Search

Globally, illegal sport hunting can threaten prey populations when unregulated. Due to its covert nature, illegal sport hunting poses challenges for data collection, hindering efforts to understand the full extent of its impacts. We gathered social media data to analyze patterns of illegal sport hunting and wildlife depletion across Brazil. We collected data for 2 years (2018–2020) across 5 Facebook groups containing posts depicting pictures of illegal sport hunting events of native fauna. We described and mapped these hunting events by detailing the number of hunters involved, the number of species, the mean body mass of individuals, and the number and biomass of individuals hunted per unit area, stratified by Brazilian biome. We also examined the effects of defaunation on hunting yield and composition via regression models, rank–abundance curves, and spatial interpolation. We detected 2046 illegal sport hunting posts portraying the hunting of 4658 animals (∼29 t of undressed meat) across all 27 states and 6 natural biomes of Brazil. Of 157 native species targeted by hunters, 19 are currently threatened with extinction. We estimated that 1414 hunters extracted 3251 kg/million km2. Some areas exhibited more pronounced wildlife depletion, in particular the Atlantic Forest and Caatinga biomes. In these areas, there was a shift from large mammals and reptiles to small birds as the main targeted taxa, and biomass extracted per hunting event and mean body mass across all taxonomic groups were lower than in other areas. Our results highlight that illegal sport hunting adds to the pressures of subsistence hunting and the wild meat trade on Brazil's wildlife populations. Enhanced surveillance efforts are needed to reduce illegal sport hunting levels and to develop well‐managed sustainable sport hunting programs. These can support wildlife conservation and offer incentives for local communities to oversee designated sport hunting areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate if students without training assess pain similarly to an expert, and to compare indications for analgesic intervention based on student opinions versus scale scoring. Prospective, blind, randomized, cross-sectional study. Video recordings of a bull, horse, cat, pig and sheep. First-year veterinary medicine students assessed one video of a horse (n = 44) and one video of a bull (n = 39). Third-year veterinary medicine students assessed one video of a cat (n = 23) and one video of a pig (n = 21). Fourth-year animal science students (n = 16) assessed one video of a sheep. The species assessed by different student classes were determined randomly. Students were unaware of animal history or existing pain assessment and decided whether they would provide analgesia according to their opinion. They then scored each video using species-specific validated pain scales. Scores were compared with those of a board-certified anesthesiologist (expert). Chi-square test was used to compare students and expert. Students underestimated the expert's score by 8–20%, except for the horse. There was no difference between the analgesic indication according to the assessment of the expert (143/143, 100%) and students (141/143, 98.6%) considering the defined analgesic intervention threshold for each scale (p = 0.478). The indication for analgesic intervention according to students' opinion (116/143, 81.1%) was lower than that according to their scale scores (141/143, 98.6%) (p < 0.0001). Students tended to underestimate pain; however, they detected pain that requires analgesic intervention in animals similarly to an expert. The use of scales optimized the indication for providing analgesia when animals were experiencing pain that required analgesic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze how the journalistic media has described the issues of quality of life (QoL), physical activity (PA) and mental health (MH) of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a descriptive and qualitative study that used content analysis. Sixty-two journalistic publications were analyzed from a total of 8211 published by the most read newspapers in each Brazilian region between December 2019 and August 2021. Results: The results were grouped and evaluated in three categories: QoL (n=11), PA (n =9) and MH (n=42). In the analyzed period, the adolescents had more time of exposure to screens, contributing to an inadequate diet, a decrease in PA and impairments in QoL. According to the media publications, the pandemic has also contributed to an increase in anxiety, depression, loneliness and fear resulting from the mental and emotional disorganization caused by the abrupt change in routine. Social vulnerability was presented as an aggravating factor in this context. The journalistic media did not pay the necessary attention to adolescents regarding the negative consequences of the pandemic on QoL, PA and MH. Conclusions: The analyzed reports showed that the pandemic caused a decrease in social interaction, feelings of uncertainty, fear and the appearance/exacerbation of symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression. Social vulnerability was presented as another obstacle to be faced in this problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hunting by rural and urban populations is essential for securing access to protein and other nutrients throughout the tropics. The hunting patterns of urban hunters in Amazonia, and the similarities with those of rural hunters, are unclear, as are the social factors that influence hunting practices. We analyze the effects of socioeconomic and cultural factors on hunting frequency and composition of species hunted by urban and rural Amazonian hunters. We interviewed 49 urban hunters and 57 rural hunters within 10 municipalities in western Amazonia in Brazil. A total of 44 species were cited as hunted. Our analyses show that the probability of engaging in sport hunting (for recreation) is greater among urban hunters. Rural inhabitants, hunters with lower monetary incomes, and hunters who were non-practicing Christians and atheists hunted more frequently. The composition of species hunted was similar, regardless of the hunters' livelihood (rural or urban) or religion. We found that hunting frequency is influenced by hunters' socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, but these factors do not affect the composition of the harvest. This similarity between urban and rural hunters might be related to species distribution and availability and could potentially impact the most hunted species if hunting grounds overlap. Understanding hunting patterns, especially those of urban hunters, allows for more effective hunting management strategies, improvements in law enforcement against illegal hunting, as well as development of more effective and sustainable conservation actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the first records of Cerdocyon thous on the left bank of the Madeira river, extending its distribution to more than 10 km to the N–W. We carried out a survey of official information present in scientific articles, technical reports, and management plans for conservation units in the state of Rondônia, and accessions to the iNaturalist. Our records show C. thous occurs widely in state, even in busy urban areas such as the area surrounding the international airport of Porto Velho. This highlights the importance of monitoring the fauna present in the urban fragments of Amazonian cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to replicate a model developed to explain the problem-solving process through insight with human participants. This process happens when an organism solves a problem by producing a behavior chain with at least two operant behaviors that share similar consequences during acquisition but in different contexts. We recruited six participants aged between 20 and 30 years old with a low level of previous experience in first-person video games. They also did not have significant experience with the Portal 2 game and had adequate structural conditions to participate in the experiment remotely. The procedure has five phases: familiarization, pretest, practicing of behaviors not necessary for problem solving, practicing of behaviors necessary for problem solving, and posttest. As a result, three participants solved the problem only in the posttest, one solved it in the pretest phase, and two did not solve it in any of their presentations. However, all participants issued the necessary behaviors to solve the problem. For future experiments, it is encouraged that changes in the problem-solving situation occur that seek to increase the probability of solving the problem once the participant emits the necessary behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hunting is a vital means of obtaining animal in various human populations. Hunters rely on their knowledge of species ecology and behavior to develop and employ hunting techniques and increase their chances of success. The comparison of the hunting practices of different human societies can shed light on the sustainability of hunting and the impact it has on species' populations. In this study, we examine and compare the techniques, modalities, and baits used by urban and rural hunters in Rondônia, a state in southwestern Amazonia, Brazil. We expected that rural hunters would use these elements and have greater knowledge when compared to urban hunters. We also expect that the use of specific hunting techniques and modalities will have greater selectivity and specificity of capture for rural hunters and that this knowledge will differ between groups. Methods: We conducted 106 semi-structured interviews with rural and urban hunters from October 2018 to February 2020. We analyzed the data using PERMANOVA and Network analyses to compare and contrast the hunting practices of each group. Results: We recorded four main hunting techniques divided into ten modalities with three techniques and seven modalities being the preferred choices among hunters. Waiting for at a Fruit Tree was cited as the primary technique employed by hunters living in urban and rural areas indicated. While the techniques and modalities were similar among hunters, the composition of species targeted and baits used differed between groups. Our network approach showed that modularity in urban areas was numerically lower than in rural areas. All species had one to more techniques associated with their capture. Conclusions: Hunters living in urban and rural environments showed high similarity in their practices, probably due to sharing similar environments to hunt containing similar species, as well as targeting preferably the same species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a 68-year-old female patient with unilateral central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) with cilioretinal artery sparing post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. The patient presented with acute vision loss in the left eye 11 days after discharge from a severe COVID-19 infection, with altered D-dimer, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen levels. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the left eye was 20/400; fundoscopic examination revealed diffuse pallor retina with a patent arterial branch from the optic disk to the fovea, confirmed by fluorescein angiography. CRAO with a cilioretinal artery sparing post-COVID-19 may be considered an additional ocular manifestation of the post-acute COVID-19 syndrome spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The harvest of meat from wild animals is essential for the nutrition of many human populations in the Neotropics. Specific techniques are used to access wild meat in this region, but collecting meat from road killed animals, or purposely run over animals to kill and consume the meat have not been documented so far. In this study we interviewed four residents of the state of Rondônia who claimed to consume roadkilled animals. Respondents cited only medium and large mammals (10 species in total) as the group from which wild meat is harvested, with one respondent claiming to intentionally run over the animals. The interviewees analyse the smell/putrefaction condition, swelling and exposure of viscera as criteria for not collecting the meat. The meat from roadkilled animals may pose a risk to the health of humans who consume it due to the foodborne diseases it may spread after the decomposition process. In addition, the practice of running over animals for consumption of their meat can cause potential impacts to the fauna and humans since it can reduce animal numbers and also cause serious accidents. Further investigations are needed to clarify whether this is widespread phenomenon occurring in other places of the Amazon and the Neotropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to present a theoretical discussion about the role of tourism in the expansion and spatial reorganization of capitalism in sun and beach destinations on the periphery of capitalism. To support the discussion, we use the concept of spatial solution, in addition to the concepts of extensive and concentrated urbanization to analyze the spaces of the tourist urbanization and the spaces known as “the other side of the road” or “the second city”. It is based on the argument that tourism is an efficient instrument in the geographical expansion of capitalism as it requires a complex process of urbanization for its development. It is considered that the double process of urbanization generated by tourism is directly related to the need for capital to profitably produce and absorb surpluses in its constant search for accumulation. Thus, the discourse of social benefit and poverty reduction vanishes through accumulation practices that extractively use all possible resources for profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Croton argyrophyllus Kunth., commonly known as "marmeleiro" or "cassetinga," is widely distributed in the Brazilian Northeast region. Its leaves and flowers are used in traditional medicine as tranquilizers to treat flu and headaches. This study was conducted to determine the chemical composition and toxicological safety of essential oil from C. argyrophyllus leaves using in vitro and in vivo models. The chemical composition of the essential oil was determined using a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer. Cytotoxicity was tested in the HeLa, HT-29, and MCF-7 cell lines derived from human cells (Homo sapiens) and Vero cell lines derived from monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) using the MTT method. Acute toxicity, genotoxicity. Mutagenicity tests were performed in Swiss mice (Mus musculus), which were administered essential oil orally in a single dose of 2000 mg/kg by gavage. The main components of the essential oil were p -mentha-2- en -1-ol, α-terpineol, β-caryophyllene, and β-elemene. The essential oil exhibited more than 90% cytotoxicity in all cell lines tested. No deaths or behavioral, hematological, or biochemical changes were observed in mice, revealing no acute toxicity. In genotoxic and mutagenic analyses, there was no increase in micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes or in the damage and index in the comet assay. The essential oil was cytotoxic towards the tested cell lines but did not exert toxic effects or promote DNA damage when administered orally at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg in mice. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report two new records of occurrence of Six-banded Armadillo, Euphractus sexcinctus (Linnaeus, 1758), in the state of Rondônia, Brazil, based on roadkills. These new records extend the geographic distribution of this species by 70 km. The records are from the region with a high deforestation rate called the “Arc of Deforestation”, which includes the state of Rondônia. Euphractus sexcinctus was recorded in an area with a high loss of vegetation cover, where the forest is being converted to pasture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on field surveys, we report new distribution data of Columbina minuta (Linnaeus, 1766), Plain-breasted Grounddove, from Rondônia state, southwestern Amazonia, Brazil. A new record of C. minuta from Rondônia, extends the geographic distribution of this species by approximately 550 km north and 430 km east of the previously known distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hunting is intensely practiced in the Amazon and is related to the survival of riverside communities as a source of income and food. This study was conducted at Resex Cazumbá-Iracema between June and November, in the dry season and the beginning of the flood period. Twenty-one families were monitored, six hunting events were followed, and 23 C. denticulatus individuals were recorded, all of which were categorized as opportunistic. Among the studied individuals, 11 were males and 12 females, and those with a carapace over 40 cm were considered adults. The tortoise is captured mainly for food, but there are beliefs concerning its medicinal use in treating inflammatory diseases. Reptiles, in general, are among the least hunted species for food in the Amazon. This preference may be related to the higher mammals' biomass and the birds' species richness. However, its importance for consumption may vary according to the location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to test the use of measures obtained from freelisting as possible surrogates of the harvest rate of hunted species. For this purpose, we interviewed 100 rural and urban hunters in southwestern Amazonia to obtain the frequency of citations of each hunted species through freelisting and gather information on the number of individuals hunted per species in the last five hunting events through hunting recalls. We assessed the relationship between the percentage of records per species by each method through a generalized linear model, and then compared the predicted values obtained from this model with the values observed in our dataset using Pearson's correlation. During freelisting, fortythree taxa were listed in 608 citations as hunted by the informants. Freelisting provided data on around twice the number of species obtained from recalls. During the last five hunting trips, urban hunters reported the hunting of 164 individuals of 18 species, representing 54.5% of the freelisted species. Rural hunters caught 146 individuals of 21 species, 60.0% of the freelisted species. We found a strong logistic relationship between the harvest rates, i.e., percentage of individuals hunted per species from recalls, and the freelisting percentage citations of hunted species, with the estimated and observed values of harvest rates highly matching (Pearson's R = 0.98, p < 0.0001). The freelisting method allowed a good estimate of the composition and harvest rates of hunted species. The formula produced in this study can be used as a reference for further studies, enabling researchers to use freelisting effectively to assess the composition of hunted species and to address the difficulty of obtaining reliable data on species harvest rates in tropical forests, especially in short-term studies and contexts in which hunters distrust research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to analyze the profile of fishermen and fish trade during the pandemic (Covid-19) in Portel, Marajó, Brazil. The research was quantitative and qualitative, carried out with 18 artisanal fishermen. A questionnaire containing open and closed questions was used, addressing socioeconomic issues and the possible negative effects of the pandemic on marketing. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. All fishermen are men, over 25 years of age. The majority (83.3%) have been fishing for more than 10 years and have more than 4 people in the family (72.2%). A total of 83.3% are part of a social, fishing organization, and 88.9% are beneficiaries of some federal government program. A little more than half of the informants (55.5%) managed to develop fishing activities during the pandemic and did not spare a single hour of work, with a readjustment in the prices of most fish (79%). The production is intended only for direct marketing to the consumer and there was an increase in demand for fish (66.6%). More than half (61.1%) had an increase in family income, despite facing difficulties in developing fishing. The majority (83.3%) do not believe they will receive any help from the government. In conclusion, it was possible to know the profile of artisanal sinners and the consequences of the pandemic that were positive for the majority. Covid-19 affected the fishermen class, whether in their daily life, fishing activities, fish marketing or income obtained through it or through federal government programs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife plays an essential role in the feeding and traditional medicine of rural and urban populations throughout the Neotropics. However, crucial gaps in patterns of use can still be observed in the Amazon region, especially for urban and rural hunters. Faced with this scenario, this study aims to answer the following question: do urban and rural hunters have the same zootherapeutic practices? As such, 57 rural and 49 urban hunters were interviewed about their use of zootherapeutic practices in the state of Rondônia, located in the southwestern Amazon. The primary analyses used for group comparison were the species rarefaction curve, Relative Importance, Use Value Index, Value of Medicinal Applications, and Principal Coordinate Analysis. Of the total number of hunters interviewed, 56.6% reported the use of zootherapeutic practices, with nine hunting to specifically obtain zootherapeutic products. A total of 12 species were utilized of which nine body parts were used to treat 33 diseases, where the main species used in the zootherapeutic practices was Cuniculus paca. This predominance may be related to hunting preference and may introduce the potential for pharmacological research. The Relative Importance, Use Value Index, Value of Medicinal Applications, and Principal Coordinate Analysis showed no differences. Our results indicate a significant similarity in the use of zootherapeutic practices between the groups and that the geographic location of residence does not influence the choice of species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization has rapidly increased in recent decades and the negative effects on biodiversity have been widely reported. Urban green areas can contribute to improving human well-being, maintaining biodiversity, and ecosystem services (e.g. pollination). Here we examine the evolution of studies on plant–pollinator interactions in urban ecosystems worldwide, reviewing also research funding and policy actions. We documented a significant increase in the scientific production on the theme in recent years, especially in the temperate region; tropical urban ecosystems are still neglected. Plant–pollinator interactions are threatened by urbanization in complex ways, depending on the studied group (plant or pollinator [generalist or specialist]) and landscape characteristics. Several research opportunities emerge from our review. Research funding and policy actions to pollination/pollinator in urban ecosystems are still scarce and concentrated in developed countries/temperate regions. To make urban green spaces contribute to the maintenance of biodiversity and the provision of ecosystem services, transdisciplinary approaches (ecological–social–economic–cultural) are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study was to carry out a prospective study on the patents reports of homeopathic formulations in the brazilian intellectual property bank, the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). Methods: This is a prospective research of patents referring to homeopathy products and medicines carried in May 2020. Searches were made for patents deposited with homeopathic purpose with the terms "homeopathy" and "homeopathic" from the first document until the last one deposited in 2019. We have found thirty-eight deposits with the search terms cited above, after exclusion of duplicates we selected twenty four. Results: Among the 24 patent reports selected, 15 (62.5%) were patents of invention. Among the classification of products, we highlight those of type A61K with 19 (79.1%). Twenty-four deposits were selected with the search terms "homeopathy" and "homeopathic". 20 (83.3%) deposits with the term "homeopathic" and 4 (16.66%) to the term "homeopathy". Among the reports stand out patents of homeopathic formulations 14 (58.3%). There were a greater number of deposits in the years 2009 and 2013, both with 4 (16.6%) deposits. Conclusion: After analyzing patents on homeopathic products at the intellectual property bank in Brazil, it is concluded that most are related to new formulations. It can be seen that in Brazil the interest in relation to the protection of intellectual property in this topic is still small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to analyze the professional choices of students from the Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), problematizing them with the debate of gender relations that permeate social relations. Methodologically, we conducted the bibliographic research referring to the categories "gender", "professional choices" and "profession"; and documentary research in the Statistical Yearbooks. The results revealed that unequal gender relations and the sexual division of labor in the professional choices of UFS students. The areas where the largest number of women predominate are the areas of health and education, and the exact and technological areas remain a field with little female participation, confirming the existing gender inequality in career choices and, consequently, in the labor market job. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to evaluate the quality of life of elderly participants of a coexistence group; verify the sociodemographic profile. Methodology: This is a descriptive quantitative study, where a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Whoqol-Bref instrument were used to evaluate the quality of life of 103 elderly people from a community center in Belém do Pará. Results: most of them are elderly with age range between 70-75 years, schooling 8 years or more, pen-sioned/retired. In relation to the Whoqol-bref instrument, the elderly presented a higher score in the domain of perception of quality of life and social relations, followed respectively by physical, psychological, health satisfaction and ambient environment. Conclusion: Most retired elderly women demonstrated to have a good quality of life, highlighted for the domain of this perception and social relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to evaluate the quality of life of elderly participants of a coexistence group; verify the sociodemographic profile. Methodology: This is a descriptive quantitative study, where a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Whoqol-Bref instrument were used to evaluate the quality of life of 103 elderly people from a community center in Belém do Pará. Results: most of them are elderly with age range between 70-75 years, schooling 8 years or more, pen-sioned/retired. In relation to the Whoqol-bref instrument, the elderly presented a higher score in the domain of perception of quality of life and social relations, followed respectively by physical, psychological, health satisfaction and ambient environment. Conclusion: Most retired elderly women demonstrated to have a good quality of life, highlighted for the domain of this perception and social relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A simple and versatile route to synthesize nanocomposite thin films containing polythiophene, gold nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes is demonstrated. The strategy is based on a liquid-liquid interfacial reaction, in which polythiophene and gold nanoparticles are concomitantly synthesized through a reaction between an aqueous solution of tetrachloroauric acid and a n-hexane solution of thiophene containing carbon nanotubes previously dispersed. The three-component nanocomposite is obtained directly as a thin and homogeneous film, self-assembled at the liquid-liquid interface, and easily transferable to ordinary substrates. Different reaction times were investigated, and the materials were characterized by several techniques, such as SEM, TEM, profilometry and EDS to inform about the morphology and the elementary composition, FTIR, Raman, TGA, UV–Vis and DRX about the structure of the materials and the electrochemical properties were investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The presence of carbon nanotubes accelerates the reaction, yielding greater amount of product when compared to similar reactions conducted without the carbon nanotubes. The proportion between the components, amount of products and film thickness can be controlled by the reaction time. It is observed that the amount of both polythiophene and gold nanoparticles increases with the increasing reaction time, inducing the formation of polymer agglomerates over de carbon nanotubes and the anisotropic growth of gold nanoparticles. The presence of CNT increases the electrochemical stability of the films when compared to similar ones without CNT. The potentiality of the prepared nanocomposite as electrochemical sensor was evaluated for voltammetric determination of dopamine. Best results were found for a PT/Au/CNT film prepared after 4.5 h of reaction, with a limit of detection of 0.69 μmol L−1. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Direct and one-pot synthesis and processing of multifunctional material as thin films. • Innovative technique to prepare thin film of a multi-component material impossible to be done using conventional routes. • Optical and electrochemical properties of materials designed by the synthesis. • Large potentiality as electrochemical sensor demonstrated by dopamine electrochemical sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Feeding, swallowing and breathing are fundamental activities for the survival and well-being of humans; these functions are performed by themost complex neuromuscular unit of the human body, which, when altered, may raise morbidity and mortality rates. Objective To evaluate deglutition in patients with mental disability in order to determine the incidence and the severity of dysphagia. Methods A total of 189 institutionalized adult patients with mental disability were analyzed using a 3.2 mm flexible fiberscope (Machida, Japan 1995). The following food consistencies were tested: pasty, thickened liquid and liquid. Results Among the total of 189 patients, 101 (53.4%) were female aged between 14 and 55 years old. Most of them 120 (63.5%) had profound mental deficiency, 58 (30.7%) had severe mental deficiency, 9 (4.8%) had moderate mental deficiency, and 2 (1.1%) had mild mental deficiency. Gender and the degree of mental deficiency did not influence significantly the degree of dysphagia. Age, degree of disability and interaction between age groups and degrees of disability influenced significantly the degree of dysphagia. Younger patients are more likely to present more severe dysphagia. Stabilization occurs between 31 and 40 years of age, and above this age, a greater chance of less severe dysphagia, because the increase in the degree of mental deficiency decreases the probability of more severe dysphagia. Conclusion The population that mostly presented severe dysphagia was characterized by being mostly female, with profound mental deficiency, with an average age of 36.7 years. There was no relationship between gender and the degree of mental disability concerning the degree of dysphagia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates how, in the post-war theatrical trilogy Waiting for Godot, End game and Happy Days, Samuel Beckett presents a wait that never ends, in two ways. First, regarding the content: it is a wait that has no external purpose of the works, as a total meaning that can be understood and serve our moral or cognitive instruction. Second, regarding the form: the waiting does not end, it is endless, as a final goal to be desired by the characters within the works that would confer them completeness, closure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work demonstrates a simple and one-step synthesis of polythiophene/gold nanoparticles (PT/Au) nanocomposite thin films, through a liquid–liquid (L/L) interfacial polymerization route. Starting from an aqueous solution of tetrachloroauric acid (acting both as metallic gold source and oxidizing agent to start the oxidative polymerization of thiophene), and a solution of thiophene in n-hexane, a biphasic L/L system was originated. In the following, the interface acted as a meeting-point for the reactants, and the polymerization reaction took place, leading to self-assembled PT/Au film between the two immiscible liquids. These films were easily deposited over different substrates (glass, silicon, plastics) and characterized through different techniques. The influence of both the reactants ratio and the reaction time on the structure and morphology of the films were evaluated. The films obtained with a shorter reaction time exhibited spherical gold nanoparticles (around 3 nm diameter) homogeneously dispersed into a polymeric matrix. The increase of both the reaction time and the thiophene/gold precursor ratio led to agglomerated and anisotropic gold structures wrapped by a thin layer of polythiophene. Overall, PT/Au films are transparent, homogeneous, stable, flexible and presented reversible electrochromic properties, which make them suitable for application in different systems and devices, as demonstrated here for electrochromic application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An innovative, single-pot synthesis for chemically producing graphene/polyaniline nanocomposites is presented. The method, which is based on chemical reactions at liquid-liquid interfaces, begins with benzene and aniline and ultimately yields nanocomposites as thin films of polyaniline mixed with graphene. These films self-assembled at the water-benzene interface are easily transferable to any kind of ordinary substrates, plastics included. Nanocomposites prepared with different polymer/graphene ratios show differentiated structures and morphologies, resulting in excellent pseudocapacitive behaviors (specific capacitance of 267.2 F cm −3 ). The construction of all-solid, transparent, and flexible supercapacitor device from this nanocomposite is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute care demands fast response and procedures from the healthcare professionals involved in the emergency. The availability of electronic medical records (EMR) enables acute care teams to access patient data promptly, which is critical for proper treatment. The EMR contains sensitive data, so proper access control is a necessity. However, acute care situations entail the introduction of dynamic authorisation techniques that are able to swiftly grant access to the acute care teams during the treatment and that at the same time can revoke it as soon as the treatment is over. In this work, our contributions are threefold. First, we propose a step-by-step methodology that defines dynamic and fine-grained access control in acute care incidents. Then, we applied this methodology with the Amsterdam University Medical Center acute stroke care teams, resulting in a new model coined 'Acute Care Attribute-Based Access Control (AC-ABAC)'. AC-ABAC implements access control policies that take into account contextual attributes for dynamically sharing patient data with the appropriate healthcare professionals during the life cycle of acute care. Finally, we evaluate the performance and show the feasibility and correctness of AC-ABAC through a prototype implementation of the model and simulation of patient data requests in various scenarios. The results show that the most complex policy evaluation takes on average 194.89 ms, which is considered worthwhile when compared to the added value to the system's security and the acute care process. • A methodology to define dynamic and fine-grained access control to medical data. • Multi-organisational collaborative scenario of data sharing in acute care. • Policies and contextual attributes for Attribute-Based Access Control model. • Access control model to patient data during an emergency for legit professionals. • Simulations and code publicly available for correctness and performance evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Epicardial adipose tissue volume and coronary artery disease are strongly associated, even after accounting for overall body mass. Despite its pathophysiological significance, the origin and paracrine signaling pathways that regulate epicardial adipose tissue's formation and expansion are unclear. METHODS: We used a novel modified mRNA-based screening approach to probe the effect of individual paracrine factors on epicardial progenitors in the adult heart. RESULTS: Using 2 independent lineage-tracing strategies in murine models, we show that cells originating from the Wt1+ mesothelial lineage, which includes epicardial cells, differentiate into epicardial adipose tissue after myocardial infarction. This differentiation process required Wt1 expression in this lineage and was stimulated by insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) activation. IGF1R inhibition within this lineage significantly reduced its adipogenic differentiation in the context of exogenous, IGF1-modified mRNA stimulation. Moreover, IGF1R inhibition significantly reduced Wt1 lineage cell differentiation into adipocytes after myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS: Our results establish IGF1R signaling as a key pathway that governs epicardial adipose tissue formation in the context of myocardial injury by redirecting the fate of Wt1+ lineage cells. Our study also demonstrates the power of modified mRNA -based paracrine factor library screening to dissect signaling pathways that govern progenitor cell activity in homeostasis and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexagonal close packed (hcp) nickel nanoparticles stabilized by polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were synthesized through the thermal treatment of face centered cubic (fcc) nickel nanoparticles. Controlling both the temperature of the heat treatment and the amount of PVP was possible the control of the hcp/fcc rate in the samples, where the higher Ni/PVP ratio produces only the hcp-nickel phase (average size of 8.9 nm) highly stable in air. The crystalline structure, the presence of PVP, the size of the nanoparticles and the stability of the hcp-nickel were confirmed using X-ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Thin films of hcp and fcc nickel nanoparticles were prepared through a biphasic system and deposited over indium-doped tin oxide (ITO) substrates, which were electrochemically characterized and applied as glycerol amperometric sensors in NaOH medium. Parameters as the number of cycles applied and the scan rate were evaluated and indicate that hcp nickel nanoparticles are more reactive to form Ni(OH) 2 and lead to more electroactive Ni(OH) 2 structure. The hcp nickel nanoparticles-modified electrode showed the best sensitivity (0.258 μA L μmol −1 ) and detection limit (2.4 μmol L −1 ) toward glycerol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a frequent chronic inflammatory condition in the oral cavity with an etiopathogenesis not completely identified. This study aimed to contribute to the knowledge of FCGS by identifying the presence of feline calicivirus (FCV) antigens and natural killer (NK) cells and comparing them. Materials and Methods: Forty biopsies from the oral mucosa of cats diagnosed with chronic gingivostomatitis were subjected to immunohistochemical techniques to evaluate cells with FCV antigens and NK cells positive for CD56. Results: NK cells were identified in all samples, with an average of 725.3 ± 409.1 cells. Regarding FCV, it was identified in 18 out of 30 samples (60%), with a different number of cells with virus in between the analyzed cases. In all cases, the number of cells infected with FCV was lower than the number of NK cells present in the same samples, but there was no statistical association between them. Conclusion: This preliminary study shows that NK cells are present in gingivostomatitis lesions not exclusively caused by FCV-stimulus, as only 60% of all cases were positive for this virus, but other antigens should be considered in the etiology of FCGS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here the synthesis and characterization of transparent and homogeneous thin films of reduced graphene oxide/silver nanoparticles (rGO/AgNPs) nanocomposites, starting from graphene oxide (GO) or reduced graphene oxide (rGO), directly obtained at a water/toluene liquid–liquid interface. Different films (obtained by varying the Ag/rGO or Ag/GO ratio) were prepared, deposited over glass or plastic substrates, and characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV–Vis and Raman spectroscopy, thermal analysis, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Samples were evaluated as substrates for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), using dilute solutions (1 × 10 −7 mol L −1 ) of a common probe molecule, 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP). These materials exhibit significant high-quality SERS activity, and enhanced modes could be observed for 4-ATP, which suggested that charge transfer occurred between the Ag nanoparticles and 4-ATP molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a resistant form of leishmaniasis that is caused by a parasite belonging to the genus Leishmania. FLU-loaded microemulsions (MEs) were developed by phase diagram for topical administration of fluconazole (FLU) as prominent alternative to combat CL. Three MEs called F1, F2, and F3 (F1—60% 50 M phosphate buffer at pH 7.4 (PB) as aqueous phase, 10% cholesterol (CHO) as oil phase, and 30% soy phosphatidylcholine/oil polyoxyl-60 hydrogenated castor oil/sodium oleate (3/8/6) (S) as surfactant; F2—50% PB, 10% CHO, and 40% S; F3—40% PB, 10% CHO, and 50 % S) were characterized by droplet size analysis, zeta potential analysis, X-ray diffraction, continuous flow, texture profile analysis, and in vitro bioadhesion. MEs presented pseudoplastic flow and thixotropy was dependent on surfactant concentration. Droplet size was not affected by FLU. FLU-loaded MEs improved the FLU safety profile that was evaluated using red cell haemolysis and in vitro cytotoxicity assays with J-774 mouse macrophages. FLU-unloaded MEs did not exhibit leishmanicidal activity that was performed using MTT colourimetric assays; however, FLU-loaded MEs exhibited activity. Therefore, these MEs have potential to modulate FLU action, being a promising platform for drug delivery systems to treat CL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present work describes for the first time the synthesis and characterization of single wall carbon nanotubes/polyaniline (SWNTs/PAni) nanocomposite thin films in a liquid–liquid interface, as well as the subsequent construction of a flexible all-solid supercapacitor. Different SWNTs/PAni nanocomposites were prepared by varying the ratio of SWNT to aniline, and the samples were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, Raman and UV–Vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The pseudo-capacitive behavior of the nanocomposites was evaluated by charge/discharge galvanostatic measurements. The presence of the SWNTs affected the electronic and vibrational properties of the polyaniline and also improved the pseudo-capacitive behavior of the conducting polymer. A very thin and flexible all-solid device was manufactured using two electrodes (polyethylene terephthalate-PET covered with the SWNT/PAni nanocomposite separated by a H2SO4-PVA gel electrolyte). The pseudo-capacitive behavior was characterized by a volumetric specific capacitance of approximately 76.7 F cm−3, even under mechanical deformation, indicating that this nanocomposite has considerable potential for application in new-generation energy storage devices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this study was to perform structural characterization and evaluate the in vitro safety profile and in vitro antioxidant activity of liquid crystalline systems (LSCS) with and without retinal palmitate (RPG). LSCS containing poly ether functional siloxanes (FPS) as a surfactant, silicon glycol copolymer (SG) as oil phase, and water in the ratios 30 : 25 : 45 and 40 : 50 : 10 with (OILSV = RPG-loaded opaque liquid system and TLSV = RPG-loaded transparent liquid system, respectively) and without (OILS and TL'S, respectively) RPG were studied. Samples were characterized using polarized light microscopy (PML) and rheology analysis. In vitro safety profile was evaluated using red cell hemolysis and in vitro cytotoxicity assays. In vitro antioxidant activity was performed by the DPPH method. PLM analysis showed the presence of lamellar LCS just to TLS. Regardless of the presence of RP, the rheological studies showed the pseudoplastic behavior of the formulations. The results showed that the incorporation of RP in LCS improved the safety profile of the drug. In vitro antioxidant activity suggests that LCS presented a higher capacity to maintain the antioxidant activity of RP. PFS-based systems may be a promising platform for RP topical application for the treatment of skin aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A glutathione-S-transferase (GST) based biosensor was developed to quantify the thiocarbamate herbicide molinate in environmental water. The biosensor construction was based on GST immobilization onto a glassy carbon electrode via aminosilane–glutaraldehyde covalent attachment. The principle supporting the use of this biosensor consists of the GST inhibition process promoted by molinate. Differential pulse voltammetry was used to obtain a calibration curve for molinate concentration, ranging from 0.19 to 7.9mgL−1 and presenting a detection limit of 0.064mgL−1. The developed biosensor is stable, and reusable during 15 days. The GST-based biosensor was successfully applied to quantify molinate in rice paddy field floodwater samples. The results achieved with the developed biosensor were in accordance with those obtained by high performance liquid chromatography. The proposed device is suitable for screening environmental water analysis and, since no sample preparation is required, it can be used in situ and in real-time measurements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A rapid and simple method was developed for isoniazid (INZ) determination by flow injection analysis (FIA) using a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) modified with silver hexacyanoferrates (NPAg-HCF) as amperometric detector. Dodecanethiol-stabilized silver nanoparticles were prepared by biphasic method and applied as modifier in a screen-printed electrode, used as precursors for the electrochemical hexacyanoferrates preparation (NPAg-HCF). The electrochemical behavior of both silver nanoparticles and silver hexacyanoferrates was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry in the presence of potassium or silver ions and was verified a strong dependence with the nature of the cations in the voltammetric profile. A catalytic response of the SPCE/NPAg-HCF electrode was observed for INZ determination confirmed by the increase int the current of the Ag3K[FeII(CN)6]/Ag3[FeIII(CN)6] redox couple at the electrode surface, proportionally to the INZ concentration. The device was evaluated as an amperometric sensor in an FIA system. Using the best operation conditions assigned as: potential applied of +0.45V, pH 3.0, flow rate of 2.9mLmin−1, sample volume of 200μL, and analytical path of 30cm, it was possible to construct a linear calibration curve from 5.0×10−6 to 5.0×10−4 molL−1 with a limit of detection of 2.6μmolL−1. Recoveries values obtained for INZ provided mean values ranging from 99.0 to 102%, and an analytical frequency of 24 injections per hour was achieved. The method was successfully applied for the determination of INZ in simulated human urine samples with good agreement between the added and recovery values. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Leptin is a 16 kDa hormone mainly produced by adipocytes that plays an important role in many biological events including the regulation of appetite and energy balance, atherosclerosis, osteogenesis, angiogenesis, the immune response, and inflammation. The search for proteolytic enzymes capable of processing leptin prompted us to investigate the action of cysteine cathepsins on human leptin degradation. In this study, we observed high cysteine peptidase expression and hydrolytic activity in white adipose tissue (WAT), which was capable of degrading leptin. Considering these results, we investigated whether recombinant human cysteine cathepsins B, K, L, and S were able to degrade human leptin. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that among the tested enzymes, cathepsin S exhibited the highest catalytic activity on leptin. Furthermore, using a Matrigel assay, we observed that the leptin fragments generated by cathepsin S digestion did not exhibit angiogenic action on endothelial cells and were unable to inhibit food intake in Wistar rats after intracerebroventricular administration. Taken together, these results suggest that cysteine cathepsins may be putative leptin activity regulators in WAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive plant species are the second most important threat to global biodiversity loss after land-use change. Invasive species can modify native community composition, deplete species diversity and affect ecosystem processes. The Caatinga is one of the most human-affected Brazilian ecosystems owing to non-sustainable use of its natural resources. Prosopis juliflora is an important invasive plant species in the Caatinga ecosystem. Seed germination is a critical stage in plant life cycles and is a major factor in the establishment and success of invasive plant species. Among the factors that affect seed germination and dormancy, coat-imposed seems to be the most important for P. juliflora. In Prosopis species, the ingestion of fruits by wild and domestic animals may promote and accelerate germination, enhancing the dispersal of seeds and fruits of these species. We investigated the germination capacity of P. juliflora seeds after artificial mechanical and chemical scarification and analyzed the changes in seedling vigor caused by the scarification treatments. Germination rate, germination time (TMG) and germination synchrony ( E) differed significantly with the length of the scarification treatments in HSO for both seeds with endocarps and seeds without endocarps (non-endocarp seeds). Sulfuric acid affected plant survival more strongly than germination rate, particularly in non-endocarp seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cathepsin S is a lysosomal cysteine peptidase of the papain superfamily which is implicated in physiological and pathological states. The enzyme is highly expressed in antigen presenting cells and is thought to play an important role in the processing of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-associated invariant chain. In pathological processes, cathepsin S is associated with Alzheimer''s disease, atherosclerosis and obesity and can be regarded as a potential target in related disorders. However, due to the broad substrate specificities of the lysosomal cathepsins, the specific detection of cathepsin S is difficult when other cathepsins are present. In an attempt to distinguish cathepsin S from other cathepsins we synthesized and tested fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) peptides derived from two of its putative natural substrates, namely insulin β-chain and class II-associated invariant chain (CLIP). The influence of ionic strength on the catalytic activity and the enzyme stability in neutral pH was also analyzed. Using data gathered from our study we developed a selective substrate for cathepsin S and establish the assay conditions to differentiate the enzyme from cathepsins L, B, V and K. The peptide Abz-LEQ-EDDnp (Abz= ortho-aminobenzoic acid; EDDnp=N-[2,4-dinitrophenyl]ethylenediamine]) in 50mM sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, containing 1M NaCl was hydrolyzed by cathepsin S with k cat/K m value of 3585mM−1 s−1, and was resistant to hydrolysis by cathepsins L, V, K and B. Thus, we developed a sensitive and selective cathepsins S substrate that permits continuous measurement of the enzymatic activity even in crude tissue extracts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) probably occurs by oxidative, inflammatory and autoimmune mechanisms. This study investigated the influence of statin on the stability of erythrocyte membranes in MS patients. The population was composed of one group with simvastatin therapy (20 mg/day), another group without statin therapy and a healthy control group. The stability of erythrocytes was evaluated by the half-transition points, H(50) and D(50), obtained from the curves of hemolysis induced by hypotonic shock and ethanol action, respectively. Erythrocytes of MS patients were less stable against lysis by both chaotropes. This behavior may be merely a consequence of the lifestyle of MS patients or it may be intrinsically associated with the conjunct of factors responsible for the development of the disease. The use of statin by MS patients was associated with lower levels of LDL and total cholesterol, as expected, and with higher stability of erythrocytes against ethanol compared to the values of untreated MS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurologic disease of the central nervous system which affects almost three million people worldwide. MS is characterized by a demyelination process that leads to brain lesions, allowing these affected areas to be visualized with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Deep learning techniques, especially computational algorithms based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs), have become a frequently used algorithm that performs feature self-learning and enables segmentation of structures in the image useful for quantitative analysis of MRIs, including quantitative analysis of MS. To obtain quantitative information about lesion volume, it is important to perform proper image preprocessing and accurate segmentation. Therefore, we propose a method for volumetric quantification of lesions on MRIs of MS patients using automatic segmentation of the brain and lesions by two CNNs. Methods: We used CNNs at two different moments: the first to perform brain extraction, and the second for lesion segmentation. This study includes four independent MRI datasets: one for training the brain segmentation models, two for training the lesion segmentation model, and one for testing. Results: The proposed brain detection architecture using binary cross-entropy as the loss function achieved a 0.9786 Dice coefficient, 0.9969 accuracy, 0.9851 precision, 0.9851 sensitivity, and 0.9985 specificity. In the second proposed framework for brain lesion segmentation, we obtained a 0.8893 Dice coefficient, 0.9996 accuracy, 0.9376 precision, 0.8609 sensitivity, and 0.9999 specificity. After quantifying the lesion volume of all patients from the test group using our proposed method, we obtained a mean value of 17,582 mm3. Conclusions: We concluded that the proposed algorithm achieved accurate lesion detection and segmentation with reproducibility corresponding to state-of-the-art software tools and manual segmentation. We believe that this quantification method can add value to treatment monitoring and routine clinical evaluation of MS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The optical, electrical and structural properties of thin film tin oxide (TO), F-doped tin oxide (FTO; n F ≈6×1020 cm−3) and highly F-doped tin oxide (hFTO; n F ≈10×1020 cm−3), grown by spray pyrolysis technique, are studied by atomic force microscopy, Hall effect, X-ray fluorescence and transmission/reflection measurements. The resistivity (ρ =32×10−4 Ωcm for intrinsic tin oxide) shows intriguing characteristics when F concentration n F is increased (ρ =6×10−4 Ωcm for FTO but 25×10−4 Ωcm for hFTO) whereas the carrier concentration is almost constant at high F concentration (n c ≈6×1020 cm−3 for FTO and hFTO). Thus, F seems to act both as a donor and a compensating acceptor in hFTO. The high carrier concentration has a strong effect on the optical band-edge absorption. Whereas intrinsic TO has room-temperature band-gap energy of E g ≈3.2eV with an onset to absorption at about 3.8eV, the highly doped FTO and hFTO samples show relatively strong absorption at 2–3eV. Theoretical analysis based on density functional calculations of FTO reveals that this is not a defect state within the band-gap region, but instead a consequence of a hybridization of the F donor states with the host conduction band in combination with a band filling of the lowest conduction band by the free carriers. This allows photon-assisted inter-conduction band transitions of the free electrons to energetically higher and empty conduction bands, producing the below-gap absorption peak. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high fat and low carbohydrate and protein diet. It is used in the clinical treatment of epilepsy, in order to decrease cerebral excitability. KD is usually composed by long-chain triglycerides (LCT) while medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) diet is beginning to be used in some clinical treatment of disorders of pyruvate carboxylase enzyme and long-chain fatty acid oxidation. Our study aimed to analyze the effects of medium- and long-chain KD on cerebral electrical activity, analyzing the propagation of the phenomenon of cortical spreading depression (CSD). Three groups of weaned rats (21 days old) received, for 7 weeks, either a control (AIN-93G diet), or a MCT-KD (rich in triheptanoin oil), or a LCT-KD (rich in soybean oil). They were compared to another three groups (21 days old) receiving the same diets for just 10 days. CSD propagation was evaluated just after ending the dietary treatments. Results showed that short-term KD treatment resulted in a significant reduction of the CSD velocity of propagation (control group: 4.02±1.04mm/min; MCT-KD: 0.81±1.46mm/min and LCT-KD: 2.26±0.41mm/min) compared to the control group. However, long-term treatment with both KDs had no effect on the CSD velocity (control group: 3.10±0.41mm/min, MCT-KD: 2.91±1.62mm/min, LCT-KD: 3.02±2.26mm/min) suggesting that both short-term KDs have a positive effect in decreasing brain cerebral excitability in young animals. These data show for the first time that triheptanoin has an effect on central nervous system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Metal nanoparticles (NP) are very attractive because of their size- and shape-dependent properties. A widely used preparation of ligand-stabilized metal NP is the two-phase liquid–liquid method using dodecanethiol (DT) as ligand. This work presents various procedures to synthesize dodecanethiol-capped silver NPs, all of them based on a two-phase liquid–liquid method. Small alterations in the synthetic parameters lead to dramatic modifications in the nanoparticles'' average size, size distribution width, stability, and structure, as well as in their ability to self-assemble. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Iron and iron oxide-filled carbon nanotubes (CNT) have been produced by an one-step route based on the pyrolysis of ferrocene or a ferrocene-Fe3(CO)12 mixture in a poor oxygen-containing atmosphere, using the reactor quartz tube wall and porous Vycor glass (PVG) as substrate. XRD, TEM and HRTEM studies reveal the presence of CNTs, bucky-onions and carbon nanopolyhedra, filled with α-Fe, Fe2O3 and Fe3O4. The carbon formed inside the pores of PVG was extracted from the glassy matrix yielding thin and short CNTs or structures resembling carbon foam. The preparative method opens up new avenues for iron oxide filled-CNT and bucky-onions synthesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Evidence from animal and human studies demonstrates that cortical regions play a key role in autonomic modulation with a differential role for some brain regions located in the left and right brain hemispheres. Known as autonomic asymmetry, this phenomenon has been demonstrated by clinical observations, by experimental models, and currently by combined neuroimaging and direct recordings of sympathetic nerve activity. Previous studies report peculiar autonomic-mediated cardiovascular alterations following unilateral damage to the left or right insula, a multifunctional key cortical region involved in emotional processing linked to autonomic cardiovascular control and featuring asymmetric characteristics. Methods: Based on clinical studies reporting specific damage to the insular cortex, this review aims to provide an overview of the prognostic significance of unilateral (left or right hemisphere) post-insular stroke cardiac alterations. In addition, we review experimental data aiming to unravel the central mechanisms involved in post-insular stroke cardiovascular complications. Results and Conclusion: Current clinical and experimental data suggest that stroke of the right insula can present a worse cardiovascular prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is estimated that multiple sclerosis (MS) affects 35,000 Brazilians and 2.5 million individuals worldwide. Many studies have suggested a possible role of metallic elements in the etiology of MS, but their concentration in the blood of MS patients is nonetheless little investigated in Brazil. In this work, these elements were studied through Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), whose analysis provides a tool to quantify the concentrations of metal elements in the blood samples of individuals with neurodegenerative disorders. This study aimed to compare the concentration of metallic elements in blood samples from patients with MS and healthy individuals. Blood was collected from 30 patients with multiple sclerosis and compared with the control group. Blood samples were digested in closed vessels using a microwave and ICP-MS was used to determine the concentrations of 12 metallic elements (Ba, Be, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mo, Ni, Pb and Zn). In MS patients, we observed a reduction in the concentrations of beryllium, copper, chromium, cobalt, nickel, magnesium and iron. The mean concentration of lead in blood was significantly elevated in the MS group. However, no difference was observed in the concentrations of Mo, Ba, Ca and Zn in blood samples from MS patients and the control group. According to our data, there is a possible role for the concentrations of 8 of the 12 evaluated metallic elements in multiple sclerosis. Abnormalities in transition metals levels in biological matrices have been reported in several neurological diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for technologies to increase productivity of the herds, without increasing production costs, brings a positive highlight to extruded feeds, since these products act to maximize digestive efficiency. The objective was to evaluate the effect of using different levels of inclusion of extruded roughage to replace corn silage on nutritional and metabolic parameters in sheep. For this, 20 ewes aged over three years were used, housed in metabolic cages, distributed in a completely randomized design in four treatments, which consisted of different levels of inclusion of extruded roughage to replace corn silage (20%, 40%, 60% and 80%). Dry matter intake (DMI) and water intake were calculated by the difference between what was offered and what was left over. Blood glucose and energy and protein metabolites were obtained through blood collection by jugular venipuncture and subsequent laboratory analyses, and feeding behavior by observation every 5 min. for 24 h. DMI and water intake increased linearly with the inclusion of extruded roughage in the diet. The greater inclusion of extruded roughage reduced the total chewing time, consequently increasing the efficiency of ingestion, rumination and total chewing. The inclusion of extruded roughage in the diet of sheep increases the dry matter intake, without reducing the digestibility of nutrients, reducing the time spent on chewing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]