vs. 1.2 mg/g in tadpoles). TTE treatment significantly reduced Cr concentrations by 60% in tadpoles and 50% in fish, mitigating toxicity. However, residual sublethal effects persisted, including oxidative stress markers and nuclear abnormalities in both species. These findings highlight the differential sensitivity of aquatic species to tannery effluents and the partial efficacy of TTE in reducing toxicity. The results provide critical data for advancing remediation strategies, emphasizing the need for technologies capable of addressing residual toxicity. Furthermore, this study underscores the importance of multi-species ecotoxicological assessments and biomarker-based approaches in regulatory frameworks to ensure the ecological safety of treated industrial effluents. Future studies should explore long-term and transgenerational impacts to build a comprehensive understanding of these pollutants' ecological and evolutionary consequences.

DETERMINATION OF SALICYLIC ACID IN MILK USING PAPER-BASED SPOT TESTS AND DIGITAL IMAGE TREATMENT. Milk is a worldwide consumed product, and therefore, quality control is essential. The addition of salicylic acid (SA) represents a common type of adulteration, used to reduce the growth of microorganisms and extend shelf life. However, excessive ingestion of SA can cause gastrointestinal issues and even lead to death. This study describes the development of a simple analytical method for the determination of salicylic acid in milk based on the colorimetric reaction between the analyte and FeIII ions. The quantification was performed by digital image treatment. Different linear ranges were obtained for each type of milk analyzed: 100 to 1500 mg L-1 for raw milk, 300 to 2000 mg L-1 for skimmed milk, 500 to 2000 mg L-1 for powdered milk, 100 to 2000 mg L-1 for whole milk, and 100 to 1500 mg L-1 for lactose-free milk. The accuracy of the method was obtained by comparison with a reference method, and the recovery percentage provided values between 71 and 120%. An RSD (relative standard deviation) of 0.7% was obtained. The parameters evaluation resulted in a simple and miniaturized analytical method without a sample preparation step for the determination of SA in milk, serving as a tool for identifying adulteration practices.

High-speed steel (HSS) is commonly used in producing micro-cutting tools due to its excellent abrasive wear resistance, especially under high rotational speeds and low thermal activation conditions. Numerous studies have focused on enhancing the microstructural properties of HSS further to improve the wear resistance of these micro tools. However, abrasive machining processes like grinding and lapping are employed during the manufacturing of micro tools such as spade drills, milling cutters, and taps. In these processes, controlling the wear rate is crucial, as it directly impacts the achievable material removal rate. Therefore, maintaining wear rate stability is more critical than only measuring the total amount of wear. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the wear of HSS with various microstructures using a variation of the pin-abrasion test (PAT). Pins of M3 class 2 (referred to as M3/2) HSS obtained from three different manufacturers were tested using SiC abrasive articles (320# mesh) under a constant load of 0.35 MPa and variable rotary speeds between 0.5 and 6.0 m/s. The materials were evaluated, and the type and quantity of primary carbides (MC and M 6 C) present in their microstructures were determined with the aid of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results demonstrated a relationship between wear behavior and carbide size and distribution: materials with larger carbides with a non-uniform distribution exhibited greater wear rate instability. This implies that micro tools made from HSS should have a microstructure characterized by a uniform distribution of small carbide particles to ensure stability during fabrication. Additionally, a method for testing wear rate stability was proposed.

Resumo: Trata-se, o presente texto, de uma entrevista concedida pelo Prof. Dr. Alfredo Pereira Jr. ao Dr. Leonardo Ferreira Almada, por ocasião da chamada para publicação de entrevistas com distintas/os filósofas/os brasileiras/os. Atendendo ao objetivo da chamada da revista Trans/Form/Ação, buscou-se realizar uma entrevista em que um professor doutor com carreira consagrada apresenta alguns elementos de suas histórias pessoais e acadêmicas, bem como esclarece pontos importantes de sua pesquisa, algumas de suas teses e visão de mundo, a partir de questões propostas por um outro professor doutor, parceiro histórico de pesquisa e profundo conhecedor da carreira do entrevistado.

The use of 3D-printed electrodes is reported fabricated from in-house conductive filament composed of a mixture of recycled poly (lactic acid) (rPLA), graphite (Gpt), and carbon black (CB) for fast detection of the abused drug ketamine. Firstly, the performance of these electrodes was evaluated in comparison to 3D-printed electrodes produced employing a commercially available conductive filament. After a simple pretreatment step (mechanical polishing), the new 3D-printed electrodes presented better performance than the electrodes produced from commercial filament in relation to peak-to-peak separation of the redox probe [Fe(CN)6]³⁻/⁴⁻ (130 mV and 759 mV, respectively), charge transfer resistance (Rct = 1.04 ± 0.05 kΩ and 9.62 ± 0.03 kΩ, respectively), and heterogeneous rate constant (k⁰ = 7.16 ± 0.05 × 10–3 cm s⁻¹ and 3.57 ± 0.03 × 10–3 cm s⁻¹, respectively). Excellent analytical characteristics for the detection of ketamine were achieved, including wide linear range (10 to 250 μmol L⁻¹), excellent sensitivity (0.024 ± 0.001 μA μmol L⁻¹), low limit of detection (LOD = 0.7 μmol L⁻¹), and recovery values from 82 to 115% for beverage samples (white and red wines, beer, water, and vodka) spiked with the abused drug ketamine. Graphical Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is commonly treated with intestinal resections that lead to colostomy, which can influence changes in eating habits. This study aimed to analyze energy and nutrient intake, diet quality, and food consumption based on the processing level in CRC patients after colostomy. A prospective study was carried out at three time points (T0–recent colostomy, T1–3 months after colostomy, and T2-6 months after colostomy). Food intake was assessed by 24-hour dietary recall. Macro-micronutrient consumption, the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index-Revised (BHEI-R), and food consumption according to processing level by NOVA classification (raw or minimally processed, processed, and ultra-processed foods) were estimated. Generalized estimating equations were used to compare the food intake variables with time points. Of the 46 patients, 52.2% were women, and the mean age was 60.6±12.2 years old. There was a change in food consumption over time, with an increase in energy consumption (kcal and kcal/kg), lipids, and sodium, in addition to a reduction in some nutrients such as protein (g and g/kg), fiber, vitamin B1 and C and phosphorus. Regarding the key outcomes, BHEI-R and NOVA classification showed a poor diet quality with a reduction in total index (p = 0.022), raw food (p = 0.001), total fruits, and whole fruit consumption (p = 0.001), and an increase in sodium (p = 0.001) at 3 and/or 6 months after colostomy concomitant an increase in ultra-processed food (p = 0.015). Nutritional counseling is essential in care, effective eating changes habits improvement of symptoms and nutritional status, besides avoiding potential cancer recurrence.

An assessment of systemic inflammation and nutritional status may form the basis of a framework to examine the prognostic value of cachexia in patients with advanced cancer. The objective of the study was to examine the prognostic value of GLIM criteria, including body mass index (BMI), weight loss (WL) and systemic inflammation (mGPS), in advanced cancer patients. Three criteria were examined in a combined cohort of patients with advanced cancer and their relationship with survival was examined using Cox regression methods. Data were available on 1303 patients. Considering BMI and the mGPS, the 3-month survival rate varied from 74% (BMI>28 kg/m ² ) to 61% (BMI <20 kg/m ² ) and from 84% (mGPS 0) to 60% (mGPS 2). Considering WL and the mGPS, the 3-month survival rate varied from 81% (WL ±2.4%) to 47% (WL≥15%) and from 93% (mGPS 0) to 60% (mGPS 2). Considering BMI/WL grade and mGPS, the 3-month survival rate varied from 86% (BMI/WL grade 0) to 59% (BMI/WL grade 4) and from 93% (mGPS 0) to 63% (mGPS 2). When these criteria were combined, they better predicted survival. On multivariate survival analysis, the most highly predictive factors were BMI/WL grade 3 (HR 1.454, P=0.004), BMI/WL grade 4 (HR 2.285, P<0.001) and mGPS 1 and 2 (HR 1.889, HR 2.545, all P < 0.001). In summary, a high BMI/WL grade and a high mGPS as outlined in the BMI/WL grade/mGPS framework were consistently associated with poorer survival of patients with advanced cancer. It can be readily incorporated into the routine assessment of patients.