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Abstract Remote detection and mapping of surface materials using optical sensors relies predominantly on analyzing multispectral and hyperspectral imagery employing classification algorithms. The classification process involves comparing the spectra of individual pixels within the image to spectra from reference databases, commonly referred to as spectral libraries. Here, we introduce a comprehensive compilation of spectral libraries specifically tailored for petroleum hydrocarbons (PHC), meticulously crafted under controlled laboratory conditions. This compilation includes reference spectral libraries for various PHC forms, including crude oils, mineral substrate-PHC mixtures (comprising crude oils and fuels), oil-film on water, and oil-water emulsions. Data collection was conducted within the visible, near, and shortwave IR (VNIR-SWIR – 0.35–2.5 µm) spectra and thermal IR (TIR – 3–15 µm) range. The openly accessible spectral libraries presented herein support the scientific community and industry in characterizing field samples or spectral data from onshore and offshore sites. Furthermore, these libraries are instrumental in developing and applying classification algorithms designed for processing spectral images captured by cameras coupled to multiple platforms (e.g., tripods, drones, airborne, orbital satellites).

Abstract Background Hand osteoarthritis (HOA) is a highly prevalent disease that may be impacted by social inequalities. Few studies in HOA are from underdeveloped regions. We intend to contribute to fill this gap presenting clinical characteristics of our low-income HOA cohort (LIHOA). Methods Data from 119 patients with a HOA diagnosis fulfilling ACR criteria seen between August 2019 and May 2023 in Fortaleza/Brazil. Evaluations included pain (VAS, visual analogue scale), X-ray (KL, Kellgren-Lawrence), grip and pinch strength (KgF), Cochin hand functional scale (CHFS), FIHOA, and SF-12 scores. Social data included monthly (4 IF nodes. OA in other joints: 37 (36.2%) spine, 28 (29.4%) knee, 21 (20.5%) bunions. Functional impairment was mild [8 (5–14) median FIHOA]. Median serum CRP was 0.2 mg/dL (0.1–0.4) with 14 (20%) patients above reference value. Mean total KL score was 27.6 ± 13.6 with 21 (23%), 38 (41.7%), and 33 (36.2%) KL2, KL3, and KL4, respectively; 51 (54.8%) and 42 (45.2%) patients declared 9SY including 37.2% with a university degree. Individuals earning

Abstract Common bean provides diet rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals, and protein, which could contribute into food security of needy populations in many countries. Developing genotypes that associate favorable agronomic and grain quality traits in the common bean crop could increase the chances of adopting new cultivars black bean. In this context, the present study aimed at selection of superior black bean lines using multi-variate indexes, Smith-Hazel-index, and genotype by yield*trait biplot analysis. These trials were conducted in Campos dos Goytacazes - RJ, in 2020 and 2021. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with 28 treatments and three replications. The experimental unit consisted of four rows 4.0 m long, spaced at 0.50 m apart, with a sowing density of 15 seeds per meter. The two central rows were used for the evaluations. The selection of superior genotypes was conducted using the multiple trait stability index (MTSI), multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI), multi-trait index based on factor analysis and genotype-ideotype distance (FAI-BLUP), Smith-Hazel index, and Genotype by Yield*Trait Biplot (GYT). The multivariate indexes efficiently selected the best black bean genotypes, presenting desirable selection gains for most traits. The use of multivariate indexes and GYT enable the selection of early genotypes with higher grain yields. These lines G9, G13, G17, G23, and G27 were selected based on their performance for multiple traits closest to the ideotype and could be recommended as new varieties.

In this work we report for the first time in Brazil the occurrence of carambola fruit fly Bactrocera carambolae Drew & Hancock, 1994 (Diptera: Tephritidae) in fruits of Carica papaya L., from samples collected in the municipalities of Almeirim, state of Pará, and Mazagão, state of Amapá. These findings are discussed in the context of Brazilian fruit growing.

ABSTRACT The characterisation and evaluation of accessions are important steps in both the management of a germplasm collection and in a plant genetic improvement program. Carrying out characterisation and evaluation, whether morphological or molecular, requires observing the overall features of plants in the field, or collecting leaves for DNA extraction, which is time consuming and costly; whereas DNA extracted directly from the seeds allows access to the genome without the need for planting the seeds, which speeds up the selection of genotypes of interest and information on genetic variability. The aim was to develop a non-destructive method for extracting DNA from cashew seeds. The seeds were mechanically perforated using a mini-grinder, and a sample of the endosperm was removed. Various protocols and commercial kits for DNA extraction were tested, as well as materials to seal the opening made in the seed. It is possible to extract cashew tree DNA from the endosperm, preferably using commercial kits with cementitious adhesive as the sealing material, offering a germination percentage of 60% of the perforated seeds.

This work addresses the corrosion resistance of Riser steels used in submarine pipelines for oil production, making it crucial to evaluate the variables related to corrosion in the marine environment. Three types of wires with spheroidized, lamellar and discontinuous cementite microstructure were tested in 0.1M H2SO4 with and without the use of CO2, in addition to a different ambient temperature (80 °C). Thus, electrochemical tests, including OCP and linear potentiodynamic polarization, revealed the corrosion resistance of each material. The analysis of the polarization curves through Tafel extrapolation, obtained the current density, correlating with the potential of the sample in the medium, indicating the polarization resistance. The LC wires demonstrated greater resistance to corrosion (769.23; 2,544.79 and 4,790.87 Ω.cm2) compared to spheroidized cementite (502,40; 1,038.99 and 902.95 Ω.cm2) and, which, in turn, obtained lower resistance values in two of the solutions. The FeCO3 and FeSO4 salts were formed in different areas, including the most degraded ones identified by Raman spectroscopy.

Atrazine is a pesticide commonly used in agriculture and is recognized as a potent endocrine disruptor. Due to its high recalcitrance, its residues have been found in drinking water sources throughout Brazil and the world. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of the C/N ratio on the potential of the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum NRRL 807 to degrade atrazine from contaminated waters in submerged fermentation. Moreover, the free and immobilized forms of the fungus were compared. The fungus grown in suspended culture (free form) was able to degrade 40.08±5.71% of the atrazine present in the medium after 5 days, while the immobilized form (biofilm) degraded 48.31±1.53% in the same incubation time. Notably, atrazine was used as a carbon source, and degradation was led by the enzyme complex of the cytochrome P450. The amount of exogenous nitrogen was determined to interfere with the biodegradation efficiency, diverting the metabolism to the path of spore germination when nitrogen was present in high concentrations. Based on these results, P. chrysogenum both in its free form and when immobilized in biofilms can be used as bioremediation technologies for treating water contaminated by atrazine.

Summary: Background: Household transmission studies seek to understand the transmission dynamics of a pathogen by estimating the risk of infection from household contacts and community exposures. We estimated within/extra-household SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and associated factors in a household cohort study in one of the most vulnerable neighbourhoods in Rio de Janeiro city. Methods: Individuals ≥1 years-old with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in the past 30 days (index cases) and household members aged ≥1 year were enrolled and followed at 14 and 28 days (study period November/2020–December/2021). RT-PCR testing, COVID-19 symptoms, and SARS-CoV-2 serologies were ascertained in all visits. Chain binomial household transmission models were fitted using data from 2024 individuals (593 households). Findings: Extra-household infection risk was 74.2% (95% credible interval [CrI] 70.3–77.8), while within-household infection risk was 11.4% (95% CrI 5.7–17.2). Participants reporting having received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine had lower extra-household (68.9%, 95% CrI 57.3–77.6) and within-household (4.1%, 95% CrI 0.4–16.6) infection risk. Within-household infection risk was higher among participants aged 10–19 years, from overcrowded households, and with low family income. Contrastingly, extra-household infection risk was higher among participants aged 20–29 years, unemployed, and public transportation users. Interpretation: Our study provides important insights into COVID-19 household/community transmission in a vulnerable population that resided in overcrowded households and who struggled to adhere to lockdown policies and social distancing measures. The high extra-household infection risk highlights the extreme social vulnerability of this population. Prioritising vaccination of the most socially vulnerable could protect these individuals and reduce widespread community transmission. Funding: Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, CNPq, FAPERJ, Royal Society, Instituto Serrapilheira, FAPESP.

Abstract Gout and hyperuricemia are characterized by high uric acid levels, and their treatment involves medications that have adverse effects. In this study, we evaluated oral liposomal formulations with eremantholide C and goyazensolide as a novel approach to reduce the toxicity associated with these substances while maintaining their anti-hyperuricemic activity. We characterized the formulations and evaluated them based on encapsulation efficiency and stability over 12 months and under simulated physiological environments. We determined the toxicity of the liposomal formulations in Caco-2 cells and the anti-hyperuricemic activity in rats. The formulations exhibited nanometric size, a narrow size distribution, and a negative zeta potential, indicating their stability and uniformity. The efficient encapsulation of the sesquiterpene lactones within the liposomes emphasizes their potential for sustained release and therapeutic efficacy. Stability evaluation revealed a small decrease in the eremantholide C concentration and a remarkable stability in the goyazensolide concentration. In Caco-2 cells, the liposomes did not exert toxicity, but did exhibit an antiproliferative effect. In vivo assays demonstrated that the liposomes reduced serum uric acid levels. Our study represents an advancement in gout and hyperuricemia treatment. The liposomal formulations effectively reduced the toxicity associated with the sesquiterpene lactones while maintaining their therapeutic effects.

Abstract In the search for alternatives to overcome the challenge imposed by drug resistance development in cancer treatment, the modulation of autophagy has emerged as a promising alternative that has achieved good results in clinical trials. Nevertheless, most of these studies have overlooked a novel and selective type of autophagy: chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA). Following its discovery, research into CMA’s contribution to tumor progression has accelerated rapidly. Therefore, we now understand that stress conditions are the primary signal responsible for modulating CMA in cancer cells. In turn, the degradation of proteins by CMA can offer important advantages for tumorigenesis, since tumor suppressor proteins are CMA targets. Such mutual interaction between the tumor microenvironment and CMA also plays a crucial part in establishing therapy resistance, making this discussion the focus of the present review. Thus, we highlight how suppression of LAMP2A can enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells to several drugs, just as downregulation of CMA activity can lead to resistance in certain cases. Given this panorama, it is important to identify selective modulators of CMA to enhance the therapeutic response.

ABSTRACT Introduction: burns represent a pivotal component of trauma in Brazil, accounting for 2 million incidents and 2,500 deaths annually. Self-intentional burns are associated with a worse prognosis, larger burned surface area, higher infection rates, and death. The lack of studies on the issue of self-immolation raises epidemiological questions regarding Brazilian victims. This study aimed to investigate the profile of burn events associated with self-injurious behavior among Brazilian victims. Methods: this systematic review was performed according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines and evaluated the correlation between self-injurious behavior as a cause of burns in Brazilian victims and its epidemiological implications in the last 20 years (2003-2023). The MeSH terms “Burns”, “Self-Injurious Behavior”, “Epidemiology” and “Brazil” were queried in the PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, and Cochrane Library databases, and, after selection by inclusion/exclusion criteria, the most relevant studies were critically analyzed. Results: From 1,077 pre-selected studies, 92 were potentially eligible, resulting in 7 manuscripts incorporated in this review. From 3,510 burned victims assembled in the pool of selected studies, 311 cases displayed self-injurious behavior. Burned patients who attempted to burn their lives have a higher risk of death (p

O trabalho cuidará de um importante capítulo da íntima relação entre direito constitucional e direito processual penal relativo à construção de limites entre atividade de inteligência financeira e atividade de persecução penal. O tema foi objeto de recente decisão do Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF), tomada em recurso extraordinário com repercussão geral (RE nº 1.055.941), que cuidava da licitude do trânsito de informações financeiras entre a unidade de inteligência financeira brasileira, o Conselho de Controle de Atividades Financeiras (COAF), e órgãos de persecução. Desde então, o debate, em vez de acomodar-se, apenas se intensificou. De lá para cá, deu-se desacerto interno ao Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ) e, após, entre o STJ e o STF. O legislador não atuou. O artigo discutirá as causas e as consequências jurídicas da dupla lacuna normativa – legislativa e jurisprudencial – que incide sobre a atividade desempenhada pelo COAF a pedido das autoridades encarregadas da investigação criminal e proporá, ao final, balizas para o enfrentamento do tema pelo STF.

Abstract Despite potential exposure to soil-transmitted helminths, especially when stray dogs and cats are present, toxocariasis in inmate populations remains to be established. Accordingly, the present study assessed the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of toxocariasis at the Women's State Penitentiary of Parana, Brazil. A total of 234/370 (63.2%; 95% CI 58.2–68.0) women inmates and 28/87 (32.2%; 95% CI 23.3–42.6) correctional officers were seropositive for anti-Toxocara spp. IgG by ELISA, with inmates 2.62-fold more likely positive (p = 0.00000026). The univariate model has identified that non-white (OR = 1.58, p = 0.047) and older than 39 years (OR = 1.28, p = 0.032) inmates were associated with mild but significant odds for seropositivity. Elementary or higher educational level was considered a protective factor for seropositivity. The presence of Toxocara spp. eggs was observed in 10/15 (66.7%) collected soil samples by centrifuge-flotation in Zinc Sulfate, and molecular analysis by PCR identified only Toxocara cati in these eggs. An intervention program was established with regular trap-neuter-release, with gradual removal for adoption (donation campaigns), treatment, and euthanasia when necessary (particularly due to advanced sporotrichosis). In addition, an educational awareness agenda was proposed, aiming to reduce soil contamination and accidental intake by the incarcerated population. A total of 40 feral cats were trapped, 20 males and 20 females, mostly adults. After trapping, 36 cats were neutered, treated, and microchipped in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) at the Federal University of Paraná. Five trapped feral cats were euthanized, four diagnosed with advanced sporotrichosis, and one already neutered cat (not herein) with complications due to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Female inmates presented higher seroprevalence for Toxocara spp. antibodies when compared to correctional officers, significantly associated with age, self-declared ethnicity (non-white), and lack of formal education. Despite the non-natural scenario of a state penitentiary, the One Health approach of Toxocara spp. has highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the study and its relevance in understanding the complex interactions between human, animal, and environmental factors, particularly impacting female inmates. Further studies should establish the rate of inmate infection over time while deprived of liberty.

Renewable hydrogen obtained from renewable energy sources, especially when produced through water electrolysis, is gaining attention as a promising energy vector to deal with the challenges of climate change and the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. In this context, this work analyzes a pilot plant that uses this technology, installed in the Itumbiara Hydropower Plant located between the states of Goiás and Minas Gerais, Brazil, from technical and economic perspectives. The plant utilizes an alkaline electrolyzer synergistically powered by solar photovoltaic and hydro sources. Cost data for 2019, when the equipment was purchased, and 2020–2023, when the plant began continuous operation, are considered. The economic analysis includes annualized capital, maintenance, and variable costs, which determines the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH). The results obtained for the pilot plant’s LCOH were USD 13.00 per kilogram of H2, with an efficiency loss of 2.65% for the two-year period. Sensitivity analysis identified the capacity factor (CF) as the main determinant of the LCOH. Even though the analysis specifically applies to the Itumbiara Hydropower Plant, the CF can be extrapolated to larger plants as it directly influences hydrogen production regardless of plant size or capacity.

ABSTRACT Processing residues are still one of the main obstacles in the fishing industry due to waste and environmental impact. With that, ways of reusing these residues are researched to generate new products with different applications. The objective of this work was to develop and evaluate protein films obtained from mechanically separated meat (MSM) of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) filleting residues. To get the films, the casting technique was used, varying their composition in relation to the amount of protein (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) and glycerol (0.0, 0.1 and 0.2%), creating a 32 factorial plan, with 9 treatments. The films were characterized in terms of color, opacity, water solubility, mechanical properties and water vapor permeability (WVP). In the end, a yield of 18.70% of Nile tilapia myofibrillar proteins (MPs) and a post-lyophilization protein content of 87.33% were obtained. It was concluded that the film that presented the best result in all the characteristics analyzed was the one with 1.0% of MPs and 0.1% of glycerol.

Leprosy is an infectious disease characterized by slow and chronic evolution, caused by Mycobacterium leprae and or Mycobacterium lepromatosis, an intracellular alcohol-acid-resistant (BAAR) bacillus. The objective of this study was to provide an epidemiological, clinical, and geographic characterization of leprosy in the city of Santarém-Pará during the period 2011-2020. A cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative approach was used, employing maps and tables to illustrate clinical and epidemiological variables, including: sex, age, race, area of residence, operational classification, clinical form, number of skin lesions, number of affected nerves, and health units. During the analyzed period, 581 cases of leprosy were diagnosed, resulting in the following cumulative incidence rates: male (60%); age over 15 years (94%); urban area (73%); multibacillary (74%); borderline form (46%); skin lesions greater than 5 (34%); and no nerves affected (68%). In the urban perimeter, a higher cumulative incidence of cases was observed in the central area with 133 cases. However, the health unit reporting the largest number of cases belonged to the southern area, specifically the Basic Health Unit of Nova República, with 48 cases. This study highlights the need to characterize the nuances of leprosy and its variability within the urban environment, according to different areas. Further research is essential to inform the implementation of public policies aimed at addressing the population with the highest vulnerability index, thereby reducing leprosy rates in Santarém.

Abstract Background Toxocariasis has been listed among the most neglected parasitic diseases worldwide, with approximately one fifth of the global population exposed, particularly those living under poverty. In Brazil, communities of descendants of enslaved blacks (quilombola) have historically had some of the highest rates of vulnerability and poverty, characterized by lack of health assistance, poor quality of life, and nutritional insecurity. Methods A cross-sectional sampling of quilombola individuals living in four communities of southern Brazil, as well as their dogs and the soil, was carried out from December 2021 to March 2022. Sociodemographic and other information such as water source, alimentary habits, and dog and cat ownership were gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire for assessing toxocariasis risk factors. Human serum samples were tested by ELISA for anti-Toxocara spp. IgG antibody detection was carried out on dog feces and hair, and soil samples were surveyed for presence of Toxocara spp. eggs. Results Overall, 172/208 individuals (82.7%, 95% CI = 77.0–87.2) were seropositive, the highest seroprevalence rate to date in Brazil. Male gender (P = 0.029), educational level (P = 0.026), and drinking water source (P = 0.043) were associated with seropositivity by univariate analysis. Final logistic regression revealed increased odds (P = 0.017, OR = 7.6, 95% CI = 1.5–42.7) to have seropositivity in individuals > 50 years old (

Abstract Several drug screening campaigns identified Calpeptin as a drug candidate against SARS-CoV-2. Initially reported to target the viral main protease (Mpro), its moderate activity in Mpro inhibition assays hints at a second target. Indeed, we show that Calpeptin is an extremely potent cysteine cathepsin inhibitor, a finding additionally supported by X-ray crystallography. Cell infection assays proved Calpeptin’s efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. Treatment of SARS-CoV-2-infected Golden Syrian hamsters with sulfonated Calpeptin at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight reduces the viral load in the trachea. Despite a higher risk of side effects, an intrinsic advantage in targeting host proteins is their mutational stability in contrast to highly mutable viral targets. Here we show that the inhibition of cathepsins, a protein family of the host organism, by calpeptin is a promising approach for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 and potentially other viral infections.

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo verificar a eficácia das técnicas de Redes Neurais Artificiais (RNA) e Random Forest (RF) no processo de reconstrução de séries temporais de precipitação mensal com falhas. O estudo foi aplicado em séries de estações pluviométricas distribuídas no Estado do Ceará, admitindo que as mesmas apresentam falhas, as quais são corrigidas em função das séries históricas de estações vizinhas. A eficácia das técnicas foi verificada dentro de um processo de validação cruzada. No geral, a Random Forest apresentou o melhor desempenho, superando a RNA em número de validações com coeficiente de Nash e Sutcliffe (NSE) superior a 0,75. Nas melhores validações, para ambos os modelos, encontraram-se valores de NSE acima de 0,9 para todas as estações base. O desempenho dos modelos na estação base 2 (EB2), onde obteve-se o melhor desempenho do estudo, apresenta um indicativo de que há uma melhor adaptação dos mesmos a anos com precipitações mais intensas.

Because of continual generation of new variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), it is critical to design the next generation of vaccines to combat the threat posed by SARS-CoV-2 variants. We developed human adenovirus (HAd) vector-based vaccines (HAd-Spike/C5 and HAd-Spike) that express the whole Spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 with or without autophagy-inducing peptide C5 (AIP-C5), respectively. Mice or golden Syrian hamsters immunized intranasally (i.n.) with HAd-Spike/C5 induced similar levels of S-specific humoral immune responses and significantly higher levels of S-specific cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses compared with HAd-Spike vaccinated groups. These results indicated that inclusion of AIP-C5 induced enhanced S-specific CMI responses and similar levels of virus-neutralizing titers against SARS-CoV-2 variants. To investigate the protection efficacy, golden Syrian hamsters immunized i.n. either with HAd-Spike/C5 or HAd-Spike were challenged with SARS-CoV-2. The lungs and nasal turbinates were collected 3, 5, 7, and 14 days post challenge. Significant reductions in morbidity, virus titers, and lung histopathological scores were observed in immunized groups compared with the mock- or empty vector-inoculated groups. Overall, slightly better protection was seen in the HAd-Spike/C5 group compared with the HAd-Spike group.