Parkinson’s-disease (PD) is an incurable age-related neurodegenerative disease and its global prevalence of disability and death has increased exponentially. Although motor symptoms are the characteristic manifestations of PD, the clinical spectrum also contains a wide variety of non-motor symptoms, which are the main cause of disability and determinants of the decrease in a patient's quality of life. Noteworthy in this regard is the stress on the cardiac system that is often observed in the course of PD, however its effects have not yet been adequately researched. Here, an untargeted metabolomics approach was used to assess changes in cardiac metabolism in the 6-hydroxydopamine model of PD. Beta-sitosterol, campesterol, cholesterol, monoacylglycerol, α-tocopherol, stearic acid, beta-glycerophosphoric acid, o-phosphoethanolamine, myo-inositol-1-phosphate, alanine, valine and allothreonine, are the metabolites that significantly discriminate Parkinsonian rats from sham counterparts. Upon analysis of the metabolic pathways with the aim of uncovering the main biological pathways involved in concentration patterns of cardiac metabolites, biosynthesis of both phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine, glucose-alanine cycle, the glutathione metabolism and plasmalogen synthesis most adequately differentiated sham and Parkinsonian rats. Our results reveal that both lipid and energy metabolism are particularly involved in changes in cardiac metabolism in PD. These results provide insight into cardiac metabolic signatures in PD and indicate potential targets for further investigation.

As modern systems are becoming more complex their control strategy cannot longer relay only on measurement information that usually comes from probes but also from mathematical models. Those systems models can lead to unbearable computation times due to their own complexity, turning the control process non-viable, which leads to the implementation of surrogate models that enable to achieve estimates within acceptable time to take decisions. A control trained with Deep Reinforcement Learning algorithm, using a Physics-Informed Neural Network to obtain the temperature map on the following time step, replaces the need of running Direct Numerical Simulations. On this work we considered an 1D heat conduction problem, which temperature distribution feeds a control system to activate a heat source aiming to obtain a constant, previously defined, temperature value. With this approach, control training becomes much faster without the need of performing numerical simulations or laboratory measurements, as well the control is taken based on Neural Network enabling its implementation on simple processors to edge computing.

Here, using the theory of electrical-quantum modelling of the neutron and proton as a three-phase alternating current electrical generator, we will analyse the proton decay and the inverse neutron decay and determine the following subatomic particles, Dproton, Protoniu, Dneutron and Neutroniumd.

We are going to demonstrate the origin of dark energy, using a Hardwire similarity, a test that is carried out in terrestrial seismic with vibroseis in the search for gas and oil. In the first instance, we are going to analyse the mathematical function of Dirac's delta and compare it with the detonation of an explosive that is carried out in the search for gas and oil. Let's understand that in both cases a frequency spectrum is produced. We will also explain the meaning of a non-causal, zero-phase system; a causal system, of minimum phase, in order to determine the mathematical behaviour that corresponds to the Big Bang. Next, following the line of seismic, we will analyse a Hardwire Similarity to demonstrate that a vibroseis source, which generates a sweep, produces, in addition to the ideal sweep of fundamental frequencies, spurious harmonic frequencies and additional noise. We will show that this additional energy generated by the spurious harmonic frequencies and additional noise adds to the energy of the fundamental frequency sweep in analogy as dark energy does.

Here we will electrically-quantum model the neutron and proton as a three-phase alternating current electric generator, for this, we will use the theory of three-phase electric generators and vector or phasor diagrams. We will use this model to hypothesize how the quarks that form neutrons and protons with a combined mass of 10 MeV/c², can generate, through quarks-antiquarks-gluon interactions, a mass of 939.56 MeV/c² for the neutron and a mass of 938.27 MeV/c² for the proton. Using quantum mechanics and the theory of the generalization of the Boltzmann constant in curved space-time we will calculate the number of quarks-antiquarks-gluons and gravitons inside a neutron. We will also analyse βˉ decay using vector diagrams, we will calculate the tension of the string T₀ and the length of the string ℓs between quarks-antiquark and finally, we will model a black hole using a neutron equivalent model. In version 2 of this article, we will update the vector diagrams of the βˉ decay and theoretically calculate the energy of the W⁻ boson, the Z⁰ boson, and the Θ angle, Θ = arc cos (W⁻/Z⁰). We will demonstrate, through vector diagrams, that quarks-antiquarks-gluon interactions are the cause of the origin of the W⁻ boson and the Z⁰ boson. We will also demonstrate how the fine structure constant α originates. It is important to make clear, in future updates, we will describe the relationship that exists between the theory described in this paper and the Isospin theory, flavour and colour theory

“De-[Constructing] Growth” is offered as a deeper and more useful conceptualization that avoids the negative connotations of, and resistance to, “degrowth” by decoupling profit from unsustainable consumption, production, and inequality.

Here we mathematically model black holes following dynamics similar to RC electrical model, focusing on their similarities at the singularity. We use this mathematically modelling to hypothesize the origin and growth of a black Hole. Or model consists of several steps defined by: (1) the formation of a black hole following general relativity equations; (2) growth of the black hole modelled as a resistance-capacitance-like electrical circuit. Based on the mathematical modeling of a black hole following dynamics similar to an RC circuit, for a circular motion with constant acceleration, in which the condition is fulfilled, Vt = ω r, we are going to calculate the amount of dark matter in the Milky Way galaxies and the Andromeda galaxy and subsequently the rotation curve of both galaxies to compare them with observed or measured values.

The adoption of health information technology (HIT) has increased considerably, contributing to better communication between physicians and patients and providing technological bases for learning and institutional improvement. This type of technology brings many challenges; therefore, understanding its adoption and assimilation is important to assess its potential for engendering desirable outcomes in health management. The assimilation of health information systems should be highlighted as their importance in health organisations is now recognised as a key facilitator assisting in providing better health outcomes. Thus, this study aimed to analyse HIT adoption based on models such as Technology, Organisation and Environment (TOE), which analyses at the organisational level, with other models, such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which analyses at the individual level, and the assimilation of the adopted technologies.

Building Country Resilience is a long-term process particularly in the hyper connected world we are living today; and depends on good governance and appropriate equilibrium of respect for people, planet and profits as well as avoiding depleting natural resources that end up affecting the biosphere. Hence represent a most needed Learning ability that may be seeing to be related to the process of Sustainable Development. So, this paper seeks to find best practices and a Ranking of Countries that may help as guides to foster Country Resilience. For this purpose, it was developed a World Resilience Index - WRI based on a Statistical Analysis with updated data from 108 Countries divided into 3 Groups: American Countries – AMER (20 Countries), Advanced Economies - AVECO (22 Countries) mostly from Europe and OTHER (66 Countries); and using a set of Synthetic Variables like the Social Progress Index – SPI, the Environmental Performance Index – EPI, and the Sustainable Development Goals Index – SDGI, besides some related to Governance and the World Risk Index – WRI.

Agricultural crops productivity is heavily influenced by the strength of their seeds. Current methods for testing seed vigor, such as the germination rate and tetrazolium test, rely on time-consuming human visual inspections. Computer Vision, a crucial technology in smart production processes, offers an automated alternative and is increasingly applied in digital agriculture processes. Here we propose a method that combines YOLOv8 and morphological analysis of seeds using X-ray images to aid seed quality analysts in classifying seed lots based on their physiological potential. We examined the internal morphology of three seed lots and generated X-ray images to train a YOLOv8-based model with a post-segmentation module. This model assessed various parameters such as the total seed area, area filled by the embryo and endosperm, length, width, and calculated the percentage occupied by the embryo and endosperm in relation to the total seed area. Subsequently, seeds were classified into four categories based on the internal area occupied by the endosperm and embryo. Our findings reveal the robust performance of the YOLOv8 model in segmenting and classifying despite the challenges posed by a relatively small dataset. Notably, the proposed model achieved an impressive accuracy of up to 95.6% in identifying and segmenting the endosperm over 1,500 epochs with just 15 training images. The endosperm/seed area ratio, particularly within the 50-60% range covering over 50% of the samples, emerged as a significant metric for evaluating the viability of seed batches.

This study assesses the applicability of different-resolution multispectral remote sensing images for mapping and estimating the aboveground biomass (AGB) of Carpobrotus edulis, a prominent invasive species in European coastal areas. The performance of three sets of multispectral images with different resolutions was compared: (i) 2.5 cm Ground Sample Distance (GSD), 5 cm GSD and 10 cm GSD images. The images were classified using the supervised classification algorithm Random Forest and later improved applying a sieve filter. The results show that the three tested image resolutions allow constructing reliable coverage maps of C. edulis, with Overall Accuracy values of 89%, 85% and 88% for the classification of the 2.5 cm, 5 cm and 10 cm GSD images, respectively. Samples were also collected, dried and weighed to estimate AGB using the relationship between the Dry Weight and Vegetation Indices (VI). The regressions were evaluated based on their R² and Normalised RMSE. The best-performing VI-DW regression models achieved: R² = 0.87 and NRMSE = 0.09 for the 2.5 cm resolution; R² = 0.77 and NRMSE = 0.12 for the 5 cm resolution; and, R² = 0.64 and NRMSE = 0.15 for the 10 cm resolution. C. edulis area and total AGB were: 3441.10 m² and 28,327.1 kg (with a Relative Error (RE) = 0.08), for the 2.5 cm resolution; 3070.04 m² and 29,170.8 kg (RE = 0.08), for the 5 cm resolution; and, 2305.06 m² and 22,135.7 kg (RE = 0.11), for the 10 cm resolution. Differences were analysed in detail, spatially, to determine their causes. Final analyses suggest that, for C. edulis, multispectral imagery of up to 5 cm GSD is adequate for the estimation of the species’ distribution and biomass.

Here we will explain the correlation between the Kerr-Newman diagram and the theory: RLC electrical modelling of a black hole and the early universe. We will develop a black hole model that describes and explains both theories. In the development of our analysis, we will emphasize the following conditions: M² > Q² + a², M² = Q² + a² and M² < Q² + a² and we will also analyse the condition in which the mass of a black hole reaches its critical mass M = Mc. We will demonstrate that the interpretation of the Kerr-Newman diagram is equivalent to the interpretation of the theory: RLC electrical modelling of a black hole and the early universe. Finally, we will generalize the proposed model for a black hole and propose a black hole model formed by negative particles, neutroniumd, which after reaching critical conditions of mass, pressure, volume, temperature, density, etc.; decays into a positively charged black hole, protoniu. Let us remember that both models are formed by charged particles of matter (they do not contain antimatter), but their vector configuration means that the net charges of both proposed black holes are zero.

This paper, based on the "Unified Theory of Forces," rigorously proves the formula of de Broglie's wave function. This helps us better understand the following important issues: 1) Theoretically prove and understand the essence of de Broglie's wave function; 2) Prove that when the particle's momentum P is determined, the greater the mass of the particle, the more concentrated its wave function distribution, and the weaker the interference effect; 3) Correct the spatial distribution of the wave function of free particles, proving that the wave function of free particles is strictly constrained within a finite spatial range, which is consistent with the facts we observe.

Uncertainty relations in hydrodynamics are numerically studied. We first give a review for the formulation of the generalized uncertainty relations in the stochastic variational method (SVM), following the work by two of the present authors [Phys.\ Lett.\ A\textbf{382}, 1472 (2018)]. In this approach, the origin of the finite minimum value of uncertainty is attributed to the non-differentiable (virtual) trajectory of a quantum particle and then both of the Kennard and Robertson-Schr\"{o}dinger inequalities in quantum mechanics are reproduced. The same non-differentiable trajectory is applied to the motion of fluid elements in the Navier-Stokes-Fourier equation or the Navier-Stokes-Korteweg equation. By introducing the standard deviations of position and momentum for fluid elements, the uncertainty relations in hydrodynamics are derived. These are applicable even to the Gross-Pitaevskii equation and then the field-theoretical uncertainty relation is reproduced. We further investigate numerically the derived relations and find that the behaviors of the uncertainty relations for liquid and gas are qualitatively different. This suggests that the uncertainty relations in hydrodynamics are used as a criterion to classify liquid and gas in fluid.

Here, applying the theory of the generalization of the Boltzmann constant in curved space-time, we will model the mechanism by which elementary particles are formed. We will determine the relationship between gravity and each of the elementary particles that form the standard model following analogies to that of stellar bodies. In order to achieve our goal, we will propose new models for photons, quarks and gluons; with this, we will demonstrate why there are stable and unstable elementary particles; why the first family of elementary particles forms hadrons and why the second and third families cannot form hadrons; why the fermions comply with the Pauli exclusion principle and why the bosons do not comply with the Pauli exclusion principle, etc. Finally, we will analyse the generalization of the ADS/CFT correspondence and propose a theory of everything (T.O.E.).

As use of composite materials increases, the search for suitable automated processes gains relevance to guarantee production quality by ensuring uniformity of the process, minimizing the amount of generated scrap and reducing time and energy consumption. Limitations on production by traditional means such as hand lay-up, vacuum bagging and in-autoclave methods, tend not to be as efficient when the size and shape complexity of the part being produced increases, motivating the search for alternative processes such as the Automated Tape Laying (ATL). This work aims to describe the process of modelling and simulating a composite ATL with in situ consolidation by characterizing the machine elements, using the finite differences method in conjunction with energy balances, in order to create a digital twin of the process for further control design. The modelling approach implemented is able to follow the process dynamics when changes to the heating element are imposed as well as to predict the composite material temperature response, making it suitable to work as a digital twin of a production process using an ATL machine.

U.S. Spanish-speaking populations experienced gaps in timely COVID-19 information during the pandemic and disproportionate misinformation exposure. Brigada Digital de Salud was established to address these gaps with culturally-tailored, Spanish-language COVID-19 information on social media. From May 1, 2021-April 30, 2023, 495 Twitter, 275 Facebook, and 254 Instagram posts were published and amplified by 10 trained community health workers. A qualitative content analysis was performed to characterize topics and formats of 251 posts. To assess reach and engagement, page analytics and advertising metrics for 287 posts were examined. Posts predominantly addressed vaccination (49.45%), infection risks (19.12%), and COVID-related scientific concepts (12.84%). Posts were educational (48.14%), and aimed to engage audiences (23.67%), promote resources (12.76%), and debunk misinformation (9.04%). Formats included images/text (55.40%), carousels (27.50%), and videos (17.10%). By June 9, 2023, 394 Facebook, 419 Instagram, and 228 Twitter followers included mostly women aged 24-54. Brigada Digital reached 386,910 people with 552,037 impressions and 96,868 engagements, including 11,292 likes, 15,240 comments/replies, 9,718 shares/retweets, and 45,381 video play-throughs. The most engaging posts included videos, trending topics, and music or audio-narration. This community-based model to engage Spanish-speaking audiences on social media with culturally-aligned content to counter misinformation shows promise for addressing public health threats.

Although the influence of climate on the fire regime is unanimously recognized, most publications are studies on this influence are at the global scale. Therefore, this study aims to demonstrate the role of climate in the incidence of wildfires at the country and regional scale using statistical analysis and machine learning methods. Mainland Portugal was chosen as a case study due to its climate and because it is the European region most affected by wildfires. Results demonstrate the climate signature in the spatial and temporal distribution of the wildfire incidence. The conclusions of the study include (i) the existence of two pyro-regions, with different types of climate (Csb and Csa) composed of NUTS II regions: the northern region composed of the Norte and Centro regions and the southern region composed of Alentejo and Algarve; (ii) the intra-annual variability in the incidence of wildfires, characterized by two peaks, one in spring and the other in summer, are a consequence of the country's type of climate; and, (iii) how the annual cycle of wildfire incidence varies over the years depends on the weather conditions throughout each year. These results are of fundamental importance for wildfire managers, especially in the context of climate change.

Introduction: In the medical area, teaching is essential since it must offer the appropriate instruments to demonstrate that graduates have acquired the necessary skills. Objective: Evaluate the quality of research in residents of medical specialties after a standardized digital training program with rubrics. Methods: An observational, prospective research study in resident physicians of seven medical specialties first-year of an introductory program to methodology. It is integrated with the result variable through the quality of the final product and the quality variable will be measured with an ad hoc questionnaire validated by the Delphi method with a consistency level of 3-3. The data will be integrated into a base of the SPSS system and determined with the Chi-square test considering a minimum significance of 0.05. Results: 85 first-year medical residents (n=85) enrolled in the Research Seminar. The mean age was 31.34 years (± 3.96). About gender Male 38±31.13 Female 31.51±3.83. The global final grade was 80.61 (± 9.59) and the global sat-isfaction of the course was referred to as good by 62.2%. We observed a positive relationship between the scope of evaluation and the level of satisfaction. Conclusion: The research seminar implementation in a b-learning mode in response to the educational needs in medical residents for the field of health education showed a relationship between higher qualification, higher satisfaction, as well as determining that the comprehensive evaluation through the use of rubrics standardized allowed to delimit the deficiencies and strengths for timely feedback influencing the process of acquiring skills and the quality of the final product.

Numerous studies were published suggesting that troponin level is related to adverse outcomes in chronic cardiac and non-cardiac conditions. Our study investigated whether troponin levels gathered from an unselected blood sample taken during outpatient care are associated with adverse outcomes in a population with stable coronary artery disease. In a cohort of 949 patients with stable coronary artery disease, average age of 67.5 ± 9.5 years, 69.5% male, 52.1% diabetics, 51.6% with previous myocardial infarction, 57.9% with triple-vessel disease, 21.7% of patients encountered new events during an average period of monitoring of 2.07 ± 0.81 years. Troponin I/99th percentile categorized into tertiles emerged as an independent predictor of death and combined events risk (hazard ratio: 2.02 (1.13-3.60), p=0.017; 2.30 (1.37-3.88, p=0.002, respectively). A troponin ratio > 0.24 was able to identify 53.3% of patients at risk of death and heart failure hospitalization. In patients with stable coronary artery disease and adherent to treatment, troponin level is independently associated with death and heart failure hospitalization in a medium-term follow up.

Background: transcriptome data provide a valuable resource for the study of cancer molecular mechanisms, but technical biases, samples’ heterogeneity and small sample sizes result in poorly reproducible lists of regulated genes. Additionally, the presence of multiple cellular components contributing to cancer development complicate the interpretation of bulk transcriptomic profiles. Methods: we collected 48 microarray datasets of laser capture microdissected breast tumors, and performed a meta-analysis to identify robust lists of genes differentially expressed in these tumors. We created a database with carefully harmonized metadata to be used as a resource for the research community. Results: combining the results of multiple datasets improved the statistical power, and the analysis of stroma and epithelium separately allows identifying genes with different contribution in each compartment. Conclusions: our database can profitably help biomarkers’ discovery and is readily accessible through a user-friendly web interface (https://aurorasavino.shinyapps.io/metalcm/).

With the rising trends in elderly populations around the world, there is a growing interest in understanding how climate sensitivity is related to their thermal perception. Therefore, we analyzed the associations between mortality in the elderly due to cardiovascular (CVD) and respiratory diseases (RD) and meteorological variables, for three cities in the State of São Paulo, Brazil: Campos do Jordão, Ribeirão Preto and Santos, from 1996 to 2017. We applied the Autoregressive Model Integrated with Moving Average (ARIMA) and the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) in order to evaluate statistical associations. Results showed CVD as a major cause of mortality, particularly in the cold period, when a high mortality rate is also observed due to RD. The mortality rate was higher in Campos do Jordão and lower in Santos (and intermediate values in Ribeirão Preto). Campos do Jordão results indicate an increased probability of mortality from CVD and RD due to lower temperatures. In Ribeirão Preto, the lower relative humidity may be related to the increase in CVD and RD deaths. This study emphasizes that, even among subtropical climates, there are significant differences. Therefore, this can assist decision makers in the implementation of mitigating and adaptive measures.

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome is a primary autoimmune or paraneoplastic neuromuscular disorder, which causes muscle weakness, areflexia and autonomic disorders through the production of antibodies to voltage-gated calcium channels. Diagnosis may be challenging, yet at the same time extremely important, allowing the detection of a possible underlying malignancy, in cases of paraneoplastic presentation. Some antibodies have good sensitivity and specificity for malignancy and are also discussed. Although most of times being correlated to small cell lung cancer, other types of tumors may be also found in the paraneoplastic syndrome. Misdiagnosis with Myasthenia Gravis may occur and differences between these two disorders are discussed. Therapy choice may vary from each patient depending on drug response and the situation in which the patient is encounter. Overall, the present paper brings a review of Lambert-Eaton, involving the diagnosis, as well as, the pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, tumor investigation and treatment. Also, a brief overview through guidance on therapy during the Corona Virus Disease 2019 pandemic is analyzed.

Nowadays, inquiries are one of the most important tasks to be executed in order to get valued information. When an inquiry is done to gather information about a human behavior there are some problems inherent to it. One of the main problems is how the information about many different persons can be processed to give good information about their environment. Most of the information gathered by these inquiries is used to analyze the behavior of the respondents. It can be used to estimate the success of a certain product on the market or just to validate the satisfaction of current costumers. The veracity of this information can be critical to model environments with some acceptable level of precision. Modelling environments through Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) is highly common because ANN’s are excellent to model predictable environments using a set of data. ANN’s are good in deal with sets of data with some noise, but they are fundamentally surjective mathematical functions and they aren’t able to give different results for the same input. So if an ANN is trained using data where the same input has different images which can be the case of survey data, this can be a problem for the success of modelling the environment. Therefore is necessary to process the data in order to adjust and eliminate invalid data.

Nowadays the dynamism induced by the constant change of strategic decisions on the markets produces an extra difficulty in the management of an organization. The strategic decisions made by managers can become obsolete in a short period of time. One of the major difficulties in managing a commercial organization is to predict, with some precision degree, the impact some strategic decisions have on the financial results. Business Intelligence (BI) is an area widely used to help managers to make strategic decisions. But the methods used, behind the scenes, to achieve the conclusions are kept secret by BI company-based services. Modelling the environment can be a good option to study the impact of an action, provided by a strategic decision, in a real environment. A good model should give an approximate result of an action applied to a previous state of the environment. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are proven to be excellent in modeling environments with some level of data noise. The same strategic action can have different results in different organizations. A tool that allows an evaluation of a strategic action applied to an environment should have a major importance in the management scope. Modeling the environment should save time and money for the organization to improve the performance of the strategic plan. If one evaluates the state of the environment after a strategic action being applied, it can be possible to mitigate the risk of failure of the strategic plan. As we will be able to verify, it is possible to use ANNs to model strategic environments that should allow the prediction of sales and operating results by the used strategies with some precision, although the level of success will be directly related with the user’s necessity.

Traumatic Brain Injury represents a significant public health concern due to its role in traumatic death and disability, often caused by head impacts or rapid accelerations. Despite advancements in Finite Element Head Models, existing models primarily represent adult males, neglecting anatomical and physiological differences between genders and age groups. Additionally, the mechanistic roles of specific intracranial tissues, such as the dura mater, have conventionally been overlooked. To better understand the mechanical behavior of the brain and its injured regions in the context of TBI, including the dura mater, this study proposes the development of a Female Finite Element Head Model. This model, representative of a middle-aged female subject, was developed using medical image-derived geometry and finite element modeling techniques. The validation results demonstrate a similarity between the numerical displacement curves and those obtained experimentally. In the model with dura mater, the numerical results show analogous behavior to the experimental results, despite minimal variations in the amplitude of the curves. These advancements highlight the significance of including the dura mater in biomechanical brain modeling. Incorporating the dura mater in Finite Element Head Models produces more realistic results than models without it. This emphasizes the importance of enhancing biomechanical models to better represent anatomical complexity.

Promoting sustainable consumer behavior is now an obligation under new European legislation, requiring Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for accurate environmental impact evaluation. Portugal is a key textile producer, edge in competitiveness in sustainable textile production, driven by electricity-reduced carbon footprint and closed-loop manufacturing. Additionally, while simple spreadsheets can estimate a product's carbon footprint, openLCA software, combined with ecoinvent database, greatly enhances environmental footprint calculations by integrating diverse impact categories, otherwise difficult to estimate. In this study, openLCA is used to evaluate the environmental footprint of a white T-shirt made in Portugal, with 50% recycled cotton from post-industrial wastes combined with 50% organic cotton from Turkey, to assist the design of environmental key performance indicators (KPI). The RECIPE and EF method (adapted) are used to calculate the environmental impacts and allow aggregation in a single score. The KPI related to the global warming impact is validated using a spreadsheet calculator. We propose an “Envi-Score” based on an A to E classification for benchmarking and better communication with the buyers. E is set as the normalized environmental impact of the European benchmark for a mixture material T-shirt encompassing cradle-to-gate boundaries. The introduction of recycled cotton proves to be environmentally beneficial over organic and conventional cotton. Organic cotton proves to be beneficial in comparison with conventional cotton for most environmental categories, except to the ones affected by the lower production yield, for example Land Use. The hotspots for the main impact categories are identified and finally proposed a labelling scheme, to clearly inform about the environmental performance of the products and avoid greenwashing, with the “Envi-Score” rate, carbon footprint, land use and water depletion.

Ascidians are marine invertebrates that synthesize sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) within their viscera. Ascidian GAGs are considered analogues of mammalian GAGs and possess great potential as bioactive compounds, presenting antitumor and anticoagulant activity. Due to its worldwide occurrence, and therefore, being a suitable organism for large-scale mariculture in many marine environments, our main objectives are to study Microcosmus exasperatus GAGs re-garding composition, structure and biological activity. We also aim to develop efficient protocols for sulfated polysaccharides extraction and purification aiming large-scale production and clinical applications. Ascidians were collected by free diving. GAGs were extracted by proteolytic diges-tion, purified by ion-exchange liquid chromatography, characterized by agarose gel electropho-resis and enzymatic treatments. Anticoagulant activity was evaluated by aPTT assays. Cell cyto-toxicity was evaluated by MTT assays using LLC tumor cell line. Clonogenic assay was performed using LLC cells as well. Tumor cell migration activity was evaluated in vitro by wound healing assays. Our results show that M. exasperatus presents three distinct polysaccharides. These pol-ysaccharides were fractionated into two fractions named SP1 and SP2. M. exasperatus produces a low anticoagulant dermatan sulfate (SP2) and a fucosylated dermatan sulfate composed of a hy-brid chain of dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and fucose residues with sulfations at position 2 and 6 of the N-acetyl-galactosamine (SP1), which, interestingly, is not susceptible to heparinases treatment and does not present significant anticoagulant activity. Glycans were tested as anti-tumoral agents and presented relevant activity as such. Short-term incubation with TP does not affect LLC tumor cells viability at low concentrations, while long-term incubation with TP de-creased LLC tumor cells growth/proliferation at different concentrations. TP affected LLC tumor cells migration at different concentrations. As a conclusion, we state that M. exasperatus presents great potential as an alternative GAG source compared to porcine or bovine heparin, producing suitable compounds that present antitumoral properties at low concentrations, that do not pos-sess anticoagulant activity, and do not enhance other aspects of malignancy, such as tumor cell migration and invasion. Our perspectives are to apply these molecules in future preclinical studies as a soluble formula, as well as in nanoparticles, for cancer treatment.

Abstract: Rotavirus (RV) it’s the agent of one of the main causes of severe viral gastroenteritis in the pediatric population, being responsible for a significant portion of deaths related to diarrhea among children under five years. RV are identified as a potential reference pathogen and it is known that the persistence and infectivity of the viral particles can be related to environmental factors. The aim of the study was to identify and correlate the presence of Rotavirus in collective and individual water sources (deep tubular wells, shallow tubular wells, shallow dug wells, springs, surface water, rainwater stored in cisterns and water trucks that were collected from surface water) of rural communities in the state of Goiás, with the seasons in which the collections were made (rainy and dry season). For this, 86 water samples in the dry period and 160 samples in the rainy period were collected. Concentration of water samples, extraction of viral genetic material, cDNA synthesis and molecular tests (qPCR) were performed. When analyzing the presence of RV in the samples in relation to the period studied, RV was found to be more prevalent in the dry season (54.7%) than in the rainy season (20%), showing a strong statistical association with the dry season (p-value < 0.001). The proportion of positive samples in the dry period, considering the type of source, resulted in higher in Shallow dug wells (p-value <0.001), higher in surface waters (p = 0.001) and higher in spring water (p-value = 0.02). The presence of pathogenic microorganisms in water is a public risk problem, enabling the emergence of outbreaks, endemics and epidemics. In the present research, there was an association among the presence of Rotavirus and the dry period of the year, when compared to the rainy period. Describing or identifying the seasonal behavior of pathogens is important for prevention and attention to water treatment and help in the monitoring of the virus in the water sources.

This study investigates the use of Au-doped Pd anodic electrocatalysts on ATO support for the conversion of methane to methanol. The study involves cyclic voltammetry, in-situ Raman spectra, polarization curves, and FTIR analysis to determine the optimal composition of gold and palladium for enhancing the conversion process. The results demonstrate the potential for utilizing methane as a feedstock for producing sustainable energy sources. Pd75Au25/ATO electrode exhibited the highest OCP value, and Pd50Au50/ATO had the highest methanol production value at a potential of 0.05 V. Therefore, it can be concluded that an optimal composition of gold and palladium exists to enhance the conversion of methane to methanol. The findings contribute to the development of efficient and sustainable energy sources, highlighting the importance of exploring alternative ways to produce methanol.

The definition, origin and recreation of life remain elusive. As others have suggested, only once we put life into reductionist physical terms will we be able to solve those questions. To that end, this work proposes the phenomenon of life to be the product of two dissipative mechanisms. From them, one reinterprets extant biological life and deduces a testable scenario for its origin. The proposed theory of life allows its replication, reinterprets ecological evolution, creates new constraints on the search for life and lays the foundations for groundbreaking technologies.

Sea-level rise is a problem increasingly affecting coastal areas worldwide. The existence of Free and Open-Source Models to estimate the sea-level impact can contribute to better coastal man-agement. This study aims to develop and to validate two different models to predict the sea-level rise impact supported by Google Earth Engine (GEE) – a cloud-based platform for planetary-scale environmental data analysis. The first model is a Bathtub Model based on the uncertainty of projections of the Sea-level Rise Impact Module of TerrSet - Geospatial Monitoring and Modeling System software. The validation process performed in the Rio Grande do Sul coastal plain (S Brazil) resulted in correlations from 0.75 to 1.00. The second model uses Bruun Rule formula implemented in GEE and is capable to determine the coastline retreat of a profile through the creation of a simple vector line from topo-bathymetric data. The model shows a very high cor-relation (0.97) with a classical Bruun Rule study performed in Aveiro coast (NW Portugal). The GEE platform seems to be an important tool for coastal management. The models developed have been openly shared, enabling the continuous improvement of the code by the scientific commu-nity.

Sea-level rise is a problem increasingly affecting coastal areas worldwide. The existence 15 of Free and Open-Source Models to estimate the sea-level impact can contribute to better coastal 16 management. This study aims to develop and to validate two different models to predict the 17 sea-level rise impact supported by Google Earth Engine (GEE) – a cloud-based platform for plan-18 etary-scale environmental data analysis. The first model is a Bathtub Model based on the uncer-19 tainty of projections of the Sea-level Rise Impact Module of TerrSet - Geospatial Monitoring and 20 Modeling System software. The validation process performed in the Rio Grande do Sul coastal 21 plain (S Brazil) resulted in correlations from 0.75 to 1.00. The second model uses Bruun Rule for-22 mula implemented in GEE and is capable to determine the coastline retreat of a profile through the 23 creation of a simple vector line from topo-bathymetric data. The model shows a very high correla-24 tion (0.97) with a classical Bruun Rule study performed in Aveiro coast (NW Portugal). The GEE 25 platform seems to be an important tool for coastal management. The models developed have been 26 openly shared, enabling the continuous improvement of the code by the scientific community.

Cities are complex systems requiring urban design models that balance order and disorder. Collective creativity initiatives engage citizens in these processes, empowering bottom-up approaches that prioritize people and social well-being within urban development. This paper investigates an 'Urban Laboratory' as a case study, examining the potential of collective creativity to address urban complexity. The successful and ongoing project 'El Campo de Cebada' in Madrid, Spain, demonstrates how a community transformed a vacant lot into a vibrant social hub. The phases of this study include case selection, data collection, data analysis, and presentation of the results. This study identifies key enabling factors, including agents, management, social dynamics, infrastructure, and actions. These insights offer a methodological framework for designing future collaborative, resilient, and inclusive urban spaces, addressing the complex needs of communities within our cities.

Childhood emotional abuse (CEA) has been linked to a range of unfavorable outcomes, including the development of unhealthy personality traits and maladaptive coping mechanisms and behaviors. In this study, our objective was to investigate whether neuroticism and perfectionism act as mediators in the relationship between CEA and workaholism, while also evaluating the gender invariance of the hypothesized model. A cohort of 1176 young workers, with a balanced gender representation (50% female), aged 18-25, participated in the study by completing self-report questionnaires. The results revealed significant connections between all direct and indirect links, indicating a complex interplay between childhood emotional abuse, neuroticism, perfectionism, and workaholism. Importantly, the mediation model exhibited no significant differences between genders, suggesting that the identified relationships are consistent across both male and female participants. This research underscores the critical importance of early identification of childhood emotional abuse and advocates for the implementation of trauma-informed care to address the negative consequences of emotional abuse, ultimately aiming to prevent the development of workaholism. Furthermore, the findings emphasize the necessity for tailored prevention strategies, focusing on mitigating neuroticism and perfectionism as potential pathways for effective therapeutic interventions.

Two monophyletic Daphnia species (Daphnia magna and D. similis) were exposed to a sub-lethal concentration of Pb (50 µg/L) for nine generations under two food regimes (usual and restricted) and analysed for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, hatching delay and lifespan, and Net Reproductive Rate (R0) at subcellular, individual and population levels, respectively. At the sixth generation, Pb acclimated neonates were moved to a clean media for three more generations to check for recovery. D. magna showed no Pb effect on Net Reproductive Rate (R0). However, Pb stimulated reproduction, reduced lifespan and decreased AChE activity. Hatching delay and lifespan did not improve during the recovery process, indicating genetic adaptation. Food restriction reduced R0, lifespan, delayed hatching, and increased AChE activity; opposite outcomes were shown for D. similis. Full recovery shown by R0 suggests a physiological acclimation of D. similis. Under food restriction, the animals exhibited a reduction of R0 and lifespan, delayed hatching and increased AChE activity; however, with no Pb effect. The recovery process under food restriction showed that D. similis might not cope with Pb exposure, indicating failed recovery. Such outcomes indicate that a model species' sensitivity may not represent another's sensitivity.

The urgent global health challenge posed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections demands effective solutions. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent promising tools of research of new antibacterial agents and LyeTx I mn∆K, a short synthetic peptide based on the Lycosa erythrognatha spider venom, is a good representative. This study focused on analyzing some antimicrobial activities of LyeTx I mn∆K, including minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations, synergy and resensitization assays, lysis activity, the effect on biofilm, and the bacterial death curve in MRSA. Additionally, its characterization was conducted through isothermal titration calorimetry, dynamic light scattering, calcein release, and finally, efficacy in a mice wound model. The peptide demonstrating remarkable efficacy against planktonic cells and biofilms of MRSA, outperforms vancomycin in terms of rapid bactericidal action and anti-biofilm effects. The mechanism involves significant membrane damage. Interactions with bacterial model membranes, including those with lysylphosphatidylglycerol (LysylPOPG) modifications, highlight versatility and selectivity of this compound. Also, the peptide has the ability to sensitize resistant bacteria to conventional antibiotics, showing potential for combinatory therapy. Furthermore, using an in vivo model, was showed that a formulated gel containing the peptide proved superior to vancomycin in treating MRSA-induced wound in mice. Together the results highlight LyeTx I mnΔK as a promising prototype for the development of effective therapeutic strategies against superficial MRSA infections.

HIV-1 infection can activate the expression of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), particularly HERV-K (HML-2). HIV controllers (HICs) are rare people living with HIV (PLWH) who naturally control HIV-1 replication. The ability of HICs to control the expression of endogenous retroviruses has not been previously addressed. In this study, we measured ERVK-6 RNA expression in PBMCs of HICs (n = 23), antiretroviral (ART)-suppressed subjects (n = 8), and HIV-1-negative (NEG) individuals (n = 10) and correlated the transcript expression of ERVK-6 with multiple HIV-1 restriction factors. Our study reveals that ERVK-6 RNA expression in PBMCs from HICs was significantly downregulated compared with both ART and NEG control groups. Moreover, we detected that ERVK-6 RNA levels in PBMCs across all groups were negatively correlated with the expression levels of p21 and MCPIP1. In our previous study, these two cellular restriction factors were upregulated in HICs compared with control groups. Interestingly, p21 and MCPIP1 limit the activation of macrophages and T cells by downregulating the activity of NF-kB, a transcription factor that stimulates the LTR-driven transcription of HIV-1 and HERV-K proviruses. These findings support that HICs activate innate antiviral mechanisms that may simultaneously downregulate the transcription of both HIV-1 and endogenous retroviruses.

While Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF) are gaining increasing interest in various domains as innovative methods for novel view synthesis and image-based reconstruction, their potential application in the realm of Cultural Heritage remains unexplored. Purpose of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of applying NeRF to sets of images of digital heritage objects and sites. The study’s findings demonstrate that NeRF could be valuable when used in combination with or as a comparison to other well-established techniques such as photogrammetry, to expand the possibilities of preserving and presenting heritage assets with enhanced visual fidelity and accuracy. Particularly, NeRF show promising results in improving the rendering of translucent and reflective surfaces, objects with homogeneous textures, and elements with intricate details. In addition, we demonstrate that, when considering the same set of input images (with known camera poses), reducing the image quality or the number of images results in significantly less information loss with NeRF compared to photogrammetry. This suggests that NeRF is preferentially suited for scenarios involving sparse information or low-quality photos or videos, which could be especially valuable in risky or challenging situations.

Plant loss in experimental plots occurs occasionally in field experiments with coffee crops. In breeding programmes, such loss can be extremely harmful, especially when the statistical analysis methods used are not consistent with the data generated in the experiments. In this study, we analysed a set of productivity data to determine whether the compensatory effect occurs in coffee crops, analyse the need for correcting the number of failures in experiments, and identify the best stand correction method to use. Productivity data from six harvests of 11 experiments with Coffea arabica plants were used. The experiments were implemented in a randomised block design, with four replications and six plants per plot. The following stand correction methods were evaluated: rule of three, Zuber [1], Vencovsky and Cruz [2]covariance of the average or ideal stands, and Cruz [3] and compared to data without correction adjustments. The most adequate correction methods were chosen based on the existence of genetic variance, selective accuracy, and progeny ordering. The compensatory effect was evident from the analysed data, with stand correction shown to be beneficial in progeny competition experiments. The covariance methods using average or ideal stands presented the best results, followed by the method proposed by Cruz [3]. The rule of three and Zuber [1] methods showed unsatisfactory results and are not recommended for stand correction in progeny competition experiments with coffee crops

The mining industry is known for the intense environmental impacts it triggers, especially when it is developed in an open environment. Pit lakes are formed in depleted deposits and may be promising opportunities for use by society as well as troubling environmental liabilities. While these artificial basins are increasing numerically in many parts of the world, they are still little known researchers in the Environmental Sciences, which makes their environmental management challenging. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the environmental quality of sediments from three deactivated open-pit gold mines, located in the Mara Rosa, Brazil, through chemical, ecotoxicological and genotoxicology analyses. For this purpose, we collected samples in the dry season boom, and subsequently, we analysed metals. In sequence, acute ecotoxicological and a genotoxicology test (comet assay) were developed with Danio rerio fishes, in concentrations of 3.12%; 6.25%; 12.5%; 25%; 50% and 100%, in addition to the control group. The results indicated that the three lakes are environmentally compromised, especially Lago Azul, whose waters and sediments are undergoing an intense process of geological conditioning. Our results did not verify the ecotoxicity of the sediments of any of the lakes, only behavioural alterations in the test organisms exposed to the concentrations of 25%, 50% and 100% of the samples obtained in the Lago Azul. About the sediments, DNA damage at Danio rerio was detected in the three investigated environments, although fishes kept in the water sampled at Lago Azul presented the most extension of DNA damages.

Background: Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, the incidence and mortality of infective endocarditis (IE) have increased in recent decades despite advances in diagnosis and treatment. Studies on the risk factors for mortality in endocarditis in Latin America are scarce. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 240 patients diagnosed with IE according to the modified Duke criteria who were admitted to two university hospitals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from January 2009 to June 2021. Poisson regression analysis was performed for trend tests. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of predictors of in-hospital mortality. Findings: The median age was 55 years (IQR: 39-66 years), 57% were male, and 41% had a Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score &gt; 3. Healthcare-associated infective endocarditis (54%), left-sided native valve IE (77.5%), and staphylococcal IE (26%) predominated. Overall in-hospital mortality was 45.8%, and mortality was significantly higher in the following patients: aged ≥ 60 years (53%), CCI score ≥ 3 (60%), healthcare-associated infective endocarditis (HAIE) (53%), left-sided IE (51%), and enterococcal IE (67%). Poisson regression analysis showed no trend in in-hospital mortality per year. The adjusted multivariate model determined that age ≥ 60 years was an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality (HR = 1.9; 95% CI 1.2-3.1; p = 0.008). Interpretation: In this 12-year retrospective cohort, there was no evidence of an improvement in survival in patients with IE. Since older age is a risk factor for mortality, consensus is needed for the management of IE in this group of patients.

In our study, we investigated the prognostic significance of hematological markers—NLR (Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio), PLR (Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio), and RDW-CV (Red Blood Cell Distribution Width - Coefficient of Variation)—in 117 glioblastoma patients. Data collected from January 2016 to December 2018 included demographics, clinical scores, and treatment regimens. Unlike previous research, which often examined these markers solely before surgery, our unique approach analyzed them at multiple stages: preoperative, postoperative, and before adjuvant therapies. We correlated these markers with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) using statistical tools, including ANOVA, Cox regression, and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, employing SPSS version 29.0. Our findings revealed notable variations in NLR, PLR, and RDW-CV across different treatment stages. NLR and PLR decreased after surgery, with some stabilization post-STUPP phase (NLR: p=0.007, η2p=0.06; PLR: p=0.001, η2p=0.23), while RDW-CV increased post-surgery and during subsequent treatments (RDW-CV: p &lt; 0.001, η2p=0.67). Importantly, we observed significant differences between the preoperative phase and other treatment phases. Additionally, higher NLR and RDW-CV at the second-line treatment and disease progression were associated with an increased risk of death (NLR at 2nd line: HR=1.03, p=0.029; RDW-CV at progression: HR=1.14, p=0.004). We proposed specific marker cutoffs that demonstrated significant associations with survival outcomes when applied to Kaplan-Meier survival curves (NLR at 2nd line &lt; 5: p&lt;0.017; RDW-CV at progression &lt; 15: p=0.007). Elevated NLR and RDW-CV at later treatment stages correlated with poorer OS and PFS. No significant preoperative differences were detected. These biomarkers may serve as non-invasive tools for glioblastoma management.

Objective: To analyse the association between maternal risk factors such as age, body mass index (BMI) and cigarette smoking, with perinatal outcomes. Materials and Methods: This a retrospective analysis from prospectively collected data performed at Hospital Universitario de Torrejón (Madrid, Spain), between September 2017 and December 2019. All pregnant women with singleton pregnancies and non-malformed live fetuses attending their routine ultrasound examination at 11+0 to 13+6 weeks' gestation were invited to participate. Association between preeclampsia, preterm birth, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), small for gestational age (SGA) or fetal growth restricted (FGR) neonates and type of delivery according to maternal age, BMI, and cigarrete smoking was studied. Logistic mixed models were used to analyze the data. Results: 1921 patients were included in the analysis. Women of 40 years old had a significantly higher risk of having GDM (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.61, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.08 to 2.36), and SGA neonates (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.37). Women with a BMI &lt;18 had an increased rate of birth SGA and FGR neonates (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.51 to 7.05, and OR 3.73, 95% CI 1.54 to 8.37, respectively), whereas women with a BMI ≥35 had a higher risk of GDM (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.95 to 4.89). Smoking increased the risk of having SGA and FGR neonates (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.46, and OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.78). Conclusions: Advanced maternal age, low or high BMI, and smoking status are significant risk factors for pregnancy complications. Both clinicians and society should concentrate their efforts on addressing these factors to enhance reproductive health.

Environmental pollution is one of today's main ecological and social concerns. Among these pollutants are the heavy metals present in the burning of fossil fuels, mining, smelting of metallic minerals, fertilizers and pesticides. Billions of tons of heavy metals are emitted every year from industrial chimneys and sewers, contaminating the hydrosphere and polluting rivers, lakes and seas. In this context, freshwater fish are the most affected due to their proximity to the source of contamination and are therefore used as bioindicators in assessing environmental impact following exposure to metals. However, our understanding of the effects of heavy metals on detoxification organs - such as the liver and gills - in freshwater fish in situ is still limited. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to determine the main changes and mechanisms involved in morphological modifications in the liver and gills of cichlid fish following exposure to heavy metals in situ. Based on a structured search, 36 original articles were selected from the PubMed and SCOPUS databases. The selection of studies and the identification of duplicates were identified by Rayyan, and the study selection process was presented in the PRISMA statement diagram. Bias analysis was carried out using the Software Review Mananger (RevMan) 5.3, from the Cochrane Collaboration. Thirty-six studies were selected which showed negative effects attributed to environmental contamination by heavy metals, ranging from bioaccumulation to morphophysiological alterations. Almost all the heavy metals analyzed were found in the liver and gill tissues, especially cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, iron and manganese. In view of the continuous morphophysiological changes identified in the liver and gill studies, it is possible to state that bioaccumulation analyses, combined with these configurations, are emerging as crucial tools for assessing and guiding environmental monitoring. This approach aims not only to preserve but also to strengthen the integrity of the aquatic ecosystem and the ichthyofauna.

Defining the best conditions for the initial development of native species is one of the significant challenges to forest production. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate andiroba's physiological behavior and growth (Carapa guianensis Aubl.) seedlings at different shading levels. In a nursery seedling, C. guianensis seedlings grew on 0, 30, 50, and 70% shading, obtained with polyethylene screens. We measured at six plants per treatment. For the physiological data we measurement four times the total chlorophyll content, chlorophyll a/b ratio, maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), maximum potential photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration (E), intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi), and carbon use efficiency (CUE), besides the growth parameters. While for growth rates parameters we developed six evaluation for as leaf area ratio (LAF), relative growth rates (RGR), and net assimilation rate (NAR). Chlorophyll content and Fv/Fm were inversely proportional to the light intensity. The other physiological and growth parameters showed better behavior in shaded environments, emphasizing the 50% treatment, with no significant difference between the 30% shading treatment. Therefore, the C. guianensis seedlings present growth plasticity under different shading levels, and we recommended producing seedlings at 50 or 30% shading.

In this work, nine fruits cultivated in the northern Amazon were studied: abiu, acerola, araçá, bacupari, biribá, caçarí, fruta-do-conde, graviola and taperebá, with the objective of carrying out a bromatological and nutritional study of the pulps of fruits studied. Of all of them, are the pulps of graviola (76.83 ± 0.02 kcal 100 g^-1) bacupari (76.83 ± 0.02 kcal 100 g^-1) and fruta-do-conde (46.66 ± 0.02 kcal 100 g^-1). Among the macronutrients, the high concentration of potassium stands out, especially in the graviola (541.16 ± 0.24 mg 100 g^-1) and the biribá (468.21 ± 0.13 mg 100 g^-1). Among the micronutrients, iron concentrations are representative for araçá pulp (3.04 ± 0.02 mg 100g-1), abiu is rich in zinc (3.71 ± 0.02 mg 100 g^-1) and manganese (6.61 ± 0.11 mg 100 g^-1). The presence of cobalt at the level of traces in some of the pulps studied stands out. The Pearson correlation coefficient was evaluated, as well as the statistical treatment by multivariate analysis PCA to establish the correlation between the variables studied.

Background: In 2020, the incidence of cancer was 844,778 cases among the population aged 0 to 19 years. Ninety percent of the population under 18 years of age lives in low- and middle-income countries, where cancer survivors report adverse outcomes. disease, which negatively impacts individuals’ general health, emotional state and external factors such as academic performance. Therefore, the objective of this article was to report the performance of the WCST and the sociodemographic characteristics of oncopediatric patients from Cali, Colombia. We report the reliability of the WCST instrument and indicate the association between the type of cancer and executive functioning in patients. Methods: In a cross-sectional observational study, 24 oncopediatric patients were interviewed and evaluated via the WCST. Results: The mean age was 12.08 years (3.98), 20.8% were women, 70.8% had a diagnosis of leukemia, 8 patients had acquired brain deficits, and more than 75% had adequate functioning in terms of the indicators of executive functions. Robust statistics were used to explore the differences between the types of diagnoses and performance in executive functions, and no statistically significant differences were found (p = 0.156). We accumulated evidence that the WCST has a reliable Cronbach's α of 0.804 and that oncopediatric patients without brain deficits had high scores for executive functions (p = 0.002) with a moderate effect size (0.727). Conclusions: The WCST is reliable for discriminating executive function among pediatric cancer patients. The evidence suggests that there are no differences between the types of cancer evaluated and executive functioning in the participants.

An explanation of the origin of dark matter is suggested in this work. The argument is based on symmetry considerations about the concept of mass. In the Wigner's view, the rest mass and the spin of a free elementary particle in flat space-time are the two invariants that characterize the associated unitary irreducible representation of the Poincar\'e group. The Poincar\'e group has two and only two deformations with maximal symmetry. They describe respectively the de Sitter (dS) and Anti de Sitter (AdS) kinematic symmetries. Analogously to their shared flat space-time limit, two invariants, spin and energy scale for de Sitter and rest energy for Anti de Sitter, characterize the unitary irreducible representation associated with dS and AdS elementary systems. While the dS energy scale is a simple deformation of the Poincaré rest energy and so has a purely mass nature, AdS rest energy is the sum of a purely mass component and a kind of zero-point energy derived from the curvature. An analysis based on recent estimates on the chemical freeze-out temperature marking in Early Universe the phase transition quark-gluon plasma epoch to the hadron epoch supports the guess that dark matter energy might originate from an effective AdS curvature energy.

The objective of this review is to do an overview about the current knowledge of Anti Iglon5 Syndrome, a disease that was first described in 2014. The IgLON proteins are a family of cell adhesion molecules and the presence of antibodies against IgLON5 are crucial for diagnosis of Anti IgLON5 Syndrome. This syndrome has an expanded clinical spectrum that involves prominent sleep disorder, progressive bulbar dysfunction, gait instability with abnormal eye movements reminiscent and cognitive deterioration sometimes associated with chorea. The main neuropathological finding is the neuronal loss with hyperphosphorylated tau (p-Tau) protein accumulation at hypothalamus, brainstem tegmentum, hippocampus, periaqueductal gray matter, medulla oblongata and upper cervical cord. The exact pathogenesis is still unclear and involves a neurodegenerative process and autoimmune response. The early diagnosis is important to avoid unnecessary tests and prevent complications. Important resources for diagnosis are the antibody testing of serum and CSF for IgLON5-IgG. The mortality of anti IgLON5 syndrome is high and new studies published described a good response to immune therapy. However, the response to immune therapy depends of some clinical and analytical characteristic. In addition, future studies are needed to thoroughly study the aspects of pathogenesis and treatment of this important pathological syndrome.

The use of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) in education brings up new possibilities of promoting the learning and health experiences. In this sense, education contexts of 21st century must consider these two areas of knowledge, especially their integration. This article presents learning practices developed with mobile devices and games, in order to improve learning and well-being in children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment in non-formal educational setting. The methodology is based on qualitative case studies with content-based data analysis, involving informal interviews and observation methods. The study considers data from 5 patients who participated in the research between 2015 and 2019. The results demonstrate a positive influence of the practices with mobile technologies and games in terms of learning and in the well-being feeling of patients during the treatment.

Turner syndrome (TS) is caused by a complete or partial absence of an X or Y chromosome, including chromosomal mosaicism, affecting 1 in 2,500 female live births. Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) is used as a sensitive indicator of spontaneous chromosome instability. Cells from mosaic patients constitute useful material for SCE evaluations as they grow under the influence of the same genetic background and endogenous and exogenous factors. We evaluated proliferation dynamics and SCE frequencies of 45,X and 46,XN cells of 17 mosaic TS patients. In two participants, 45,X cells exhibited a proliferative disadvantage in relation to 46,XN cells after 72h of cultivation. The analysis of mean PI showed significant differences between 45,X and 46,XN lineages; however there were no intraindividual differences. On the other hand, mean SCE frequencies showed no differences between the two lineages, but there were intraindividual differences in 5 patients. The absence of mean SCE frequency differences between 45,X and 46,XN lineages may indicate that both were equally unstable, as more than 70% of the 46,XN lineages had an anomalous karyotype. However, 46,XN had a higher mean PI, suggesting that the amount of cells with a karyotype distinct from 45,X may increase with time in mosaic TS women.

In the international scenario of agriculture, Brazil stands out as the main producer and consumer of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) The increase in the productive potential of the crop is mainly due to breeding programs. The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters, predict genotypic values with REML/BLUP (Restricted Maximum Likelihood/Best Linear Unbiased Prediction) and, based on these values, study the variability in common bean cultivars with carioca and black grain. Twenty three agromorphological descriptors were evaluated, among them grain yield. Deviance analysis detected significant differences between the cultivars in both groups. Selective accuracy (Ac) was considered high for most of the traits. Broad-sense heritability (h_g² ) ranged from 0.05 to 0.72, but it was low for the trait yield (YLD). In the carioca grain group, the h_g² values for the traits related to plant morphology were higher than in the black group. Nevertheless, the h_g² values in the black group were higher in relation to the pod and seed traits. The correlations for YLD were moderate but different in the two commercial groups studied. In the black group, variables related to the seed morphology were correlated with grain yield, and in the carioca group, traits related to seed quantity. Based on the groupings, variability among the cultivars was observed. Three distinct clusters were formed for the carioca group and four for the black group. Based on the predicted genetic values, genetic variability and the most adapted and stable cultivars were detected among the cultivars in the studied environments.

Gelatin industry residues are increasingly used as fertilizer and soil conditioner. However, correct residue dosage is critical for grass development and minimizing environmental impacts. This randomized block design study determined adequate dosage of Mixed Gelatin Sludge (MGS) for Marandu grass production in wet/dry seasons in Brazil. Five MGS levels (0%–200% of required nitrogen) were compared to mineral fertilizer. Agronomic/productivity characteristics, bromatological composition, macro/micro-nutrient composition of leaves, and soil chemical attributes were evaluated. Agronomic/productivity characteristics were influenced by MGS dose in both dry/rainy seasons, except for leaf blade pseudostem ratio and percentage of leaves/pseudostem. Bromatological composition was influenced by MGS doses in dry/rainy seasons except for dry/mineral material quantities. Marandu leaf tissue chemical composition was significantly influenced by MGS dose, except for potassium, boron, and iron. Chemical composition of four soil layers between 0–50 cm influenced GMS dose, except for pH, organic matter, magnesium, copper, manganese, and zinc. GMS dose for Marandu production should be 200% of nitrogen (N) requirement. GMS application increased productivity/quality of Marandu grass. Macronutrients (N, phosphorus) and micronutrients (Ca, Mg, S, Cu, and Zn) increased in Marandu grass and in the soil (Ca, S, and Na). Increased sodium (Na) level was not limiting.

This study aimed to verify the effects of an acute increase in blood pressure (BP) and/or renal sympathetic nerve activity (rSNA) on the renal excretion of sodium and water and its potential effect on the regulation of NHE3 activity. Uninephectomized anesthetized male Wistar rats were divided into three experimental groups: 1) Sham, the rats had their BP and rSNA recorded, and urine was collected for 2 h; 2) bicuculline (Bic) paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), rat BP, and rSNA were recorded, and urine was collected for 1 h at baseline conditions and 1 h after bicuculline injection into the PVN; 3) RNS + Bicuculine injection into the PVN, BP, and rSNA were recorded, and urine was collected 1h after RNS and 1 h after bicuculline injection into the PVN. Renal nerve stimulation (RNS) decreased sodium and water excretion independent of changes in BP. However, after Bic in the PVN during RNS stimulation, BP and rSNA increased up to 30% and 60%, respectively, increasing diuresis (5-fold) and natriuresis (2.3-fold), accompanied by a significant reduction in the NHE3 activity independent of GFR changes. In conclusion, an acute increase in BP overcomes such effects, generating diuresis, natriuresis, and NHE3 activity inhibition.

Recent advancements in Natural Language Processing (NLP), particularly in Large Language Models (LLMs), associated with deep learning-based computer vision techniques, have shown substantial potential for automating a variety of tasks. One notable model is Visual ChatGPT, which combines ChatGPT’s LLM capabilities with visual computation to enable effective image analysis. The model’s ability to process images based on textual inputs can revolutionize diverse fields. However, its application in the remote sensing domain remains unexplored. This is the first paper to examine the potential of Visual ChatGPT, a cutting-edge LLM founded on the GPT architecture, to tackle the aspects of image processing related to the remote sensing domain. Among its current capabilities, Visual ChatGPT can generate textual descriptions of images, perform canny edge and straight line detection, and conduct image segmentation. These offer valuable insights into image content and facilitate the interpretation and extraction of information. By exploring the applicability of these techniques within publicly available datasets of satellite images, we demonstrate the current model’s limitations in dealing with remote sensing images, highlighting its challenges and future prospects. Although still in early development, we believe that the combination of LLMs and visual models holds a significant potential to transform remote sensing image processing, creating accessible and practical application opportunities in the field.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), domesticated in the Amazonian region of South America, presents an important diversity in Ecuador, where it is a main staple food; however, only few Ecuadorian cassava accessions have been included in international molecular assessments. The purpose of this study was to apply suitable cassava mi-crosatellites to characterize the genetic variability of the Ecuadorian cassava collection composed mainly of local landraces from the Coast, Andes and Amazonia regions. The use of microsatellite markers allowed the determination of the genetic diversity of the collection. Seven selected SSR primers, permitted to identify homozygous and hetero-zygous materials within the cassava collection of 133 accessions. The loci presented an average genetic diversity value of 0.7 and an average PIC value of 0.67, which is con-sidered high. Low number of duplicates (8.8%) were identified in the Ecuadorian col-lection which is not fully duplicated at CIAT. Currently, a wide range of cassava diver-sity is still cultivated in multi-crop agro-ecosystem, mainly in the Coast and Amazo-nian regions. Especially in the Amazonian region, due to important cultural uses of cassava by local ethnic communities, more in depth studies in the region could unveil the genetic diversity present in situ today.

Environmental effects and climate change are lately representing an increasing strain of the coastal areas which topography strongly depends on these conditions. However, the processes by which weather and environmental phenomena influence the highly variable beach morphology are still unknown. A continuous monitoring of the beach environment is necessary to implement protection strategies. This paper presents the results of an innovative study performed on a coastal area using satellite remote sensing data with the aim of understanding how environmental phenomena affect beaches. Two-years of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) Sentinel-1 images are used over a test area in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. At the same time as the SAR acquisitions, information on tidal and weather conditions are collected and integrated from nearby meteorological stations. Dedicated codes are implemented in order to understand the relationship between the SAR amplitude and the considered phenomena: wind, precipitation, tidal conditions. Surface roughness is taken into account. The results indicate a strong correlation between the amplitude and the wind. No particular correlation or trend could be noticed in the relation with the precipitation. The analysis of the amplitude also shows a decreasing trend moving from the dry area of the beach towards the sea and the correlation coefficient between the amplitude and the tide level gets negative with the increase of the water content.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most widespread neurodegenerative diseases affecting people averaging over 65 years. It manifests with severe cognitive damage, loss of memory, impairment in performing activities, ventricular expansion and final dementia. AD is associated with the deposit of amyloid β protein (Aβ) plaques, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), progressive inflammation and impairment of synaptic transmission and of mitochondrial function. Due to the poor diagnostic tools for the early stages of the disease, proteomics biomarkers have gained a paramount role because they can monitor the prodromal variations of the disease-linked molecular changes. Further, proteome biomarkers can help the follow up of AD progression over time and aid in setting personalized medical care, before the catastrophic consequences of dementia occurs. Research has focused on the identification of proteome biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma, which are discussed in the present review, but also in other matrices, as saliva and urine, revealing the high potentiality of proteomics approach and, at the same time, the difficulty to identify, for the different stages of the disease, sensitive and specific biomarkers clinically available.

Studies carried out have revealed that every day around three thousand and twelve people lose their lives in the world due to traffic accidents and poor air quality. Large cities, with their millions of inhabitants and vehicles, face many problems relating to vehicular traffic. In 2015 the speed limit was modified on several roads in the city of São Paulo-Brazil. However, in 2017 the speed limits were increased again, but not on all previous routes. This study analyzed the impact of this change on the number of accidents and pollutant concentrations, over a period of ten years, comparing the periods before and after the implementation of the measure, using real data collected and provided by the authorities of the city and the state transit and environmental companies, on more than forty routes and two nearby air quality stations. The results show a clear reduction in the number of accidents without victims on the roads of the city of São Paulo starting in 2010. However, the restrictive measures imposed by government officials may have contributed to the decrease in the number of accidents, but the number of fatalities has not changed much. Air pollution has not improved substantially with speed changes, as new speed increases have been linked to new episodes of congestion. The average number of fatalities due to accidents has been increasing since 2010 and accidents are becoming more serious. The application of a general linear statistical model (GLM) estimated the impact of the speed reduction policy in terms of the number of injuries avoided per month: 43.4 and 14.1 on other roads and on Pinheiros marginal, respectively. The results highlight the need for a constant data collection by the authorities in cities with high vehicle traffic. The important temporal time trend in terms of reduction of injuries but not in terms of fatalities and air quality, shows the need to apply joint public policies, not only speed reduction, but also the use of new technologies and raising drivers’ awareness of the problem.

Long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may occur after experiencing acute COVID-19 infec-tion with many effects on patients´ kidneys. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and labora-tory aspects of kidney function in individuals with long COVID in the Amazon region of Brazil. This cross-sectional study selected participants from a ‘long COVID’ clinical care program. Clini-cal data and baseline demographics were obtained, and blood samples were collected to quantify kidney-related markers. Patients were evaluated after COVID-19 infection at several time points as follows: 0–3 months, 3–6 months, 6–12 months, and 12 months. Altogether, 246 patients were selected for this study, and only 79 were hospitalised (9 in the intensive care unit because of COVID-19. Of the patients, 38 were diagnosed with hypertension after COVID-19, 52 cases had to have their medications adjusted, and 83 patients presented with kidney function decline. The older age group and individuals with glycaemic alterations presented with a higher risk of devel-oping kidney dysfunction. Therefore, health professionals should monitor long-term kidney mark-ers in long COVID.

This study assesses the performance of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model using a high-resolution spatial grid (1 km) with various combinations of physical parameterization packages to simulate a severe event in August 2021 in the southeastern Brazilian coast. After determining the optimal set of physical parameterizations for representing wind patterns during this event, a year-long evaluation was conducted, covering forecast horizons of 24, 48, and 72 hours. The simulation results were compared with observational wind data from four weather stations. The findings highlight variations in the efficacy of different physical parameterization sets, with certain sets encountering challenges in accurately depicting the peak of the severe event. The most favorable results were achieved using a combination of Tiedtke (cumulus), Thompson (microphysics), TKE (boundary layer), Monin-Obukhov (surface layer), Unified-NOAH (land surface), and RRTMG (shortwave and longwave radiation). Over the one-year forecasting period, the WRF model effectively represented the overall wind pattern, including forecasts up to three days in advance (72-hour forecast horizon). Generally, the statistical metrics indicate robust model performance, even for the 72-hour forecast horizon, with correlation coefficients consistently exceeding 0.60 at all analyzed points. While the model proficiently captured wind distribution, it tended to overestimate northeast wind speed and gust intensities. Notably, forecast accuracy decreased as stations approached the ocean, exemplified by the ATPM station.

The objective of the present contribution was to design and characterize resveratrol (RSV) and tocopherol (TOC) loaded 11S quinoa seed protein nanocomplexes. Firstly, molecular docking was performed to describe the probable binding sites between protein and ligands. Isothermal titration calorimetry allowed to obtain the thermodynamic parameters that described the molecular interactions between RSV or TOC with the protein. 11S globulin intrinsic fluorescence spectra showed a quenching effect exerted by RSV and TOC, demonstrating protein-bioactive compounds interactions. Stern-Volmer, Scatchard and Förster resonance energy transfer models application confirmed static quenching and allowed to obtain parameters that described the 11S-RSV or 11S-TOC complexation process. Secondly, protein aggregation induced by bioactive compounds interactions was confirmed by dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy with diameters <150 nm, detected by both techniques. Finally, it was found that antioxidant capacity of single 11S globulin did not decrease, meanwhile was additive for 11S-RSV. These nanocomplexes could constitute a real platform for the design of nutraceutical products.

One of the operational challenges for the use of bentonite pellets as a sealing material in the abandonment of offshore fields consists in their disposition inside the well. This study aims to analyze the interaction of fluid media, consisting of saline solutions (NaCl, CaCl2 and KCl) and organic compounds (diesel, glycerin and olefin), with bentonite pellets, aiming its application as displacement fluid in offshore oil well abandonment operations. The physical integrity of the bentonite pellets in contact with the fluids was verified through visual inspections and dispersibility tests. Linear swelling tests were also performed to evaluate the potential for swelling of pellets in deionized water after contact with the fluid media. The results indicated that NaCl, CaCl2 and KCl solutions completely compromise the physical integrity of the pellets, while diesel and olefin showed the best responses regarding the structural preservation. Futhermore, the linear swelling tests showed that, even after the contact with diesel and olefin for 1 hour, bentonite pellets have reached a total swelling in water of 78%, after 24 hours. In this way, diesel and olefin proved to be highly promising alternatives to be used as displacement fluids for bentonite pellets in wells to be abandoned in a submarine environment.

As a form of protection, a nature park is often created to protect and valorise natural and cultural heritage in peripheral rural areas. However, in terms of multi-functionality, new nature parks are incorporated into traditional productive activities, such as recreational and tourist activities, which sometimes compromise sustainability. The research objective is to study the relationship between tourism and sustainability in the Nature Parks of “Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche”, “Sierra Norte de Sevilla” and “Sierra de Hornachuelos” that makes up the Dehesas de Sierra Morena Biosphere Reserve in Andalusia, Spain. Therefore, selective interviews have been carried out with the stakeholders to establish their perception of sustainable tourism and the presence of dominant discourses. The main conclusions indicate (1) the presence of different dominant discourses on sustainability, namely the conservationist and mercantilist ones, with the prevalence of the economic dimension; (2) poor awareness and adaptation to the context of global change; and (3) the presence of competitive relationships that generate difficulties for the governance of sustainable tourism.

Parvovirus B19 infection is associated with a wide range of clinical manifestations, from asymp-tomatic to severe neurological disorders. Its major clinical symptoms, fever and rash, are com-mon to multiple viruses, and laboratory tests to detect B19 are frequently not available. Thus, the impact of B19 on public health remains unclear. We report the case of a 38-day old girl ad-mitted to São Paulo Clinical Hospital, Brazil, with an initial diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, seizures, and acute hydrocephalus. Antibiotic therapy was maintained for one week after admis-sion and discontinued after negative laboratory results were obtained. Nine days after symp-toms onset, a cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) sample revealed persistent pleocytosis. The complete B19 complete genome was subsequently identified in her CSF by a metagenomic next-generation sequencing approach. This report highlights the possible involvement of B19 in the occurrence of acute neurological manifestations, and emphasizes that its possible involve-ment might be better revealed by the use of metagenomic technology to detect viral agents in clinical situations of unknown or uncertain etiology.

We discuss the consequences of the unique symmetry of the de Sitter spacetime. This symmetry leads to the specific thermodynamic properties of the de Sitter vacuum, which produces the thermal bath for matter. The de Sitter spacetime is invariant under the modified translations, ${\bf r}\rightarrow {\bf r} -e^{Ht}{\bf a}$, where $H$ is the Hubble parameter. For $H\rightarrow 0$, this symmetry corresponds to the conventional invariance of Minkowski spacetime under translations ${\bf r}\rightarrow {\bf r} -{\bf a}$. Due to this symmetry, all the comoving observers at any point of the de Sitter space perceive the de Sitter environment as the thermal bath with temperature $T=H/\pi$, which is twice larger than the Gibbons-Hawking temperature of the cosmological horizon. This temperature does not violate the de Sitter symmetry, and thus does not require the preferred reference frame, as distinct from thermal state of matter, which violates the de Sitter symmetry. This leads to the heat exchange between gravity and matter, and to instability of de Sitter state towards the creation of matter, its further heating, and finally to the decay of the de Sitter state. The temperature $T=H/\pi$ determines different processes in the de Sitter environment, which are not possible in the Minkowski vacuum, such as the process of ionization of an atom in the de Sitter environment. This temperature also determines the local entropy of the de Sitter vacuum state, and this allows us to calculate the total entropy inside the cosmological horizon. The result reproduces the Gibbons-Hawking area law, which is related to the cosmological horizon, $S_{\rm hor}=4\pi KA$, where $K=1/16\pi G$. This supports the holographic properties of the cosmological event horizon. We extend the consideration of the local thermodynamics of the de Sitter state using the $f({\cal R})$ gravity. In this thermodynamics, the Ricci scalar curvature ${\cal R}$ and the effective gravitational coupling, $K$, are thermodynamically conjugate variables. The holographic connection between the bulk entropy of the Hubble volume, and the surface entropy of the cosmological horizon remains the same, but with the gravitational coupling $K=df/d{\cal R}$. Such connection takes place only in the $3+1$ spacetime, where there is the special symmetry due to which the variables $K$ and ${\cal R}$ have the same dimensionality. We also consider the lessons from the de Sitter symmetry for the thermodynamics of black and white holes.

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer sustainable solutions for various biotechnological applications and are a crucial area of research in biotechnology. MFCs can effectively treat wastewater and biodiesel waste by decomposing organic matter and generating electricity. Certain Pseudomonas species possess extracellular electron transfer (EET) pathways, enabling them to transfer electrons from organic compounds to the MFC's anode. Moreover, Pseudomonas species can grow under low oxygen conditions, which is advantageous considering that the electron transfer process in an MFC typically leads to reduced oxygen levels at the anode. This study focuses on evaluating MFCs inoculated with a new Pseudomonas species, grown with 1 g.L-1 glycerol, a common byproduct of biodiesel production. Pseudomonas sp. BJa5 exhibited a maximum power density of 39 mW.m-2. Also, the observed voltammograms and genome analysis indicate the potential production of novel redox mediators by BJa5. Additionally, we investigated the bacterium's potential as a synthetic biology non model chassis. Through testing various genetic parts, including constitutive promoters, replication origins, and cargos using pSEVA vectors as a scaffold, we assessed the bacterium's suitability. Overall, our findings offer valuable insights into utilizing Pseudomonas spp. BJa5 as a novel chassis for MFCs. Synthetic biology approaches can further enhance the performance of this bacterium in MFCs, providing avenues for improvement.

We hypothesized that biofilm production occurs on stainless steel when incubated with tissue specimens in thioglycolate broth media (TBM). In a diabetic foot infection (DFI) cohort, applying the Kirschner wire and conventional methods were more sensitive than applying only the latter (CI 90%; 0.167 versus 0.375).

The paper aims at presenting the results obtained in the development of a system allowing the detection and monitoring of forest fires and the continuous comparison of their intensity when several events occur simultaneously, as usually happens in the European Mediterranean countries during the summer season. The system, called SFIDE (Satellite FIre DEtection), exploits a geostationary satellite sensor (SEVIRI on board of MSG satellite series). The algorithm was developed several years ago in the framework of a project (SIGRI) funded by the Italian Space Agency (ASI). This algorithm has been completely reviewed in order to enhance its efficiency by reducing false alarms rate preserving a high sensitivity. Due to the very low spatial resolution of SEVIRI images (4x4 km² at Mediterranean latitude) the sensitivity of the algorithm should be very high to detect even small fires. The improvement of the algorithm has been obtained by: introducing the sun elevation angle in the computation of the preliminary thresholds to identify potential thermal anomalies (hot spots), introducing a contextual analysis in the detection of clouds and in the detection of night-time fires. The results of the algorithm have been validated in the Sardinia region by using ground true data provided by the regional Corpo Forestale e di Vigilanza Ambientale (CFVA). A significant reduction of the commission error (less than 10%) has been obtained with respect to the previous version of the algorithm and also with respect to fire-detection algorithms based on low earth orbit satellites.

O26 enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), possesses a unique pseudocapsule composed of polysaccharides identical to the O antigen in their lipopolysaccharide (LPS) membrane. Therefore, the impact of O26 polysaccharides on the immune evasion mechanisms of capsulated O26 EPEC was investigated. Our findings reveal that the concentration of GlcNAc, an immunodominant unit of O26 polysaccharides capable of activating the MBL (Mannose Biding Lecting) pathway of the complement system, was found to be lower in capsulated EPEC O26 compared to naked shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O26 strain. It was noted that, unlike the naked STEC strain, the capsulated EPEC O26 strain was protected against lysis by the alternative pathway of the com-plement system by inhibiting C3b adhesion to its bacterial surface. Capsulated EPEC O26 strains were also able to avoid phagocytosis by macrophages. However, the immune evasion provided by the capsule was overcome in the presence of anti-O26 polysaccharide antibodies. Additionally, these antibodies were able to recognize O26 EPEC in the presence of biofilm and inhibit their adhesion to human epithelial cells. Overall, the results indicate that the O26 polysaccharides can generate an effective humoral immune response, making them promising antigens for the de-velopment of a vaccine against capsulated O26 E. coli

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent a heterogeneous population of small vesicles, consisting of a phospholipidic bilayer surrounding a soluble interior cargo. Almost all cell types release EVs, thus they are naturally present in all body fluids. Among the several potential applications, EVs could be used as drug delivery vehicles in disease treatment, in immune therapy because of their immunomodulatory properties and in regenerative medicine. In addition to general markers, EVs are characterized by the presence of specific biomarkers (proteins, miRNAs) that allow the identification of their cell- or tissue-origin. For these features, they represent a potential powerful diagnostic tool to monitor state and progression of specific diseases. As regards, a large body of studies supports the idea that endothelial derived (EMPs) together with platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) are deeply involved in the pathogenesis of diseases characterized by micro- and macrovascular damages, including diabetes. Existing literature suggests that the detection of circulating EMPs and PMPs and their specific miRNA profile may represent a very useful non-invasive signature to achieve informations about the onset of peculiar disease manifestations. In this Review, we discuss the possible utility of EVs in the early diagnosis of diabetes-associated microvascular complications, specifically related to kidney.

The N-acylhydrazone function has been reported as a pharmacophore group of molecules with diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, this study evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of the compound N'-(3-(1H-indol-3-yl)benzylidene)-2-cyanoacetohydrazide (JR19) in vivo. The study started with the carrageenan-induced peritonitis model, followed by an investigation of leukocyte migration using the subcutaneous air pouch test and an assessment of the antinociceptive profile using formalin-induced pain. To find out the likely mechanism of action, a preliminary molecular docking study was performed focusing on the crystallographic structures of NFκB, iNOS, and sGCs. The computational study revealed satisfactory interaction energies with the selected targets, and the same peritonitis model was used to validate the involvement of the nitric oxide pathway and cytokine expression in the peritoneal exudate of mice pretreated with L-NAME or methylene blue. In the peritonitis assay, JR19 (10 and 20 mg/kg) reduced leukocyte migration by 59% and 52%, respectively, compared to the control group, with the 10 mg/kg dose used in subsequent assays. In the subcutaneous air pouch assay, the reduction in cell migration was 66%, and the response to intraplantar formalin was reduced by 39%, particularly during the inflammatory phase, suggesting that the compound lacks central analgesic activity. In addition, a reversal of the anti-inflammatory effect was observed in mice pretreated with L-NAME or methylene blue, indicating the involvement of iNOS and sGC in the anti-inflammatory response of JR19. The compound effectively and significantly decreased the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17, and IFN-γ, and this effect was reversed in animals pretreated with L-NAME, supporting a NO-dependent anti-inflammatory effect. In contrast, pretreatment with methylene blue only reversed the reduction in TNF-α levels. Therefore, these results demonstrate the pharmacological potential of the novel N-acylhydrazone derivative, which acts through the nitric oxide pathway and cytokine signaling, making it a strong candidate as an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agent.

Native plants from the Brazilian Amazon Biome are rich in nutrientes, oils and fats and, therefore, represent a very important regional food resource. Althoung there is a global interest in the nutritional potential of tropical fruits, the potential of Amazonian fruits as source of essential fatty acids is still under exploited, since their composition is still understudied. ¹H Magnetic Resonance Nuclear (¹H NMR) is a robust spectroscopic tool to profile fatty acids components in oils. The objectives of this work were to use ¹H NMR to determine the fatty acids profile and the physicochemical properties of crude oils and fats obtained from fruits of Brazilian Amazon: açaí, ata-brava, bacaba, buriti, buritirana, murici amarelo, murici vermelho, piaçaba braba, tucumanzinho, pupunha red and yellow varieties. Oils were obtained by Soxhlet extraction using hexane as a solvent. After solvent removal by rotoevaporation, the resulting oils and fats were analyzed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Unsaturated fatty acids oleic (ω9), linoleic (ω6) and linolenic (ω3) acids were quantified in the oils and their physicochemical properties were determined. It was observed that the oils have predominately ω9 fatty acids, followed by ω6 and ω3 representatives. The physicochemical properties confirmed edibility and good quality of oils and fats present in the aforementioned Amazonian fruits.

The ability of some bacteria to perform Extracellular Electron Transfer (EET) has been explored in bioelectrochemical systems (BES) to obtain energy or chemicals from pure substances or residual substrates. Here, a new pyoverdine-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain was isolated from a MFC biofilm oxidizing glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel production. Strain EL14 was investigated to assess its electrogenic ability and products. In an open circuit system (fermentation system) EL14 was able to consume glycerol and produce 1,3-propanediol, an unusual product from glycerol oxidation in P. aeruginosa. The microbial fuel cell (MFC), EL14 reached a current density of 82.4 mA m-2, during the first feeding cycle, then drops sharply as the biofilm falls off. Cyclic voltammetry suggests electron transfer to the anode occurrs indirectly, i.e., through a redox substance, with redox peaks at 0.22 and -0.45 V (vs Ag/AgCl) and directly probably by membrane redox-proteins with redox peak at 0.05 V (vs Ag/AgCl). EL14 produced added-value bioproducts, acetic and butyric acids, as well as 1,3 propanediol, in both fermentative and anodic conditions. However, the yield of 1,3-PDO from glycerol was enhanced from 0.57 to 0.89 (mol of 1,3-PDO mol-1 of glycerol) under MFC conditions compared with the fermentation. This result was unexpected since successful 1,3-PDO production is not usually associated with the P. aeruginosa glycerol metabolism. By comparing EL14 genomic sequences related to the 1,3-PDO biosynthesis with reference P. aeruginosa strains, we observed that strain EL14 has three copies of dhaT gene (1,3-propanediol dehydrogenase a different arrangement compared to other Pseudomonas isolates). Thus, this work functionally characterizes a bacterium never before associated to 1,3-PDO biosynthesis, indicating its potential for converting a by-product of the biodiesel industry into an emerging chemical product.

Oral immunization with the choleric toxin (CT) elicits a high level of protection against its enterotoxin activities and can control cholera in endemic settings. However, the complete B-cell epitope map of the CT responsible for protection remains to be clarified. Here, we have mapped the B-cell linear epitopes of the three chains of the CT protein (CTP) prepared by Spot synthesis. The immunoreactivity of sera from mice immunized with an oral, inactivated vaccine (Schankol†™) was measured against membrane-bound peptides for mapping. Results: Eighteen IgG epitopes were identified; eight in the CTA, three in the CTB, and seven in the protein P. Three epitopes, TQTGFVRHDDGYVST (aa 66-77, Vc/TxA-3), KNGAIFQVE VPGSQN (aa 64-78, Vc/TxB-11), and LNDEHK (aa 90-95, Vc/TxP-16), were chosen to synthesize a multiple antigen peptide that was used to coat ELISA plates to screen immunized mouse sera as a test for an in vitro diagnostics for cholera. Conclusion: Vaccination with inactive CT-generated antibodies against multiple linear epitopes and the selected epitopes can be used to construct immunological reagents for rapid serological diagnosis of cholera with high sensitivity and specificity.

This paper focuses on the role of the most common mineralogical techniques applied to the identification of the different statuary qualities in white, grey and black Göktepe marble. For this purpose, a Roman case of sculpture marble collection from the rural villa of Valdetorres de Jarama (central Iberia), of the 4th century AD, is presented. The mythological statuary, combining white, grey and black marbles, are one of the most outstanding marble collections in Aphrodisian style found in Hispania. The analytical results (Petrography, Cathodoluminescence, C and O isotopes, and Sr and Mn concentration) support the identification of two varieties of “black” Göktepe, traditionally named as bigio morato and bigo antico, as well as the best statuary quality on white Göktepe. In addition, the analytical identification of other Asiatic marbles in Valdetorres collection, a white coarse-grained originally from the quarries of Aphrodisias city and one small piece identified as Carian red from Iasos, corroborates the already suggested strong connection existing between artists and the stone material they chose for their works. Finally, it is noteworthy the identification carried out on the marble of the bases that served as seats for the sculptures, as it is a white marble of lower quality whose analytical characteristics are consistent with the Microasiatic marble of Denizli. The use of these exotic and exceptional raw materials confirms the taste for luxury and decorative richness in Late Antique Hispanic rural villae and contributes to a better understanding of the distribution of Aphrodisian productions in the Western Roman provinces.

Objectives: To investigate the etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in an adult female patient. Methods: We conducted trio genome sequencing on a 35-year-old woman with progressive weakness in her left upper limb, as well as on her parents. Prior to sequencing, we performed a comprehensive neurological work-up on the patient, including neurological exam, electrophysiology, biomarker assessment, and brain and spinal cord MRI. Results : The propositus experienced weakness and atrophy in her left hand 6 months before the evaluation. This was associated with brisk reflexes and Hoffman sign in the same arm. Electroneuromyography revealed lower motor neuron involvement in three body regions. Neurofilament light chains were elevated in her cerebrospinal fluid. Brain imaging showed asymmetrical T2 hyperintensity of the corticospinal tracts and T2 linear hypointensity of the precentral gyri. Genome trio sequencing identified a likely pathogenic de novo variant in the propositus’s KIF1A gene (NM_001244008.2): c.574A&gt;G, p.(Ile192Val). Discussion: Pathogenic variants in the KIF1A gene have been associated with a wide range of neurological manifestations called KIF1A-associated neurological diseases (KAND). The present report describe a likely pathogenic de novo variant in KIF1A associated with ALS, expanding the phenotypic spectrum of KAND and our understanding of the pathophysiology of ALS.

Introduction: The repertoire of microRNAs (miRNAs) in thyroid carcinomas starts to be elucidated. Among differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTC), papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common. The assessment of miRNAs expression may contribute to refine the pre-surgical diagnosis, in order to obtain a personalized and more effective treatment of patients. Aims: This study aims to evaluated 1) miRNAs expression in a series of DTC, and the association with the presence of selected genetic mutations, in order to improve diagnosis and predict biologic behavior of DTC/PTC. 2) the reliability of molecular tests in Ultrasound-guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (US-FNAC) for a more precise preoperative diagnosis. Material and methods: This series includes 176 samples (98 cytology samples and 78 formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues) obtained from 106 patients submitted to surgery, being 13 benign lesions (controls) and 93 DTCs (cases). The microRNA expression was assessed for miR-146b, miR-221, miR-222, and miR-15a by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and the results were analyzed using the 2- ΔΔCT method, using miR16 as an endogenous control. The discriminative ability of miRNAs expression regarding PTC diagnosis was evaluated using the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC). The association of miRNAs expression, clinicopatological features and genetic alterations (BRAF, RAS and TERTp) was evaluated in PTCs. Results/Discussion: All the analyzed miRNAs showed a tendency to be over expressed in DTCs/PTCs when compared with benign lesions, both in cytology and histology samples. In cytology, miRNAs expression levels were higher in malignant than in benign tumors. In histology, corresponding discriminative abilities regarding PTC diagnosis were: miR-146b (AUC0.94, 95%CI 0.87-1), miR-221 (AUC0.79, 95%CI 0.68-0.9), miR-222 (AUC0.76, 95%CI 0.63-0.89) and miR-15a (AUC0.85, 95%CI 0.74-0.97). miR-146b showed 89% sensitivity (se) and 87% specificity (sp); mi-R221 se=68.4, sp=90; miR222 se=73, sp=70, and mi-R15a se=72, sp=80. MicroRNAs were associated with aggressive clinicopathological features and tumor progression in PTCs (p &lt; 0.05), particularly for miR-222. Our data reveals a significant association between higher expression levels of miR-146b, miR-221 and miR-222, with the presence of BRAF mutation (p&lt;0.001), and miR-146b (p=0.016) and miR-221 (p=0.010) with the presence of RAS mutation, suggesting an interplay of these mutations with miRNAs expression. Although this study has a relatively small sample size, over expression of miRNAs in cytology may contribute to a more precise preoperative diagnosis. The miRNAs showed a good discriminative ability in PTC diagnosis. The association between the miRNAs expression profile and genetic alterations results could be useful for an accurate diagnosis of DTCs/PTCs in FNAC.

Despite its growing importance as a dry beneficiation method, there is a lack of studies exploring the fundamentals aspects of dry jigging. In this sense, this study focuses on explore some essential aspects of density-based separation in dry jigs, like pulse profile, energy consumption and, especially, stratification over time, also exploring an innovative operational strategy here called “transient pulsation”. The tests were carried out using density tracers distributed across 11 density ranges (0.4-2.4 g/cm³) and employing a base bed (gravel) to analyze their segregation in a pilot-scale dry jig. Pressure drop and active power data were acquired to measure the pulse characteristics and energy consumption. The findings suggest that establishing the dry jigging cycle is more complex than in hydraulic jigs due to the compressibility of air. Stationary pulsation tests revealed an unstable behavior of stratification over time, contrasting with traditional hydraulic jigs, while transient pulsation tests unveiled varied trends in separation quality. Energy consumption analysis underscored the significant role of the blower drive. These insights have the potential to inform operational enhancements in dry jigging.

Background This study aimed to examine the acute effects of different pre-ST strategies on muscular performance and blood pressure (BP) responses in recreationally strength-trained women. Methods: Twelve overweight women with normal-to-elevated BP were recruited and performed six exper-imental protocols in a randomized order: 1) control protocol (CC) – BP assessed without exercises performed, 2) strength training (ST), 3) foam rolling warm-up followed by strength training (FR+ST), 4) specific warm-up followed by strength training (SW+ST), 5) aerobic exercise followed by strength training (AE+ST), and 6) stretching exercises followed by strength training (SE+ST). Strength training consisted of three sets at 80% of 10RM with a self-suggested rest interval between sets for bench press, back squat, bench press 45º, front squat, lat pull-down, leg press, shoulder press, and leg extension. Results: All experimental protocol had a lower total training volume, fa-tigue index, and repetitions performance in relation to ST (p

In cardiac surgery, post-sternotomy pain is a significant issue, peaking within 48 hours and requiring proper analgesia for both acute relief and to avoid chronicization. Opioids are commonly used for pain management post-surgery but pose risks like adverse effects and dependency. Post-cardiac surgery pain can stem from various sources - somatic, visceral, and neuropathic, making opioid reliance a concern. Multimodal analgesia, combining different medications and regional anesthesia techniques, is increasingly recommended to decrease opioid use and its related problems. Strategies include acetaminophen, gabapentinoids, NMDA antagonists, alpha-2 agonists, intravenous lidocaine, anti-inflammatory drugs, and regional anesthesia. Implementing these approaches can enhance pain control, lessen opioid reliance, and improve cardiac surgery outcomes. The ERAS® Cardiac Society strongly advocates for an opioid-sparing multimodal approach to benefit patient recovery by reducing complications and enhancing satisfaction. This review aims to consolidate current evidence to assist healthcare providers in customizing pain management for patients post-cardiac surgery, emphasizing reduced opioid use and optimizing the recovery process.

There is only a very short reaction time for people to find the best way out of a building in a fire outbreak. Software applications can be used to assist the rapid evacuation of victims; however, this is an arduous task, which requires an understanding of advanced technologies. Since well-known pathway algorithms (such as, Dijkstra, Bellman-Ford and A*) can lead to serious problems over performance, we decided to make use of deep reinforcement learning techniques. A wide range of strategies including a random initialization of replay buffer and transfer learning were assessed in three projects involving schools of different sizes. The results showed the proposal was viable and that in most cases the performance of transfer learning was superior. In addition, the study raised challenges that had to be faced in the future.

Despite several decades’ effort to detect and identify phytoplasmas (Tenericutes: Mollicutes) using PCR and Sanger sequencing focusing on diseased plants, knowledge of phytoplasma biodiversity and vector associations remains highly incomplete. To improve protocols for documenting phyto-plasma diversity and ecology, we used DNA extracted from phloem-feeding insects and com-pared traditional Sanger sequencing with a next-generation sequencing method, Anchored Hy-brid Enrichment (AHE) for detecting and characterizing phytoplasmas. Among 22 of 180 leaf-hopper samples that initially tested positive for phytoplasmas using qPCR, AHE yielded phyto-plasma 16Sr sequences for 20 (19 complete and 1 partial sequence) while Sanger sequencing yield-ed sequences for 16 (11 complete and 5 partial). AHE yielded phytoplasma sequences for an addi-tional 7 samples (3 complete and 4 partial) that did not meet the qPCR threshold for phytoplasma positivity or yielded non-phytoplasma sequences using Sanger sequencing. This suggests that AHE is more efficient for obtaining phytoplasma sequences. Twenty-three samples with sufficient data were classified into eight 16Sr subgroups (16SrI-B, I-F, I-AO, III-U, V-C, IX-J, XI-C, XXXVII-A), three new subgroups (designated as 16SrVI-L, XV-D, XI-G) and three possible new groups. Our results suggest that screening phloem-feeding insects using qPCR and AHE sequencing may be the most efficient method for discovering new phytoplasmas.

Water footprint has been widely used to illustrate the consumption of water in many situations; for instance, in products, processes or regions of interest. In this work, we analyzed – using a sensitivity analysis approach – the effect of some variables in the calculation of the water footprint in the viticulture in Brazilian Serra Gaúcha (the major producing region of Brazilian Wine).The classical Penman-Monteith model for evapotransporation was considered, with uncertainties in some parameters (dead mulch covering fraction in the vineyard, maximum temperatures for some months, altitudes and latitudes of the site). The sensitivity analysis was conducted using the SAFE toolbox under Octave framework. The results indicated that the the portion of the water footprint corresponding to the evapotranspiration is more sensitive to the values of mulch covering fraction and the altitude of the site in comparison with the latitude and the maximum temperatures.

Over the last two decades, a considerable amount of equipment has been acquired (spreaders, seeders, sprayers, among others) to respond to the challenges of Precision Agriculture (PA) concept. Most of this equipment has been purchased at a high cost. However, many of them, despite still being functional and equipped with sensors, actuators, and electronic processing units capable of adjusting to variations in speed, have become obsolete in terms of communication, and incompatible with new monitoring and control systems based on the “Isobus” protocol. This work aims to present a solution for updating the control system (“Ferticontrol”) of a “Vicon RS-EDW” spreader with variable rate application (VRA), making it compatible with the “InCommand” system from “Ag Leader”. The solution includes low-cost “Arduino” and “Raspberry Pi” microcontrollers and open-source software. The development shows that it is possible to implement a solution that is accessible to farmers in general. It also provides a niche business opportunity for young researchers to set up small technology-based enterprises associated with universities and research centers. These partnerships guarantee permanent innovation and represent a decisive step towards modern, technological, competitive, and sustainable agriculture.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of Chitosan 0.2% in various final cleaning methods on the bond strength of fiberglass post (FP) to intrarradicular dentin. Ninety bovine incisors were sectioned to obtain root remnants measuring 18 mm in length. The roots were divided: G1: EDTA 17%; G2: EDTA 17% + PUI; G3: EDTA 17% + EA; G4: EDTA 17% + XPF; G5: Chitosan 2%; G6: Chitosan 2% + PUI; G7: Chitosan 2% + EA; G8: Chitosan 2% +XPF. After carrying out the cleaning methods, the posts were installed, and the root cleaved to to generate two disks from each root third. Bond strength values (MPa) obtained from the micro push-out test data were assessed by Kruskal-Wallis and Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner tests for multiple comparisons (α = 5%). Differences were observed in the cervical third between G1 and G8 (p=0.038), G4 and G8 (p=0.003), G6 and G8 (p=0.049), and Control and G8 (p=0.019). The final cleaning method influenced the adhesion strength of cemented FP to intrarradicular dentin. Chitosan 0.2% + XPF positively influenced adhesion strength, with the highest values in the cervical third.

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating, chronic, inflammatory and autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with axonal degeneration, presenting a progressive and variable course. MS patients usually have complications, such as bladder dysfunction, presence of urinary symptoms and Urinary Tract infection (UTI), which is one of the three most common non-neurological complications in MS patients. Objective: Analyze the most diverse aspects of UTI in MS patients, focusing on risk factors, prevalence, hospitalization and mortality rates of UTIs in this group. Methods: A non-systematic review of articles published on PubMed in the last 10 years with the search terms "Urinary Tract Infection" AND "Multiple Sclerosis". Discussion: MS patients have a high UTI prevalence, mainly due to the occurrence of urinary disorders in these patients. The most common symptoms of UTI in MS patients are urinary urgency, polyuria, nocturia, urinary retention, and incontinence. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most found organisms and treatment is based on antibiotic therapy. Moreover, UTIs can precipitate outbreaks, worsen the disease, causing more damage and a severe neurological condition deterioration. Therefore, UTIs in this group are associated with a high hospitalizations rate and a high mortality rate. Conclusion: UTI represents a great risk and concern in MS patients. The high prevalence, hospitalization rate and mortality rate of UTI in MS is worrying, such as the cause-consequence relationship between UTIs and the use of corticosteroids in outbreaks. Therefore, it is important to be aware of a UTI in this group to make early diagnoses, adequate management, and new infections prevention. Thus, further studies are needed to thoroughly analyze each nuance of this important comorbidity for MS patients.

Smith-Magenis syndrome is a complex neurobehavioral genetic disorder. The spectrum of SMS phenotype is broad but commonly includes craniofacial, neurobehavioral, and otolaryngologic features. While the etiology of SMS is commonly attributed to one copy interstitial deletion in the 17p11.2 region (90-95% of cases), variants identified by sequence analysis in RAI1 have also been reported in 5-10% of cases. The phenotypic spectrum of patients with RAI1 sequence alterations is not clear. In this study, we report a 9-year-old male with global cognitive and psychomotor developmental delay, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular abnormalities, and dysmorphic craniofacial features. Whole genome quad analysis of the proband, unaffected parent, and unaffected brother identified a novel de novo RAI1:c.2736delC variant. This is the first report of this variant in the literature. This report also highlights the details of the genome analysis and this patient's phenotypic spectrum.

Despite the efforts made to stop the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic, it still remains one of the leading causes of death from an infectious disease. Previous work in the group uncovered a new family of amides which showed promising activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A closer look at the literature showed that these compounds are structurally related to the DNB family of DprE1 inhibitors, so, we decided to study a wide range of substituted amides and determine their activity, focusing on unexplored structures related to the dinitrobenzamides (DNB) found in the literature. To synthesize our library of compounds we started from 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid to form the nitroaromatic core that is characteristic of the DNB’s, to which we then added linear or cyclic amine moieties. Additionally, the impact of terminal aromatic moieties was also assessed for some derivatives, via an ether, ester, or amide bond. In order to obtain the desired derivatives, multiple synthetic approaches were used, mainly focused on nucleophilic addition/elimination reactions, SN2 reactions and Mitsunobu reactions. The activity was impacted mainly by two structural features, the addition of an aromatic moiety as a terminal group and the type of the linker. The most interesting compounds exhibited activities comparable to isoniazid and DNB1. Computational studies were also performed aimed at understanding their possible interactions with DprE1. The most active compounds are a good starting point for further development, and we plan to study an extended family of compounds based in those structures.

Abstract: COVID-19 in 2020 brought challenges to the Brazilian public health system with an emerging virus with respiratory contagion called SARS-CoV-2. There are few studies in Brazil and in some countries, on the increased incidence of certain viral respiratory infections, includ-ing H1N1 and coronavirus and their association with low levels of vitamin D, zinc and iron. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that the deficit of vitamin D, zinc and iron has an impact on the infectious process of patients with COVID-19 and to establish new forms of prevention for the worsening of COVID-19 in the human body. Data were collected from medical records and test results from patients being followed up during the treatment period for COVID-19. Patients with low blood levels of vitamin D, zinc and iron during the treatment period of COVID-19 had a higher percentage of worsening and complications requiring hospitalization in intensive care beds. The ingestion of vitamin D, zinc and iron in the treatment period of patients with COVID-19 in addition to being an immunological protector against SARS-CoV-2 and alleviating the process of worsening the disease can also act as a biomarker in cases of this disease.

Cestodes are etiological agents of neglected diseases such as echinococcosis and cysticercosis, which are major public health problems. Antiparasitic treatment relies on a small number of approved drugs, which are often only partially effective, poorly tolerated and require prolonged administration. Thus, the discovery of novel potential treatments is critical. The Stevia genus (Asteraceae) includes species that are associated with medicinal uses and are considered a source of bioactive compounds. Here, we analyzed four South American Stevia species that have previously demonstrated antiprotozoal properties. The effect of dichloromethane extracts of these species was determined by motility assays on Mesocestoides vogae, a laboratory model of cestodes. Stevia alpina showed the highest anthelmintic potential followed by S. maimarensis and S. multiaristata, while S. aristata was the least active. The sesquiterpene lactones estafietin and eupatoriopicrin were purified from S. alpina and S. maimarensis, respectively. Estafietin showed cestocidal activity, inhibiting parasite viability in a dose-dependent manner, even from the first day of incubation. Consistent with the motility effects, the extract of S. alpina and estafietin induced major alterations on the morphology of the parasite. The results of this report show that Stevia species represent a source of new molecules with potential for the treatment of neglected tropical diseases caused by cestodes.

PHA synthases (PhaC) are grouped into four classes based on the kinetics and mechanisms of reaction. The grouping of PhaC enzymes into four classes is dependent on substrate specificity, according to the preference in forming short chain length (scl) or medium chain length (mcl) polymers: class I, class III, and class IV produce scl-PHAs depending on propionate, butyrate, valerate and hexanoate precursors, while class II phaC synthesize mcl-PHAs based on the alkane (C6 to C14) precursors. PHA synthases of class I, in particular PhaC_Cs from Chromobacterium USM2 and PhaC_Cn/RePhaC1 from Cupriavidus necator/R. eutropha, have been analysed and the crystal structures of the C-domains have been determined. PhaC_Cn/RePhaC1 was also studied by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis. Models have been proposed for dimerization, catalysis mechanism, substrate recognition and affinity, product formation and product egress route. The assays based on amino acid substitution by mutagenesis have been useful to validate the hypothesis on the role of amino acids in catalysis and in accommodation of bulky substrates, for the synthesis of PHB co-polymers and medium chain length-PHA polymers with optimized chemical properties.

Background: Current drug for the treatment of endometriosis is not able of completely cure and significant side effects hinder the continuation of treatment. So, the search for new drug candidates is necessary, and the use of plants extracts is highlighted. Babassu oil and copaiba oilresin have several therapeutic properties. We investigated the in vitro effects of two nanoemulsions containing babassu oil (Orbignya speciosa) (SNEDDS-18) and/or copaiba oilresin (Copaifera langsdorffii) (SNEDDS-18/COPA) on cultured human eutopic endometrium stromal cells from endometrial biopsies of patients without (CESC) and with (EuESC) endometriosis, and human stromal cells from biopsies of endometriotic lesions (EctESC). Methods: CESC, EuESC and EctESC were established and treated with SNEDDS-18 and SNEDDS-18/COPA to evaluate its effects on cytotoxicity, cell morphology, proliferation, and signaling pathways. Results: After 48 hours incubation with SNEDDS-18 and SNEDDS-18/COPA, cell viability and proliferation were inhibited, especially in EctESC. The lowest concentration of both nanoemulsions reduced cell viability and proliferation and breakdown the cytoskeleton in EctESCs. After 24h treatment it was observed a decrease in IL-1, TNF-α, and MCP-1, and an increase in IL-10 production. Conclusions: Both nanoemulsions can affect the endometriotic stromal cell behaviors, thus revealing two potential candidates for new phytotherapeutic agents on the management of endometriosis.

The present study aims to unravel the mechanisms of salicylic acid and rehydration and the physiological benefits in pepper plants grown under water deficit. 3x4 factorial scheme adopted, with three water regimes (irrigated, dry and rehydration) and four SA concentrations, namely: 0 (control), 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mM. Evaluated leaf moisture percentage, leaf water potential, chlorophylls (a and b), carotenoids, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll a fluorescence and H2O2 concentration at different times throughout the day and water conditions (irrigated, dry and rehydration) and SA applications (without the addition of the regulator (0) and with SA addition at concentrations equal to 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mM). Exogenous SA application favored stomatal conductance responses(gs) and modified fluorescence parameters (Fm, Fo, Fm', Fo', Fv/Fm, qP, ETR and NPQ) of sweet pepper plants subjected to drought followed by rehydration. SA concentration of 0.5 mM allowed a more expressive recovery of gs indices, effective quantum yield of photosystem II, with emphasis on excess energy (E) and maximum quantum yield (FV/FM) over time in plants subjected to drought and rehydration. We discovered that the use of SA, especially in association with rehydration, by modulating the variables gs and chlorophyll a fluorescence, prevents damage to membranes and consequently mitigates water deficit in pepper plants.

Language learners often face communication problems when they need to express themselves and do not have this ability. On the other hand, continuous advances in technology create new opportunities to improve second language (L2) acquisition through context-aware ubiquitous learning (CAUL) technology. Since vocabulary is the foundation of all language acquisition, this article presents the ULearnEnglish, an open-source system to allow ubiquitous English learning focused on incidental vocabulary acquisition. To evaluate the proposal, 15 learners used the system developed, and 10 answered a survey based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Results indicate a favorable response to the use of the learner context to assist them in their learning. The ULearnEnglish achieved an acceptance of 78.66% for the perception of the utility, 96% for the perception of ease of use, 86% for user context assessment, and 88% for ubiquity. This study presented a positive response in using the location of users to assist their learning. Among the main contributions, this study demonstrates an opportunity for ubiquity use in future research in language learning. Also, furthers studies can use the source available to evolve the model and system.

The use of electronic means to support tasks such as pastoralism is a way of intelligently optimizing that activity. As any autonomous system, it requires human intervention in case of failure, and therefore it needs an autonomous mechanism that draws the attention of the human operator whenever the system or the animals evolve to undesired conditions. The present work progresses an existing alarm system, used in the SheepIT gateway, which can monitor the behavior of animals and equipment, warning human supervisors of the occurrence of unwanted events and the need for intervention. Concretely, given the lack of coverage of Internet access in rural areas, the system was integrated with a satellite interface to guarantee communication and the timely delivery of alarm messages. The paper compares the overall networking performance of the satellite link, against a Wi-Fi laboratorial baseline.

A wide variety of substances have been used to anaesthetise invertebrates, but many are not anaesthetics and merely incapacitate animals, rather than preventing pain. Much is now known about the mode of action of modern clinical and veterinary anaesthetics because of their use on human beings and other vertebrates. In essence, the role of an ideal general anaesthetic is to act as a muscle relaxant, an analgesic, an anaesthetic and an amnesic. To achieve all these properties with a single substance is difficult and various adjuvants usually need to be administered, resulting in a cocktail of drugs. In a clinical setting, the vast majority of patients are unaware of surgery being carried out and have no memory of it, so they can claim to have felt no pain, but this is much more difficult to demonstrate in invertebrates. Here we show that 1% MgCl2, a muscle relaxant, is a useful adjuvant for the clinical anaesthetic isoflurane on Octopus vulgaris when applied for 10 minutes before the clinical anaesthetic. After this, full anaesthesia can be achieved in 5 minutes using only 1% isoflurane and from which full recovery takes place rapidly in about 10 to 15 minutes. This reduces stress on the animal and minimises the quantity of anaesthetic used.

The extensive metabolic diversity of microalgae, coupled with their rapid growth rates and cost-effective production, position these organisms as highly promising resources for a wide range of biotechnological applications. These characteristics allow microalgae to address crucial needs in both the agricultural, medical, and industrial sectors. Microalgae are proving to be val-uable in various fields, including the remediation of diverse wastewater types, the production of biofuels and biofertilizers, and the extraction of various products from their biomass. For decades, the microalga Chlamydomonas has been widely used as a fundamental research model organism in various areas such as photosynthesis, respiration, sulfur and phosphorus metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, and flagella synthesis, among others. However, in recent years, the potential of Chlamydomonas as a biotechnological tool for bioremediation, biofertilization, biomass, and bio-products production has been increasingly recognized. Bioremediation of wastewater using Chlamydomonas presents significant potential for sustainable reduction of contaminants and fa-cilitates resource recovery and valorization of microalgal biomass, offering important economic benefits. Chlamydomonas has also established itself as a platform for the production of a wide va-riety of biotechnologically interesting products, such as different types of biofuels, and high-value-added products. The aim of this review is to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the potential of Chlamydomonas in these aspects, and to explore their interrelationship, which would offer significant environmental and biotechnological advantages.

The electronic structure of 7/9-AGNR superlattices with up to eight unit cells has been studied by means of state of the art Density Functional Theory (DFT) and also by two model Hamiltonians, the first one including only local interactions (Hubbard model, Hu) while the second one is extended to allow long-range Coulomb interactions (Pariser, Parr and Pople model, PPP). Both are solved within mean field approximation. At this approximation level, our calculations show that 7/9 interfaces are better described by spin non-polarized solutions than by spin-polarized wavefunctions. Consequently, both Hu and PPP Hamiltonians lead to electronic structures characterized by a gap at the Fermi level that diminishes as the size of the system increases. DFT results show similar trends although a detailed analysis of the density of states around the Fermi level shows quantitative differences with both Hu and PPP models. Before improving model Hamiltonians, we interpret the electronic structure obtained by DFT in terms of bands of topological states: topological states localized at the system edges and extended bulk topological states which interact between them due to the long-range Coulomb terms of Hamiltonian. After careful analysis of the interaction among topological sates, we find that the discrepancy between ab initio and model Hamiltonians can be resolved considering a screened long-range interaction that is implemented adding an exponential cutoff to the interaction term of PPP model. In this way, an adjusted cutoff distance λ = 2 allows a good recovery of DFT results. In view of this, we conclude that the correct description of the density of states around the Fermi level (Dirac point) needs the inclusion of long-range interactions well beyond Hubbard model but not completely unscreened as is the case for the PPP model.