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International audience; Road construction demonstrably accelerates deforestation rates in tropical forests, but its consequences for forest degradation remain less clear. We estimated a series of forest value metrics including components of biodiversity, carbon stocks, and timber and non-timber forest product resources, along the recently paved Inter-Oceanic Highway (IOH) integrating Brazil and Peru along the Bolivian border. We installed 69 vegetation plots in intact terra firme forests representative of local community holdings near and far from the IOH, and we characterized 15 components of forest value for each plot. We observed strong geographic gradients in forest value components across the region, with increases from west to east in aboveground biomass and in the abundance of timber and non-timber forest product trees and regeneration. Plots in communities in Pando, Bolivia, where the IOH remains in part unpaved, had the highest aboveground biomass, standing timber volumes and Brazil nut tree density. In contrast, communities in Madre de Dios, Peru, where settlements and unpaved portions of the IOH have existed for decades, and in Acre, Brazil, where paving of the IOH has been underway for more than a decade, were more degraded. Seven of the fifteen forest value components we measured increased with increasing distance from the IOH, although the magnitude of these effects was weak. Landscape scale remote sensing analyses showed much stronger effects of road proximity on deforestation. We suggest that remote sensing techniques including canopy spectral signatures might be calibrated to characterize multiple components of forest value, so that we can estimate landscape scale-impacts of infrastructure developments on both deforestation and forest degradation in tropical regions. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The pleasant taste and flavor of coffee are responsible for making it one of the most preferred and consumed beverages around the world. Industrial coffee plants usually roast both coffee and adulterants together, which affects directly the quality of the product, specially the sensorial characteristics of the drink. Therefore, this work aims the identification of adulterations in ground roasted coffees (due to the presence of husks and sticks) using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and the Successive Projections Algorithm for variable selection in association with Linear Discriminant Analysis (SPA-LDA). For this purpose, extracts of ground roasted coffees prepared in hot water alone (representing the final product as ingested by the consumers) were then analyzed. The proposed methodology obtained a 100% classification in both training and test sets, providing a simple and fast analysis of the aqueous extracts of ground roasted coffees. Moreover, it can also afford security to coffee consumers and regulatory agencies, preventing the fraudulent labeling.

Obesity and white adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation are associated with enhanced aromatization in women, but little is known about the regulation of aromatase (CYP19A1) gene expression in male WAT. We investigated the impact of weight gain and WAT inflammation on the regulation of CYP19A1 in males, by utilizing the hARO-Luc aromatase reporter mouse model containing a >100-kb 5′-region of the human CYP19A1 gene. We show that hARO-Luc reporter activity is enhanced in WAT of mice with increased adiposity and inflammation. Dexamethasone and TNFα, as well as forskolin and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, upregulate hARO-Luc activity, suggesting the involvement of promoters I.4 and I.3/II. Furthermore, we show that diet enriched with antioxidative plant polyphenols attenuates WAT inflammation and hARO-Luc activity in obese males. In conclusion, our data suggest that obesity-associated WAT inflammation leads to increased peripheral CYP19A1 expression in males, and that polyphenol-enriched diet may have the potential to attenuate excessive aromatization in WAT of obese men.

Aim The Inventory of Psychotic-Like Anomalous Self-Experiences (IPASE) is a self-report measure of minimal self-disturbance. The aim of the current report was to assess the construct validity of the scale by examining its convergent validity with the gold-standard measure of minimal self-disturbance, the Examination of Anomalous Self-Experience (EASE), and its discriminant validity. Method The sample consisted of 46 participants (21 ultra-high risk for psychosis patients, 14 first episode psychosis patients, 11 healthy controls). Correlations between the clinical instruments were examined. Results The IPASE correlated strongly with general psychopathology and positive psychotic symptoms, moderately with negative symptoms, and weakly with manic symptoms. The strongest correlation (r = 0.92) was apparent between IPASE and EASE total scores. Conclusion These preliminary data indicate construct validity of the IPASE, demonstrating both convergent and discriminant validity. The IPASE may be suitable as a screener measure for minimal self-disturbance, but should not be used as a replacement to measure the construct of minimal self-disturbance, which requires considerable psychopathological sophistication.

Considerable research has been conducted seeking risk factors and constructing prediction models for transition to psychosis in individuals at ultra-high risk (UHR). Nearly all such research has only employed baseline predictors, i.e. data collected at the baseline time point, even though longitudinal data on relevant measures such as psychopathology have often been collected at various time points. Dynamic prediction, which is the updating of prediction at a post-baseline assessment using baseline and longitudinal data accumulated up to that assessment, has not been utilized in the UHR context. This study explored the use of dynamic prediction and determined if it could enhance the prediction of frank psychosis onset in UHR individuals. An emerging statistical methodology called joint modelling was used to implement the dynamic prediction. Data from the NEURAPRO study (n = 304 UHR individuals), an intervention study with transition to psychosis study as the primary outcome, were used to investigate dynamic predictors. Compared with the conventional approach of using only baseline predictors, dynamic prediction using joint modelling showed significantly better sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios. As dynamic prediction can provide an up-to-date prediction for each individual at each new assessment post entry, it can be a useful tool to help clinicians adjust their prognostic judgements based on the unfolding clinical symptomatology of the patients. This study has shown that a dynamic approach to psychosis prediction using joint modelling has the potential to aid clinicians in making decisions about the provision of timely and personalized treatment to patients concerned.

Several analytical methods are available to evaluate virgin olive oil (VOO) minor compounds; however, multi-class methodologies are yet rarely studied. Herewith, LC-MS and GC–MS platforms were used to develop two methods capable of simultaneously determine more than 40 compounds belonging to different VOO minor chemical classes within a single run. A non-selective and highly efficient liquid-liquid extraction protocol was optimized for VOO minor components isolation. The separation and detection conditions were adjusted for determining phenolic and triterpenic compounds, free fatty acids and tocopherols by LC-MS, plus sterols and hydrocarbons by GC–MS. Chromatographic analysis times were 31 and 50 min, respectively. A comparative assessment of both methods in terms of analytical performance, easiness, cost and adequacy to the analysis of each class was carried out. The emergence of this kind of multi-class analytical methodologies greatly increases throughput and reduces cost, while avoiding the complexity and redundancy of single-chemical class determinations.

This work presents a simple and low-cost analytical approach to detect adulterations in ground roasted coffee by using voltammetry and chemometrics. The voltammogram of a coffee extract (prepared as simulating a home-made coffee cup) obtained with a single working electrode is submitted to pattern recognition analysis preceded by variable selection to detect the addition of coffee husks and sticks (adulterated/unadulterated), or evaluate the shelf-life condition (expired/unexpired). Two pattern recognition methods were tested: linear discriminant analysis (LDA) with variable selection by successive projections algorithm (SPA), or genetic algorithm (GA); and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Both LDA models presented satisfactory results. The voltammograms were also evaluated for the quantitative determination of the percentage of impurities in ground roasted coffees. PLS and multivariate linear regression (MLR) preceded by variable selection with SPA or GA were evaluated. An excellent predictive power (RMSEP = 0.05%) was obtained with MLR aided by GA.

Aim It is now necessary to investigate whether recovery in psychosis is possible without the use of antipsychotic medication. This study will determine (1) whether a first-episode psychosis (FEP) group receiving intensive psychosocial interventions alone can achieve symptomatic remission and functional recovery; (2) whether prolonging the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) in a sub-group according to randomisation will be associated with a poorer outcome and thereby establish whether the relationship between DUP and outcome is causative; and (3) whether neurobiological changes observed in FEP are associated with the psychotic disorder or antipsychotic medication. Baseline characteristics of participants will be presented. Methods This study is a triple-blind randomized placebo-controlled non-inferiority trial. The primary outcome is the level of functioning measured by the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale at 6 months. This study is being conducted at the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre, Melbourne and includes young people aged 15 to 24 years with a DSM-IV psychotic disorder, a DUP less than 6 months and not high risk for suicide or harm to others. Strict discontinuation criteria are being applied. Participants are also undergoing three 3-Tesla-MRI scans. Results Ninety participants have been recruited and baseline characteristics are presented. Conclusions Staged treatment and acceptability guidelines in early psychosis will determine whether antipsychotic medications are indicated in all young people with a FEP and whether antipsychotic medication can be safely delayed. Furthermore, the relative contribution of psychotic illness and antipsychotic medication in terms of structural brain changes will also be elucidated. The findings will inform clinical practice guidelines.

AIM: The 'ultra-high-risk' criteria identify a clinical population at substantially increased risk for progressing to schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Although a number of clinical variables predictive of transition to psychotic disorder have been identified within this population, the predictive value of the level of distress associated with attenuated psychotic symptoms has not yet been examined. This was the aim of the present study. METHOD: The level of distress (0-100) associated with attenuated psychotic symptoms was recorded for 70 ultra-high-risk (UHR) patients using the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental State (CAARMS). Transition to psychosis was assessed over a 16-month follow-up period. RESULTS: Of the 70 UHR patients, 15 transitioned to psychosis (21.4%). Of the four CAARMS subscales measuring attenuated positive symptoms, Perceptual Abnormalities was rated as the most distressing. There were no differences in CAARMS scales rated as the most distressing between those who transitioned to psychosis and those who did not. There was also no association between higher levels of distress associated with attenuated psychotic symptoms and transition to psychosis. CONCLUSION: Although the findings require replication, they indicate that the degree of distress associated with attenuated psychotic symptoms should not be used as a criterion for enriching UHR samples for risk of frank psychotic disorder.

In this paper, we propose a new methodology to identify adulterations in ground roasted coffees (due to the presence of husks and sticks) using digital images and the successive projections algorithm for variable selection in association with linear discriminant analysis (SPA-LDA). A simple document scanner was used for capturing the images, and a Petri dish support with eight circular holes (one for each sample) to be scanned was employed. Color histograms in the hue-luminosity-saturation (HLS) channels extracted from the digital images were used as input data and statistically evaluated using supervised pattern recognition techniques. For comparison with SPA-LDA, soft independent modeling by class analogy (SIMCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were also used. In general, SPA-LDA provided significantly better performance than the other classification models, reaching a mean accuracy of 92.5 % for both the training and test sets, while SIMCA and PLS-DA attained only 71.5 and 85.5 %, respectively. More specifically, all of the models presented high rates (above 90 %) for sensitivity and specificity (in the test set samples classification), except SIMCA, which presented a specificity rate of 76 %. Moreover, the SPA-LDA model generally showed the lowest classification error rates. As such, it is a more adequate chemometric tool for discriminating pure coffee samples and adulterated by husks and sticks. The proposed strategy avoided laborious sample preparation, and additional operational costs, assessing coffee adulteration by husks and sticks.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is considered a food with functional properties because it contains compounds that are associated with several health benefits. Considering the growing interest in the use of these seeds in the prevention of diseases and their potential for food industry, the present study offers initially scientific approaches, in the form of a bibliographic review highlighting the nutritional characteristics, technological and the physiological benefits associated with the consumption of quinoa in different types of diseases. The quinoa seeds, in the white and red variety, cultivated in Brazil and Bolivia were evaluated for their nutritional profiles and antioxidant activity, as well as their respective oils. The degreased seeds were analyzed through an experimental design, regarding the extraction conditions of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. A first order polynomial model was designed to evaluate the effects of the independent variables: temperature (32-68 ° C), time (6.5-19.5 h) and ethanol concentration (19-76%) on the extraction of total phenols (TFT), antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS) and identification and quantification of phenolics by high performance liquid chromatography. The optimal extraction conditions were analyzed using response surface methodology and obtained through the simultaneous maximization of the analyzed parameters. For the Brazilian white variety the maximum point of planning (68 ° C, 19.5 h, 76 % ethanol) obtained the highest responses for TFT, ABTS and phenolic concentration. Already for the white Bolivian, in the minimum conditions (32 ° C, 6.5 h, 19% ethanol) greater TFT and DPPH were identified; however, for the quantification of phenolics, the maximum conditions of temperature and ethanol concentration obtained higher responses (68 ° C, 6,5h, 76% ethanol). For Bolivian red quinoa, these same conditions were responsible for the statistically significant responses for all dependent variables and phenolic concentration. Among phenolic acids, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic, synapic, ferulic, salicylic and ellagic and, flavonoids, kampferol, myricetin, quercetin, catechin and rutin as the major, were the compounds responsible for the high antioxidant activity of the seeds. The statistical model demonstrated relevance in the use of the "green" solvent mixture in the extraction of phenolics from quinoa seeds. Similarly, the in natura oils extracted from the seeds presented high oxidative stability, with an induction period of up to 8.11 hours. The oils also obtained important importance as to the antioxidant capacity, so it was only necessary 7.65; 6.81 and 6.07 µL of the oils of the Brazilian, Bolivian and Bolivian red varieties respectively, to eliminate 50% of the DPPH free radical. It was also identified polyunsaturated fatty acids, presence of essential amino acids and nutritionally important minerals such as magnesium, manganese, iron and selenium in the constitution of the seeds. The white quinoa of Brazil was highlighted as to its nutritional quality compared to the other seeds analyzed. Therefore, the present study confirmed quinoa as a high antioxidant capacity food, with potential for use in health promotion and for the food industry. Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES A quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) é considerada um alimento com propriedades funcionais por conter compostos que estão associados a diversos benefícios à saúde. Considerando o interesse crescente no uso destas sementes na prevenção de doenças e no seu potencial para indústria de alimentos, o presente estudo oferece inicialmente abordagens científicas, em forma de revisão bibliográfica destacando as características nutricionais, tecnológicas e os benefícios fisiológicos associados ao consumo da quinoa em diferentes tipos de doenças. As sementes de quinoa, na variedade branca e vermelha, cultivadas no Brasil e na Bolívia foram avaliadas quanto aos seus perfis nutricionais e atividade antioxidante, assim como dos seus respectivos óleos. As sementes desengorduradas foram analisadas através de um delineamento experimental, quanto às condições de extração dos compostos fenólicos e atividade antioxidante. Um modelo polinomial de primeira ordem foi desenhado para avaliar os efeitos das variáveis independentes: temperatura (32-68 °C), tempo (6,5-19,5 h) e concentração de etanol (19-76%) sobre a extração de fenólicos totais (TFT), atividade antioxidante (DPPH; FRAP; ABTS) e identificação e quantificação dos fenólicos por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. As condições ótimas de extração foram analisadas utilizando metodologia de superfície de resposta e obtidas através da maximização simultânea dos parâmetros analisados. Para a variedade branca brasileira o ponto máximo do planejamento (68 °C; 19,5 h; 76% de etanol) obteve as maiores respostas para TFT, ABTS e concentração de fenólicos. Já para a branca boliviana, nas mínimas condições (32 °C; 6,5 h; 19% de etanol) foi identificado maior TFT e DPPH; contudo, para a quantificação de fenólicos, as condições máximas de temperatura e concentração de etanol obtiveram maiores respostas (68°C; 6,5h; 76% de etanol). Para quinoa vermelha boliviana estas mesmas condições foram responsáveis pelas respostas estatisticamente significativas para todas as variáveis dependentes e concentração de fenólicos. Dentre os ácidos fenólicos, os 2,5dihidroxibenzóico, sinápico, ferúlico, salicílico e elágico e, os flavonóides, kampferol, miricetina, quercetina, catequina e a rutina como majoritária, foram os compostos responsáveis pela elevada atividade antioxidante das sementes. O modelo estatístico demonstrou relevância na utilização da mistura de solventes “verdes” na extração de fenólicos das sementes de quinoa. Da mesma forma, os óleos in natura extraídos a partir das sementes apresentaram elevada estabilidade oxidativa, com período de indução de até 8,11 horas. Os óleos obtiveram também importante destaque quanto a capacidade antioxidante, de modo que foram necessários apenas 7,65; 6,81 e 6,07 µL dos óleos das variedades brancas brasileira e boliviana e vermelha boliviana, respectivamente, para eliminar 50% do radical livre DPPH. Foram identificados ainda ácidos graxos predominantemente poliinsaturados, presença de aminoácidos essenciais e minerais nutricionalmente importantes como magnésio, manganês, ferro e selênio na constituição das sementes. A quinoa branca do Brasil se destacou quanto a sua qualidade nutricional comparado às outras sementes analisadas. Dessa forma, o presente estudo confirmou a quinoa como alimento de elevada capacidade antioxidante, apresentando potencial de uso na promoção da saúde e para indústria alimentícia.

Crushing is a key step during olive oil extraction. Among commercial crushers, the hammer mill is the most widely used due to its robustness and high throughput. In the present work, the impact of hammer mill rotor speed on extraction yield and overall quality of super-high-density Arbosana olive oils were assessed in an industrial facility. Our results show that increasing the rotor speed from 2400rpm to 3600rpm led to a rise in oil yield of 1.2%, while conserving quality parameters. Sensory analysis showed more pungency with increased rotation speed, while others attributes were unaffected. Volatile compounds showed little variation with the differences in crusher speed; however, total phenols content, two relevant secoiridoids, and triterpenoids levels increased with rotor speed. Hammer mill rotor speed is a processing variable that can be tuned to increase the extraction efficiency and modulate the chemical composition of extra virgin olive oil.

The quality of the coffee depends on several factors related to all stages of production, from the choice of species (or varieties) and from the transformations during the roasting to the preparation of the beverage. However, quality can be altered by the illicit practice of adulteration, which consists of contamination by husks and sticks and other adulterants to roasted and ground coffee. Thus, tampering causes the alteration of sensory properties and causes costly damage to the soil due to the high coffee consumption by Brazilians. In view of the above, the following work proposes the development of new, simple, fast and low-cost methodologies combining the use of digital images and ultraviolet and visible molecular absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis) with the methods of recognition of supervised standards such as SIMCA, PLS-DA and SPA-LDA, for the construction of chemometric classification models. In fact, the constructed models discriminated and classified the adulterated coffees of the non-adulterated coffees, which can be verified through the performance evaluation parameters of the models, related to accuracy, sensitivity and specificity in the training and test sets presented in Table 1.1 and Table 1.2. Therefore, the best results were obtained for the digital and ultraviolet (UV) images with the PLS-DA and SPA-LDA modeling compared to SIMCA modeling. In the modeling of the digital images, the PLS-DA presented the following percentage of correctness for the training and test sets, according to Table 1.1: PLS-DA accuracy (73.0%), sensitivity (69.0%) and specificity (76.0%); accuracy (90.0%), sensitivity (94.0%) and specificity (85.0%) and SPA-LDA ; accuracy (95.0%), sensitivity (95.0%) and specificity (95.0%); SIMCA accuracy (60.0%), sensitivity (80.0%) and specificity (51.1%); accuracy (82.5%), sensitivity (93.3%) and specificity (76.0%). In the modeling of the ultraviolet (UV) aqueous extracts the PLS-DA, SPA-LDA and SIMCA presented the following percentage of correct answers for the training and test sets according to Table 1.2. PLS-DA accuracy (96.8%), sensitivity (97.3%) and specificity (96.1%); accuracy (97.4%), sensitivity (100.0%) and specificity (94.7%); SPA-LDA accuracy (100,0%), sensitivity (100,0%) and specificity (100,0%); accuracy (100.0%), sensitivity (100.0%) and specificity (100.0%); SIMCA accuracy (73.0%), sensitivity (62.2%) and specificity (88.5%); accuracy (79.5%), sensitivity (65.0%) and specificity (94.7%). Therefore, the proposed methodologies developed can ensure the purchase of coffee marketed without the presence of the adulterant, husks and sticks. In this way, it will be possible to mitigate costly damages to society and help the quality control of the coffee to the inspection and commercialization (MAPA, ANVISA and ABIC). Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq A qualidade do café depende de diversos fatores relacionados a todas as etapas da produção, desde a escolha da espécies (ou variedades) e das transformações durante a torrefação até o preparo da bebida. Entretanto, a qualidade pode ser alterada pela prática ilícita da adulteração, que consiste na contaminação por cascas e paus e outros adulterantes ao cafe torrado e moído.Desse modo, a adulteração provoca a alteração das propriedades sensorias e ocasiona danos onerosos à socidade devido ao elevado consumo de cafés pelos brasileiros. Em face do exposto, o seguinte trabalho propõe, o desenvolvimento de novas metodologias, simples, rápidas e de baixo custo, que combine o uso das imagens digitais e a espectroscopia de absorção molecular do ultravioleta e visível (UV- Vís) com os métodos de reconhecimento de padrão supervisionados como o SIMCA, PLS-DA e SPA-LDA, para a construção dos modelos quimiométricos de classificação. De fato, as modelagens construídas discriminaram e classificaram os cafés adulterados dos não adulterados, que podem ser comprovada através dos parâmetros de avaliação de desempenho dos modelos, relacionados a acúracia, sensibilidade e especificidade nos conjuntos de treinamento e teste, apresentados nas Tabela 1.1 e Tabela 1.2. Portanto os melhores resultados, foram obtidos para as imagens digitais e o ultravioleta (UV) com as modelagens do PLS-DA e SPA-LDA em comparação a modelagem do SIMCA. Na modelagem das imagens digitais, o PLS-DA apresentou os seguintes percentuais de acertos para os conjuntos de treinamento e teste, conforme a Tabela 1.1: PLS-DA acúracia (73,0%),sensibilidade (69,0%) e especificidade (76,0%) ; acúracia (97,0%), sensibilidade (100,0%) e especificidade (95,2%) e o SPA-LDA acurácia (90,0%), sensibilidade (94,0%) e especificidade (85,0%) ; acurácia (95,0%), sensibilidade (95,0%) e especificidade (95,0%); SIMCA acúracia (60,0%), sensibilidade (80,0%) e especificidade (51,1%) ; acúracia (82,5%),sensibilidade (93,3%) e especificidade (76,0%). Na modelagem dos extratos aquosos pelo ultravioleta (UV) o PLS-DA, SPA-LDA e SIMCA apresentaram os seguintes percentuais de acertos para os conjuntos de treinamento e teste, segundo a Tabela 1.2: PLS-DA acúracia (96,8%), sensibilidade (97,3%) e especificidade (96,1%) ; acúracia (97,4%), sensibilidade (100,0%) e especificidade (94,7%); SPA-LDA acúracia (100,0%), sensibilidade (100,0%) e especificidade (100,0%) ; acúracia (100,0%), sensibilidade (100,0%) e especificidade (100,0%) ; SIMCA acúracia (73,0%), sensibilidade (62,2%) e especificidade (88,5%); acúracia (79,5%), sensibilidade (65,0%) e especificidade (94,7%). Portanto, as propostas de metodologias desenvolvidas, podem assegurar a compra dos cafés comercializados sem a presença do adulterante, cascas e paus. Dessa forma, será possível atenuar danos onerosos a sociedade e auxiliar o controle de qualidade dos cafés aos orgãos de fiscalização e comercialização (MAPA, ANVISA e ABIC).

Decreased brain activity in the frontal region, as indicated by increased slow wave EEG power measured by electrodes place on the skull over this area, in association with negative symptoms has previously been shown to distinguish ultra-high risk (UHR) individuals who later transitioned to psychosis (UHR-P) from those who did not transition (UHR-NP). The aims of the current study were to: 1) replicate these results and 2) investigate whether similar association between increased frontal slow wave activity and functioning shows any value in the prediction of transition to psychosis in UHR individuals. The brain activity, recorded using EEG, of 44 UHR individuals and 38 healthy controls was included in the analyses. Symptom severity was assessed in UHR participants and functioning was measured in both groups. The power in the theta frequency band in the frontal region of UHR individuals was higher than in controls. However, there was no difference between the UHR-P and the UHR-NP groups, and no change in slow frequency power following transition to psychosis. The correlation between delta frequency power and negative symptoms previously observed was not present in our UHR cohort, and there was no association between frontal delta or theta and functioning in either group. Increased delta power was rather correlated with depressive symptoms in the UHR group. Future research will be needed to better understand when, in the course of the illness, does the slow wave activity in the frontal area becomes impaired.

Inclusion of 'attenuated psychosis syndrome (APS)' in the DSM-5 has been hotly debated because of the concern about stigmatising young patients with a 'psychosis risk' label. This study aimed to investigate whether current labeling terms such as 'at risk mental state', 'ultra-high risk' (UHR) and 'APS' are suitable for people who are at risk of psychosis. This study included 105 subjects (55 patients aged 15-25years who used an early interventional service to prevent psychosis and 50 professionals who worked with them). A questionnaire regarding their opinions about the stigma associated with the above labels and the Mental Health Consumers' Experience of Stigma scale were administered. The patients were less likely than the professionals to agree that there was stigma associated with the terms 'UHR' and 'APS'. Significantly more patients with a family history of psychosis and those who had transitioned to psychosis agreed that there was stigma associated with the term 'UHR' and/or that this term should be changed. Patients who agreed with the negative attitude items for the three labeling terms and the need to change the terms 'UHR' and 'schizophrenia' showed significantly higher scores on the Stigma scale. In conclusion, patients at risk of psychosis may experience less stigma related to labels than expected by professionals, suggesting that mental health professionals may not be able to help patients unless they listen to their views on nosological and treatment issues rather than make assumptions. Previous stigmatising experiences may have strengthened the stigma attached to this label.

Background Ever since the establishment of strategies for identifying people at ultra-high risk (UHR) of developing psychosis about twenty years ago, much research has been conducted in seeking risk factors and in developing prediction models for predicting which UHR individuals will actually make a transition to psychosis. The goal is to provide specific interventions to those of high susceptibility. Such research almost invariably uses fixed predictor variables, typically variables assessed at baseline, i.e. service entry. Interest has now emerged to investigate whether the dynamic nature of psychopathology can be used to improve prediction of the onset of psychosis. As studies on UHR individuals usually require follow-up of participants over time, the longitudinal nature of these studies provides the opportunity to capture the dynamic characteristics of psychopathology by conducting multiple assessments across the study period. The idea is that prediction can be updated continuously as more information about changes in patients’ conditions are obtained. Over the past two decades, statistical methodology that can combine the time-to-transition aspect and the longitudinal aspect of UHR studies into one model has emerged. The methodology is called joint modelling. Methods The aim is to describe the joint modelling methodology and to demonstrate how joint modelling can be used to develop a prediction model for transition to psychosis. The data from the NEURAPRO Study was used for the demonstration. This study was a multi-centre placebo-controlled randomized trial of the effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on transition risk in UHR individuals. The sample size was 304. Study assessments were conducted monthly during the first 6 months and then at months 9 and 12. There were in total 40 known transitions. Results Compared with the conventional approach of using only fixed predictors, joint modelling prediction models showed significantly better sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios. Discussion Joint modelling is a useful statistical tool which can improve the prediction of the onset of psychosis and has the potential in guiding the provision of timely and personalized treatment to patients concerned.

Crushing of the olive fruit is the first operation for olive oil extraction. The hammer mill is one of the most popular devices used in modern facilities due to its easy maintenance and high product output. The effect of hammer mill rotor speed and sieve design, including screen size and screen open area on extraction yield, overall quality and minor component composition, is evaluated at the laboratory scale. Quality parameters such as free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), and UV absorbances (K232, K270, and ΔK) are unaltered by crushing parameters. Extraction efficiency, chlorophylls content, total phenol content, 3,4‐DHPEA‐EDA, and p‐HPEA‐EDA increase with faster hammer mill rotor speed and smaller screen size. Volatiles (E)‐2‐hexenal, hexanal, 1,5‐hexadiene‐(3,4)‐diethyl, 3‐ethyl‐1,5‐octadiene, and (E)‐2‐hexenol are only affected by screen size. Screen open area is found to be a relevant factor regarding extraction efficiency, chlorophylls, total, and individual phenols as well as the volatile compounds 1,5‐hexadiene (3,4)‐diethyl, 3‐ethyl‐1,5‐octadiene, hexanal, and (E)‐2‐hexenal. Practical Application: It is found that screen open area is a relevant factor regarding extraction efficiency, chlorophylls, total and individual phenols and volatile compounds, in addition to the screen size and rotor speed. This is useful information for millers who are interested in optimizing extraction efficiency as well as the minor compounds of extra virgin olive oil. Hammer mill sieve design impacts extraction efficiency, chlorophylls, total and individual phenols, and the volatile compounds during laboratory‐scale extraction of olive oil.

Risperidone is metabolized by polymorphic enzymes, and a large variability in plasma concentration and therapeutic response is observed. Risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI) avoids the first-pass effect, and little is known about the influence of gene polymorphisms involved in its pharmacokinetics. The influence on plasma concentrations of risperidone (RIS), its metabolite 9-hydroxy-risperidone, and on adverse effects were investigated for polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) (*3, *4, *5, *6), CYP3A (CYP3A4*1B, CYP3A4 rs4646437, CYP3A5*3, CYP3A7*1C), ABCB1 (1236C>T, 2677G>T, 3435C>T), NR1/2 coding for pregnane X receptor (rs1523130, rs2472677, rs7643645), and for CYP3A activity measured by a phenotyping test. Forty-two patients with at least 4 consecutive unchanged doses of RLAI were included in a multicenter cross-sectional study. A 55% lower dose-adjusted plasma levels of RIS were observed for CYP2D6 ultrarapid metabolizers (n = 5) as compared with CYP2D6 intermediate metabolizers (P < 0.007). NR1/2 polymorphism (rs7643645A>G) influenced RIS exposure with a 2.8-fold lower active moiety (P = 0.031) in GG compared with the AA genotype. This was confirmed in a second independent cohort (n = 16). Furthermore, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was positively correlated with CYP3A activity (P = 0.01), and the NR1/2 (rs2472677) polymorphism was associated with different adverse effects including prolactin plasma levels adjusted for age and sex. In conclusion, our results confirmed the influence of CYP2D6 genotype on plasma levels of RIS. This is the first report on the influence of NR1/2 polymorphisms on RLAI exposure and on drug-induced adverse effects. These results should be validated in larger cohorts.

A prebiotic is a nonviable food component that confers a health benefit on the host associated with modulation of the microbiota. Hemicelluloses are the second most common group of polysaccharides in nature and they occur in plant cell walls. The predominant hemicellulose in softwood species is galactoglucomannan, and based on its chemical structure and information available about similar saccharides, galactoglucomannan may be postulated to have prebiotic properties. In this study we demonstrated that Bifidobacterium species are able to ferment hemicellulose-derived saccharides. Significant stimulatory effects on the growth rates of bifidobacteria were found when galactoglucomannan or its hydrolysis products were present. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strain Bb12, a commonly used probiotic, was able to adapt to the galactoglucomannan leading to more efficient utilization of hemicellulose-derived saccharides. Our study demonstrates prebiotic properties for galactoglucomannan and warrants the next step, that is, characterization of the effects of galactoglucomannan in food.

BACKGROUND: While reduction of DUP (Duration of Untreated Psychosis) is a key goal in early intervention strategies, the predictive value of DUP on outcome has been questioned. We planned this study in order to explore the impact of three different definition of "treatment initiation" on the predictive value of DUP on outcome in an early psychosis sample. METHODS: 221 early psychosis patients aged 18-35 were followed-up prospectively over 36 months. DUP was measured using three definitions for treatment onset: Initiation of antipsychotic medication (DUP1); engagement in a specialized programme (DUP2) and combination of engagement in a specialized programme and adherence to medication (DUP3). RESULTS: 10% of patients never reached criteria for DUP3 and therefore were never adequately treated over the 36-month period of care. While DUP1 and DUP2 had a limited predictive value on outcome, DUP3, based on a more restrictive definition for treatment onset, was a better predictor of positive and negative symptoms, as well as functional outcome at 12, 24 and 36 months. Globally, DUP3 explained 2 to 5 times more of the variance than DUP1 and DUP2, with effect sizes falling in the medium range according to Cohen. CONCLUSIONS: The limited predictive value of DUP on outcome in previous studies may be linked to problems of definitions that do not take adherence to treatment into account. While they need replication, our results suggest effort to reduce DUP should continue and aim both at early detection and development of engagement strategies.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Language: en

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Consciência como fenômeno biológico pode consistir de diferentes estados sensoriais, sentimentos e emoções. Comportamentos especializado, ações sofisticadas de comunicação, meta-cognição, interação social, orientação especial, use de mapas mentais para navegação e memória espaciais, apontam para tipos diferentes de processamentos consciente em gêneros que não o Homo. O presente trabalho busca identificar a auto-percepção em diferentes espécies, com testes do espelho em Callithrix jacchus e com testes de auto-localização em Dinoponera quadriceps. O comportamento de C. jacchus no espelho foi catalogado utilizando dois protocolos diferentes: com marca e sem marca. A capacidade de navegação de D. quadriceps durante o forrageio, foi calculada considerando três diferentes categorias: (1) acesso livre ao ninho/recurso, (2) acesso direto bloqueado por objeto opaco; e 3) bloqueado por objeto transparente. Nossos resultados apontam para auto-percepção e mambas as espécies, com C. jacchus apresentando comportamentos de verificação de contingência, auto-observação, além de utilizar a imagem refletida para observar o ambiente e reagir a marca. D. quadriceps foram capazes de perceber sua própria localização no ambiente e calcular caminhos curtos até a colônia após obter o recurso alimentar, em todos os três tipos de testes. Aqui nós apresentamos evidência de estados conscientes em outras espécies que não vertebrados. Consciousness, as a biological phenomenon, may consists of states of feeling, sensation or awareness. Specialized behaviour, sophisticated actions of communication, metacognition, social interaction, spatial orientation, the use of mental maps for navigation, and spatial memory, all point to conscious processing in genus other than Homo. This work aims to identify self-awareness states in two different species: using mirror self-recognition tests in Callithrix jacchus, and using self-perception tests in Dinoponera quadriceps. Displays of C. jacchus self-recognition using a mirror, were appraised with two protocols: no mark and with mark. D.quadriceps navigational capability displays during foraging trips to food resource, were appraised considering three different tests categories: (1) free access, (2) blocked by opaque object; and 3) blocked by clear object. Our results show self-perception in both studied species. With marmosets displaying contingency check behaviour to the specular image, self-observation, environmental exploration using the mirror as a tool and little, but significant mark reactions. Tocandiras were able to perceive its own location and to calculate short return paths to the colony after obtaining the food resource in all three types of tests. Here we provide further evidence of conscious states for species other than vertebrates.

The heat island phenomenon (HI) in the city of Manaus was studied using the urban climate modeling with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and meteorological weather station data. The surface temperature (ST) data from the environmental satellite MODIS Aqua, product MYD11A2 with a horizontal resolution of 1 km by 1 km for the period 2002 to 2012 were used to evaluate the urbanization process in Manaus city. A case study was conducted with the simulated ST and air temperature (AT) for the months of August and September 2009, which were compared respectively with the satellite data and meteorological weather station data. The spatial distribution of ST in the city was identified, and the ST differences between the urban and the forest areas and between the urban and river areas were quantified. The ST difference across the longitude bands 60,03° W to 59,97° W and across the latitude bands 3,09° S a -3,03° S were analyzed with WRF data and MODIS data. The intensity of the HI estimated with the AT from the model and the meteorological stations were on average respectively of 1,87 °C and 1,80 °C, consistent with previous results. Therefore, the simulated AT can be used to estimate the intensity ofHI in Manaus. © 2016, Sociedade Brasileira de Meteorologia. All Rights reserved.

Submitted by Hiolanda Rêgo (hiolandarego@gmail.com) on 2015-03-25T15:21:54Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação_ICS_ Ludmila Porto Mendes Polari.pdf: 1622619 bytes, checksum: 95b9c669923025a1b43b0a5623e3ab64 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-25T15:21:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação_ICS_ Ludmila Porto Mendes Polari.pdf: 1622619 bytes, checksum: 95b9c669923025a1b43b0a5623e3ab64 (MD5) Introdução. A leishmaniose cutânea (LC) causada por Leishmania braziliensis é caracterizada por forte resposta imune do tipo Th1, importante para a eliminação do parasito, mas associada com o desenvolvimento das lesões. Apesar dos vários estudos sobre a imunologia da LC, vários aspectos sobre os estágios iniciais da infecção permanecem desconhecidos. Os receptores toll-like (TLR) são expressos em diversos tipos celulares, como monócitos, e a ativação desses receptores está associada à síntese de citocinas pró-inflamatórias, que iniciam a resposta imune inata. Entretanto, ainda não se tem certeza do papel dos TLRs na LC humana. Objetivo: Caracterizar a expressão dos TLRs 2 e 4 nas subpopulações de monócitos de pacientes com leishmaniose cutânea. Materiais e métodos: As expressões dos TLRs 2 e 4 e de TNF e de IL-10 foram avaliadas por citometria de fluxo nas subpopulações de monócitos de 37 pacientes com LC e 21 indivíduos sadios (CS), ex-vivo e após infecção in vitro com L. braziliensis marcados com CFSE. Resultados: A expressão dos TLRs 2 e 4, ex-vivo e após infecção com L. braziliensis, foi maior nos pacientes com LC quando comparada com CS. A expressão desses receptores é maior nos monócitos infectados com L. braziliensis em relação aos não infectados, e também é maior nas células CD14highCD16+ (monócitos intermediários) quando comparado com células CD14highCD16- (monócitos clássicos) e CD14lowCD16+ (monócitos não-clássicos). A expressão intracelular de TNF e de IL-10 foi maior nos monócitos CD14high (clássicos e intermediários) infectados com L. braziliensis que expressam os TLRs 2 e 4. Conclusão: O aumento na expressão dos TLRs 2 e 4 em monócitos de pacientes com LC, após infecção com L. braziliensis, está associado ao aumento intracelular de TNF, sugerindo que a ativação desses receptores pode contribuir para a forte resposta inflamatória observada na leishmaniose tegumentar.

The Use of Immunohistochemistry Improves the Diagnosis of SCLC. An International Reproducibility Study in a Demanding Set of Cases

Aim: Duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) refers to the time elapsing between psychosis onset and treatment initiation. Despite a certain degree of consensus regarding the definition of psychosis onset, the definition of treatment commencement varies greatly between studies and DUP may be underestimated due to lack of agreement. In the present study, three sets of criteria to define the end of the untreated period were applied in a first-episode psychosis cohort to assess the impact of the choice of definition on DUP estimation. Methods: The DUP of 117 patients admitted in the Treatment and Early Intervention in Psychosis Program Psychosis in Lausanne was measured using the following sets of criteria to define treatment onset: (i) initiation of antipsychotic medication; (ii) entry into a specialized programme; and (iii) entry into a specialized programme and adequate medication with a good compliance. Results: DUP varied greatly according to definitions, the most restrictive criteria leading to the longest DUP (median DUP1 = 2.2 months, DUP2 = 7.4 months and DUP3 = 13.6 months). A percentage of 19.7 of the patients who did not meet these restrictive criteria had poorer premorbid functioning and were more likely to use cannabis. Longer DUP3 was associated with poorer premorbid functioning and with younger age at onset of psychosis. Conclusion: These results underline the need for a unique and standardized definition of the end of DUP. We suggest that the most restrictive definition of treatment should be used when using the DUP concept in future research.