Search

We present the first record of Distimake ternifoliolus (Pittier) A.R.Simões & Staples (Convolvulaceae) from the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado). This is a rare species, previously known only from the savannas of the Venezuelan Llanos and the Guianas. We provide a key characters, data on geographic distribution, habitat, conservation status, flowering and fruiting period, updated distribution maps and a key for Distimake Raf. species from Ceará. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of green areas in urbanized cities is crucial to reduce the negative impacts of urbanization. However, these areas can influence the signal quality of IoT devices that use wireless communication, such as LoRa technology. Vegetation attenuates electromagnetic waves, interfering with the data transmission between IoT devices, resulting in the need for signal propagation modeling, which considers the effect of vegetation on its propagation. In this context, this research was conducted at the Federal University of Pará, using measurements in a wooded environment composed of the Pau-Mulato species, typical of the Amazon. Two machine learning-based propagation models, GRNN and MLPNN, were developed to consider the effect of Amazonian trees on propagation, analyzing different factors, such as the transmitter's height relative to the trunk, the beginning of foliage, and the middle of the tree canopy, as well as the LoRa spreading factor (SF) 12, and the co-polarization of the transmitter and receiver antennas. The proposed models demonstrated higher accuracy, achieving values of root mean square error (RMSE) of 3.86 dB and standard deviation (SD) of 3.8614 dB, respectively, compared to existing empirical models like CI, FI, Early ITU-R, COST235, Weissberger, and FITU-R. The significance of this study lies in its potential to boost wireless communications in wooded environments. Furthermore, this research contributes to enhancing more efficient and robust LoRa networks for applications in agriculture, environmental monitoring, and smart urban infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enforcing practice standards for cardiac monitoring in intensive care units (ICUs) has been shown to reduce misdiagnoses and inappropriate interventions. Continuous professional development (CPD) programs are committed to aligning clinical practices with recommended standards. The crucial initial phase in CPD development involves assessing the training needs of the targeted population. Objective: To assess the training needs of ICU nurses in cardiac monitoring. The overarching goal was to formulate a focused Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program geared towards implementing standard practices in cardiac monitoring. Methods: This study employed a generic qualitative approach with a descriptive design, utilizing interviews and focus groups from July to September 2018. Involving 16 ICU nurses. Content analysis was employed, encompassing transcription, fluctuant and iterative reading, unitization, categorization, coding, description, and interpretation. Results: All nurses recognized cardiac monitoring’s importance in the ICU but reported barriers to its effective implementation which were related to factors that could addressed by a CPD as insufficient knowledge and skills. Training needs were identified in both clinical and technical aspects, with recommendations for practical and theoretical activities and e-learning strategies. Barriers related to organizational aspects (equipment and communication within the healthcare team) were also mentioned. Conclusion: ICU nurses presented clear and specific training needs related to cardiac monitoring as knowledge, skills, and competencies. Other organizational aspects were also reported as barriers. Addressing these learning needs through targeted CPD aligned with organizational initiatives can contribute to enhancing the quality of cardiac monitoring practices in ICUs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal infections are a global public health challenge, especially among immunocompromised patients. Basidiomycetous yeasts, such as Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, have emerged as opportunistic pathogens, but have received less attention than Cryptococcus neoformans. This study aimed to characterize the polysaccharides of R. mucilaginosa and compare them with those of C. neoformans, analyzing their clinical implications. Comprehensive physicochemical, mechanical, and ultrastructural analyses of polysaccharides from both species were performed, revealing correlations with virulence and pathogenicity. R. mucilaginosa cells are surrounded by a capsule smaller than that produced by C. neoformans, but with similar polysaccharides. Those polysaccharides are also secreted by R. mucilaginosa. Cross-reactivity with R. mucilaginosa was observed in a diagnostic C. neoformans antigen test, using both in vitro and in vivo samples, highlighting the need for more reliable tests. Some R. mucilaginosa strains exhibited virulence comparable to that of C. neoformans in an invertebrate experimental model (Tenebrio molitor). This study contributes to a deeper understanding of yeast pathogenicity and virulence, highlighting the need for more accurate diagnostic tests to improve the differential diagnosis of infections caused by basidiomycetous yeasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 3-3-1 models, anomaly cancellation requires that one of the three families of quarks transforms as triplet by SU 3 L , with the other two transforming necessarily as anti-triplet. This is an important feature of the model because, with it, we explain family replication. Thus it is mandatory to discriminate which of the families will transform as triplet by SU 3 L because the main consequence of anomaly cancellation in 3-3-1 models is the arising of processes violating flavor at the tree level by means of neutral currents mediated by gauge and scalar fields, and each case leads to different results. In this work, we consider the 3-3-1 model with right-handed neutrinos. Among the spectrum of 3-3-1 particles that contribute to the flavor changing neutral processes, there is a pseudoscalar that may be the lightest of the 3-3-1 particles, and this then should give the main contribution to such processes. We then calculate its contribution to the K 0 − K ¯ 0 mixing transition and confront it with the current experimental results. We do this for the three cases in which one of the family of quarks transforms as a triplet by SU 3 L . According to our findings, each case leads to different constraints on the mass of the pseudoscalar, and the case in which the third family of quarks transforms as triplet seems to be the favoured one. We also obtain the most stringent bounds on the mass of the pseudoscalar of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to investigate the monocyte count and its association with nutritional status in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: a cross-sectional study carried out at a Neurodevelopmental Center in the south of Brazil, with 68 ASD patients aged 3 to 18 years. The number of monocytes (per mm3 ) was determined in blood samples. Nutritional status was defined as BMI-for-age according to WHO standards. The Children’s Eating Behaviour Questionnaire and a standard questionnaire to collect sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were administered to caregivers. Comparisons between sociodemographic, clinical, and eating behavior variables were performed with parametric tests. Linear regression was used to test the association between nutritional status and monocyte count. Results: mean age was 8.6 ± 3.3 years, 79 % were males and 66 % were overweight. In the unadjusted regression overweight was associated with higher monocyte counts compared to those non-overweight (B: 64.0; 95 % CI, 13.9 to 114.1; β: 0.30, p = 0.01). This association remained significant after adjustment for the subscale of “emotional overeating” (B: 37.0; 95 % CI, 17.1 to 91.3; β: 0.29; p = 0.02). The variability in monocyte count attributed to overweight was 14 %. Conclusions: overweight is associated with a higher monocyte count in children and adolescents with ASD. Nutritional intervention to control overweight is essential to mitigate the negative impact on inflammatory activity and immune dysfunction in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the role of 3CLpro protease for SARS-CoV-2 replication and knowing the potential of flavonoid molecules like rutin, myricetin, and baicalein against 3CLpro justify an investigation into their inhibition. This study investigates possible bonds and reactivity descriptors of rutin, myricetin, and baicalein through conformational and electronic properties. Density functional theory was used to determine possible interactions. Analyses were carried out through the molecular electrostatic potential, electron localization function, Fukui function descriptors based on frontier orbitals, and non-covalent interactions. A docking study was performed using a resolution of 1.55 Å for 3CLpro to analyze the interactions of rutin, myricetin, and baicalein. Scores of structures showed that rutin is the best ligand, followed by myricetin and baicalein. Docking studies showed that baicalein and rutin can establish effective interactions with residues of the catalytic dyad (Cys145 and His41), but just rutin forms a hydrogen bond. Myricetin, in turn, could not establish an effective interaction with Cys145. Baicalein interaction arose with active residues such as Arg188, Val186, Gln189, and Gln192. Interactions of rutin and myricetin with Arg188 and Gln189 were also found. A critical interaction was observed only for rutin with the hydroxyls of ring A with His41, and also for Cys145 with rings B and C, which is probably related to the highest score of rutin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pyrolysis process consists of the thermal decomposition of biomass in an inert atmosphere, which produces a liquid (bio-oil) composed of a complex mixture of organic compounds, including an oil and water phase. The aqueous fraction can reach up to 45% w/w, and understanding its composition is of utmost importance in determining its intended destination, whether for the reuse of compounds in industrial applications or for treating the effluent for disposal. In this study, a fast, direct, and efficient method using ultra-high-performance supercritical fluid chromatography (UHPSFC) was developed and optimized for monitoring phenols in aqueous samples obtained from the pyrolysis processing of six different biomass sources. The following parameters were evaluated for method optimization: stationary phase type, mobile phase flow, organic modifier, sample diluent, temperature, pressure, and modifier gradient time. With a total analysis time of 26 min, out of the fourteen (14) investigated phenolic compounds, eleven (11) were successfully separated after method optimization, and among them, five (5) were quantified in all six aqueous fractions. The aqueous fractions of residue from cowpea pod (1.89 mg.mL−1), sugar apple (3.09 mg.mL−1), and acerola (4.79 mg.mL−1) presented lower concentrations compared to grape (8.16 mg.mL−1), pine nuts (6.68 mg.mL−1), and guava (6.05 mg.mL−1) fractions. However, even at lower concentrations, all biomasses showed promising results regarding the phenolic compound content, analytes that have high added value for the chemical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To present suggestions for behavioral competency development for engineers and Engineering students to work in Industry 4.0. Originality/value: A human-machine collaboration model (with artificial intelligence application) is proposed for training engineering professionals for the workplace. The behavioral skills for Industry 4.0 to be developed in Engineering degree programs and the quality of evidence of their inclusion in such programs of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro [UFRJ]) are assessed. Design/methodology/approach: The engineer-machine collaboration model draws on Design Thinking (Brown, 2010) and cognitive modeling of engineers based on a model of logical reasoning (Paul & Elder, 2002), integrating the cognitive model with a model of information flows in human-machine interactions (Riley, 1989). A competency model for Industry 4.0 (Prifti et al., 2017), interviews with leaders of Engineering schools of UFRJ, addressing their planning for the implementation of the new National Curriculum Guidelines for Engineering programs (Resolução no. 2, 2019), and application of the GRADE approach (Balshem et al., 2011) supported the identification of evidence of behavioral competencies for Industry 4.0 in the undergraduate programs. Findings: Engineering professionals train their critical analysis and decision-making skills while the machine searches for and processes information and performs simulations. Low quality evidence was found for the training of undergraduates in emotional intelligence, decisionmaking, and customer relations. No evidence was identified of training in self-management, entrepreneurship, and understanding of the business model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new Australian genus in the orb-weaving spider family Araneidae Clerck, 1757 is described, Kangaraneus gen. nov., with K. arenaceus (Keyserling, 1886) comb. nov. (New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia) as the type species and also including two other species: Kangaraneus amblycyphus (Simon, 1908) comb. nov. (Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia) and K. farhani sp. nov. (Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania). The new genus is included in the informally termed Australasian 'backobourkiine' clade due to the presence of its putative synapomorphies, specifically a single patellar macroseta on the male pedipalp and its median apophysis forming an arch over the radix. It includes medium-sized orb-weaving spiders (total length 3-12 mm) with distinct humeral humps on the almost triangular abdomen. Therefore, within the backobourkiines, it is somatically most similar to Novakiella Court & Forster, 1993 but differs considerably in male genitalic characters, including a C-shaped median apophysis with an acute tip. Genitalia are most similar to those in Quokkaraneus Castanheira & Framenau, 2023 from which the new genus differs by the lack of the white colouration and the shape of the abdomen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to evaluate the existence and intensity of interactions between the years and the intermediate regions of the state of Mato Grosso, for the variables of production and production value, and their main differences. In the present study, the AMMI model was applied, from a Bayesian perspective, to two data sets with an experimental design in randomized blocks with 31 years in 5 different intermediate regions, for the variables of soybean production in thousand tons and production value of soybean in thousand R$. The model did not reveal interaction between regions and years for the variable production in tons, however it did reveal some interaction for the variable production value in millions of R$. In both variables, there was an interaction between the region of Barra do Garças and Cuiába, and only for the variable production value there was an interaction between Barra do Garças and Rondonópolis. The biplots showed similar comportment at its ends for the regions of Cáceres and Sinop. In both variables, there was interaction between the years 1990 to 2008, and 2008 to 2020, both temporal cuts of lower and higher averages. The present research, in addition to evaluating the main interactions of the years in the main intermediate regions of the state and their nuances, generated results that can attract both internal and external investors such as China and other countries interested in this sector, and also be applied to other cultures in the state, and in other areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present contribution proposes an active vibration control technique devoted to shafts with cracks aiming to minimize their propagation. The existence of a crack in rotating shafts can be characterized by 2 X and 3 X super-harmonic amplitudes in the vibration responses of the rotor, which can increase as the crack propagates along the shaft's cross-section. A proportional-integral-derivative control technique is applied to suppress the 2 X and 3 X vibration amplitudes of a cracked shaft, which is performed by using a bandpass filter applied to the vibration responses of the rotor. Numerical and experimental results are obtained through both a representative finite element model of a horizontal rotor and its corresponding test-rig. In this case, electromagnetic actuators are used to apply the control effort to the rotor. The Mayes model is applied for simulating the breathing behavior of the transverse crack. The linear fracture mechanics theory is considered to correlate the crack depth with the corresponding additional rotor flexibility. Both numerical and experimental results demonstrate the possibility of reducing the effects of a transverse crack through active control on the dynamic behavior of a rotating machine. Moreover, it is shown that the proposed control law is capable of controlling the crack effects with the rotor operating in different rotation speeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a framework to study the entanglement structure of a quantum field theory inspired by the formalism of particle detectors in relativistic quantum information. This framework can in principle be used to faithfully capture entanglement in a QFT between arbitrary-shaped regions of spacetime without encountering UV divergences, bypassing many of the issues typically present in other approaches. Our results also establish the limits of the efficiency of entanglement harvesting, and may also be used to motivate an operational definition of entanglement between spacetime subregions in field theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four treatments were established to evaluate the effect of delayed first exogenous feeding and subsequent feeding periods on the development of goldfish larvae. The fasting and feeding periods were arranged as follows: T1 (0DFA:30DF), T2 (4DFA:26DF), T3 (8DFA:22DF), and T4 (12DFA:18DF), where DFA are the days of fasting and DF are the days of feeding. The larvae were kept in community tanks for each repetition, with 75 larvae per tank (3.75 larvae L-1). There was no significant difference in total length or final weight between larvae submitted to 0, 4, and 8 days of feed deprivation. However, larvae submitted to 12 DFA had higher values of the same variables than the other treatments. No significant difference in larval survival was observed between T1, T2, and T3, but T4 negatively influenced survival. Under the conditions evaluated, the point of no return was 4 DFA. Dead larvae were partly eaten in the fasting treatments. The delayed first feeding should be avoided in large-scale productions since it significantly reduces survival during cultivation. This article results from research funded by the Pescarte Environmental Education Project (PEA/IBAMA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-abietate and Cu-abietate complexes were obtained by a low-cost and eco-friendly route. The synthesis process used Pinus elliottii resin and an aqueous solution of CuSO4/CoSO4 at a mild temperature (80 °C) without organic solvents. The obtained complexes are functional pigments for commercial architectural paints with antipathogenic activity. The pigments were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mass spectrometry (MS), thermogravimetry (TG), near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and colorimetric analysis. In addition, the antibacterial efficiency was evaluated using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test, and the antiviral tests followed an adaptation of the ISO 21702:2019 guideline. Finally, virus inactivation was measured using the RT-PCR protocol using 10% (w/w) of abietate complex in commercial white paint. The Co-abietate and Cu-abietate showed inactivation of >4 log against SARS-CoV-2 and a MIC value of 4.50 µg·mL−1 against both bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The results suggest that the obtained Co-abietate and Cu-abietate complexes could be applied as pigments in architectural paints for healthcare centers, homes, and public places. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration and number of recovered oocytes (ROOC) are phenotypic parameters associated with in vitro embryo production (IVEP). More recently, anogenital distance (AGD) has been proposed as a proxy for fertility in dairy cattle that is easy to collect at a low cost. The aim of this study was to characterize the AGD and its phenotypic and genetic associations with AMH and IVEP in Bos indicus Gyr dairy cattle. The hypothesis was that the number of ROOC, in vitro–produced embryos, and AMH concentration would increase as the AGD decreases. From July to December 2021, a single morphometrical measurement of AGD was collected in 552 donors from 6 herds in Brazil. A subset of donors had AMH assayed on the same day. Only ovum pick-up events that occurred up to 12 mo preceding and 7 mo succeeding the AGD measurement were used to assess the association between AGD, AMH, and IVEP. Thus, 472 donors (1,551 ovum pick-up events and 140 donors with AMH) were considered in the analysis. A raw average was calculated for each individual donor's ROOC, viable oocytes, total produced embryos, viability rate, and embryo rate (defined as total produced embryos/viable oocytes). Comparisons were conducted within the age categories of 3 to <6 yr or 6 to <10 yr. Phenotypic associations were performed in SAS software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Genetic correlations were estimated using the BLUPF90 family of programs. The AGD (128.7 mm ± 14; mean ± standard deviation) had a normal distribution and was highly variable (83 to 172 mm) among the Gyr population. Our experimental hypothesis was partially supported by a phenotypic association of a greater number of total produced embryos (R2 = 0.023) as AGD decreased. Our results failed to support an increase in AMH concentration along with a decrease in AGD. In addition, positive and low genetic correlations were observed between AGD and viable oocytes (r = 0.08), and embryo rate (r = 0.20). A greater number of viable oocytes and embryos were observed in donors in the high compared with intermediate and low ROOC categories within both age categories. The age interval of 3 to <6 yr showed a greater number of recovered and viable oocytes for the high AMH compared with the low category, but no differences were observed among the AGD categories. In summary, for the Gyr breed, AGD was phenotypically inversely associated with a quantity-related parameter, such as the total number of produced embryos. In contrast, AGD showed a low genetic correlation with qualitative-related outcomes such as viable oocytes and embryo rate. Further studies should be performed to validate these retrospective analyses and to better understand the association between AGD and IVEP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we present a simple experiment that seeks to show the influence of atmospheric air temperature on the speed of sound propagation. The experiment consists of the simultaneous observation of air temperature and the speed of propagation of sound, using diurnal temperature variations. The experiment is based on an acoustic range finder and makes use of an Arduino Uno board with a datalogger shield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for developing disinfectant surfaces as well as reducing the spread of infections on contaminated surfaces and the contamination risk from the fomite route. The present work reports on the antiviral activity of coatings containing ZnO particles obtained by two simple synthesis routes using Aloe vera (ZnO-aloe) or cassava starch (ZnO-starch) as reaction fuel. After detailed characterization using XRD and NEXAFS, the obtained ZnO particles were dispersed in a proportion of 10% with two different waterborne acrylic coatings (binder and commercial white paint) and brushed on the surface of polycarbonates (PC). The cured ZnO/coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Wettability tests were performed. The virucidal activity of the ZnO particles dispersed in the waterborne acrylic coating was compared to a reference control sample (PC plates). According to RT-PCR results, the ZnO-aloe/coating displays the highest outcome for antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 using the acrylic binder, inactivating >99% of the virus after 24 h of contact relative to reference control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil texture has a great influence on the physical–hydric and chemical behavior of soils. In the Amazon regions, due to the presence of dense forest cover and limited access to roads, carrying out surveys and mapping of soils is challenging. When data exist, they are relatively sparse and the distribution is quite uneven. In this context, machine learning algorithms (ML) associated with remote sensor covariates offer a framework to derive digital maps of soil attributes. The objective of this study was to produce maps of surface and subsurface soil clay, silt, and sand contents in a 13.440 km2 area in the Amazon. The specific objectives were to (a) evaluate the gain in prediction accuracy when using the P-band of airborne radar as a covariate; (b) evaluate two sampling approaches (Reference Area—RA and Total Area—TA); and (c) evaluate the transferability and performance of three ML algorithms: regression tree (RT), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM). The study site was divided into three blocks, called Urucu, Araracanga, and Juruá, respectively. The soil dataset consisted of 151 surface and subsurface sand, silt, and clay observations and 21 covariates (20 relief variables and the backscattering coefficient from the P-band). Both the RA and TA sampling approach used 114 observations for training the prediction models (75%) and 37 for validation (25%). The RA approach was better for the development of sand and silt models. Overall, RF derived the most accurate predictions for all variables. The effect of introducing the P-band backscattering coefficient improved the sand prediction accuracy at the surface and subsurface in Araracanga, which had the highest sand content, with relative improvements (RI) of the R2, root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE) of 46%, 3%, and 4% at the surface, respectively, and 66.7%, 4.4%, and 5.2% at the subsurface, respectively. For silt, the P-band improved the predictions at the surface in Araracanga, which had the lowest silt contents among the blocks. For clay, adding the P-band improved the RF predictions at the subsurface, with RI of the R2, RMSE, and MAE of 29%, 5%, and 5%, respectively. Despite the low observation density, inherently hindered by the low accessibility of the area and high costs of sampling thereof, the results showed the potential of ML algorithms boosted by airborne radar P-band to map soil clay, silt, and sand contents in the Amazon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In insects, females can keep sperm capable of fertilisation over a long period with the help of the spermatheca. The effectiveness of storing fertile sperm is expected to reflect in the reproductive strategy and, thus, the morphology of the involved organs. In this work, we focused on the relationship between reproduction and morphology in the haplodiploid Thysanoptera, especially if a loss of these traits occurs under thelytoky. The spermathecal morphology and the fate of stored spermatozoa were studied by microscopic techniques (high-resolution x-ray computed tomography and transmission electron microscopy) in three species with different reproductive modes and lifestyles (Suocerathrips linguis, Echinothrips americanus, Hercinothrips femoralis). Mating experiments were conducted to analyse the use of the transferred sperm in the thelytokous H. femoralis. Results show that the spermathecae are relatively simple, which can be explained by the availability of sperm and the short lifespan of the females. However, the spermatheca in H. femoralis seems to be vestigial compared to the arrhenotokous species and females do not use sperm for fertilisation. No substantial change was observed in the structure of spermatozoa, despite an enlargement of the sperm organelles being measured during storage in all three species. The results of this work demonstrate differences in the morphology of the spermatheca, especially concerning the reproduction mode, promoting the understanding of the complex interaction between morphology and behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guatteria olivacea R. E. Fries (synonym Guatteria punctata (Aubl.) R.A. Howard) is a tree of 10–27 m tall popularly known as "envira-bobó", "envira-fofa", "envireira", "embira", "embira-branca", "embira-preta", envira-branca", and "envira-preta", which can be found in the Brazilian Amazon biome. In this study, we evaluated the cytotoxic and antitumor effects of the essential oil (EO) obtained from the leaves of G. olivacea against liver cancer using HepG2 cells as a model. EO was obtained using a hydrodistillation Clevenger-type apparatus and was qualitatively and quantitatively characterized using GC–MS and GC–FID, respectively. The alamar blue assay was used to assess the cytotoxic potential of EO in a panel of human cancer cell lines and human non-cancerous cells. In HepG2 cells treated with EO, YO-PRO-1/propidium iodide staining, cell cycle distribution, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were examined. In C.B-17 SCID mice with HepG2 cell xenografts, the efficacy of the EO (20 and 40 mg/kg) was tested in vivo. GC–MS and GC–FID analyses showed germacrene D (17.65%), 1-epi-cubenol (13.21%), caryophyllene oxide (12.03%), spathulenol (11.26%), (E)-caryophyllene (7.26%), bicyclogermacrene (5.87%), and δ-elemene (4.95%) as the major constituents of G. olivacea leaf EO. In vitro cytotoxicity of EO was observed, including anti-liver cancer action with an IC50 value of 30.82 μg/mL for HepG2 cells. In HepG2 cells, EO treatment increased apoptotic cells and DNA fragmentation, without changes in ROS levels. Furthermore, the EO inhibited tumor mass in vivo by 32.8–57.9%. These findings suggest that G. olivacea leaf EO has anti-liver cancer potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public libraries are social and political spaces intended to serve all members of the community, and are thus anchored in the discourse of inclusion and democracy in the access to information, products and services. However, there is still a long way to go to achieve diversity and multiculturalism in its spaces, starting with collections. Based on literature from Library Science and Information Science, this article discusses the relationship between public libraries and the construction and development of collections, with a focus on Afro-Brazilian literature. The social role of public libraries is considered, as well as the role of their professionals, librarians, who are seen as agents of change, emphasizing the importance of both, with a view to building a just and democratic society. As such, these professionals should be aware of the relevance of forming and developing collections that provide ready access to books and especially to books by authors of Afro-Brazilian literature, aiming at strengthening both the identity of subjects as well as the Afro-centered thinking in the communities. In short, more democratic libraries require practices of decolonization of their collections through actions and policies which repair these collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the occurrence of Cevaeria estebani Tavakilian, 2004 (Cerambycinae, Cerambycini) for the first time in Amazonas, Brazil. This species was previously recorded from French Guiana and Bolivia. We provide a distribution map for C. estebani and photographs of the habitus of the new record and its potential mimetic species, the chrysomelid Sceloenopla maculata (Olivier, 1792). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates a generalized cascaded full-bridge (GCF) concept, which uses a full-bridge converter as a basic submodule, combined with the interleaving and cascading techniques. When compared with the traditional cascaded full-bridge (CFB) converter, the GCF topologies present the advantages of reduced current and voltage stresses on the semiconductors, and flexible design. Thereby, the resulting structures become an alternative solution for high-power applications involving high current and high voltage levels. The generalized analysis involving design guidelines for the synthesis of each topology, the system model, and possible modulation strategies are described in detail. A comparative study with the CFB-based topologies shows that the introduced structures are capable of achieving improved performance in terms of reduced losses in the power semiconductors and lower device count. A small-scale laboratory prototype of a static synchronous compensator rated at 2.2 kVA/311 V is implemented to validate the design assumptions considering the steady-state and transient performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we introduce scalar leptoquarks into the 3-3-1 model with right-handed neutrinos with the aim of solving the (g − 2) μ puzzle. We show that besides the model supports leptoquarks in the octet, sextet, triplet and singlet representations, we identified that only one specif leptoquark in the singlet representation leads to flip of chirality as required to generate positive and robust contribution to the (g − 2) μ. Then we calculate its contributions to (g − 2) μ and to the decay process μ → e γ and discuss the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Trivalent rare earth (RE3+) doping effects on Lu 2 SiO 5 (LSO) and Y 2 SiO 5 (YSO). • Investigation into oxygen Frenkel defect formation with RE dopants in LSO and YSO. • RE ions significantly reduce energy needed for O2– Frenkel defect formation in LSO. • Formation of oxygen Frenkel defect not favored by most RE dopants in YSO. • Insights into luminescent phenomenon in these materials. The Lu 2 SiO 5 (LSO) and Y 2 SiO 5 (YSO) orthosilicates are well-known in the literature for their properties when doped with rare earth ions. Ce-doped LSO and YSO hosts have been considered as scintillators with high efficiency, but some questions about the of effect of the intrinsic defects in the luminescence yield of such scintillators are still open. In this work, static and classical atomistic computer modelling techniques were applied to study the cases of RE3+ doping in LSO and YSO hosts as well as the probability that intrinsic defects may be formed close to the dopant. The approach used was based on the model of interatomic potentials and the lattice energy minimization method. Results show that isovalent substitution in the RE sites was the most favourable due to the similarity of the ions. In LSO, dopants present a preference for Lu1 (coordination number: 8) substitution rather than Lu2 (coordination number: 7), while for YSO there is a clear dependence of the main type of defect with the ionic radius of the dopant as compared to the Y3+ size. The presence of a closer oxygen Frenkel pair (O2– vacancy plus interstitial O2– ion) was tested in different configurations. The analyses showed that presence of RE3+ dopants in the LSO orthosilicate favours the formation of oxygen Frenkel defects at distances smaller than 7 Å for all dopants except Ce3+, whereas only some dopants can stabilize the Frenkel pair in the YSO system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the ionisation and fragmentation dynamics of free camphor molecules and camphor-doped helium nanodroplets by extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and soft x-ray photons using velocity map imaging combined with photoelectron-photoion coincidence (VMI-PEPICO) spectroscopy. We notably find that the Penning ionisation of camphor in He nanodroplets at h ν = 21.43 eV is soft with nearly identical Penning ionised electron spectra correlated to different molecular fragments. Further, fragmentation following ionisation at all photon energies exhibit a droplet-specific mass peak equivalent to the missing mass of CO, suggesting suppression of further fragmentation inside the droplet. This work reveals unusual features of photoionisation of organic molecules doped in He nanodroplet motivating further experimental and theoretical explorations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new Australasian genus in the orb-weaving spider family Araneidae Clerck, 1757 is described to include seven species: Salsa fuliginata (L. Koch, 1871) comb. nov. (type species; = Epeira rubicundula Keyserling, 1887) syn. nov.) (Australia, introduced to New Zealand); S. brisbanae (L. Koch, 1867) comb. nov. (Australia); S. canalae (Berland, 1924) comb. nov. (New Caledonia); S. neneba sp. nov. (Papua New Guinea); S. recherchensis (Main, 1954) comb. nov. (Australia); S. rueda sp. nov. (Australia); and S. tartara sp. nov. (Australia; Lord Howe Island endemic). Salsa gen. nov. belongs to the Australasian informal backobourkiine clade and differs from other genera of this clade by a distinct abdominal shape (single posterior abdominal tubercle) and ventral colouration (pale lateral spindle-shaped bands), male pedipalp morphology (C-shaped median apophysis that has teeth-like tubercles inside the basal arch) and the shape of the female epigyne scape (partially translucent and generally shorter than the epigyne plate). Based mainly on male pedipalp morphology within the backobourkiines, Salsa gen. nov. has closest morphological affinities with Acroaspis Karsch, 1878 and Socca Framenau, Castanheira & Vink, 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astrocytoma is the most common and aggressive tumor of the central nervous system. Genetic and environmental factors, bacterial infection, and several other factors are known to be involved in gliomagenesis, although the complete underlying molecular mechanism is not fully understood. Tumorigenesis is a multistep process involving initiation, promotion, and progression. We present a human model of malignant astrocyte transformation established by subjecting primary astrocytes from healthy adults to four sequential cycles of forced anchorage impediment (deadhesion). After limiting dilution of the surviving cells obtained after the fourth deadhesion/readhesion cycle, three clones were randomly selected, and exhibited malignant characteristics, including increased proliferation rate and capacity for colony formation, migration, and anchorage-independent growth in soft agar. Functional assay results for these clonal cells, including response to temozolomide, were comparable to U87MG—a human glioblastoma-derived cell lineage—reinforcing malignant cell transformation. RNA-Seq analysis by next-generation sequencing of the transformed clones relative to the primary astrocytes revealed upregulation of genes involved in the PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, in addition to upregulation of genes related to epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and downregulation of genes related to aerobic respiration. These findings, at a molecular level, corroborate the change in cell behavior towards mesenchymal-like cell dedifferentiation. This linear progressive model of malignant human astrocyte transformation is unique in that neither genetic manipulation nor treatment with carcinogens are used, representing a promising tool for testing combined therapeutic strategies for glioblastoma patients, and furthering knowledge of astrocytoma transformation and progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of the police in cases of intimate partner violence is undeniable. The objective of the present study was to evaluate a brief training for police officers of the city of Curitiba on intimate partner violence. A total of 134 police officers, divided into control (n = 76) and intervention (n = 58) groups, participated in the study. The latter underwent four sessions about definitions of intimate partner violence, the cycle of violence, and crisis intervention. All participants answered a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Perception Scale on Domestic Violence Victim Support, and the Questionnaire of Beliefs on Domestic Violence. The results indicate the absence of significant changes in the general scores of the instruments between pre- and post-test for both groups. Three questions presented significant improvements in the Questionnaire of Beliefs on Domestic Violence. Future research should continue to test effective forms of police trainings at the beginning of their careers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In patients with severe forms of COVID-19, thromboelastometry has been reported to display a hypercoagulant pattern. However, an algorithm to differentiate severe COVID-19 patients from nonsevere patients and healthy controls based on thromboelastometry parameters has not been developed. Forty-one patients over 18 years of age with positive qRT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 were classified according to the severity of the disease: nonsevere (NS, n = 20) or severe (S, n = 21). A healthy control (HC, n = 9) group was also examined. Blood samples from all participants were tested by extrinsic (EXTEM), intrinsic (INTEM), non-activated (NATEM) and functional assessment of fibrinogen (FIBTEM) assays of thromboelastometry. The thrombodynamic potential index (TPI) was also calculated. Severe COVID-19 patients exhibited a thromboelastometry profile with clear hypercoagulability, which was significantly different from the NS and HC groups. Nonsevere COVID-19 cases showed a trend to thrombotic pole. The NATEM test suggested that nonsevere and severe COVID-19 patients presented endogenous coagulation activation (reduced clotting time and clot formation time). TPI data were significantly different between the NS and S groups. The maximum clot firmness profile obtained by FIBTEM showed moderate/elevated accuracy to differentiate severe patients from NS and HC. A decision tree algorithm based on the FIBTEM-MCF profile was proposed to differentiate S from HC and NS. Thromboelastometric parameters are a useful tool to differentiate the coagulation profile of nonsevere and severe COVID-19 patients for therapeutic intervention purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A linearized model is presented for the scattering problem of flexural gravity waves by the bottom with a finite number of rectangular steps in the ocean. The matched eigenfunction expansion method is used to solve the boundary-value problem, and the results are expressed in terms of a set of integral equations solved by the multiterm Galerkin's approximation technique. Numerical values of the reflection and transmission coefficients are calculated and graphed to display the influence of various parameters of the problem. The accuracy of the present method is verified by using the energy balance relation for the reflection and transmission coefficients. The results are compared with those available in some earlier works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Brazil, Acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) is the leading cause of cancer deaths in children and adolescents. Treatment toxicity is one of the reasons for stopping chemotherapy. Amerindian genomic ancestry is an important factor for this event due to fluctuations in frequencies of genetic variants, as in the NUDT15 and SLC22A1 genes, which make up the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic pathways of chemotherapy. This study aimed to investigate possible associations between NUDT15 (rs1272632214) and SLC22A1 (rs202220802) gene polymorphism and genomic ancestry as a risk of treatment toxicities in patients with childhood ALL in the Amazon region of Brazil. The studied population consisted of 51 patients with a recent diagnosis of ALL when experiencing induction therapy relative to the BFM 2009 protocol. Our results evidenced a significant association of risk of severe infectious toxicity for the variant of the SLC22A1 gene (OR: 3.18, p = 0.031). Genetic ancestry analyses demonstrated that patients who had a high contribution of African ancestry had a significant protective effect for the development of toxicity (OR: 0.174; p = 0.010), possibly due to risk effects of the Amerindian contribution. Our results indicate that mixed populations with a high degree of African ancestry have a lower risk of developing general toxicity during induction therapy for ALL. In addition, individuals with the SLC22A1 variant have a higher risk of developing severe infectious toxicity while undergoing the same therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Toca das Onças cave is one of the most important Quaternary mammal deposits of Brazil. Two different hypotheses have been proposed to explain the preservation mode of its skeletal remains: either the animals climbed down into the cave, or it could have functioned as a natural trap. Evaluation of pathological modifications on three articulated vertebrae of a single adult giant ground sloth Eremotherium laurillardi reveals a particular type of bone fracture caused by compressive force on the vertebral column, which split the vertebral bodies in the sagittal plane. This diagnosis suggests that the animal accidentally fell into the cave, in accordance with the second hypothesis proposed to the incorporation mode of skeletal remains into the cave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-combustion carbon dioxide (CO 2) separation from exhaust gases is a bridge technology to reduce the emissions of traditional combustion processes. Primary amine-functionalized building blocks enhance the CO 2 selectivity of membranes via a facilitated transport mechanism. Microgels are polymer-based colloids that can be functionalized with amine groups. However, to serve as a successful membrane building block, high aminesloading, and a scalable fabrication route are necessary. Here, we report the continuous synthesis of amine-functionalized microgels and apply them as a dense selectivity layer to form thin-film composite membranes (TFC). The synthesis process was successfully scaled up from batch to laminar flow reactor, producing microgels containing up to 50 mol% amine incorporation. Amine incorporation influences microgel water uptake important for their gas separation properties. Porous polyacrylonitrile (PAN) membranes containing a spray-coated microgel layer are tested using a mixture of CO 2 and N 2 , with or without humidity in the feed stream. Both CO 2 permeance and selectivity increase with the amine content in the microgels and the moisture in the feed stream. At 95% relative humidity, the CO 2 permeance improved from 38 to 100 GPU when the amine incorporation rose from zero to 48% of 2-aminoethyl methacrylate (AEMA). The continuous synthesis allows large-scale fabrication of these microgels for applications such as membrane functionalization. Furthermore, the developed microgel-functionalized gas separation membranes are promising for CO 2 removal applications from high-humidity streams, such as flue gas. [Display omitted] • Tunable microgels synthesis with a wide range of amine incorporation (up to 50%). • Scale-up of primary amine-functionalized microgel synthesis in continuous reactor. • Primary amine functionalization increases microgel water uptake. • Humidified streams increase CO 2 permeance of amine functionalized microgel membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new Australian orb-weaving spider genus Mangrovia in the family Araneidae Clerck, 1757 is described. It is characterised by extreme sexual size-dimorphism (eSSD) with females (total length 8-10 mm) ca. 3 to 5 times larger than males (2.5-3 mm). Whilst Mangrovia shares with the informal Australian 'backobourkiine' clade a single seta on the male pedipalp patella, the genus is probably more closely related to the 'zealaraneines' or associated genera. In addition to eSSD and the single patellar spine, the genus is characterised by a distinct subterminal embolus branch in males. The new genus includes two species: the type species Mangrovia albida (L. Koch, 1871) comb. nov. (= Epeira fastidiosa Keyserling, 1887, new syn.) from Queensland and Mangrovia occidentalis sp. nov. from Western Australia. Both species are apparently coastal and occur in mangroves, but also in riparian woodland. Spiders were found resting in rolled-up leaves adjacent to their orb-web. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flunixin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug approved for use in cattle to manage pyrexia associated with bovine respiratory disease, mastitis, and endotoxemia. In the United States, no nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are approved for use in goats, but analgesics are needed for management of painful conditions to improve animal welfare. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of transdermal flunixin in dairy goats to determine a milk withdrawal interval (WDI) to avoid violative residue contamination in the food supply. Six adult lactating dairy goats received 3.3 mg/kg of transdermal flunixin before milk, interstitial fluid (ISF), and blood samples were collected at various time points for 360 h. The samples were analyzed using tandem mass spectrometry to detect flunixin as well as the flunixin marker metabolite, 5-hydroxyflunixin followed by a pharmacokinetic WDI calculation using the US Food and Drug Administration tolerance limit method to propose safe residue levels in goat milk. The mean flunixin apparent plasma half-life was 21.63 h. The apparent milk half-life for 5-hydroxyflunixin was 17.52 h. Our findings provide a milk WDI of 60 h using the US Food and Drug Administration tolerance of 0.002 µg/mL (established for bovine milk) and a more conservative WDI of 96 h using a limit of quantification of 0.001 µg/mL following the extralabel use of transdermal flunixin in dairy goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined use of a microbial additive and a chemical additive in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) silages would reduce fermentation losses, favoring aerobic stability by modulating a favorable microbiome to control those losses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the action of Lactobacillus buchneri and sodium benzoate on the fermentative profile, bacterial taxonomic diversity and aerobic stability of sorghum silages at different fermentation times. A completely randomized experimental design was adopted in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme, in order to evaluate four additives in sorghum silage (Control treatment, L. buchneri, sodium benzoate and L. buchneri combined with sodium benzoate) and four opening times (30, 60, 90 and 120 d fermentation), in five replicates. Silages inoculated with sodium benzoate showed higher pH values (3.70) at 90 d of fermentation, not differing (P > 0.05) from control (CTR) silage and the other silages. The largest lactic acid bacteria populations were observed at 120 d of fermentation in the silages inoculated with L. buchneri (9.06) followed by the silages inoculated with sodium benzoate and with the combination L. buchneri + sodium benzoate (8.37 and 8.85 log CFU, respectively) at 90 d of fermentation. For gas losses, in which silage treated with sodium benzoate showed lower values, with an average of 0.72% DM. The silages presenting a high DMR standard, ranging from 94.6% to 98.0%, with the exception of the CTR silages. Silages treated with L. buchneri showed higher values (98%) for the occurrence of the genus Lactobacillus in both fermentation times. The combined action of L. buchneri and sodium benzoate kept the Lactobacillus population stable at 30 and 120 d of fermentation. The combination of L. buchneri and sodium benzoate improved the fermentative profile and chemical composition of sorghum silages, reducing losses and increasing aerobic stability after 120 d of fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with a reaction-diffusion equation with nonuniqueness for the associated Cauchy problem. We establish the existence of trajectory attractors, the upper-semicontinuity of a family of trajectory attractors and we investigate the behavior of this family with large diffusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has the potential to improve upper limb motor outcomes after stroke. According to the assumption of interhemispheric inhibition, excessive inhibition from the motor cortex of the unaffected hemisphere to the motor cortex of the affected hemisphere may worsen upper limb motor recovery after stroke. We evaluated the effects of active cathodal tDCS of the primary motor cortex of the unaffected hemisphere (ctDCSM1UH) compared to sham, in subjects within 72 hours to 6 weeks post ischemic stroke. Cathodal tDCS was intended to inhibit the motor cortex of the unaffected hemisphere and hence decrease the inhibition from the unaffected to the affected hemisphere and enhance motor recovery. We hypothesized that motor recovery would be greater in the active than in the sham group. In addition, greater motor recovery in the active group might be associated with bigger improvements in measures in activity and participation in the active than in the sham group. We also explored, for the first time, changes in cognition and sleep after ctDCSM1UH. Thirty subjects were randomized to six sessions of either active or sham ctDCSM1UH as add-on interventions to rehabilitation. The NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery after Stroke (FMA), Barthel Index (BI), Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were assessed before, after treatment, and three months later. In the intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis, there were significant GROUP*TIME interactions reflecting stronger gains in the sham group for scores in NIHSS, FMA, BI, MoCA, and four SIS domains. At three months post intervention, the sham group improved significantly compared to posttreatment in FMA, NIHSS, BI, and three SIS domains while no significant changes occurred in the active group. Also at three months, NIHSS improved significantly in the sham group and worsened significantly in the active group. FMA scores at baseline were higher in the active than in the sham group. After adjustment of analysis according to baseline scores, the between-group differences in FMA changes were no longer statistically significant. Finally, none of the between-group differences in changes in outcomes after treatment were considered clinically relevant. In conclusion, active CtDCSM1UH did not have beneficial effects, compared to sham. These results were consistent with other studies that applied comparable tDCS intensities/current densities or treated subjects with severe upper limb motor impairments during the first weeks post stroke. Dose-finding studies early after stroke are necessary before planning larger clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has the potential to improve upper limb motor outcomes after stroke. According to the assumption of interhemispheric inhibition, excessive inhibition from the motor cortex of the unaffected hemisphere to the motor cortex of the affected hemisphere may worsen upper limb motor recovery after stroke. We evaluated the effects of active cathodal tDCS of the primary motor cortex of the unaffected hemisphere (ctDCSM1UH) compared to sham, in subjects within 72 hours to 6 weeks post ischemic stroke. Cathodal tDCS was intended to inhibit the motor cortex of the unaffected hemisphere and hence decrease the inhibition from the unaffected to the affected hemisphere and enhance motor recovery. We hypothesized that motor recovery would be greater in the active than in the sham group. In addition, greater motor recovery in the active group might be associated with bigger improvements in measures in activity and participation in the active than in the sham group. We also explored, for the first time, changes in cognition and sleep after ctDCSM1UH. Thirty subjects were randomized to six sessions of either active or sham ctDCSM1UH as add-on interventions to rehabilitation. The NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery after Stroke (FMA), Barthel Index (BI), Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were assessed before, after treatment, and three months later. In the intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis, there were significant GROUP*TIME interactions reflecting stronger gains in the sham group for scores in NIHSS, FMA, BI, MoCA, and four SIS domains. At three months post intervention, the sham group improved significantly compared to posttreatment in FMA, NIHSS, BI, and three SIS domains while no significant changes occurred in the active group. Also at three months, NIHSS improved significantly in the sham group and worsened significantly in the active group. FMA scores at baseline were higher in the active than in the sham group. After adjustment of analysis according to baseline scores, the between-group differences in FMA changes were no longer statistically significant. Finally, none of the between-group differences in changes in outcomes after treatment were considered clinically relevant. In conclusion, active CtDCSM1UH did not have beneficial effects, compared to sham. These results were consistent with other studies that applied comparable tDCS intensities/current densities or treated subjects with severe upper limb motor impairments during the first weeks post stroke. Dose-finding studies early after stroke are necessary before planning larger clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to analyze advances in the resolution of combinatorial situations, due to the identification, conversion and treatment of semiotic registers, two studies were carried out. In the first study, 5th grade students identified, from problems in natural language, registers in trees of possibilities, lists and numerical expressions. The second study, carried out with 5th, 7th and 9th grade students, was configured as an intervention study in which trees or lists were used as an intermediate representation of the departure register (natural language) to the arrival register (numerical expression). The results of the studies confirmed the hypothesis that the conversion to numerical expression is more complex than the conversion to trees or lists. It was also confirmed that trees are more congruent, than lists, with registers in numerical expression. It is concluded that the use of intermediate representations, such as trees or systematic lists, is a good teaching strategy for advances in the combinatorial reasoning of students in the early and middle years of schooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pitheciines have unique dental specializations among New World monkeys that allow them to feed on fruits with hard pericarps, thus playing a major role as seed predators. The three extant pitheciine genera, Pithecia, Cacajao and Chiropotes, are all endemic to the Amazon region. Because of the uncertainties about interspecific relationships, we reviewed the systematics and taxonomy of the genus Chiropotes. The phylogenetic analyses were performed based on Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference, while species delimitation analyses were carried out using multispecies coalescent methods. In addition, we estimated genetic distances, divergence time and the probable ancestral distribution of this genus. Our results support five species of Chiropotes that emerged during the Plio-Pleistocene. Biogeographic estimates suggest that the ancestor of the current Chiropotes species occupied the endemism areas from Rondônia and Tapajós. Later, subsequent radiation and founder effects associated with the formation of the Amazonian basins probably determined the speciation events within Chiropotes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: pH, subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), and color are fundamental variables to define the organoleptic characteristics of meat. However, multivariate relationships of those traits remain unexplored in bovine meat. Objective: To investigate the multivariate relationships among pH, subcutaneous fat thickness, and color parameters in bovine meat using canonical correlation analysis. Methods: A dataset containing 173 individual records of pH, SFT, and color parameters (a*: intensity of red color, b*: intensity of yellow color, and L*: lightness) from five Brazilian beef cut types (Breed: Nellore; cuts: acém, contrafilé, fraldinha, patinho and picanha) was constructed. Multivariate relationships between color variables (a*, b*, and L*) and chemical variables (pH and SFT) were explored using the CANCORR procedure of SAS. Results: Two canonical correlations between U (a*, b*, and L*; color variables) and V (pH and SFT; chemical variables) variates were significant (p<0.01). First and second canonical correlations were 0.463 and 0.282, respectively. Canonical weights for variates were for U1: a* = 0.707, b* = 0.406, and L* = -0.039; U2: a* = 0.364, b* = -0.898, and L* = 1.234; V1: pH = -0.376 and SFT = 0.935; V2: pH = 0.927 and STF = 0.356. Conclusion: Subcutaneous fat thickness significantly affected intensity of red and yellow colors, whereas pH significantly affected lightness. The results of this study may be useful for a better understanding of the role of muscle metabolism and its implications on the organoleptic characteristics of bovine meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meson and anti-meson mixing processes constitute an important source of constraints on models that give tree level contributions to flavor violating neutral processes. In electroweak SU (3) L × U (1) N models, where anomaly cancellation requires that one family of quarks transforms differently from the other ones, processes involving flavor changing neutral currents gain tree level contributions mediated by gauge and scalar fields. Here, we firstly investigate the contributions of the neutral scalar that mimics the standard Higgs to the K 0 − K ¯ 0 , B 0 − B ¯ 0 , and D 0 − D ¯ 0 mixing processes and confront our predictions with experiments. The results will determine the quark mixing matrices V L u , d. In possession of this information we, next, evaluate the contributions of the neutral gauge bosons Z ′ and Z to the K 0 − K ¯ 0 , B 0 − B ¯ 0 , and D 0 − D ¯ 0 processes. This realistic approach to meson transitions will provide severe bounds on M Z ′ and Z − Z ′ mixing angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Species of the genus Cymbopogon and its essential oil are known for their antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the essential oil of Cymbopogon flexuosus (EOCF), and its major component, citral, on glycemic, lipid, antioxidant parameters, and oxidative stress in a type 1 diabetes (DM1) rat model. (2) Methods: Initially, EOCF was analyzed by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the antioxidant activity of EOCF and citral was evaluated. Next, male Wistar rats (3 months old, 200–250 g) induced with DM1 using Streptozotocin (STZ) were divided into four groups: negative control supplemented with an 80% Tween solution, two groups of animals supplemented with EOCF (32 mg/kg and 64 mg/kg) and with citral (32 mg/kg), and treated for 14 days. Measurements of blood glucose levels and body weight were taken; after euthanasia, biochemical markers, including lipid profile, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), were evaluated. (3) Results: The predominant compounds in EOCF were α-citral (53.21%) and neral (19.42%), constituting 72.63% citral. EOCF showed good antioxidant activity, significantly greater than citral. EOCF supplementation demonstrated a mitigating effect on glycemic, lipid, and hepatic abnormalities induced by DM1. (4) Conclusions: EOCF emerges as a promising therapeutic option for the management of DM1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whiteflies cause significant crop losses through direct sap feeding, inducing plant physiological disorders and promoting the growth of sooty mold. Moreover, whiteflies can indirectly harm plants by transmitting plant viruses, particularly begomoviruses and criniviruses, resulting in severe viral disease epidemics. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological characteristics of susceptible and resistant soybean cultivars to B. tabaci. The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse. Eleven soybean cultivars were selected and infested with 100 adults of B. tabaci at the V3 stage. The evaluation of photosynthetic parameters, such as photosynthetic rate, leaf transpiration, stomatal conductance, and internal CO2 concentration, revealed that B. tabaci infestation influenced gas exchange in soybean plants. The photosynthetic rate was higher in cultivars AS3810 and M8349 during the V6 stage. Infestations caused alterations in photosynthetic parameters, suggesting increased energy demand to maintain photosynthetic activity. However, the response to infestation varied among the different cultivars, indicating varying levels of resistance and tolerance to the whitefly's damage. Furthermore, the infestation had a more notable impact during the vegetative phenological stage. In summary, infestation by B. tabaci has a discernible impact on the physiology of soybean plants, resulting in alterations in gas exchange parameters and water use efficiency. The reaction to infestation exhibited variations among different soybean cultivars, indicating potential differences in resistance to the pest. This study underscores the significance of assessing the physiological consequences of whitefly infestations on soybean crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SiO2-SO3H, with a surface area of 115 m2/g, pore volumes of 0.38 cm3g−1 and 1.32 mmol H+/g, was used as a 10% w/w catalyst for the preparation of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (HMF) from fructose. A conversion of 100% was achieved in a microwave reactor during 10 min at 150 °C in DMSO, with 100% selectivity for HMF, at a molar ratio of fructose: DMSO equal to 1:56. The catalyst could be re-used three times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The academic literature has shown the importance of using contemporary technologies to support communication. This work proposes a computational system to support Augmentative and Alternative Communication by using tangible interaction, in the perspective of Universal Design. The development of the system, which was conducted by participatory practices with special education professionals, has allowed adaptations to meet the needs of students who use assistive technology to communicate in inclusive classrooms. The new version of the system was experimented in a case study with a child who has complex communication needs. This new version presented relevant and positive results, and the student showed great satisfaction and motivation when using the system. As the results are noticeable when a barrier is eliminated through an accessible system, it is confirmed that the barrier/deficiency is in the environment and not in the person. Therefore, accessible environments enable people to have the same rights to communication. In addition, it is important to highlight that the social insertion and the cognitive development of all people is benefited from the access to communication. Results of the case study also showed the importance of participatory practices for the construction of new technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), increased pulmonary vascular permeability makes the lung vulnerable to edema. The use of conservative as compared to liberal fluid strategies may increase the number of ventilator-free days and survival, as well as reduce organ dysfunction. Monitoring the effects of fluid administration is of the utmost importance; dynamic indexes, such as stroke volume and pulse pressure variations, outperform static ones, such as the central venous pressure. The passive leg raise and end-expiratory occlusion tests are recommended for guiding fluid management decisions. The type of intravenous fluids should also be taken into consideration: crystalloids, colloids, and human albumin have all been used for fluid resuscitation. Recent studies have also shown differences in outcome between balanced and non-balanced intravenous solutions. In preclinical studies, infusion of albumin promotes maintenance of the glycocalyx layer, reduces inflammation, and improves alveolar-capillary membrane permeability. Fluids in ARDS must be administered cautiously, considering hemodynamic and perfusion status, oncotic and hydrostatic pressures, ARDS severity, fluid type, volume and infusion rate, and cardiac and renal function. Of note, no guideline to date has recommended a specific fluid composition for use in ARDS; most physicians currently follow recommendations for sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]