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Understanding the interfacial electronic structures of organic semiconductor phthalocyanines (MePc) and graphene is essential for their practical application in various fields. In this study, we investigated the electronic structure and the tuning of the work function of free metal phthalocyanine (Pc4), cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc), and copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) molecules deposited on a graphene monolayer using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). We found that the functionalization of MePc molecules induces p-doping to the graphene substrate due to the charge transfer mechanism with the MePc molecule. XPS analysis shows that the electronic interaction at the interface between Pc molecules and graphene substrate mainly occurs through the pyrrole species. Comparatively, it was observed that the electronic coupling between graphene and CuPc is relatively stronger than that between CoPc and graphene. The electronic interaction of the CuPc/Gr sample principally occurs through the Cu2+ 3d states of CuPc, the molecule, and the graphene 2p π states. This electronic interaction increases the work function of the graphene substrate to 5.75 eV, 6.05 eV, and 6.12 eV after depositing the Pc4, CoPc, and CuPc molecules, respectively. These results show that the MePc/Gr samples investigated in this study can be considered promising candidates for applications requiring a high work function to increase hole injection efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cave environments, stable conditions devoid of light-dark cycles and temperature fluctuations sustain circadian clock mechanisms across various species. However, species adapted to these conditions may exhibit disruption of circadian rhythm in locomotor activity. This study examines potential rhythm loss due to convergent evolution in five semi-aquatic troglobitic isopod species (Crustacea: Styloniscidae), focusing on its impact on locomotor activity. The hypothesis posits that these species display aperiodic locomotor activity patterns. Isopods were subjected to three treatments: constant red light (DD), constant light (LL), and light-dark cycles (LD 12:12), totaling 1656 h. Circadian rhythm analysis employed the Sokolove and Bushell periodogram chi-square test, Hurst coefficient calculation, intermediate stability (IS), and activity differences for each species. Predominantly, all species exhibited an infradian rhythm under DD and LL. There was synchronization of the locomotor rhythm in LD, likely as a result of masking. Three species displayed diurnal activity, while two exhibited nocturnal activity. The Hurst coefficient indicated rhythmic persistence, with LD showing higher variability. LD conditions demonstrated higher IS values, suggesting synchronized rhythms across species. Significant individual variations were observed within species across the three conditions. Contrary to the hypothesis, all species exhibited synchronization under light-dark conditions. Analyzing circadian activity provides insights into organism adaptation to non-cyclical environments, emphasizing the importance of exploring underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasmosis is a globally prevalent zoonotic disease with significant clinical implications, including neurotoxoplasmosis, a leading cause of cerebral lesions in AIDS patients. The current pharmacological treatments for toxoplasmosis face clinical limitations, necessitating the urgent development of new therapeutics. Natural sources have yielded diverse bioactive compounds, serving as the foundation for clinically used derivatives. The exploration of marine bacteria-derived natural products has led to marinoquinolines, which feature a pyrroloquinoline core and demonstrate in vitro and in vivo anti-Plasmodium activity. This study investigates the in vitro anti-Toxoplasma gondii potential of six marinoquinoline derivatives. Additionally, it conducts absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) predictions, and evaluates the in vivo efficacy of one selected compound. The compounds displayed half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) values between 1.31 and 3.78 µM and half-maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50) values ranging from 4.16 to 30.51 µM, resulting in selectivity indices (SI) from 3.18 to 20.85. MQ-1 exhibiting the highest in vitro SI, significantly reduced tachyzoite numbers in the peritoneum of RH-infected Swiss mice when it was orally administered at 12.5 mg/kg/day for eight consecutive days. Also, MQ-1 significantly reduced the cerebral parasite burden in chronically ME49 infected C57BL/6 mice when it was orally administered at 25 mg/kg/day for 10 consecutive days. These findings underscore the promising anti-T. gondii activity of marinoquinolines and their potential as novel therapeutic agents against this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schools reproduce scientific knowledge uncritically. - Schools should provide educational opportunities for students' action, reflection, and interaction. - Participatory approach allows students to expand their agency around climate change. - Participatory approach promotes students' knowledge of their community's environmental problems. Purpose: This paper explores the potential of students' participation in the HW educational intervention programme based on participatory methodologies in promoting their environmental citizenship. Design/methodology/approach: Using a quasi-experimental design, 126 students were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups and filled out questionnaires before and after the HW intervention to evaluate environmental citizenship dimensions. Findings: The psychometric properties of a 16-item instrument to measure youth environmental citizenship were validated. After the HW intervention, the students' intervention group had a significant improvement in their sense of environmental efficacy. Research limitations/implications: The cross-sectional design of this study does not allow causal inferences to be made; further research should conduct longitudinal studies. Practical implications: Schools must promote educational experiences where students have opportunities for reflection and action in interaction in a climate of openness to dialogue and diversity with the involvement of different actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Toxoplasmosis, caused by the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii, affects about one-third of the world's population and can cause severe congenital, neurological and ocular issues. Current treatment options are limited, and there are no human vaccines available to prevent transmission. Drug repurposing has been effective in identifying anti-T. gondii drugs. In this study, the screening of the COVID Box, a compilation of 160 compounds provided by the "Medicines for Malaria Venture" organization, was conducted to explore its potential for repurposing drugs to combat toxoplasmosis. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the compounds' ability to inhibit T. gondii tachyzoite growth, assess their cytotoxicity against human cells, examine their absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties, and investigate the potential of one candidate drug through an experimental chronic model of toxoplasmosis. Early screening identified 29 compounds that could inhibit T. gondii survival by over 80% while keeping human cell survival up to 50% at a concentration of 1 μM. The Half Effective Concentrations (EC50) of these compounds ranged from 0.04 to 0.92 μM, while the Half Cytotoxic Concentrations (CC50) ranged from 2.48 to over 50 μM. Almitrine was chosen for further evaluation due to its favorable characteristics, including anti-T. gondii activity at nanomolar concentrations, low cytotoxicity, and ADMET properties. Administering almitrine bismesylate (Vectarion®) orally at dose of 25 mg/kg/day for ten consecutive days resulted in a statistically significant (p < 0.001) reduction in parasite burden in the brains of mice chronically infected with T. gondii (ME49 strain). This was determined by quantifying the RNA of living parasites using real-time PCR. The presented results suggest that almitrine may be a promising drug candidate for additional experimental studies on toxoplasmosis and provide further evidence of the potential of the MMV collections as a valuable source of drugs to be repositioned for infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Diversitas Journal is the property of Diversitas Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Plasmodium spp. and some other blood parasites belonging to the order Haemosporida are the focus of many epidemiological studies worldwide. However, haemosporidian parasites from wild animals are largely neglected in scientific research. For example, Polychromophilus parasites, which are exclusive to bats, are described in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, but little is known about their presence and genetic diversity in the New World. In this study, 224 samples of bats from remaining fragments of the Atlantic Forest and Pantanal biomes, as well as urbanized areas in southern and southeastern Brazil, were analyzed for the presence of haemosporidian parasites by PCR of the mitochondrial gene that encodes cytochrome b (cytb). The PCR fragments of the positive samples were sequenced and analyzed by the Bayesian inference method to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships between Polychromophilus parasites from bats in Brazil and other countries. Sequences from Brazilian lineages of Polychromophilus were recovered in a clade with sequences from Polychromophilus murinus and close to the one Polychromophilus sequence obtained in Panama, the only available sequence for the American continent. This clade was restricted to bats of the family Vespertilionidae and distinct from Polychromophilus melanipherus, a parasite species mainly found in bats of the family Miniopteridae. The detection of Polychromophilus and the genetic proximity to P. murinus were further confirmed with the amplification of two other genes (clpc and asl). We also found a Haemosporida parasite sequence in a sample of Noctilio albiventris collected in the Pantanal biome, which presents phylogenetic proximity with avian Haemoproteus sequences. Morphological and molecular studies are still needed to conclude and describe the Polychromophilus species in Brazilian Myotis bats in more detail and to confirm Haemoproteus parasites in bats. Nevertheless, these molecular results in Brazilian bats confirm the importance of studying these neglected genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strongyloidiasis control is associated with a Th2 immune response. However, alcohol ingestion plays an important role in modulating the immune system. The aim of this study is to evaluate the occurrence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in alcoholic patients, the levels of circulating cytokines (IFN‐γ, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, IL‐15 and IL‐17), and its correlation with modulation of parasitic load in alcoholic individuals infected with S. stercoralis. A total of 336 alcoholic patients, treated at the Alcoholic Care and Treatment Center were included in this study. The cytokine levels were measured by a commercial ELISA in 80 sera divided into four groups with 20 individuals each: alcoholics infected (ASs+) and not infected (ASs‐) with S. stercoralis and non‐alcoholics infected (NASs+) and not infected (NASs‐) with the helminth. S. stercoralis frequency in alcoholic patients was 16.1% (54/336). The parasitic load varied from 1 to 546 larvae/g of faeces, median and interquartile range (IQR) of 9 and 1.0–62.5 larvae/g of faeces, while in non‐alcoholic individuals the parasitic load was less than 10 larvae/g of faeces. Levels of circulating IL‐4 were significantly higher in ASs+ when compared with NASs‐ group (p <.05). An inverse correlation between serum levels of IFN‐γ and parasitic load in alcoholic patients infected with S. stercoralis was observed (r = −601; p < 0.01). These results suggest that modulation of IFN‐γ production occurs in alcoholic individuals with high parasitic burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Paulista de Pediatria is the property of Assocoacao de Pediatria de Sao Paulo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Quaestio Iuris (QI) is the property of Editora da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (EdUERJ) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Diversitas Journal is the property of Diversitas Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to validate the content and appearance of an educational game for children aged 7 to 10 years, focusing mainly on cardiovascular health promotion. Method: The study used methodological research, with a quantitative approach. The validation process included the participation of 17 specialists in children and/or cardiovascular health. A concordance index of at least 0.80 was considered for content validation and 0.75 for the appearance of the proposed educational material. Results: The proposal of the educational game was considered valid, through some suggestions, in view of the purpose of sensitizing children in relation to the promotion of cardiovascular health while still in childhood. Final considerations: As a relevant factor in the use of games as strategies to improve health education, we emphasize that the participant is the active agent and the protagonist of the health-disease process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: S. stercoralis diagnosis is currently performed by parasitological methods, mainly by Baermann–Moraes (BM), although Agar Plate Culture (APC) presents a higher sensitivity. New techniques, such as TF-Test® and Coproplus® have been suggested as more practical alternatives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of TF-Test® and Coproplus®, compared with APC, BM and Spontaneous Sedimentation (SS) methods. Methods: One-hundred and forty male alcoholic patients, who provided three stools samples collected on alternate days, were included in this study. The most frequently found parasite was S. stercoralis, 20% (28/140), and the most sensitive method was APC, 96.4% (27/28), followed by BM, 89.3% (25/28) and SS, 57.1% (16/28). TF-Test® and Coproplus® presented a sensitivity of 46.4 (13/28) and 39.3% (11/28), respectively. In samples with a parasitic load of 1–10 larvae/g of feces, which occurred in 39.3% (11/28) of the infected patients, both the TF-Test® and Coproplus® methods demonstrated sensitivities of 18.2% (2/11), while APC and BM methods reached a sensitivity of 100% (11/11) (p < 0.05). For other intestinal helminth infections, TF-Test® and Coproplus® sensitivities were 22.2 (4/18) and 11.1% (2/18), respectively, this being lower than the SS, 66.7% (12/18) (p < 0.05). On the other hand, for protozoa infection diagnosis, TF-Test® and Coproplus® presented the highest sensitivities, 62.2 (46/74) and 43.2% (32/74), respectively. Conclusion: TF-Test® and Coproplus® methods presented the lowest sensitivities for S. stercoralis and other helminth infection diagnosis; therefore, they can be indicated for use in parasitological diagnosis, only when associated with other more effective methods of helminth identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sleep is a complex physiological function that should be addressed from different perspectives and consider the circadian rhythm. Sleep deprivation, either acute or chronic, negatively affects several functions, including motor control. Balance control is essential in several daily life activities and balance problems are related to falls. Research Question: This review focuses on how sleep conditions impact balance control. Methods: Systematic literature review according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: The literature provided strong evidence that acute sleep deprivation impairs postural control. Chronic sleep deprivation as well as low sleep quality had similar effects, although there is a lower number of works addressing this issue. Furthermore, time awake worsens postural controls and it can be used to detect sleepiness and fatigue. The sleep deprivation showed a stronger negative effect on postural control when removing the visual information (eyes closed) than when reducing proprioceptive feedback (soft surface). There is scarce literature about the effects of chronotype, circadian patterns and chronic sleep deprivation, a frequent problem, on balance control; however they consistently indicate that there is an relationship between them. Most of the studies only consider one-night (acute) sleep deprivation without monitoring prior sleep conditions and the circadian rhythm phase of the participants. However, a few studies indicated that these factors must be considered. Significance: These results suggest that the sleep conditions of a subject should be considered for several days prior to balance control tests. Therefore, we propose a revision of current postural measurement protocols to include sleep assessment, such as sleep quality questionnaires or actimetry, and to consider the circadian rhythm of the participants to plan the hour of the tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Entomology Beginners is the property of EntomoBrasilis and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Attention deficit and hyperactivity/impulsivity disorder (ADHD) and enuresis are common behavioral disorders in childhood, impacting adolescence and adult life. Enuresis (NE) is an incontinence disorder frequently observed in children with ADHD. The relationship between ADHD and NE has been a matter of debate. Objectives: We aimed to verify the relationship between ADHD and enuresis and how these conditions can modify each other during development. Using PRISMA guidelines, under the PROSPERO registration number CRD42020208299, we systematically searched the literature and conducted a meta-analysis to answer the following question: how frequent is ADHD and enuresis comorbidity? Twenty-five studies were fully read, and data from seven less heterogeneous case-control studies were pooled to estimate enuresis prevalence comparing ADHD and control samples, whereas six studies were combined to evaluate ADHD frequencies in children with and without enuresis. Results: We found the ADHD rates in children with enuresis are similar to the enuresis rates in the group of children with ADHD. The presence of ADHD and enuresis comorbidity does not seem to play a role in gender distribution and the presence of other comorbidities in comparison to controls. However, enuresis seems to persist for more time in children with ADHD. Limitations: The selected papers differed in study type, research question, samples, and controls utilized. Conclusions: Our systematic review with meta-analysis supports the reciprocal association between enuresis and ADHD. Further studies are necessary to build more robust evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the influence of field of view (FOV) size, scanning position within the FOV and scanning mode on the detection of root fracture and artifact perception. Forty single-rooted premolars restored with NiCr and AgPd posts were divided into two groups: fractured and sound. All teeth were scanned using four CBCT scanning protocols varying FOV sizes (80 × 80 mm and 50 × 55 mm) and scanning modes (Standard and High Definition). The sample was positioned within the FOV in two pre-set positions (central and lateral) and in four positions established by the operator (quadrants). Detection of root fracture and artifact perception were assessed by two observers using 5-point and 4-point scales. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and AUC values were calculated and compared by ANOVA two-way and Tukey's test. Chi-square and Fisher's exact test were used to assess artifact perception. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. The central position within the FOV presented higher sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and AUC values and differed from the lateral position within the FOV for the studied metal posts (p<0.05). Quadrant 2 presented the best sensitivity, accuracy, and AUC values (p<0.05). The lateral position within the FOV, AgPd posts, quadrants 1 and 3 and protocols 1 (SM, 80 × 80) and 2 (HD, 80× 80) presented higher frequency of artifacts classified as "severe". Positioning the object in the center or closer to the anterior periphery of the FOV while using a small FOV improved the detection of root fracture and decreased artifact perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) are clinically used as an androgen replacement, in hypogonadism treatment, to induce puberty, and also in the treatment of chronic degenerative diseases. The AAS use out of clinical context is becoming massively, being used merely for aesthetic reasons. AAS abuse may cause severe disarrangement on the HPG axis and generate a significant decrease in testosterone synthesis and secretion by the testes. This review aims to evaluate whether the hypogonadism induced by AAS abuse is reversible and under what circumstances the reversibility is possible. For this, PRISMA guidelines and several databases are used between July and September 2020. Altogether, this systematic review identified and analysed 179 cases of AAS users. Of these, 168 cases had the hypogonadism clearly diagnosed and proven to be linked exclusively to AAS abuse. However, between these 168 cases, only 38 cases presented fully known outcomes and among these, merely in 4, the hypogonadism was completely reversible (2 based on drug therapy) with HPG axis recovery. In conclusion, this review presents evidences that AAS‐induced hypogonadism is a seriously underestimated problem, and in the majority of cases, full recovery is very difficult to succeed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Estudos Politicos is the property of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (Revista Brasileira de Estudos Politicos) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Direito da Cidade is the property of Editora da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (EdUERJ) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Thirty groups of twenty juveniles each of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, initial average weight 23.93 ± 0.80 g) were fed diets containing increasing amounts (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of levels used by the tilapia feed industry) of organic trace mineral (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Se) supplementation for 56 days. Growth was not affected by the dose of mineral supplementation. However, body protein increased in fish fed intermediate doses of organic minerals, reaching a maximum at 40.44% supplementation. Doses >50% showed mild damage to the intestinal tissue. Body Fe, Zn and Cu deposition were highest at 28.32%, 24.43% and 78.45% supplementation, respectively. Tilapia could modulate intestinal morphology when fed different doses of organic minerals. As the supplementation doses increased, hemosiderin staining increased in the distal intestine and total body Fe content, indicating that the distal region of the intestine plays an important role in iron excretion by tilapia. Supplementation of organic trace minerals at intermediate doses does not harm Nile tilapia growth, but excessive trace mineral supplementation can impair body protein retention and promote histological alterations in the gut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The root assessments and nutrient uptake kinetics parameters, i.e. Vmax, Km and Cmin, are useful to characterize the efficiency of nutrients uptake, but it is generally studied for a unique nutrient at a time. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the root morphology, the kinetic parameters and the simultaneous influxes of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in seedlings of six eucalyptus clones (58, 386, GG100, I042, I144 and VM1). Clone 386 presented a more developed root system, contrary to GG100 that had roots development quite restricted. The uptake kinetic parameters varied according to the genotypes and nutrients. VM1 was the best clone studied due to its high plasticity, i.e. it establishes easily under high or low P and K availabilities, and showed higher influxes rates of P, K and Ca. On contrary, I042 presented the lower influxes rates for P, Ca, and Mg. The joint uptake kinetics of P, K, Ca, and Mg allowed the characterization of the influx of these nutrients for the eucalyptus clones. Hence we suggest this approach in future studies for others crops, since soil solution has several nutrients that can interact with each other during the process of absorption by the roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying communities at different stages of urbanisation and industrialisation can teach us how timing and intensity of light affect the circadian clock under real‐life conditions. We have previously described a strong tendency towards morningness in the Baependi Heart Study, located in a small rural town in Brazil. Here, we tested the hypothesis that this morningness tendency is associated with early circadian phase based on objective measurements (as determined by dim light melatonin onset, DLMO, and activity) and light exposure. We also analysed how well the previously collected chronotype questionnaire data were able to predict these DLMO values. The average DLMO observed in 73 participants (40 female) was 20:03 ± 01:21, SD, with an earlier average onset in men (19:38 ± 01:16) than in women (20:24 ± 01:21; P ≤.01). However, men presented larger phase angle between DLMO and sleep onset time as measured by actigraphy (4.11 hours vs 3.16 hours; P ≤.01). Correlational analysis indicated associations between light exposure, activity rhythms and DLMO, such that early DLMO was observed in participants with higher exposure to light, higher activity and earlier light exposure. The strongest significant predictor of DLMO was morningness‐eveningness questionnaire (MEQ) (beta=−0.35, P ≤.05), followed by age (beta = −0.47, P ≤.01). Sex, light exposure and variables derived from the Munich chronotype questionnaire were not significant predictors. Our observations demonstrate that both early sleep patterns and earlier circadian phase have been retained in this small rural town in spite of availability of electrification, in contrast to metropolitan postindustrial areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex condition comprising a 'clustering' of components representing cardiometabolic risk factors for heart disease and diabetes; its prevalence rate is high and consequences serious. Evidence suggests that light exposure patterns and misalignment of circadian rhythms might contribute to MetS etiology by impacting energy metabolism and glucose regulation. Objective: We hypothesised that individuals with MetS would show disrupted circadian and sleep parameters alongside differences in light exposure profiles. We investigated this using data from a cohort study in Brazil. Methods: Data from 103 individuals from the Baependi Heart Cohort Study aged between 50 and 70 were analysed. Motor activity and light exposure were measured using wrist-worn actigraphy devices. Cardiometabolic data were used to calculate the number of MetS components present in each participant, and participants grouped as MetS/non-MetS according to standard guidelines. Between-group comparisons were made for the actigraphy measures; additionally, correlation analyses were conducted. Results: Motor activity and circadian profiles showed no differences between groups. However, the MetS group presented lower light exposure during the day and higher light exposure at night. Correlation analyses, including all participants, showed that greater daytime light exposure and greater light exposure difference between day and night were associated with reduced MetS risk (a lower number of MetS components). Also, the light exposure difference between day and night correlated with body mass index across all participants. Conclusions: The observed results suggest a direct association between light exposure and MetS which appears to not be attributable to disruptions in circadian activity rhythm nor to sleep parameters. This link between light exposure patterns and MetS risk could inform possible prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Maracanan is the property of Revista Maracanan and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Interdisciplinar Científica Aplicada is the property of Sociedade Educacional de Santa Catarina and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Despite the complexity of SYNTAX score (SS), guidelines recommend this tool to help choosing between coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with left main of three-vessel coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to compare the inter-observer variation in SS performed by clinical cardiologists (CC), interventional cardiologists (IC), and cardiac surgeons (CS). Methods: Seven coronary angiographies from patients with left main and/or three-vessel disease chosen by a heart team were analyzed by 10 CC, 10 IC and 10 CS. SS was calculated via SYNTAX website. Results: Kappa concordance was very low between CC and CS (k = 0.176), moderate between CS and IC (k = 0.563), and moderate between CC and IC (0.553). There was a statistically significant difference between CC, who classified more cases as low complexity (70%), and CS, who classified more cases as moderate complexity (80%) (p = 0.041). Conclusion: Concordance between SS analyzed by CC, CS and IC is low. The usefulness of SS in decision-making of revascularization strategy is undeniable and evidence supports its use. However, this study highlights the importance of well-trained professionals on calculating the SS. It could avoid misclassification of borderline cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to evaluate the influence of shift work rotation, circadian misalignment and being overweight/obese on psychomotor performance throughout a complete shift rotation schedule. The study was conducted with 30 males working rotating shifts from a mining company under real life conditions. Individuals were evaluated over seven days in a shift schedule carried out as follow: two shifts in the morning (D1 and D2), two shifts in the afternoon (D3 and D4), 24 hour free day (D5) and two shifts at night (D6 and D7). Work performance was evaluated by psychomotor vigilance task tests (PVT), and actigraphy was used to characterise the rest-activity rhythm based on intradaily variability (IV) and interdaily stability (IS) of nonparametric functions. We found a significant effect of the shift, body mass index (BMI), IS and IV on lapses in attention. More lapses occurred on D7 than D1, D2, D3 and D4 of the schedule shift. The obese group presented a higher number of lapses in attention than eutrophic. The interaction between day and IS showed that less synchronised individuals presented a higher number of lapses in attention on D7 than D1 and, for the interaction between day and IV, more fragmented individuals presented a higher number of lapses in attention on D7 than D6. We conclude that higher BMI, lower synchronisation and higher fragmentation of the rest-activity pattern influenced lapses in attention throughout the shift rotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water supply systems in urban areas may become deficient due to increasing demand, which accompanies population growth but is further jeopardized by equipment aging and problems related to maintenance management. Moreover, operating the system involves a large number of issues that a decision-maker must address simultaneously. Therefore, the use of tools to aid the decision process is quite relevant in providing a better understanding of the problem and to generate a recommendation that better meets the wishes of the decision-maker. This study presents a model based on the value-focused thinking approach, requiring only partial information in the multi-attribute analysis by using linear value functions and FITradeoff, entailing less effort to achieve the ideal alternative. The model was applied to the operations manager of the water supply company in the central region of Olinda in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Consequently, the model yielded a deep analysis of the manager's reasoning, which was transcribed through the objective's hierarchy, and reached a solution to the problems of the local water supply system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The long-term operation planning problem is generally solved by a chain of computational models based on Stochastic Dual Dynamic Programming (SDDP) considering a period of 5–10 years ahead. A recent issue that has arisen concerning this problem is to define a convergence criterion when using conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) with SDDP due to the lack of good upper bound estimators. The main contribution of this paper is to propose a convergence criterion in which including CVaR does not hinder convergence analysis. Also, the proposed method does not increase the computational burden. Moreover, this paper provides a method that allows forward paths to be individually assessed, which can then either be discarded to reduce computational time or even replaced in an alternative resampling scheme in the SDDP. Based on aggregate reservoir representation, the proposed method of convergence was applied on long-term operation planning problems related to the Brazilian Power System. Results showed improvements in both the SDDP technique and the effectiveness of the proposed convergence criterion when CVaR was used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]