IgY antibodies are found in the blood and yolk of eggs. Several studies show the feasibility of utilising IgY for immunotherapy and immunodiagnosis. These antibodies have been studied because they fulfil the current needs for reducing, replacing, and improving the use of animals. Affinity and avidity represent the strength of the antigen-antibody interaction and directly influence antibody action. The aim of this review was to examine the factors that influence the affinity and avidity of IgY antibodies and the methodologies used to determine these variables. In birds, there are few studies on the maturation of antibody affinity and avidity and these studies suggest that the use of an adjuvant, type of antigen, strain of the animal, number of immunisations, and time interfere with the affinity and avidity of IgY antibodies. Regarding the methodologies, most studies use chaotropic agents to determine the avidity index. Studies involving solution phase and equilibrium titration reactions are also described. These results demonstrate the need for standardisation of methodologies for determination of affinity and avidity so that further studies can be performed to optimise the production of high avidity IgY antibodies.

During embryo development, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) acts as an important site for protein biosynthesis, however, in vitro culture (IVC) can negatively affect ER homeostasis. Thereby, the aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), an ER stress inhibitor, in the IVC of bovine embryos. Two experiments were carried out: Exp. 1: evaluation of blastocyst rate, hatching kinetics and gene expression of hatched embryos after being treated with different concentrations of TUDCA (50, 200 or 1,000 μM) in the IVC; Exp. 2: evaluation of the re-expansion, hatching, and gene expression of hatched embryos previously treated with 200 µM of TUDCA at IVC and submitted to vitrification. There was no increase in the blastocyst and hatched blastocyst rates treated with TUDCA in the IVC. However, embryos submitted to vitrification after treatment with 200 µM of TUDCA, increased hatching rate post-warming, together with a down-regulation in the expression of ER stress-related genes and the accumulation of lipids. In conclusion, this work showed that the addition of TUDCA during in vitro culture can improve the cryotolerance of the bovine blastocyst through the putative modulation of ER and oxidative stress.

The increased consumption of food requiring thermoformed packaging means that the packaging industry demands customized solutions in terms of shapes and sizes to make the packaging unique. In particular, the food industry increasingly requires more transparent packaging, with greater clarity and a better presentation of the product features they contain. However, in turn, the differentiation of products is sought through the geometry and final finish of the product, as well as the arrangement of food inside the packaging. In addition, these types of packaging usually include ribs in the walls to improve physical properties, however they also affect the final aesthetics of the product. In accordance with this, this research study analyses by studying the mechanical properties of different relief geometries that can affect not only the aesthetics but also their strength. For this purpose, tensile and compression tests have been carried out. The results provide comparative data on the reliefs studied and show that there are different shapes, sizes and layout.

In the context of food packaging design, customization enhances the value of a product by meeting the needs of the consumer. Personalization is also linked to adaptation. This makes it possible to improve the properties of the packaging from various points of view: functional, aesthetic, economic and ecological. Currently the functional and formal properties of packaging are not investigated among themselves, however the study of both properties are the basis for creating a new concept of personalized and sustainable product. In accordance with this approach, the conceptual design procedure of packaging with personalized and adapted geometries based on the digitization of fresh food is proposed in this work. This study is based on the application of advanced technologies for the design and development of food packaging, in this case apples, in order to improve the quality of the packaging. The results obtained show that it is possible to use advanced technologies in the early stages of product design in order to obtain competitive products adapted to new emerging needs.

This study analyzed the CO2 capture potential for Parque Natural Regional Serrania de las Quinchas buffer area in Colombia. For this purpose, multitemporal analysis for land covering for years 1989, 2000, 2006, 2011, 2017 and 2021 was made using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and Corine Land Cover (CLC) methodology. In the same way, Aboveground Biomass (AGB) was measured for representative parcels by measuring tree’s diameters and heights and applying the adequate allometric models; carbon content in soils was measured too. Results show that dense forest has grown since 1989 and the carbon stock in all the vegetation covers increased by 14,3% from 1989 until 2021, using literature data for tropical humid forests. If measured AGB values obtained in this study are used, the carbon stock average is 3 times this value. Measured carbon average content in AGB was 374,3 Ton C/Ha, well above the average for the content reported for humid tropical forests in Colombia; carbon content in soils was 897,19 Ton/Ha, 2,4 times that found in the AGB. In total, an average of 1271,49 Ton C/Ha (AGB+ soil) was found and a pattern of dense forest recovery was found, but in a more dispersed way than in the past. A very interesting potential for existing forests recovery was found for this area. Strategies for this include the development of sustainable practices, land use management, everything pursuing biodiversity preservation and the participation and leading of the local communities.

This paper critically reviews the convergence between Business Ecosystem Theory and Social Network Theory in sustainability studies. While both frameworks view organizations as part of larger, interconnected systems, they can be differentiated by six key dimensions: unit of analysis, focus, decomposability, types of relationships, market segment, and worldview. To better reflect real-world phenomena, this paper argues for a new stream of theoretical convergence that is practical, reliable, generalizable, and reproducible. Specifically, it proposes shifting from interoganizational networks to interfunctional networks, which reduces complexity, enhances stability over time, and provides a clearer theoretical distinction. This is illustrated through a case study of Tesla Inc.’s ecosystem, built from data presented in the company’s 10K form, which also serves as an example of the emergence of a new strategic construct named the Business Ecosystem Footprint. This construct could assist managers in understanding where their organization stands within the network of functions, guiding them in making informed decisions about resource allocation and diversification, specifically aimed at supporting financial goals as well as sustainability and decarbonization objectives. The article concludes by suggesting potential research agendas, such as automating ecosystem mapping, exploring the constraints of the new construct, and testing new hypotheses related to firm performance.

Pinus patula is one of the most planted wood conifer species worldwide; however, no foliar nutrient standards exist for this species up to date. The objective of the present study was to generate and verify two sets of foliar nutrient standards for nearly ten-year-old P. patula trees: critical nutrient concentrations and DRIS norms. Nutrients studied were N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, and B. The reference standards were verified experimentally by installing two fertilization trials; one of them located in Huayacocotla, state of Veracruz and the other one in Aquixtla, state of Puebla, Mexico. Nutrient status of each fertilization trial was correctly predicted by critical nutrient values and DRIS as well. Both standards were able to detect the secondary growth-limiting nutrient deficiency in the Huayacocotla trial, where the primary limitation for growth was scarcity of solar radiation within tree crowns. The limiting nutrient in both experimental trials was K.

Introduction: Biofuels, biohydrogen and bioethanol have properties that stand out from other fossil fuels, are colorless, odorless, and insipid, therefore, they are free of contaminants. Its production can be generated from the biomass of the aquatic plant Eichhornia crassipes, since this alternative is timely and viable due to its high energy composition. This plant is a problem in wetlands, rivers and other hydrosystems, due to its abundance and dominance over other species of aquatic plants, and which in effect causes an ecological imbalance. Objective: To evaluate the production of biohydrogen and bioethanol from the biomass of the E. crassipes plant. Materials and methods: Lignocellulosic material was used, realizing different physical, chemical and biological processes such as: reduction of size, lignin removal, acid hydrolysis, fermentation and distillation. a laboratory scale production system was designed and built where two bioreactors were used in the process. Results and discussion: the production of bioethanol and biohydrogen showed a production index of more than 40 mg of bioethanol per gram of bio-mass of E. crassipes and in relation to biohydrogen, 65 mmol / L was obtained. Conclusion: With the biomass of E. crassipes it is possible to obtain a high index of bio-fuel production, since it is possible to take advantage of its physical characteristics and its high proliferation in hydrosystems, in this way it constitutes an optimal alternative to produce biohydrogen and bioethanol at a high scale.

World population is in a demographic transition, with an increase in number of older adults and prevalence of diseases related to aging. This study evaluated in vitro the potential of an ultrasound-assisted extract from Durvillaea incurvata to inhibit key enzymes associated with development of age-related diseases. Results show that an ultrasound-assisted extract as well as conventional extract from Durvillaea incurvata presented anti-diabetes potential by exhibiting inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase enzymes (91.8 ± 1.0 % and 93.8 ± 0.3 % respectively, at 500 µg/mL) and α-amylase (42.2 ± 1.4 % and 61.9 ± 0.9 % respectively, at 1500 µg/mL), related to starch digestion and postprandial glycemic response. Also, extracts presented inhibitory activity on the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (51.5% and 50.8% respectively, at 500 µg/mL) and butyrylcholinesterase (32.8% and 34.4% respectively, at 0.5 mg /mL), biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease, and showed inhibitory activity against angiotensin-I converting enzyme (98.7 ± 7.4% and 93.0 ± 3.4% respectively, at 2.0 mg /mL), key in the regulation of vascular tone and blood pressure, which helps to prevent the development of hypertension. In conclusion, the ultrasound-assisted extract of Durvillaea incurvata has the potential to prevent the development of age-related pathologies, such as diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and hypertension.

This study evaluated the grain size and high organic content from drinking water treatment sludge (DWTS) in the properties of ceramics. Samples were studied using raw and oven dried DWTS at 110 °C in two granulometries (0.180 mm and 0.075 mm), with and without calcination (550 °C), as partial replacement of two soils commonly used in ceramic production. Specimens were prepared with 5, 10, and 20% DWTS and calcined at 950 °C to determine their chemical, physical, mineralogical and mechanical properties. The DWTS reduced the density and increased the absorption and shrinkage of the specimens after calcination. An increase in strength with up to 10% sludge, driven by the presence of fluxing agents, was verified. The processing method had little influence on the properties of ceramic with above 10% of sludge. In conclusion, the use of raw DWTS obtained better results with low energy usage for its reuse.

Seaweeds, notably cochayuyo (Durvillaea incurvata), are recognized for their rich macro- and micronutrient content, along with their inhibitory effects on the α-glucosidase enzyme. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this inhibition in actual starchy food products under in vitro gastrointestinal conditions. The study utilized freeze-dried cochayuyo, extracted using hot pressurized liquid extraction with 50% ethanol at 120 C and 1500 psi. The inhibition mechanism of α-glucosidase was determined, and the polyphenol composition of the extract was analyzed using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. The study further evaluated the extract’s impact on starch digestibility, total phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity in noodles as representative starchy food under gastrointestinal conditions. The results indicate that the α-glucosidase inhibition mechanism is mixed. Phenolic compounds, primarily tetraphloroethol, could contribute to this anti-enzymatic activity. The extract was observed to decrease starch digestibility, indicated by a lower rate constant (0.0158 vs. 0.0261 min-1) and digested starch at an infinite time (77.4 vs. 80.5 g/100 g). A significant increase (~1200 vs. ~390 µmol TROLOX/100 g) in antioxidant activity was also noted during digestion when the extract was used. Thus, the study suggests that the cochayuyo extract can reduce starch digestion and enhance antioxidant capacity under gastrointestinal conditions.

The Nordic countries are practically always well positioned in the main international economic, social and sustainability indices and recommending the scientific literature that the variables that these indices intend to measure translate into sustainable economic growth, with this unprecedented empirical study we intend to verify through the ARDL methodology for space temporal 2004 -2018 if the maintenance of high scores in these indexes translates into effective economic growth. The ARDL methodology has the advantage of giving us short- and long-term coefficients. Using four of the main international indices, we conclude that for Nordic countries for economic growth, economic freedom is of no significance and business-friendly regulation is the most important variable. A fundamental discovery in our study (in which Granger's Causality complements the ARDL methodology) is that these countries have been able to adapt perfectly to the globalization process and that entrepreneurship has worked as an important contribution to the continued economic and social success of these countries, allowing them to continue to enjoy their “Nordic Welfare States” in these uncertain and troubled times. These variables have contributed to its economic and social sustainability.

The design of more efficient photosensitizers is a matter of great importance in the field of cancer treatment by means of photodynamic therapy. One of the main processes involved in the activation of apoptosis in cancer cells is the oxidative stress on DNA once a photosensitizer is excited by light. As a consequence, it is a matter of great relevance to investigate in detail the binding modes of the chromophore with DNA, and the nature of the electronically excited states that participate in the induction of DNA damage, for example, charge-transfer states. In this work, we investigate the electronic structure of the anthraquinone photosensitizer intercalated into a double-stranded poly(dG-dC) decamer model of DNA. First, the different geometric configurations are analyzed by means of classical molecular dynamics simulations. Then, the excited states for the most relevant poses of anthraquinone inside the binding pocket are computed by an electrostatic-embedding quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics approach, where anthraquinone and one of the nearby guanine residues are described quantum mechanically to take into account intermolecular charge-transfer states. The excited states are characterized as monomer, exciton, excimer and charge-transfer states based on the analysis of the transition density matrix, and each of these contributions to the total density of states and absorption spectrum is discussed in terms of the stacking interactions. These results are relevant as they represent the footing for future studies on the reactivity of anthraquinone derivatives with DNA and give insights on possible geometrical configurations that potentially favor the oxidative stress of DNA.

With a predominantly humid tropical climate and a large area for expanding agricultural activities, Angola has in principle favorable conditions for bioenergy production. The focus of this study was to evaluate the availability of suitable land for producing sugarcane. This crop is highly efficient in converting solar energy into biomass for energy purposes in Angola. To this end, the Global Agro-Ecological Zones database, GAEZ v4, developed by IIASA and FAO, with the aid of the QGIS version 3.22.5, has been used to identify areas suitable for sugarcane cultivation, considering four levels of suitability. Aiming at the sustainability of bioenergy production, areas dedicated to food production, protected areas, and areas with slopes above 16% were excluded. Under these criteria, this study identified the existence of 6.3 Mha in lands of good agricultural suitability, with water resources, corresponding to 5% of the Angolan territory, distributed in seven provinces of the country, especially in the provinces of Cuando Cubango and Cunene, where 85% of the very suitable land under irrigation is located. Adopting a model of agricultural productivity, assuming irrigation and adequate agricultural practices, such area could produce approximately 956 million ton of sugarcane annually, which is significantly higher than the current production in this country, This amount of feedstock, processed using current technology could potentially produce 81.3 GL of ethanol and 176,9 TWh of electricity with low GHG emission per year, able to mitigate, as a whole, circa 60.3 MtCO2-eq/year by displacing gasoline in light vehicles and diesel and natural gas consumed in power generation.

The perceived poor performance of publicly traded companies on their sustainability commitments and the quality of sustainability reporting has prompted stakeholders to consider the economic, environmental, and social impacts of corporate activities. Economic activities have led to various threats in the form of climate change, pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, natural disasters, and other issues that have negatively impacted the environment and stakeholders. Companies are expected to report to stakeholders on their sustainability performance, but reality proves that present reporting falls below stakeholders’ expectations mainly due to its still voluntary nature. The present study aims to provide a literature review of the relationship between sustainability reporting and the role of companies governance, especially observing if climate change requirements and energy-needed changes are being accounted. Results highlight mixed evidence for the influence of board governance attributes, providing interesting insights for research advancement. The study has practical implications for businesses, regulators, governments, and other stakeholders in their policy deliberations and investment decisions. Further empirical studies are recommended to re-examine sustainability reporting using the variables identified as important factors and gaps in this study and other board characteristics to improve the generalizability of the results.

Coronaviruses are pathogens recognized for having an animal origin, commonly associated with terrestrial environments. However, although in a few cases, there are reports of their presence in aquatic organisms like fish, frogs, waterfowls and marine mammals. None of these cases has led to human health effects when contact with these infected organisms has taken place, whether they are alive or dead. Aquatic birds seem to be the main group carrying and circulating these types of viruses among healthy bird populations. Although the route of infection for CoVID-19 by water or aquatic organisms has not yet been observed in the wild, the relevance of its study is highlighted because there are cases of other viral infections known to have been transferred to humans by aquatic biota. It is encouraging to know that aquatic species, such as fish, marine mammals, and amphibians, shows very few cases of coronaviruses and that some other aquatic animals may also be a possible source of cure or treatment against then, as some evidence with algae and marine sponges suggest.

The use of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) in the interaction with the oocyte and in the temporary postponement of spontaneous meiosis resumption has already been well described. However, its action in pre-implantation developmental stage embryos remains to be understood. Thus, our study aimed to detect the presence of the canonical CNP receptor (natriuretic peptide receptor, NPR2) in germinal vesicle (GV), metaphase II (MII), presumptive zygotes (PZ), morula (MO), and blastocyst (BL) stage embryos and, later, to observe possible modulations on the embryos when co-cultured with CNP. In the Experiment I, we detected and quantified the NPR2 on the above-mentioned embryo stages. Following, Experiment II, intended to test different concentrations (100, 200, or 400 nM of CNP) at different times of inclusion in the in vitro culture (IVC; inclusion from the beginning, i.e. day 1, or from day 5). In Experiment III, it was used 400 nM of CNP on day 1 (D1) in the IVC, which did no demonstrate to be embryotoxic, and it showed potentially promising results in blastocyst production rate, when compared to the control. Thus, we analyzed the embryonic development rates of bovine embryos (D7) and hatching kinetics (D7, D8, and D9). Subsequently, morula and blastocyst were collected and evaluated for transcript abundance to competence and quality (apoptosis, oxidative stress, proliferation and differentiation) and lipid metabolism. Differences with probabilities less than P < 0.05, and/or Foldchange (FC) ˃1.5 were considered significant. We demonstrate the presence of NPR2 until the blastocyst development stage when there was a significant decrease in membrane receptors. There was no statistical difference in production rate after co-culture with 400 nM CNP. However, when we evaluated the abundance of morula transcripts, there was an upregulated transcription in ADCY6 (P=0.057), and downregulated transcripts, in BMP15 (P= 0.013), ACAT1 (P= 0.040), CASP3 (P=0.082). In addition, a total of 12 transcriptions in morula presented variation FC ˃1.5. In blastocysts, the treatment with CNP induced upregulation in BID, CASP3, SOX2, HSPA5 transcripts, and downregulation in BDNF, NLRP5, ELOVL1, ELOVL4, IGFBP4, and FDX1 transcripts (FC >1.5). Thus, our study identified and quantified the presence of NPR2 in bovine pre-implantation embryos. Furthermore, 400 nM of CNP in IVC, a concentration not previously described in the literature, modulated some transcripts related to embryonic metabolism and it was not embryotoxic morphologically.

Since the discovery of mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDP), their participation in cellular metabolism is no longer considered as the sole function of the mitochondria, but importance was also attached to its role as a source of protective factors of metabolic stress. These peptides are encoded in the mitochondrial genome and translated into the mitochondria or cytoplasm, to signal within the cell or be released and bind to membrane receptors. The objective of this work was explored and compare the frequency of MT-RNR1 and MT-RNR2 variants in sequences obtained from T2D individuals and control population. 213 different mitochondrial polymorphisms previously reported in the literature associated with T2D and cardiovascular diseases were analyzed. We can found three variants in the MT-RNR1 not related with MOTS-c coding sequence: m.1189T>C (rs28358571), m.1420T>C (rs111033356), and m.1438A>G (rs2001030); and secondly, three polymorphisms associated to MT-RNR2 m.2667T>C (rs878870626) related to humanin, m.1811A>G (rs28358576) in SHPL3 and m.3027T>C (rs199838004) in SHPL6 associated with statistical differences between the T2D and control group. All these findings were previously related to cardiovascular complications in literature and, as far as we know, relating for the first time in diabetic patients.

We aimed to assess whether play behavior can be used as a welfare indicator for farmed spotted pacas (Cuniculus paca) by examining its association with other positive welfare markers including affiliative behavior and low-amplitude vocalizations. We submitted six groups of spotted pacas (one male/two females per group) (N=18) to an ABA experimental design (A1/A2: without ball; B: with three boomer balls). Play behavior occurred only during phase B (mean=35.5s, SE=6.4). Spotted pacas spent more time in affiliative and exploratory behaviors, while they spent less time engaging in agonistic interactions during phase B than in both control phases (A1 and A2) (P<0.05). Moreover, spotted pacas emitted more low-amplitude bark vocalizations during phase B than during either control phase (P<0.05), which have previously been shown to indicate a positive affective state and low arousal level. Because the expression of play was associated with a decrease in aggression, an increase in affiliative behavior, and an increase in low-amplitude barking, indicating thus a positive state, we suggest that play behavior can be used as a non-invasive indicator of positive welfare in this species.

The concrete sector is known for its significant contribution to the CO2 emissions. There are two main contributing factors for this situation: the large amount of concrete consumed per year on the planet and the high CO2 released from Portland cement manufacture, the key binding agent in concrete. To face the consequent sustainability issues, diverse strategies have been explored on the carbon capture and storage potential of cementitious materials. This paper addresses the potential of storing CO2 in concrete during the curing stage, applied to the precast Portuguese industry. To this purpose, it was assumed that CO2 will become a waste that will require an outlet in the future, considering that carbon capture will become mandatory in many industries. This work concluded that the net benefit in terms of carbon retention is positive for the process of storing carbon in concrete during the curing stage. More specifically, it was demonstrated that the additional emissions from the introduction of this new operation are only 10% of the stored amount, returning a storage potential of 76 000 tonnes of CO2 yearly. Moreover, the overall net reduction in the concrete life cycle averages 9.4% and 8.8% for precast elements and only non-structural elements, respectively. When a low cement dosage strategy is coupled with carbonation curing technology, the overall carbon net reduction is estimated to be 45%.

Living beings are composite thermodynamic systems in non-equilibrium conditions. Within this context, there are a number of thermodynamic potential differences (forces) between them and the surroundings, as well as internally. These forces lead to flows, which, ultimately, are essential to life itself. Living beings are under the pressures of natural selection, thus are biological flows as well. At the same time, the maintenance of homeostatic conditions, the tenet of physiology, demands regulation of these flows by control of variables. However, due to the very nature of these systems, regulation of flows and control of variables become entangled in closed loops. Therefore, the search for adaptation in flows takes a different path than the search for adaptation in morphological traits. Being at the roots of transfer processes, thermodynamic criteria turn out to be as natural physical candidates. Likewise, being at the roots of physiology, control turns out to be as a natural biological candidate in that path. Here we show how to combine entropy generation, with respect to a generalized process, and control of parameters (in such a generalized process) in order to create a criterium of optimal ways to regulate changes in generalized flows.

Breast and prostate cancer lead incidence rankings in Chile, with obesity and overweight as important risk factors involved in prognosis. Nutritional interventions have shown to be beneficial therapies in patients with cancer, improving anthropometric and biochemical measurements. This study investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of Calorie Restriction and Time-Restricted Feeding in overweight or obese patients undergoing curative radiotherapy for breast and prostate cancer. The research was conducted as a prospective, interventional, non-randomized clinical trial, involving 27 participants, of whom 23 completed the study. Findings indicate that both interventions are feasible and effective. Notably, Time-Restricted Feeding demonstrated superior adherence and more significant improvements in weight loss and metabolic parameters. A mean weight reduction of 3.6 kg and waist circumference decrease of 4.9 cm was observed across participants. Serum levels of glucose, insulin, LDL, HDL and TG showed an average reduction, indicating positive metabolic changes. Results suggest that Time-Restricted Feeding could be a superior beneficial dietary intervention for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, due to its ease of adherence and positive impact on metabolic health. This research contributes to the growing evidence on the role of nutritional interventions in cancer treatment and underscores the need for more extensive studies to validate these findings.

In 2020, it is estimated that 7.8% of all live births in the United States were complicated with gestational diabetes, with around 10% of all pregnancies in North America involving gestational diabetes. GDM’s prevalence has been increasing over time, likely due to the population’s rising BMI and increasing maternal age. GDM has been long associated with increased complications in pregnancy, from preeclampsia and macrosomia in the short-term, to long term ramifications including the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and potential effects on the offspring, including obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and increased risk of autism. Additionally, as the field of epigenetics continuously grows, we are able to further elucidate epigenetic mechanisms at play in the development of GDM and how these changes may affect the offspring. In this narrative review, we have compiled recent and relative clinical studies that highlight the role epigenetics may play in the development and perpetuation of GDM, as well as its possible effects on the offspring.

The permeation of dioxin-like pollutants, namely, chlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans, through lipid membranes has been simulated using classic molecular dynamics (CMD) combined with the umbrella sampling approach. The most toxic forms of chlorinated dibenzodioxin and dibenzofuran, 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-p-dibenzodioxin (TCDD) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF), and a dioleyl-phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) lipid membrane of 50 Å wide have been chosen for our study. The free energy profile shows the penetration process is largely favoured thermodynamically (DG≈-12 kcal/mol), with a progressively decrease of the free energy until reaching the energy minima at distances of 8Å and 9.5Å from the centre of the membrane for, respectively, TCDD and TCDF. At the centre of the membrane, both molecules display subtle local maxima with free energy differences of 0.5 and 1 kcal/mol with respect to the energy minima for TCDD and TCDF, respectively. Furthermore, the intermolecular interactions between the molecules and the lipid membrane have been characterized at the minima and the local maxima using hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics energy decomposition analysis (QM/MM-EDA). Total interaction energies of -17.5 and -16.5 kcal/mol have been found at the energy minima for TCDD and TCDF, respectively. In both cases, the dispersion forces govern the molecule-membrane interactions, no significant changes have been found at the local maxima, in agreement with the classical free energy profile. The small differences found in the results obtained for TCDD and TCDF point out the adsorption and diffusion processes through the cell membrane are not related to the different toxicity shown by these pollutants.

ABSTRACT: Psychological vulnerability (PV) and low mental health literacy correlate negatively with higher education students' positive mental health and health behaviours. Levels of mental health literacy limit self-help, adaptative coping strategies and academic success. However, few studies examine the significant differences between students' PV, mental health literacy, positive mental health (PMH) and modifiable behaviours variables. Identifying modifiable vulnerability factors is essential when seeking and providing professional help. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to investigate the differences between modifiable behaviours and PV, mental health literacy, and PMH in higher education students. A sample of 3,600 undergraduate students was recruited, mostly female (78.8%), with an average age of 23 years (SD = 6.68). Results: The majority were women, did not exercise, were dissatisfied with sleep quality time per night (62.1% sleep less than 7 hours per night) and did not engage in leisure activities. Also, most respondents had PV and low literacy levels, particularly at F1, and 67.9% scored in the flourishing group. Results showed significant differences (p<0.001) between gender, age, sleep, exercise, diet, leisure activities and PV, and PMH and literacy. Conclusions: The results identified modifiable vulnerability factors that underpin the design of intervention-targeted programmes to promote literacy and PMH in higher education campuses in Portugal to foster students’ well-being and self-help strategies.

Rigid polyurethane foams were synthesized using a renewable polyol from the simple physical mixture of castor oil and crude glycerol. The effect of the catalyst and blowing agent in the foams properties was evaluated. The use of physical blowing agent (cyclopentane and n-pentane) allowed obtaining foams with smaller cells in comparison with the foams produced with a chemical blowing agent (water). The increase of water content caused a decrease of density, thermal conductivity, compressive strength and Young's modulus, which indicates that the increment of CO₂ production contributes to the formation of larger cells. Higher amount of catalyst in the foam formulations caused a slight density decrease and an increase small significance of thermal conductivity, compressive strength and Young's modulus values. These green foams presented properties that indicate a great potential to be used as thermal insulation, as density (23 - 41 kg m^-3), thermal conductivity (0.0128 – 0.0207 W m^-1 K^-1), compressive strength (45 - 188 kPa) and Young's modulus (3 - 28 kPa). These biofoams are also environmental friendly alternatives and can aggregate revenue to biodiesel industry, contributing for reduction of this fuel prices.

In Brazil, the production of corn and soybeans has been growing significantly in recent years. Considering that the strategies for investing in the production of these crops are conditioned by production costs and risk, the objective of this article is to propose a simulation model that indicates the trend of production costs for these commodities, considering the dispersion and correlation of selected key variable prices and corn and soybean production costs practiced between the years of 2018 and 2022. Fifty specialized companies in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, provided data for this study, and Monte Carlo simulations showed that the total cost of corn production/ha is between USD 600.00 and USD 1150.00, with a level of certainty of 84.7%, and soybeans are in the range of USD 260.00 to USD 420.00, with a level of certainty of 86.4%. The model evidenced a trend of decreasing production costs for the crops for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 harvests, as the input with the greatest impact (fertilizer) is showing a downward trend. On the other hand, costs related to labor, soybean seed, and fungicides are showing an upward trend, while dolomitic limestone corrective remains stable.

The introduction on Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnOn) in sunscreens solved the issue of poor spreadability of these formulations, which often left a white film on the skin. However, safety concerns have arisen regarding the topical application of ZnOn. Some studies employed commercial sunscreens to address the safety issues of the topical application of ZnOn; however, commercial formulations are often complex and contain a wide range of ingredients that could attenuate the potential damage caused by the ZnOn. Therefore, in this study we aimed to develop a simple stable formulation containing 20% of coated and uncoated ZnOn, characterize the formulations and the nanoparticles, and assess the skin penetration in Franz diffusion cell. The Feret's diameter for the uncoated and coated ZnOn was 137 nm and 134 nm, respectively. For the uncoated ZnOn the hydrodynamic size in water was 368 nm and for the coated ZnOn, the average hydrodynamic size in ethyl acetate was 135 nm. The incorporation of ZnOn led to formulations more consistent and easier to spread, as suggested by the lower work of shear and higher values of firmness, cohesiveness, consistency and index of viscosity compared with the vehicle. The stability assessment at 45ºC suggested that the formulations containing the ZnOn were stable for 30 days and the vehicle was stable for 90 days. The assessment off the skin penetration by reflectance confocal laser microscopy indicated that the formulations did not permeate into the deepest layers of the skin, but accumulated on the skin furrows, hair and hair follicle.

The Neotropical region is one of the most diverse regions of the globe in terms of macro-organismic species. Regarding the microbial world, however, little is known about the diversity and biogeography patterns of micro-organisms in the Neotropics. In this context, the study of several microbial taxonomic groups is still missing and/or incomplete, such as the protists. Our goal here was to summarize the available information of Neotropical protists, focusing on molecular data from environmental continental samples, to explore what these data evidence on their ecology and biogeography. For this, we reviewed the findings from all articles that focused on or included the terrestrial protists using metabarcoding approach and identified the gaps and future perspectives in this research field. We found that Neotropical protists diversity patterns seem to be, at least in part, congruent with that of macro-organisms and, different than plants and bacteria, just weakly explained by environmental variables. We argue that studies with standardized protocols including different biomes are necessary to fully characterize the ecology and biogeography on Neotropical protists. Furthermore, dismember evolutionary lineages and functional guilds of protists are important to better understand the relationship between diversity, dispersal abilities and functionality of particular taxa of protists in their habitats.

CagY is the largest and most complex protein from Helicobacter pylori's type IV secretion system (T4SS) and may participate in the modulation of gastric tissue inflammation. A three-dimensional structure has been reported for only two segments of the protein. To build a more complete model, particularly the region that spans between the outer membrane (OM) and the inner membrane (IM), we employed different approaches, including homology modeling, ab initio, and deep learning techniques. For the long-middle repeat region (MRR), modeling was performed using deep learning techniques and Molecular Dynamics. The modeled segments were assembled into a chain of 1595 aa, and a 14-chain CagY multimer structure was composed by structural alignment. The final multimer structure correlated with previously published struc-tures and allows to show how the multimer may form the T4SS channel through which CagA and other molecules are translocated to gastric epithelial cells. The model further confirmed that MRR, the most polymorphic and complex region of CagY, presents numerous cysteine residues forming disulfide bonds that stabilize the protein and suggest this domain probably functions as a contractile region that may play an essential role in the modulatory activity of CagY on tissue inflammation.

Chronic pain is a serious health concern and potentially debilitating condition, leading to anxiety, depression, reduced productivity and functionality, and poor quality of life. This condition can be even more detrimental and incapacitating in the pediatric patient population. In low and middle income countries (LMICs), pain services are inadequate or unavailable, leaving most of the world's pediatric population with chronic pain untreated. Many of these children in LMICs are suffering without treatment, and often die in pain. Awareness and advocacy for this population must be prioritized. We reviewed the available literature on the chronic pediatric pain burden in LMICs, barriers to treatments, and current efforts to treat these patients.

Cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality are markedly increased in non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Thus, the precise management of CV risk factors involved in CKD is crucial to improving outcomes. Serum phosphate (Pi) and FGF-23 levels have been linked with a higher risk of CV events in CKD. However, the exact thresholds of Pi and FGF-23, at which the risk of adverse events increases, remain unknown. We evaluated the expression of intact FGF-23 (iFGF-23) and Pi in a non-dialysis CKD patient population (n=82; 42M:40F; median age 61 years) and investigated their association with CV and renal outcomes, in a 5-year follow-up period. At baseline, the median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), iFGF-23, and Pi were 45 ml/min/1.73m² (IQ 26.6-73.1), 69.9 µg/ml (IQ 33-117) and 3.4 mg/dL (IQ 3.3-3.9), respectively. Univariate analysis showed a strong association of both iFGF-23 and Pi with age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, hypertension, and diabetes. In addition, iFGF-23 and Pi were both associated with the composite outcome (major CV and cerebrovascular events – MACCEs, hospitalizations, and all-cause mortality) during follow-up. Moreover, Pi was independently associated with all-cause mortality during follow-up. The segmentation of the population in terciles, according to Pi (<3mg/dL; 3-3.6 mg/dL; ≥3.7 mg/dL) within reference serum levels, showed a distribution of the fatality of 0%, 20% and 80% (p =0.034), respectively. Our results reinforce the association of both iFGF-23 and Pi with composite CV outcomes in non-dialysis CKD patients and further suggest that Pi, within current reference levels, may behave as an independent risk factor for mortality in this population. It is suggested that a reassessment of Pi reference levels for early therapeutic intervention in this population may be justified.

Background: The mental state is important in the health/illness process. Including stress, depression and anxiety. Nature immersion therapies have been implemented as a valid method for reducing these disorders. The aim will evaluate the effect of forest intervention therapies on levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. Methods: We searched for randomized clinical trials related to stress, anxiety and depression levels. Risk of bias was assessed according to the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook for International Systematic Reviews. Results: We identified and synthesized eight publications. Two studies for cortisol showed significant differences between the pre-test and post-test levels in the intervention groups. One study including Natural killer cells, that reported a significant decrease in the intervention group compared to the control group. Two studies used the Stress Response Inventory, indicated a significant reduction in stress levels in the intervention group compared to the control group. Regarding Restorative Out-come Scale, no significant differences were found. Three studies were selected for the evaluation of anxiety and depression levels according to the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Four studies used The Profile of Mood States scale; no significant difference was observed. Conclusions: There is limited evidence to recommend forest bathing for reducing these disorders.

Amidst the rapid urbanization of cities worldwide, there is a pressing need for practical tools to manage and preserve the invaluable architectural heritage contained within them. This research introduces a systematic methodology for digitalizing and interpreting architectural heritage through augmented Reality (AR). The primary goal is to enhance the documentation, preservation, and accessibility of cultural assets, addressing both educational and touristic needs. Focusing on the historic district of Pelourinho in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, the study showcases how 3D digitalization combined with AR can provide users with an interactive experience with historical structures, bridging the temporal divide. By integrating the digital replicas of historic buildings into a real-time environment, users gain enriched insights into these structures’ history, architecture, and cultural significance. Though the preliminary results underscore the potential of this approach, comprehensive user testing remains an area for future exploration. This paper thus highlights the potential of AR in historical and cultural preservation, suggesting its broader implications for education, tourism, and heritage management.

Background: When homeostasis is disturbed it can occur a pathological event named inflammation. The main drugs used in the treatment consist of the non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, the side effects remain an obstacle during the treatments. In this work we aimed to evaluate three new regioisomers analogues of naphthyl-N-acylhydrazone derivatives. Methods: Acute models of inflammation in vivo (formalin-induced licking and carrageenan-induced inflammation) as well as in vitro were used to evaluate the effects of LASSBio-2039, LASSBio-2040, and LASSBio-2041. Results: All three substances (at 1, 10 or 30 µmol/kg) presented significant effect in the in vivo model reducing leukocyte migration, nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin-1β production. It was observed that only LASSBio-2039 significantly reduced cell migration in vitro. None of the LASSBios did affect inducible nitric oxide synthase activity nor presented NO scavenger effect. It was not observed any toxic effect neither in vivo nor in vitro. The new regioisomers analogues of naphthyl-N-acylhydrazone derivatives presented a significant anti-inflammatory activity suggesting LASSBio-2039 with a direct effect in leukocytes migratory capacity. Conclusions: Taken together the data indicate that these substances present promising effect for de development a prototype for new drugs.

The availability of rail infrastructure resources is a major driver of rail operations performance. To evaluate the impact of infrastructure provision, network simulation models can be used to accurately represent train traffic behavior in a wide range of scenarios. However, performing this task can result in a problem of high combinatorial nature as the number of factors and their associated levels increase. This requires more sophisticated techniques such as experimental design formulations or optimization modeling in order to yield satisfactory results. Yet the research in network simulation models for rail systems has hitherto been limited to simple what-if analysis, made up from few factors that cannot represent the whole spectrum of interventions. This is especially critical in closed-loop rail systems where trains are subject to various interferences. Local improvements can be misleading as the queues are merely transferred within the network. Considering this, we propose a hybrid simulation-optimization model to aid the strategic decision of minimizing supplementary capital costs in a heavy-haul Brazilian railroad under construction. As soon as the railroad is completed, investments in both loading and unloading rail terminals will be necessary. First, we developed a representative and flexible model capable of dealing with complex relations between variable infrastructure provision and the resulting operational performance. Then, we simulated this system to prove that the current set of proposed infrastructure resources cannot meet the transportation demands. Afterwards, we demonstrate that local improvements can be delusive as the queues are shifted from loading to unloading operations, reciprocally. Then, we solve an optimization model to define the minimal supplementary investment in order to meet the commercial goals of mining companies. This is done by choosing the best trackage configuration, equipment quantity and capacity and fleet sizing in 3 different production scenarios. The best values of the objective function were found by improving both loading and unloading equipment and increasing the number of trains.

Cacipacoré virus (CPCV) was discovered in 1977 deep in the Amazon rainforest, from the blood of a black-faced ant thrush (Formicarius analis). As a member of the family Flaviviridae, genus orthoflavivirus, CPCV's intricate ecological association with vectors and hosts raises profound questions. CPCV’s transmission cycle may involve birds, rodents, equids, bovines, marsupials, non-human primates and bats as potential vertebrate hosts, whereas Culex and Aedes spp mosquitoes, have been implicated as potential vectors of transmission. The virus' isolation across diverse biomes, including urban settings suggests its adaptability as well as presents challenges for its accurate diagnosis and thus its impact on veterinary and human health. With no specific treatment or vaccine, prevention hinges on traditional arbovirus control measures. Here we provide an overview of the ecology, transmission cycles, epidemiology, pathogenesis and prevention, aiming in improving our ability to better understand this neglected arbovirus.

The term “medical error” is quite often used to refer to any mistake committed in the provision of healthcare services which has caused harm to a patient. Objective: To analyze civil lawsuits involving medical errors in pediatrics by evaluating: 1) causal link; 2) type of medical error; 3) conviction of the court and its legal basis; 4) correlation between medical expert understanding and legal understanding. Materials and Method: Retrospective analysis of 60 pediatric forensic medical examinations carried out by a pediatric expert between April 2009 and February 2014 at the Institute of Medicine and Criminology of the State of São Paulo (IMESC). The expert’s reports were analyzed according to age, gender, type of forensic medical report (direct or indirect), conclusion of the expert’s report (causal link between the medical conduct and complaint or not), type of medical error (negligence, recklessness, malpractice), judgment in the first instance (if in accordance with the expert’s report or not), and basis of judgment as objective or subjective (type of law). Results: Most expert’s examinations (65%) were indirect (death). In 27 reports (45%), the expert’s conclusion determined that there was a causal link between medical care and the damage inflicted to a patient. Of the 27 reports with causal link, the judge was not in accordance with the expert’s report in one case, thus not considering medical error. The vast majority of sentences (55) were in accordance with the expert’s conclusion (91.6%). Subjective law was mostly used to support the judge’s ruling (61.70%), followed by objective law (23.30%). All lawsuits claimed moral damages (100%). In the statistical analysis of distribution of nominal variables (frequency), an excellent agreement (kappa= 0.86), with statistical significance, was verified between the expert’s report and the court ruling. Conclusion: Expert evidence supported 91.6% of the sentences and was considered to be highly valuable evidence. Expert evidence had a major impact on the legal proceedings and has proven statistically significant (p<0.005). Subjective law was used to assess medical error in all cases in which healthcare professionals were involved. Claims for moral damages was requested in all lawsuits, and was fully or partially granted in 100% of the cases.

Evidence on adult mammalian neurogenesis and scarce studies with human brains led to the idea that adult human neurogenesis occurs in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus and in the subventricular zone (SVZ). However, findings published from 2018 rekindled controversies on adult human SGZ neurogenesis. We systematically reviewed studies published during the first decade of characterization of adult human neurogenesis (1994–2004) – when the two-neurogenic-niche concept in humans was consolidated – and compared with further studies. The synthesis of both periods is that adult human neurogenesis occurs in an intensity ranging from practically zero to a level comparable to adult mammalian neurogenesis in general, which is the prevailing conclusion. Nonetheless, Bernier and colleagues showed in 2000 intriguing indications of adult human neurogenesis in a broad area including the limbic system. Likewise, we later showed evidence that limbic and hypothalamic structures surrounding the circumventricular organs form a continuous zone expressing neurogenesis markers encompassing the SGZ and SVZ. The conclusion is that publications from 2018 on adult human neurogenesis did not bring novel findings on location of neurogenic niches. Rather, we expect that the search of neurogenesis beyond the canonical adult mammalian neurogenic niches will confirm our indications that adult human neurogenesis is orchestrated in a broad brain area. We predict that this approach may, for example, clarify that human hippocampal neurogenesis occurs mostly in the CA1-subiculum zone and that the previously identified human rostral migratory stream arising from the SVZ is indeed the column of the fornix expressing neurogenesis markers.

This study explores the cocrystallization between the drug praziquantel (PZQ) and the nutraceutical curcumin (CU). The investigation revealed two novel solid forms: a cocrystal solvate with ethyl acetate and a non-solvated cocrystal. This novel drug-nutraceutical cocrystal is identi-fied as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) praziquantel-curcumin-ethyl acetate (2:1:1) co-crystal solvate. This latter undergoes desolvation, leading to the formation of the praziquan-tel-curcumin (2:1) cocrystal. The cocrystal solvate has ethyl acetate molecules occupying the voids with minimal interactions within the crystal lattice. The application of heat treatment induces solvent removal and prompts the transition to the non-solvated cocrystal, as highlighted by VT-XRD. Thermal analyses demonstrate the stability of the cocrystal solvate up to approximately 100°C, beyond which it transforms into the non-solvated phase, which eventually melts at 130°C.

Having as objective to reach a circular economy, it is important to maximize the Physical Asset’s Life Cycle. The evaluation of Physical Assets Life Cycle may have several approaches which may provide different results. These differences may not be very significant, but must be taken into consideration, because they have consequences in the manager decision. This permits to have a wider time interval to decide when to withdrawal the Physical Asset or to renewal it, and or if this ought to continue functioning because the profits are higher than the expenses, what allows to diminish waste and increase sustainability. These are some aspects that are discussed in this paper, which presents several models to evaluate the Physical Assets Life Cycle, considering the market value, devaluations methods and a more generalized way of Fisher’s Equation, which can include the Risk tax, among others. The results are discussed supported in data for simulation, which are used for each Econometric Model aiming to evaluate the differences among them. In all Models they are considered not only the expenses, namely of Investment and Functioning, but also the Profits, which permit to evaluate the Physical Asset Life Cycle in a holistic way. The models are very versatile, allowing to evaluate quantitatively the changing in the maintenance policies, the energy prices variations, the risk evaluation, the variation of profits according to the real market, and so on. The results demonstrated the robustness of the approach described and that maximize the Physical Assets Life Cycle allowing to minimize the consumption of world resources and, by consequence, it contributes for a more sustainable world.

Autoimmune thyroid disease refers to a spectrum of various diseases, with two extremes of clinical presentation, hypo-thyroidism (Hashimoto's thyroiditis), and hyperthyroidism (Graves-Basedow disease). Both conditions are character-ized by presenting a cellular and humoral autoimmune reaction, with an increase in the synthesis and secretion of an-tibodies directed towards various thyroid antigens, together with a phenomenon of thyrocyte necrosis and apoptosis (in Hashimoto's thyroiditis) and a persistent thyrotropin-receptor stimulation (in Graves-Basedow disease). The diagnosis of both entities is based on the clinical, laboratory and imaging findings. In this review, the usefulness of thyroid antibodies in the diagnostic approach to autoimmune thyroid disease is de-scribed.

The objective of this paper is to present an electromagnetic sensor that generates pulse inductance [1], integrated on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) which complements the current technology in this area, adding equipment to the detection of landmines. The electromagnetic sensor developed, locates landmines deployed during armed conflicts, which daily kill innocent people, block economic and social development, hinder the displacement of people, causing serious social and economic problems for many years. Flights can be made over mined areas allowing the identification of the exact location of each land mine.

Access to food systems is essential to sustain urban life. In this paper, we discuss the differences concerning accessibility levels to food systems among potential consumers in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The goal was to characterize spatial mismatches regarding food opportunities and identify suitable areas for sustainable food mile solutions, such as non-motorized home delivery and purchase trips. For this, we have spatially related: (i) the population concentration; (ii) the income of households; and (iii) accessibility measures considering both the spatial structure of food retailers and the distance between households and stores, considering the food mile. We have then used spatial statistics and spatial analysis methods to determine the spatial pattern of variables and the cumulative opportunity measure for households. There is great spatial differentiation regarding the accessibility levels of food retailers and the results can be considered to support the development of policy and land use regulation that can stimulate non-motorized and collaborative delivery as an effective last-mile solution.

Objective: A study was made of the salivary levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA), ferritin (FRR) and total proteins in healthy individuals and in patients with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD), assessing the potential role of saliva as a diagnostic tool. Methods: A total of 91 subjects participated in the study, divided into two groups: 59 patients with OPMD (oral leukoplakia or oral lichen planus )and 32 healthy controls with measurements being made of salivary ADA, ferritin (FRR) and total proteins (TP). Results: There were no significant differences in salivary ADA between the OPMD group and the controls (p=0.934), though the levels of both FRR and TP were significantly higher in the OPMD group (p=0.001). Patients with oral lichen planus showed significant differences in terms of FRR (p=0.009) and TP (p=0.003). Conclusions: The promising findings of this study suggest a potential role for FRR and TP in the salivary diagnosis of OPMD. In addition, saliva appears to be a reliable tool offering an interesting alternative for the screening of large populations.

Postpartum depression (PPD) can interfere with the establishment of affective bonds between infant and mother, which is important for the cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development of the child. Rates of PPD have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, likely due to the added stress and limited support available to new parents. The present study examined whether parenting-related stress, perceived bonding impairments, quality of observed mother-infant interactions and salivary oxytocin levels differ between depressed and non-depressed mothers, along with differential impacts of COVID-19 on depressed mothers. Participants included 70 mothers (45 depressed, 25 controls) with infants aged 2-6 months. All data were collected remotely to ease participant burden during the pandemic. Depression was associated with experiences of heightened parenting-related stress and bonding difficulties. These differences were not observed during mother-infant interactions or in salivary oxytocin levels. Differences in COVID-related experiences were minimal, though depressed mothers rated slightly higher stress associated with returning to work and financial impacts of the pandemic. Findings highlight the importance of early intervention for PPD to mitigate long-term effects on mothers, children, and families. Additionally, they underscore the need for an early intervention to support the developing mother-infant dyad relationship during this crucial time.

Background/Objectives: Intracranial Epidermoid Cysts (IECs) are extremely rare intracranial tumors. The primary treatment is surgery; however, cyst adherence results in difficult removal; subtotal resection yields high recurrence rates. The mechanisms of IECs remain unknown, consequently, advances in treatment have fallen short. Tumor genetic profiling has rendered targets for drug development and for which FDA-approved options exist, reshaping cancer treatment. The genetics of IECs has not been explored. We applied Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) in IECs to gain insights into the mechanisms of oncogenesis and identify actionable targets. Methods: We performed WES in tumor tissue and matching blood, when available. Read processing, quality control and somatic variant calling followed GATK best practices. Read alignments were also used for somatic copy-number inference. Data analyses and visualizations were conducted in R. Results: Top altered genes were associated with immune system and microenvironment, suggesting an immune evasion mechanism. Recurrent and deleterious NOTCH2 and USP8 alterations were identified in 50% and 30% of the cohort, respectively. Frequent amplifications in deubiquitinases and beta-defensins, strengthened the involvement of an immune mechanism for oncogenic transformation. Drug-gene interactions highlighted NOTCH2 as clinically relevant for which FDA-approved treatments exists. Conclusions: Top altered genes may have a role in shaping an epidermoid cyst-permissive tumor microenvironment and modulating tumor immune evasion. USP8 and NOTCH2 may be clinically relevant drivers of IECs. NOTCH2 may be an interesting candidate for drug repurposing.

The purpose of this article is to conduct a bibliometric review of literary production in terms of market interdependence. We investigate the effect of contagion on agricultural commodities and identify the commodities and methods used in the most cited publications over the decades. For this, we used the SCOPUS database, sorting with Rayyan, Excel, and finally, the Bibliometrix/R-project. The results showed that corn, wheat, soybeans, cotton, and sugar are the most studied commodities. There is no uniqueness concerning the methods used to identify interdependence and the contagion effect. Also, it is possible to perceive the growing scientific interest concerning the subject, with a diversity of authors and magazines. However, there is a direction of the and magazines most cited articles for analyzing agricultural commodities and energy, demonstrated a worldwide trend of studies relating natural resources, biofuels, clean energy, and efficiency. In addition, countries like China and the United States stand out in this scientific scenario as the countries that produce the most articles.

Abstract The processing of anatase ores by sulfuric acid digestion is well known for its low titanium dissolution yields, which makes the process economically and technically unfeasible. Generally, to enhance the dissolution of titanium from anatase, thermal processes along with acid and/or alkaline leaching are necessary. Few existing works report yields of direct digestion of anatase with sulfuric acid <48%. This study investigated the sulfuric digestion of anatase and yields around 80% were obtained at relatively mild conditions such as temperature at 220°C, sulfuric acid/concentrate ratio of 1:2 and 3 hours of reaction. A comprehensive characterization of anatase ore was also presented.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic systemic disease with a complex etiology, characterized by insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction in various cell tissues. To explore this relationship, we conducted a secondary analysis of complete mtDNA sequences from 1,261 T2D patients and 1,105 control individuals. Our findings revealed significant associations between certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and T2D. Notably, the variants m.1438A>G (controls: 32 [27.6%], T2D: 84 [72.4%]; OR: 2.46; 95%CI: 1.64-3.78; p<0.001), m.14766C>T (controls: 498 [36.9%], T2D: 853 [63.1%]; OR: 2.57, 95%CI: 2.18-3.04, p<0.001), and m.16519T>C (controls: 363 [43.4%], T2D: 474 [56.6%]; OR: 1.24, 95%CI: 1.05-1.47, p=0.012) were significantly associated with diabetes probability. The variant m.16189T>C Previously reported in multiple studies in different populations, it was not found to be associated with T2D in our analysis (controls: 148 [13.39] T2D: 171 [13.56%]; OR: 1.03; 95%CI: 0.815-1.31,; p=0.83). These results provide evidence suggesting a link between some mtDNA polymorphisms and T2D, probably related to association rules and topological patterns and three-dimensional confirmation associated to regions where the changes are, rather than to point mutations in the sequence.

Reproductively lethal mutations (RLMs) are mutations that, upon expression of the encoded lethal phenotypes, cause individuals carrying them to die or to be sterile. An underappreciated fact is that loss-of-function RLMs in protein-coding genes can be phenotypically shielded by favorable environments rendering these genes conditionally non-essential, or by their sister alleles in diploid organisms. Absent of rigorous mitigation, such phenotype-shielding causes the number of genes incurring RLMs to increase over time, and simultaneously allows each RLM to reach high allele frequencies in a conspecific population. Over-accumulation of RLMs then sets the population up for eventual concurrent expression of large numbers of RLMs, and massive deaths in rapid succession, possibly even population-level extinction. This hypothetical scenario in turn predicts that organismal lineages that evolved means to minimize the allele frequencies of phenotypically shielded RLMs are favored by natural selection. We argue that bottlenecking the genome copies destined for reproduction is a universal strategy adopted by all living beings to compel phenotype-based RLM purging. We further postulate that primitive RNA replicons must first evolve bottlenecked reproduction before evolving the capacity to encode diffusible products. In more complex, multicellular organisms, RLM management through bottlenecked reproduction gains additional reinforcement through sexual reproduction. In short, the evidence chronicled in this essay strongly suggest that the Bottleneck, Isolate, Amplify, Select (BIAS) principle, originally proposed to explain intracellular evolutionary dynamics of viruses, may be universally applicable to all living beings.

The present study aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility of using a calcined aggregate with mining residue in different pavement layers, including base, sub-base, and wearing course. For this purpose, the physical characterization of the residue and clay was performed, as well as the production of calcined aggregates at temperatures ranging from 800ºC to 1100ºC. Additionally, the suitability of these aggregates in pavement layers was assessed, considering the current standards. The physical results characterization indicated that the studied clay is suitable for manufacturing calcined clay aggregates since the particle size distribution showed ceramic potential - according to the Winkler diagram - and presented a plasticity index (PI) higher than 15%. In the tests of boiling-induced mass loss and unit mass, the values obtained were within the limits established by the standards, being lower than 10% and 0.88 g/cm3, respectively. Regarding the abrasion loss test, the M1100 aggregate showed "Los Angeles" abrasion values lower than the limit established by the standard, demonstrating its potential as an artificial aggregate in pavement applications.

Considering tumors from an evolucionary perspective, successive tumor cells undergo turnover in response to stressful conditions which pressures tumor cells to adapt to a new environment. Tumor cells uses parts of themselves to communicate and share biological information, known as extracellular vesicles (EV) secretion to promote their survival and “survive to each and every metabolic cost”. Tumor microenvironment (TME) is a miscellaneous of cells, factors, extracellular matrix proteins and EVs. EVs include smalls (<160nm, exosomes) and larger (100-1,000nm, microvesicles) lipid bilayer enclosed packages of biomolecules that are shed by tumors to TME. Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles transfer adaptative stress signaling to recipient cells, reprograming these cells. Heat Shock Proteins (HSP) are more prominent stress response regulators found in exosomes. HSP-loaded exosomes actively reprogram tumor and TME cells to acquire mechanisms that contribute to tumor progression and therapy resistance. The intercellular communication mediated by HSP-loaded EVs favors the escape of tumor cells from, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, hypoxia, apoptosis and anti-cancer therapies. Extracellular HSPs activate and deactivate immune response, induce cell differentiation, changes vascular homeostasis, and help to augment the pre-metastatic niche formation. Here we will explore the EV mechanism of HSP transmission among TME cells and the relevance of these intercellular communications for resistance to therapies in cancer.

Androgenetic alopecia, the most common cause of hair loss affecting both men and women, is typically treated using pharmaceutical options such as minoxidil and finasteride. While these medications work for many individuals, they are not suitable options for all. To date, the only non-pharmaceutical option that the United States Food and Drug Administration has cleared as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia is low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Various clinical trials utilizing LLLT devices of various types are available. However, a myriad of other physical treatments for this form of hair loss are reported in the literature. This review evaluated the effectiveness of microneedling, pulsed-electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), fractional laser therapy, and non-ablative laser therapy for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). It also explores the potential of multimodal treatments combining these physical therapies. LLLT has the majority of evidence in the literature as a physical therapy for androgenetic alopecia. However, other physical treatments, such as non-ablative laser treatments, and multimodal approaches, such as PEMF-LLLT, seem to have the potential to be equally or more promising and merit further exploration.

Carbohydrates such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are associated with improved gastrointestinal health and prevention of excess body fat. We evaluated the long-term effects of high amounts of FOS on metabolic parameters, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Sixty C57BL/6 mice received diets for four months: control (C), normolipid rich in fiber (F), normolipid supplemented with FOS (FOS), high fat (HL), high fat with high fiber (HLF) and high fat with FOS (HLFOS). We analyzed: animal weight; body composition; food intake; fasting blood glucose; serum and liver lipid profile; liver and intestinal histologies; malondialdehyde (MDA), hepatic retinol and α-tocopherol; SCFA in the feces. Supplementation with FOS in a high-fat diet promoted less body weight gain and reduced liver and retroperitoneal adipose tissue weights compared to HL and HF. FOS prevented NASH and decreased alanine aminotransferase and serum cholesterol levels in experimental animal models of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS). There was found statistical differences in the dosages of the three main SCFAs in feces (acetic, isobutyric and isovaleric acids). Long-term supplementation with high doses of FOS was effective in reducing weight, adiposity, NAFLD and serum cholesterol in C57BL mice with obesity and MS induced by a high-fat diet.

In this study, the use of recycled diatomaceous earth as the extraction phase in a the solid phase microextraction (SPME) technique for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in river water samples, with separation/detection performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), is proposed. The optimized extraction conditions are extraction time 70 min at 80 ºC with no addition of salt. The limits of quantification were close to 0.5 μg L-1 with RSD values lower than 25% (n = 3). The linear working range was 0.5 μg L-1 to 25 μg L-1 for all analytes. The method was applied to samples collected from the Itajaí River (Santa Catarina, Brazil) and the RSD values for repeatability and reproducibility were lower than 15% and 17%, respectively. The efficiency of the recycled diatomaceous earth fiber was compared with that of commercial fibers and good results were obtained, confirming that this is a promising option for use as the extraction phase in SPME.

In tropical areas, simultaneous transmission of several vector-borne diseases is common due to ecological factors that are shared by arthropod vectors. Malaria and dengue virus, transmitted by Anopheles and Aedes mosquitoes, respectively, are among the top vector-borne diseases that cause significant morbidity and mortality in endemic areas. Notably, tropical areas often have suitable conditions for the co-existence of these mosquito species, highlighting the importance of identifying markers that accurately indicate the risk of acquiring each specific disease entity. Aedes are daytime-biting mosquitoes, while Anopheles preferentially bite during the night. These biting patterns raises the possibility of concurrent exposure to bites from both species. This pattern is important since mosquito saliva, deposited in the skin during blood feeding, induces immune responses that modulate pathogen establishment and infection. Previous studies have focused on characterizing such effects on the vector-pathogen interface for an individual pathogen and its mosquito vector. In this study, we evaluated associations between immune responses to salivary proteins from non-dengue and non-malaria vector mosquito species with clinical characteristics of malaria and dengue, respectively. Surprisingly, antibody responses against Anopheles antigens in dengue patients correlated with red blood cell count and hematocrit, while antibody responses against Aedes proteins were associated with platelet count in malaria patients. Our data indicate that concurrent exposure to multiple disease-carrying mosquito vectors and their salivary proteins with differing immunomodulatory properties could influence the transmission, pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of malaria, dengue fever, and other vector-borne illnesses.

The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of a pulmonary telerehabilitation (TR) program in young adults with post-COVID-19 syndrome. The information of sixteen students' medical files were analyzed and allocated to one of two groups (control=CG/experimental=EG). Twelve TR sessions were performed distantly and asynchronously at the EG patients' homes during 4-weeks. The program included diaphragmatic pattern breathing and aerobic exercises. The parameters: i) vital signs (oxygen saturation "SpO2", heart rate "HR", respiratory rate "RR" and blood pressure "BP"; ii) physical capacity “Sit-to-stand test”; iii) cardiorespiratory capacity “6-Minute Walk Test”; and iv) perceived effort "Borg scale" were assessed in both groups. The statistical analyses showed a significant decrease of RR and HR (p < 0.012) accompanied by a significant increase in SpO2 (p < 0.042), physical (p < 0.012) and respiratory (p < 0.028) capacity. The perceived effort decreased significantly in both groups (CG: p < 0.006; EG p < 0.001) only for physical but not for cardiorespiratory capacity (p < 0.106). There were no statistical changes registered in BP (p > 0.05). The current study suggests that a TR program that involves breathing and aerobics exercises is feasible and effective in treating post-COVID-19 syndrome in young patients.

The use of plant fibers as reinforcement in composites with the aim of totally or partially replacing synthetic fibers has received significant attention in the last years. However, one of the disadvantages of the use of these fibers in polymeric composites is associated to the fact that they are hydrophilic, resulting in poor adhesion with most matrices when in the presence of moisture. In addition, another problem encountered is the lower strength of this type of fiber and, as a solution to minimize these problems, the composite can be hybridized by adding layers of natural and synthetic fibers and the use of resin protection along the thickness of the composite. (Lateral protection) to reduce moisture absorption by the laminate. The objective of this work is to obtain composites formed by five layers of reinforcement and terephthalic polyester matrix, one of which is reinforced only with short glass fiber-E blanket, another reinforced only with jute fiber and a third hybrid containing the fibers. Two types of reinforcements with interlayer layers. Afterwards, the loss of mechanical properties was observed when these materials were immersed in distilled water, with and without lateral protection, until reaching saturation. We evaluated parameters such as the influence of configuration type and environmental conditions, such as the amount of water absorption. The obtained results show that the hybrid composite obtained a behavior close to the composite containing only fiberglass, and better than the one containing only jute fiber and that the absorption was smaller in the samples with side protection.

(1) Background: Metabolic syndrome is associated with cardiovascular complications. Therefore, this study aims to establish cut points for the conicity index based on the components of the metabolic syndrome and to associate it with characteristics sociodemographic, food consumption and occupational factors in Brazilian rural workers; (2) Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out with farmers. The receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated and the cutoff points for the conicity index were identified by the area under the curve, sensitivity and specificity. The variables included in the binary logistic regression analysis were selected by considering p &lt; 0.20 in the bivariate test; (3) Results: The cut points were similar in females according to both criteria, resulting in a single cut-off of 1.269. In males, the cut points showed differences, resulting in 1.272 according to the NCEP-ATP III and 1.252 according to the IDF. We have shown that younger people, those who work more than 40 hours a week and the lowest contribution of culinary ingredients are associated with increased odds of abdominal obesity. While the consumption of the products they sell or produce decreases these chances; (4) Conclusions: The conicity index showed high discriminatory power for the identification of abdominal obesity in rural workers.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among all ages; despite the advances, understanding pathophysiological responses after TBI is still complex, involving multiple mechanisms. Previous reviews have focused on potential targets; however, the research on potential targets has continuously grown in the last five years, bringing even more alternatives and elucidating previous mechanisms. Knowing the key and updated pathophysiology concepts is vital for adequate management and better outcomes. This article reviews the underlying molecular mechanisms, the latest updates, and future directions for pathophysiology-based TBI management.

he paper offers an innovative cooking utensil design for remote, isolated, and even peri-urban communities at a low price, with high reliability and simple construction. It can alleviate energy poverty and improve food security. This utensil uses only local solar energy directly and allows comfortable indoor cooking. This paper provides the design principles of a solar cooker/frying pan or generic heater, based on a PV panel or a plurality of them, which are directly connected to a plurality of Positive Thermal Coefficient (PTC) resistors to match the power. PTCs are nowadays produced in massive quantities and are widely available at low cost. The proposed device does not require an electronic controller or a battery for its operation. The aim is for family use, although the design can be easily scaled to a larger size or power, maintaining its simplicity. Electric heating inside or attached to the cooking pot, plus the temperature self-limiting effect of PTCs, allows for thermally insulating the cooking pot from its outside using ordinary materials. Insulation en-hances energy efficiency during cooking and keeps cooked food warm for a long time. Clean development would receive a significant impulse with its application. A simple mathematical model describes its functioning and states guidelines for adequate design. The results indicate a successful proof of concept and high efficiency both for water and oil as representatives of cooking.

Pressure ulcers carry a significant risk in clinical practice and require effective preventive measures. This paper proposes a practical and interpretable approach to estimate the risk levels of pressure ulcers using decision tree models. In order to address the common problem of imbalanced learning in nursing classification datasets, various oversampling configurations are analyzed to improve data quality prior to modeling. The decision trees built are based on three easily identifiable and clinically relevant pressure ulcer risk indicators: mobility, activity and skin moisture. Their analysis allows nursing professionals to predict the risk levels of pressure ulcer and make informed decisions about patient care. Additionally, this research introduces a novel tabular visualization method to enhance the usability of the decision trees in clinical practice. The approach proposed aims to support nursing professionals in making timely decisions regarding the appropriate preventive interventions according to the risk levels of pressure ulcers, thus improving patient outcomes and healthcare costs. The usefulness and effectiveness of the models presented make them a valuable resource for nursing care in the prevention of pressure ulcers.

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are distributed and transferred among the four major environmental compartments (air, water, soil, and biota) and have been already found in humans, making crucial to develop remediation technologies to tackle this kind pollution. Photocatalysis can be used to eliminate MPs present in contaminated wastewater effluents before their discharge into waterbodies. In this work, several green TiO2-based semiconductors were prepared using the extrapallial fluid (EPF) of Mytilus edulis sea water mussels as doping precursor. The semiconductors were then used as films or powders to photocatalytically degrade polystyrene (PS) NPs and MPs and polyethylene (PE) MPs. It was found that the obtention of green TiO2-based semiconductors with good characteristics for photocatalytic purposes (anatase crystalline phase, presence of porosity, activity in visible light and high surface area) seems not enough to achieve high degradation efficiency. The operational conditions of the reaction system should be also taken into account. For instance, the convenience of using semiconductors in the form of films can be overcome by their limited exposed surface area or the null adsorption of the semiconductor in the MPs particles. Additionally, crystallinity of the semiconductor can be a more determinant factor to take into account when performing photocatalysis of MPs.

Land surface temperature (LST) is a key variable in surface-atmosphere energy and water exchanges. The main goals of this study are to (i) evaluate the LST of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ERA-Interim and ERA5 reanalyses over Iberian Peninsula using the Satellite Application Facility on Land Surface Analysis (LSA-SAF) product and to (ii) understand the main drivers of the LST errors in the reanalysis. Simulations with the ECMWF land-surface model in offline mode (uncoupled) were carried out over the Iberian Peninsula and compared with the reanalysis data. Several sensitivity simulations were performed in a confined domain centered in Southern Portugal to investigate potential sources of the LST errors. The Copernicus Global Land Service (CGLS) fraction of green vegetation cover (FCover) and the European Space Agency’s Climate Change Initiative (ESA-CCI) Land Cover dataset were explored. We found a general underestimation of daytime LST and slightly overestimation at night-time. The results indicate that there is still room for improvement in the simulation of LST in ECMWF products. Still, ERA5 presents an overall higher quality product in relation to ERA-Interim. Our analysis suggested a relation between the large daytime cold bias and vegetation cover differences between (ERA5 and CGLS FCocver) with a correlation of -0.45. The replacement of the low and high vegetation cover by those of ESA-CCI provided an overall reduction of the large Tmax biases during summer. The increased vertical resolution of the soil at the surface, has a positive impact, but much smaller when compared with the vegetation changes. The sensitivity of the vegetation density parameter, that currently depends on the vegetation type, provided further proof for a needed revision of the vegetation in the model, as there is a reasonable correlation between this parameter and the Tmax mean errors when using the ESA-CCI vegetation cover (while the same correlation cannot be reproduced with the original model vegetation). Our results support the hypothesis that vegetation cover is one of the main drivers of the LST summertime cold bias in ERA5 over Iberian Peninsula.

The soil-structure interaction represents an important parameter when analyzing the dynamic behavior of bridges, taking into account the integration between soil, foundation, and structure to ensure an adequate structural representation. In this paper, a computational modeling strategy using soil-structure interaction (SSI) methodology was applied to represent the dynamic behavior of a pedestrian bridge (LOP). The computational models were validated using monitoring results from an extensive structural health monitoring campaign. The bridge monitoring program was characterized using embedded sensors and cutting-edge technology for remote monitoring: ground-based radar interferometry and video motion amplification. The instrumentation results were compared to establish the capabilities and advantages of this novel remote monitoring technique. The experimental results obtained from free and forced vibrations in the asset served as a basis for validating the developed computational model and allowed evaluating the asset be-havior in service for different loading conditions. This paper emphasizes the SSI approach to represent the pedestrian bridge dynamic behavior more accurately, allowing computational models to represent the LOP structural responses over the course of its life-cycle.

Synucleins are a family of small, soluble proteins mainly expressed in neural tissue and in certain tumors. Since their discovery, tens of thousands of scientific reports have been published about this family of proteins as they are associated to severe human diseases. Although the physiological function of these proteins still elusive, their relation with neurodegeneration and cancer was clearly described over the years. In this review, we summarize data connecting synucleins and cancer, going from the structural description of these molecules, to their involvement in tumor-related processes, and discuss the putative use of this proteins as cancer molecular biomarkers.

The Philippines is an archipelagic country composed of different indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) spread across various islands. Many of these Indigenous Peoples (IP) are marginalized and do not have access to common resources enjoyed in the lowland areas. An initial assessment focusing on the evaluation of their available livelihood and resources was conducted, in order to find common solutions to existing problems. The assessment took place at the office of the tribal council of Matigsalog in barangay Datu Salumay, Marilog District, Davao City from April 11 to 13, 2023. There were about 42 participants in total for Matigsalog tribes (26 men and 16 women) who attended the meeting and there were 15 participants from the Ata tribe (7 men and 8 women). Validation of the study separately took place through a brief presentation of the results before 15 members of the tribe and a hiking visit in their farmlands. The study determined the existing livelihoods in the two areas which are mainly agricultural, farming of crops (rice, corn, cassava, sweet potato) and fruit trees (coconut, banana, durian, jackfruit, pomelo) and the resources as well as the community’s knowledge, systems, and practices with regards to agricultural crops including climate change. Their sustainable farming practices include intercropping, seed-saving, and exchange practices, preserving these crop varieties and ensuring their availability for future planting seasons, no usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. To conclude, the tribe’s aspirations and resulting recommendations are summarized, to facilitate more directed and effective governmental assistance.

The stress imposed by ethanol to Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells are one of the most challenging limiting factors in industrial fuel-ethanol production. Consequently, the toxicity and tolerance to high ethanol concentrations has been the subject of extensive research, allowing the identification of several genes important for increasing the tolerance to this stress factor. However, most studies were performed with well characterized laboratory strains, and how the results obtained with these strains work in industrial strains remains unknown. In the present work we have tested three different strategies known to increase ethanol tolerance by laboratory strains in an industrial fuel-ethanol producing strain: overexpression of the TRP1 or MSN2 genes, or overexpression of a truncated version of the MSN2 gene. Our results show that the industrial CAT-1 strain tolerates up to 14% ethanol, and indeed the three strategies increased its tolerance to ethanol. When these strains were subjected to fermentations with high sugar content and cell-recycle, simulating the industrial conditions used in Brazilian distilleries, only the strain with overexpression of the truncated MSN2 gene showed improved fermentation performance, allowing the production of 16% ethanol from 33% of total reducing sugars present in sugarcane molasses. Our results highlight the importance of testing genetic modifications in industrial yeast strains under industrial conditions in order to improve the production of industrial fuel ethanol by S. cerevisiae.

In this research, we present a comprehensive methodology to categorize perfumes based on their fragrance profiles and subsequently aid in creating innovative odoriferous molecules using advanced neural networks. Drawing from data on Parfumo and the Good Scents Company webpage (Parfumo, 2008; The Good Scents Company, 2021), the study employs sophisticated web scraping techniques to gather diverse perfume attributes. Following this, a k-means algorithm is applied for perfume clustering, paving the way for recommending similar scents to consumers. The process then bridges customer preferences to molecular design by incorporating their feedback into generating new molecules via graph neural networks (GNNs). Through converting the Simple Molecular Input Line Entry System (SMILES) representation into graph structures, the GNN facilitates the creation of new molecular designs attuned to consumer desires. The proposed approach offers promising avenues for consumers to pinpoint similar perfume choices, incorporating feedback, and for manufacturers to conceptualize new fragrant molecules with a high likelihood of market resonance.

The present study explored the expression of CD62L and CD44 by bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and WC1.1+ γδ T cells under Staphylococcus aureus cell culture stimu-lation. In this study, peripheral blood cells were isolated from ten dairy cows and cocultured with S. aureus. Afterward, the γδ T cell subpopulation and the expression of CD44, CD62L and prolif-erative (Ki67+) cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. Our results showed that the percentages of proliferative PBMCs and WC1.1+ γδ T cells were higher when stimulated with S. aureus. The percentage of CD44+ cells increased in S. aureus-stimulated cultured PMBCs and WC1.1+ γδ T cells, as did the CD44 geometric mean fluorescence intensity (GMFI). The rate of CD62L cells did not differ among groups for either PBMCs or WC1.1+ γδ T cells. A higher GMFI of CD62L in prolif-erative PBMCs than nonproliferative PBMCs upon stimulation with S. aureus was detected, whereas no impact on the GMFI of CD62L was observed in WC1.1+ cells. In summary, our study identified that S. aureus was associated with high expression of CD44 in overall PBMCs and WC1.1+ γδ T cells, and they could generate memory WC1.1+ γδ T cells, preferably central memory cells.

The aim of this literature review was to present the novel imaging modalities elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. We provided an overview of the concepts and applications of each technique for the investigation of neoplastic and metastatic tumors in dogs and cats. Studies with elastography are based on the elasticity and deformation of the evaluated tissue. The information obtained from the different types of elastography can aid in the detection and differentiation of malignant and benign structures. Descriptions of elastographic studies in several organs and tissue in veterinary medicine reported that, in general, malignant tumors tend to be more rigid, and, therefore, less deformable than benign lesions or in comparison to the healthy parenchyma. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is based on the intravenous injection of contrast media constituted by microbubbles. This imaging modality can be performed in non-sedated animals and provides information on the tissue perfusion, allowing the investigation of macro- and micro-circulation. Studies with different organs and tissues were performed in dogs and cats and revealed a tendency of malignant tumors to present faster transit of the contrast media (time to wash-in, peak and wash-out). These advanced techniques can be associated with other imaging modalities, aiding important information to the well-established exams of B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography. They can be used as screening tests, potentially representing an alternative to the invasive sampling methods required for cytological and histopathological analysis.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the sociodemographic, behavioral, and biological profile and its relationship with the emergence of chronic non-communicable diseases in riverside populations in the Xingu region, Pará, Brazil. Methods: Characteristics related to health indicators and which risk factors are considered most important were also analyzed. This is a cross-sectional, exploratory, and descriptive study. The sample consisted of riverside people over 18 years of both sexes. The sample size (n.86) was calculated with a confidence level of 95% and a sample error of 5%. To divide the groups, the K-means clustering algorithm was adopted through an unsupervised method and the values were expressed as median. For continuous and categorical data, the Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests were used, respectively, and the significance level was set at p<5%. To classify the degree of importance of each variable, the multi-layer perceptron algorithm was applied. Results: Based on this information, the sample was divided into two groups: the group with low or no education, with bad habits and worse health conditions, and the group with opposite characteristics. The risk factors considered for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in the groups were low education (p < 0.001), sedentary lifestyle (p < 0.01), smoking, alcoholism, body mass index (p < 0.05) and the waist-hip ratio, with values above the expected, in both groups. Conclusions: The factors considered important to have a good health condition or not were the educational and social conditions of these communities and a part of the riverside population was considered healthier than the other.

The critical enzyme Dihydrofolate Reductase-Thymidylate Synthase in Leishmania major (LmDHFR-TS) serves a dual-purpose role and is essential for DNA synthesis, a cornerstone of the parasite's reproductive processes. Consequently, the development of inhibitors against LmDHFR-TS is crucial for the creation of novel anti-Leishmania chemotherapies. In this study, we employed an in-house database containing 314 secondary metabolites derived from cinnamic acid that occurred in the Asteraceae family. We conducted a combined ligand/structure-based virtual screening to identify potential inhibitors against LmDHFR-TS. By consensus analysis of both approaches, we identified three compounds, i.e., lithospermic acid (237), diarctigenin (306), and isolappaol A (308), that exhibited a high probability of being inhibitors according to both approaches and were consequently classified as promising hits. Subsequently, we expanded the binding mode examination of these compounds within the active site of the test enzyme through molecular dynamics simulations, revealing a high degree of structural stability and minimal fluctuations in its tertiary structure. The in-silico predictions were then validated through in-vitro assays to examine the inhibitory capacity of the top-ranked naturally-occurring compounds against LmDHFR-TS recombinant protein. The test compounds effectively inhibited the enzyme with IC50 values ranging from 6.1 to 10.1 μM. In contrast, other common cinnamic acid derivatives (i.e., flavonoid glycosides) from the Asteraceae family, such as hesperidin, isovitexin 4′-O-glucoside, and rutin, exhibited low activity against this target. The selective index (SI) for all tested compounds was determined using HsDHFR, with moderate inhibitory effect. Among these hits, lignans 306 and 308 demonstrated the highest selectivity, displaying superior SI values compared to methotrexate, the reference inhibitor of DHFR-TS. Therefore, continued research into the anti-leishmanial potential of these C6C3-hybrid butyrolactone lignans may offer a brighter outlook for combating this neglected tropical disease.

Background: Morphological alterations in intracranial pressure pulse waveform (ICPPW) secondary to intracranial hypertension (ICP >20 mmHg) and reduction in intracranial compliance (ICC) are well known indicators of neurological severity. To date, no studies have documented the ICPPW modifications after intracranial hypertension resolution with decompressive craniectomy (DC). The present study aimed to assess the morphological alterations in ICPPW among neurocritical care patients with and without DC, by comparing the variations of ICPPW features according to elevations in mean ICP values. Methods: Patients requiring ICP monitoring because of severe traumatic or spontaneous conditions were included. Mean ICP values were compared with ICPPW features (P2/P1 ratio, TTP and pulse amplitude). Elevation in ICP was produced by means of ultrasound-guided manual internal jugular veins compression. Results were distributed for three groups: intact skull (exclusive burr hole for ICP monitoring), craniotomy/large fractures (group 2) or DC (group 3). Results: 57 patients were analyzed. 21 (36%) presented no skull defects, whereas 15 (26%) had DC. ICP was not significantly different between groups: ±13.59 for intact and ±17.66 mmHg for DC, with ICP induced elevation also similar between groups (p= 0.56). Significant elevation was observed for P2/P1 ratio for groups 1 and 2, whereas reduction was observed in group 3 (elevation of ±0.09 for groups 1 and 2, whereas reduction of 0.03 for group 3, p=0.01). Conclusion: In the present study, intracranial pressure pulse waveform analysis indicated that intracranial compliance was significantly more impaired among decompressive craniectomy patients, although ICPPW indicated DC to be protective for further influences of ICP elevations over the brain. Analysis of ICPPW seems to be an alternative to real time ICC assessment.

(1) Background: Metabolic syndrome is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease thus the objective of the study was to verify the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in farmers, as well as to verify the association with sociodemographic, work and lifestyle factors. (2) Methods: Cross-sectional, observational study, carried out with 790 individuals. For the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria were used. Pearson's chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to verify factors associated with metabolic syndrome (3) Results: The prevalence of MS according to the IDF criteria was 16.3% overall, with 9.7% of women (95% CI: 6.66–16.16) and 6.6% of men (95% CI: 5.17–11.97). According to the NCEP/ATP III criterion, it was 12.3% overall, with 7.5% corresponding to women (95% CI: 6.62 – 13.13) and 4.8% to men (95% CI: 3.5 – 8.70). With regard to the conditions that make up metabolic syndrome, it was found that high density lipoprotein, high blood pressure and high waist circumference were the most prevalent. (4) Conclusions: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is considerable in the population when compared to other regions, both rural and urban, in Brazil.

In precision agriculture in fertigated crops it is necessary to optimize the use of water and chemicals, and enable efficient application of fertilizers in order to ensure the best yield and avoid risks of soil salinization and contamination. In this study, an intelligent system was developed with the objective of monitoring, in real-time, moisture and solute concentrations in soil cultivated with lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum, var. Casablanca) fertigated under a protected environment. During one crop cycle, moisture was monitored in soil solution using TDR100 reflectometer and solute concentrations were monitored with ceramic cup extractors. Plants were fertigated with a solution containing five potassium concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg dm-3) applied when the soil reached moisture limits of 0.20, 0.15, 0.13, 0.11, and 0.09 cm3 cm-3. Experimental plots were arranged in a randomized block design in a 5 x 5 factorial scheme (moisture limits x potassium concentrations in soil solution), with four replicates. The proposed intelligent system enabled precise monitoring of moisture and electrical conductivity by TDR, and potassium, and other solute concentrations with extractors, being indicated for the management of lisianthus fertigation under greenhouse conditions with greater environmental safety and reduction of water consumption and risk of salinization.

We validated a new noninvasive tool (B4C) to assess intracranial pressure waveform (ICPW) morphology in a set of neurocritical patients, correlating the data with ICPW obtained from invasive catheter monitoring. Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring were consecutively evaluated using the B4C sensor. Ultrasound-guided manual internal jugular vein (IJV) compression was performed to elevate ICP from the baseline. ICP values, amplitudes, and time intervals (P2/P1 ratio and time-to-peak [TTP]) between the ICP and B4C waveform peaks were analyzed. Results: Among 41 patients, the main causes for ICP monitoring included traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and stroke. Bland-Altman’s plot indicated agreement between the ICPW parameters obtained using both techniques. The strongest Pearson’s correlation for P2/P1 and TTP was observed among patients with no cranial damage (r = 0.72 and 0.85, respectively) in detriment of those who have undergone craniotomies or craniectomies. P2/P1 values of 1 were equivalent between the two techniques (area under the receiver operator curve [AUROC], 0.9) whereas B4C cut-off 1.2 was predictive of intracranial hypertension (AUROC 0.9, p < 000.1 for ICP > 20 mmHg). Conclusion: B4C provided biometric amplitude ratios correlated with ICPW variation morphology and is useful for noninvasive critical care monitoring.

Effectively responding to children’s nutritional status and eating behaviors in Mozambique requires a community-based care approach grounded in sound nursing research that is evidence-based. The Community Assessment, Intervention, and Empowerment Model (MAIEC) is a nursing theoretical model that bases clinical decision-making for community health nurses using communities as a unit of care. We used the MAIEC to identify a community-based nursing diagnosis to address children’s nutritional status and eating behaviors in Mozambique. Objectives: (1) To conduct a descriptive study of children’s nutritional status and eating behaviors in a school community in Mavalane, Mozambique, and (2) to identify a community-based nursing diagnosis using the MAIEC clinical decision-making matrix in the same school community. Method: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of children using anthropometric data, including brachial perimeter and the tricipital skinfold, and standard deviation for the relation of weight-height, in a sample of 227 children. To assess community management of the problem and identify a community-based nursing diagnosis, we surveyed 176 parents/guardians and 49 education professionals, using a questionnaire based on the MAIEC clinical decision matrix as a reference. Results: Malnutrition was identified in more than half of the children (51.3%). We also identified a community-based nursing diagnosis of impaired community management related to the promotion of child health and healthy eating as evident by lack of community leadership, participation, and processing among more than 70% of the community members (parents/guardians and education professionals). Conclusion: A nursing diagnosis and diagnostic criteria for nutritional status and community management were identified. The need to intervene using a multidisciplinary public health approach is imperative, with the school community as the unit of care. In addition, reliable anthropometric data were used to complement the nursing diagnosis and guide future public health interventions.

Glaucoma is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease, characterized by degeneration of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). There has been little progress in developing efficient strategies for neuroprotection in glaucoma. We profiled the retina transcriptome of Lister Hooded rats at 2 weeks after optic nerve crush (ONC) and analyzed the data from the Genomic Fabric Paradigm (GFP) to bring additional insights into the molecular mechanisms of the retinal remodeling after induction of RGC degeneration. GFP considers for the expression of each gene 3 independent characteristics: level, variability and correlation with each other gene. Thus, the 17,657 quantified genes our study generated a total of 155,911,310 values to analyze. This represents 8,830x more data per condition than a traditional transcriptomic analysis. ONC led to a 57% reduction in RGC numbers as detected by retrograde labeling with DiI. We observed a higher Relative Expression Variability after ONC. Gene expression stability was used as a measure of transcription control and disclosed a robust reduction in the number of very stably expressed genes. Predicted Protein-Protein interaction (PPI) analysis with STRING revealed axon and neuron projection as mostly decreased processes, consistent with RGC degeneration. Conversely, immune response PPIs were found among up-regulated genes. Enrichment analysis showed that Complement Cascade and Notch Signaling Pathway, as well as Oxidative Stress and Kit Receptor Pathway were affected after ONC. To expand our studies of altered molecular pathways, we examined the pair-wise coordination of gene expressions within each pathway and within the entire transcriptome using Pearson correlations. ONC increased the number of synergistically coordinated pairs of genes and the number of similar profiles mainly in Complement Cascade and Notch Signaling Pathway. This deep bioinformatic study provides novel insights beyond the regulation of individual gene expression and discloses changes in the control of expression of Complement Cascade and Notch Signaling functional pathways that may be relevant for both RGC degeneration and remodeling of the retinal tissue after ONC.

Mangoes have a unique nutrient profile (carotenoids, polyphenols, sugars, vitamins) that we hypothesized would mitigate post-exercise inflammation. This study examined the effects of mango ingestion in moderating exercise-induced inflammation in a randomized crossover trial with 22 cyclists. In random order with trials separated by a 2-week washout period, the cyclists ingested 330 g/day mangoes with 0.5 liters water or 0.5 liters water alone for 2 weeks, followed by a 2.25-h cycling bout challenge. Blood and urine samples were collected pre- and post-2 weeks supplementation, with additional blood samples collected immediately post-exercise, and then 1.5-h, 3-h, and 24-h post-exercise. Urine samples were analyzed for targeted mango-related metabolites. The blood samples were analyzed for 67 oxylipins that are upstream regulators of inflammation and other physiological processes. After 2-weeks mango ingestion, three targeted urine mango-related phenolic metabolites were significantly elevated compared to water alone (interaction effects, p≤0.003). Significant post-exercise increases were measured for 49 oxylipins, but various subgroup analyses showed no differences in the pattern of change between trials (all interaction effects, p&gt;0.150). The 2.25-h cycling bouts induced significant inflammation but no countermeasure effect was found after 2-weeks mango ingestion despite the elevation of mango gut-derived phenolic metabolites.

Global crop yields are estimated to be reduced by 30–40% per year on account of plant pests and pathogens. Agricultural insect pests raise concerns about constraining global food security and climate changes contributing to the rise of infestation. The current management relies on plant breeding, associated or not with transgenes and chemical pesticides. Both approaches face serious technology obsolescence on the field due to resistance breakdown or development of insecticide resistance. The need for new Modes of Action (MoA) approaches in managing crop health grows each year, driven by market demands to reduce economic losses and phytosanitary requirements to meet the consumer perception. Disabling pest genes by sequence-specific expression silencing is considered a promising tool in the development of environment and health respectful biopesticides. The specificity conferred by long dsRNA-base solutions give support to minimizing effects on off-targeted genes in the insect pest genome and the target gene in non-target organisms (NTOs). In this review, we summarize the current status of gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) for agricultural control. More specifically, we focus on the engineering, development and application of gene silencing to control Lepidoptera by the employment of non-transforming dsRNA technologies. Despite some delivery and stability drawbacks of topical applications, we reviewed works showing convincing proof-of-concept results that point to imminent innovative solutions. Considerations about the regulamentation of the ongoing research on dsRNA-based pesticides to produce commercialized products for exogenous application are discussed. Academic and industry initiatives reveal a worthy effort to accomplish controlling Lepidoptera pests with this new mode of action to provide more sustainable and reliable technologies to field management. New data on genomics of this taxon encourage the increment of a customized target genes portfolio. As a case of study, we illustrate how dsRNA and associated methodologies could be applied to control an important Lepidopteran coffee pest.

Among other applications, radar-rainfall (RR) and QPE (Quantitative Precipitation Estimation) based on radar reflectivity, dual polarization variables, and multi-sensor information, provide important information for land surface hydrology, such as flood forecasting. Therefore, we developed a flood alert system using rainfall-runoff model forced with RR and QPE, and tipping-bucket observations to forecast river water levels (using rating-curves). In this study, we used an hourly dataset from an S-Band dual-polarimetric radar with two tropical R(Z) relations based distrometer data, a polarimetric R(Z,ZDR) algorithm from the literature and a multi-sensor approach using radar, satellite and rain gauge. Two hydrological models were used and calibrated using observed discharge time-series. Although our previous studies indicated accurate RR-based simulations, in some cases floods were not detected when using catchment-lumped rainfall derived from multi-sensor QPE. In this study, we advance further in this subject using improved R(Z,ZDR) relations and QPE for the period of 2016-2017 and flood event-based rainfall-runoff calibration. Thus, we focused on the development (and timing) of floods in the Marrecas River can be complex and strongly related to storms spatiotemporal distribution. To explore this aspect, we also perform a first analysis in using RR in rainfall-runoff model with a nested catchment discretization.

Sugarcane plays a crucial role in global sugar and ethanol production. Conventionally, sugar-cane propagation involves planting billets. However, Brazilian researchers have introduced the innovative pre-sprouted seedlings (PSS) method, widely used in the MEIOSI (Simultaneously Occurring Interrotational Method) system. Although MPB has several advantages over the con-ventional method, its sensitivity to water scarcity is a challenge. The study aimed to evaluate the survival and growth of PSS inoculated with Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis under differ-ent water regimes. The experiment was conducted in the field in a randomized block in strips (split-block) using a 2×4 factorial scheme consisting of two inoculation conditions (with and without bacteria) and four water regimes (0%, 33%, 66%, and 100% of the ideal irrigation). The bacteria increased the PSS's survival and water use efficiency in the field. In addition, inocula-tion increased root and shoot growth, as well as the nutrient uptake such as N, P, Mn, Zn, and Cu, which resulted in a higher number of stalks per meter and, therefore, a higher multiplica-tion rate in the MEIOSI system. Inoculation proved to be a promising alternative for establishing PSS under water restriction.

Correlations among estrus cycle, pyometra, and canine diabetes mellitus (CDM) have been described since the late 1950s, and substantial progress in understanding mechanisms beyond was achieved nowadays. Progesterone-related diabetes mellitus (PRDM) in dogs is known for its particular potential for diabetes remission. Thus, a deep understanding of the physiopathological aspects involved is crucial to postulate treatment guidelines to improve the PRDM remission rate, as well as to inform preventive measures. This narrative review aims to provide relevant detailed information on 1) canine estrus cycle and its impact on CDM etiology and management, 2) the role of pyometra as a further cause of insulin resistance, and 3) useful individual therapeutic and preventive strategies. Pharmacological annulment of progesterone effects, as well as inflammatory and progesterone-related conditions resolution in association with adequate exogenous insulin therapy, and residual beta cell function, are key aspects to achieve remission, or at least to improve diabetic clinical control. In this way, spaying should be considered mandatory in most PRDM cases. Preventive measures against CDM can include spaying recommendations; however, individual-based recommendations should be considered since castration may be associated with some long-term health issues.

Mobile applications, websites and social media networks are nowadays widely used communication tools. With the emergence of communication-related technologies in our lives and, consequently, the rise of social networks and mobile applications, health-related applications, generically encompassed under the term digital health, have become popular among the population. Smartphones and artificial intelligence have become very useful tools for health-related interventions. Because they are very accessible and cost-effective. They are also able to serve a larger number of communities than traditional interventions. Nutrition is not a field that has remained on the sidelines, and numerous mobile applications and technological tools have emerged that are intended to help and support diets or in the process of recovering from disease. However, many of these applications have limitations that are important to consider. For this reason, the aim of this review was to analyze the most widely used tools currently in use, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and propose hypotheses for improvement.

The aims of study was to evaluate the effects of rates, sources and timing of nitrogen application under cover of transgenic corn yield cultivated in Amazon Biome. The experiments were conducted in Parauapebas city, State of Pará, Brazil, in two years (2016/2017 and 2017/2018). The experimental design was randomized blocks, in a 5x2x2 factorial scheme, consisting of five rates of N (0; 45; 90; 135; and 180 kg ha-1), two nitrogen sources (urea and ammonium sulfate) and two application times of N (phenological stages V4 and V8), with four replications. The factor N rates promoted adjustment of linear equation (leaf area index, mass of thousand grains, and yield) and quadratic equation (dry mass of leaf index). Nitrogen fertilization promoted significant increases in mass of thousand grains and yield, obtaining the best results with 180 kg ha-1 of N applied at V4 phenological stage. Based on results obtained in two years of corn cultivated under conditions of Amazon Biome, the application of N at V4 phenological stage at rates of 121 to 131.39 kg ha-1 of N showed the best results for vegetative growth, while 180 kg ha-1 of N, regardless of source used, urea or ammonium sulfate, promoted greater grain weight and greater yield.

Using a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel group design, this investigation determined if the combination of 2-weeks flavonoid supplementation (329 mg/day, quercetin, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols mixture) and a 45-minute walking bout (62.2±0.9% VO_2max) enhanced the translocation of gut-derived phenolics into circulation in a group of walkers (N = 77). The walkers (flavonoid, placebo groups) were randomized to either sit or walk briskly on treadmills for 45 minutes (thus four groups: placebo-sit, placebo-walk, flavonoid-sit, flavonoid-walk). A comparator group of runners (N = 19) ingested a double flavonoid dose for 2 weeks (658 mg/day) and ran for 2.5 h (69.2±1.2% VO_2max). Four blood samples were collected (pre- and post-supplementation, immediately-post- and 24-h post-exercise/rest). Of the 76 metabolites detected in this targeted analysis, 15 increased after the 2.5-h run, and when grouped were also elevated post-exercise (versus placebo-sit) for the placebo- and flavonoid-walking groups (P < 0.05). A secondary analysis showed that pre-study plasma concentrations of gut-derived phenolics in the runners were 40% higher compared to walkers (P = 0.031). These data indicate that acute exercise bouts (brisk walking, intensive running) are linked to an increased translocation of gut-derived phenolics into circulation, an effect that is amplified when combined with a 2-week period of increased flavonoid intake or chronic training as a runner.

Candida tropicalis, an opportunistic pathogen, ranks among the primary culprits of invasive candidiasis, a condition notorious for its resistance to conventional antifungal drugs. The urgency to combat these drug-resistant infections has spurred the quest for novel therapeutic compounds, with a particular focus on those of natural origin. In this study, we set out to evaluate the impact of Isoespintanol (ISO), a monoterpene derived from Oxandra xylopioides, on the transcriptome of C. tropicalis. Leveraging transcriptomics, our research aimed to unravel the intricate transcriptional changes induced by ISO within this pathogen. Our differential gene expression analysis unveiled 186 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to ISO, with a striking 85% of these genes experiencing upregulation. These findings shed light on the multifaceted nature of ISO's influence on C. tropicalis, spanning a spectrum of physiological, structural, and metabolic adaptations. The upregulated DEGs predominantly pertained to crucial processes, including ergosterol biosynthesis, protein folding, response to DNA damage, cell wall integrity, mitochondrial activity modulation, and cellular responses to organic compounds. Simultaneously, 27 genes were observed to be repressed, affecting functions such as cytoplasmic translation, DNA damage checkpoints, membrane proteins, as well as metabolic pathways like trans-methylation, trans-sulfuration, and trans-propylamine. These results underscore the complexity of ISO's antifungal mechanism, suggesting that it targets multiple vital pathways within C. tropicalis. Such complexity potentially reduces the likelihood of the pathogen developing rapid resistance to ISO, making it an attractive candidate for further exploration as a therapeutic agent. In conclusion, our study provides a comprehensive overview of the transcriptional responses of C. tropicalis to ISO exposure. The identified molecular targets and pathways offer promising avenues for future research and the development of innovative antifungal therapies to combat infections caused by this pathogenic yeast.

Background: To identify and appraise the impacts and effectiveness of counseling interventions based on the 5A model on indicators of physical activity in adults. Methods: In May, 2022, a systematic review was carried out. Searches were performed in Embase, Lilacs, Pubmed, Scielo, Scopus, Sportdiscus and Web of Science. To avoid potential losses searches also were made in Google Scholar and in reference lists. Assessment of studies, data extraction and synthesis took place independently by two researchers. Results: Four studies composed the synthesis, which involved people with an average age between 40 and 55 years, being women in the majority of the samples. It was observed that counseling was carried out in conjunction with other strategies, such as drawing up an action plan, sending text messages and offering educational material. Only one study showed a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the “daily number of steps” indicator. Conclusions: counseling based on the 5A model did not reflect significant findings in relation to physical activity. Considering that behavior change for many people is neither a simple nor a quick process and that the 5A model is promising for other behavioral indicators, we indicate the need to carry out new intervention studies, with an expanded focus in relation to themes related to physical activity (e.g., types, dos-es, risks, benefits, identification of barriers and assessment) and, in parallel, the offer of practices in the Primary Health Care setting.

Low-frequency audible noise generated by the magnetostriction effect inherent to the operation of power transformers has become a major drawback, especially in cases where the electrical substation is located in urban areas subject to strict environmental regulations that imposes sound pressure limits, differing for day and night periods. Such regulations apply a +5 dB penalty if a tonal component of noise is present, which is clearly the case of magnetostriction noise, typically concentrated at twice the industrial frequency (50 Hz or 60 Hz, depending on the country). The strategy used to eliminate the tonal characteristics, therefore contributing to establish compliance with the applicable regulation and to alleviate the discomfort it causes to the human ear, consisted in superimposing to the substation noise a masking sound synthesized from “sounds of nature” with suitable intensities, to flatten the noise spectrum while enhancing the soundscape. The masking system (heavy-duty speakers powered by a microprocessor platform) was validated at an already judicialized urban scenario. Measurement results confirmed that the masking solution was capable of flattening the tonal frequencies, whose beneficial effect yielded the cancellation of the public civil action filed by the neighbors. The proposed solution is ready to be replicated to other scenarios.

High Resolution Melting Analysis (HRM) has been pointed as a suitable alternative method to detect and identify Leishmania species. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and limitations of a HSP70-HRM protocol both as a diagnostic scheme applied in clinical samples and as a species typing tool for laboratory research and reference services. Our data reveal the pronounced species-typing potential of the HSP70-HRM in DNA from cultured parasites. For clinical samples, however, we advise caution due to the parasite load-dependent accuracy. In the light of these findings and considering the importance of parasite load determination for clinical and research purposes we recommend the integration of the presented typing scheme and the previously published Leishmania quantifying approach as combined tools for clinicians, surveillance, and research.

Previously, we described that Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, and Guanine nucleobases were superconductors in a quantum superposition of phases on each side of the central Hydrogen bond acting as a Josephson Junction. Genomic DNA has two strands wrapped helically around one another, but during transcription, they are separated by the RNA polymerase II to form a molecular condensate called the transcription bubble. Successive steps involve the bubble translocation along the gene body. This work discusses how quantum information transfer and entanglement can be achieved by modeling DNA as a combination of

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis affecting humans and other animals that can be transmitted a zoonosis with cats as the main vector. The conventional anti-fungal therapy is especially inefficient in immunocompromised patients, who tend to develop the most severe forms of the disease, thus prompting the search for alternative therapies. Given their antigen-presenting properties, dendritic cells (DCs) have been used in both prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination strategies. Hence, this study aims to assess the use of DCs as a prophylactic tool in sporotrichosis by evaluating the immune profile induced by Sporothrix schenckii cell wall proteins (SsCWP)-stimulated bone-marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs). Mouse BMDCs were stimulated with SsCWP for 24 hours and analyzed for the surface expression of co-stimulatory molecules and TLR-4, as well as the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and IL-10. Following that, activated BMDCs were cocultured with splenocytes for 72 hours and had the same cytokines measured in the supernatant. SsCWP-stimulated BMDCs showed higher expression of CD80, CD86, and CD40, but not TLR-4, and higher secretion of IL-6, IL-17A, and TNF. On the other hand, higher levels of IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-2 were found in the supernatants of the coculture as compared with the BMDCs alone; TNF secretion was almost completely abrogated, whereas IL-6 was only partially inhibited and IL-17A was unaffected. Our results thus suggest SsCWP-stimulated BMDCs are able to induce a Th1-prone cytokine profile, known to be protective against other fungal diseases. This result could lead to evaluate the development of prophylactic and/or therapeutic DC-based tools against sporotrichosis.

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) is one of the most destructive diseases in banana farming worldwide. Knowledge of the factors of genetic diversity and virulence of the pathogen contributes to the development of resistant cultivars and in management strategies based on exclusion. In this study, phenotypic traits such as virulence and aggressiveness in a sample of 52 Foc isolates, were analyzed and their relationship to the presence of putative effectors of gene SIX (Secreted in Xylem) pathogenicity homologues, verified. According to the dissimilarity matrix, there were three isolates closest to the standard Foc race 1 strain. Isolates 229A and 218A, were selected according to their aggressiveness profile in 'Grand Naine' and 'Prata-Anã', respectively, I order to replace the standard isolate of race 1 in the resistance screening process carried out by the breeding program. Two homologues of the SIX8 gene, SIX8a and SIX8b, are present in isolates of Foc from Brazil and the SIX8b gene correlates with avirulence in the cultivar ‘Grand Naine’ (Cavendish). These results are important to support the banana genetic breeding program by identification of sources of resistance to Foc and contribute in the establishment of the function of SIX effector proteins.

Increased sugar intake is implicated in Type-2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. Mechanisms by which glucose and fructose components promote these conditions are unclear. We hypothesize that alterations in intestinal metabolite and microbiota profiles specific to each monosaccharide are involved. Two groups of six adult C57BL/6 mice were fed for 10-weeks with a diet where either glucose or fructose was the sole carbohydrate component (G and F, respectively). A third group was fed with normal chow (N). Fecal metabolites were profiled every 2-weeks by ¹H NMR and microbial composition was analysed by real-time PCR (qPCR). Glucose tolerance was also periodically assessed. N, G and F mice had similar weight gains and glucose tolerance. Multivariate analysis of NMR profiles indicated that F mice were separated from both N and G, with decreased butyrate and glutamate and increased fructose, succinate, taurine, tyrosine and xylose. Compared to N and G, F mice showed a shift in microbe populations from gram-positive Lactobacillus spp. to gram-negative Enterobacteria species. Substitution of normal chow carbohydrate mixture by either pure glucose or fructose for 10 weeks did not alter adiposity or glucose tolerance. However, F G and N mice generated distinctive fecal metabolite signatures with incomplete fructose absorption as a dominant feature of F mice.

Windthrow (i.e., trees broken and uprooted by wind) is a major natural disturbance in the Amazon. Images from medium-resolution optical satellites (mostly Landsat) combined with extensive field data have allowed researchers to assess patterns of tree mortality and monitor forest recovery over decades of subsequent succession in different regions. Although satellites with high spatial-resolution have become available for the Amazon in the last decade, they have not yet been employed for the mapping and quantification of windthrow tree-mortality. Here, we address how increasing the spatial resolution of satellites affects plot-to-landscape estimates of windthrow tree-mortality. We combined forest inventory data with Landsat 8 (30 m pixel), Sentinel 2 (10 m), and WorldView 2 (2 m) imagery over an old-growth forest in the Central Amazon that was disturbed by a single windthrow event in November/2015. Remote sensing estimates of tree mortality were produced with Spectral Mixture Analysis and analyzed together with forest inventory data using Generalized Linear Models. Windthrow tree-mortality measured in 3 transects (30 subplots) crossing the entire disturbance gradient was 26.9 ± 11.1% (mean ± 95% CI). Based on this ground truth, the three satellites produced reliable and statistically similar estimates (from 26.5% to 30.3% windthrow tree-mortality, p&lt;0.001). The mean-associated uncertainties decreased systematically with increasing spatial resolution (i.e., from Landsat 8 to Sentinel 2 and WorldView 2). However, the overall quality of fit of models showed the opposite pattern, which may reflect the influence of crown damage not accounted for in our field study, and fast-growing regeneration of leaf area. Among the satellites studied, Landsat 8 most accurately captured field observations of variations in tree mortality across the disturbance gradient (i.e., lower under- and/or overestimation from undisturbed to extremely damaged forest). Although satellites with high spatial-resolution can refine estimates of windthrow severity by allowing the quantification of individual tree damage and mortality, our results validate the reliability of Landsat imagery for assessing patterns of windthrow tree-mortality in dense and heterogeneous tropical forests. Although high-resolution imagery may improve estimates of tree damage and mortality, these should be validated using field data at compatible scales.

Tuberculosis (TB) is still a worldwide major health problem and models using non-human primates (NHP) provide the most relevant approach for vaccine testing. In this study we have analysed CT images collected from cynomolgus and rhesus macaques, following exposure to ultra-low dose Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) aerosols, and monitored them for 16 weeks to evaluate the impact of prior intradermal or inhaled BCG-vaccination on the progression of lung disease. All lesions found (2553) have been classified according to their size and we have subclassified small micronodules (<4.4 mm) as ‘isolated’, or as ‘daughter’ when they are in contact with consolidation (described as lesions ≥ 4.5 mm). Our data links the higher capacity to contain Mtb infection in cynomolgus with the reduced incidence of daughter micronodules, thus avoiding the development of consolidated lesions and their consequent enlargement and evolution to cavitation. In the case of rhesus, intradermal vaccination has a higher capacity to reduce the formation of daughter. This study supports the ‘Bubble Model’ defined with the C3HBe/FeJ mice and proposes a new method to evaluate outcome in experimental models of TB in NHP based on CT images, which would fit a future machine learning approach to evaluate new vaccines.

The high transmissibility, rapid evolution, and immune escape of SARS-CoV-2 variants can influence the course of infection and, in turn, morbidity and mortality in COVID-19, posing a challenge in controlling transmission rates and contributing to the emergence and spread of new variants. The factors that shape viral genetic variation are consequently essential for understanding the evolution and transmission of SARS-CoV-2, especially in vaccinated individuals where immune response plays a role in the progression and spread of this disease. This study assessed. In this context, we evaluated the impact of immunity induced by the CoronaVac vaccine (Butantan/Sinovac) on intra-host genetic diversity, analyzing 118 whole-genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 from unvaccinated and vaccinated patients infected with the Gamma variant. Vaccination with CoronaVac favors negative selection at the intra-host level in different genomic regions and prevent greater genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2, which may help reduce the emergence of new mutations, reinforcing the importance of vaccination in reducing virus transmission.

Lead, known as a metal with high neurotoxicity to children, cadmium, which is a carcinogenic and bioaccumulative contaminant, and arsenic, a class 1 carcinogenic according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, are toxic elements (TEs) whose relevant route of exposure may be diet. We determined the bio-accessible fraction of lead, cadmium, and arsenic from the diet of preschool children from two day care centers (DCC). A cross-sectional study was conducted with 64 one–four-year-old children from two DCCs where the 24-h duplicate diet samples were collected. The diet samples were analyzed by ICP-MS for lead, cadmium, and arsenic total concentrations (n = 64) and their bio-accessibility were analyzed for a subsample (n = 10). The dietary intake (DI) mean for lead, cadmium, and arsenic were 0.18 ± 0.11 µg kg⁻¹ bw, 0.08 ± 0.04 µg kg⁻¹ bw, and 0.61 ± 0.41 µg kg⁻¹ bw, respectively. All DI calculated for TEs, considering total intake, were found lower than the tolerable limits (TL) (European Union, or World Health Organization, WHO, when applicable) except for one child’s Pb intake. Bio-accessibilities ranged between 0% to 93%, 0% to 103%, and 0% to 69%, for lead, cadmium, and arsenic, respectively. Although DI for TEs has been found lower than TL, these reference values have been recently decreased or withdrawn since it was for lead and arsenic whose TL were withdrawn by WHO.