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Emerging infectious diseases are a major cause of amphibian declines worldwide. Two of these diseases are amphibian chytridiomycosis caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and a viral disease caused by different ranaviruses (Rv). Whereas Bd is known to be widespread in Brazil, Rv was only recently detected in natural habitats. We therefore investigated the co‐occurrence of Bd and Rv in wild tadpoles in the southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest from 21 ponds. Because infection by Bd might cause immune suppression in the host, we hypothesized that tadpoles infected with Bd would be more prone to infection with Rv than Bd‐free individuals, hence presenting higher Rv loads. Surprisingly, co‐infection was rare (less than 6% of the sampled specimens), and we did not find evidence that Bd would facilitate Rv infection. On the other hand, we detected Rv in 38% of tadpoles (125 out of 324), representing twice the prevalence of Bd in the same populations. We tested the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on infection by each pathogen on tadpoles, and we detected a positive relationship between forest cover and infection by Rv, whereas no relationship was found for Bd infection. Based on the putatively low rate of co‐infection and high prevalence of Rv in wild anuran populations, we advocate for the inclusion of Rv screening and monitoring in addition to Bd in conservation‐oriented amphibian surveys. Only surveying both diseases will provide a complete picture of amphibian disease‐related declines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on analyzing parameter identifiability in foam displacement models during two‐phase flow in porous media, with a particular emphasis on calibrating relative permeability and foam parameters. We employ the profile likelihood technique and Bayesian inference for identifiability analysis. Successful parameter estimation is demonstrated through steady‐state experiments for relative permeability and foam quality scan experiments when both types of experimental data are available and obtained from the same core sample. However, non‐identifiability issues arise when only foam quality scan data is accessible. Additionally, we investigated a standard practice that fits foam parameters using foam quality scan data obtained from one core sample and permeability values obtained from another core sample, but from the same reservoir. Our results show that this practice is ineffective in correctly estimating foam parameters, leading to misestimation of crucial foam model parameters. These findings underscore the importance of a mandatory relative permeability experiment on a representative core sample from the reservoir for accurate characterization of foam parameters. Without it, misestimation of foam model parameters hinders the proper understanding of foam effects on sweeping porous media. Plain Language Summary: Using foam during water and gas injection in porous media enhances efficiency but requires careful parameter calibration. Computer simulations aid understanding, but when relying on limited data, some parameters may be challenging to estimate accurately. Our study focuses on identifying parameters in foam displacement models, crucial for correctly characterizing foam effects. We show that fitting relative permeability on unrelated core samples is ineffective, leading to misestimation. To accurately understand the impact of foam on porous media, a mandatory relative permeability experiment on a representative core from the reservoir is essential. Non‐identifiable parameters hinder proper foam model characterization, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive experimental approaches. Key Points: Parameter misestimation and non‐identifiability issues hinders foam flow models in porous media when working with limited experimental dataDifferent scenarios underscore the importance of Bayesian inference and profile likelihood in parameter identifiability analysisIt is essential to characterize relative permeability on a representative core sample before estimation of foam model parameters [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mineralized dermal layer (MDL) is found in most terrestrial anurans. Its thickness represents on average up to 8% of that of the entire skin. It has been proposed that it may reduce body water loss, act on homeostasis, support skin structure, or conversely, it may be a currently functionless trait constrained by groups' evolutionary history. We described the MDL morphology of 11 Brachycephalus species, terrestrial, miniaturized and microendemic anurans, and tested for its relationship with climate of higher latitude regions of the Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil. All species presented MDL, described with two distinct morphological patterns: homogeneous or heterogeneous MDL, the latter distinguishable by MDL with dorsal or lateral expansion, sometimes up to the limit of the epidermis and comprising up to 50% of the thicknesses of the entire skin. Climate differed between locations by MDL morphological group, less rainy or seasonally less rainy where species with heterogeneous MDL occur. Our results indicate that the abundance of calcium in MDL and its heterogeneous condition suggest its adaptive function in reduce water loss. Such adaptations in anurans in very humid highlands reinforce the mountains' propensity for rapid loss of humidity, demystifying them as an extremely abundant source of water. This is the third study that tested the relationship between the MDL morphology and the environment where species occur and the first that correlated this structure with the climate of anurans of the same habit and distributed in a single habitat, the Atlantic Rainforest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the interaction of three solar wind (SW) structures, two stream interaction regions, and one interplanetary coronal mass ejection, with Mars' plasma environment during November 20--27, 2007. This period corresponds to the solar minimum between the solar cycles 23 and 24 which was characterized by very low values of the SW density and dynamic pressure and low interplanetary magnetic field magnitude. During that time the Mars Express orbit was in the terminator plane, while the Earth, Sun, and Mars were almost aligned, so we use the Advance Composition Explorer and Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory probes as SW monitors in order to identify and characterize the structures that later hit Mars. We find that the passage of these structures caused strong variations in the bow shock location (between 2.2 and 3.0 RM), compression of the magnetospheric cavity (up to 45%), and an increased transterminator flow below 2 RM (by a factor of ≤ 8). This study shows that during times of low solar activity, modest space weather phenomena may cause large variations of plasma flow at Mars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability in type 2 diabetic patients has been previously shown to be altered in certain brain regions such as the basal ganglia and the hippocampus. Because of the histological and functional similarities between the BBB) and the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), we aimed to investigate how the permeability of both barriers predicts visual outcome. We included 2 control groups (acute unilateral stroke patients, n = 9; type 2 diabetics without BRB leakage n = 10) and a case study group of type 2 diabetics with established BRB leakage (n = 17). We evaluated sex, age, disease duration, metabolic impairment, retinopathy grade and BBB permeability as predictors of visual acuity at baseline, 12 and 24 months in the type 2 diabetics without BRB leakage group and the case study group. We have also explored differences in BBB permeability in the occipital lobe and frontal lobe in the 3 different groups. Ktrans (volume transfer coefficient) and Vp (fractional plasma volume) were estimated. The BBB permeability parameter Vp was higher in the case study group compared to the unaffected hemisphere of the stroke patient control group, suggesting vascular dynamics were changed in the occipital lobe of type 2 diabetics with established BRB leakage. These patients showed a significant correlation between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels and occipital and frontal Ktrans. We report for the first time that occipital BBB permeability is an independent predictor of visual acuity at baseline, as well as at 12 and 24 months, in type 2 diabetics with established BRB leakage. Our results suggest that occipital BBB permeability might be an independent biomarker for visual impairment in patients with established BRB leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the intake of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs) intake by athletes prevents soreness, little is known concerning their role in exercise performance. This study assessed the effects of ibuprofen intake on an exhaustive protocol test after 6 weeks of swimming training in rats. Animals were divided into sedentary and training groups. After training, animals were subdivided into two subsets: saline or ibuprofen. Afterwards, three repeated swimming bouts were performed by the groups. Ibuprofen (15 mg/kg) was administered once a day. Pain measurements were performed and inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters were assayed in cerebral cortex and gastrocnemius muscle. Training, ibuprofen administration, or both combined ( P < 0.05; 211 ± 18s, 200 ± 31s, and 279 ± 23s) increased exercise time to exhaustion. Training decreased the acetylcholinesterase ( AChE) activity ( P < 0.05; 149 ± 11) in cerebral cortex. Ibuprofen intake decreased the AChE activity after exhaustive protocol test in trained and sedentary rats ( P < 0.05; 270 ± 60; 171 ± 38; and 273 ± 29). It also prevented neuronal tumor necrosis factor-α ( TNF-α) and interleukin ( IL 1β) increase. Fatigue elicited by this exhaustive protocol may involve disturbances of the central nervous system. Additive anti-inflammatory effects of exercise and ibuprofen intake support the hypothesis that this combination may constitute a more effective approach. In addition, ergogenic aids may be a useful means to prevent exercise-induced fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immunological biomarkers profiles were evaluated using Luminex as putative measures to monitor canine mammary carcinomas ( MCs). Forty female dogs were categorized into benign mixed tumour ( MC-BMT = 28) and mammary carcinoma ( MC=12). The ascendant biomarker signatures were used to compare the groups. For example, a higher frequency of MC-BMT animals producing IL-6, CXCL-8 and CXCL-10 was observed, whereas for the MC group IL-2 and CXCL-8 were detected. MC-BMT animals without metastasis had an increase in the levels of IL-2, CXCL-8, CXCL-10, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-15 and a decrease in IL-10 and CXCL-8. MC-BMT animals with metastasis showed only an increase in CXCL-10 and a decrease in IL-18. After comparing the ascendant signatures following the presence of metastasis in both groups, a higher frequency of dogs exhibiting IL-10 production was observed. Pearson correlation ( P = 0.0273) and receiver operating characteristic ( ROC) curve analysis revealed that this pattern was associated with worse outcome and lower survival rates in MC animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Individuals with shoulder pain commonly present changes in scapular movement and pathoanatomic alterations in the rotator cuff tendons. However, these may not be the main contributors or source of pain in the shoulder. This study compared scapular kinematics and the frequency of pathoanatomic findings across both shoulders of individuals with unilateral shoulder symptoms. Methods: One-hundred and twelve patients (38.1 ± 14.2 years) with unilateral shoulder pain completed the study. Three-dimensional scapular kinematics was measured during arm elevation. The presence of tendinopathy and partial tear of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A two-way ANOVA (side x angle of arm elevation) was conducted for each scapular rotation. Chi-square tests were used to compare MRI findings. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The interactions and main effect of side for scapular internal rotation (mean difference; 95% confidence interval: 0.5°; -0.4°, 1.6°), upward rotation (-0.8°; -1.8°, 0.1°) and posterior tilt (0.3°; -0.6°,1.2°). Supraspinatus tendinopathy (~68%), infraspinatus tendinopathy (~7%), partial tear in the supraspinatus (~17%) and infraspinatus (~5%) tendons were equally present in both shoulders (p > 0.05). Discussion: Scapular movement and pathoanatomic abnormalities in the rotator cuff are similar across shoulders of individuals with unilateral shoulder pain. Process evaluation: Psychosocial aspects should be investigated to help decision-making in the management of patients with shoulder pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panama disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), is ranked among the most destructive diseases of banana. The use of resistant varieties is the most desirable and effective control measure. Information on the pathogen population structure is essential, as durability of the resistance and effective cultivar deployment are strongly linked to this structure. In this study, 214 Foc isolates from different banana producing states in three regions of Brazil (northeastern, southeastern and southern) were analysed. Initially, nine microsatellite markers ( SSR) were tested, which revealed 52 distinct haplotypes distributed in the different geographical regions and cultivars. While amova analysis showed that 68·01% of the total variation occurred within states, correlation between genetic and geographical distances was only found in the southern region. Results indicated that isolates from different states comprise a single population, which is predominantly clonal. When isolates representing different haplotypes were inoculated in four banana cultivars, differences in severity were found, with the high severity values being caused by isolates from haplotypes H7, H31 and H41. The diversity found here points to the need for additional studies, as this characteristic may be related to Foc's evolutionary potential and possibly to its ability to overcome the resistance from breeding programme-generated cultivars. This is the most comprehensive study on population biology of Foc in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective Several studies have suggested a link between periodontal disease and preterm birth, but the mechanism of how this occurs remains controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether periodontal disease, defined according to two commonly used clinical definitions, is associated with preterm birth and to examine the association regarding oral health-related behaviors during pregnancy. Material and Methods This case-control study included women 18-40 years of age. Demographic and socio-economic data, information on current and previous pregnancies, and data on dental health-related behaviors and periodontal clinical parameters were collected within 48 h postpartum. Periodontal disease was assessed according to two definitions: four or more teeth with at least one site showing a probing depth of ≥ 4 mm and clinical attachment level of ≥ 3 mm (Definition 1); or at least one site with probing depth and clinical attachment level of ≥ 4 mm (Definition 2). The chi-square test was used to examine differences in the proportion of categorical variables. Bivariate analysis was performed to analyze the proportion of preterm births with respect to independent variables. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between periodontal disease and preterm birth. Odds ratios ( ORs) were calculated with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results A total of 296 postpartum women met the inclusion criteria. The case group included 74 women who delivered a preterm neonate (< 37 wk of gestation) and the control group included 222 women with deliveries at term (≥ 37 wk). Periodontal disease according to Definition 1 was not associated with fewer weeks of gestation (adjusted OR ( ORadjusted) = 1.62; 95% CI = 0.80-3.29; p = 0.178). However, a significant association was found between periodontal disease, according to Definition 2, and preterm birth ( ORadjusted = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.14-3.43; p = 0.015). Increased appetite and a low number of daily toothbrushings were associated with preterm birth, regardless of the definition of periodontal disease used. Conclusion Periodontal disease defined according to Definition 2 and unfavorable oral health-related behavior were factors associated with preterm birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire is considered an important factor in influencing the physiognomy, dynamics and composition of Neotropical savannas. Species of diverse physiognomies exhibit different responses to fire, such as population persistence and seed mortality, according to the fire frequency to which they are submitted. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of heat shocks on seed germination of Anadenanthera macrocarpa (Benth.) Brenan, Dalbergia miscolobium Benth., Aristolochia galeata Mart. & Zucc., Kielmeyera coriacea (Spreng.) Mart. and Guazuma ulmifolia Lam., which are native species of the Brazilian savanna. The temperatures and exposure times to which the seeds were submitted were established according to data obtained in the field during a prescribed fire: 60 °C (10, 20 and 40 min), 80 °C (5, 10 and 20 min) and 100 °C (2, 5 and 10 min). Untreated seeds were used as controls. Seeds of A. galeata and K. coriacea showed high tolerance to most heat treatments, and seeds of A. macrocarpa showed a significant reduction in germination percentage after treatments of 80 °C and 100 °C. Treatments of 100 °C for 10 min reduced germination percentage for all species except G. ulmifolia, which has dormant seeds. For this species, germination was accelerated by heat treatments. The high temperatures applied did not interfere with the time to 50% germination (T50) of the tolerant seeds. Seeds of the savanna species K. coriacea and A. galeata were more tolerant to heat shocks than seeds of the forest species A. macrocarpa. Guazuma ulmifolia, the forest species with seeds that germinate after heat shock, also occurs in savanna physiognomies. Overall, the high temperatures applied did not affect the germination rate of the tolerant seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Target-controlled infusion (TCI) anesthesia using target effect-site concentration rather than plasma concentration provides less drug consumption, safer anesthesia, less undesired side effects and improved animal welfare. The aim of this study was to calculate the constant that converts propofol plasma into effect-site concentration ( ke0) in dogs, and to implement it in a TCI system and compare it with the effect on the central nervous system (CNS). All dogs were subjected to general anesthesia using propofol. Fourteen dogs were used as the pilot group to calculate ke0, using the tpeak method. Fourteen dogs were used as the test group to test and validate the model. Rugloop ii® software was used to drive the propofol syringe pump and to collect data from S/5 Datex monitor and cerebral state monitor. The calculated ke0 was incorporated in an existing pharmacokinetic model (Beths Model). The relationship between propofol effect site concentrations and anesthetic planes, and propofol plasma and effect-site concentrations was compared using Pearson’s correlation analysis. Average tpeak was 3.1 min resulting in a ke0 of 0.7230 min−1. The test group showed a positive correlation between anesthetic planes and propofol effect-site concentration ( R = 0.69; P < 0.0001). This study proposes a ke0 for propofol with results that demonstrated a good adequacy for the pharmacokinetic model and the measured effect. The use of this ke0 will allow an easier propofol titration according to the anesthetic depth, which may lead to a reduction in propofol consumption and less undesired side effects usually associated to high propofol concentrations in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the design of groundwater monitoring networks to detect contamination with nitrates from agricultural origin. This is a problem that has been in the minds of the general public, scientists, governmental agencies, and legislators for some time now. If one looks at European statistics, despite still incomplete data, in 13% of the regions the 50 mg/l European water quality standard for drinking water (Drinking Water Directive, 98/83/EC) is exceeded in more than 25% of the monitoring stations. A compliance groundwater nitrate-monitoring network is developed for a case study in the south of Portugal (Gabbro of Beja aquifer system), using both variance-reduction and space-filling approaches. In the first the variance of the error of estimation obtained by ordinary kriging is used, after building a covariance model, and the objective is to minimize the average kriging variance. In the second approach a criterion for the quality of spatial coverage is used, usually based on a metric. The objective here is also usually to minimize a function of the metric (criterion). The search for a solution is made in an iterative manner, by replacing one station, analyzing the result, and deciding whether to keep the solution or not. Due to the enormous number of possible combinations even for small networks, a structured search method, the simulated annealing method, is used to obtain the final network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for designing groundwater monitoring networks to define the extent of agricultural contamination is proposed. The method is particularly well suited to reducing existing networks where data are missing from time series records. A simulated annealing optimization algorithm is used to minimize the variance of the estimation error obtained by kriging in combinatorial problems, created by selecting an optimal subset of stations from the original set. Optimization is performed for several measuring times, obtaining an equal number of optimized small-dimension networks; stations that repeat more often in these networks are selected to make part of the final network. A compliance groundwater nitrate monitoring network in the south of Portugal is used to illustrate the method. The original 89-station network was converted into 16 stations. Results show that considerable reductions in operating costs (about 80%) are compatible with a cost-effective network capable of detecting noncompliance with national and European norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canavan disease, an inherited leukodystrophy, is caused by mutationsin the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene. It is most common among children of Ashkenazi Jewish descent but has been diagnosed in many diverse ethnic groups.Two mutations comprise the majority of mutant alleles in Jewish patients, while mutations in the ASPA gene among non-Jewish patients are different and more diverse. In the present study, the ASPA gene was analysed in 22 unrelated non-Jewish patients with Canavan disease, and 24 different mutations were found. Of these, 14 are novel, including five missense mutations (E24G, D68A, D249V, C152W, H244R), two nonsense mutations (Q184X, E214X), three deletions (923delT, 33del13, 244delA), one insertion mutation (698insC), two sequence variations in one allele ([10T > G; 11insG]), an elimination of the stop codon (941A > G, TAG → TGG, X314W), and one splice acceptor site mutation (IVS1 − 2A > T). The E24G mutation resulted in substitution of an invariable amino acid residue (Glu) in the first esterase catalytic domain consensus sequence. The IVS1 − 2A > T mutation caused the retention of 40 nucleotides of intron 1 upstream of exon 2. The results of transient expression of the mutant ASPA cDNA containing these mutations in COS-7 cells and assays for ASPA activity of patient fibroblasts indicated that these mutations were responsible for the enzyme deficiency. In addition, patients with the novel D249V mutation manifested clinically at birth and died early. Also, patients with certain other novel mutations, including C152W, E214X, X314W, and frameshift mutations in both alleles, developed clinical manifestations at an earlier age than in classical Canavan disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary 1 The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of acute and chronic exposure of rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells to elevated cAMP, using forskolin, dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP) or isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), on endogenous dopamine content and release and on [[sup 3]H]-1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ([[sup 3]H]-MPP[sup +]) uptake and release, under basal conditions and under KCl-stimulation. 2 Cultured PC12 cells synthetized and accumulated large amounts of dopamine, but not noradrenaline or adrenaline. The release of dopamine by the cells was markedly increased in response to 50 m m KCl. 3 Acute and chronic treatment of the cells with forskolin (30 μ m), but not IBMX (100 μ m), slightly increased the spontaneous release of dopamine and significantly decreased the release induced by 50 m m KCl. 4 Chronic treatment of the cells with forskolin (30 μ m), but not IBMX (100 μ m), markedly decreased the cellular content of dopamine. 5 Cultured PC12 cells removed and accumulated [[sup 3]H]-MPP[sup +], which, similarly to dopamine, was released by KCl. 6 Acute treatment of the cells with forskolin (30 μ m) or db-cAMP (2.5 m m), but not IBMX (100 μ m), slightly increased the spontaneous release, but did not affect KCl-induced release of [[sup 3]H]-MPP[sup +]. On the other hand, chronic treatment of the cells with forskolin produced, on [[sup 3]H]-MPP[sup +], similar effects to those obtained for dopamine. 7 Acute and chronic treatment of the cells with reserpine (50 n m) produced similar results to those obtained with forskolin on either dopamine or [[sup 3]H]-MPP[sup +] handling. 8 In conclusion, cAMP, similarly to reserpine, increases the spontaneous release and decreases the KCl-induced release of [[sup 3]H]-MPP[sup +] and dopamine. This suggests that cAMP impairs the vesicular monoamine transporter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty-two asthmatic children aged 4 to 13 years (mean 9.6) were enrolled in this open 12-month study of budesonide, 200 mcg bid, administered by tube-spacer inhaler (INHALET®, ASTRA DRACO). The aim of the study was to assess long-term safety, as well as efficacy, of budesonide in children whose asthma was not adequately controlled by their current therapy. Children attended the clinic every three months for assessment of lung function and height. In addition, an adrenal function test and routine clinical chemistry and haematology were performed. Parents completed diary cards once each week, recording the child's PEF, asthma symptoms, β2-agonist consumption and other medication (no prophylactic drugs or other inhaled steroids were allowed and oral steroids were used for emergency treatment only). There were significant increases in all clinic lung function tests (baseline to last visit) and in diary card PEF (first 3 months vs last 3 months). These were accompanied by decreases in asthma symptoms and use of β2-agonists or other medication. There was no indication that growth was affected by study treatment and basal adrenal function (basal cortisol) did not change significantly throughout the study. The adrenal response to Synacthen had actually increased significantly by the end of the study. No serious adverse events were associated with budesonide treatment. In conclusion, regular budesonide therapy was associated with a significant improvement in lung function and symptoms over one year. Budesonide was well-tolerated by the children and appeared to have no adverse influence on either growth or adrenal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terbutaline (Bricanyl®) 0.5 mg t.i.d. administered via Turbuhaler® was compared with fenoterol (Berotec®) 0.2 mg t.i.d. administered via Inhalator Ingelheim® in 36 asthmatic children aged 7-12 years. The study was of an open crossover design with two randomly allocated treatment periods, each lasting 2 weeks. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were measured at clinic visits before study start and at the end of each treatment period. The patients records peak expiratory flow (PEF) before and after inhaler use, morning and evening. They also recorded asthma symptoms and number of extra inhalations. At the end of, the study, children and parents were asked for inhaler preference. No differences between the treatments were found concerning the results of the lung function measurements at the clinic or at the PEF measurement at home. No differences were found between the treatments as regards asthma symptoms or number of extra inhalations. Two patients experienced mild side effects during fenoterol treatment, none during terbutaline treatment. Treatment with terbutaline in Turbuhaler was preferred by a majority of children and parents. In conclusion, in this group of asthmatic children, treatment with terbutaline administered via Turbuhaler was as efficacious as treatment with fenoterol administered via Inhalator Ingelheim. There was a clear preference in favor of the Turbuhaler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To investigate the efficacy and safety of Bimatoprost Unit Dose Preservative Free ( BUDPF) and Latanoprost Unit Dose Preservative Free ( LUDPF) in a clinical setting. Methods Prospective, randomized, investigator-masked, cross-over comparison. Patients with ocular hypertension or open angle glaucoma ( OAG) with an IOP less than or equal to 21 mmHg with a preserved prostaglandin monotherapy at screening were washed out and randomized to receive BUDPF or LUDPF for 3 months and were then switched to the other respective treatment for another 3 months. IOP curves were performed at baseline and after each treatment period, and safety and tolerability were assessed at the two latter timepoints. Results Both drugs were effective in lowering IOP, both at 3 and at 6 months (estimated differences compared to baseline pressures: −4.0 ± 0.5 for both BUDPF and LUDPF, p < 0.01 at 3 months; −5.2 ± 0.5 for BUDPF, −3.4 ± 0.5 for LUDPF, both p < 0.01 at 6 months). Analysis at 6 months (primary endpoint) showed a difference of 1.6 ± 0.5 mmHg between the two groups, favoring BUDPF (p < 0.01). An intra-subject IOP difference of 0.9 ± 0.2 mmHg in favor of BUDPF was observed (p < 0.01). Conclusions This study demonstrate a superior efficacy of BUDPF over LUDPF in lowering IOP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the clinical phenotype modulation of hemophilia by prothrombotic gene mutations. Factor concentrate utilization; Number of spontaneous bleeding episodes between carriers or noncarriers of prothrombotic mutations; Levels of antithrombin; Prevalence of prothrombotic risk factors.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Cardioembolic stroke and ischemic small bowel infarction in a Chagas’ disease patient," published in a previous issue.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ligaments play crucial roles in its function or dysfunction. The objective of this study was to describe the macro and microscopic morphology of these ligaments in domestic pigs, aiming to: (1) expand knowledge about the species; (2) provide anatomical references for advancing veterinary therapy and utilizing pigs as animal models in craniofacial research. Heads of young Sus scrofa domesticus were dissected to identify TMJ ligaments. Fragments of these ligaments were collected and processed for subsequent histological analysis with Haematoxylin and eosin staining. The results were qualitatively described. Pigs exhibited a TMJ reinforced by three individualized capsular ligaments: a lateral ligament, attaching to the ventral margin of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone and the lateral margin of the mandibular neck; a caudomedial ligament, attaching to the retroarticular process of the squamous part of the temporal bone and the caudomedial margin of the mandibular neck and a caudolateral ligament, attaching to the ventral margin of the base of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone and the caudal margin of the mandibular neck. The lateral ligament exhibited a greater constitution of dense irregular connective tissue, while the caudomedial and caudolateral ligaments showed a greater constitution of dense regular connective tissue. It is concluded that the TMJ of pigs presents one more ligament than horses, cattle, dogs, cats and what has been described for pigs themselves. We believe these results may contribute to the improvement of veterinary clinical and surgical therapy overall, as well as provide essential morphological information for a better interpretation and application of interspecies results in craniofacial research using pigs as an experimental model, as in the case of humans., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Purpose: To characterize the lifestyle and nutritional risk profile associated with the Mediterranean diet in a Portuguese population with and without age-related macular degeneration (AMD)., Methods: Nested case-control study (n = 883) within the Coimbra Eye Study, including 434 subjects with AMD and 449 age- and sex-matched subjects without AMD. All enrolled subjects underwent a full risk assessment, including lifestyle-related risk factors and a thorough food frequency questionnaire. This allowed us to build an adherence score to the Mediterranean diet (mediSCORE, range 0-9) constructed from individual food intakes. Food intake was also further analysed by conversion to micronutrient consumption., Results: Our results suggest that physical activity has a protective role in AMD [p = 0.018 after multivariate adjustment, OR: 0.69 (0.51-0.93)]. High (mediSCORE ≥6) was also found to be protective [p = 0.041, OR: 0.62 (95% CI: 0.38-0.97)]. Food group analysis unveiled a specific protective role for increased fruits consumption (p = 0.029). Finally, micronutrient analysis revealed a protective role associated with increased consumption of caffeine, fibres, beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: High mediSCORE appears to confer protection against the development of AMD in a Mediterranean population. This effect is driven by increased consumption of fruits and some antioxidant micronutrients, which emerged as statistically significant protective factors. Further studies are required to establish dietary recommendations with clinical application., (© 2018 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Purpose: To determine the age- and sex-specific prevalence of early and late age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in two Portuguese population-based samples and to identify its risk factors., Population: A population of 6023 adults aged ≥55 years was recruited from two Portuguese primary healthcare units in the central region of Portugal - one from a coastal (n = 3000) and another from an inland town (n = 3023)., Methods: Cross-sectional population-based study. Participants were enrolled in the two locations between August 2009 and October 2013. Responders underwent standardized interviews and ophthalmologic examination, including digital fundus imaging. All fundus photographs were graded according to an International Classification and Grading System. The main outcome measures consisted of age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of early and late AMD. Potential epidemiologic risk factors were also evaluated using logistic regression analysis., Results: Of the 6023 subjects enrolled, 5996 had gradable fundus images and were included in the analysis. The crude prevalence of early and late AMD was 6.99 and 0.67%, respectively, for the coastal town and 15.39 and 1.29% for the inland town. Age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of any AMD for the Portuguese population was 12.48% (95% CI: 11.61-13.33) with late AMD accounting for 1.16% (95% CI: 0.85-1.46). Neovascular AMD (NV-AMD) and geographic atrophy (GA) accounted for 0.55% (95% CI: 0.36-0.75) and 0.61% (95% CI: 0.37-0.84) of individuals, respectively. After adjusting for possible confounding factors, prevalence of early and late AMD increased with increasing age (OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.23-1.49 for early and OR = 3.01; 95% CI: 2.22-4.08 for late AMD, per each decade of age increase, p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, sex, family history, smoking history, hypertension, diabetes and BMI, subjects from the inland town presented a significantly higher OR of early and late AMD than subjects from the coastal town (OR = 2.57, 95% CI: 2.12-3.12, p < 0.001 for early and OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.07-3.95, p = 0.029 for late AMD)., Conclusions: The prevalence of early and late AMD in this Portuguese population was similar to other large-scale population-based cohorts. After controlling for confounders, age and study site of inclusion were significant independent predictors for both early and late forms of the disease. Further analysis will be needed to completely unravel the underlying reasons for this difference regarding geographic location., (© 2016 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

In the title compound, C(11)H(7)NO(4), there is a dihedral angle of 45.80 (7)° between the planes of the benzene and maleimide rings. The presence of O-H···O hydrogen bonding and weak C-H···O interactions allows the formation of R(3)(3)(19) edge-connected rings parallel to the (010) plane. Structural, spectroscopic and theoretical studies were carried out. Density functional theory (DFT) optimized structures at the B3LYP/6-311 G(d,p) and 6-31++G(d,p) levels are compared with the experimentally determined molecular structure in the solid state. Additional IR and UV theoretical studies allowed the presence of functional groups and the transition bands of the system to be identified.

The genetic component of susceptibility to malaria is both complex and multigenic and the better-known protective polymorphisms are those involving erythrocyte-specific structural proteins and enzymes. In vivo and in vitro data have suggested that pyruvate kinase deficiency, which causes a nonspherocytic haemolytic anaemia, could be protective against malaria severity in humans, but this hypothesis remains to be tested. In the present study, we conducted a combined analysis of Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the pyruvate kinase-encoding gene (PKLR) and adjacent regions (chromosome 1q21) to look for malaria selective signatures in two sub-Saharan African populations from Angola and Mozambique, in several groups with different malaria infection outcome. A European population from Portugal, including a control and a pyruvate kinase-deficient group, was used for comparison. Data from STR and SNP loci spread along the PKLR gene region showed a considerably higher differentiation between African and Portuguese populations than that usually found for neutral markers. In addition, a wider region showing strong linkage disequilibrium was found in an uncomplicated malaria group, and a haplotype was found to be associated with this clinical group. Altogether, this data suggests that malaria selective pressure is acting in this genomic region.

In the title 2:1 adduct, C(14)H(10)O(4)S(2)·0.5C(10)H(8)N(2)O(2), which arose from an unexpected oxidation of a precursor, the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings in the disulfide is 82.51 (11)°. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by O-H⋯O, O-H⋯N and C-H⋯O interactions, generating sheets.

In the title compound, C(8)H(10)N(2)S, the o-tolyl group and the thio-urea core are planar. The mean planes of the two groups are almost perpendicular [82.19 (8)°]. The thio-urea group is in the thio-amide form, in which resonance is present. In the crystal structure, mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular N-H⋯S hydrogen bonds, forming two infinite chains parallel to the (110) and (10) planes.

Allele alpha LELY is a low-expression allele of the erythroid spectrin alpha-gene. It carries mutations in exon 40 (alpha V/41 polymorphism) and intron 45, respectively, and is associated with partial skipping of exon 46. The latter phenomenon is thought to impair the recruitment of alpha-chains by beta-chains, and would eventually account for the low-expression character. When it occurs in trans to an alpha-allele responsible for hereditary elliptocytosis (alpha HE allele; alpha HE/alpha LELY diplotype), allele alpha LELY enhances the severity of elliptocytosis. Because allele alpha LELY is widespread, we anticipated that it would occasionally carry HE determinants. These variants of allele alpha LELY will be designated alpha HE-LELY allele. The HE component was the known alpha 28 Arg-->His mutation. This alpha HE-LELY allele was investigated within the alpha HE-LELY/alpha LELY diplotype, a diplotype not described before. Except for the neonatal period, the presentation was mild. In a consistent manner, the alpha LELY component in cis of the alpha HE mutation counteracted the like component in trans.

We have studied a Portuguese family with a dominant beta-thalassaemia trait that was present in one member of each of three generations. It was characterized by a moderate anaemia, microcytosis and hypochromia, anisopoikilocytosis, Heinz body formation in peripheral red cells, splenomegaly, and a blood transfusion requirement during pregnancy. Sequence analyses of amplified DNA detected a deletion of (G) TG.GCT.GGT.GT(G) at codons 134-137 (Val.Ala.Gly.Val) and the insertion of (G)GC.AG(G) (Gly.Arg) at the same location. Thus, the resulting beta chain has an abnormal structure only at codons 134-137 and is two residues shorter than the normal 146 residues. This chain could not be detected in circulating red cells and must be degraded rapidly by proteolysis because the Heinz bodies consisted mainly of alpha chains.