Abstract The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is complex. Few studies in Brazilian population have addressed cell phenotypes associated with immunological responses and their associations with SLE activity. The aim of this study is to investigate cell phenotypes associated to SLE diagnosis, treatment and activity. Twenty-eight SLE female patients (17 inactive, 11 active) and 10 healthy women were included in this study. Markers of natural killer (Nk), T and B cells in peripheral blood were evaluated by flow cytometry. Nkt cells were decreased only in SLE active patients. Activated CD4+, regulatory T FoxP3+ and B cells were decreased in both active and inactive SLE patients, compared to control group. The data corroborate the disruption of immune regulatory response in SLE patients and suggest phenotipic changes as possible biomarkers of SLE activity.

Abstract Introduction Post-COVID-19 syndrome is characterized by chronic fatigue and myalgia, among other symptoms, which can limit activities of daily living. Physical therapy protocols with multicomponent exercises combine strength, resistance, balance and gait, producing sig-nificant improvements in functional mobility. Objective Evaluate whether multicomponent rehabilitation is effective in improving functional mobility and quality of life in individuals with post-COVID-19 syndrome. Methods Randomized controlled trial with 59 volunteers, divided into an intervention (IG) and control group (CG), all of whom underwent initial assessment (T0). The IG performed 24 sessions over 12 weeks and the CG did not undergo training. Functional mobility was analyzed using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and the Berg balance scale, while the SF-36 questionnaire assessed quality of life. Results In the 6MWT, the IG covered 464.40 + 81.26 meters (T0) and 518.60 + 82.68 meters (T4). The IG Berg scale scores were 48.00 + 4.00 (T0) and 51.90 + 4.26 (T4). In terms of quality of life, the IG obtained mean scores of 96.26 + 10.14 (T0) and 102.60 + 5.53 (T4). None of these measures was statistically significant. Conclusion Individuals who underwent the multicomponent phys-iotherapy protocol showed statistically nonsignificant increases in the variables studied.

Resumo Introdução A síndrome pós-COVID-19 caracteriza-se por fadiga crônica, mialgia, entre outros sintomas que podem causar limitações na realização das atividades de vida diária. Protocolos de fisioterapia com exercício de multicomponentes combinam força, resistência, equi-líbrio e marcha, e produzem melhorias significativas na mobilidade funcional. Objetivo Avaliar se a reabilitação de multicomponentes é eficaz em promover melhora na mobilidade funcional e qualidade de vida em indivíduos com síndrome pós-COVID-19. Métodos Ensaio clínico randomizado, controlado, realizado com 59 voluntários, divididos em grupo intervenção (GI) e grupo controle (GC). Todos fizeram avaliação inicial (T0); GI realizou 24 sessões durante 12 semanas e GC não realizou treinamento. A análise da mobilidade funcional foi realizada através do teste de caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6m) e da escala de equilíbrio de Berg. O questionário SF-36 avaliou a qualidade de vida. Resultados A distância percorrida no TC6m pelo GI foi de 464,40 + 81,26 metros (T0) e de 518,60 + 82,68 metros (T4). A pontuação na escala de Berg do GI foi de 48,00 + 4,00 (T0) e de 51,90 + 4,26 (T4). Na qualidade de vida, GI apresentou escore com média de 96,26 + 10,14 (T0) e 102,60 + 5,53 (T4). Nenhuma destas medidas foram estatisticamente significantes. Conclusão Os indivíduos que foram submetidos ao protocolo fisioterapêutico de multicomponentes apresentaram incrementos nas variáveis estudadas sem significância estatística.

This article deals with the invention of a utility model, filed with the National Institute of Industrial Patents, registered under nº BR 20190170510, characterized by the use of the SWOT Analysis, prepared from the Institutional Development Plan and the Reports of the On-site Evaluation(s) of undergraduate course(s), complemented with a PDCA cycle. It is an educational management instrument created with the objective of improving the scores of the indicators of the Undergraduate Course Assessment Instrument of 2017 - as well as those that succeed it - of the National Higher Education Assessment System (SINAES), evaluated with grades of 1.0 and/or 2.0 during the on-site evaluation. Based on a qualitative, descriptive approach and using a documental strategy, the model was developed to support the planning of future evaluations, and, at the same time, provide SINAES with subsidies related to the main weaknesses of undergraduate courses in relation to the IACG 2017.

O presente artigo trata da invenção de um modelo de utilidade, depositado junto ao Instituto Nacional de Patentes Industriais, registrado sob nº BR 20190170510, caracterizado por uso da Análise SWOT, elaborada a partir do Plano de Desenvolvimento Institucional e dos Relatórios da(s) Avaliação(ões) in loco de curso(s) de graduação, complementada com um Ciclo PDCA. Trata-se de um instrumento de gestão educacional criado com o objetivo de melhorar as notas dos indicadores do Instrumento de Avaliação de Curso de Graduação de 2017 - bem como os que o sucederem - do Sistema Nacional de Avaliação da Educação Superior (SINAES), avaliados com notas 1,0 e/ou 2,0 por ocasião da avaliação in loco. Fundamentado em abordagem qualitativa, descritiva e utilizando-se de estratégia documental, o modelo foi desenvolvido visando subsidiar o planejamento das avaliações futuras, e, ao mesmo tempo, fornecer ao SINAES, subsídios relativos às principais fragilidades dos cursos de graduação, em relação ao IACG 2017.

O artigo apresenta um estudo que teve como objetivo analisar a avaliação de cursos do ensino superior em Portugal decorrente do Processo de Bolonha. A pesquisa seguiu uma metodologia de orientação qualitativa, de caráter descritivo e de análise documental, focada nos critérios e procedimentos seguidos pela Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior, responsável por este processo em Portugal. Os resultados obtidos apontam que a avaliação de cursos, à semelhança do que é desejado no Espaço Europeu de Ensino Superior, tem como intenção garantir a qualidade da educação e apoiar os planos de melhoria da educação superior em Portugal. Os resultados permitiram ainda constatar que a qualidade, sendo um conceito historicamente situado, nesta era da globalização, é associada às exigências do mercado e da internacionalização, isto é, está em linha com a ideia de que este nível de ensino tem a função de produzir conhecimento numa rede de contatos e parcerias internacionais.

The article presents a study that aimed to analyze the evaluation of higher education courses in Portugal resulting from the Bologna Process. The research followed a qualitative methodology orientation, with a descriptive and documentary analysis, focused on the criteria and procedures followed by the Agency of Evaluation and Accreditation of Higher Education, responsible for this process in Portugal. The results show that the course evaluation, as it is desired in the European Higher Education Area, intended to guarantee education quality and to support the improvement of higher education in Portugal. The results also show that quality, being a historically situated concept in this globalization era, is associated with the demands of the market and internationalization, meaning, it is in line with the idea that this level of education has the function of producing knowledge in a network of international contacts and partnerships.

Resumo O objetivo desse artigo é refletir sobre os desafios da universidade pública pós-pandemia da Covid-19, a partir dos dados disponibilizados pelo Portal do Ministério da Educação do Brasil. Utilizou-se uma metodologia de caráter exploratório, com abordagem qualitativa e estratégia bibliográfico-documental. Constatou-se que o perfil de universidade pública que emergiu dos dados sugere a necessidade de uma mudança no modelo institucional e organizacional, que atualmente acomoda a universidade. Impõe-se que a universidade se reinvente, que se transforme em uma nova instituição, dotada de modelos de gestão atuais, flexíveis e que favoreçam ajustes, posto que tais funcionalidades são mais adequadas à dinâmica organizacional e à gestão de riscos.

Abstract The purpose of this article is to reflect on the challenges of the public university model in the Covid-19 post-pandemic, based on data made available by the Portal of the Ministry of Education of Brazil. An exploratory methodology was used, with a qualitative approach and a bibliographic-documental strategy. The public university profile that emerged from the data suggests the need for a change in the institutional and organizational model, which currently accommodates the university. It is imperative that the university reinvents itself, that it becomes a new institution, endowed with current, flexible management models and that favors adjustments, since such functionalities are better suited to organizational dynamics and risk management.

Resumen El propósito de este artículo es reflexionar sobre los desafíos de la universidad pública pandémica post-Covid-19, con base en datos proporcionados por el Portal del Ministerio de Educación en Brasil. Se utilizó una metodología exploratoria, con enfoque cualitativo y estrategia bibliográfico-documental. Se encontró que el perfil de la universidad pública que surgió de los datos sugiere la necesidad de un cambio en el modelo institucional y organizacional que actualmente acomoda a la universidad. Es imperativo que la universidad se reinvente, que se convierta en una nueva institución, dotada de modelos de gestión actuales, flexibles y que favorezcan los ajustes, ya que dichas funcionalidades se adecuan mejor a la dinámica organizacional y a la gestión de riesgos.

Abstract Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) has shown great biological heterogeneity, with a variable prognosis, and a short survival in some patients. In this light, the present study focused on the prognostic utility of circulating microparticles (MPs) and a Thrombin Generation (TG) Profile for thrombotic risk and disease progression in CLL patients. Circulating microparticles and TG were evaluated in 35 patients with CLL and 35 healthy individuals. For circulating microparticles, significant differences were observed among the following groups: MPs derived from endothelial cells (p = 0.002), B lymphocytes (p < 0.001), platelets (p = 0.003), and Tissue Factor MPs in monocytes (p < 0.001). In all cases, MP values were higher for the CLL group. When compared to the controls, CLL patients presented a decrease in TG, characterized by a reduced endogen thrombin potential (ETP) (p = 0.031). When the results were analyzed according to the Binet stage, as compared to the controls, the Binet B+C group also presented lower ETP values (p = 0.009). No significant differences were observed between the control and the Binet A groups or between the Binet A and the Binet B + C groups. Although hemostatic alterations may occur in patients with CLL, these parameters do not seem to be useful to indicate disease progression.

Abstract Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a blood cancer characterized by the accumulation of clonal B-lymphocytes. This study evaluated the mRNA gene expression of miR-15a, miR-16- 1, ZAP-70, and Ang-2 by qPCR, as well as the plasma levels of Bcl-2 by Elisa immunoassay, in CLL patients and healthy controls. Significant differences were observed when comparing patients and controls regarding miR-15a (p < 0.001), miR-16-1 (p < 0.001) mRNA, Ang-2 gene expression, and Bcl-2 plasma levels (p < 0.001). When stratified by risk, differences were maintained with a significantly reduced expression in high-risk patients. A positive correlation was observed between miR-15a and platelets (R2 = 0.340; p = 0.009) as well as between Bcl-2 and leukocytes (R2 = 0.310; p = 0.019). Conversely, negative correlations were observed between ZAP-70 and platelets (R2 = - 0.334; p = 0.011), between miR-15a and lymphocytes (R2 = - 0.376; p = 0.004), as well as between miR-16-and lymphocytes (R2 = - 0.515; p = 0.00004). The data suggest that a reduction in miR-15a and miR-16-1 expressions, in addition to an overexpression of Bcl-2, are associated with the reduction in apoptosis and, consequently, to a longer survival of lymphocytes, thus contributing to lymphocyte accumulation and aggravation of the disease. By contrast, Ang-2 expression was significantly higher in A than in B + C Binet groups. This context leads to the speculation that this biomarker should be investigated in more robust studies within populations with a still relevantly indolent form of the disease in an attempt to identify those patients with a greater potential for an aggravation of the disease.

Abstract The present study evaluated 56 patients diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and a control group of 44 clinically healthy subjects with no previous history of leukemia. Genetic expressions of AKT and microRNAs were evaluated by quantitative PCR (qPCR). A significant increase in AKT gene expression in patients when compared to controls was observed (p = 0.017). When the patients were stratified according to Binet subgroups, a significant difference was observed between the subgroups, with this protein kinase appearing more expressed in the B+C subgroup (p = 0.013). Regarding miRNA expression, miR-let-7b and miR-26a were reduced in CLL patients, when compared to controls. However, no significant differences were observed in these microRNA expressions between the Binet subgroups (A versus B+C). By contrast, miR-21 to miR-27a oncogenes showed no expression difference between CLL patients and controls. AKT protein kinase is involved in the signaling cascade that occurs with BCR receptor activation, leading to increased lymphocyte survival and protection against the induction of cell death in CLL. Thus, increased AKT protein kinase expression and the reduction of miR-let-7b and miR-26a, both tumor suppressors, may explain increased lymphocyte survival in CLL patients and may be promising markers for the prognostic evaluation of this disease.

Abstract Background Traditionally, the most effective therapy in the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) has been oral anticoagulation with vitamin K inhibitors, particularly warfarin, whose disadvantages and adverse effects have led to their replacement by "direct oral anticoagulants", as factor X inhibitor. Objectives This study aimed to conduct a brief approach on atrial fibrillation (AF) and use of Rivaroxaban, and to comparatively evaluate the prothrombin time / International Normalized Ratio (PT/INR) in patients with AF in use of this oral anticoagulant, depending on the time elapsed between the last administration of the drug and the time of blood sample venipuncture. Methods We evaluated 34 patients with AF in use of Rivaroxaban by using PT / INR, distributed into a subgroup with blood collection time ≤ 12 hours (n = 7) and > 12 hours after the last drug intake (n = 27). Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the groups and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results An analysis as a function of time between the Rivaroxaban intake and blood collection, revealed that PT / INR suffers the greatest effect up to 12 hours after ingestion of the drug, dropping to levels close to normal in subsequent hours before the next dose. Conclusion We concluded that, in contrast to warfarin, the knowledge of the time interval between drug intake and blood collection from patients taking Rivaroxaban is essential to properly interpret a laboratory test to assess hemostasis, particularly PT and its derivatives. Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0

RESUMO Introdução: A mucosite oral (MO) é considerada o efeito colateral agudo mais frequente do tratamento antineoplásico, com lesões ulcerativas decorrentes de sintomatologia dolorosa, acometendo a cavidade oral em resposta ao tratamento antineoplásico. Para estudar esses efeitos colaterais, são necessários experimentos em modelos animais, utilizando fármacos antineoplásicas para a indução de MO e anestésicos, principalmente Cetamina e Xilazina, para realizar a escarificação das bochechas Objetivos: Relatar um novo modelo experimental de MO induzida, sem o uso de anestésicos, para a etapa de escarificação das bochechas dos animais. Métodos: Foram utilizados 45 ratos Wistar machos, com 7 semanas de idade e peso de 220g, divididos em 2 grupos com MO induzida pela administração intraperitoneal de 5-fluorouracil. Dois dias depois, o Grupo I foi contido fisicamente, ao contrário, o Grupo II foi anestesiado com Cetamina e Xilazina, com foco em irritar a mucosa da bochecha com a ponta de uma agulha estéril, a fim de potencializar o desenvolvimento de MO. Os animais foram eutanasiados com sobredose de anestésica. Resultados: Em relação ao experimento de 5-Fluorouracil quimioinduzido para MO, onde a irritação foi realizada por contenção física, sem o uso de anestésicos (Cetamina e Xilazina), os animais tiveram maior sobrevida e rápida melhora dos efeitos colaterais induzidos por quimioterapia. Conclusão: Este novo modelo é promissor, visto que o uso de anestésicos (Cetamina e Xilazina) apresentou elevada mortalidade. Porém, na ausência de anestesia, todos os animais sobreviveram até o final do experimento envolvendo este modelo de quimioterapia induzida com 5-fluorouracil e contenção física.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Oral mucositis (OM) is considered the most frequent acute side effect of the antineoplasic treatment, with ulcerative lesions resulting from a painful symptomatology, affecting the oral cavity in response to the Antineoplastic treatment. In order to study these side effects, experiments in animal models are necessary, using antineoplastic drugs for the induction of OM and anesthetics, mainly Ketamine and Xylazine, to perform scarification of the cheeks. Objective: The goal is to report an experimental model of induced OM, without the use of anesthetics for the scarification stage of the animal cheeks. Methods: Fourty five male Wistar rats, 7 weeks old and weighting 220g, were used, divided into 2 groups; with OM induced by 5-Fluorouracil intraperitoneal administration. Two days later, Group I was physically contained, in contrast, Group II were anesthetized with Ketamine and Xylazine, focusing on irritating the cheek mucosa using the tip of a sterile needle, in order to potentialize the development of OM. The animals were euthanized with an anesthetic overdose. Results: Concerning the experiment of 5-Fluorouracil chemo-induced of OM, where the irritation was performed by physical containment, without the use of anesthetics (Ketamine and Xylazine), the animals had a longer survivability and a rapid improvement of the side effects induced by chemotherapy. Conclusion: This new model is promising, considering that the use of anesthetics (Ketamine and Xylazine) showed a high mortality rate. In the absence of anesthesia, all the animals survived until the end of the experiment involving chemotherapy model with 5-Fluorouracil and physical restraint.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance, carcass traits and economic indicators of Santa Inês lambs and their crossings finished in feedlot. Thirty whole lambs (10 Santa Inês, 10 ½ Dorper + ½ Santa Inês and 10 – Dorper + ¼ Santa Inês) were used, with 115 days of age and initial live weight of 20.07 kg. The lambs were kept for 60 days receiving sorghum silage and concentrate, after which they were slaughtered. The – Dorper + ¼ Santa Inês lambs and the ½ Dorper + ½ Santa Inês lambs showed higher of dry matter intake and water intake, greater daily weight gain and body score in relation to Santa Inês lambs. The carcasses of – Dorper + ¼ Santa Inês lambs showed better conformation, finishing and marbling. The gross profit margin showed positive values for all genetic groups, covering the effective operating cost. Dorper crossbred lambs had a higher gross margin compared to Santa Inês lambs. The cost of the diet represented on average 61.35% of the price paid per kilo of sheep meat. In the sheep meat production system, the genetic group influences the zootechnical and economic indicators of finishing feedlot of lambs.

RESUMO Entender o mercado brasileiro de madeira nativa auxilia os gestores florestais e pode orientar as políticas de conservação. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a distribuição espacial e temporal da oferta e demanda da madeira nativa brasileira para quatro produtos: carvão vegetal, madeira em tora, lenha e madeira serrada. Foi utilizado o volume de madeira consumido de 2006 a 2016 em Minas Gerais (MG) totalizando 31 milhões de metros cúbicos e obtido seu fornecedor no Brasil. Esses dados foram usados como entrada para calcular os centros médios e realizar análises de agrupamento. Os centros de abastecimento de madeira para o setor de energia no Brasil passaram do bioma Cerrado para a Caatinga. Essa mudança é consistente com os padrões históricos de expansão agrícola no Brasil. As maiores mesorregiões produtoras de madeira foram: Leste de Mato Grosso do Sul, Sul de Goiás e Centro-Sul da Bahia. Os centros de abastecimento de madeira sólida mudaram-se das regiões Norte para Centro-Oeste, mas permaneceram no bioma Amazônia por quase todos os anos. Esse padrão é provavelmente uma consequência das práticas de regulamentação da madeira na Amazônia. As mesorregiões: Madeira-Guaporé e Leste do Estado de Rondônia, Sudeste e Nordeste do Pará e Norte do Mato Grosso foram os principais fornecedores de madeira maciça para MG. O consumo de madeira para energia está concentrado nas regiões Centro e Norte do Estado de MG, principalmente em Sete Lagoas, polo das indústrias de ferro-gusa e cimento. Os produtos de madeira maciça estão dispersos no Estado de MG, sendo Belo Horizonte, Conselheiro Lafaiete, Ubá e Uberlândia os centros de distribuição de madeira nativa para indústria moveleira de MG. As estatísticas espaciais ajudaram a explorar a atividade do mercado de madeira nativa no Brasil e fornecem informações essenciais para os tomadores de decisão que não estavam disponíveis anteriormente.

ABSTRACT Understanding the Brazilian market for native wood helps forest managers and can guide conservation policies. This study aimed to evaluate the spatial and temporal distribution of supply and demand of the Brazilian native wood for four products namely, charcoal, roundwood, firewood, and sawn wood. We used the consumed wood volume from 2006 to 2016 in Minas Gerais (MG) tracking its supplier in Brazil accounting for 31 million cubic meters. These data were used as input for calculating mean centers and performing grouping analysis. The wood supply centers for the energy sector in Brazil have moved from Cerrado to the Caatinga biome. This change is consistent with historical patterns of agricultural expansion in Brazil. The largest mesoregions producing wood were: East of Mato Grosso do Sul State, South of Goiás State, and Center-South of Bahia State. The solid wood supply centers have moved from the North to Midwest regions but remained within the Amazon biome for almost all the years. This pattern is likely a consequence of timber regulation practices in the Amazon. The mesoregions: Madeira-Guaporé and East of Rondônia State, Southeast and Northeast of Pará State, and North of Mato Grosso State were the most important suppliers of solid wood to MG. Wood consumption for energy is centered in the Center and North regions of MG State, especially in Sete Lagoas, a hub of pig iron and cement industries. Solid wood products are dispersed in MG State, being Belo Horizonte, Conselheiro Lafaiete, Ubá, and Uberlândia the distribution centers of native wood for the furniture industry within MG. The spatial statistics helped to exploit the activity of the native wood market in Brazil and provides essential information for decision-makers that was not previously available.

ABSTRACT Overliming is an effective way of neutralizing and reducing the toxicity of the hydrolysates generated from acidic pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass for ethanol production and others biotechnological products. Overliming generates a solid residue whose inadequate disposal may represent an environmental problem. This work aimed at the chemical characterization of the solid residue generated during the detoxification of the sugarcane bagasse hemicellulosic hydrolysate and evaluation of its behavior in soil. The solid residue was submitted to physicochemical and granulometric analysis and determination of the contents of sugars, metals and toxic compounds (acetic acid, furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural and phenols). The potential of the residue as corrective of soil acidity was determined by analyzing the quality attributes of soil correctives (neutralizing power – NP, relative total neutralizing power – RTNP, Ca and Mg contents and granulometry). The residue was also evaluated for its influence on soil microbial communities and toxicity through bioassays with Lactuca sativa seeds. The residue contributed to the overall improvement of soil chemical attributes. The levels of Ca, Mg, C, OM and CEC were increased, nutrients such as Zn, Fe, Ni, Cr and Mn were detected, and microbial communities were stimulated. Besides, the residue showed no significant values of toxic compounds and no toxicity to L. sativa seeds. The residue was able to reduce the soil pH and to keep it stable throughout the study period. As a higher amount of the residue was necessary to reach pH 7 than limestone, it should be used as an auxiliary corrective of acidity.