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Vasoplegic endothelial dysfunction stands out as one of the most prominent shock syndromes in the intensive care unit, and despite continual therapeutic advances, it is still associated with poor prognosis in critical cases. This scenario is compatible with a significant inflammatory disturbance, with a propensity for increased vascular permeability and deterioration of endothelial response to modulators: a microcirculation disaster. The hemodynamic support's backbone is based primarily on fluid replacement and the use of vasopressor and inotropic agents in nonresponsive patients, aiming to establish a mean arterial pressure of at least 65 mmHg and therefore promote adequate tissue reperfusion. The present study's primary target is to discuss the combination of 3 concepts as a useful strategy for improving results against the high rates of mortality in critically ill patients. These 3 concepts are (1) the use of "broad-spectrum vasopressors," (2) vasopressorsparing strategy, and (3) microcirculation protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) straw has been identified as a valuable asset for bioenergy production, but it is also a primary carbon input for sustaining soil resources. Therefore, excessive removal of this crop residue can potentially decrease soil organic carbon (SOC) and have negative environmental consequences. Most crop residue management studies focus on site‐specific responses which are important, but do not provide comprehensive assessments across the multiple edaphoclimatic conditions needed by decision makers to guide sustainable sugarcane straw management. Temporal modifications in SOC stocks induced by straw removal were quantified in 10 field experiments located in south‐central of Brazil. Each field experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with four replications, including four straw removal rates: total (TR), high (HR), low (LR) and no removal (NR). Soil sampling was performed to a 30 cm depth at the trial establishment (baseline) and after 2 and 4 consecutive years of straw removal. The data indicate that about 19% and 25% of the C added via straw were retained in areas of sandy and clay soils, respectively, and show that excessive removal rates depleted SOC stocks across the evaluated sites. Furthermore, regardless of removal rate, maintenance of straw on sandy soils was not sufficient to sustain SOC stocks, which were depleted by 2.3, 1.9, 1.5, and 1.4 Mg ha−1 year−1 for the TR, HR, LR, and NR. Our measured data provide scientific information to support policy and management decisions for straw‐derived bioenergy in Brazil. They also suggest straw removal from clay soils will be less deleterious to SOC stocks than from sandy soils, where removal should be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the relationship between text and image in literature in Brazilian Sign Language (Libras). We selected different literary works that exploit visual devices through technological resources, filming techniques/video editing, and SignWriting. Based on the work of authors such as Pimenta (2013) and Machado (2013), we observed the influence of cinematographic language and paralinguistic aids on the visual impact of these works. We used Hoek's (2006) theory on the relationship between image and text to analyze the literary pieces through the categories of separability, self-sufficiency, and multitextuality; and the discourse was categorized into multimedial, mixed, syncretic, and imagelike text. We conclude that Brazilian Sign Language has a rich literature and is efficient in exploiting visuality, and that the use of technological aids enables artists to maximize this efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New technologies are constantly being launched, however studies that point to the effects of their joint application are lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the isolated and joint use of Azospirillum brasilense inoculation and the application of thiamine, on seed or leaf, on the development of millet in two cycles. A randomized complete block design was used in five replicates. The treatments were composed of the isolated or combined inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense and the application of thiamine, on seed (10 ml kg-1) or leaf spray (10 ppm). The relative levels of chlorophyll a, b and total, plant height, number of shoots, fresh and dry mass production and dry matter index of plants were evaluated. In the first cycle, treatments were only effective for the relative chlorophyll contents, and in general, the treatment with isolated inoculation of A. brasilense stood out, differing significantly from the treatment with thiamin applied on seed. In the second cycle, there was significant effect of the treatments on the variables of plant height and number of shoots, in which a maximum height of 165 cm and production of 140 shoots m-2 with application of thiamin on seed and with the use of A. brasilense and thiamine applied on the leaf, respectively. Thus, it was concluded that inoculation with A. brasilense increases the relative chlorophyll content in millet during the first cycle. The joint use of inoculation with A. brasilense and the application of thiamine can be used as a strategy to increase the number of shoots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of lower concentrations of antitumor drugs (carboplatin – CARB, doxorubicin – DOX, and methotrexate – MET) with propolis was investigated against canine osteosarcoma (spOS-2) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in vitro . The mechanism of action in the combinations was analyzed. spOS-2 cells were incubated up to 72 h with propolis (50 μg/ml) alone or in combination with CARB (10–400 μmol/l), DOX (0.5–2 μmol/l) or MET (50–200 μmol/l). Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay, apoptosis/necrosis by flow cytometry, and MSC was incubated with the optimum combination. Propolis alone exerted no cytotoxic action against spOS-2 cells, whereas CARB (400, 200 and 100 μmol/l) exhibited the highest cytotoxic effects comparing to DOX and MET. The combination of propolis with the lowest concentrations of CARB led to better results comparing to CARB alone, which was not observed using DOX and MET. Apoptosis was involved in the action of propolis + CARB in spOS-2 cells. MSC were not affected by CARB/propolis, indicating that the cytotoxic action of the combination was specific to tumor cells but not to normal ones. Propolis improved the action of CARB against spOS-2 cells using lower concentrations of this drug, without affecting MSC. These findings are relevant and indicate a possible application of propolis in OSA treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article recognizes that houses fascinate as narrative elements and, with the help of objects that constitute them, contextualize history and memory. Consider Casa Anísio Teixeira, an institution located in the municipality of Caetité-Bahia, as a place of enchantment, because it is made up of individual and collective memories. It records that the House has been re-signifying its past, and especially its present, through cultural actions constituted of individual and collective memories. As an area that fosters the formation of cultural agents, as well as the development of reading, in a perspective of social inclusion, Casa Anísio Teixeira enchants its collaborators, visitors and the beneficiary public of its actions. In the House, reading gains a comprehensive conception of action that broadens the subject's perception to act in the present, referring to the cultural and historical past. Thus, Casa Anísio Teixeira and part of its history and memory are described, emphasizing the importance of the testimonies, traces and evidences that contribute to transform this institution as a place of enchantment. In the final considerations, it is recognized that the Casa seeks to develop cultural practices of reading, which does not deviate from the conceptions of the illustrious Bahian educator, in addition to valuing individual and collective memories in their various activities, avoiding worshiping only the past, memory of Anísio Teixeira. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze the influence of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the bone healing process of autogenous bone block grafts installed in nicotine systemically modified rats. Methods Seventy-two rats (Wistar) were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n = 18). SS-BG: saline application + bone graft. SS-BG/LLLT: saline application + bone graft + LLLT. NIC-BG: nicotine application + bone graft. NIC-BG/LLLT: nicotine application + bone graft + LLLT. After 30 days of application of solutions, all animals received autogenous bone block graft in the jaw, with the donation from the parietal bone’s calvarial area. Treatment with LLLT was in bed-graft interface, after accommodation of the graft. The animals in each group were sacrificed at 7, 14, and 28 days after graft surgery. Results The histologic analyses of NIC-BG group depicted a delay of osteogenic activity in the recipient bed-graft interface and the irradiation of tissue with LLLT provided better bone healing. The histometric analysis revealed that SS-BG/LLLT and NIC-BG/LLLT groups showed increased bone formation compared to BG-SS and NIC-BG groups, after 14 days (SS-BG 24.94% ± 13.06% versus SS-BG/LLLT 27.53% ± 19.07% and NIC-BG 14.27% ± 2.22% versus NIC-BG/LLLT 24.37% ± 11.93%) and 28 days (SS-BG 50.31% ± 2.69% versus SS-BG/LLLT 58 19% ± 12.32% and NIC-BG 36.89% ± 8.40% versus NIC-BG/LLLT 45.81% ± 6.03%). Conclusion Nicotine harms bone formation in the bed-graft interface and LLLT action can mitigate this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Chorea is well described in a group of patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). There is less information, however, on other movement disorders as well as non-motor neuropsychiatric features such as obsessive–compulsive symptoms (OCS), executive dysfunction and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in subjects with SLE. Methods Fifty-four subjects with SLE underwent a battery of neuropsychiatric tests that included the Mini Mental State Examination, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), the FAS verbal and the categorical (animals) semantic fluency tests, the Obsessive and Compulsive Inventory — Revised, the Yale-Brown Obsessive and Compulsive Scale and Beck's Anxiety and Depression Scales. ADHD was diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria. SLE disease activity and cumulative damage were evaluated according to the modified SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (mSLEDAI-2K) and the SLICC/ACR, respectively. Results Six (11.1%) and 33 (61.1%) patients had cognitive impairment according to the MMSE and MoCA, respectively. Eleven (20.4%) had abnormal FAB scores, and 5 (9.3%) had lower semantic fluency scores than expected. The overall frequency of cognitive dysfunction was 72.2% (39 patients) and of neuropsychiatric SLE was 77.8% (42 patients). Two patients (3.7%) had movement disorders. Fifteen (27.8%) had OCS and 17 (31.5%) met diagnostic criteria for ADHD. ADHD and OCS correlated with higher disease activity, p = 0.003 and 0.006, respectively. Higher cumulative damage correlated with lower FAB scores (p 0.026). Conclusions Executive dysfunction, ADHD, OCS, and movement disorders are common in SLE. Our finding suggests that there is frequent basal ganglia dysfunction in SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objectives The treatment of tuberculosis (TB) remains a challenge owing to the high incidence of drug-induced hepatotoxicity. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of two gene polymorphisms, one in the CYP2B6 (rs3745274) gene and one in the CYP3A5 (rs776746) gene, on the development of hepatotoxicity in patients treated with anti-TB drugs in a Brazilian Amazon population. Methods TB patients who were treated with anti-TB drugs were examined for hepatotoxicity, an adverse effect that is characterized by liver damage. The genotype frequencies of the CYP2B6 and CYP3A5 genes examined in this study were assessed using RT-PCR. Results Thirty-one of the 220 subjects (14.1%) included in this study developed drug-induced hepatotoxicity. The result was significant when the TT homozygous mutant of the CYP2B6 gene was analyzed with additional key variables ( p = 0.046; odds ratio (OR) 0.063, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.004–0.955), which may explain the hepatotoxicity results in this study. Using a univariate statistical model to associate the CYP3A5 gene A6986G polymorphism with the examined drugs, the results did not differ between samples from individuals with and without hepatotoxicity ( p = 0.176; OR 0.562, 95% CI 0.255–1.238). Conclusions The G516T polymorphism in the CYP2B6 gene is a key predictor of the therapeutic response to treatment in TB patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Flaviviridae family includes several virus pathogens associated with human diseases worldwide. Within this family, Dengue virus is the most serious threat to public health, especially in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Currently, there are no vaccines or specific antiviral drugs against Dengue virus or against most of the viruses of this family. Therefore, the development of vaccines and the discovery of therapeutic compounds against the medically most important flaviviruses remain a global public health priority. We previously showed that phospholipase A2 isolated from the venom of Crotalus durissus terrificus was able to inhibit Dengue virus and Yellow fever virus infection in Vero cells. Here, we present evidence that phospholipase A2 has a direct effect on Dengue virus particles, inducing a partial exposure of genomic RNA, which strongly suggests inhibition via the cleavage of glycerophospholipids at the virus lipid bilayer envelope. This cleavage might induce a disruption of the lipid bilayer that causes a destabilization of the E proteins on the virus surface, resulting in inactivation. We show by computational analysis that phospholipase A2 might gain access to the Dengue virus lipid bilayer through the pores found on each of the twenty 3-fold vertices of the E protein shell on the virus surface. In addition, phospholipase A2 is able to inactivate other enveloped viruses, highlighting its potential as a natural product lead for developing broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To assess the reliability and the validity of Portuguese- and Spanish-translated versions of the video-based short-form Mobility Assessment Tool in assessing self-reported mobility, and to provide evidence for the applicability of these videos in elderly Latin American populations as a complement to physical performance measures. Methods The sample consisted of 300 elderly participants (150 from Brazil, 150 from Colombia) recruited at neighborhood social centers. Mobility was assessed with the Mobility Assessment Tool, and compared with the Short Physical Performance Battery score and self-reported functional limitations. Reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess associations among mobility assessment tools and health, and sociodemographic variables. Results A significant gradient of increasing Mobility Assessment Tool score with better physical function was observed for both self-reported and objective measures, and in each city. Associations between self-reported mobility and health were strong, and significant. Mobility Assessment Tool scores were lower in women at both sites. Intraclass correlation coefficients of the Mobility Assessment Tool were 0.94 (95% confidence interval 0.90-0.97) in Brazil and 0.81 (95% confidence interval 0.66-0.91) in Colombia. Mobility Assessment Tool scores were lower in Manizales than in Natal after adjustment by Short Physical Performance Battery, self-rated health and sex. Conclusions These results provide evidence for high reliability and good validity of the Mobility Assessment Tool in its Spanish and Portuguese versions used in Latin American populations. In addition, the Mobility Assessment Tool can detect mobility differences related to environmental features that cannot be captured by objective performance measures. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 864-873. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examines the associations between lifecourse adversity and physical performance in old age in different societies of North and South America and Europe. Methods: We used data from the baseline survey of the International Study of Mobility in Aging, conducted in: Kingston (Canada), Saint-Hyacinthe (Canada), Natal (Brazil), Manizales (Colombia) and Tirana (Albania). The study population was composed of community dwelling people between 65 and 74 years of age, recruiting 200 men and 200 women at each site. Physical Performance was assessed with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Economic and social adversity was estimated from childhood adverse events, low education, semi-skilled occupations during adulthood and living alone and insufficient income in old age. Results: A total of 1995 people were assessed. Low physical performance was associated with childhood social and economic adversity, semi-skilled occupations, living alone and insufficient income. Physical performance was lower in participants living in Colombia, Brazil and Albania than in Canada counterparts, despite adjustment for lifecourse adversity, age and sex. Conclusions: We show evidence of the early origins of social and economic inequalities in physical performance during old age in distinct populations and for the independent and cumulative disadvantage of low socioeconomic status during adulthood and poverty and living alone in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The word vitiligo derives from the Greek Vitellius, which means "white spots of a calf." Vitiligo is translated by an acquired loss of pigmentation, characterized histologically by the absence of epidermal melanocytes. This is probably an autoimmune disease associated with the formation of anti- melanocyte antibodies, but the pathogenesis is not fully understood. Studies suggest that there is some mechanism in nature polygenic. A lot of factors have been associated with the pathogenesis of the disease including genetic, autoimmune and environmental factors heritage, and family history is positive in at least 30% of cases. One aspect of this pathology should not be overlooked is the psychosocial and social discrimination imposed on such patients. Os most common sites of skin lesions are peri-anorectal, face, genitals, mucous membranes, ex-tensor surfaces, hands and feet. The diagnosis of vitiligo is essentially clinical. Can be confirmed demonstrating a high level of uroporphyrin in the urine of 24 hours has caste-mance-reddish ("port wine urine"). There are several treatment options available, most directed to restore the skin pigment all of which have advantages and disadvantages. Inserts in the process topical treatment with corticosteroids and calcipotriene, as well as alternative therapy by physical agents (such as with ultraviolet B rays and ultraviolet A light, excimer laser), psoralens and systemic corticosteroids monkeys with surgery and grafting, in addition to the transplantation melanocytes. All the treatment options have limited success. There are no ways to prevent vitiligo. The implications of treatment are generally very rewarding, which contributes strongly to the significant improvement in self-esteem and quality of life of the patient in question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The implementation of early hearing detection in developing countries remains elusive. The fragile health care system along with insufficient funding for health care services leads to inadequate universal newborn hearing screening programs. There is a high incidence of loss to follow-up, at different stages of the program, in these countries, compromising the effect of early hearing screening programs. Strategies must be developed to improve family commitment to such programs. The objective of the present study was to examine factors that predict loss to second-stage follow-up at a municipal based, universal newborn hearing screening program in the Northeastern region of Brazil. Method: The current cross sectional study includes 577 newborns who underwent hearing screening and failed. The population was divided into two groups: those who returned and those who were lost to second-stage screening. Differences between groups were explored and adjusted odds ratios were derived. Results: There was a significantly increased risk of non-adherence to the universal newborn hearing screening program in mothers with low income, few prenatal care visits, minimal education and with a multiparous child. Conclusion: Socioeconomic factors may have a significant influence on the effectiveness of hearing screening programs in poorer regions of Brazil and other low-income countries. Improvements in health care politics, tracking system and public awareness is crucial for successful program implementation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This writing reflects the necessity to limit the administrative discretionarity. This article preaches the precepts of the Minimum Discretionarity Theory. Also brings the newest theory of separation of powers, framing the politic judicialization as a necessary process to the attainment of fundamental directs. So, this script concludes that, not being adopted the more profitable decision, the Efficiency and Legality Principles will be injured, even as the Fundamental Rights to Good Administration, having the Judiciary authorization to control the emanated administrative act. In conclusion, the article deals with the Theory of the Minimum Discretionarity in environmental law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Identifying the risk factors peculiar to each population has a great relevance, because it enables health policy formulators to analyze information accurately and by doing so, define objectives and action programs aimed at a qualitative and economically feasible solution to the problem. Thus, this study aimed at identifying the risk factors for survival in elderly in a city in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Brazil. Methods. A prospective study was carried out, where 310 elderly persons were selected to form a baseline. The follow-up was 53 months. The predictive variables were divided into sociodemographic, physical health, neuropsychiatric and functional capacity. Statistical analysis was performed using bivariate analysis, survival analysis, followed by Cox regression in the multivariate analysis. Results. A total of 60 (19.3%) elderly individuals died during the follow-up. The survival mean was 24.8 months. In the Cox analysis, dependence in basic activities of daily living (HR = 3.55), cognitive deficit (HR = 4.22) and stroke (HR = 3.35) continued as independent risk factors for death. Discussion. The risk factors found in the study can be interpreted as the primary predictors for death among elderly members of the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  In the present work, we showed that a chalcone-enriched fraction (CEF) isolated from the stem bark of a Brazilian medicinal plant, Myracrodruon urundeuva, presents neuroprotective actions on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neuronal cell death, in rat mesencephalic cells. In the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium] assay, which is an index of cell viability, CEF (1–100 μg/ml) reversed in a concentration-dependent manner the 6-OHDA-induced cell death. While cells exposed to 6-OHDA (40 μM) showed an increased concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), the pretreatment with CEF (10–100 μg/ml) significantly decreased the 6-OHDA-induced TBARS formation, indicative of a neuroprotection against lipoperoxidation. Furthermore, the drastic increase of nitrite levels induced by 6-OHDA, indicative of nitric oxide formation and free radicals production, was prevented by CEF. Double staining with acridine orange/ethidium bromide showed that cultures exposed to 6-OHDA (40 and 200 μM) presented an increase of apoptotic and necrotic cell numbers in a concentration-dependent manner. CEF (100 μg/ml) protected cells from apoptosis and necrosis and increased number of cells presenting a normal morphology. The immunohistochemical analysis for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive neurons indicated that 6-OHDA (40 and 200 μM) caused a concentration-dependent loss of TH+ and TH− neurons. CEF protected both cells types from 6-OHDA-induced cell death. All together, our results demonstrated neuroprotective effects of chalcones, which are able to reduce oxidative stress and apoptotic injury caused by 6-OHDA. Our findings suggest that chalcones could provide benefits, along with other therapies, in neurodegenerative injuries, such as Parkinson’s disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to quantify the importance of population density on the growth and survival of juvenile red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii (Girard), and to understand the effects of density on both the period between moults and the increment per moult at high densities without food limitation. A laboratory experiment was performed to determine growth and survival of juvenile crayfish at five densities (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 crayfish m−2). Density clearly affected crayfish growth. The impact of density on final weight was higher than on total length increase, growth rate and final length (FL) (by decreasing order of effect). When comparing minimum and maximum densities, we observed that FL suffered a 34% reduction. Number of moults, mean intermoult period (IP) and survival were not significantly affected by density. Our results indicated that the IP and the percentage of increment per moult are affected by the size of crayfish before moult and we provide equations for these relations. Our findings are relevant both for crayfish aquaculture management and for the management of wild or harvested rice-field crayfish populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Sydenham’s chorea is associated with dysfunction of fronto-striatal circuits induced by cross-reactive antibodies to group A β-hemolytic streptococcus. High susceptibility of extrapyramidal effects of neuroleptics in patients with Sydenham’s chorea suggests underlying nigro-striatal dysfunction. Objective: To study the presence of parkinsonism in patients with a history of Sydenham’s Chorea. Methods: We used the UFMG Sydenham’s Chorea Rating Scale (USCRS) and the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part III, respectively, to determine the presence of chorea and parkinsonian symptoms and signs in 25 adults with a history of previous Sydenham’s Chorea currently without chorea or use of anti-choreic drugs. Results: Bradykinesia was found in 64% of subjects. There was a statistically significant correlation between bradykinesia and hemichorea (−0.412; p = 0.036) and bradykinesia and generalized chorea (0.412; p = 0.036). There was no correlation between bradykinesia and use of anti-choreic drugs. Conclusions: Bradykinesia is common in patients with Sydenham’s Chorea in remission. This finding suggests an immune-mediated dysfunction of the nigro-striatal system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The three-dimensional coordination polymer [Eu(ptc).3H 2 O] n has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by powder X-ray, infrared, and thermogravimetric analyses. The compound crystallizes with cell parameters a = 12.127, b = 7.409, and c = 13.672 and cell volume = 1220.77 Å. This article presents an experimental and theoretical study to elucidate the structure of IR-LOFs by means of the Sparkle/PM3 quantum chemical model. For lanthanides, the Sparkle/PM3 model can predict the geometries of lanthanide complexes in cases when the central Ln3+ is directly coordinated to other atoms, like oxygen and nitrogen. Overall, the theoretical results obtained herein agree well with the experimental data. For the first time, the intensity parameters (Ω 2 , Ω 4 , and Ω 6) of the LOF [Eu (ptc).3H 2 O] n have been calculated by using the Sparkle/PM3 structure and employed to determine the energy transfer (W ET) and the back-transfer (W BT) rates. The intensity parameters have been used to predict the radiative decay rate. • Experimental and theoretical study to elucidate the structure of IR-LOFs by means of the Sparkle/PM3 quantum chemical model. • Structure and luminescence of a lanthanoid organic framework (LOFs). • The intensity parameters (Ω2, Ω4, and Ω6) of the LOF have been calculated by using the Sparkle/PM3 structure. • Hydrothermal synthesis and characterisation of the LOF [Eu(ptc).3H2O]n by powder X-ray. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management strategies that reduce machinery traffic, such as creating seedbeds, could be adopted to preserve soil health and reduce soil physical restriction to sugarcane (Saccharum sp.) growth. Field experiments on clayey and sandy loam soils were conducted along four crop seasons (2013–2017) to investigate the changes in bulk density, soil penetration resistance, macroporosity and microporosity in the row and inter‐row positions, as well as sugarcane biomass production (root and stalk yield) under different machinery traffic treatments. The experimental areas were conducted in randomized block design with two treatments and four repetitions. The evaluated treatments were: (a) regular traffic, in which all operations were performed mechanically using regular machinery traffic; and (b) without traffic, in which all field operations (except those used for sunn hemp management and for opening the sugarcane planting furrow) were performed manually without machinery traffic. No critical values of physical properties were identified in either soil type in plots without machinery traffic, indicating the lowest density and soil penetration resistance values, as well as higher macroporosity, where sugarcane seedbed zones had been established. Our findings show that seedbeds resulted in greater root growth and development in the soil profile, mainly in inter‐row positions. Overall, sugarcane stalk yield was similar between the treatments in both soil types. This study reinforces the importance of the planting furrow in keeping suitable soil conditions for plant growth and concludes that sugarcane production in untrafficked seedbeds is an effective strategy to sustain soil physical conditions over the crop cycle, without the need for tillage operations during the (re)planting period. Highlights: The use of seedbeds sustains soil physical quality along the crop cycleMost of root biomass were concentrated in the crop‐rowCrop‐row position provides adequate soil physical conditions for root growth and plant developmentUntrafficked furrowed seedbed sustains soil physical quality and makes no‐tillage viable [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In general, two characteristics are ever present in NMR-based metabolomics studies: (1) they are assays aiming to classify the samples in different groups, and (2) the number of samples is smaller than the feature (chemical shift) number. It is also common to observe imbalanced datasets due to the sampling method and/or inclusion criteria. These situations can cause overfitting. However, appropriate feature selection and classification methods can be useful to solve this issue. Objectives: Investigate the performance of metabolomics models built from the association between feature selectors, the absence of feature selection, and classification algorithms, as well as use the best performance model as an NMR-based metabolomic method for prostate cancer diagnosis. Methods: We evaluated the performance of NMR-based metabolomics models for prostate cancer diagnosis using seven feature selectors and five classification formalisms. We also obtained metabolomics models without feature selection. In this study, thirty-eight volunteers with a positive diagnosis of prostate cancer and twenty-three healthy volunteers were enrolled. Results: Thirty-eight models obtained were evaluated using AUROC, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and kappa's index values. The best result was obtained when Genetic Algorithm was used with Linear Discriminant Analysis with 0.92 sensitivity, 0.83 specificity, and 0.88 accuracy. Conclusion: The results show that the pick of a proper feature selection method and classification model, and a resampling method can avoid overfitting in a small metabolomic dataset. Furthermore, this approach would decrease the number of biopsies and optimize patient follow-up. 1H NMR-based metabolomics promises to be a non-invasive tool in prostate cancer diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava waste has the potential to be used as an energy source. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of pressure densification on the properties of cassava residue briquettes, especially on the strength of the briquettes. It was used three compaction pressures: 102, 153, and 204 MP A and three pressing hold times: without holding pressure time, 60s, and 120 s, to produce briquettes without heating and verify their formation concerning the compaction. The proximate analysis provided 72.50% to volatile, 13.10% to Fixed carbon, and 14.45% to ash; the higher heating value (HHV) was 17.12 MJ/kg. The cassava rhizome waste (bulk density) showed an energy density of 2.04 GJ/m3. With densification, it obtained an energy density of 15.7 GJ/m3, representing an increase of up to 7.7 times. We obtained higher durability (94,1%) for time pressing of 120s and pressure of 204 MP A. The briquette volumetric stabilization occurred 24 h after production, and we observed that the briquettes produced with a higher compaction pressure showed greater density and resistance. Cassava rhizome biomass showed good energy properties. The densification process can be an alternative to solving transportation, handling, and cassava rhizome residues. • Compaction pressure and times pressure directly influences the density of the cassava rhizome briquettes. • Durability and resistance to compression are directly related to the density of the briquettes. • Cassava rhizome produce good quality briquette without heating. • Cassava rhizome act as natural binder in briquettes confection. • Briquettes are an alternative to problems of transport/storage of agricultural waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spin foam models are an approach to quantum gravity based on the concept of sum over states, which aims to describe quantum spacetime dynamics in a way that its parent framework, loop quantum gravity, has not as of yet succeeded. Since these models’ relation to classical Einstein gravity is not explicit, an important test of their viabilitiy is the study of asymptotics—the classical theory should be obtained in a limit where quantum effects are negligible, taken to be the limit of large triangle areas in a triangulated manifold with boundary. In this paper we will briefly introduce the EPRL/FK spin foam model and known results about its asymptotics, proceeding then to describe a practical computation of spin foam and semiclassical geometric data for a simple triangulation with only one interior triangle. The results are used to comment on the ‘flatness problem’—a hypothesis raised by Bonzom (2009 Phys. Rev. D 80 064028) suggesting that EPRL/FK’s classical limit only describes flat geometries in vacuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteosarcopenia is a complex geriatric syndrome characterized by the presence of both sarcopenia and osteopenia/osteoporosis. This condition increases rates of disability, falls, fractures, mortality, and mobility impairments in older adults. The purpose of this study was to analyze the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy diagnostic power for osteosarcopenia in community-dwelling older women (n  = 64; 32 osteosarcopenic and 32 non-osteosarcopenia). FTIR is a fast and reproducible technique highly sensitive to biological tissues, and a mathematical model was created using multivariate classification techniques that denoted the graphic spectra of the molecular groups. Genetic algorithm and support vector machine regression (GA–SVM) was the most feasible model, achieving 80.0% of accuracy. GA–SVM identified 15 wave numbers responsible for class differentiation, in which several amino acids (responsible for the proper activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin) and hydroxyapatite (an inorganic bone component) were observed. Imaging tests and low availability of instruments that allow the observation of osteosarcopenia involve high health costs for patients and restrictive indications. Therefore, FTIR can be used to diagnose osteosarcopenia due to its efficiency and low cost and to enable early detection in geriatric services, contributing to advances in science and technology that are potential "conventional" methods in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Handicap is a patient‐centered measure of health status that encompasses the impact of social and physical environment on daily living, having been assessed in advanced and late‐stage Parkinson's Disease (PD). Objective: To characterize the handicap of a broader sample of patients. Methods: A cross‐sectional study of 405 PD patients during the MDS‐UPDRS Portuguese validation study, using the MDS‐UPDRS, Unified Dyskinesias Rating Scale, Nonmotor symptoms questionnaire, PDQ‐8 and EQ‐5D‐3L. Handicap was measured using the London Handicap Scale (LHS). Results: Mean age was 64.42 (±10.3) years, mean disease duration 11.30 (±6.5) years and median HY 2 (IQR, 2–3). Mean LHS was 0.652 (±0.204); "Mobility," "Occupation" and "Physical Independence" were the most affected domains. LHS was significantly worse in patients with longer disease duration, older age and increased disability. In contrast, PDQ‐8 did not differentiate age groups. Handicap was significantly correlated with disease duration (r = −0.35), nonmotor experiences of daily living (EDL) (MDS‐UPDRS‐I) (r = −0.51), motor EDL (MDS‐UPDRS‐II) (r = −0.69), motor disability (MDS‐UPDRS‐III) (r = −0.49), axial signs of MDS‐UPDRS‐III (r = −0.55), HY (r = −0.44), presence of nonmotor symptoms (r = −0.51) and PDQ‐8 index (r = −0.64) (all P < 0.05). Motor EDL, MDS‐UPDRS‐III and PDQ‐8 independently predicted Handicap (adjusted R2 = 0.582; P = 0.007). Conclusions: The LHS was easily completed by patients and caregivers. Patients were mild‐moderately handicapped, which was strongly determined by motor disability and its impact on EDL, and poor QoL. Despite correlated, handicap and QoL seem to differ in what they measure, and handicap may have an added value to QoL. Handicap seems to be a good measure of perceived‐health status in a broad sample of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among several complications related to physiotherapy, osteosarcopenia is one of the most frequent in elderly patients. This condition is limiting and quite harmful to the patient's health by disabling several basic musculoskeletal activities. Currently, the test to identify this health condition is complex. In this study, we use mid-infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometric techniques to identify osteosarcopenia based on blood serum samples. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mid-infrared spectroscopy power to detect osteosarcopenia in community-dwelling older women (n = 62, 30 from patients with osteosarcopenia and 32 healthy controls). Feature reduction and selection techniques were employed in conjunction with discriminant analysis, where a principal component analysis with support vector machines (PCA–SVM) model achieved 89% accuracy to distinguish the samples from patients with osteosarcopenia. This study shows the potential of using infrared spectroscopy of blood samples to identify osteosarcopenia in a simple, fast and objective way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial tumor and a major cause of infant cancer mortality worldwide. Despite its importance, little is known about its molecular mechanisms. A striking feature of this tumor is its clinical heterogeneity. Possible outcomes range from aggressive invasion to other tissues, causing patient death, to spontaneous disease regression or differentiation into benign ganglioneuromas. Several efforts have been made in order to find tumor progression markers. In this work, we have reconstructed the neuroblastoma regulatory network using an information-theoretic approach in order to find genes involved in tumor progression and that could be used as outcome predictors or as therapeutic targets. We have queried the reconstructed neuroblastoma regulatory network using an aggressive neuroblastoma metastasis gene signature in order to find its master regulators (MRs). MRs expression profiles were then investigated in other neuroblastoma datasets so as to detect possible clinical significance. Our analysis pointed MAX as one of the MRs of neuroblastoma progression. We have found that higher MAX expression correlated with favorable patient outcomes. We have also found that MAX expression and protein levels were increased during neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells differentiation. We propose that MAX is involved in neuroblastoma progression, possibly increasing cell differentiation by means of regulating the availability of MYC:MAX heterodimers. This mechanism is consistent with the results found in our SH-SY5Y differentiation protocol, suggesting that MAX has a more central role in these cells differentiation than previously reported. Overexpression of MAX has been identified as anti-tumorigenic in other works, but, to our knowledge, this is the first time that the link between the expression of this gene and malignancy was verified under physiological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to achieve a further understanding on interactions in the asphalt binder modified by adding waste tyre rubber (WTR) and recycled polyethylene (RPE), as well as using the ageing process. Thermogravimetric analyses showed that the mixture thermal stability was only affected after the ageing process, which increased by the addition of up to 3% RPE. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed no RPE melting after the binder's ageing, suggesting a homogeneous mixture formation. Infrared spectroscopy analyses demonstrated that the binder ageing process promoted the hydroxyl groups oxidation to carbonyl groups, reducing the system polarity and promoting a better binder-RPE interaction. Rheological analyses showed that WTR and RPE addition improved the binder's properties; however, after ageing process, samples containing RPE had a distinctive behaviour forming a homogeneous mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aimed to determine the sociodemographic and health factors that influence older adults who continue to participate in the workforce. Methods Data were collected and evaluated for 1762 older adults aged 65 years and older who were living in the community and were enrolled in a population-based study (FIBRA Network Study). Older adults who participated in the workforce were compared with those who did not in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, physical and mental health, and physical functioning and performance in advanced and instrumental activities characteristic of daily living. A multivariate hierarchical logistic regression analysis was performed. Results Factors associated with not participating in the workforce were aged (OR: 1.71, [95% CI: 1.26–2.30], p < 0.001), female gender (OR: 1.70, [95% CI: 1.22–2.37], p = 0.002), poor visual perception (OR: 1.31, [95% CI: 1.00–1.72], p = 0.046), using 4 or more medications regularly (OR: 1.41, [95% CI: 1.489–2.247], p = 0.034), having 3 or more comorbidities (OR: 1.44, [95% CI: 1.01–2.04], p = 0.040), and a handgrip strength below 24.6 kg/f (18.1–24.6 kg/f (2nd tertile): OR: 1.52, [95% CI: 1.06–2.18], p = 0.022; 0–18 kg/f (1st tertile): OR: 1.60, [95% CI: 1.08–2.38], p = 0.019). The probability estimates of the final model explained 67.9% of the events related to not participating in the workforce, as observed by the area under the ROC curve. Conclusion Our results highlight that work in later life is influenced by sociodemographic characteristics, intrinsic capacity, and multimorbidity. We suggest that strategies for optimizing healthy and active aging may help older people to continue participating in the workforce and contributing toward their communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Analyze the relationship between frailty and cortisol in elderly residents of long-stay institutions. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of João Pessoa-PB-Brazil, on a sample of residents of long-stay institutions. Data were collected on frailty phenotype (weight loss, fatigue, slowness, weakness and low physical activity) and salivary cortisol (first measurement between 6 and 7a.m.; second measurement between 11 and 12a.m.; third measurement between 4 and 5p.m.). Statistical analysis applied Pearson''s correlation test, Chi-square test, ANOVA and linear regression. The sample was composed of 69 elderly subjects, 37.7% men and 62.3% women, with a mean age of 77.5 (±7.8) years. The percentage of frail elderly was 45.8%. Frail aged subjects achieved higher cortisol values on the third measurement (p =0.04) and frailty load was significantly associated to the first measurement (r =0.25, p =0.04). Simple linear regression analysis showed a rate of determination (R 2 =0.05) between frailty load and the first cortisol measurement. Greater cortisol values in the morning and before bed among frail aged individuals suggest a positive correlation may exist between cortisol levels and frailty in elderly residents of long-stay institutions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Older adults with heart disease (HD) are more likely to report a higher prevalence of falls compared to those without HD. A knowledge gap currently exists regarding the factors associated with fear of falling (FOF) among older adults with HD. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate FOF and identify factors associated with FOF among older adults with HD. Data came from a secondary analysis of the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS) baseline (2012) data. FOF was measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Stepwise linear regression was used to identify factors associated with FOF. A total of 429 participants identified themselves as having heart disease diagnosed by their physician (mean age 69.5 ± 2.9). Older adults with HD reported on average (25.6) higher FOF than those without HD. For older adults with HD, FES-I increased significantly by 1.3, 1.0, and 0.6 points, when the Short Physical Performance Battery, the Leganes Cognitive Test, and QOL total scores decreased by one point. FES-I also significantly increased by 3.2 when income was insufficient compared to sufficient or very sufficient income. FOF is multifactorial, and our findings provide a base for developing future management rehabilitation intervention programs aimed at decreasing FOF among older adults with HD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Varicocoele is the most common correctable cause of male infertility; however, predicting varicocoelectomy outcomes is difficult. "Omics" techniques have been increasingly used to develop new diagnostic and prognostics tools for several male infertility causes, and could be applied to study varicocoele. Objectives: The objective is to create metabolomics models capable of segregating men who improved semen analysis (SA) parameters or achieved natural pregnancy after microsurgical varicocoelectomy (MV) from those who did not, using hydrogen‐1 nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectra of seminal plasma of pre‐operative samples. Material and methods: We recruited 29 infertile men with palpable varicocoele. 1H NMR spectra of seminal plasma were obtained from pre‐operative samples and used to create metabonomics models. Improvement was defined as an increase in the total motile progressive sperm count (TMC) of the post‐operative SA when compared to the baseline, and pregnancy was assessed for 24 months after MV. Results: Using linear discriminant analysis (LDA), we created a model that discriminated the men who improved SA from those who did not with accuracy of 93.1%. Another model segregated men who achieved natural pregnancy from men who did not. We identified seven metabolites that were important for group segregation: caprylate, isoleucine, N‐acetyltyrosine, carnitine, N‐acetylcarnitine, creatine, and threonine. Discussion: We described the use of metabonomics model to predict with high accuracy the outcomes of MV in infertile men with varicocoele. The most important metabolites for group segregation are involved in energy metabolism and oxidative stress response, highlighting the pivotal role of these mechanisms in the pathophysiology of varicocoele. Conclusions: 1H NMR spectroscopy of seminal plasma can be used in conjunction with multivariate statistical tools to create metabonomics models useful to segregate men with varicocoele based on the reproductive outcomes of MV. These models may help counseling infertile men with varicocoele regarding their prognosis after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular endothelium insults caused by high serum glucose levels affect the oxygen supply to tissues, via the microvascular endothelium, resulting in an increased perfusion heterogeneity. These insults may lead to the underuse of blood capillaries, while other vessels are overused and effectively overload their oxygen supply capacity, which eventually causes damages to distal parts of the peripheral nervous system. Therefore, the proprioceptive and exteroceptive feedback information will be gradually lost and contribute to a mobility reduction. This study aims to assess the efficacy of whole-body vibration (WBV) associated with strength training (ST) on lower-limb blood flow and mobility in older adults with type 2 diabetes (DM2). Methods and analyses: This is a protocol (1st version) for Pa single-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial guided by the SPIRIT guidelines. Our sample will consist of 51 older adults with DM2 randomly allocated to three groups: low frequency WBV (16–26 Hz) associated to ST (G1), WBV sham (G2) and nonintervention control (G3). The study protocol is set for a 12-week (three times per week) schedule. Primary outcomes: skin temperature using infrared thermographic imaging (ITI); mean peripheral arterial blood flow velocity (MBF) by a handheld Doppler ultrasound (DU), and functional mobility by Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Secondary outcomes: quasi-static posture using the DX100 BTS Smart optoelectronic system, and plantar pressure and body balance using the MPS stabilometric platform. Data will be collected and analyzed at baseline and post-intervention, considering p-value < 0.05 level of significance. The analyses will also be conducted with an intention-to-treat method and effect size. Dissemination: All results will be published in peer-reviewed journals as well as presented in conferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bees are the most important group of pollinators worldwide and their populations are declining. In natural conditions, Apis mellifera depends exclusively on food from the field to meet its physiological demands. In the period of scarcity, available resources are insufficient and artificial supplementation becomes essential for maintaining the levels of vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals of colonies. Among these minerals, zinc is essential in all living systems, particularly for the regulation of cell division and protein synthesis, and is a component of more than 200 metalloenzymes. Results: The total RNA extracted from the brain tissue of nurse bees exposed to different sources and concentrations of zinc was sequenced. A total of 1,172 genes in the treatment that received an inorganic source of zinc and 502 genes that received an organic source of zinc were found to be differentially expressed among the control group. Gene ontology enrichment showed that zinc can modulate important biological processes such as nutrient metabolism and the molting process. Conclusions: Our results indicate that zinc supplementation modulates the expression of many differentially expressed genes and plays an important role in the development of Apis mellifera bees. All the information obtained in this study can contribute to future research in the field of bee nutrigenomics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale is the most used tool to quantify balance confidence, a psychological factor related to balance impairment among older adults. Objective: To investigate the validity and reliability of the original and short versions of the Brazilian Activities-specific Balance Confidence scales, to determine cutoff points for balance impairments and to identify the determinants of balance confidence of community-dwelling older adults. Methods: The validity of both versions of the scales was verified by correlating its results with postural balance, fear of falling and mobility (n = 105). Both scales were administered with a 30 min (interrater reliability, n = 158) and 1-week intervals (intrarater reliability, n = 105). Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the cutoff points, and linear regression was applied to identify the determinants of balance confidence. Results: The Brazilian versions of the scale correlated to postural balance, fear of falling and mobility (p <.05). Excellent interrater (α = 0.946, 95% CI: 0.902–0.976; α = 0.932, 95% CI: 0.918–0.960) and intrarater reliability (α = 0.946, 95% CI: 0.905–0.960; α = 0.952, 95% CI: 0.921–0.965) were found for the original and short versions. Values of ≤67% (sensitivity: 81%, specificity: 77.4%) and ≤44% (sensitivity: 87.5%, specificity: 82.1%) were observed to identify balance impairments for the original and short versions of the scale. Physical inactivity, fear of falling, imbalance sensation, and number of falls are the main determinants of balance confidence. Conclusion: Both scales are valid and reliable to assess balance confidence. Cutoff points to identify balance impairments were determined and some factors may act as possible predictors of balance confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hip fractures often result in serious health implications, particularly in the geriatric population, and have been related to longterm morbidity and death. In most cases, these fractures are caused by impact loads in the area of the greater trochanter, which are produced in a fall. This work is aimed at developing hip protectors using composite materials and evaluating their effectiveness in preventing hip fractures under high impact energy (120 J). The hip protectors were developed with an inner layer of energy absorbing soft material and an outer rigid shell of fiberglass-reinforced polymer composite. According to the experimental results, all tested configurations proved to be effective at reducing the impact load to below the average fracture threshold of proximal femur. Furthermore, an addition of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) to the impacted area of the composite shell proved to be beneficial to increase impact strength of the hip protectors. Thus, composite hip protectors proved to be a viable alternative for a mechanically efficient and cost-effective solution to prevent hip fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) has been suggested as a predictive factor of cognitive alterations. Brazil has one of the highest aging dementia rates among the world''s emerging countries. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of Hcy levels on the cognitive performance of low-income elderly. This cross-sectional study was developed in an urban center in the Northeast of Brazil and included 205 eligible community-dwelling older adults. A multidimensional questionnaire was used to evaluate sociodemographic aspects, health status and overall clinical aspects. Cognitive performance was assessed by the Portuguese version of Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Folic acid, vitamin B12 and Hcy levels were determined by chemical luminescence. The association between sociodemographic variables, Hcy, serum vitamin B12, folic acid levels and total MMSE score was assessed by multiple linear regression. Values indicative of HHcy (>12μmol/l) were found in 34.8% of the individuals. Age, schooling and HHcy showed a negative correlation with the MMSE score. The R 2 values of isolated HHcy explain only 4% of the MMSE score variance, however when associated to schooling and age, this model explained up to 25% of this association. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Identifying the molecular mechanisms by which genome-wide association study (GWAS) loci influence traits remains challenging. Chromatin accessibility quantitative trait loci (caQTLs) help identify GWAS loci that may alter GWAS traits by modulating chromatin structure, but caQTLs have been identified in a limited set of human tissues. Here we mapped caQTLs in human liver tissue in 20 liver samples and identified 3,123 caQTLs. The caQTL variants are enriched in liver tissue promoter and enhancer states and frequently disrupt binding motifs of transcription factors expressed in liver. We predicted target genes for 861 caQTL peaks using proximity, chromatin interactions, correlation with promoter accessibility or gene expression, and colocalization with expression QTLs. Using GWAS signals for 19 liver function and/or cardiometabolic traits, we identified 110 colocalized caQTLs and GWAS signals, 56 of which contained a predicted caPeak target gene. At the LITAF LDL-cholesterol GWAS locus, we validated that a caQTL variant showed allelic differences in protein binding and transcriptional activity. These caQTLs contribute to the epigenomic characterization of human liver and help identify molecular mechanisms and genes at GWAS loci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying the tissue-specific molecular signatures of active regulatory elements is critical to understand gene regulatory mechanisms. Here, we identify transcription start sites (TSS) using cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE) across 57 human pancreatic islet samples. We identify 9,954 reproducible CAGE tag clusters (TCs), ∼20% of which are islet specific and occur mostly distal to known gene TSS. We integrated islet CAGE data with histone modification and chromatin accessibility profiles to identify epigenomic signatures of transcription initiation. Using a massively parallel reporter assay, we validated the transcriptional enhancer activity for 2,279 of 3,378 (∼68%) tested islet CAGE elements (5% false discovery rate). TCs within accessible enhancers show higher enrichment to overlap type 2 diabetes genome-wide association study (GWAS) signals than existing islet annotations, which emphasizes the utility of mapping CAGE profiles in disease-relevant tissue. This work provides a high-resolution map of transcriptional initiation in human pancreatic islets with utility for dissecting active enhancers at GWAS loci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• N fertilization in sugarcane ratoon cycles causes small changes in soil C-N stocks. • Cover crop increases soil N stock and microbial biomass C, but not C stocks. • Cover crop reduces sugarcane response to N fertilization over four crop cycles. • Cover crop increases sugarcane yield 9–15% over four years without additional N. • Cover crop replaces N fertilizer by 9 and 15 kg ha−1 yr−1 in sandy and clayey soils. Sugarcane production for biorenewables demands substantial inputs of nitrogen (N) fertilizer that can lead to environmental consequences, and no clear effect has been reported on soil organic carbon (SOC) and N stocks. The use of a previous legume crops cultivation to add N to soil is a promising strategy to reduce the dependence in synthetic N fertilizer, having an international appeal for sustainable production of bioenergy crops. This study investigates a four-year impact of N fertilization on SOC and N stocks and sugarcane ratoon yields in a sandy and clayey soils, while considering the effects of a legume cover crop cultivated during the renovation period on decreasing N fertilizer requirements. Treatments with N fertilizer rates were arranged in a randomized block design after plant-cane harvest: 60, 120, 180 kg N ha−1 and control (without N) in two paired areas previously managed with Crotalaria spectabilis and bare fallow. Soil samples for SOC and N stocks were quantified at the beginning of the trial, and measured again along with microbiological attributes after four consecutive years, while sugarcane yield was assessed annually. SOC and N stocks were unaffected by N fertilizer rates, whereas the cultivation of cover crop increased soil N storage and microbial biomass carbon. There was limited responsiveness of sugarcane ratoons to additional N supplied by inorganic fertilizer under cover crop, whereas positive responses occurred under bare fallow. Considering the average of four-harvest yields, cover crop increased sugarcane yield by 9 % (5 Mg ha−1) at sandy soil and 15 % (16 Mg ha−1) at clayey soil relative to bare fallow. Cover crop provided an annual N fertilizer replacement of 9 and 15 kg ha−1 in the sandy and clayey soils. The long-lasting historical effect of cover crop in increasing sugarcane yield per area without the need for extra N from fertilizer opens a new possibility to increase the sustainability and alleviate associated greenhouse gas emissions of sugarcane fields by allowing savings in synthetic N fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of porous materials, aimed at increasing gas storage capacity at lower pressures, exploits physical adsorption and is an emerging strategy that is being widely investigated. In this scope, porous materials such as metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are a viable alternative, where structural modifications can enhance the properties of these materials and improve the degree of adsorption for a given gas. In this work, we evaluated the adsorption of methane, hydrogen, and hydrogen sulfide gases on pure isoreticular MOF (IRMOF)‐8 and aluminum‐doped IRMOF‐8 using density functional theory Perdew‐Burke‐Ernzerhof/DZVP and semiempirical AM1, PM3, PM6, PM6‐DH+, PM6‐DH2, PM6‐D3, and PM7 methods. Adsorption isotherms were calculated by means of Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations. It was found that doping did not provide a significant increase in the amount of adsorbed methane and hydrogen gases. Conversely, doping led to a considerable increase for hydrogen sulfide capture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Frail elderly are less frequent in an Amazonian town than in other Brazilian cities. • Social determinants and rurality are associated with low frailty in this population. • Amazonian culture and environment may have a protective effect on fragility. The study aimed to identify the prevalence of frailty syndrome and its associated factors in older adults residents in an urban area in the interior of Amazonas, Brazil. This is a population-based cross-sectional study with a sample of 265 older adults (60 years or older), representative of the urban area of Coari-AM. Using the adapted Fried phenotype, those with 3 criteria or more were considered frail. Socio-demographic, health, and functionality information was collected. Multivariate analysis was used through Poisson regression with robust variance, using a hierarchical method for the dichotomous outcome of frailty. The prevalence of frailty was 9.4 % and in the final multivariate analysis model the factors associated with frailty were: advanced age (PR: 4.1; 95 % CI: 1.8–9.3), income less than one minimum wage (PR: 3.4; 1.7–6.9), masonry housing (PR: 3.3; 1.3–8.2), never having lived in a riverside community (PR: 2.7; 1.4–5.4), use of 3 medications or more (PR: 3.1; 1,4–6.9), history of falling (PR: 2.3; 1.1–4.9), and fear of falling (PR: 4.1; 1.3–13.0). The study concluded that the prevalence of frailty in Coari-AM was lower than other Brazilian cities with a similar HDI. In addition to factors associated with frailty already well described in the literature, the influence of the Amazonian culture and environment during the course of life was shown to have a possible protective effect on health outcomes in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Frailty and pre-frailty were associated with a summary cardiovascular risk score independent of life course adversities. • Our results highlight the importance of assessing cardiovascular risk factors in older adults with frailty. • Earlier screening should be a target in order to support appropriate clinical management and slow impairment. To investigate the association between frailty and a summary cardiovascular risk measure (Framingham Risk Score, FRS) in a sample of older adults from different epidemiologic contexts participating in the multicenter International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS). This cross-sectional study used data from the IMIAS, which is composed of older adults from four different countries (Canada, Albania, Colombia and Brazil). A total of 1724 older adults aged 65–74 years were assessed. Frailty was defined as the presence of 3 or more of the following criteria: unintentional weight loss in the last year, exhaustion, muscle weakness, slowness in gait speed, and low levels of physical activity. The FRS was calculated to estimate the 10-year risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), based on: sex, age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and treatment for hypertension, total and high–density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, diabetes mellitus status and smoking habits. Confounders included measures of childhood social and economic adversity, as well as mid-life and adult adversity. After adjustment for adversities which occurred during in early, adult or current life, frail individuals presented higher FRS values (β = 3.81, 95 %CI: 0.97–6.65, p-value <0.001) when compared to robust participants. A statistically significant relationship was also observed in prefrail participants with FRS (β = 1.61, 95 % CI: 0.72–3.02, p-value <0.05). Frailty and prefrailty were associated to FRS, independent of life course adversities. Screening cardiovascular risk factors should be a target, mainly in those who present frailty syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leukocyte telomere length in the elderly has been positively associated with healthy living and physical activity. Factors that interfere with telomere shortening are similar to those that may be associated with decreasing functional capacity. To investigate the relationship between mean leukocyte telomere length and functional capacity in community-dwelling elderly individuals, this is an observational, cross sectional, multicentric study conducted with elderly Brazilian patients. Sample characterization was performed using a sociodemographic clinical questionnaire. Telomere length was evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and functional capacity was evaluated by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). A total of 113 elderly individuals (age 70 ± 5.4 years; 75 women and 38 men) were enrolled in this study. Unexpectedly, it was found that lower relative telomere length was associated with better physical capacity in the global SPPB score. Although telomere shortening is observed with increasing age, it is not associated with decreased functional capacity. Functionality is broad and multidimensional, involving the connection of biopsychosocial and cultural factors. While functionality may not be considered a marker of functional aging in an elderly cohort, it can still play an important role in longitudinal studies, which attempt to elucidate process theories. Future studies should use different techniques to measure telomere lengths in subpopulations of cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: "Omics" techniques have been used to understand and to identify biomarkers of male infertility. We report on the first metabonomics models created to diagnose varicocele and infertility among men with varicocele. Methods: We recruited 35 infertile men with varicocele (VI group), 21 fertile men with varicocele (VF group) and 24 fertile men without varicocele (C group). All men underwent standard semen analysis, scrotal duplex ultrasonography, and sexual hormone level measurement. Hydrogen-1 nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectra of seminal plasma were used to create metabonomics models to discriminate between men with and without varicocele, and between fertile and infertile men with varicocele. Results: Using the statistical formalisms partial least square discriminants analysis and genetic algorithm–based linear discriminant analysis (GA-LDA), we created two models that discriminated the three groups from each other with accuracy of 92.17%. We also created metabonomics models using orthogonal partial least square discriminants analysis and GA-LDA that discriminated VF group from VI group, with an accuracy of 94.64% and 100% respectively. We identified 19 metabolites that were important in group segregation: caprate, 2-hydroxy-3-methylvalerate, leucine, valine, 3-hydroxybutyrate, lactate, alanine, 4-aminobutyrate, isoleucine, citrate, methanol, glucose, glycosides, glycerol-3-phosphocoline, n-acetyltyrosine, glutamine, tyrosine, arginine, and uridine. Conclusions: 1HNMR-based metabonomics of seminal plasma can be used to create metabonomics models to discriminate between men with varicocele from those without varicocele, and between fertile men with varicocele from those infertile with varicocele. Furthermore, the most important metabolites for group segregation are involved in the oxidative stress caused by varicocele. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychosocial, socioeconomic and sociocultural aspects can influence cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults. Life-space restriction is potentially related to cognitive status. We examined the longitudinal association between life-space mobility and changes in cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults in different social settings of North and South America and Europe. We used data from 1486 participants of the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS) conducted at five sites: Tirana (Albania), Natal (Brazil), Manizales (Colombia), Kingston and Saint-Hyacinthe (Canada). Life-space mobility was assessed using the Life-Space Assessment (LSA) questionnaire at baseline (2012), and the Leganes Cognitive Test was used to evaluate cognitive function at baseline and follow-up (2016). The Quantile regressions (QR) were used to evaluate the factors associated with cognitive score in 2016 by adjusting for the cognitive score in 2012, with two distinct models for analyzing variables. A decrease in the cognitive function was observed at all research sites, except in Manizales. Participants with more restricted life-space at baseline had a decrease in their cognitive function 4 years later (β = −0.79, 95% CI: −1.400 to −0.18, p value<0.01) compared to those with the highest level. This decrease was independent of gender, age, research site, education, income sufficiency, social support, depression, cognitive function at baseline, chronic conditions and physical performance. Restriction in life-space is an important prognostic factor for cognitive function. Maintaining life-space can be a goal in public policies aimed at encouraging healthy aging, and might be useful in clinical practice to promote health status and to monitor older people at higher risk of cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]